I am really looking forward to warmer, longer days. When only a pair of sunglasses are the addition before heading outdoors. Today, though, I had a beautiful walk in the Spring sun. My nose was cold, and the breeze still on the biting side, but the sun was warm. There was so much going on in the bird world! So many different calls and song. From little hedgerow birds (I wish I could distinguish all their calls), to purring pigeons, raucous rooks, gaggling geese, and the odd shriek of a pheasant.
But until the weather is warmer and the meadows are full of summer fun again, here is ‘Moses in the Meadow’. The second short story that I am going to share with you. And if you can’t make it outside, it may help you wander there in your mind.
Moses (3 when I drew him) lives in Norfolk, in the UK with his family – the Howell’s. You can read about them here and how they helped kick-start my project ‘Drawing Nature In’.
Moses in the Meadow – a short story
“ Moses could hear the birdsong outside even before he opened his eyes. The half opened curtains were swaying back and forth with the gentle, early summer morning breeze. Allowing the warmth of the sun to momentarily dance across his face. Delightful scents from the garden were drifting in – he couldn’t stay in bed any longer.
‘Butterflies!’ He shouted.
Today was the day he was able to choose the route of the family walk – and to the meadow it was!
The sun was shining and the meadow hummed and buzzed… so full of all sorts. Busy little bees visiting flower after flower before disappearing. Tiny birds darting overhead with their ‘chirruping’ call, while the rooks ‘cawed’ with a contiuous raucous in the nearby wood. The scents of the meadow flowers were heady and irresistable. Last weeks’s rain had helped the meadow plump up even more and Moses adored the way it felt, as if he was wading through a sea – it joyously tickled his skin as he went.
‘Perfect for butterflies.’ Moses smiled. His face lighting up as a Meadow Brown landed on the flower he had just picked.”
I hope you enjoyed it. If you haven’t already, you can read ‘Stella & Mr Robin’ – my story inspired by one of Moses’ sisters. They are both first drafts which I hope to one day collate into a book full of other stories. Tell me what you think. I would love to hear your thoughts.
This story accompanies my illustration art print ‘Moses in the Meadow’. A printed copy is sent with each purchase of the print.
Click here to go straight to the shop page.
Warm wishes
Juliana x