After a week of sun and feeling almost like summer had pipped spring to the post… winter arrived again. Who else had snow today? The English weather is truly fascinating! I am so glad that I had a morning at the coast last week, when I met Saffron’s mum, Mim Howell. Walking to the beach with no coat was bliss. But for now I will patiently wait for the return of the warm sun.
The sneak preview of summer was so lovely, so to restore a little of the memory here is ‘Saffron by the Sea’. The third short story that I am going to share with you. I hope you enjoy it.
Saffron (9 when I drew her) lives in Norfolk, in the UK with her family – the Howell’s. You can read about them here and how they helped kick-start my project ‘Drawing Nature In’.
Saffron by the Sea – a little story
“ Living by the sea – especially the salt marshes – was like having an endless back garden for Saffron. The adventures were plentiful, as each day was so different from the last – weather and seasonal changes dictated the fun. Even the brisk, cold days never deterred her from venturing out. But today was a warm, summers day. Saffron had patiently waited until late afternoon – for the tide to be high enough – to take their boat out into the creeks.
There was a stillness all around as her dad calmly skippered their boat along the narrow waterways. Her friend beaming with anticipation by her side. All silent and all in awe of the magical feel the salt marshes offered. An offering of a secret world that only revealed itself if you allowed it to. Saffron felt all her senses come alive, at the same time feeling so much peace. The warm, evening sun lit up their faces, while the smell of the sea filled the balmy air and the rhythmic, gentle sound of the salty water lapped on the hull of the boat.
The water was a little chilly as she waded in the shallows after mooring the boat. A perfect spot had been chosen to go swimming in the deeper stretches. And what a feeling of contentment it was.
The next hour was filled with such beauty which she knew she would never forget – especially as a little seal dared to say hello once the swimmers had dried off on the banks.”
Each season has its beauty but I think an evening swim in summer would be up there with the very best of moments.
If you haven’t already, you can read two stories about Saffron’s younger siblings – ‘Stella & Mr Robin’ and ‘Moses in the Meadow’. They are all first drafts which I hope to one day collate into a book full of other stories. Sharing their joy to others. Tell me what you think. I would love to hear your thoughts.
This story accompanies my illustration art print ‘Saffron by the Sea’. A printed copy is sent with each purchase of the print.
Click here to go straight to the shop page.
Warm wishes
Juliana x