Sadly this is the last day of our holiday in Nutbourne and weather wise it is bright but over caste with a chilly wind to boot, which is good walking weather. So we drove to the foot of the South Downs, climbed right to the top and walked to this ancient hill fort, by the way Liz did complain a little. We ate lunch, then I did a drawing, whilst Liz read. After that as we were starting to get a little chilly, so a brisk walk back to the car. Just about a perfect trip out.

Tonight we both have aching  limbs, not surprising when looking at the contour lines on the map, so not much will happen this evening and a good nights sleep is ahead of both to be enjoyed. Can't wait!

 Yes indeed we are away for a few days and as usual for us, the weather is glorious. Today we walked a few miles along the South Downs, yesterday we walked a circular walk, up the above valley and back down on the other side and tomorrow another circular walk around a nearby village. This is relaxing stuff. My sketch book is with me and a few pieces are being produced, but not a lot, relaxing is the order of the week.

As a result of the weather and also as is usual, the  tanning process is coming along very nicely, there is a feeling that the sun is getting at me. We are meeting people, talking, having picnics, relaxing and sleeping much longer than usual; about what we should do on a holiday.

Well this time we actually are on holiday and for a change not just in our minds. So having returned to Nutbourne, which lies in a wide valley to the north of the South Downs; this quiet almost forgotten hamlet is only a few miles from home; so no a long drive, just a short trip in the car. The drawing is of Gay Lane which runs through the sleepy hamlet, the view is about one hundred yards above where our cottage is situated. So this week we will walk a little, read a little, draw a little and probably eat, relax and sleep a little as well, just what the doctor ordered. Today we went to Climping, a quiet deserted seaside, well all that is there is a car park and cafe shack, so it is hardly a resort, not even a hamlet, but we like it.

With the effect of the sea air, we slept like a pair of logs.

It is good that the lock-down rules are relaxing a little, again we can start to do our favorite things; I mentioned the other day about going into the shops again. Last Wednesday I started working with Mind again and that did appear to be a massive milestone, it was good to see old friends again. 

Lots of opportunities are popping up  for work everywhere, I need to choose wisely as to which direction I move in. But certainly it looks as if again it will be a busy life, yippee!

Well the sun is shining, it is warming up and a few local footpaths await our exploring inquisitiveness. A good day is before us. 

 Who am I to refuse a lady?

When, this morning Vivian heard that I was off to Polseden Lacey, she made a request to see what was produced. Well, to be honest, not much was created as I was in a rather laid back sort of mood, the creative juices just were not flowing. Two sketches were drawn, but they were rubbish and correctly binned.

 To avoid disappointment here is a water colour produced last Autumn

Charles 

We woke up a little early today and outside the ground was covered with a splendid white frosty mantle. No doubt by the time we go out it will have warmed up a little, having said that the sky is totally clear, there is virtually no wind and it looks like being a wonderful day; just right for a walk.

The pandemic contact rules have been relaxed a little and it was lovely to be able to visit and enter a couple of shops. First on my list was Waterman's book shop, after all I am a book worm; no purchase, but exciting ideas. Second was Rymanns the stationary store, as I am running out of my favorite pens. Then lastly 3G as for the last six months of lock down my phone has been on its last legs. So I have new book ideas to wait for, new pens to draw with  and a new phone to play with; quite a day. Let us all hope that everybody is sensible and the relaxation of the covis rules work without the R number rising to much.

Above is another view of that ancient path which goes beneath the Italian bridge at Polesden Lacey; I wonder what this lane will look like later this morning when we walk down it.

Well I can't speak for you, but we had a good Easter. Lots of time to think, be grateful and on an earthly plane, to meet friends and enjoy ourselves. 

On a practical level you all know that I have arthritic conditions and to be honest I came a way from the festival having enjoyed it, but the result of my over activity being rather sore. Silly me, when will I learn to let others do the work. So for a few days my mobility is a tad limited. The best answer to that is to escape to the seaside even if only in your mind.

Filey is just  about my favorite seaside village, its to small to be called a resort, I always remember the bright blue sky's with plenty of wind blowing off the sea. I do not suppose that it was always like that, but you remember the good times and things. It is also culturally an important place as it is preserving a way of life long gone in other places. The fishing boats are still beach launched and landed; I always loved watching that. Then when we had been on the receiving end of the wind and spraymfor long enough, we retreat to the cafe/shack on the coble landing strip for one of their famous bacon butties. lovely.

So out came my sketch books and a quick water colour sketch suddenly appeared.

 Paper sculpture of 1st. Century Galilean fishing boats by C. D. Twigg

The ladies returned from the tomb, and I am not sure that they were they believed? They said that Jesus had risen!

Indeed Jesus had conquered death and was again with them. He went ahead of them to Galilean fishing boats like these above  where he prepared a BBQ breakfast on the beach.

All things are new, we are loved, forgiven and now we are no longer under condemnation. Jesus has the victory, because death can not hold Him. However much we understand or do not understand about the cross, realize this, God loves you and because of the last few days events, we are safe and secure with Him 

The words of the carol come to mind,

Joy to the world, the Lord has come

Now this realy is a time to celebrate

Today is the Sabbath. The Lord's Day; it is a day of quietness, re-flexion and rest. The busy streets of the city are quiet, nobody is around, the streets are deserted; even the dead lie on their own.

About fifteen hours ago Jesus said "My God, My God, why have You forgotten me?" He experienced  utter desertion, being God, by God. How did that feel? I can't begin to understand. He died soon after He spoke those words.Now He now lies dead in the tomb. alone, with no family or friends crying and  mourning. Alone in the tomb.

The third day is to come.

Just think for a moment, did he do that for me and you.?

 

Good Friday is always a day of contrasts. We thank God for Jesus dying for us, whilst we remember the awfulness of the situation and events. Then towards evening, after the words"It is finished" are uttered, the events move to the tomb.

The tomb garden lies just outside the city walls, on the Damascus road. This secluded and beautiful garden is tended and cared for around the tomb area, making it a tranquil  place of peace in an otherwise vibrant, throbbing, noisy city. A place to sit, think and consider events which happened in this immediate area. 

Over the eastern wall of this garden is situated the noisy municipal bus station; over looking them both is the ugly and harsh rocky outcrop called Golgotha, which is probably where Jesus died.

So today think about the cross and then be quiet as we wait at the tomb.

 

 

Today is the day when Jesus was arrested, He walked up the Via Delorrosa, from The Lion Gate, which is sometimes called St Stephens gate (image 1), right up to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (image 8). These ink drawings were produced as I worked my way along and up this "Path of Sorrows" some years ago. If it could help, why not take a few moments and walk along this road visually with Jesus,

 Remember Jesus walked this road in the late evening and tomorrow, only a few hours away is Good Friday,