Oh, the joy of reading a writer with a light touch, few but perfectly chosen words, the easy ability to live simply but well, and an appreciation for the treasures of the world, whether they be natural or man-made, which is never precious but always uplifting.
In the Artist's Garden is one of several collections of Ronald Blythe's Word from Wormingford columns for the Church Times, in which his short essays from and for each month of the year record his daily doings, recall times past, and reflect his musing on life. His perspective is informed by a lifetime's wide reading and friendships with artists, writers, musicians, farmers, craftsmen, theologians ... the list goes on. An eye for a detail, an ear for dialogue, cadence and rhythm, he captures in a line or two the essence of a place, a person, an event, and measures the passing of the seasons in evocative sketches.
Here's an excerpt:
"I have always been a fan of the morning, rain or shine. Waking up early, getting up early, is among my treats. I feed the white cat, take tea to guests, do not listen to spoilers such as the News, never watch television, but exist in a kind of tumult of plans and dreams which only chores manage to keep in some sort of order. [...]
The garden is heavy with lilac and may, mown grass and fresh water, the latter pouring without stop to the river. The old rooms are still where once they would have been turbulent with farm children rushing to breakfast and then across the meadows to the village school. The windows are open wide to birdsong.
According to Ken [see A Morning Hymn], I should be hearing the night's angels still singing in full voice. And I must 'guard my first springs of thought and will'. Or am I too ancient for this? Or can I not include myself, even now, in the morning's newness? Is not this the secret of living? [...]
My old ash tree groans: 'I shouldn't wonder that I don't fall on your head one of these days.' My neighbours' bees from south and east are ravishing my borders, are classically industrious. I watch them idly. Observance is my occupation, I tell myself.
'Direct, control, suggest, this day,' Ken tells his God. I like the 'suggest'. It leaves room for the imagination."
Should you wish to delve a little deeper, here you will find a series of videos (interspersed with tiresome adverts, unfortunately) in which Ronald Blythe looks back on his life and talks of friends including John and Paul Nash, Benjamin Britten, Cedric Morris, and many others; a pleasure to watch.
I have read several of Ronald Blythe's Wormingford books and am so pleased that someone else shares my enthusiasm for his writing. You describe so well what makes his books special.
Posted by: JennyM | 12 July 2017 at 08:25 PM
Sorry this isn't a comment on your post but I wondered if you were aware that there are many Mary Stewart books available as kindle books just now for only 99 pence. I am reading my first Mary Stewart just now - Nine Coaches Waiting - and thorougly enjoying it and know you are a fan, so I thought I'd mention these bargains. She writes so well!
Posted by: BRWombat | 13 July 2017 at 04:47 PM
Thank you, Jenny. I must now find our copy of Akenfield and read that and more.
Posted by: Cornflower | 13 July 2017 at 05:02 PM
Oh, I didn't know that - thank you so much, BR!
Posted by: Cornflower | 13 July 2017 at 05:03 PM
I've read another of Ronald Blythe's Wormingford books - always such a pleasure. When we used to subscribe to the The Church Times it was always the first thing I turned to.
Posted by: Juxtabook | 13 July 2017 at 05:26 PM
He is a breath of fresh air, isn't he?
Posted by: Cornflower | 13 July 2017 at 08:00 PM
I found that series of videos so moving (no ads either) so thank you for the link Karen.
Posted by: Freda | 14 July 2017 at 03:47 PM
You're welcome, Freda. So glad you enjoyed them.
Posted by: Cornflower | 15 July 2017 at 07:00 PM
Here is a link( I hope it works) to the Word From Wormingford columns which were published until May this year on the parish website of Ronald Blythe's local church. I have several of his books and love them to dip in and out of but readers who have yet to buy the books can find so much of his rich prose here.
http://www.wormingford.com/archives/category/wormingford/word-from-wormingford
Posted by: Fran H-B | 16 July 2017 at 07:50 AM
Two delights for me today, your links to the videos and four new Kindle books, thanks to BRWombat.
Thank you both.
Posted by: Toffeeapple | 18 July 2017 at 02:15 PM