Catchup

Hmm. so. been a bit busy lately :) Was unwell for a number of weeks and then have had half term and all sorts to deal with :)

Archery has been fun - we have all upgraded our equipment and are shooting better as a result which is very gratifying. Compostman has lot of new bits of equipment to keep him occupied and is now officially the fixer upper of all things fletch-y and arrow- y and bow-y related . I expect there is a proper term for that but I can't find it!

Compostgirl has won another writing competition :) Proud parent moment :) She is showing real talent and skill :)

Chickens continue to entertain, especially the Seramas :)

Have now lost nearly six stone in weight and am re discovering clothes which I packed away nearly 14 years ago, consigned to languish in the loft while I got fatter. No more - they are back on my increasingly smaller and curvier body :)

Garden largely put to bed for the winter, salads sown in the poly tunnel and various winter brassicas growing well.

really enjoying both Dr Who and Marvel Agents of Shield on TV whilst crocheting in front of the woodburner

Book review - Once Upon A Flock - chick(en) lit

I am, as you know, mad about my chickens - I love my feathery girls very much indeed and am always keen to hear about other chicken keeper's experiences. For some time I have been reading illustrator and chicken keeper Lauren Scheuer's blog  Scratch and Peck . I find it very entertaining  and love her illustrations.

So when I was asked by Kew Books if I would like a review copy of Lauren's new book Once Upon a Flock, I jumped at the chance. I love the way Lauren writes on her blog, and the press release and the blurb on the book cover made me pretty sure I would like the book as well.

When writer and illustrator Lauren Scheuer was looking for a new project she decided that chickens were just what she needed to bring her back yard to life. She built a coop, read books on hen rearing, and placed her order for four chickens of different breeds, chosen to provide colour and decoration to her lawn. She expected a daily supply of fresh eggs. What she didn’t expect was that her fluffy round chicks would grow-up to be hens with big personalities, and that she would fall completely in love with her quirky flock.

 
Well, I didn't just like the book, I LOVED it. It is a really terrific book and I really enjoyed reading it. Lauren is obviously also chicken obsessed, which is reassuring for me as I know I am as well!

I also loved that Lauren really really wants to understand what her feathery girls are up to and what they are thinking - I know I spend endless hours watching and wondering eggactly (sic) what my lot are doing (in the case of Pearl, plotting world domination I suspect)

I also empathised with Lauren's experiences of chicken motherhood - so carefully observed and gently retold; it made me smile and wipe away a tear ( in a good way) as the words on the page made me recall all the broody hens and chicks I have experienced and how much they touched my heart.

The illustrations throughout the book are wonderful, as are the photographs. The number and scale of the chicken "coops" Lauren has built is awe inspiring; I have several new ideas in my head as a result and I promise this book will make you want to pick up a hammer and nails and some lumber to go build something!

Lauren clearly loves her chickens with a passion and it shines out from every page of this lovely book, one which, although aimed at adults, could also be read aloud with children. There is no bad language, no distressing scenes, it is just a really good story, well told.

One which, in my opinion, should be read by everyone to learn how to see love, everywhere.


Once Upon a Flock was published by Souvenir Press, 3 October, £18.99, Hb and is available from all good book shops and Amazon, online. It is also available as an e-book.



With many many thanks to Jane Beaton of Kew Publicity for sending me a copy to review :) Jane, you made my day :)