A tranquil morning walk on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne… Mother Nature works her magic….

Now that I am here—
not preparing, not striving,
but simply being—
I give myself permission to soften.

Let the plans rest.
Let the doing dissolve.
Let the hum of effort settle like silt
in still, clear water.

I don’t have to catch the beauty—
I am already held by it.
The wind, the sea, the sky—
they need no witness,
only presence.

In this moment,
I return to myself,
and I remember:
I am not here to prove,
I am here to belong.

With love
Laurina x

Beautifully-Strung has been a little quiet lately—so have I. Life’s been full of practical things, and the creative flow got nudged to the side for a while.
But recently, I was reminded: “Giving tells the Universe that you believe you are provided for.” (Notes from the Universe)
It stirred something. A little reminder of why I create; to share light, to offer a moment of stillness, to trust that small acts of beauty matter.
So here I am, cup of tea in hand, candle flickering… beginning again.
With love,
Laurina x

Those pale white flowers, blooming bravely on dark, thorny branches—often before the leaves have even stirred—are one of the first signs that spring is truly waking.

In folklore, the Blackthorn was known as both guardian and guide. With its twisted limbs and fierce thorns, it was seen as a protector of boundaries—between fields, between worlds, and between the quiet of winter and the renewal of spring.

Despite its prickly nature, it has gentle gifts. The sloes it bears in autumn were once used in remedies for the throat and digestion, and its wood was carved into walking sticks for those seeking strength on uncertain paths.

This tree has long reminded us: beauty and resilience can grow even from the darkest roots.

And sometimes, the most hopeful blooms are the ones that come after the hardest season.

I’ve been gathering stories like this for a book I’m working on—slowly but joyfully—one wild plant at a time.

Have you spotted any early signs of spring where you are?

Words & Photography by Laurina 

WWW.Beautifully-Strung.com

There’s a generous scattering of tiny Wood Anemones in the garden now—delicate, low to the ground, and quietly dazzling when the sun peeks through.

Known as the windflower, they’ve long been linked to fairies and old folk tales, said to carry whispers from the spirit world. Not one for remedies these days (a bit too strong-willed for that), but more than welcome just for the way they remind us to notice what’s fleeting and quietly beautiful.

They bloom when the sun shines, tuck themselves away when they’ve had enough, and seem perfectly content doing their own thing…..

Springtime wishes to you.

Photography and Words by Laurina

There’s something reassuring about the return of the daffodils. No fanfare, no fuss—just quietly showing up, brightening the world, and reminding us that life continues to unfold, even if it takes its time.
Here’s to the quiet signs of spring and the colour that lifts our spirits.
Walking with the light — one daffodil at a time.

Photography & Words by Laurina

Spring has a way of turning up in the most ordinary places.
The other day, in the middle of a supermarket car park, I spotted a bush with the softest white blossoms. No fanfare—just a quiet nudge from the season, reminding me that nature finds its way, even here.
There’s no need to rush out in search of spring. Often, it finds us when we’re not looking.
Let’s give ourselves permission to notice the small things, to pause when we can, and let the season arrive in its own time.

Springtime wishes to you,
Laurina

Photography & Words by Laurina

I was walking along a woodland path with my sister.
So few flowers… Then I spotted a glowing bloom beside the pathway.
The simple pleasure of seeing it shining among the tangled remains of Winter.
Thank you, Lesser Celandine, for being there.
Thank you for your symbolism of renewal, resilience and early joy.

With a heart open to whispers,
Laurina

A little message from me (and perhaps something from beyond the veil)…

Today I was reminded to keep things simple:
A warm cuppa, a favourite biscuit, a tiny moment of joy.
Thank you for being here and for quietly supporting Beautifully-Strung. You don’t need to like or comment for your presence to be felt—I know you’re there, and I’m truly grateful.
Beautifully-Strung is about genuine connection, heartfelt communication, and making a gentle difference—bit by bit, day by day.
With love and light,
Laurina

Some days, there’s no need for grand advice or deep wisdom. It’s just about taking a deep breath, putting one foot in front of the other, and reminding yourself: this too shall pass. And you know what? It does….

Words by Laurina