I have never really understood the weather. High and low pressure, jet
streams, developing weather streams, none of it resonates with me. Mr M on the other hand will insist on trying to educate me. “Look at that!” he’ll exclaim when watching the forecast on TV “there’s a high tomorrow coming in from blah blah blah…” and I’ll glance up from my iPad (or maybe my stitching these days) and aim to make an interested sound, albeit I’m really not at all. Besides, I have an app which tells me if there will be rain or shine. And for a solid two weeks before Wednesday 15th May 2019, I did nothing but check my app, morning, noon and night; maybe even more. For that was the day they came. The day the Period Living Magazine crew came to take photos of beautiful Belle…
And my goodness did the sun shine. Just for that one-day, glorious wall to wall sunshine. Two stylists, a photographer and a features writer arrived. All with one purpose; to make Belle look the best she had ever done and take photographs for Period Living Magazine. And I was quite ready for them having cleaned our in desperate need of renovation bungalow to within an inch of its life and redecorated the bathroom as any sane person would.
I spent a great deal of time fretting over the cottage garden which wasn’t growing nearly quickly enough and I had made a last minute dash to the garden centre for three plants (which made no difference at all although did serve to make me a little calmer, for which the M’s were quite grateful.) And I had baked a lemon drizzle cake and ginger cookies and organised a light lunch (all not necessary although very much appreciated) so all in all, I felt as prepared as I dared to.
The stylists Pippa and Karen, brought with them props and a few more plants to fill any gaps and The Spotty One and I had gathered buckets full of frothy cow parsley, shortly before their arrival. They had everything they needed to begin endless faffing. I know you understand how exciting it is to watch one pretty being moved from here to there looking even more beautiful in its final setting. That’s what they did quite expertly and my heart could surely be heard singing for miles around.
Natalie, the fabulous features writer and I, had until that day only chatted
on the phone and it was wonderful that she was there to see Belle in situ. I
never knowingly take Belle for granted yet I am sure I don’t always appreciate fully our beautiful garden and Belle’s position. A great deal of work has occurred in our back garden since we arrived: a mini orchard, a small vegetable patch and a tremendous amount of garden clearance has taken place, revealing the wonderful South Downs we are so lucky to live in. It was only right Natalie should see first-hand the beauty she would later capture in her own words.
The Spotty One ‘helped’ the team by endlessly escorting them around his garden, together with his beloved (and quite frankly smelly) Pepper Pig, tail wagging profusely all day long.
Equipment was set up, scenes played around with and tweaked to perfection and countless cups of tea and coffee consumed as these professionals worked hard at their craft. I do so believe, if you are lucky enough to find a career you enjoy in life, you should grab it with both hands. This team enjoy what they do.
Some parts of the day were quite surreal. Walking into your kitchen to hear three ladies discuss which way round the jam and cream should go on top of a scone, is quite a funny moment. Then watching them choose from your selection of pretty vintage tea plates whilst oohing and ahhing at each one, pleased me immeasurably. Of course my lovely family and friends appreciate my pretty china plates; like me though, these ladies love of all things vintage is innate. There were even a few gaps in the cottage garden filled for the sake of the perfect photo. My insatiable appetite to learn all there is to know about styling a scene was fed well that day.
The photographer Brent was something else. A happy, calm and focused chap he worked diligently with the sharpest of eyes to create breath-taking photos I was able to see for myself on his PC. He even managed a spot of gardening during the afternoon, why though shall remain our secret.
Personally, I did not want to be in a photo at all, although I had been warned it was most likely. “Maybe a shot of you blogging” said Karen on the phone before the big day “don’t worry” she carried on “Brent will put you at ease.” I recall thinking, this would be most unlikely. I am not photogenic, never have been and I was always the gawky kid in school photos. Yet when the time came, all I heard was Brent’s calm and encouraging voice “This way Helen, now look out to the field, that’s great, perfect Helen just a few more…” and dare I say I actually enjoyed my moment.
Of course Belle was rightfully the star of the show. There have never been quite so many people gathered around her, faffing endlessly with quite so many pretties.
There was another cheeky contender for attention on the day though. Much conversation took place amongst the team, deciding if The Spotty One should have his moment. “Helen, will you be able to get him to lay down at Belle’s door and can we get him to gaze over to the trees?” the crew asked. We gave it our best shot and maybe a few plants suffered as I balanced precariously in the cottage garden with hands full of dog treats.
“Oh that’s a fabulous shot” I gushed as they showed me the result. “What a lot of effort you go to” I continued. “We always have to make sure the front cover is spot on” someone said as they chatted amongst themselves whilst I put the kettle back on. That moment when you stop perfectly still and actually wonder if you might just have misheard. A moment you will
look back on and wish you could relive just once more. A moment you do not ever want to forget. Our family group chat went nuts. All of us messaging over one another, asking the same questions, ‘virtually’ squealing and laughing together. A very special moment in the lives of The M’s. The front cover of Period Living Magazine. Belle and The Spotty One.
And then began the secret. There were bets all round I would cave in. I really couldn’t be that sure which issue Belle would appear in: I’m told some wait a long time for their feature to be published. Could I really keep a front cover secret as I had been asked to? Surely I would weaken and tell maybe just close family and friends. Well who knew I can infact keep such a secret! Not a soul other than The M’s heard a whisper.
Looking back, I have always lived my life as projects, chapters if you like.
I enjoy a beginning, middle and end and I always aim to give each project my very best shot. I’m choosing though to pretend this project won’t end just yet, as I watch messages appear on my Instagram posts full of support, love and encouragement since Period Living Magazine hit the shelves. I’m enjoying watching strangers in a supermarket audibly gasp when they pick up the pretty magazine from the interior homes shelf. And when my friends and family offer their congratulations and tell me how proud I should be, I must admit to not wanting to reach this chapters’ end. This experience will find a place in my memory where every time I recall it, I will smile. I will remember a day spent watching a fabulous team of professionals make my happy place even more beautiful than I have made her. A day where my gorgeous dog played a starring role and a day where I saw what happened when my wonderful family pulled together to make one of my dreams come true.
Amazing Helen!! Your experience had me filling up, smiling from ear to ear and as proud as punch that I got to call you my insta friend, whilst showing my nearest and dearest your feature in Period Living. It’s also been wonderful watching you grow into an insta influencer, with your beautiful photographs and of course spoiling us all each Thursday with your delightful blog. Well done Helen, these photos are stunning and set the scene into your your world perfectly. 💗 Xx
Of all my posts Karen this is the one I wanted you to read… for nearly two years now you have supported me here and on Instagram and I truly wanted you to see how a dream come true for all of us really looked. Thank you for your unfailing support and kind words for me personally all the way along my journey…x
Loved reading this, what an exciting day. I just love this cover it just makes my heart sing and definatley a copy I’m going to keep. I dream of owning a Shepherds hut one day. Glad I’ve found you blog too kind Regards Sally
Hello Sally, welcome to my blog and thank you so much for such a lovely comment. It truly was an exciting day, with lovely people too. Belle was a dream of mine for a very long time before she arrived, so my advice can only be to keep on dreaming… I do hope you yu enjoy our weekly stories x
How wonderful, thank you so much for sharing the behind the scenes, I loved reading this and those pictures are gorgeous
My pleasure Rebecca, I really wanted all those who love Belle too, to have a little taster of what the day was like. Thank you so much for letting me know you enjoyed the post!x
Oh, Helen! Oh my flipping goodness! It all sounds beyond amazing. I felt like this when you wrote about your day chez moi! You must be black and blue from pinching yourself! I must admit I probably wouldn’t be able to stop myself from helpfully informing people in the supermarket that they happened to be looking at Belle. Gosh, your heart must have missed a beat when you heard that you were the front cover. I still have the very first issue of Period Living and can’t believe I don’t have this one! Please don’t forget to keep one back for me! Your excitement is truly palpable and it’s a joy to share in it xxx
Ha ha ha Karen… It has truly been the most exciting of times! I think two of the most surreal moments were 1)hearing Belle was a front cover girl and 2)seeing the magazine on the shelf in my local supermarket… the oddest of feelings on both occasions. Without a doubt though a truly memorable chapter in my life and one I am so happy to have shared with everyone! Thank you for taking the time to comment, you know I really apprieciate it x
Wow Hels, Wow! What a fantastic blog and such fabulous photos too. Absolutely superb! Period Living have captured Belle and her glorious garden perfectly. Belle is simply the most beautiful Shepherds hut I have ever seen, inside and out. You also looked amazing standing proudly at Belle’s doorway. And you ARE photogenic by the way! I always enjoy reading your blogs and this one is one of my absolute favourites. I’m soooooo proud of you Hels, you are an inspiration to me and I’ll be keeping my copy of Period Living magazine for ever! xxx
Oh how lovely to read this wonderful comment you lovely friend, I am so happy to have this little space to be able to share Belle with you all. And how kind you are about little old me too! Because I know you keep EVERYTHING, I find it hilarious to think of a Period Living magazine at the top of an ever growing pile of memories, thanks for the wonderful comment!x
Wow Simply beautiful! Belle looks stunning you should be so proud of yourself and all that you have achieved – so well deserved the photos are stunning and you look like a model – not photogenic?!! I don’t think so!! My favourite blog by far – congratulations my lovely friend xxxxx
Aah thank you lovely friend. I had such a wonderful day and really wanted to capture just a little of it for everyone else to share in.. I’m so glad you enjoyed the read!x
What a lovely read Helen of your very special day. You’ve worked hard to make Belle a beautiful retreat and others can see that there has been a lot of love and attention to detail to make everything so gorgeous which is probably why it was chosen as the front cover!
What a lovely surprise Laura to find you in my comments box, thank you for taking the time to read my post. It was such a surprise to know Belle would be on the front cover; a real treat after all the hard work x
Oh Helen. You’ve described your amazing day so beautifully!! And as always your photos are stunning. I must confess to having a little teary moment when I read how you found out about the front cover, you must have been so thrilled. Enjoy this special time, so well deserved. You give me so much inspiration both here and on IG.
Julie you are so lovely and your thoughtful comments so kind … there have been a few happy tears shed over gorgeous Belle and I am truly honoured she features in the lives of my blog followers and Instagram pals…means the world to me and I am so grateful you are a part of my journey. Thank you for taking the time to comment x
Darling, you have given a perfect description of your very special day. I am immensely proud of you xx
Well as we all know Mr M, none of this is possible without you. Thank you for unfailing support and love always x
I’m a bit speechless! A beautiful post about THE most amazing experience. I’m sure it involves a serious level of faffing, but imagine how marvellous if that was your job. I’m sure Belle was an absolute dream to work in, because most of the work had been done – she is beautiful! Xx
Oh Mo, that truly would be the loveliest job wouldn’t it? When I watched the girls working away I thought then, I would so love to do this. I think it must be especially rewarding when you’re faffing with another persons treasures, seeing them for the first time. I’m so glad you enjoyed the story and truly grateful for you taking the time to comment x
SOMEONE PASS ME THE TISSUES!!!
What a beautiful post…a real dream come true and a moment of happiness to be remembered and treasured by us all, forever.
Walking into Sainsbury’s and seeing Belle and my little pup on the shelves was the most SURREAL feeling…flicking the pages and seeing MY MUM made me burst with pride.
You’re amazing, the way you write your posts is so real, so true and it still warms me to the core that by writing this blog, so many people get to know the beautiful, kind, thoughtful and inspirational person I am lucky enough to call my Mum.
Beyond proud……..forever x
So every week you show up and support me and every week I am grateful. Your comments are so kind and I think I’m such a lucky Mum that you bother for me every week. It’s been the funnist (new word!) and most exciting time and I’m so happy it was a real family affair x
Oh i wish i could have watched the day unfold, so deserved. Your Belle and the spotty one are just utterly beautiful, the prettiest front cover on Period Living ever! X
Oh thank you Julie that is truly a lovely comment to find in my pending file! And what an accolade… the best Period Living cover ever, I’ll take that with grateful thanks. I know it’s a bit of a faff leaving a message on here, I’m truly grateful x
Oh Helen, this has to be my favourite Blog post yet! I can fully understand( yet only dream of) how it must have felt to hear that Belle was going in the front cover. Enjoy every moment of this chapter in your life , you deserve it. You should show us more pics of your garden it looks stunning! Ps I hope they let you keep those plants?😂xx
Oh wow Helen, your favourite yet, thank you! I truly had to ask if they meant it?! They must have thought me a twit! Still not everyday in my life something that exciting happens… I’ll keep in mind showing more photos of the garden… especially in summer. Thank you, for reading and for taking the time to leave your kind comments x