Things may be very different in how we have marked the date this year, but I hope you are well and have been able to appreciate the promise of new life with the spring sunshine, blossom and flowers.
I've certainly noticed that, while I don't have all the 'extra time' that has been lauded on social media, I am taking a moment to think more on the things I might usually have overlooked. Plants and birds outside, reading and knitting to relax and unwind, planning, cooking and then thoughtfully eating a good meal. There's much to be thankful for, as we heed the guidance and hope for better and safer times ahead.
'Enjoy the little things in life because one day you will look back and realise they were the big things'. This is the message my friend has on a bookmark, and it is a valuable daily reminder, she says.
We can gain much solace in books, of course. Titles are available to order - through high street stores if you can.
There are also widespread opportunities to purchase downloads for audio books and e-books, so I hope you'll keep reading, and that you might still find my recommendations here of interest.
This week, though, you'll need to follow a couple of links to read, and hear, some very creative approaches, delivering the message of the moment.
First to Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, co-creators of the Gruffalo, the Stickman, the Smeds and the Smoos, who have presented their characters social distancing. This is rather lovely and I'm sure will make you smile. You can see the panels here.
And then why not listen to a story being read to you in the wonderful voice of Zeb Soanes. He reads the news and the shipping forecast on Radio Four but is also a children's author. His book 'Gaspard the Fox', based on a real fox he's befriended in his London home, has gained a great following and more stories, illustrated by James Mayhew, have followed. You can read about their work together here.
Zeb has written a special story about life in London, as we all self-isolate. It's called ‘Gaspard and the Quiet Day’ and you can watch it here. I think you'll enjoy it.