From The Pumpkin Patch

I had five days off over Easter, and I knew I wanted to make the most of them. In particular, I wanted to create something.

It can be difficult to find the time to be creative these days, as an adult with a full-time job and a household to run. But I saw my opportunity, so I made a list of goals and set about accomplishing them.

In those five days I wrote a short story, baked hot cross buns for the first time, made Easter-themed Rice Krispie treats, read a book, went for several long walks and thrifted the perfect artwork for our home. It was the mental reset I’ve been craving, and my cup has been refilled.

So come along with me as I share my creative, productive Easter weekend.

Goal 1: Bake hot cross buns

I’ve always wanted to try making hot cross buns from scratch. There’s nothing better than freshly-baked goods straight out of the oven, especially if you make them yourself, and I think they turned out great!

I used this recipe from BBC’s Good Food, and was pleasantly surprised at how easy they were to make. Okay, they were a little denser than I would prefer, but still completely edible and delicious.

I’m not sure I’d make them again, simply because of the time involved. In total, the dough needed to rise for three hours! But I had the time this weekend, and it was a fun, seasonal project that scratched my baking itch.

Goal 2: Make Rice Krispie treats

As well as hot cross buns, I also made these Rice Krispie treats. They were so simple, it hardly counts as baking.

Simply melt the butter and marshmallows, stir in the vanilla extract and puffed rice, and flatten it all into a dish before popping the entire thing into the fridge to harden. With a couple of mini eggs on top of each square, they made the perfect Easter treat.

They disappeared way too quickly, so I’ll need to think of an excuse to make them again.

Goal 3: Write a short story

By far the most rewarding aspect of the long weekend was all the time I was able to devote to writing.

I had planned to work on my novel, but something else came up. I had an idea for a short story last year and struggled to find the right voice. I put it aside until just this weekend, when I suddenly felt inspired. I visited the library on Thursday morning and wrote there for a couple of hours, then came home and wrote some more.

I ended up writing and editing the entire thing over several days, with the help of my husband who makes a fantastic editor. It’s now complete, aside from a few minor edits, and The Sheep’s Head is one of the best things I’ve ever written. I’m so proud of it.

Part of the fun involved making a mood board to capture the vibe I wanted to convey. I’ve started to do the same with another potential story, The Collector. I can’t wait to see what comes of it!

Even if I did nothing else this weekend, I’d still call it a success. Sitting down and writing a full story from start to finish is a huge accomplishment for me, and has given me a boost of confidence as a writer.

Goal 4: Read a book

The long weekend was also an opportunity to get some proper reading done. I’ve been in a bit of a slump lately, picking up this book and that without really being able to settle on anything. So on Thursday morning I collected The Premonition by Banana Yoshimoto from the library, and spent a few cosy afternoons and mornings reading through it.

It was a beautiful book, and I’m so pleased I put aside the time to read it this weekend.

Goal 5: Get outside with my husband

The weather wasn’t ideal, but a couple of mornings dawned bright and sunny. I made sure to get out into the woods before the clouds came, and found a magical little path lined with bluebells that I simply had to document here.

My husband and I also went for a lovely long walk together and talked about how grateful we are for where we live. It’s so close to London, and yet we have the countryside right on our doorstep. It really is the best of both worlds.

Goal 6: Go thrifting

Of course, I had to do a little thrifting this weekend. I had no luck with Goosebumps books (although I did find four last week, so I can’t complain!) but my husband and I found two pieces of Japanese artwork that will look perfect in our house.

I just had to show you this beautiful inscription I found in an antique copy of Black Beauty. It made me feel really emotional, just thinking about how much love was contained in those few sentences and the fact that both Janice and her mother have likely passed away by now.

I left the book, but now a friend wants it, so I have to hope it’s still there tomorrow.

It’s never fun to get back to my day job after a few days of pretending to be a full-time author and homemaker, but I’m feeling refreshed and fulfilled after juggling so many creative pursuits this weekend.

And I’ve just finished writing this blog post, so that’s another!