When I set up Devon Maid more than three years ago, I would have no idea I’d end up hearing from some amazing individuals. YOU. But that has indeed been the case. It’s been wonderful and touching and I have loved hearing from every single one of you. Devon Maid was a blog created as my sanctuary; a place where I could write candidly about my wellbeing journey, and voyage towards better self-awareness and curiosity. It was important that it reflected what happens in all our lives and that subjects were treated sensitively and thoughtfully. I’m not a psychologist or expert – but writing is where ..read more

I’m three years alcohol-free. Even saying that out loud sounds surreal: it’s the longest stretch of booze-free living in my adult life. Sometimes I look back and think: what a waste of a good weekend! (hungover); or I’m still gutted about that coat (losing things when drunk); or even I’ve still no idea what happened (blackout). We’re often told we shouldn’t regret the decisions we make (or fail to make). I don’t subscribe to that view – I think acknowledging regrets encourages a more developed sense of awareness about your own identity. It’s OK to see them because you can move towards acceptan ..read more

As I type, the news is telling me that, tomorrow, the UK Government will announce that from May 17 people will be allowed to hug one another again. According to the Telegraph, the Prime Minister will encourage ‘common sense’ when conducting said hugging. I’m not sure what this means. Presumably people who were going to cuddle while hanging upside down or standing on their heads are pretty peeved right now. But that’s not the point of my blog today. Of course, this is another step in the right direction. We’re poised for a return to life as it was pre-pandemic. Soon you can hug (common sense ap ..read more

In the 1880s, Edward Baring, the 1st Baron Revelstoke, employed out-of-work fishermen to create for him ‘Revelstoke Drive’; a nine-mile circular carriage ride. A member of the Baring bank family, the Baron owned the nearby country estate of Membland and wanted to entertain guests with a dramatic rides along the South Devon coast. Stone walls were built to prevent horses (and presumably their riders) from tumbling into the sea on sharp bends. The story goes that when work was completed, the labourers looked so dejected at the prospect of unemployment once more that Baring ordered them to make i ..read more

Just recently I’ve stopped geotagging locations on Instagram. Why? Undeniably beautiful places encourage us all to reach for the camera and share our images; it’s understandable. But these places are becoming more heavily visited and it is having an impact. Early one morning I headed for a coastal spot well known for its other-worldly qualities and stunning sunrises. I wanted to spend some time brushing up on my photography skills and was eager to capture the day’s first light. I was in for a bit of a shock: even at 7am there was a bunch of people there with phones, cameras and even drones. It ..read more

It’s been quite novel, these last few weeks, exploring a quieter-than-usual Devon. Truth is, I’ve quite enjoyed being able to go to places without getting stuck in traffic and, when you get there, seeing fewer people. As the restrictions out of lockdown ease, that will change and with Devon being such a gorgeous place and so full of variety it is hard to not want more people to see it and share in everything it has to offer. But when we do all start moving about again, how can we still experience stillness and discovery in the world around us? Here’s some tips. Go early – reckon getting somewh ..read more

We started the week with International Women’s Day and (in the UK anyway) end it with Mother’s Day. What were you hoping for this week? Stories of empowerment? Change? Hoping, perhaps, for hope? I’d like to say the same but as I sit here, I cannot help but think it has been a very dark and harrowing seven days. We have seen disproportionate indignation added to already-polarised opinion on Megan Markle. Statistics show during the pandemic, women were more likely to be furloughed than men; they spent more time on unpaid household work and childcare and reported higher levels of depression, anxi ..read more

‘Alright love, chill out’. I’d stopped running to give a man with a big dog a wide berth. The dog was on a long extended lead and they were approaching me. I usually err on the side of caution when passing larger dogs in case they decide to lunge or jump up. The guy stared at me. I half expected him to say something like ‘don’t worry, it’s friendly’ or similar. No. ‘Alright love, chill out’. Not a cheery colloquialism but a sarcastic – irritated, even – statement. If there is one thing likely to annoy you, it’s being told to chill out. The second thing is being called ‘love’ by a complete stra ..read more

Are you thinking about having a staycation this year? It might be that you’re not able to travel abroad or are nervous about doing so given the 12 months we’ve had. I love exploring new places in the UK: staycations are my thing and while my heart lies in Devon, I enjoy the anticipation of packing a bag and setting off somewhere new. Tourism is one of the UK’s most successful economic sectors. It is an industry worth £127 billion annually to the economy, and domestic tourism is £88 billion of that but it has also been one of the hardest hit economic sectors. VisitBritain has forecast a recov ..read more

The day dawned bright and breezy and the morning hush hung in the air. A tabby cat looked decidedly nonplussed at someone being up so early on a Sunday out of choice. Cockington Country Park As I crested the hill, an easterly wind smacked me in the face vigorously enough to make my cheeks turn pink with cold. The sea glittered and beckoned. It’s exhilarating to be up and out running before many people are awake, it’s like you’ve got the outdoors to yourself. Delving down into the valley, I passed through Cockington Country Park. Here, 450 acres of ornamental lakes, woodland, thatch cottages ..read more