Everything is made easier by having the right tool. And when that tool is a thing of great beauty — well it’s almost enough to just look at it.  This is a very special birthday gift to myself. It’s a Golding ring spindle, made of ancient bog oak from northern England. The inset is a piece of jewellery from the Shetland islands, made of silver and amber.

Beautiful, mysterious, magic, and it spins wonderfully.

I walked around the farm to admire it in different lights and in the company of various coloured leaves.

This spindle is an inspiration.  It connects me to a venerable craft and reminds me that even simple actions deserve to be blessed with beauty.  May we have a delightful and productive time together.