Twilight hours.

a time of the day that is good for the soul.

Roses in our garden and beyond.

The health benefits of early morning sunlight are well-reported but I would like to suggest that the twilight hours are just as important for the soul.

I have missed the enveloping summer evenings of late — the feeling of merging into the still, violet air; watching the last vestiges of sunlight burn bright on glass and brick; and hearing the clinks of cutlery with conversation as the neighbours dine outdoors.

Over the past three years, my view of the night sky has been eclipsed by the needs of my young children who often wake (and wake often!), requiring reassurance and assistance to go back to sleep. And so I peel myself away from the dreamy half light and retreat to the darkness of bedrooms with blinds down and curtains drawn.

Yet, during a week of long days navigating the works on our house, alongside responding to the needs and desires of a one and a three-year-old (of which there are many!), I grasped ten minutes of alone-time and ventured out into the garden after sunset to be reminded at once of the magic of a midsummer’s eve.