Hope (is the thing with feathers).

We've reached September already... a long Bank Holiday weekend eased us into a new month.

I spent Sunday in Brighton ... I hadn't been there for years. Within moments of arriving in town, I was greeted with warmth and kindness. I enjoyed the benefits of a seaside trip, fresh air and as luck would have it - sunshine.

Yesterday courtesy of news reports, I saw yet more images of grief and desperation. Refugees arriving in coastal areas of Europe not for a moment of relaxation or for a change of scenery, but out of basic need. Human beings who for the most part have probably led decent lives, but who - thanks to the ravages of war - have been forced to seek shelter elsewhere.

Today, I am seeing further reports, this time of donations, aid and voluntary work. Rallying calls to help those in need. Here's a link that may be of interest to anyone who wants to help: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/5-practical-ways-you-can-help-refugees-trying-to-find-safety-in-europe-10482902.html

We live in tricky times, but it's good to be reminded that there are good people and (for those of us lucky enough to enjoy them) lovely places in the world.