from the St Alban's Psalter illuminated MSS I find it very telling that this narrative about Mary Magdalene does not end when she finally recognises the Risen Christ, but continues with her going to tell the disciples... and although John does not tell us their reaction, it isinteresting that this artist some centuries later, imagines them... well, as you can see the expressions on their faces, finding it impossible to believe...and I am not surprised! However, I do find myself wondering whether they therefore found it easier by that evening to accept & recognise him for themselves because of what she had told them...John 20 v 1-23.

Butterfly Conservation : annual survey

Blue Morpho : Surprising Stillness (oil on canvas) . c. Janet Driver Its that time of year again when throughout the UK everyone who feels they can spend 15mins out in their garden or a nearby park... wherever they might see some butterflies... is asked to volunteer their time, sit and count the butterflies they see, adding them to the annual survey... see www.butterflyconservation.co.uk for details of these three weeks of "citizen science" that is so easy to join in...just 15 mins a day for three weeks, sitting in a pleasant spot, quietly waching for butterflies...do join in !

We always look forward to July, when this amasing tree is covered in cascading yellow blossom... it reminds me of "Broom", but that I remember as a bush growing up on the cliffs by the sea... I have never before seen it as such a large tree... its really beautiful just now.