#136

[@lacyoflittlerobincottage1403]

My husband, Michael wished he were there, he said he would run your journals through Photoshop (he has been in computers for ever so long, 38yrs with the San Diego Union-Tribune Newspaper until retirement). That way you would get the true depiction of your drawings and all. It's too bad the printer didn't offer this option. As for myself, I prefer that the copy of your journal should look just like a journal, warts and all. But in the end it is yours and you should be happy with the outcome Sending loads of hugs to you, Zephyr, & or course Mr. Mindful, too ~ Happy cruising, and mindful adventures 🐾🌻

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for this comment. It has given me some more ideas and I really appreciate that. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@lizzieclayandfamily]

The Mindful Narrowboat rolls in and the city goes quiet for her and wildlife comes flocking! Certainly a very different Birmingham to the one I have experienced many times (but then again I usually visit the airport, theatres and long in the past the night life!). A lesson to us all, beauty and nature is everywhere, we just have to look. The journal just requires a bit of photoshop (your kids?) to remove anything you don't want and to colour correct and I'll be ready and waiting to buy a copy to go with my calendar. Thank you for doing this every week, your subscribers NEED you!! xxx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

🤗 Hello Lizzie!🤗 Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I was surprised at the amount of wildlife in Birmingham too, but there is also a wild life to be had there, like you say, although these days after one drink and half a dance, I would probably be asleep in a corner somewhere, I think!🤣 I am going to try this photoshop that everyone is recommending and I had no idea existed until everyone started mentioning it!🤭I hope that you are looking after yourself and enjoying the early spring. Have a wonderful week, take care🌻🦋

[@nancinowlen3043]

Looking forward to copy. Of your Journal.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I'll let you know when I know more. Thank you so much for your interest. Have a great weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@nancinowlen3043]

Lovely. Glad i was able to join you

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am glad you were too! Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@chrismis2062]

It's great that people can have a lovely bit of Nature in the heart of such a metropolis. I don't think Mr. Telford ever thought it would be such, but bravo to his unintentional foresight! I hope your plans and ideas for the book go well, and soon we'll all be able to enjoy your creative and inspiring work.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. It is incredible how the wildlife seems to have flocked to the city like that isn't it? Have a super rest of the week, take care🦋🌻

[@denisemeredith2436]

Birmingham is the greenest city in Europe and our floral displays are always winning gold medals at The Chelsea Flower Show.

[@denisemeredith2436]

Hi Vanessa, I know the area fairly well and you taught me some things that I didnt know about Selly Oak, how it got its name and the fact that there were lime kilns there in days gone by. The University of Birmingham and the QE Hospital next door are built on the site of a Roman fort known as Metchley Fort. In Bournville where the Waterside Estate is now, there used to be a warehouse along there with a covered area for the narrowboats and then a rail track was put in when trains became a thing. Now most of the houses whose gardens are on the canal bank, their owners decorate their gardens to make the view more interesting for the narrowboaters.

[@danhoppy5517]

Can I just say, having watched from near the beginning of the journey, you are so much more than an amateur enthusiast, but a keen eyed naturalist, and a historian who has brought us along for the journey. We know that Zephyr will protect you from the ne'er do wells who may inhabit the inland waterways, backed up by the mysterious Mister M!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Dan for such a lovely comment. I am so pleased that you still follow the journeys. I hope you have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@Dakotarain]

Must agree Mr. M does add a bit of mystery to the videos. An international spy perhaps? 🤔

[@nancinowlen3043]

Agree !

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you, Nanci!😊🦋🌻

[@Bpl541]

The estuary is wonderful with it’s birds and quietness. Thanks for showing us Vanessa. I bought a calendar and can’t wait to see it. 🙏❤️🐕🦆

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is a beautiful place to walk around. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I hope you get your calendar soon. Have a wonderful weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@oscartravis5740]

Wonderful to see Birmingham again. I lived there for 4 years and had some of the best (and worst!) times of my life. This was like revisiting the place from the eyeview of a swan gracefully drifting past all the old haunts. 😊🧡

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The eye view of the swan is a great way to view a place; I think. Thank you for watching. Take care 🦋🌻

[@stevecam724]

Thanks for uploading a peaceful moment in today's chaos, made me happier than I was before viewing 💛✅💛✅

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that the vlog made you feel happy, Steve and I hope you continue to have a happy and relaxing weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@rmsflorida]

Don't give up to find a good high quality printer...there out there!...I'm pleased that your moving in the right direction to share your prints and poems...You have that talent!!!.................Robbie

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for the encouragement. I really appreciate it. I will definitely keep on going. Have a wonderful weekend, take care.

[@sandyprosser805]

I loved the video Vanessa great/ at always. Just to update you on my beloved sister she passed away Saturday,quicker than we would have liked but she’s at peace now. No more chemo. Thank you for, your kind words. She will be sorely missed. See you next week have great week 😢

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Oh Sandy, I am so, so sorry for your loss. That is such sad news and I am lost for words. I really hope that you are managing ok? Sending all of my love and sympathy xxxx🕊

[@dianethomas6749]

Hi Vanessa, I am so pleased you are actively seeking to get your beautiful journal printed at last. Put me down for 9 copies, and that will be the grandchildren's birthday presents sorted for the next 12 months. I am pleased the weather is getting milder for you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You are so lovely🤗🤗 Thank you so much! I think that they might prefer the cash though to be honest🤣 Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@jeffebdy]

So exciting about the journal! And only your channel can bring such peace in the heart of Birmingham! And you're almost up to 10,000 subscribers!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for such a lovely comment, Jeff🤗 If I get to 10,000 subscribers I will be amazed! Have a super weekend🌻🦋

[@jimoe]

I felt that it was strange to travel through the city type buildings, uncomfortable, it made me hunger all the more for you to be back out in the country , the soft music, your stories , the wildlife and vegetation not forgetting Zephyr of course. Thankyou for the peace you bring.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is always lovely to get out into the countryside again after being in the city. Thank you for watching. Take care🦋🌻

[@rebeccacorser-wallace9885]

I'm loving going through your old vlogs, we love Old joe we visit him a lot ! My son is autistic and he loves clock towers. Old Joe is one of his favourites. Back in the 70s my uncle worked on Old Joe.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Your son has great taste. It is a super clock. Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

[@orchidhouse297]

Gas Street Basin sometime in the 70s. It was accessed from a very busy, noisy road, through a scruffy (arched I think) door in a high brick wall. There was no indication what was beyond the door, but when we entered and closed the door behind us, we were suddenly in the most peaceful, quiet place imaginable. And the sight of all the narrow boats was heaven. I have never forgotten that place of peace and quiet. Please you felt the same.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is so peaceful and quiet isn't it? I was so surprised. Thank you so much for watching and commenting. Have a wonderful rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@nancinowlen3043]

Looking forward to my own copy! I am having a problem being patient

[@eltrym]

Your vlogs are so beautiful Vanessa, they move me to tears! Thank you xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is such a kind comment- thank you so much!🤗 Have a super rest of the week, take care🦋🌻

[@rikkiharcourt3868]

Birmingham to me in my younger days meant exhibiting, and exhibitions balti suppers and wanting to look inside the bullring, all many years ago. I ate by the water but I don’t know where and have so enjoyed another view of the city. I like your view better, I love how wildlife just carries on alongside us all demonstrating their right to territory is as valid as ours.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Birmingham was such a wonderful surprise in terms of its wildlife. What were you exhibiting when you were in Birmingham? Thank you for watching and commenting. Take care🌻🦋

[@vanessascola8932]

How frustrating that was. I am sure you will find a way round it. Your journal us amazing. So good. Be well and warm.

[@Debba521]

Had to smile as you headed into Birmingham and passed under the Black Sabbath bridge. They certainly are one of the top heavy metal pioneers, and it's nice they've been honored in their hometown. I'm a little partial to heavy metal, now and then 😊 🎶. Your journal is truly lovely and I'm so sorry that printer wasn't able to reproduce it well. I hope you'll try some others, as it's a wonderful keepsake for those who love nature and the canals. Be sure and keep us posted on your progress there, thanks!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Debba, many great heavy metal bands have come out of Birmingham- it must inspire that sort of music. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. The printer was so kind and honest that the books wouldn't look good printed like that, so I appreciated that he didn't just take my money without showing me what they would look like. I'll keep trying other ideas.🤞 Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@vanessascola8932]

How nice to see seagulls on water.

[@hazelp1831]

Another lovely video and so calming! Hope all goes well with the journal and such beautiful memories to pass down to your children. I'm sure they are very proud of their very talented and inspiring mum.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment.🤗 My children are so supportive of what I am doing and I am so lucky to have two wonderful young adults that I can call best friends. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@simon-nb-Betsyray]

Evening Vanessa what a difference cruising on the inner city canals lots more graffiti, from a half submerged shopping trolley and floating soda bottles yet you still manage to capture the wild life in its glory. You are right if ur going to publish ur journals they should be as u have done them, who knows in future years that people might follow in the wash of the mindful narrowboat in their Pursuit of the wonders of the canals as seen by ur eyes. Thank u Vanessa a enjoyable vlog again 👍📕📚

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is such a special comment, Simon- thank you so much.🤗 I was so surprised to see so many goldfinches in the city centre and the lesser black-backed gull on the reservoir there! Unbelievable! Enjoy walking your doggies in this mild weather. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@debbiewiltshire9733]

We love mooring in Birmingham. Edgbaston Reservoir also has a superb two lap very flat parkrun on Saturday mornings.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That must be a great place to run! Thank you so much for watching and commenting. Have a super rest of the week, take care🦋🌻

[@Dakotarain]

Beautiful video. Finding quiet in a big city. You never disappoint my love of birds. Please stay safe and happy.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It was the quietest city centre stop that I've ever made. Thank you for watching and for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the week.🦋🌻

[@karensmith9662]

Vanessa, you seemed to have worked out a solution with your journal printing because the 2023 edition is beautiful and very clean! Wonderful journey on the outskirts of Birmingham.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Karen, thank you so much for your lovely comment and for buying my book too. I have found an amazing printing company who really care about doing a great job. Have a super week! Take care🦋🌻

[@vanessascola8932]

You are so happy and see happy things in all you see.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Vanessa. Spending time with nature makes me very happy. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@NBStoweAway]

Well I have been an advocate from the very beginning rooting for you to publish your journals. I will be front of the queue for any that are on sale… hope you Mr M and Zephyr are all good Vanessa… wonderful as always

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much- you definitely got me thinking about the whole thing and I really appreciate that. We are all very well and I hope you and your family all are too. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@lorrainerichardson3280]

I just love the pigeon apartments under the bridge. Hmm don't think I would like to stay in the city overnight but the wildlife in and around is amazing. Thanks as always for the cruise and take care =-).

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Pigeons are such super creatures to observe and so resourceful in making a home anywhere. I love their attempts at nest making when they lay their eggs on about 3 twigs!😆 My mooring, opposite the Roundhouse for a week was one of the quietest moorings that I have had- and it was so safe, so I would recommend that as a place to stay. Have a super weekend, Lorraine and thank you for your lovely comment.🌻🦋

[@anthonybelcher7261]

Hi guys.I truly enjoyed the very slow cruise into Birmingham city centre. It looked so very awesome to see all those stunning buildings also places of great interest.I was so very impressed with the whole entire content. The wildlife photo shots were so brilliantly taken.just pure ace indeed.i do think you’re on another level of excellence wildlife sketching expertise.you certainly have such an amazing natural artistic style.your fabulous journal is very full of wonderful life like portraits of wildlife creatures.also beautiful wild flowers.your so spontaneously inspirational poetry is so beautifully relaxing to listen to at the end of your truly superb vlog.it’s just a great finishing touch.zephyr is looking very happy.have a beautiful weekend and enjoy your week ahead.😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Anthony, thank you for an adorable comment again🤗 The city centre was just an amazing place to arrive in and moor the boat for a week and then the cruise- which will be in next week's vlog just blew our minds because of the sights and how spectacular it all was. Zephyr was a great fan of the reservoir of sticks!🐾🐾 Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@vanessascola8932]

Spring not far off. Love crocuses.

[@bitsandblocks7826]

Lovely video, definitely get the feels of the BBC show "along the river" from my childhood when watching your vlogs Vanessa. I used to do print reprographics and the scans of your journal don't look too good. As you have a good camera you might want to try photographing the pages yourself to retain the colour, detail and hand-drawn feel of your journal. You'll have more control over lighting, exposure and the colour balance of the end result. Your illustrations are beautiful, so definitely worth the effort to show them in the best light. A scan can be too clinical and lose some of the authenticity of your journal pages. Enjoy your time in Brum.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I will have to check that BBC show out as I haven't heard of that and it sounds like it will be up my street, or river!🤭 I will take your advice about photographing the pages instead. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@northwalescoast7911]

Your children are going to cherish this journal and generations onwards..I have a 1st edition of "taith y pererin "(pilgrims progresses in English) which has been in my family over 200years, I absolutely cherish it.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Oh my goodness- what a special book to have in your family for such a long time! Thank you so much for watching and commenting. Have a great weekend🦋🌻

[@northwalescoast7911]

@@themindfulnarrowboat sorry correction, over 300years 👍,all the best.

[@johnd7904]

Just Beautiful V. Waiting for the 10K celebration.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is so lovely to hear from you, John. I hope you are well? I can't believe that the channel is so close to 10,000! I was happy to settle at 2K🤗 Have a super weekend, take care.🦋🌻

[@jota1221]

Canalside pub , one of the best , spent many a happy hour with friends in there.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

They are great places to be aren't they? Thank you for your comment. Take care🌻🦋

[@shahjhanhaider26]

It's beautiful cruising through canal

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much😊 Take care🌻🦋

[@deborah85728]

Most enjoyable and so interesting to see Birmingham from the canal’s , heard so much about them .

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is a beautiful city to visit and moor your boat for a week. I loved it. Thank you so much for your comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@oldmanhuppiedos]

It's the little surprises on the side of the canal that make the trip more fun. Birmingham is a beautiful city to visit with your small boat and spend the night. Nice vlog, spring is coming.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment and how wonderful that the spring is on its way! Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@garyp8471]

We got very excited to hear you went to the printers, hope you can find a way to keep the colours, please keep us posted, grand video again , i started singing when i see you go under Back Sabbath bridge, also one there very much like the glory hole in Lincoln, love those very early bridges, works of art built by hard working Navis and all hand tools. Thank you for sharing

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Gary, thank you so much for your lovely comment and for singing along to Black Sabbath- shame that I'm not allowed to play any of their music in the vlog. The bridge was very similar to Lincoln's glory hole wasn't it? Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@Red-ns9ny]

Definitely want to buy your journal I don’t mind if it’s not as good as original ❤ I did suggest it some time ago but I am so exited to know it is in the making 🎉 wow! Thank you for your vlog this week xx❤😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your suggestion and kind words about the vlog. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@vanessascola8932]

Lovely to be here again. Your history is always fascinating, you find such interesting things on your travels.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The canals are full of stories and it is wonderful to be able to find out more about them. Thank you for watching, take care🦋🌻

[@Stevenspielburger]

Lovely vlog. Birmingham city centre is actually nice. Journal looks beautiful

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Birmingham is a great stop on a boat. Have a super Sunday and week ahead 🌻🦋

[@annjarvis9300]

Lovely vlog has always in our part of the midlands hope you get your journal printed soon tc now the oldies👍🤗👍

[@adelemcmurry]

Another beautiful journey! So glad you are getting your journal printed! We want 3 copies! Your journal is so inspiring, talented, and beautiful! You are an amazing person. You should be able to find a printer who can digitize your journal so it it true to your colors. Keep looking for a better computer company that digitizes and can print a copy to take to a book printer.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for such a kind and lovely comment. I am really touched that you are interested in my journal. Have a wonderful week, take care🦋🌻

[@teresaguffey7338]

Enjoyed today's video!! And your journal is beautiful!! You have a gift for sure. God bless!!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Teresa for such a lovely comment🤗 I am so pleased that you enjoyed the video today. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@NarrowboatWill]

I was surprised by Birmingham city center. Good luck with your book sales. It's great how it's come together. Ta Ra

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hello Mr Will, It is a great place to stop over and we will be back again. Thank you so much for watching and commenting. Happy and safe travels 🌻🦋

[@pilpelet100]

I'm catching up! I got snowed under with deadline work and didn't watch anything for nearly three weeks! Now I'm enjoying binge-watching everything - especially your videos. I think one more to go. Maybe tomorrow!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I hope you are able to relax a bit now. Being snowed under with work doesn’t sound very enjoyable. Thank you for watching and commenting, take care 🌻🦋

[@pilpelet100]

@@themindfulnarrowboat I love my work so it's not so terrible. When I've reached my deadline at least I can sit back, relax a bit and catch up on everything!

[@tomrobinson2919]

Looking forward to your JOURNAL!!! Thank you for your efforts….

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@heyitsme6083]

As always another great vlog. Please keep us updated on the printing off your journal. I'm gutted that you haven't found someone that can do your journal justice. But soon as you have it sorted out. As said before I will most certainly be buying 2 copies at least. Hope you have a lovely weekend

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your encouragement and kind words; I really appreciate it. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@jamessalkeld781]

One day, Vanessa, it would be great if you published a book with copies of your poems and drawings, including the points of fascinating interest that you've learned on your travels. Call it something like 'Diary of a Mindful narrowboat lady'. It would be a lovely read. I'd definitely buy several copies! :-)

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much James; that is such a lovely idea. I really appreciate it. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@danhoppy5517]

20 quid glossy coffee table book. Your artwork needs to shine. As much as the artwork and poems, we need the journey, as well.

[@elizabethramsay2564]

Absolutely delighted that you are going to investigate further re printing your journal. It's just beautiful and definitely worthy of being shared with others. It most certainly is on a par with 'Edith' whose diary I'm following just now. Your video was lovely, as always and you and Zephyr looked like you thoroughly enjoyed the reservoir and what a delightful charm of goldfinches to finish with. One of my favourite birds. Thanks again for sharing your journey. You'll never know just how much this means to me each week. Stay safe.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Elizabeth, you are so kind and thoughtful to take the time to comment like this- thank you so much🤗 I really enjoyed the reservoir and I will definitely go back and walk around it again. Goldfinches are such stunning birds so I can see why they are one of your favourites and I was amazed to see so many of them in the city. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@catyear75]

Your videos are always so positive and interesting...! Birmingham seems like a nice city to visit , not sure I’d want to live there lol. I moved from NYC to get away from city life . Thanks for all you do , have a beautiful weekend!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I love visiting the city by boat as everything looks so big and exciting, but like you, I feel more at home in the countryside. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@shirleygreaves9650]

Thanks for another lovely vlog. That reservoir looked a beautiful place to visit, Zephyr seemed to enjoy herself in the water fishing out sticks to carry as dogs love to do. What a shame that the quality wasn’t too good at the printers, I’d definitely be interested if you do manage to find another way of copying your journal. Take care Vanessa, Mr Mindful and Zephyr. X

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you, Shirley for your lovely comment. Zephyr loves to find a stick and drag it out of the water- it is one of her favourite things to do🐾🐾 Hopefully, I will be able to find a solution to the colour printing issue.🤞 Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@vanessascola8932]

A lovely city it seems. How lovely.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is a great city to visit. Take care🦋🌻

[@timothyduncan3457]

Hi, I know it sounds like a waste of natural resources. But if none of the scanning or photographing works, your only alternative is to leave a blank page between each journal entry. Because you then won't get the bleed through from the back page. Still keep up the excellent video's and logs!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Timothy, I think going forward that I will definitely have to leave a blank page in between pages. I am going to try photographing and see how that goes first. Thank you so much for your advice and lovely comment. Have a super weekend.🦋🌻

[@roberthill9011]

Hi what a lovely way to look around Birmingham 🤗

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much. I really enjoyed my visit. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@thomasmackenzie7811]

Thank you Sooo much!!!! This is the first video I've seen 😁 of yours!!!!!! I'm IN to Purchase a copy of your Journal ☺️ - it's Magnificent and Magical!!!!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hello Thomas, welcome aboard!👋 I’m so pleased that you found my channel and thank you so much for leaving such a lovely comment. Have a fabulous Friday. I put a vlog out every Friday at 4:30pm. Take care 🦋🌻

[@lynncarmody1110]

Well here I finally am at back of the comments line. It warms one's heart to read so many well-deserved, beautiful compliments. I second them all! Having worked in publishing for many years, I feel certain that with careful scanning/editing your journal will turn out brilliantly. It is Family Day here in British Columbia, Canada; and back in my hometown of Toronto, Ontario, where most of my family is. I am missing them dearly. Watching your vlog was just what the doctor ordered for a spirit lifter. Thank you ever so much. May this week bring you as much joy/peace/adventure as you gift to others. ♥️

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Happy Family Day! What a lovely idea- we don't have that in the UK. I am so pleased that my vlog lifted your spirits. Thank you so much for such lovely comments too. 🤗 Have a wonderful rest of the week and I hope that it's not too long until you can see you family again, take care🦋🌻

[@WanabeHippie]

Lovely. Never seen Brum looking so good. I'll buy a copy of your journal if you publish it.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Brum was a treat to stop in. Have a wonderful week 🌻🦋

[@mattgoodchild8215]

What a watch .....fantastic ...my home town of old 👍

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It was beautiful to moor the boat in your home town! Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@kevinbullas2328]

Another really uplifting Vlog…😁👏🏻

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Kevin!😊 Have a great week, take care🦋🌻

[@mastercraft5798]

Great vlog Mrs Mindful. Never been to Brum before, but friends & I are planning a cycling trip up there in April/May via the Grand Union from London. Looking forward to it even more now. As for the journal... photograph it! Good lighting, quality camera and a tripod, will lift every detail and colour off the pages, which can then be tweaked, printed & bound. I'll happily pay extra for one or all of the first 5 copies off the press... signed of course! Have a great week. 😘

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Your cycling trip sounds amazing and to do that in the spring time will add to the magic. I will try and photograph it now and see if that gets better images. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@jamesfoley6555]

Thank you, so interesting as always🙏✝️🙏🇨🇦

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You are so welcome. Thank you so much for watching and commenting. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@robwynne1684]

Lovely as always Vanessa! With your journal into print an application such as Photoshop will be able to tweak the scan to match the colour and also 'hide' the folds and colours seeping through from the reverse pages. We look forward to heading into Birmingham later this year love Lucy and Rob NB Jasmine

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am going to try Photoshop- great idea! How exciting that you’ll be visiting Birmingham too. It’s been lovely looking at your photos of the Wendover Arm on Instagram- it’s brought back lots of brilliant memories. Thank you so much for your comment. Have a wonderful week 🌻🦋

[@G0RXA]

Well done Vanessa, lovely video again. Really likes the Railway themed garden. Amazing the sites one sees. Have a fun week Vanessa, safe travels.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Nigel, it is amazing what you see along the way. A lot of thought and care had obviously gone into that garden. Thank you so much for watching and for your lovely comment. Have a wonderful week, take care🦋🌻

[@G0RXA]

@@themindfulnarrowboat .......and you too!!

[@pancrazioaquilina7029]

Thank you vannessa allways waiting for fridays you give birmingham a most respected view i wish to visit have some lovley friends there love those finches can't wait for june when i visit uk and maybe buy that book take care

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It was a great city to moor your boat in and so much wildlife to see too. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@maryodonnell5760]

Thanks, Vanessa! What a lovely vlog! So funny to see the pedestrian going at the same speed, would be nice to walk the canals for those of us who don't have boats! Can't wait for your journal - my dad used to print photos and said he spent a lot of time manually adjusting colours that machines didn't do automatically and that no one else bothered or noticed, so a second opinion with the right person perhaps would get a different result on the pages, also maybe one at a time? Or taking photos and printing? Check around, because it is a work of art and deserves some artisan handling! As for posting it out lol has the Royal Mail recovered yet, Ireland has been cut off 6 weeks or more, from what I see. And my tiny rural village has thumping music till 3.30am most of the week, 2am an early night, who would have thought your city centre could be so quiet!!!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Mary, thank you so much for your lovely comment. The towpaths are very good in the city to walk the canals and it is a great way to experience Birmingham. Taking photos is a good idea and I am going to try that next; I have also ordered myself a scanner which has been recommended for artwork, so I will see if that makes the images better. The Royal Mail has not recovered yet but they are accepting letters and large letters which is how I managed to send yours; the backlog of post though is taking them a long time. It's crazy that you have been cut off and I hope it gets sorted really soon. Your village sounds lively! Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@maryodonnell5760]

@@themindfulnarrowboat well it's your journal aspect of the calendar I wanted so I don't mind the wait, they still did not deliver. A holland and barrett order I put in mid Jan which usually arrives next day was eventually told would arrive end of February, so am not giving up on your calendar arriving in 2023 [!] but in future for same year service from the UK, I will use addresspal :D

[@nancinowlen3043]

Beautiful…..thank you

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

🤗 Thank you, Nanci! Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@Red-ns9ny]

Oh wow!!! I would love a copy ❤😊 thanks for your fabulous vlog yet again and oh my god I want your wonderful book ! 😮

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much🤗 for such a lovely comment. I really appreciate it. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@stephenbrooks1692]

Hi Mrs Mindful - first - we love your vlogs your nature story as you visit places and how you explain the wildlife around you to us, your poetry and especially your art work. Secondly - Artist, Julie Weir (You Tube - Weir on the move-widebeam) is organising an exhibition for nature artists in Wiltshire in August 23. Mark Weir her husband is an author. Wonder if they could help with advice on reproducing your journal for publication? Just a thought. Steve n Joan Edinburgh PS there is an ulterior motive - we will buy a copy of your journal. Meanwhile we need a calendar 😉🙃

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment and great tip about Julie and Mark. I’ll see what I can do. I am so pleased that you enjoy the vlogs🤗 Have a wonderful week, take care🌻🦋

[@jacktrubshaw4576]

Hello! Lovely video, turns out we were neighbours without realising it. I live on Auntie B, you pass us at Selly Oak at 3.46 and by chance we end up mooring opposite you at the roundhouse too (I promise we weren't following you)! We've headed south back out of the city but if you're passing we'll be sure to give you a wave!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hello neighbours, I’ll look out for you to share a wave. Thank you so much for watching. Have a wonderful weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@mellow2990]

What an interesting voyage. Parts of the city look really cool since watching this video I realized that I can't tell the difference between a crow and a raven can you help me out? I think it's so cool that you are actually printing your book. I am so looking forward to buying an autographed copy. Thanks again for making my Friday really great Steve

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Steve, ravens and crows are tricky when apart but ravens are much bigger and are mainly found in clifftops or by the sea. I don't think that I have ever seen a raven, but I have seen crows, rooks and jackdaws; rooks have very distinctive, silvery beaks and jackdaws have a grey, lower head. There is also the hooded crow which I have never seen either- it has a black head like a hood on grey/silver upper wings. I would love to meet a raven and a hooded crow. Thank you so much for your comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@mellow2990]

@@themindfulnarrowboat Thanks for the education Vanessa so those were crows in your video then our crows over here look different somehow you always give such thoughtful answers Take care and have a great week :)

[@Margaret_J]

A beautiful vlog as always and so relaxing even in the heart of a city Exciting to see how you do with the journal Am definitely in the queue for that! I think Zephyr is becoming quite the star these days maybe she needs her own vlog channel too 🐾 Going for the 10,000 I see Rightly deserved Take care 🌼

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Margaret, thank you so much for your lovely comment- Zephyr really does seem to be getting to quite like this whole vlogging thing and walks into shot whenever the camera is out! Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@edwardhoughton2565]

Thank you

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You are so welcome. Thank you for watching, have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@otter736]

Another great video…thanks much !!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You are so welcome.🤗 Thank you so much for watching. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@Brian-ko9qy]

Love your videos and journal entries.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much!🤗 Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@michaelchester8997]

Yes please.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

😊 Thank you! Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@nancinowlen3043]

WOW!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Nanci!Take care🦋🌻

[@terrycrane9459]

The man on the towpath was thinking - This boat followed me home. Can I keep it?

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

🤭 Thank you so much for your comment. Have a great weekend🦋🌻

[@francesdavey1337]

Thank you for your Vlog it was beautiful xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Frances🤗 Have a super weekend🦋🌻

[@emeraldphoenix9229]

Your video episodes, poems & drawings are a balm to my heart .Thankyou. You make Birmingham look amazing, like you are a fairy sprinkling everywhere you go with fairy dust & making it sparkle. I will buy your book & also your calendar . Wishing you voyages of peace & happiness.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is such a beautiful comment, thank you so much🤗. I am touched that you would like to buy the calendar and book. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@rozannaherring1578]

I will definitely be buying your journal! xxx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Rozanna. That is very kind of you. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@azzytwoz]

Hello Vanessa, you are so right to be fussy about the quality of the printing of your beautiful diary. You must be absolutely happy and proud of it. I know you created it for your own pleasure but you have put so much into it and actually it's a masterpiece. I'll be so excited to buy it...really looking forward to it! Best wishes 🤗 Tony

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is such a lovely thing to say, Tony- thank you so much; I really appreciate your kindness. I will keep trying to find a way to reproduce it better. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@maxiemills6982]

Fabulous!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much!🤗 Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@jamesfrankie]

Beautiful x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much😊 Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@peterfindlay2756]

I’d love a copy of the journal. What I find so marvellous in your journeys is the variety of wildlife you see and name etc, the stories you tell as you go and the very relaxing nature of every video. Thank you so much.😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You are so welcome, Peter🤗 Thank you so much for watching and appreciating the vlogs. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@FlyFree2023]

Slowly catching up on your earlier Vlogs and the latest is another joy to watch. Birmingham is so often portrayed as a city to race through because of "problems" but you embrace it and give it a new perspective. I'm sure there is a balance to be learnt but thumbs up for the positive. As for the Journal, for me as with others that have commented put me down for a copy.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I am so pleased that I haven't raced through Birmingham as there is so much to see here. Lots of other boaters recommended staying where we stayed which is why I knew it would be a good spot. Thank you for also wanting a copy of my journal- that is very kind of you. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@blackbob3358]

Nice little plug for the LBB's. I did'nt know there was 40% in the UK. ( i'll have to look up about the big 'uns, now that you've stirred my curiousity. ) Like ya vid, just seen ya for the 1st time.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you for watching! It’s great to know that you enjoyed the video. Have a super rest of the week 🌻🦋

[@jennyc1846]

Oh yes please Vanessa if you get your journal printed I would love to buy a copy..."yes yes yes as Sally said to Harry" 🤭 Ive been asking you for a while to print them off. Happy to buy an original even, signed of course🙏. All the best of luck with it. 🤞Have you discussed this before, I still have a few episodes to catch up on...Willmine be the only copy in Australia???🦘🦘🦘.Btw did you get into Cadburys and get to sample? Those finches are absolutely gorgeous ...I miss your intro's by the way...🤣🤣

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

🤣🤣🤣 You are so funny, Jenny, ‘…as Sally said to Harry’ 😂😂 Thank you for your lovely words about my journal. Take care🌻🦋

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

Lovely vlog Vanessa. Pity about the printing of your journal. Did they do it again for free? Doesn't matter where you go, there are always birds to see. The two moorhens were getting very serious in their argument. By the time they were finished, the wanton female had probably lost interest and disappeared. Such is life !

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Lionel and Mary; I have since sorted out an amazing printer for my books which is such a relief! The moorhens were very serious weren't they 😂 Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🌻🦋

[@paulplant6486]

Love your vlogs and the peaceful escapism they bring. Thank you so much for sharing them. I'd love a copy of your journal. Love the calendar by the way

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is so lovely to know that the vlogs bring you some escapism. They are a pleasure to make. Thank you so much for watching and commenting. Have a super weekend, Paul🌻🦋

[@debraheaney6604]

lovely one of your best.i was wondering if water colour pencils were the answer to your problem .How did you learn your poetry, its loverly. Mike Heaney Canada.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Debra, yes I think that the water colour pencils make it harder to show up and I will have to go over the pages a bit. I have loved writing poetry since I was about eight and I used to write poems for my family and friends. I kept a book of poetry which is somewhere with my parents. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the week, take care🌻🦋

[@lydialen6881]

Really looking forward to the journal Vanessa and have a lovely time in Birmingham x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Lydia. I hope that you are well? Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@cms9902]

Hi. Not wanting to sound like 'Who's Alice', excuse my ignorance but who is Beryl?

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Beryl was a viewer who used to watch my vlogs each week and sadly she passed away, but her son was watching. Thank you for your comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@cms9902]

@@themindfulnarrowboat Well done for bringing enjoyment to her with your vlogs.

[@christinewalker5874]

Thanks Vanessa for the interesting video of my nearest city there is such a lot of the canal I haven't seen before. I am so looking forward to buying a copy of your journal when it comes out, take care x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Christine, the canal and reservoir are beautiful spots to visit and this time of year they are so quiet too. Thank you so much for watching and commenting. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@michaelpilling9659]

Hello Vanessa - greetings from Poland What a wonderful journey into the centre of Birmingham. Not the cruise I expected at all. I was expecting dark satanic mills etc. I got greenery, countryside, a gorgeous reservoir and more different birds that you could shake a stick at. I fell in love with your journal many many months ago. Can't wait to be able to buy a copy. And what a treasure for future generations of your family. Another fabulous video. Really loved it. Beautifully filmed with your usual expert commentary. See you again soon. Stay safe please.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hello Michael; I hope it has warmed up for you more this week? I was worried about you both in those cold conditions. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@michaelpilling9659]

Positively tropical here in Nowe Slupno on Sunday morning. +8 degrees! tee shirts and shorts weather!

[@peterwilliamallen1063]

Not sure why you thought you were going to see the satanic mills in Birmingham, Birmingham is well known for it's greenery and open spaces and has been totally transformed over the lat 10 years.

[@michaelhiggins7365]

Very excited to hear you are publishing your journal Vanessa. I do hope you can get the quality of the printing close to your original. I believe these will sell like hot cakes ! I very much enjoyed your cruise into Birmingham, it always seems like such a unique place to visit. Sending you all my very best from Avondale, Arizona.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is such a wonderful trip to make on a boat arriving in the city centre; I couldn't believe how quiet it was. Thank you for your lovely and kind comments. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@KG-ui7ji]

I am watching this at the close of 2023, with Dec. So I assume you published your 2022 journal. I do hope you will publish wowed journal. The publisher's must have told you the scans can be edited and tweaked for colour quality and removing any unwanted smudges and lines etc... Photoshop or a similar computer software programe will do the job. Perhaps you found another printer? Anyway I will be checkingbyour stay store for this years normal or calendars. I also have Edith Holdens diary of a country lady from when I was a girl.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

How wonderful that you have Edith's diary too! I did manage to get my 2022 book printed and I am awaiting more copies for my Etsy shop and to send my new 2023 journal off to the printers too. Thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement- that means a lot. Take care🌻🦋

[@ernestpimlott]

I would love to buy a copy of your journal

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much. Hopefully, I can get a better quality picture. 🤞Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻