Noon is the busiest time of the day for some, and for others it's the beginning of a siesta, away from the heat of the day. This edition of Quiet Spaces considers some of the most active times of life, when we are in our prime, at our busiest, and when, perhaps, we need to create a quiet space in the shade. Articles include Margaret Silf on 'Life's noontide hour', an extract from Joyce Huggett's book Embracing God's World , and Heny Wansbrough reflecting on St Benedict's rules for life. Contributors in this issue include: Stephen Rand Sarah Parry Henry Wansbrough