Joy

I've signed up with Open University and am alternating some courses with creative projects going forward. Learning is fun and a good reminder that frustration is fleeting but joy has deep roots. Knowing 'why' and 'how' of my intentions, inspires me to keep on, even when there are setbacks. My areas of interest are business,…

Event: Spooky Storytime

I'm telling stories for Halloween... come along, bake witch finger cookies, join in the colouring session and practise your Boo! Kiss Me Cupcakes at Unit 1, West Way Estate, Alvechurch Road, Birmingham, B31 1PQ.  Stories for preschool/infants age. On-site toilets/parking. Face painting available on the day (pay separately). If flying by broom, write your name on…

O Horizon

O horizon is what is underfoot, when you walk through woodlands. Three layers of organic matter; needles, cones and leaves on top, a layer in decay beneath and under that, rich humus. I left social media months ago (after several years on Twitter and a year on Instagram) and haven't missed it. Wandering in places…

Wax & Wane

October is the month it grows dark enough to light candles. Wind snaps at our legs. Green turns molten as leaves curl then fall. Skies can glisten like pale crystal or dampen everything with a wash of grey. Autumn sweeps in with a ruthless brush stroke. It finds us peering into drawers and boxes, savouring finds…

Sunbeams & Books

Some highlights of weeks past and plans looking forward. I'm near to completion on a poetry collection and overseeing illustrations for my children's book 'Moonbright'. Both will be published in 2019. My focus for the second half of 2018 is overseeing illustrations for another children's book and editing an older project. Reading has been non-fiction; I've…

Writing: The Process

I met with author ES Moxon recently, to talk about the process of writing Sky Drum... 1. What was the initial inspiration for your current book/series? A thunderstorm several years ago reminded me of recurring childhood dreams. I've always been fascinated in nature and the cosmos. I began thinking about people interacting and working with them directly.…

Big Expanse

I love wandering along a coastline, to bathe in the expanse... It is one of my favourite forms of self-care. Whatever the weather, it always inspires... I'm diving into new projects through Summer and shall return to blogging in the Autumn. Wherever you're wandering and whatever you're creating... ...enjoy the expanse. -louise   All photos…

Collaboration

Following on from my previous post, Contribution, here are 8 ways to collaborate with others, within community: Do something calming or creative to manage stress (walking or singing) Renew or learn new skills (such as first aid or preserving) Daily self-care to increase strength (like running or yoga) Cluster errands/task, when possible, to reduce consumption of…

Memory Stones

In another research post, I share my photos of West Kennet longbarrow and Sidbury hill in Wiltshire and Pentre Ifan in Pembrokeshire. The deep blue of the sky on a clear day in Wales, is wonderful. The black mountain is framed by the Pentre Ifan burial chamber. Buttercups and gorse in golden bloom quiver in the…

Contribution

Nature is threading change into our days, with the seasons. Here are some ways to adapt and improve upon current living situations: Growing, harvesting/preserving food Planting trees, particularly fruit-bearing Re-purposing items and waste where possible Adding feeders/water tables/shelter for wildlife Clearing gutters, drains and soak-aways regularly Collecting leaves and composting to improve soil quality Securing…

Ancient Abodes

Here are some photos I took while exploring places that inspire storytelling; Castell Henllys Iron Age village in Pembrokeshire and Wroxeter Roman City, in Shropshire. From the fireside earthenware to the loom, these abodes highlight what was important to us then is still important now. The scale and layout give each place a different feel. Narrow paths…

Repurposing

I've been thinking how re-purposing provides an opportunity to be creative. It has other benefits... bringing greater awareness to our actions, reducing consumption, building co-operation and creating solutions to problems. Some examples: Plastic sleeves that cover cards, delicate or seasonal decorations. Use them to display wipe-clean notices, certificates or event posters. Completed pages from colouring…