Border Castles (Into Nature)

I meet with a friend, on a sunny morning, in what appears the middle of nowhere, but is actually rural Herefordshire. Murmuring of the strangeness of the last couple of years, we walk about the castle ruins, enjoying the serenity and mystery of the castle walls and stone bridges. The motte, some still brimming with …

The Spaces Between… (the editing process)

I've just shifted from editing a book into drafting another. I've worked on this book throughout the pandemic and wanted to share some of the things I did, that led me into the spaces between. Originally intended for release early 2021, production delay and a decision to take a deeper look, became a learning curve. …

Creativity Response

Plant a vegetable, strum the first few bars of a soon-to-be stadium-shaker, take a shower (many creative thoughts happen while bathing). Keep on, because life is what you make it. In every moment. What are you making? I can't wait :d

Hello 2022

The light is returning, in more ways than one. The brightness is almost startling, even on days where cloud seeps into every corner and inch of the sky, draping itself around me on walks. The bracing elements make January feel stark and bare. There is something raw about how Winter advances into a new year. …

Hedges, Books & Berries

I enjoy the fresh air and quiet of gardening, early in the morning. Collecting plants and bulbs, I settle in hebes, including an Andromeda Blue Ice. Then some box hedge, daffodils and tulips. Over the years, I've planted flowering evergreens, perennials, bulbs and trees. I enjoy repeat planting in various colours and varieties, mostly lavenders, …

Launching STAR & BARK

Children's collection STAR & BARK - Soothing Stories for All Ages is inspired by wildlife, science and history. The 8 timeless stories are available now! Doodling and colouring are so much fun. In recent years, their therapeutic and calming benefits have become widely known. Each book is a unique collaboration of the reader's illustrations and …

Into the Garden…

Autumn has arrived - brisk, breezy and bright! I'm loving it. How about you? With cooler days, comes more energy. Weeks flow in a fulfilling rhythm of work, studies, exercise and hobbies. Rather than play catch-up, I've created simpler plans, that remain flexible and favour the longview considerably more. This garden that I've puttered around …

Keep Digging

There are those whose words echo, far beyond their lifetime. I return to such words, because of their beauty and how as humans, we vibrate a thread that connects us all. I re-read Marcus Aurelius Meditations. Each morning, savouring phrases that have my soul humming. I love that words written two millennia ago still have …