A Book of Green

Editing has begun! I'm still a few months from the release of my next book (a nonfiction project), though the excitement is tangible. A trusted writer is casting their eye over it, before I head into production. Elements for the cover are being gathered for the first look. It's been a tough year for humanity, …

Oh Marcus…

Emporer Marcus Aurelius, of Rome. Writer and Stoic. The words he wrote two thousand years ago, have a wonderful way of opening doorways and sending refreshing breezes through places in my wanderings, that I love to venture. Below are 3 phrases from Meditations, that I've found myself returning to often, of late... "Keep looking straight …

Failure as Friend

My Dad taught me from a young age to befriend failure – it’s a far better teacher than success. To this day I have only ever won a board, card or sports game when I have genuinely managed to outwit him. I learnt that hard work and challenges are inevitable in life. That they always …

You Are Here

Going with the flow, being "in flow". I love the tangible point that it places me in; a sense of where I am, like maps in market squares with an arrow - even as I'm swept along - not always sure of the destination. This also happens when I play. I improvised on an Alto …

Simple Acts of Nature

Nature offers inspiration to fortify, in readiness for the colder, darker months ahead. Below are 6 ways that nature inspires me to deepen my connection with it. These actions serve as an ongoing journey in lightening impact and increasing self-reliance. They have enabled me, even when experiencing ill health, a hectic month or stress, to …

Life in 3 Words

I have 3 words that I use as compass directions in life. In my thirties, I meditated a lot on impact and meaning. They're worth investing time and energy into. I was raised with the perspective that both are lifelong pursuits. That meaning and impact is made and found, not in any one area or …

Dance Your Tune

When our choices cause friction, it can be a useful growth experience. It can feel unpleasant, though that is temporary if we’re willing to look beyond it. I believe, based on experiences, the point is to examine ourselves not others. The deeper our own acceptance of self runs, the greater the scope for accepting others. …

Together

People often look outward instead of inward. It is pointless to want all of humanity to make all the same choices, have all the same beliefs. Apart from the obvious (never gonna happen), it would create weakness and make us more vulnerable to extinction than we already are. We thrive and continue, because of our …

Wanderings (Into Nature)

It's been a while since I did an Into Nature entry... I've ventured to local hills in recent months. With their popularity growing as the sun brightened towards midsummer, I've wandered some heathland that's new to me. Ramblers and dog walkers are tiny specks of colour in the distance. The expanse draws me in each …

Long Are The Days

Summer has become a friend, in recent months. It's provided a sunlit haven as we continue studies and projects; while maintaining contact with loved ones. I'm fortunate to live near much of my immediate family, so baked goods dropped at doorsteps and video chats, have provided relief. Habits we've had since moving in, back in …

Small Deeds

One of the ways I've been reaching out is making use of the wonderful postal system. Aside from writing regularly to a few people, I've been sending snippets of pretty with letters, from a pile of magazines I've recycled. An interesting article, colouring pages, arty postcards and pictures to pop on the fridge or some …

Notes on Paper

When planning my projects for the next few years, I was aware that print books are still my format of choice (as a reader and writer). A love of nature and lifelong habits of re-using paper, where possible, impacts my purchasing and use of paper. Though as far as print books I've published, I'd yet …