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…

Sacred Spaces

Here are some photos I took, when exploring Stone Henge and Avebury, in Wiltshire. I love the atmosphere of wandering these places. It unravels the knots of modern life and gives chase to your imagination. The play of light is one of my favourite aspects of a stone circle. The changeling weather provides a mysterious aspect.…

Circles

As the light returns, we gear up for more gathering... throughout the year, I meet up with various groups. These circles are all different and wonderful in their way. There's the large gaggle of ladies in the family, a group that met through roles in education, small business owners where I do events and a…

Embrace

Within each season, the moods of nature support certain activities; building momentum throughout the year. They nurture the necessary and the beloved, providing a loose framework with room to adapt (because disruption is part of life). I've put my life on paper in 3 lists; what I need to do, what I love to do and…

Flourish

People are incredible; those that surround me, those that inspire me. I'm setting an intention for the new year... flourish; a living organism; to grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as the result of a harmonious environment. Humanity is a living organism. Together we grow and develop; often with tremendous grace, sweat,…

Allotmenteering: Hayley Stewart

This ‘Winter Morning’ interview is with the lovely Hayley Stewart; allotmenteer, Chair of the Sandy Carnival and long term committee member and Show Manager for Sandy Horticultural Association. What motivates you to work / run an allotment? This actually stemmed from growing up in a family of keen gardeners fresh veg and fruit is a…