Hedges, Books & Berries

I enjoy the fresh air and quiet of gardening, before the rhythm of breakfast, chores and home educating begins. 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 and trees. I love planting varieties of lavenders, …

Launching STAR & BARK

Children's collection STAR & BARK - Soothing Stories for All Ages is out now! 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 …

Into the Garden…

Autumn has arrived - brisk, breezy and bright! I'm loving it. How about you? With cooler days, comes more energy. I've 2 projects set for launch in the coming months. Weeks flow in a fulfilling rhythm of work, studies, writing, gardening and hobbies. Rather than play catch-up, I've created simpler plans, that remain flexible and …

Lately…2

Mornadoodle* beautiful people. I'm writing in a brief flash of sunshine, while bursts of sheeting rain and rough winds, "shake the darling buds of May," as Shakespeare wrote. Lately, I've been planting and writing scenes for my latest novel. This week is 'Mock Move' - rummaging in a dozen areas around the home, that if …

Lately…

Afternoodle lovelies, how are you? I've had my head down writing or looking up, enjoying the blue sky. It's gorgeous to hear birds chirping. Weather and lifting of restrictions this week, has meant sunshine and more time in the garden. The sweet scent of Spring is like catnip for inspiration. I've been creating a download …

First Steps

In recent weeks, the sentiment behind Buckminster Fuller's quote on reality, has lingered in my mind. How can I create a new model of reality, in order to make the old model obsolete? There are ways the pandemic impacted daily life, that didn't affect me, because I make different choices to many. Some of them …

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, …

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 …

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 …