Lughnasadh (Lammas) has arrived. Lughnasadh is a Gaelic festival, while Lammas is Anglo Saxon/Christian. Although distinctly different festivals, they both commonly signify the partaking of the first fruits of the year’s harvest Bread Products Lammas means “loaf mass”, which fits in well with my recent attempts at making sourdough. I know… I know… it was …
Midsummer is here. The sun’s cycle has reached its peak. We arrive at the moment where the days are long and the nights are brief. It is a time of warmth, lightness, and extroversion. All the energy is channelling into our work and we are vibrating with that feeling of productivity and purpose. Those seeds …
While the tech industry compels us to offhand our creativity to machines, I am going against the grain and sketching. Inspirations The kick up the bum came via a local artist named Ritchard, who currently has an exhibition running at The Goat Gallery. He showed me one of his sketchbooks he carried around. When he’s …
Happy Beltane! The 1st May pairs with Beltane, and – for me – the annual rewatch of the classic film, The Wicker Man. The old fire festival celebrates the sun’s cycle as it strengthens towards its peak and the land’s fertility. Creatively, for me this is a good time to maximise my output and show …
I have neglected my blog of late. In my defence, I have been writing. Well… editing. And painting. Although most of December I had RSV and didn’t do much of anything. I feel it’s time for a catch-up. On Writing With the help of my lovely critique partners and beta readers, I have been polishing …
What are the differences between a plotter and a pantser? What are the benefits and drawbacks? Is one better than the other? Can a writer be both? Are you a pantser or a plotter? This is a question often asked by writers to other writers. It is a bit like asking someone which political party …
Helen Edith Toull is my great-grandmother and the family poet. She lived from 1888 to 1978, and rather than allow her memory and poetry to remain hidden in a box, I shall share it with you. I’m massively into ancestry. But I’ve always been keen to learn more about history. Together, Dad and I have …
I am delighted to announce Earth Pathways has accepted three pieces of my work for their 2025 diary. “Earth Pathways celebrates the work of artists and writers who share a deep love for the land and a desire to live with appreciation and responsibility for this beautiful planet.” This is my third year to have …
Incorporating the five senses into your writing A year ago, someone shared with me a grounding technique. We all have our methods to bring ourselves back to the present moment, and this exercise focuses on using the five senses to reconnect with the immediate environment. First, arrange yourself into a comfortable position. Relax your breathing. …
February can feel like a funny month. Its shorter, changeable length gives the impression whoever was making up the months tried to make the best of a slightly botched job. The weather is usually foul, this year opting for the three W’s: warm, wet, windy. However, the days are lengthening. The spring bulbs are pushing …