The slow coming on of spring. The sleepiness of winter still lingering. The feeling of hovering between the slow season we’re still in and the one we’re about to dance into. A holding place. ‘The other tomorrow’ as my five year old calls it. A space between the present and the days ahead. Magical.
Buds previously not there last week have emerged out of nothing, round and promising of future colour. But not quite yet, we are forced to wait for their brilliance. Sit with patience. Jonquils and daffodils and tulips are popping up all over the place, reminding me there is still so much going on below the surface. And suddenly the sun is out, and I’m striding towards it, across the fields, breathing in the crisp, fresh air that tells of snow in the mountains. The knots under my shoulder blades loosening with every step, my chin lifting along with my heart. Today promises of the warmer days coming, the sense we’re about to whoosh into the end of the year. The calendar is filling up quickly, my heart beats a little faster at the thought of longer days in the sun with friends, I’m fielding emails and messages daily about ballet Christmas concerts and preschool concerts and end of year celebrations. The girls are singing Christmas carols in the bath. And I feel slightly overwhelmed with the knowledge that this time only seems to go faster and faster and soon we’ll be another year down. So I’m trying to sit with the comfort of the last weeks of this slower season before the faster, sparklier months whip me up and propel me forward.
My fave, Cleo Wade.
Substack loves
I recently sank into Jeff Curto - At Home In Time’s lovely read - ‘Keeweenaw - The Solitude of Being’. I really related to this beautiful piece of writing.
Book loves
May Day by Holly Craig - I’m listening to this audible original by my mentor and The Write Club Mother and I’m utterly obsessed. An addictive listen about a group of entwined young twenty-somethings on a holiday gone wrong that plays out like a movie before you.
A Beautiful Family by Jennifer Trevelyan - I’m halfway through this novel and even though I don’t think it’s going to end well for any of them I can’t look away. Told through the eyes of ten year old Alix it traces a fateful family holiday. The strength of Alix’s voice and the way she so innocently sees the dangers around her is utterly compelling.
Instagram loves
@woodlucker - A paper flower botanical artist. Who even knew that was a thing? So quirky and gorgeous.
Watch loves
The Summer I Turned Pretty - Yes, like every woman and teenage girl I’m obsessed. For good reason. There’s nothing like watching a screen adaptation that is being directed by the writer herself. The cinematography is gorgeous but so too is the storytelling, the carefully chosen songs, right down to the placement of the characters in each scene. And the light in that roadside stall scene. Swoon. I won’t look at a peach the same way again.
The Buccaneers - The first season was deliciously addictive and this new season has not disappointed so far. I always get the best new Spotify playlist from it too.
I just loved this picture, Untitled by Jane Fisher. Is she an ethereal maiden floating under water, ripples playing across her back, or is she tiptoeing up the stairs under the dappled light of an ancient tree? Either way it immediately evoked a sense of calm reflection for me. A holding place. It gave me the same feeling I get when floating or lying under a tree looking up at the leaves rustled by a breeze. I hope it does for you too.
Happy Sunday,
S x
