June and July are a blur in my mind. I don’t think I’m the only one who feels this way...
The Wild Places by Robert Macfarlane – Book Review
Are there any wild places left in Ireland and Britain? In his book, The Wild Places, Robert Macfarlane embarks on a journey through mountains, islands, moors, forests, salt marshes, and more, searching for ‘wildness’. But Macfarlane must revaluate his own ideas and preconceptions about ‘wildness’ as he discovers and maps the so called ‘wild places’ on these islands in this well-researched book. His search takes him to a variety of landscapes, from the hostile pinnacle of Ben Hope to the fascinating Burren in Ireland. Each landscape is unique and layered as natural and human history entwine.
In-Between Spaces and Waiting Places: Identifying Wildflowers in May
But waiting is part of life, for all things, and there’s value in waiting too. Waiting, either actively or passively, is simultaneously an act of acceptance and resistance and anticipation. Accepting the discomfort of uncertainty, yet resisting the urge to become stuck while anticipating change.
9 days – poem
A poem for the last week and a half. Thank goodness it’s the weekend. It was still raining yesterday but we made the most of the day and went for a lovely rainy-day walk. There's something soothing about walking on a quiet rainy day in summer... The world feels softer, like it's wrapped in wool, and yet your senses come alive with the smell of rain on the earth and the touch of droplets against your skin. I'm still hopeful for some sunshine this weekend, though! Because there's something wonderful about seeing the sun on a busy summer's day 🙂
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke – Book Review
Clarke creates a strange world and you have to orientate yourself in this labyrinth, but keep reading! Soon I was so intrigued by Piranesi, the House and its mysteries that I didn’t want to stop reading.
Whispering Trees and Forget-Me-Not Skies: Finding Wildflowers in April
It's hard to live far away from your family during the pandemic and the distance feels immense when you need to process a loss or grief. So, I keep walking, despite the fickle weather. I keep writing, despite the stale words. And I look for wildflowers and listen to whispering trees.
Dance of life, blood, and memory – poem
Poetry helps us come to terms with grief, and comfort is often found in unexpected places.
When the Gardening-Bug Bites – Lefras’ Story
Lefras' passion for plants and gardening is infectious. We talk about the Amaryllis in his high school boarding room, gardening on a budget, and what he would do if he won the national lottery...
Speed Well and Stay Safe: Identifying Wildflowers in March
March was a great time to start identifying Ireland’s plant species. We spent more time outdoors as the days became warmer. It was incredible to see the first spring leaves shimmering on trees and shrubs and the forsythia and magnolias blooming in suburban gardens re-energised my lockdown spirit. Even though I was excited about this new adventure, it felt a little daunting and I was uncertain where to start.
Comfort Reading in Uncertain Times – Why We Reread Some Stories Again and Again
I finished listening to the seventh and final Harry Potter audiobook today, written by J.K. Rowling and narrated by Stephen Fry. I hadn’t planned to listen to all seven audiobooks over the past months, but sometimes it's comforting to return to a book or series you love during uncertain or stressful times.
