I'm waving at you

Greetings from my garden

I’m sitting writing in the garden at the start of the weekend. I confess that this is more energetic than my go-to writing nook on a Saturday morning, which is curled up in bed with a cup of tea. This morning, flush with the new term, I’m trying something new. It’s good to try something new in September, the time of new starts.

This year has been a time of pushing myself, and as I look at my to do list, it seems never-ending. To-do lists take different forms all the time. I’m not organised with them at all. Some are on scraps of paper, some have a notepad, which is fleetingly dedicated, some make their way in among scraps of writing, drawings or plans, some are documented on the laptop. This one today is a checklist in my Apple notes. I squint at it. The screen gleams back at me. None of the actions are yet ticked off. Yes, today marks the start of a new set of goals.

At the end of the list is to take a photo for this newsletter, which has to go out with an image. It may end up changing the form of the newsletter slightly, but I do like to describe where I am when I’m writing, particularly for writing outside. The lush green of the ivy covering the fence gives way to lime yellow leaves of the acacia above, gives way to a bright sky. It’s morning, and the light of September sun, climbing higher, was bright in my eyes before I shifted round to place it at my back and allow myself to see. As I look at my laptop, I see a rainbow. How beautiful. I grab my camera - and there I am reflected in the laptop screen, rainbow intact. I try waving.

Here I am, waving at you through the cover of my book, in a garden, which is peaceful, where I’ve taken time to sit and make time and space for myself.

I’ve had some really nice feedback on the book. I’m excited to bring it out. There will be advance copies on Amazon from the 12th Sept, which you can pick up for 99p. I’d love it if you are able to leave a review if you grab one of these early copies. Price increase on the 17th, the formal launch, but it won’t be exorbitant. I want to offer it out, to hand it over, a present. Here it is. I made this for you.

That image of waving at you through the cover of the book is one that I’ll remember. I am writing this for individuals I know. I’m writing this to pay tribute to the many people who will and who won’t read it, who have made an impact on me. I’m writing it out of a well of affection. I’m waving at you.

My friend, I hope you find some ordinary and rather marvellous moments in your day today to reflect on at the start of the new season.

Take care of you xxx