Hello! I was talking to a friend recently and she mentioned how sad she felt that autumn had arrived, because it meant winter was on the way. "I just hate it," she asserted, cradling her cup of tea and looking at me sadly. It reminded me of the sentiments my late mother-in-law used to share with a sigh every year at this time. While I don't agree (I love autumn!), I do empathise as I'm not all that keen on winter. However, if we spend months of our year dreading a season or insisting we are...
about 5 hours ago • 3 min read
Hello! Anyone else out there feel like they are constantly in a rush? Recently I noticed that I was feeling like I was in a hurry most of the time, constantly trying to catch up. It made me feel stressed and uncomfortable, and even worse, like time was slipping by even faster. One morning while I was grabbing a quick solo breakfast, I found myself picking up the fall issue of Magnolia Magazine from a pile of magazines I had been too busy to read. Serendipitously, the theme of the issue was...
17 days ago • 5 min read
Hello! How are things in your corner of the world? I'm feeling refreshed and restored after a family holiday in Canada, where I re-discovered a piece of my childhood - and the magic of serendipity. If you read my last newsletter The Art of Looking for Delight, you may remember that while we were in Canada a few weeks ago my husband and I visited Leaskdale Manse, the first Ontario home of L M Montgomery, the author of many books, including the beloved Anne of Green Gables series. Leaskdale...
about 1 month ago • 4 min read
Hello! Lately I have been thinking about delight - not the big, life-changing kind, instead I mean the quiet delights hidden in ordinary days. I want remember to notice the things I have quietly begun to take for granted, both big and small, whilst also fully embracing the adventures and opportunities that come my way. It is so easy to take everyday delights for granted. Paying more attention to the things that bring delight to our days really can enhance our lives. I'm thinking of delights...
2 months ago • 4 min read
Hello! How are things in your corner of the world? Recently I have been considering how, when I think about my happiest memories, there are far more ordinary days than milestone occasions. Yes, the wedding, the special occasion, the trip, and the birth of a new baby are all moments to treasure. But it is often the day we discover somewhere new together, the heartfelt conversation over a cup of tea, the laughter that catches us by surprise, or a quiet evening that seems unremarkable at the...
3 months ago • 3 min read
Hello! This morning I opened up my email to find a message entitled "The Perfect Books for Late Summer Reading - Savour the last pages of summer". Friends, it is mid-June. The solstice was just last weekend and summer has hardly begun. Why is there this incredible pressure to rush through our days, weeks, months and seasons? There's nothing wrong with planning ahead, but only with the intention of making things easier as time moves forward, not in order to rush through the season we are in. I...
3 months ago • 3 min read
Hello! Happy June! How are things in your corner of the world? My birthday is in June, so I'm a bit biased, but I have always loved this month. The days are longer, the weather is generally getting a bit warmer, and roses and peonies - my favourite flowers - are in season. I'm thinking about days spent exploring, relaxed entertaining, and afternoons in the shade with a good book and a glass of ice tea. And of course my birthday, which I still get very excited about. One thing I know for sure...
4 months ago • 3 min read
Hello! Can you believe we are over 100 days into 2026? Time seems to be moving at such a pace, it has me thinking about the importance of slowing down and finding joy in the simple, everyday moments. Whether it's taking the time for a few minutes with the book you really don't want to put down, having a quick cup of tea in the garden or simply smelling the flowers, it is almost always the smallest moments that can make us feel more grounded. Oh, and I have a question for you. Are you someone...
5 months ago • 3 min read
Hello! How are things in your corner of the world? These are certainly strange times we are going through, and I hope that wherever you are, you are safe and well. Life seems to get busier and busier, so today I have some recipes to help you answer the 'what's for dinner?' question more easily. I'm also sharing things that are making me smile - in the hope they will make you smile too - as well as an explanation of how I managed to get to Canada from the UK without getting on a plane. But...
5 months ago • 3 min read