Dear Friends,
I hope you are easing into this New Year with gentleness. My festive season contained some merriment and a rare city visit, which means I now have Covid for the third time. I’m hoping that this batch will be milder, and even if not it was worth it to spend the last midnight of 2022 with lovely souls; chanting out a countdown followed by Balkan music, gypsy jazz, dancing and gin in teacups.
What my body is telling me is that my immune system is finally working better, which I can only put down to walking so much more since the last time I had this silly virus. It’s about a year in of taking regular, sustained walks and the strength gained is surprising. I’ve read some wonderful books about walking over 2022 as well, which has heightened my awareness. The bugs might still get the better of me, if so I shall submit! There are always more books to read and walks to plan.
In the spirit of a new year, here are some gifts for the quiet times. I may have already written about this, but you can now access my Woodland Wandering audio writing ‘walkshop’ for free. This is a series of audio guides for writing poetry in woodland that I made over the pandemic. Also, on the back of a house move I’ve discovered many more copies of my Body of Water poetry pamphlet. If you don’t have one, I would like to send you one – just reply with your address and a little book will arrive through your letterbox sometime this month. I also have an audio version available.
In other news, I am making writing a habitual ritual this year and will soon be launching a paid subscription version of this newsletter. This current form will also continue, so no need to exchange monies. If you enjoy my writing and would like two longer posts per month (plus other things as the community evolves) the option is now available. My first piece will be a longer book review of the writing that shaped my world throughout last year. There is a discount button for you at the end of this email if you’d like to give it a whirl.
Thanks for reading and sending you good vibes from my viral, yet peaceful nest in the Welsh hills,
Emily x