It’s the end of the first week of 2023, the sun has actually put in an appearance today and I’m finally putting fingers on keys to write this post.
Over the next few posts, I’ll write a bit more about what I’m going to be doing and how I got here but I’ll keep it short for now.
The main weekly newsletter will have the same format based on what I’m noticing in nature, what I’m creating and what I’m reading that week.
Noticing
In the midst of an (admittedly warm) winter, I’m joy spotting signs of spring.
There are the first green shoots of spring bulbs in the garden, promising a carpet of grape hyacinths in a few weeks.
Trees in my parent’s garden are decorated with the natural decorations of catkins swaying in the wind.
I was also pleased to notice the buds of fresh leaves in my garden, even on the blueberry bush in my garden!
Creating
I feel like I’ve launched with both feet into creating since Christmas, not only have I finally written this newsletter but taking part in Tara Leaver’s (@taraleaver) #21daysinmyartworld challenge on Instagram has nudged me into putting paint on paper, playing with ideas that have been swimming around my brain. It felt like I hadn’t had any inspiration since last summer when I did a series inspired by rockpools and shells. But the silhouettes of winter trees have been grabbing my attention since they lost their leaves and now they are finally appearing on paper.
Reading
At the moment I’m reading and listening to two books by Leif Bersweden. His first book, The Orchid Hunter is making me want to search out more native orchids this year and his recent book Where the Wildflowers Grow on his journey around Britain seeking out the wonderful flowers on this island offers both botanical and geographical joy, taking me to places I know (the Cairngorms) and others I don’t (The Burren in Ireland). He’s got a gorgeous IG account bringing wild plant joy to my feed.
Another substack I love, one that fits perfectly with what I’m doing is
as she writes of three seasonal things she's noticed each week, encouraging her reader to add their own.What have you noticed in the outdoors this week?