Hello friends, I’m glad you’re here and hope you’re well. This will probably be my final newsletter for 2024, so I wish you all comfort and cheer as you see the year out.
Another family bereavement this week means that I am not feeling especially festive, but the world - and the Christmas machine - is still turning, reminding me of the beauty of the world and of the season. There’s a robin whose territory includes the area by the entrance where I enter and leave my workplace, and I love hearing him sing at the top of his lungs from his perch on a signpost, it feels like I’m being serenaded. I know what he’s actually singing will be along the lines of ‘piss off, this is my territory’, but I appreciate the tuneful start to the day nonetheless.
This weekend my friend and fellow writer Angela C Nurse shared a table at Stirling’s Christmas market at the Albert Halls. It was very busy, and loud, and I was also glad that we were only doing the Saturday (30th Nov), so we didn’t end up falling foul of Whamageddon on day 1 via the market’s Christmas playlist. I enjoyed the market a lot, although won’t quite be able to retire on the proceeds, and they raised £2,000 for Strathcarron Hospice too, so it was good to do. I’m thinking about events for next year - I do enjoy these markets, but want to find some more nature-adjacent or artisanal events which I think will be good fits for my books. Any suggestions gratefully received!
As we get caught up in the whirl of school Christmas concerts, shopping and planning, we’re also trying to hold ourselves in grief and remembrance. It is a strange feeling, to be sad when the world around us is full of sparkle and cheesy music and all the rest of it. I think we’ll try and hunker down for a few weeks, enjoy being cosy at home, and emerge into the new year when it’s all over. Till then, I hope you enjoy the lead-up to Christmas, that you’re able to spend time with loved ones, and have lots of nature and good book encounters! See you in 2025.
I’m so sorry Jackie. Losing someone is always hard but around this time of year it’s doubly so. Been there sadly. Hunker down with your loved ones and draw strength from the memories of good times and happy places. I wish you strength, hugs and good thoughts.
Lots of hugs to you all.