Happy birthday to ME!!

I believe birthdays are the one day a year that the birthday boy or girl gets to do whatever they choose. I’m so busy all year that I like to choose quiet options: picnic in a park; reading a fabulous book; going out for dinner.

It’s also winter here, and living in a cold climate, it’s easy to choose to do nothing and snuggle up. I’ve also found as I’ve grown older that I care less about fuss, presents and fanfare, and more about spending the day doing something that genuinely makes me happy.

So to anybody else celebrating a special occasion this month, please remember pyjamas, hot chocolate with marshmallows, a blanket and a book (also a lap cat if you have one) is a fabulous choice!

Take care.

L. x

Happy May Day!!

I may live in the Southern Hemisphere, but one of my major defects is being in tune with seasons and markers through the year for the Northern Hemisphere. My natural rhythm is the reverse of what is happening around me.

I can’t explain it; I’m as confused as you are. Truly. I’ve just learnt to go with it.

I don’t believe in superstitions, BUT, if I were in Edinburgh, I’d be frolicking on the grass on Arthur’s Seat today. Mostly because I adore Edinburgh. I love all of Scotland, but there’s something special about its capital. And the superstition of washing your face with the dew from Arthur’s Seat on May Day is quaint. There’s no downside to a tradition designed to ensure health, happiness and beauty for the coming twelve months.

There’s lots of folklore regarding certain sources of water having healing properties, including St Anthony’s Chapel in Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat. In fact, Arthur’s Seat is cloaked in myth. The miniature coffins found on Arthur’s Seat can be seen in the National Museum of Scotland and have been treated in fictional works. As has the magic of King Arthur and his knights that are purportedly sleeping inside, waiting for the moment of triumphant return.

Arthur’s Seat itself is an ancient, sleeping dragon, or so some say.

Whichever way you look at it, it’s a special place and May Day sees the performance on an ancient tradition.

For all in Edinburgh, enjoy, and I wish I were joining you. For the rest of the world, enjoy May Day in whichever traditions you embrace.

Take care.

L. x

Happy Easter!!

In whichever form you’re celebrating this season, may it be joyous and all that you could ask.

I find the time of rebirth and new beginnings in nature amazing. That each plant and animal seems to have a seasonal trigger quite boggles my mind. I’m in the Southern Hemisphere, so it’s not so much about rebirth, but slowing down and preparing for winter where everything takes a break.

The weather at this time of year is magical. The skies are clear blue and the air holds a touch of crispness, beckoning people outside to enjoy the last of the pleasant outdoor times before winter settles for a few months.

Things outside of writing have been crazily busy, with the result that there’s been no changes there from last month. I’m hoping that the slow down period will apply to me as well and I can settle and refocus.

Until next time, enjoy the season and take care.

L. x

Happy St Patrick’s Day

I realise she isn’t technically a leprechaun, but she is super cute and I couldn’t resist. In the way of all writers, I’ve chosen to go with a slight twist on the normal state of affairs!

The turn of the seasons is a busy time. For Australia, we’re coming out of summer and into autumn. The air is cooling down, nature seems to start slowing to get ready for the rest period of winter. There seems to be so much to do in the garden, and equally as much dealing with the abundance from the garden: jams, chutneys, freezing things to make the most of all that has been harvested.

The days are getting shorter and towards the end of March the equal point of light and dark will arrive. After that, it seems nature flips a switch and the hours of light quickly become less. For those in the northern hemisphere, the opposite will occur, which is equally exciting.

St Patrick’s Day coincides with a general period of celebration, either for the summer that’s been, or the one that’s on the way.

To all of our Irish friends, to those celebrating Irish ancestry and those who enjoy celebrating St Patrick’s Day – have a fabulous time enjoying whichever aspects you choose.

Until next time, take care.

L.x

Happy Valentine’s Day

It’s that time of the year when the stories of St Valentine and the fulfilment of young and forbidden love come out. The stories of bravery and love conquering all spread like wildfire. I’m not going to lie, I’m a novelist and I LOVE all the theatrics.

The giddying excitement of teenage crushes, roses delivered to school, and anonymous cards or gifts is both terrifying and thrilling, and a part of growing up that I’m sure all adults look back on from time to time. Even the cringeworthy moments are worth pondering and realising how far we’ve come in terms of confidence.

In a practical sense, Valentine’s Day has changed considerably since I was young. It’s become incredibly commercialised and expectations have sprung up of a need to celebrate lavishly. If all the hoopla is pushed aside, it’s nice at this time of year to stop and take the time to celebrate the people in our lives. Our loved ones.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve realised that it’s not just romantic love, but ALL love, that needs time to be celebrated and nurtured. Love comes in all forms and sizes, and the differences bring the colour to our lives. All those pieces interlock to form the whole, and we wouldn’t be the same without any of them.

Let’s make February the month of love and take time to acknowledge, celebrate and enjoy all those who are important parts of our lives. Even the furry containers of love!

Take care.

L. x

P.S. I’m hard at work on Addy and it’s coming along nicely. I’m super happy with progress!!