Summer is my favourite season and the only consolation for its passing is the arrival of autumn 🍂. I've a late August birthday so this season always speaks of new beginnings to me too, of ideas and possibilities that ripened while I was out playing in the sun and are now ready to be picked up and explored in earnest. Along with new books, including yours :)
we had a final (🤞🏼) heat spell teasing the hearts of summer lovers into thinking august was not fading into september. the crickets tell a different story and they, along with darkening evenings put me solidly in your camp of rejoicing 🍁🍂. and soon the much needed rain will be the ambient sound as i read your latest book (preordered months ago!) so looking forward to it. 🧡🧡🧡
Here's hoping you have many adventures with your new doggy boy. We just said goodbye to our dear dog, Charlie, a week ago, and although it was time, our hearts are very sore. I envy you the beginning of Autumn. We are heading into Spring, and already I feel anxious at the thought of longer days and weeks of too-bright, blue sky. I've taken to staying up very late; that dark hours are such respite. Much delight to you as you write your way into winter.
Sharon, your autumnal reflections really resonated with me. I'm also someone who thrives on new beginnings, and September always feels like a fresh start. But like you, I've often fallen into the trap of overcommitting myself, spreading my energy too thin across too many projects. Your journey of learning to manage your "furnace" is inspiring. It's a good reminder that we don't have to do it all, and that saying no can be an act of self-care. I'm curious, how do you decide which projects to prioritize now?
It's about whether the idea of doing it lights up my heart, or fills me with dread. Life is now decidedly too short to do the things I think I 'must'. I write better and am able to give more when whatever I'm doing brings me joy. I think it was the lymphoma which taught me that. Saying no wasn't an optional extra then; the only question was what to, and it surprised me, how easy it was to step back and see the things which drained my energy and the things which energised me. And to develop the discernment, which in the end was always by listening to my heart. Asking 'Is this who I am, today?' And learning to balance what I need with what I imagine the world needs.
I am 70 and sending out a debut novel, the first in a series, plus hitting my stride on Substack. This after thirteen plus years of family demands and detours. Two years ago, I put my banner in the ground and stated that I would be writing full time and that everyone could figure out what that meant for them. I intend to write until that other doorway opens. I, too, rejoice at the changing seasons. My fires burn brightest in Winter.
We had a male border collie that was given to my father by a client when I was a teen. Duke was an intelligent and loving dog, thoroughly devoted to caretaking us. He did realize I was just the daughter, though, and not one to command him. I think owners of border collies are blessed.
Ohhhhhhh Sharon I feel that same Autumnal resonance; suddenly the wavering flickers of summerful sensory joy have gathered into cool sharpened beams of discern ment, my eyes feel clearer and my decisions less ponderous.
A female owl has just started her evening song , as I sit by my warm woodburner in my little van-home. Happily crouched in anticipation of new Beginnings 😍 🍂
Sending healing harmony to you and your collie kids!
I'm loving the fierce firey energy in your words and pace! I'm inspired! And massive YES to more space and time for you and your project!
Summer is my favourite season and the only consolation for its passing is the arrival of autumn 🍂. I've a late August birthday so this season always speaks of new beginnings to me too, of ideas and possibilities that ripened while I was out playing in the sun and are now ready to be picked up and explored in earnest. Along with new books, including yours :)
So excited to dig into your new book Sharon. Thank you for your commitment to writing to the end, the world needs your words of wisdom!
we had a final (🤞🏼) heat spell teasing the hearts of summer lovers into thinking august was not fading into september. the crickets tell a different story and they, along with darkening evenings put me solidly in your camp of rejoicing 🍁🍂. and soon the much needed rain will be the ambient sound as i read your latest book (preordered months ago!) so looking forward to it. 🧡🧡🧡
Thank you for the preorder. It should be a suitable autumn/winter read!
Here's hoping you have many adventures with your new doggy boy. We just said goodbye to our dear dog, Charlie, a week ago, and although it was time, our hearts are very sore. I envy you the beginning of Autumn. We are heading into Spring, and already I feel anxious at the thought of longer days and weeks of too-bright, blue sky. I've taken to staying up very late; that dark hours are such respite. Much delight to you as you write your way into winter.
So very sorry about your dog; it's a really wrenching loss, I know.
Sharon, your autumnal reflections really resonated with me. I'm also someone who thrives on new beginnings, and September always feels like a fresh start. But like you, I've often fallen into the trap of overcommitting myself, spreading my energy too thin across too many projects. Your journey of learning to manage your "furnace" is inspiring. It's a good reminder that we don't have to do it all, and that saying no can be an act of self-care. I'm curious, how do you decide which projects to prioritize now?
It's about whether the idea of doing it lights up my heart, or fills me with dread. Life is now decidedly too short to do the things I think I 'must'. I write better and am able to give more when whatever I'm doing brings me joy. I think it was the lymphoma which taught me that. Saying no wasn't an optional extra then; the only question was what to, and it surprised me, how easy it was to step back and see the things which drained my energy and the things which energised me. And to develop the discernment, which in the end was always by listening to my heart. Asking 'Is this who I am, today?' And learning to balance what I need with what I imagine the world needs.
I am 70 and sending out a debut novel, the first in a series, plus hitting my stride on Substack. This after thirteen plus years of family demands and detours. Two years ago, I put my banner in the ground and stated that I would be writing full time and that everyone could figure out what that meant for them. I intend to write until that other doorway opens. I, too, rejoice at the changing seasons. My fires burn brightest in Winter.
I just pre-ordered your new book!
Thank you!
We had a male border collie that was given to my father by a client when I was a teen. Duke was an intelligent and loving dog, thoroughly devoted to caretaking us. He did realize I was just the daughter, though, and not one to command him. I think owners of border collies are blessed.
Me too. The most remarkable and loyal dogs.
Wonderful thank you so much
Sending calming doggy vibes your was
And easefulness to your writing days
Thank you!
Your words just swept over me like a gentle breeze ☺️
Ohhhhhhh Sharon I feel that same Autumnal resonance; suddenly the wavering flickers of summerful sensory joy have gathered into cool sharpened beams of discern ment, my eyes feel clearer and my decisions less ponderous.
A female owl has just started her evening song , as I sit by my warm woodburner in my little van-home. Happily crouched in anticipation of new Beginnings 😍 🍂
A van-home with a stove … now you’ve got other yearnings going!
I must say, handsome Chase looks quite happy in his new surroundings. Sending three musketeer good doggy vibes your way.
Beautiful photo in the lavender fields!
I am happy I was able to order your book from my local bookshop here in Brest :-) As usual I can't wait to get it !
Thank you Claire!