This is a regular post featuring the best of what has been distracting me each month. It could be anything that has made me think: the hidden gems of Substack, a book, a podcast or even something on the telly. I would love it if you shared what you have enjoyed this month too – come join me in the comments on the app or simply reply to this email.
June’s birthstone is Alexandrite, which is one of the rarest gems in the world, according to Google. A symbol of transformation, luck and balance. Relevant perhaps, as not a month goes by where I don’t question balance in my life, as a freelance parent that probably goes without saying, but transformation and luck? - less so.
Of transformation, though my four-year-old son asked me an interesting question about an insect the other day. I don’t remember exactly what it was, it was just a generic bug that I hadn’t thought worthy even to name. “What will it turn into?” he asked. I explained that not all animals are like the infamous caterpillar (who he has been learning about at preschool) who eats and eats and eats until he turns into a beautiful butterfly. Not all animals transform like this. He said, “well some do, Mummy, because Dinosaurs turned into fossils.”
In a way, he is right. Transformation can come in many forms and time frames. So, whilst my son’s mind is probably not quite ready to contemplate the transformation of dinosaurs to fossils, he is certainly not afraid to question my knowledge and that’s probably a good thing.
As ever I would love to know what has inspired you too - do feel free to let me know in the comments.
In case you missed it
On a day where it all goes wrong, I ask Am I being Punk’d?
A Restless Journey and Motherhood.
I (finally) ask Am I Oversharing Online?
Elsewhere On Substack
On Feeding and doing what feels right with
Potty Training or Parent Training by
Are jeans a symbol of control postpartum? by
On wanting to give up on everything with
- talks about her relationship with her sofa postpartum in Core Memories
Deluge beautiful words from
Books
Hush, Kate Maxwell (2022)
A novel in which high-flying career woman, Stevie, has a baby alone and regrets it. In the aftermath of the birth she grapples with her loss of identity and struggles to bond with the baby. Kate’s writing is warm and well-paced, and with much to relate to in this novel, I really enjoyed it.- (2017)
My first choice on my long train journey up to Edinburgh; I chose well. Unlike Clover’s other memoirs, lots happens to her in the years in which she writes about in The Wild Other. She goes to many places, meets many people and does many things, but it is her development of character and growth into her self that is the true discovery. Much like her other memoirs, Clover has written so beautifully about pain, trauma, lust and love, in a way that feels truly her own. I was really glad I was able to savour her words in a quiet train carriage without any distractions. It is a truly memorable book.
Podcast
This interview between Emma Gannon & Lucy Jones (author of Matrescence) about motherhood & creativity and embracing childlike wonder on
new podcast Creative Coffee.
I really hope you discover something new in my finds and do please share your hidden gems too. I’d love to know what has been distracting you this month.
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Ahh thank you so much for sharing my piece! And I love your son's question - he's so right, we all transform in one way or another, it's the inevitable cycle of life. The wisdom of babes!
Both books added to my TBR! Also, have you read Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy? I just started it last night and think you'll like.