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.
Sorry I have to talk about the weather. How is it Spring in London, yet my heating is still on and the winter coat still firmly out of the wardrobe? Honestly, I remember an April when it snowed, and I do not remember it being so relentlessly chilly.
This month has been full on as I finished up one work project and began another one. My two favourite parts of the design process; the beginning and the end. I love the excitement that comes with the endless possibilities in sketches and the tiny baby ideas. I think my easily-distracted mind thrives off bouncing from one idea to another, yet I also really love packaging up those final files, checking everything is as perfect as I can get it, neat and tidy and ready for someone else to pick up. It is a lovely moment to reflect on how far the project has come in a few short weeks, and to acknowledge the efforts put in. It’s a good feeling, but having both this month has left me a little exhausted, and I haven’t been as present on Substack as I would like to have been so apologies for that.
However, I have been reading and absorbing much this month, so here are my finds. I hope you find some gems in here too.
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
I talked about the reality of parenting in the holidays in The Sunday Scaries.
I am getting closer to find the right work/life balance in motherhood: On Absence and Fonder Hearts
My Unspoken Words were featured as part of
’s much appreciated series on the experiences of motherhood- also kindly interviewed me for The Motherhood Connection for my thoughts on Motherhood and Creativity.
Elsewhere On Substack
How to Raise Tiny Humans Without Losing Your Mind
- explains that There are People Who Will Never Like You (and it’s not a big deal)
I enjoyed delving into Kurt Cobain’s Spiral Notebooks with
Why Does my Kid Freak Out? with
Comforting words, as always.- explains The Problem with Dresses
It’s Maternal Mental Health Week here in the UK, and
wrote an informative post questioning whether or not the post-partum Struggle is the Norm or the Problem?
Books
The Art of Rest by Claudia Hammond
This was a really insightful book and in reading it I do feel like I have learned much about rest. Mostly, I found it interesting that actually I am drawn to many of these activities anyway (popular resting activities which Hammond analyses, eg. reading, walking, being alone) and it feels good knowing that my instincts are right even if they aren’t acted upon. I might be drawn to different activities for different types of rest and I have learned that what feels right in the moment is probably what is needed. I also felt validated in finding out that a wandering mind during reading is actually normal and totally acceptable - as a wandering mind can be a resting one.What have I done? A memoir about post-natal mental illness by Laura Dockrill
This truly was an eye-opening read. Laura writes honestly and frankly about her experiences developing and recovering from postpartum psychosis. I hope in her sharing her truth, she will help others to identify signs in others or themselves early on, or to be able to offer much needed support to loved ones affected. It sounds depressing, and it is hard to read in parts, but it is often very funny, filled with hope and love. (Also seemingly quite timely that I am posting about this during Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week.)
Telly
Ripley (2024, Netflix)
Chasing Mr Ripley, in which she delves deeper into the conman psyche and ventures down the Ripley rabbit hole, if you fancied joining her.
I really enjoyed this having never watched/read anything of the story previously. The cinematography is wonderful, although I felt a bit robbed that it was in black and white initially, but it does something quite chilling to Ripley’s dark eyes. Andrew Scott as Ripley is, of course, brilliant. There was also a really good piece on Substack by
April’s birth stone is the diamond, a symbol of strength, clarity and abundance.
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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