Hello and a happy Bank Holiday Monday to you,
I’m writing to you from the Forest of Dean where I’ve been lucky to stay with some friends over the weekend while we celebrate two of their birthdays. The past couple of days have included rowing on the pond, charity shopping, a two-barbecue-Saturday, trying paddle-boarding for the first time and lots of cuddles with gorgeous babies. I hope you are also able to enjoy the sunny weather, longer days and colourful sunset evenings as we head into the summer. And remember: always wear sunscreen.
Since I last wrote, I’ve spent some more time working for the amazing charity Catching Lives in Canterbury. Coincidentally, after a callout for biscuits saw a raft of generous donations, the charity now needs sun hats and sun cream for clients so if you’re local and can help, please do. Since the last newsletter, highlights have included taking part in a Nervous Drawing & Painting workshop, visiting the Abbey Physic Community Garden in Faversham and Project Leader Graeme Solly being on BBC Radio Kent talking about the charity’s work and how people can help.
If you enjoy this free newsletter, please consider a donation to Catching Lives.
Uplifting News Stories
The Vagina Museum Has Found A New Home And Is Set To Reopen | Secret London
Kitten stuck in rain pipe for three days found alive | BBC
163 football pitches of wildflowers planted on South Downs | The Argus
Features Worth Sharing
I don’t have children – so I threw myself into work until I burned out | The i
I Spent Four Days In Absolute Silence and So Should You | GQ
Recommended
Coming Home: A guided journey back to who you truly are. Therapist Beth Turrell has a couple of places left on their Margate in-person workshop on Sunday, July 2. Beth also offers low cost places to queer and trans folx, with more information on her Instagram.
Building Healthier Relationships & Healing Through Relationships: Donna Lancaster is bringing her relationship workshops to Islington, London in July and August. She has an early bird price on offer that expires on 31 May.
Things That Have Brought Me Joy In The Past Week Or So
Bouncing on a bouncy castle at my brother-in-law’s 40th birthday party.
Going to Arlene Dunkley-Wood and Lou Alltimes’s very relaxing sound journey with my friend Marios.
Returning to Kent and walking in the countryside.
Especially my beloved woods.
Picking wild flowers for my lovely mum.
A breathwork, quantum flow movement and sound bath event in Whitstable with the talented Cacao and Moon.
Catching up with a childhood friend and meeting her beautiful third child for the first time.
Riding the bus to and from work - the views across Canterbury are stunning and on the top deck I can see three llamas in a field. I also seem to have more conversations with strangers outside of London.
Visiting a former HuffPost colleague and dear friend and meeting her and her wonderful partner’s delicious under-three-week old baby. The couple met when she and I went away to Peru a few years ago so I am extra thrilled for this new arrival.
An impromptu coffee in Stroud with another friend.
A chance meeting with a new friend who was campervanning in Kent.
An incredible Thai yoga massage with the fantastic Sarah of Yoga Health & Wellness.
Being creative in the aforementioned art workshop at Catching Lives. These are the three pieces I created.
Right, friends are coming back from the pub (I’ve spent a couple of hours alone while seven adults and four kids went out) so I’d better get the kettle on.
Please feel free to share any uplifting news, feedback or features worth sharing in the comments below.
Until next time,
BB X
Thanks for another uplifting round-up! I loved paddle-boarding when I tried it a few years ago and have been meaning to do it again x