Soulful Reflections | 01.24
Springtime flowers, visiting the Peak District, warming comfort food, Little Women, folk music, and more!
Welcome to my Journal of Soulful Reflections.
I find that January tends to feel like an enduring month, but with the arrival of February, we suddenly question where the previous month went! As I write this, I’m nestled in my cosy corner of the conservatory next to the fairy lights. Don't they just add an extra touch of magic and warmth?
Outside, the rain pours down, yet through the window, I see tulips and daffodils emerging from the soil, while the first crocuses are on the verge of blooming. Even the rose bushes are sprouting vibrant green shoots. Even amidst the gloomiest of days, beauty persists, quietly awaiting discovery.
Now that it's officially February, I thought I would share some reflections from January, along with what I’ve been up to, what I’ve been reading, what I’ve been listening to, and all the bits in between.
Here are a few of the things that I got up to in January:
Continued working on and updating my website for its relaunch.
Visited Ilam in the Peak District, one of our favourite spots.
We assembled bookcases and a desk for our little office, and decided on wall colours.
Planted the Christmas tree in the garden.
Enjoyed a lovely 6-mile walk.
Successfully made my first naan bread!
Explored an amazing bookshop near Buxton and drove through breathtaking hilltop views.
Cooked up some delicious macaroni cheese.
Participated in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.
Discovered our narrowboat's chimney cowl had blown off in strong winds but found a replacement at a nearby chandlery.
Some January favourites:
Stew and dumplings! My husband David cooked up some mouthwatering dishes, including mutton stew, venison stew with chestnut and bacon dumplings, and a very delicious vegetable stew.
Watching long-tailed tits, robins, blue tits, and great tits visit our garden.
Country Living Magazine. It’s such a cosy and inviting read.
Candles. I always feel extra cosy having a candle gently flickering in the background, especially during the colder months. We’ve been enjoying candles by The White Company. They smell amazing!
Seasonal foods. We’ve been enjoying eating brussels sprouts, broccoli, parsnips, celeriac, curly kale and swede. Plus if you have leftovers, they’re great for adding to bubble & squeak!
Books I read in January:
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.
I actually started reading this towards the end of December. It was my first time reading the story, and it’s such a wonderful book, one that I really enjoyed a lot. It also delivered many valuable lessons. I can’t wait to read Little Men and Jo’s Boys. Here’s one of my favourite quotes from the book:
“My child, the troubles and temptations of your life are beginning, and may be many; but you can overcome and outlive them all if you learn to feel the strength and tenderness of your Heavenly Father as you do that of your earthly one. The more you love and trust Him, the nearer you will feel to Him, and the less you will depend on human power and wisdom. His love and care never tire or change, can never be taken from you, but may become the source of lifelong peace, happiness, and strength.
― Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
What beautiful words.
Fierce Faith: A Woman’s Guide to Fighting Fear, Wrestling Worry, and Overcoming Anxiety by Alli Worthington.
I first discovered this book whilst doing a plan by Alli over on the YouVersion Bible app, based on the book. I managed to find a second hand copy on World of Books. It really is a timely and incredibly helpful book, and is definitely one that I will continue to go back to.
Fisher of Men by Pam Rhodes.
This is the first book in The Dunbridge Chronicles Series. I found it to be an enjoyable, sometimes emotional but relatable, cosy and easy read. I loved getting to know the characters and following their stories. I managed to get the series second hand on World of Books. I’m already looking forward to reading the next one!
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling.
David surprised me with a beautiful gift edition of this book for Christmas. Having not read the book since they first came out, it’s been many years since I’ve read this one. Although I’ve always been a big fan of the films, I think I’ll always love the books more. It was so wonderful rereading it, and also made me realise just how much got left out of the film, along with the parts that got changed.
What I’ve been listening to:
I thought I'd share a song that I have been enjoying listening to. I stumbled upon it while listening to the radio, and then desperately searched online until David came to the rescue and helped me find it. It’s called Up in the Morning Early, and is a poem by Robert Burns which has been beautifully set to music and voice.
I’d love to know what cosy routines you found yourself gravitating towards during the slower pace of January?
During quieter moments, I often find myself reading more. There's something special about diving into a captivating book, setting out on an adventure with the characters, exploring new places and distant lands between the pages, uncovering magic, and letting my imagination wander freely through the words.
I also find journaling to be very comforting. I received a reading journal for Christmas, and it’s been so lovely jotting down my thoughts and feelings about the books I’ve read. I’ve been enjoying recording my favourite parts and quotes, and reflecting on the pages that I journeyed through, specifically looking at what I discovered and learned along the way.
In case you missed my first journal entry on Substack, you can read it here.
Until next time…
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