Welcome to my Journal of Soulful Reflections.
In my ‘Soulful Reflections’ series, you’ll discover a monthly nature-inspired reflection on slow and seasonal living, along with what I’ve been up to, a few of my monthly favourites, plus I’ll also be sharing what books I’ve been reading, and lots more… so get nice and cosy and let’s take a few moments to pause, reflect and unwind.
I thought I’d begin by sharing a few of the words that I have put together from the musings within my journal, as I was sitting outside in the garden at the very end of April…
As the wind blows through the trees, it sounds just like great crashes of waves on the seashore. A gentler breeze within the canopy of leaves brings a sunkissed warmth. The sound of excited birds echo around, whilst the branches are dancing to the music of spring. Cotton wool clouds are journeying over on their windswept travels above in the forget-me-not blue sky.
During April, I started to really appreciate how vibrantly green our little garden is becoming. Buds are close to opening (some already have, making their gentle but grand appearance with a burst of colour), flowers are reaching up to smile at the sun, whilst new growth is continuing to appear in abundance. The towering trees that stand behind the fence, have gradually dressed themselves in magnificent jackets of various shades of green, their shimmering leaves fully covering the bareness and slumber that winter brought.
What are you currently noticing around you in nature?
Here are a few of the things that I got up to in April:
I officially launched my workbook called Reflect & Recharge, which contains seasonal reflections to help you nurture your down-to-earth approach to digital marketing.
Did some spring cleaning in the wardrobe and sold my first item of clothing on Vinted.
Saw some bats flying above Stowe Pool.
Had some pizza and cheesecake at Ask Italian (not at the same time!)
Went for a 6 mile walk.
Finally got the leak fixed in my car.
Ate lots of wild garlic (not all at once)!
Went to see Les Mis at Lichfield Cathedral.
Took lots of springtime photos with my camera.
Had my infusion for my Crohn’s at hospital.
Went in Waterstones at Solihull and got a copy of The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien with my book token.
Received some wonderful and happy feedback about my workbook.
Took part in David’s flute choir (we’re practicing ready to take part in the Lichfield Festival of Music).
Had the most delicious roast beef (with Yorkshire puddings).
Some April favourites:
Blossom: I wish that we could have blossom on trees all year round! But then again, it just makes spring even more special than it already is! As Anne wonderfully puts it in Anne of Green Gables: “The beauty of winter is that it makes you appreciate spring.” Seeing the trees filled full of blossom, really does make me appreciate spring even more… if that was even possible, as I love it so much already!
The Herbal Year by Christina Hart-Davies: David picked up this book for me, which was such a lovely surprise. He know’s just how fascinated I am by herbs and plants, and how they can be used as different remedies, along with the history and folklore that come with them. This book is beautifully illustrated by the author, and takes you on a herbal journey through the months.
Homemade cookies: They are definitely the best! We made some oat and cranberry ones, which are honestly a perfect combination. Cookies are a very important food group!
What I’ve been reading:
![Springtime reading](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1233a693-3ac8-45cf-867f-1067b6b53797.heic)
![Springtime reading](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9d9a069d-c696-42c8-9e11-4005fb8ecea0.heic)
![Springtime reading](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1113c1f8-2814-42ce-b15b-1ca63a52bb09.heic)
Casting the Net by Pam Rhodes
This one is book two in The Dunbridge Chronicles. I read the first book back in January and really enjoyed it. It follows the trials and tribulations of newly ordained minister, Neil Fisher. It’s a heartwarming and easy read, and is filled full of all the emotions we go through ourselves within our lives, making it very relatable and very real. It’s wonderfully written and will honestly leave you wanting to read more and more. If you love Christian fiction, then I highly recommend checking out this series.
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien
Although a very hard question to answer… if you asked me what my all-time favourite series of books are, I’d have to say The Lord of the Rings! It’s a story full of hope, friendship, love, loyalty, strength, self-sacrifice, forgiveness, justice and fellowship. Tolkien’s writing is packed full of wisdom that is just waiting to be found as you journey along with each of the characters.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
If you’re looking for a beautiful, uplifting, encouraging and heartwarming springtime read, then definitely make it Anne of Green Gables. I just want to jump straight into the story with Anne and become her very best bosom friend! Once you begin reading, you won’t want to stop. It’s one of those wonderful stories where the words come to life and fill your imagination.
What were some of your favourite things about April?
Until next time…
In my Journal of Soulful Reflections, you can expect to uncover more personal entries infused with inspiration and encouragement underpinned by the beauty of the natural world, and the ebb and flow of the changing seasons. You’ll also discover gentle reflections on slow and seasonal living.
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Beautiful ❤️🌿😘
Busy, busy, busy, well done.💕