‘It is heaven itself to take what is given, to see what is plain; what the sun lights up willingly;for example- I think this as I reach down, not to pick but merely to touch the suitability of the field for the daisies, and the daisies for the field.’
Excerpt from ‘Daisies’ by Mary Oliver
When I don’t know what to write, I turn to Mary Oliver and my photograph library for inspiration. I took this photo at Eastleigh Lakeside Country Park last month, whilst running a well-being day for doctors. The sun was hot and the daisies were shining. It was a beautiful day.
It’s been a while since the last Nest Notes, but it has been an exceptionally busy few months.It’s been a time of a big birthday and a significant wedding anniversary with an offspring’s graduation for good measure! There has been work and travel and workshops and work in the garden, so it is no wonder that there has been little time for writing.
I have however, made a point of taking small amounts of time for art and exhibitions and yoga and drawing, which were all on my wish list for this year. My birthday gift to myself has been to dedicate time to go to 50 art exhibitions in a year. I have so far managed 26 exhibitions and it has been a wonderful experience. Seeing art makes me very happy, is usually not too expensive (especially with an Art Pass) and I find the visual memory keeps me sustained for a long time afterwards. Maybe at the end of the year I will do a little summary on these pages?
Kate has also been busy. We continue to support each other in all we do and meet each week virtually and silently to meditate at 6.30 am, with a small group of sleepy souls. It is hugely nourishing. More energetically, Kate and a hardy band of chums braved the ‘Alpine Three Peaks Challenge’ in June. I am hugely in awe of this achievement and am looking forward to hearing the full report!
Friday 22nd-Sunday 24th September 2023
I am delighted that A Nest of Gentle Makers will be gathering at Hazel Hill Wood http://www.hazelhill.org.uk in Wiltshire in September 2023 for a beautiful, restorative and inspiring weekend. Join me and Kate and Holly our cook, in this beautiful 70 acre woodland from early evening on Friday 22nd to late morning on Sunday 24th September. This will be an opportunity for old and new friends of ANOGM to meet up and spend time together and in nature. Lots more information here: http://://anestofgentlemakers.co.uk/autumn-gathering-at-hazel-hill-wood/
Hazel Hill Wood is a stunning charity-run woodland with an assortment of off-grid buildings. It is a rustic setting with compost toilets, limited electricity and no phone signal so it really is a place to switch off from everyday life and ‘refill your cup’.
We will be meeting on Friday evening and spending two nights in the woods. There will be yoga, lovely food and an opportunity to do whatever fills your cup: read, work on your own creative project, sleep, chat! We will hopefully have a camp fire on Saturday evening.
Cost £350 per person in a shared room, £450 per person in a sole occupancy room, £150 per person in your own tent (limited numbers). This includes accommodation, all food and drink, yoga classes. Deposit £100 This will be a wonderful weekend in the woods. Please do join us!
To book your place please complete the booking form:https://anestofgentlemakers.co.uk/autumn-gathering-2022-booking-form/and then email anestofgentlemakers@btinternet.com and I will send you an invoice for the deposit. The balance payment will be due by mid August 2023. We will send you an invoice closer to the time.
That’s all for now. I hope you enjoy these summer months and find some time to feed your creativity. It would be amazing to see some of you in the woods in September.
With love
Charlotte