Pearl Bates 15/02/2019 Pearl Bates 15/02/2019

Treasure haul

It seemed the right thing to do – to take some time to drift through the dreaming darkness, working on refilling the well of creativity.

Dear friends, firstly – apologies for the absence. I'm sure you managed just fine without me but nevertheless, I did feel guilty about taking some time away from the blog. It seems I'm not the only one who felt the pull of winter's sparkling dark magic this year, and with it, the need to turn inward.

It seemed the right thing to do – to take some time to drift through the dreaming darkness, working on refilling the well of creativity. To cast an enchanted fishing net into books, magazines, films, music and nature, and see what treasure might turn in it. It felt important to take time to gather ingredients for ideas... for stories, paintings, drawings, projects.

Just in the past week or so, I've been seeing the emergence of those bold trailblazers – the snowdrops and crocuses, sending out the welcome signal that change is in the offing.

And so, as we all begin returning to the light, it's time to take a look at the haul of winter's gifts in your net...

Pearl

Learn more

Pearl Bates 14/03/2017 Pearl Bates 14/03/2017

Dreaming in a shell

So I have a very tiny snail stuck to the inside of my front door.

I had been intending to despatch of him for a while, but kept forgetting.

And then one day I noticed he had moved – so he must be hibernating.

I will leave him be.

But then I thought... what do snails dream of?

Pearl

Featured

A secret concert, and the courage to create

The windscreen wipers battled against the July rain as we wound our way down a narrow country lane. We were following the tail-lights of a friend’s yellow truck, which was leading us to a mystery destination…

Slaying The Dragons Of Perfection

I’m not really a festivals person – I’m more than happy to leave the whole port-a-loos thing to hardier souls than I. But due to the happy circumstance of a neighbour gifting me with a spare ticket, I found myself at the Love Supreme festival, in a hot field full of colourful tents, street food vans, and sun-burnt people in sandals. But it wasn’t until July’s ‘Buck Moon’, a massive, shining orb, rose up into the drifting clouds, that it seemed a magical spell was cast over the darkening countryside.

Lighting The Stars

The nights may be dark and cold, and rain and sleet may be flinging itself at the windows while an icy wind snatches at your hat - but, at this time, we are granted brief permission to believe in magic.

And I love how much people love this.

The Wasp and The Spider

I had to admire the wasp for his fierce tenacity. I know a lot of us are battling with challenges at the moment. But, maybe you can keep this wasp in mind, and know that everything will be alright in the end.

The Magic of Rest

It turns out that having to revisit a place of inner contemplation has been quite magical…

A Change Of Scene

It was Professor John Allen Paulos who famously said in 1945, 'Uncertainty is the only certainty there is, and knowing how to live with insecurity is the only security.'

Pretty in pink

I've been revelling in pink this year.

I couldn't really tell you why, but somehow, from the blush tones of a strawberry milkshake to the fiery fuchsia of sunset skies, pink has been stealing my heart.

The Wonder Dome

I recently had the immense pleasure of talking with Andy Cahill, founder of The Mindful Creative. Andy hosts a podcast called The Wonder Dome, in which he 'explores the mystery, beauty, and complexity of life…’

One touch of nature

Trees are beautiful, magical, giants. Whatever the season, they are a wonderful source of inspiration and solace. As Shakespeare wrote, ‘one touch of nature makes the whole world kin.’

Liminal Veils

Happy new year, one and all. If you are reading this, then you have successfully made it into 2021 (high five, high five) - congratulations!