Pearl Bates 13/01/2017 Pearl Bates 13/01/2017

A visit from the Snow Queen

I'm not a big fan of the cold.

So when I saw a slew of excited posts about snow in my area on social media, I will admit to a grinch-like inward groan.

But after a few minutes, I went to my door and looked out. There was the snow – proper, fluffy, swirling chunks of it spinning down from the sky, dancing through pools of street lamp light, and falling soundlessly across all the land.

I was surprised to find myself feeling thrilled at the sight of – it really did feel like a magical visit from some kind of winter spirit.

I thought I'd share with you a picture of me as The Snow Queen. Beware strange women in the street offering you Turkish Delight!

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!