Seasons of Life

My plans for Sow, Grow, Harvest, Rest this Autumn and a seasonal catch-up 🍂

As I write this letter to you I can hear the raindrops tinkling down the chimney, and the letterbox rattling rhythmically in the wind. It is the first properly Autumn day, and the yellow leaves of the silver birch are swirling in the communal garden. The sky is endless grey over the rooftops and chimney pots. Mabon has arrived and the season is definitely changing.

A huge welcome if you’ve just joined us and thank you for being here. I’ve been polishing my shoes and sharpening my pencils ready for a new Substack “term”. I thought I would share an outline of what I have in store for this community. I figured it would be helpful for us all to have a wee outline of what’s in store and I can give you a flavour of some inspiring Autumn content to come - as well as hear your thoughts on what you would like to see here. Answers on a postcard (in the comments below!):

• Rosie Makes: step by step seasonal crafts and delicious recipes. In spite of recent busyness, baking has had such a therapeutic impact on the last few months for me! I’ve been testing crumble cakes, a new fudge, twice baked pastries, brownies, preserves and more… Are there any recipes you’re looking for, or any from Slow Seasons you particularly enjoyed that you might want to see variations of? I’m excited to embrace Autumn/ Winter crafting - first up will be some beeswax preserved leaves, and I’ve spotted some perfect sycamore specimens that will be ideal! Are there any crafts you’d like me to try?

• The Creative Life: a look behind the scenes of writing a book and the publishing industry. I’m at an interesting transition point when it comes to all things bookish, as I start to think about what book two might look like. Is there anything you’d like to know about writing a book, finding an agent or writing a proposal? I’m keen to demystify the process… (already lots of tips in my archive!)

• Sow, Grow, Harvest, Rest book group: what I’m reading throughout the seasons and book discussions together. I’ve been embracing audiobooks all the more in this season of life and can’t wait to share what I’ve been reading and hear what you have been too. I’m planning on sticking to the current once a month format but let me know your thoughts.

• Scottish Slow Living: my favourite gardens, nature spots and other places to visit through the seasons, local creatives who share my ethos. These posts might focus more on places close to Edinburgh, but with a new small human I’m seeing my home city with fresh new eyes and hope that these posts provide some lovely inspiration or indeed armchair travel for you! Do you have any recommendations you’d like me to cover or research?

• Slow Home Updates: seasonal decorating, renovating, and simple styling. Spending so much more time at home, I’m enjoying styling the smallest spots, introducing wee updates and making plans for decorating and styling the last two rooms in the renovation. Is there anything you’d like to see?

I’d love to be led by you in this community so please do let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Before I launch into this exciting schedule of Autumn slow living activities and projects, I thought I’d pen some reflections on this season of transitions.