Alex I am trying to keep up with reading your posts. The last thing I remember you were in the alps. My own experiences are still reading, writing notes on sub stack in early morning hours. I use this quiet time to let inner thoughts express in ways that are completely different than in the usual day light busy hours. My dream life is becoming more meaningful. I continue to write a journal and use imagery even come up with new words. Maybe ask yourself before sleeping to help you come up with a word/ resolution for 2025.
We are still in the Alps, this post was originally crafted just before we moved here, from when we lived in Portugal.
Interestingly, I have been thinking about dreams a lot lately—when I am cycling through a low of depression, something I’ve lived with my whole life, I find my dreams are few and far between, even absent completely. As they begin to return again, I know I am passing beyond the low and will soon have my ‘normal’ brain back. I’m also helping this process by including mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) in my even herbal tea blend, which honestly works marvels on my dream world.
Yes mugwort has helped. I’ve used black sage as well to clear up allergies and give great dreams. But can only do a few days. Then has opposite effects and keeps you awake. Moderation is key.
Yes, Orkney certainly has a magic. I also have a book stalled since those quiet days of lockdown. With a few years mulling over it, I hope it will be more meaningful when complete. No doubt you’ll find the same.
I think it is a good thing, having time to think over and then revisit words. This particular book, I started back in 2011, although the idea had been in my head for a couple of years before that, too. At the time, after starting and writing over 100k words of the early drafts, I realised I was simply not good enough to do the story justice. Since then, I’ve honed my craft, written several other books in between, and now feel I am good enough, which is a powerful realisation and took me a long time to be able to say out loud.
I hope that when you are working on your own book, you feel the same—time is such a powerful tool, and one we seldom utilise as we perhaps should.
Many thanks for commenting, I really appreciate that.
Yes, we have a strange relationship with time, which passes so slowly when we are young. Now it seems to pass in a blur, but revisiting projects, such as a book, after a few years is a reminder that we continue to change and learn.
This is lovely
Thank you so much! I’m really glad you liked it.
Alex I am trying to keep up with reading your posts. The last thing I remember you were in the alps. My own experiences are still reading, writing notes on sub stack in early morning hours. I use this quiet time to let inner thoughts express in ways that are completely different than in the usual day light busy hours. My dream life is becoming more meaningful. I continue to write a journal and use imagery even come up with new words. Maybe ask yourself before sleeping to help you come up with a word/ resolution for 2025.
We are still in the Alps, this post was originally crafted just before we moved here, from when we lived in Portugal.
Interestingly, I have been thinking about dreams a lot lately—when I am cycling through a low of depression, something I’ve lived with my whole life, I find my dreams are few and far between, even absent completely. As they begin to return again, I know I am passing beyond the low and will soon have my ‘normal’ brain back. I’m also helping this process by including mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) in my even herbal tea blend, which honestly works marvels on my dream world.
Yes mugwort has helped. I’ve used black sage as well to clear up allergies and give great dreams. But can only do a few days. Then has opposite effects and keeps you awake. Moderation is key.
Newt! Yes...thanks for your thoughts.
Ha! Thanks for commenting! Newt often appears in my brain, she’s such a great character and an excellent (and realistic) portrayal of a true survivor.
What an interesting and even helpful (for me) article. Thank you.
Many thanks for this, I’m really glad you found it interesting and helpful.
Yes, Orkney certainly has a magic. I also have a book stalled since those quiet days of lockdown. With a few years mulling over it, I hope it will be more meaningful when complete. No doubt you’ll find the same.
I think it is a good thing, having time to think over and then revisit words. This particular book, I started back in 2011, although the idea had been in my head for a couple of years before that, too. At the time, after starting and writing over 100k words of the early drafts, I realised I was simply not good enough to do the story justice. Since then, I’ve honed my craft, written several other books in between, and now feel I am good enough, which is a powerful realisation and took me a long time to be able to say out loud.
I hope that when you are working on your own book, you feel the same—time is such a powerful tool, and one we seldom utilise as we perhaps should.
Many thanks for commenting, I really appreciate that.
Yes, we have a strange relationship with time, which passes so slowly when we are young. Now it seems to pass in a blur, but revisiting projects, such as a book, after a few years is a reminder that we continue to change and learn.