A month in the Scottish Borders. Space to write and reconnect with myself, to give my projects the room they need to breathe, to nourish myself and my creative practice, to get curious again, and to be reminded that beautiful things take time to grow. To excavate the depths of my grief, to stick my toes in the sand, sit by the stream, skim stones, and crack double yolker after double yolker. And, my God, the stars and the moon! The clearest skies I have ever seen. so breathtaking that you find yourself blinking once, twice, thrice to check that it isn’t a dream. The world is beautiful. And on top of that, I finally made meaningful progress on my next book. My writing is shifting, growing, and coming alive in new ways. A much-needed unplugging from the way we are encouraged to rush through work. I used to convince myself that I was someone who naturally goes at a million miles an hour, but actually, I work better with space. I realise now that the rest, the walking, and the watching of birds are all part of the process. Thinking is just as important as doing. Deepest gratitude to everyone who supported me in taking this break. xx