Love the idea of poetry as ' soul armour' - I'm teaching on the power of poetry with my students tomorrow and will be stealing that phrase...
As for my protective cloak - the things that ground me and stitch me back into the Earth's green cloak ?- they are many. But at this point in early Spring I'm knee deep in planting flower seeds and the polytunnel is bursting with all manner of green shoots. I'm awestruck daily at their mish mash of sizes and shapes and forms and colours. Some so unbelievably tiny you can barely see them and yet by summer they will be swaying and dancing full of colour and scent - a feast for the eyes and some as tall as me. They gift their blooms, they perfume my house, I dry some and they grace my Christmas table and even give me new seeds so I can do it all again next Spring. How does that not have a divine magic to astound and delight? Ah me !
Loving the writing and videos 'entity known as Ben' xxx
Judy, thanks for taking the time to write here. Your house, and those subtle little altars you have were in my thoughts when I was writing this. Your entire home is soul armour, and how you live is an inspiration. Hoping to catch up again in person.
Thanks, Ben! Much of this resonates very much and I am enjoying this blog/ newsletter. In answer to your question, the recent unblocking of a fairy spring and stream in the woods with friends comes to mind. How can we let the fairy streams of our imaginations run free if the once-revered springs of old are forgotten, clogged and poisoned? As we unblocked the spring thousands of wishes (pennies) surfaced and a series of magical coincides played out. Thanks again, Sophie
once again Ben your writing presents me with opportunities to observe the stimulating, challenging, provocative and thought-provoking ideas that are emerging in your awakened consciousness... please do keep doing this. Unfortunately I only spotted one 'female' contributor/reference/inspiration for you ("Terri Windling is an American editor, artist, essayist, and the author of books for both children and adults. She has won nine World Fantasy Awards, the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award, and the Bram Stoker Award, and her collection The Armless Maiden appeared on the short-list for the James Tiptree, Jr. Award." )and one typo ('Ted Hughes' without the 'second h'). Thanks. Alan Charlton.
Great read, I'd be interested to learn more about your specific experiences with boring culture, what it felt like & how you noticed and managed to slay the kraken
Love the idea of poetry as ' soul armour' - I'm teaching on the power of poetry with my students tomorrow and will be stealing that phrase...
As for my protective cloak - the things that ground me and stitch me back into the Earth's green cloak ?- they are many. But at this point in early Spring I'm knee deep in planting flower seeds and the polytunnel is bursting with all manner of green shoots. I'm awestruck daily at their mish mash of sizes and shapes and forms and colours. Some so unbelievably tiny you can barely see them and yet by summer they will be swaying and dancing full of colour and scent - a feast for the eyes and some as tall as me. They gift their blooms, they perfume my house, I dry some and they grace my Christmas table and even give me new seeds so I can do it all again next Spring. How does that not have a divine magic to astound and delight? Ah me !
Loving the writing and videos 'entity known as Ben' xxx
Judy, thanks for taking the time to write here. Your house, and those subtle little altars you have were in my thoughts when I was writing this. Your entire home is soul armour, and how you live is an inspiration. Hoping to catch up again in person.
That's a lovely perception of my tiny hoarder's paradise and my it looks forward to welcoming you again soon and sharing some magic . Much love 💚x
Thanks, Ben! Much of this resonates very much and I am enjoying this blog/ newsletter. In answer to your question, the recent unblocking of a fairy spring and stream in the woods with friends comes to mind. How can we let the fairy streams of our imaginations run free if the once-revered springs of old are forgotten, clogged and poisoned? As we unblocked the spring thousands of wishes (pennies) surfaced and a series of magical coincides played out. Thanks again, Sophie
Sophie, I love this. And I know the stream you're talking about - that old one in Whittle Dene, right? Hope to hear more about this.
once again Ben your writing presents me with opportunities to observe the stimulating, challenging, provocative and thought-provoking ideas that are emerging in your awakened consciousness... please do keep doing this. Unfortunately I only spotted one 'female' contributor/reference/inspiration for you ("Terri Windling is an American editor, artist, essayist, and the author of books for both children and adults. She has won nine World Fantasy Awards, the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award, and the Bram Stoker Award, and her collection The Armless Maiden appeared on the short-list for the James Tiptree, Jr. Award." )and one typo ('Ted Hughes' without the 'second h'). Thanks. Alan Charlton.
Great read, I'd be interested to learn more about your specific experiences with boring culture, what it felt like & how you noticed and managed to slay the kraken