Spring in the air........
Plants, Planning, Positivity, Poetry, Popupology and more…
Warmer weather and positive news are on the horizon and hopefully soon we will be able to travel, host events and socialise again.
In the meantime, here are some thoughts and activities to inspire and motivate you during the month of March.
1. Bookings Are Now Open for Laughter Lab and Blues & Boogie
Whilst we still await the governments' guidance regarding how to plan and organise our lives this year, we are all looking forward to more sunshine, freedom and certainty in our lives and we are delighted to announce that we’ve taken the plunge and re-scheduled our special events Laughter Lab and Blues & Boogie for this September.
For more details and/or to reserve your spaces now to avoid disappointment click the links below:
NB: Laughter Lab leader, Chris Grimes, added me to his list his entertaining and informative The Good Listening Podcasts. "It’s like having a day-spa for your brain…..” Wendy Bragger
2. Bracelets Made From Plants and Herbs
Follow the instructions of an authentic Scottish basketmaker to learn how to make bracelets out of dandelion stems and daffodil leaves.
3. Design Your Own Fonts
The most unique way to elevate your personal brand or business is to design and create your own fonts based on your handwriting. Use the bespoke typefaces across all digital tools and devices, channels and platforms and in all of your online communications to stand out and appear truly original. calligraphr.com
4. Draw an Iceberg and See it Floating
Not (only) for Children! A little science to boost our brains.
5. Paper Pop-up Cards from Popupology
Free tutorials and downloadable PDF samples to create incredible kinetic paper constructions made of single sheets of paper. Elod Beregszaszi, Hungarian origami artist explains the step-by-step methods for different paper-manipulation techniques.
6. Susu’s Book Recommendation for March
One of my favourite crime writers in the 1990s, was Nicci French (actually a husband and wife duo) who have an interesting way of constructing their stories, each writing an alternative chapter; the “joins” are not apparent and the pace is fast. Their latest book, House of Correction, whilst not one of their best in my opinion is still a gripping read.
NB. We have had some wonderful book recommendations from our readers which we are slowly getting through. Do please keep them coming as a “good reads” list is always much appreciated by Les Soeurs and we are happy to share the ones we particularly enjoy!
7. Make Artworks Utilising your Drying Laundry
Follow Helga Stentzel, visual artist’s instagram for clever and funny creative inspiration to make your household chores more entertaining.
8. Positive Feedback Loop
A mindfulness-based design system to help you remain resilient, create more positive habits that stick and generally feel better about yourself and your life. Work on your self-confidence by consciously encouraging and congratulating yourself for every small achievement. Be your own best friend and greatest ally in order to succeed.
9. Protect the Planet: Upcycle Your Recycled Plastic Waste
Gjenge Makers are environmentally-savvy and awarding-winning Kenyans manufacturing alternative building materials from recycled plastic. Read on to find out more about their success-story.
10. Shawls for Spring — Ready-made Beauties from Loop London
Add an exclusive, vegan, hand-dyed, beautifully embroidered shawl to your spring wardrobe by Sophie Digard at Loop London or make your own based on Kathleen Gittleman’s sample.
To finish, a poignant poem by the American modernist, Hart Crane. Sadly, Hart sadly lived a very short life, but since his death he has been celebrated amongst some of the most influential poets of the early 20th century.
My Grandmother’s Love Letters
There are no stars tonight
But those of memory.
Yet how much room for memory there is
In the loose girdle of soft rain.
There is even room enough
For the letters of my mother's mother,
Elizabeth,
That have been pressed so long
Into a corner of the roof
That they are brown and soft,
And liable to melt as snow.
Over the greatness of such space
Steps must be gentle.
It is all hung by an invisible white hair.
It trembles as birch limbs webbing the air.
And I ask myself:
"Are your fingers long enough to play
Old keys that are but echoes:
Is the silence strong enough
To carry back the music to its source
And back to you again
As though to her?"
Yet I would lead my grandmother by the hand
Through much of what she would not understand;
And so I stumble. And the rain continues on the roof
With such a sound of gently pitying laughter.
