Scorchio!

August Field Notes

Happy publication month to me! The paperback edition of my book The Bridleway: How Horses Shaped the British Landscape is now out with Bloomsbury. Thank you to everyone who pre-ordered it or bought it on release, that sort of thing means such a lot to authors. If you’d like to know more about the process of writing this book, I’ve written about it here, or you can buy The Bridleway from all good booksellers, including:

Bookshop | Amazon | Waterstones | Hive | Bloomsbury

At the time of writing this, we have been experiencing very hot weather in the UK. If you know me at all, you’ll know I’m a summery Grinch and haaaate the heat, but even I’ve been grateful for all the sun after so many months of rain. Plus, my pumpkin patch is thriving and that’s really all that matters. I water them every evening and feed them homemade comfrey fertiliser once a week. Precious, precious children.

Speaking of precious children, Olive turned four last month and between all the birthday cakes, cards and sugar crashes, I found a moment to sketch this jug of sunflowers I bought for her because she LOVES flowers of all shapes, sizes and colours.

Next month, my new book Ebb and Flow: A Guide to Seasonal Living will be published by Bloomsbury, and I was honoured that the Bookseller magazine chose it as one of their seasonal highlights in the Buyer’s Guide for August to January! I’ll share more about Ebb and Flow soon, as well as more insights into the process of (trying) to write my first novel which, having only written non-fiction books so far, involves learning a completely new craft. I was initially very intimidated by the task but I’m currently knee-deep in the research phase and it’s wonderful! I won’t reveal too much about it yet, but I’ll give you a clue in this photo of my current reading list bought second-hand from the wonderful World of Books:

Have a great August! I wish you a month full of nice, cold drinks, well-written books and good conversations.

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Something I Made - The Leopard Moon print

I loved creating this print last year, inspired by that all-important goal we are all striving towards - to live in the moment. My god that can be hard, can’t it?! The Leopard Moon print was originally for sale in my shop but since I closed it earlier this year, all my prints are now available for paid subscribers to download in high-res and use as you wish - just head to the Treats Library to have a browse of all my prints, seasonal guides and essay collections.

Something I Like - Pink Pony Club by Chappell Roan

How have I only just discovered this woman? Olive and I are absolutely obsessed with her music, especially this one and HOT TO GO! which will unleash your inner cheerleader. She oozes confidence and I fell down a bit of a rabbit hole Googling her drag-inspired stage looks. This song reminds me of a more melancholic version of Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.

Recipe of the Month - Grilled Cinnamon Toast with Figs & Ricotta

Another crop to be pillaged from my sister’s garden - this time it’s the figs! They have a lovely fig tree that is ripening as we speak, and this month should produce the first edible fruits ready for eating raw or making this delicious lighter version of French toast, perfect for summer breakfasts on the lawn, dahling.