Wild Love: #2

Tis' the season, and all that jazz...

Hello lovely,

And welcome to Wild Love.

Wild Love is a place of deep community, a place to flow with the seasons. Expect seasonal inspiration, mood boards, playlists, poetry and journaling prompts, and maybe even video calls every so often where we come together to write and inspire one another.

Is winter a time that you enjoy? Or dread?

For me, winter has always carried with it a slight sense of dread. I hate being cold, the dark nights feel all consuming — I like snow but only when I can stay home and gaze out the window at it… (and the occasional snow walk).

However, for the last couple of years, I have been on a mission to try and embrace winter and find the small things I truly enjoy that help to get me through the season. And romanticising the everyday has played a big part in that.

Right now, as I type this, we have a least a foot of snow outside, and I’m bundled up in my cosiest pjs and a warm blanket and have a gingerbread scented candle burning.

One thing that does help me get through the winter, is leaning into the elegance of soft jazz playing in the background whilst I go about my day. You may guess where this month’s theme is heading already…

This edition glides elegantly into your inbox with a touch of vintage glamour, a string of pearls, an exquisite cocktail or two and all the warm, cosy feels.

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Here’s a piece I wrote a while back that I feel helps to set the tone.

Soft jazz lives rent free in my mind —
candles burning in the dimly lit art deco adorned room,
crackles of vinyls and a wine bottle half empty.
Do I really belong here, or was I meant for a different era?

1920s New York, perhaps…

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Here is a favourite playlist of mine that’s usually on repeat whenever the evenings start to get darker — I also think it sets the mood perfectly for this season’s theme.

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Use these prompts however you wish — although I do advise to wrap up in your cosiest, or even fanciest attire, grab a hot tea or a glass of red, and free write for as long as you need.

Journal Prompts:

• This time of year can often feel heavy for some — how can you welcome the emotions that arise? How can you greet them with a loving embrace?

• What transitions do you feel during this time of the year?

• Do you have any traditions or routines you incorporate during the winter? Describe them — How do they make you feel? What memories are attached to them? Is there anything you would change or add?

• How do you find light within the darkness? Feel free to share any tips in the comments for this woeful winter gal.

• What are your favourite things about the winter?

• How do you stay connected to nature during the colder, darker days?

Poetry Prompts:

After the success and pure joy of last year’s 12 Days of Poetry that I hosted on Notes, I’ve decided to bring it back again — and tie it in with this season’s Wild Love theme. Enjoy these first few prompts to get you going, and don’t forget to check back on notes daily for a brand new prompt. I’ll post a round up of all the prompts in the comments after the 12 days have finished. This is a chance to connect with others, challenge yourself to write a poem a day and find some inspiration this season. Again, these prompts are designed to inspire — they don’t have to be used exactly, so let the words take you wherever they wish to go.

• Whisky whispers

• Dancing on moonbeams

• All that jazz

My last trip to New York in November 2022 had all the vintage jazz vibes.

It is the season of giving afterall, so I have two extra special treats for you…

Here’s another poem, because what’s better than curling up on the sofa listening to jazz and reading poetry in the winter?

She dreams in clouds of emerald and silk,
and whispers secrets coated in gold.
A humbling elegance radiates through her veins and a softness fills her eyes.
A soul, so precious and divine.

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Cosy Giveaway!

I’m so grateful for your support over this past year and feel honoured to share this little cosy corner of internet with so many wonderful creatives who I’ve become friends with. Each and every one of you that reads my words fills my heart with so much joy — some days I can’t believe it’s real!

So, as a thank you, I’m hosting a little giveaway!

All you have to do is like this letter and tell me your favourite thing about the winter season in the comments to be in with the chance to win a signed print of one of my poems (you can pick from any of my poems, either on here, or over on my Instagram).

Giveaway ends on 1st January 2025 — winner will be announced in the comments and messaged privately.

And if you missed the first edition of Wild Love, you can catch it here.

P.S. If you have any book recommendations with these vibes, please do let me know!

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Originally, I was planning on making Wild Love a paid segment, however, at this moment in time, I’m going to keep it free and open to everyone.

If you do feel pulled to support me further however, then why not consider upgrading to a paid subscription, or you can opt to buy me a coffee here. Your kindness is the fuel that keeps me writing and sharing.