A New Moon
Morning all
Hope this finds you well, and feeling the renewed energy of the new moon- this is the time of the month I often feel like I know where I'm going again- I can get a bit listless in the few days before; that's a good time to finish things off, work on mundane tasks- but this is a good day to start something new. With this in mind, that's how I've planned the schedule of my Atlantic Thread journey.
Two new moons from now, I set off for Shannon airport in Ireland, and the first of many bus journeys over the next few weeks to the Connemara. Four new moons from now, I return to London from Agadir (inshallah!), after visiting 42 independent yarn sellers on my way along the Atlantic Coast, and more than likely a few tears and joys en route. I've already started to think about my packing. Anyone who has travelled with me knows that I'm not that great at travelling light, but I'm going to be backpacking, on the buses and ferries, and my back demands that I don't take anything unnecessary. This might challenge my perceptions of what is necessary, so it's best I start thinking about it now, to avoid disappointment!
I'll be doing a lot of crochet in public, which is great for making connections with people, and if I'm honest, is also something to hide behind on those anxious days which beset so many of us. I will be alone a lot though, which is good for my head, but have some company at some of the stages, which will be an appreciated joy- spending some time in Brittany with my flatmate of 23 years ago, Gael and his lovely family, Shane is joining me along the north coast of Spain, which neither of us have been to before, and I'll spend some time in the south of Portugal with Monica and Carlos.
I really don't know much about the West of Ireland at all, so it's been interesting researching campsites- I think I've found some good ones- and transport. The Bus Eireann website was a little impenetrable at first, but I think I've got to grips with it now. I'm sure there will be some scuppering of the timetables at one point or another, so please do have a little giggle if I post any pictures of myself at a lonely bus stop somewhere under the rain beside a green field. I will be packing a good raincoat, that's for sure! Please do share any tips with me if you know this part of the world; campsites, textile artists to drop in on, where to buy nice fish (I'm just taking a small pot and a small frying pan with my stove, so rice/potatoes, fish and salad will be my staple diet), and possibly if you know where any calming greenery may be found- there are some things I just can't bring with me!
In the meantime, for now, plans are going well, and job has turned out to be really nice. All the students I have are from China and Taiwan, and go on to do various Masters at the University of the Arts in September, so as you can imagine, seeing their sketchbooks and portfolios really is a joy. There are illustrators, fashion and interior designers, a weaver and a couple of painters. They have to create a new piece of work inspired by their impressions of London for an exhibition and presentation, and it's always good to see somewhere you (think you) know through fresh eyes. It's been great to have such hot weather so early in the summer, as I think I'll be able to eat all my tomatoes before I go! Am also trying to grow butternuts this year, so please say a snail-discouraging prayer to the squash goddess if you have minute.
If you're thinking of pledging for a scarf, I have set up one route to do this. The colours and type of yarns you choose will be what I use in the final blanket to illustrate the journey, and they will be sent with a personal letter from along the way. ou can also contribute any amount, and as a thank you I will be giving away two blankets at random before I go. I am not allowed to mention the word r**f** (in a country which allows gambling adverts, betting shops on its poorest streets, extortionate payday loan companies and super casinos), but you get the idea.
https://uk.gofundme.com/atlantic-thread
As always, love and light, and new moon blessings to you all, Billy xxx
Hope this finds you well, and feeling the renewed energy of the new moon- this is the time of the month I often feel like I know where I'm going again- I can get a bit listless in the few days before; that's a good time to finish things off, work on mundane tasks- but this is a good day to start something new. With this in mind, that's how I've planned the schedule of my Atlantic Thread journey.
Two new moons from now, I set off for Shannon airport in Ireland, and the first of many bus journeys over the next few weeks to the Connemara. Four new moons from now, I return to London from Agadir (inshallah!), after visiting 42 independent yarn sellers on my way along the Atlantic Coast, and more than likely a few tears and joys en route. I've already started to think about my packing. Anyone who has travelled with me knows that I'm not that great at travelling light, but I'm going to be backpacking, on the buses and ferries, and my back demands that I don't take anything unnecessary. This might challenge my perceptions of what is necessary, so it's best I start thinking about it now, to avoid disappointment!
I'll be doing a lot of crochet in public, which is great for making connections with people, and if I'm honest, is also something to hide behind on those anxious days which beset so many of us. I will be alone a lot though, which is good for my head, but have some company at some of the stages, which will be an appreciated joy- spending some time in Brittany with my flatmate of 23 years ago, Gael and his lovely family, Shane is joining me along the north coast of Spain, which neither of us have been to before, and I'll spend some time in the south of Portugal with Monica and Carlos.
I really don't know much about the West of Ireland at all, so it's been interesting researching campsites- I think I've found some good ones- and transport. The Bus Eireann website was a little impenetrable at first, but I think I've got to grips with it now. I'm sure there will be some scuppering of the timetables at one point or another, so please do have a little giggle if I post any pictures of myself at a lonely bus stop somewhere under the rain beside a green field. I will be packing a good raincoat, that's for sure! Please do share any tips with me if you know this part of the world; campsites, textile artists to drop in on, where to buy nice fish (I'm just taking a small pot and a small frying pan with my stove, so rice/potatoes, fish and salad will be my staple diet), and possibly if you know where any calming greenery may be found- there are some things I just can't bring with me!
In the meantime, for now, plans are going well, and job has turned out to be really nice. All the students I have are from China and Taiwan, and go on to do various Masters at the University of the Arts in September, so as you can imagine, seeing their sketchbooks and portfolios really is a joy. There are illustrators, fashion and interior designers, a weaver and a couple of painters. They have to create a new piece of work inspired by their impressions of London for an exhibition and presentation, and it's always good to see somewhere you (think you) know through fresh eyes. It's been great to have such hot weather so early in the summer, as I think I'll be able to eat all my tomatoes before I go! Am also trying to grow butternuts this year, so please say a snail-discouraging prayer to the squash goddess if you have minute.
If you're thinking of pledging for a scarf, I have set up one route to do this. The colours and type of yarns you choose will be what I use in the final blanket to illustrate the journey, and they will be sent with a personal letter from along the way. ou can also contribute any amount, and as a thank you I will be giving away two blankets at random before I go. I am not allowed to mention the word r**f** (in a country which allows gambling adverts, betting shops on its poorest streets, extortionate payday loan companies and super casinos), but you get the idea.
https://uk.gofundme.com/atlantic-thread
As always, love and light, and new moon blessings to you all, Billy xxx
Comments
Post a Comment