I was interviewed on Daniel Puzzo's podcast last week, which for someone like me who has always been terrified of public speaking was a massive win. Better yet, I really enjoyed it!
Also, my romcom Just Like A Movie will be published by Empress Editions, and is currently being serialised on The Empress' Substack. It's definitely an uplifting, joyful and very funny read, so if you're in need of a giggle, head over there!
Brilliant! I love speaking on podcasts. Well done - once you turn that anxiety into excitement (and apparently the body knows no difference physiologically), it's actually quite fun. I wrote a post on this very thing a while back:
I feel the same with posting my Knitted Ones, surely it can’t be right when the world is in such a state, but people assure me they want them, even need them. I love the fact you made your own hobnobs! And that owl, as I’ve said before screams, character at me. He has surely the most amazing wisdom to impart.
Thank you so much, Sue. It’s heartwarming to know that my little substack has an effect, any effect, in this madness of a world at the moment. You should come up to Skye and I’ll ply you with baked goodies and wild landscapes! The small Bardon Mill cafe and its owners sound wonderful. Husband is thinking of doing a long walk across Hadrian’s Wall in the summer with son and dog so maybe I’ll tag along for the soup and toasties and we’ll meet at some point. 🥰
I am all on for raising the vibrations and concentrating on positive and emotionally nurturing stories. I spent Sunday, St Brigid's Day, with three Bridie friends catching up on our lives since we last met in August 2025. We were launching one of them on a 4 month research sabbatical abroad and the vibes were so encouraging and supportive towards her, and all of us. This is what is important to me - maintaining connections 🥰
I get your concern around posting about knitted toys and hobnobs when there is so much horror in the world, yet I'm glad you put the photos back, we need these good vibrations. Mine, this week, as well as seeing your photos, are lots of winter walks by the river, the sea or tracks near my house - it's brought me a lot of presence and calm. But now, I just want to eat hobnobs! Do you have a recipe?
I just want to share that having recovered from abuse and then breast cancer ,I found the Brandon Mill tearoom such a calm sanctuary to sit feeling very safe ,and write my journal , thank you so much for creating a place of healing and community 😊 much love Li 🥰
Hi Li, thanks for leaving this comment. It's such a safe place, isn't it? I wonder if you were there when we were, on Tuesday? There was someone writing in a journal who I spoke to. Perhaps it was you?
Hi Sue I wasn't there on Tuesday but bet they were a fellow creative ,and I agree about powerful female energy .Happy Friday everyone , I saw some crocus pushing through the soil and knew a positive Spring us on its way 😀 and for me I'm really looking forward to Haltwhistle pool reopening where you can swim and listen to the birds and watch the clouds drift by 🕊
And when the sun shines, Halty pool gives proper summer in the sun vibes. Love Halty pool, Li. Maybe I'll see you there too, one day? Great to connect with a local within the RIPE community 🍑
We need powerful female energy more than ever now Sue.. through art and craft, community and caring, nature and nurture, hope and resilience … love that you are channeling this and encouraging others to do the same! ❤️
Beautiful piece. The tension between feeling priviliged and needing to share joy is something a lot of us wrestle with but dont talk about. What really stuck with me is how that US follower reframed it as necessary rather than trivial. I've noticed in my own circles that the people going through the hardest times often need those small remidners of normalcy most.
I also want to take a trip to Skye to camp near Lesley’s honesty box.
My good vibrations today came from looking after a neighbour’s labrador and enjoying some doggy affection.
Sounds like a great plan, Felicity - up for a Substack camp-out at @Lesley’s.
Your lab time sounds wonderful. 💚
I was interviewed on Daniel Puzzo's podcast last week, which for someone like me who has always been terrified of public speaking was a massive win. Better yet, I really enjoyed it!
Also, my romcom Just Like A Movie will be published by Empress Editions, and is currently being serialised on The Empress' Substack. It's definitely an uplifting, joyful and very funny read, so if you're in need of a giggle, head over there!
Brilliant! I love speaking on podcasts. Well done - once you turn that anxiety into excitement (and apparently the body knows no difference physiologically), it's actually quite fun. I wrote a post on this very thing a while back:
https://suereed.substack.com/p/afraid-of-public-speaking-turn-fear
Feel free to share a link to the serialisation, Francesca - looking forward to having you in The Book Room!
Oh, thank you, Sue! Here is the link to Chapter One https://open.substack.com/pub/alisakennedyjones/p/just-like-a-movie-by-francesca-bossert?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
Brilliant, thanks
I feel the same with posting my Knitted Ones, surely it can’t be right when the world is in such a state, but people assure me they want them, even need them. I love the fact you made your own hobnobs! And that owl, as I’ve said before screams, character at me. He has surely the most amazing wisdom to impart.
Your knitted ones are an absolute delight! I love to see them. Do keep sharing.
Thank you so much, Sue. It’s heartwarming to know that my little substack has an effect, any effect, in this madness of a world at the moment. You should come up to Skye and I’ll ply you with baked goodies and wild landscapes! The small Bardon Mill cafe and its owners sound wonderful. Husband is thinking of doing a long walk across Hadrian’s Wall in the summer with son and dog so maybe I’ll tag along for the soup and toasties and we’ll meet at some point. 🥰
You're very welcome. Lesley - I'd love to include a photo of your honesty box in the post - would that be okay?
We are just a stone's throw from the Wall, so I'd love to meet up! Keep me posted. The soup and sarnie at Bardon Mill are fantastic
Yes of course! Will send you a couple to choose from. Just snaps, but hopefully you’ll like one of them
Perfect, thank you.
I am all on for raising the vibrations and concentrating on positive and emotionally nurturing stories. I spent Sunday, St Brigid's Day, with three Bridie friends catching up on our lives since we last met in August 2025. We were launching one of them on a 4 month research sabbatical abroad and the vibes were so encouraging and supportive towards her, and all of us. This is what is important to me - maintaining connections 🥰
Beautiful energy in this, Lucy, thanks for sharing. How amazing to have deep friendships and connections as this. ❤️
I get your concern around posting about knitted toys and hobnobs when there is so much horror in the world, yet I'm glad you put the photos back, we need these good vibrations. Mine, this week, as well as seeing your photos, are lots of winter walks by the river, the sea or tracks near my house - it's brought me a lot of presence and calm. But now, I just want to eat hobnobs! Do you have a recipe?
This was the recipe I used Sarah, but added melted chocolate and doubled the amounts! Seriously addictive. Be warned https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/user/10516111/recipe/homemade-hobnobs
Thank you!
I just want to share that having recovered from abuse and then breast cancer ,I found the Brandon Mill tearoom such a calm sanctuary to sit feeling very safe ,and write my journal , thank you so much for creating a place of healing and community 😊 much love Li 🥰
Hi Li, thanks for leaving this comment. It's such a safe place, isn't it? I wonder if you were there when we were, on Tuesday? There was someone writing in a journal who I spoke to. Perhaps it was you?
Hi Sue I wasn't there on Tuesday but bet they were a fellow creative ,and I agree about powerful female energy .Happy Friday everyone , I saw some crocus pushing through the soil and knew a positive Spring us on its way 😀 and for me I'm really looking forward to Haltwhistle pool reopening where you can swim and listen to the birds and watch the clouds drift by 🕊
And when the sun shines, Halty pool gives proper summer in the sun vibes. Love Halty pool, Li. Maybe I'll see you there too, one day? Great to connect with a local within the RIPE community 🍑
Loving your good vibrations Sue… just want we need to counteract all the negative ones that spring forth from acts of odious men. Keep them coming! X
Thank you so much Rebecca. There's some powerful female energy in all the comments on this post. ❤️
We need powerful female energy more than ever now Sue.. through art and craft, community and caring, nature and nurture, hope and resilience … love that you are channeling this and encouraging others to do the same! ❤️
I love that we can gather here too.
❤️💪❤️
Yes to all of this. I think the post you are referring to was written by Teri Leigh who continues to update and inform. I will find a link for you.
Ah, brilliant, yes it was, thank you. I'll edit the post tomorrow to include it
https://substack.com/@terileigh/note/c-205420311?r=muiuv&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
Beautiful piece. The tension between feeling priviliged and needing to share joy is something a lot of us wrestle with but dont talk about. What really stuck with me is how that US follower reframed it as necessary rather than trivial. I've noticed in my own circles that the people going through the hardest times often need those small remidners of normalcy most.
Thanks 🙏 glad my piece landed well with you
Thanks for sharing, Sue. Please keep sharing in the notes.
Thanks Victoria, and will do! x