Even unzipping the case of a 1960s Olivetti Lettera 22 typewriter sends a thrill through the body. Cup of tea on the desk, thesaurus and a childhood dictionary placed neatly alongside, and an intention that here is the time to create. Rolling the paper into the machine, the first line is slowly pondered and, as …
Have you ever been captivated by a beautifully plated dish of food, only for your first bite to reveal it was more style than substance? Or maybe you’ve turned your nose up at a lumpy, unremarkable stew but then been won over by its depth of flavour. If so, you’re not alone. Sight shapes a …
Are you a hugger? For some people, hugging comes so naturally that they’re happy to throw their arms around complete strangers in a warm greeting or envelop their loved ones in a strong, lingering bear hug. Others might only feel comfortable hugging loved ones and dislike similar physical contact with colleagues or acquaintances. And there …
In this issue: Let’s go outside – Share the moment – Stories from the shore – Primal instinct – Weaving through time – Letters of friendship – Different wavelengths – The artist’s presence – Unlikely organisers – All by myself Tap, tap, tap… ding! At first listen, the clattering of an old-fashioned typewriter may have …
The word ‘community’ conjures many images. Maybe it’s running the tombola at a bustling fair or sitting in a cosy living room, dissecting the latest novel at a book club. It could also be smaller, more everyday things – chatting to your neighbour as you take out the rubbish or smiling at the dog-walker you …
Unexpected, strange, delightful – the stories and characters of dreams have long provided inspiration for novelists, film-makers, artists and poets. But this well of ideas and insight might seem out of reach for the layperson, particularly those who don’t recall their dreams regularly, even though it’s something every single person does every single night. And …
Have you ever been for a walk on a dark night or pitch-black morning and been struck by the beauty and depth of a winter sky? Or been wrapped up under the duvet after a tough day to be embraced by the quiet stillness? Perhaps you’ve meditated by candlelight and found a new level of …
In this issue: Ode to summer – The joy of rummaging – Means of connection – Art without borders – Building hope – To tease or not to tease? – Nature’s gift – In no small measure – Embrace the Night Self – Let’s dance What makes you angry? Rudeness, unfairness, lack of effort? Do …
It’s 8am in Querétaro, Central Mexico, and I’m following a miniature schnauzer as she charts a course through the city with her nose. We’ve chased pigeons in the plaza, disrupted the line of nuns filing into the Convento de la Santa Cruz and trekked as far as the mirador with its view of the aqueduct …
A leisurely browse of the sunglasses, a spritz of Jo Malone’s latest scent, I even consider buying a giant Toblerone, just for the fun of it. Breezing around London Gatwick’s north terminal on a quiet Monday afternoon, I’m in my element. It’s the most relaxed I’ve been in months. Far from being bored or lonely, …
