It's only really been in the last couple of years where I've decided not to stress about writing during August. I've deliberately made the decision to wind down and take the time off in order to spend it with my children but also to spend guilt free time outside: pottering with the chickens, picking apples, plums and blackberries, making goodies with the harvest and generally quietening the mind.
After a few weeks of this I become excited about September. About what's to come with my blog and my writing. Having some time out is so important as I realise the direction I want to go in next and that's when I start having ideas. Incidentally for the first few weeks of 'holiday' my mind is completely blank and I honestly fear that I'll never have an idea - good or bad - again.
I always sort out my office during this month, too. I've shifted a number of sacks of rubbish in the last year so it wasn't too bad, but I still managed to clear a good bag full. And my desk has been decluttered. I've no idea how it gets so messy as I always have such good intentions. I've now moved my desk to a new position (similar to having a change round in my bedroom as a child) and have stripped everything back so it holds only a few working essentials:
1. SCION MR. FOX MUG
I have two cushions in the distinctive fox fabric of Scion so was overjoyed to discover these gorgeous mugs with beautiful colours - perfect for my numerous cups of coffee. Scion Mr Fox mug.
2. MOLESKINE NOTEBOOKS
Moleskine notebooks are used to make my nature notes, journal entries, blog post ideas - things I think might become something in the future. I also use them for doodling, it's where I first conceived Polly the Chicken. I just adore the feel of them in my hand. I love popping them in my bag and carrying them around with me. They're reassuring. They tell me I can do this.
I've got four. One in pink and one in dark green for notes and one, larger, in red (see no.5) for my novel and one in black as my diary (see no.4).
3. CATH KIDSTON ROSE HAND BALM
I adore this Cath Kidston rose scent so I'm rather distraught because I can't find it anymore online. I only have to take the lid off and take a small whiff and I'm immediately transported back to my teenage bedroom. I had a powder puff in a round box that smelt exactly the same. If anyone knows of a similar scent then let me know. I need it in my life.
4. MOLESKINE WEEKLY NOTEBOOK & LAMY FOUNTAIN PEN WITH BROAD NIB
This weekly notebook from Moleskine has been brilliant at keeping me organised this year. It has the week divided up on the left and a blank, ruled page on the right.
My Lamy fountain pen with a broad nib does exactly what the Moleskine does. It reassures me as I scribble my notes or when I take time and care with neater handwriting. Lamy pens give me confidence in my words.
5. MOLESKINE EXTRA LARGE NOTEBOOK & TAKE OFF YOUR PANTS
I've talked about how the book about the outlining your novel, Take Off Your Pants, has been so useful in this video below and you can also see my extra large Moleskine notebook in action:
6. ANKER MULTI ANGLE STAND FOR TABLETS
When I'm at my desk I use my laptop in conjunction with my iPhone or iPad (who knew we 'needed' all this tech?!) This stand from Anker is particularly useful if I'm Skyping or Facetiming a client.
7. PAPERCHASE NOTEBOOKS & CLIPS
Notebooks are an addiction. I don't know if it's a good or bad thing that Paperchase now has a store near me. The first things I bought were notebooks, because you can never have enough, along with some coloured large paperclips and small bulldog clips.
The smaller spiral bound one I'm using to write my goals and everything to do with my blog like statistics and costs. The larger one I'm using as my nature journal that you often see in my Instagram shots.
8. LITTLE WOMEN MUG & PENCILS
I adore this Little Women mug. It's far too big for my coffee but absolutely perfect for holding my colouring pencils.
So that's it. Now I need to stop admiring my pretty notebooks and mugs and get on with some work.
[This post is not sponsored but some of the links I've included are affiliate links which, if you click and purchase through them, will not cost you anything, but will add a few pennies to the upkeep of this blog.]
