A bit overdue, as I try to do one of these every quarter, but better late than never! I’ve been reading rather a lot and I’m reading books in tandem too. I find this works for me as I can have one book in my bag, one or two at my bedside and one downstairs. Tandem reading is also good if you are finding a book hard going and maybe you need some light relief… Without…
If you’ve read this blog for a while you’ll know one of my favourite places in Manchester is Victoria Baths. It won hearts on the BBC’s Restoration programme and my mum used to swim there as a young girl. It hosts pop up cinema events, weddings (here’s one I went to), vintage fairs and lots more. Last year they even managed to fill one of the pools and I went for a swim! I’ve also visited…
Plan to Thrive; My Wellbeing Choosing THRIVE as my word of the year is all-encompassing. It includes my health and wellbeing, which is what I wanted to share with you today. Last year I shared the supplements that I take, but I want to share some things I’ve tried so far this year too. Foam roller/massage Using a foam roller is a form of self-massage. Last year I managed to strain my groin, but getting a…
As part of my 2019 mission to THRIVE this year, I’ve been looking at my relationship with money. More to the point, I’ve decided to do something about it. I’m happiest finding answers in books, so I read You Are A Badass At Making Money by Jen Sincero. A book that had been recommended to me several times by different people. Feelings of awkwardness, self- worth, and safety around money have been pulled to the surface after reading. And…
The key to writing a novel for me, the actual HOW, is not stopping when you get stuck. Creativity ebbs and flows, this is true, but you can work around its tempestuous nature. Do not sit around waiting for the muse to strike again. You may end up waiting a long time. I was thinking about this recently and how I actually wrote my story. It still amazes me that I completed that first draft last…
As part of my mission to THRIVE in 2019, I’ve said yes to a couple of things (it is only January!) Both happen to take the form of Public Speaking. Public Speaking isn’t new to me. It is something I’d like to be better at though. By the way, this is a long post so put the kettle on first! I have given talks to small groups on blogging, I’ve given “how to” demonstrations as a…
Last year I toyed with the idea of a “Word of the Year”. Using a Word of the Year gives your something you can lean into and focus on. It is a much gentler way of self-improvement than the dreaded new year resolutions. I hadn’t done it before (although I’d seen it around the web a lot) and couldn’t decide between Reading and Writing. So I chose both Looking back on 2018 I did Read and Write, much more…
It seems many of you love the poster I have in my dining room. A human anatomy print, in French. It reminds me of something my favourite TV family (The Addams Family) would have in their home. Don’t you think? Well here’s the thing, it’s actually wrapping paper, with a perfectly fitting Ikea frame and mount surrounding it (Mossebo in white- possibly discontinued). The frame and mounting elevates it to something that is easily mistaken for a…
This year has been huge for me in terms of chasing my dreams of writing a book. I did it, I wrote a novel! I’m now nearly halfway through rewriting it, jiggling it around until it makes sense to someone that isn’t me. The blogging side of my life has changed a lot. It’s no longer the be all and end all. I do still love this corner of the internet and although this year has…
It’s funny how life works sometimes. As I’ve grown older I’ve realised it’s much more cyclical than I ever could have imagined. For example, I had a thought the other night, as I lingered in the place between sleep and wakefulness. It’s not unusual for this to happen to me, my brain is the most relaxed it’s probably been all day and I often get weird and wonderful ideas at the point just before falling asleep.…
Promising myself I read more Fiction this year is one of the best things I’ve done for my mental health. The escapism, the ritual, and the quiet. It’s brilliant, but it can be challenging to carve out the time. Today I’m sharing some tips on how to read more books. It’s also been great for my writing too. I get ideas on formatting, points of view, character development and story arcs. As you know I’m a huge advocate…
As a big Queen fan, I’ve been so excited to see the new film Bohemian Rhapsody at the cinema. There alone; me, myself and pie. Yes, the cinema I went to has vegan pie’s that you can take in with you. It’s been ages since I ‘ve done a solo cinema trip and it was bliss. I know Bohemian Rhapsody has had mixed reviews, but I really enjoyed it. The thing is there is no way…
Hello I'm Susan Earlam. You've come to the right place for living your life creatively, home, interiors, women's lifestyle and travel. So make yourself a cuppa and explore!
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