I walk, therefore I belong
Seeking solace and comfort in nature
For studio news, class updates and new craftkits, please scroll down. If you’re here for the nature (I hope you are!) get comfortable, and maybe a tissue ;)
Dear reader, How are you, my friend? Are you looking forward to some time off? Are you ready for this year to draw to a close? It’s been a tough one, all round it seems. I’m not quite ready to analyse the year just gone, yet I have started planning for next year, with a quiet prayer for some accompanying ease. Since January my priorities have changed significantly, which has necessitated both staying close to home for extended periods and more latterly a shift in the rhythm of my days as one of our children changed school. Reader, it has torn me away from my regular walk - and - I know it sounds dramatic - the sense of being ripped away really does encapsulate how I’ve experienced this. You know I talk a lot about nature, I believe that developing a relationship with and connecting to the natural world is one of the most beneficial things any of us can do, both for ourselves and for the natural world. This is a hard lesson for me to write about, but please stay with me.
Over several years walking the Tip Path I have come to know what grows where, make friends with plants and trees, recognise the rhythms of the ducks and the goldfinches, greet the robin and the wren several times a week like old friends. Early this summer I noticed that the tragopogon pratensis - Meadow Salsify or Goat’s Beard if you will ( I prefer Jack-Go-To-Bed-At-Noon) - had been attacked by a smut fungus. Truly a favourite flower, I was devastated. I’d first noticed a single seed head back in 2020 and over the following years I’d watched it spread and grow, populating a substantial section of the hedgerow. A constant source of joy these past few years, I kept an eager eye out for the telltale green and purple buds, tall, slim, elegant spears pushing up over the grasses, signalling the imminent arrival of those bright yellow flowers which I’ve never truly captured in my paper botany practice. The pressure of doing them justice is too much! Pragmatically, I understand that this is the reality of nature, simply the ebb and flow of life. I realise that Jack may reestablish himself (it can take several years to bounce back after a significant smut fungus attack) - but I have struggled disproportionally with this because - I wasn’t able to walk regularly. I couldn’t get there and see for myself what was happening, what other plants were growing. I couldn’t immerse myself in the greenery and plant life, I didn’t feel part of it, I wasn’t there witnessing things running their natural course.
And so I have walked other paths, trying to get my fix. Often I have stayed close to home and walked along the beach, experiencing the joy of discovering lesser bulrushes (narrowleaf cattail), nodding burr marigolds and some of the most perfect white clovers I’ve ever spotted. I’ve walked through gardens admiring rosebushes, I’ve watched the silver birches in the local park slowly circle from buds to leaves to shaking their autumnal tresses to reveal silvery branches. Most recently I have found myself walking Bidston Hill, in an attempt to find a new, regular walk which fits in with my new daily schedule. And beauty is everywhere, as these images from Bidston Hill demonstrate - nature is wonderful and captivating details can be found at every turn. But here’s the thing. Perhaps I thought that it was all about inspiration, but it’s not. It’s genuinely about feeling a sense of connection - BELONGING. If I can walk regularly along the same path I can feel part of it, it grounds me, it makes me feel like I belong.
Reader, I started writing this thinking I would arrive at a neat philosophical conclusion, but have only managed to convince myself I need to get back to marching up and down the Tip Path a few times every week! I’m not sure how, but I’ll have to make it happen. Walking the other paths satisfies a curiosity, but I need the familiar tracks beneath my feet, I need to be able to check in on the old willow and the little ash tree, I need to know what’s happening with Jack and the brambles. Wish me luck!
Do you have a regular walk? I wonder how often you walk the same path. Do you feel the same need of a sense of belonging? I’m really curious to know, please do share your experience in the comments. I’m sure it’s not just me!
With love, and until next time, Ling
IN OTHER NEWS Thank you so much to everyone who visited my stand at both the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair and the Hepworth Wakefield Christmas Festival. It was wonderful to meet so many new people and for any of you who purchased craft kits do keep an eye on @thepaperwildflower and @paperbydragonfly on Instagram as I keep posting new tutorials and reels with tips. I’m a very visual learner and I think it really helps to see how things are done. I’ve also started a new group on Facebook and it would be fabulous to have you join us - it in very early days but again I’ll be adding tutorials and offers in there, you can find the group here.
I’m excited to announce two brand new craft kits are now available in my online store and….I’m really happy to offer a Christmas present for my loyal readers! Simply quote code TPWSUBS to get 20% off every single craftkit you buy until 15th December! These craft kits have been flying off the shelves so don’t hand around, get the kits in your basket as soon as you can! Find them here.
BLOSSOM & CREATE - NEW CLASSES START IN FEBRUARY! I’m trying something new. Every Tuesday the studio will be open for two paper flower sessions, one in the morning, 11am - 1pm, and one in the evening, 7pm to 9pm. Each session is £25 and can be booked as a single session or you can book a series. I’ll be focussing on different flowers each month, or you are free to come and work on your own project with expert support and encouragement. Tools and materials are provided and extra materials can be purchased as required. best of all, there is a loyalty scheme! If you purchase 4 sessions, your fifth session is free! A great way to explore a new hobby - come along for a taster and try it for yourself. More information and bookings here!
I haven’t been able to take my regular walk this year and I’ve also missed this sense of belonging and connection. I so enjoy reading about your walks I hope the coming year allows you more of them!