In lieu of a blog post over the last week, I’ve had some really wonderful conversations about ideas and draft fairy tales with two very kind and dear people who agreed to test read my first finished story draft. Reactions were very varied, but the conversations have really made me think about what I wanted to achieve with that fairy tale and indeed with a new book of stories, and how this ties into a fairy tale tradition. I love people who challenge my views and make me defend, clarify and update them (especially if they are happy to argue passionately with me for two hours about my draft story - thank you K!!).
I also took the time to go for a big hike up Camel’s Hump in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and my legs have definitely been paying for it for the last few days - as always, entirely worth it! I often go hiking with the intention of using the time to think through illustration plans or fairy tale plots etc, but walking is so meditative I find that I rarely think through anything and instead just manage to properly relax and unwind. Probably a more worthwhile goal to be completely honest!
Cafe review - the national arboretum and local press Kingston
I had a lovely coffee and lunch at the National Arboretum yesterday. Although the restaurant is feeling a little less fancy due to COVID restrictions (a bit less ‘table cloths and fabric napkins’, a bit more ‘food court chairs and tables’) the coffee and food was lovely and the views are unparalleled. I will keep trying to find a place to beat them but I don’t like my chances! They open a bit late for any early birds, but I will absolutely be back to do more writing. 4.5/5
Today I’m at Local Press Cafe in Kingston. I would have a view of the lake except the sun is (strangely after a few weeks of rain!) beating down and I’m hiding safely inside! The coffee and food are great and the tables are big and comfortable enough to spread out on. I especially like the mixed and matched cushions on the benches along the walls and that teapots come with a cute tea cosy! Would come back, especially to sit at the outside table next to a flowering camellia with a view of the lake! 3.5/5