Sizzling Scorchioso Summer ’26

What a scorcher!

It’s been a while since my last confession (err I mean newsletter), so I thought, why not hermit myself away in a hot writing cabin, on the hottest day of the year. So from my hot keyboard, surrounded by fans (sadly not the ‘I like you a lot’ type) I realise that this ‘sizzling scorchioso’ weather is here to stay.

Above is a cooling image of Ellie our labrador and her best buddy, mentor and advisor, Coco indulging in a good old paddle in the river Stour. How blessed we are to have such magical places right on our doorstep.

Half a century on from the long, hot summer of ’76 when almost 3,000 people expired from the heat in the UK, we find ourselves queuing to purchase air-conditioning units. Apparently, there is a waiting list stretching into the autumn for these magical cooling devices.  I, however, am rather smug at an epiphany that washed over our household in April which sent us scurrying out to buy our AC unit. And very nice it is too…. if jolly expensive to run. Not wishing to rub it in, but I wondered if we could save some electricity by turning off the fridge and storing our milk and butter in the bedroom. Just a thought.

Writing News

Although the general state of our world seems to be pre-apocalyptic, I have taken time to strip back my commitments to focus on writing my third novel in the Ancient Power Series, it is called Secret and Revelation.I hope I can get it out there before the end of the world😊.

At the close of 2025 I managed, with the help of my wonderful niece, Andie Nelson in the USA, to create a cover and launch the second book, Secret and Rebirth (image and link above). It had been a challenging time for us all, as in the space of a few weeks, we lost three close family members, my brother, my sister in law and her brother. So I jumped on a plane to New York and joined the family in Staten Island. The scheduled publishing date fell during that time, so Andie stepped up to the plate. She worked her magic on the cover formatting and helped me negotiate with Amazon US to ensure it hit the deadline. Thank you, Andie!  The cover image was painted by myself in acrylics, as I was struggling to find any usable pictures which weren’t generated by AI. The book is available on kindle or paperback from Amazon, or if you would like a signed copy posted out to you just drop me a message.

https://tinyurl.com/SecretRebirth2

I know I harp on about reviews being an important part of having a book out there, but if you happen to have bought and read any of my books, reviews are so gratefully received.

On Friday mornings, I have rejoined my fellow writers at a coaching group run by author/tutor Della Galton over Zoom. Della is an inspiration. Her tutoring and critique has helped me immensely. I also get to ‘remotely’ rub shoulders with some of the most incredible writers. Some have become novelists, others write brilliant short stories for magazines, and many of them are regularly in the top elite who win national and international competitions. Here is a link to one of Della’s latest offerings https://tinyurl.com/PerfectMomentsDella

I Got the Art Bug

Last year, on Wednesday mornings, I was involved with a great group of budding artists at Reasons for Art, hosted by Alison and Amanda, we met at Allendale House in Wimborne. Being amongst such lovely people re-ignited my passion for drawing and painting. These sessions still run on a Wednesday and often involve different teachers of acrylic, watercolour, pastels etc.  But my true desire has always been to learn portraiture. I went on to join a wonderful tutor and artist called Dhanraz Ramdarry, who runs amazing courses from his studio in Southbourne, Dorset. On 4th July 2026 he held an exhibition of his students’ work, and I felt super proud to have my first three portraits in oil shown. My first effort was ‘Marilyn Monroe’ – it was the first, for many of Dhan’s students. It was fascinating to see the different techniques that were unfolding for each of us. Although, most could tell it was supposed to represent the beautiful Norma Jean Baker, each portrait had some small difference which set them apart.  Dhanraz made sure we understood the techniques which helped with proportions and likeness without stripping away our individual style.  My second effort was the painting of my great great grandfather, Welsh bard and druid, Jonathan Owain Reynolds, aka Nathan Dyfed. He lived from 1814 until 1891. This is my favourite piece so far. I enjoyed trying to bring him back to life, (not literally, as that would be a step too far even for this woo woo person!) and even had vivid dreams about him whilst I laboured at creating a half decent likeness. The third piece is of the crystal ball juggler that we had for part of the entertainment back in 2013, when Rick and I had our medieval wedding. I am having great fun creating. I highly recommend it. Dhanraz, my tutor trained under Nicholas Beer and Alistair Barford, at the atelier in the grounds of Salisbury Cathedral in the ‘sight-size’ tradition that Nicholas taught for many years in Florence. Dhanraz’s sessions are in such small groups that it feels like one-to-one tutoring, consequently, his students are achieving great things. Take a moment to check out the link below – if you join him, you won’t be sorry.

https://dhanrazfineart.co.uk/classes/ https://dhanrazfineart.co.uk/portfolio/oil-portraits

Face and Soul Readings

For those who have been enquiring about Face & Soul Readings via zoom – there are a few slots available throughout August.  Email me for availability at: sashiradley88@gmail.com.We are face readers already. When we first meet someone, we unconsciously try to weigh them up by looking for tell-tale signs of what type of character they have. Within a few short seconds we have come to many conclusions based on their facial expressions, and without realising it, the shape, size and placement of their features.Throughout our lives from childhood to adulthood our potential and talents are becoming etched onto the canvas of our face. Our life experiences, our belief systems, our physical, emotional and spiritual strengths and weaknesses all make their mark. Using the art of face reading you can `Peel away the layers` of the individual by reading on many levels.During a Face & Soul Reading occasionally insight into Past Lives which may be influencing you in this current lifetime can make themselves known. This brings another fun, fascinating and empowering dimension to your reading, and may give you the clarity and understanding needed to help you to make the next step of your life journey.Please note: Face & Soul Readings are for entertainment purposes only and should be considered as observational and not as instructional. https://sashiradley.com/product/face-soul-reading/

Anyway, you beautiful human beings… My suggestion is, turn off the news, have a sizzling summer, enjoy the free vitamin d, and savour the memories you are making. Go and cool off in the river, eat watermelon and pour yourself an ice cold drinky poo (zero or hero), and have the best time. May you be blessed with good health, good friendships and ultimate summer joyfulness and maybe a cheeky lotto win.

With love and blessings

Sashi