Hello Lovely Readers

Last night`s unexpected storm has passed; the lightning and roof-rattling hail has subsided. I take to the garden to inhale the cleansing air which has swept in fresh from the nearby south coast. The atmosphere has sweetened, post-summer pollen residues swept away on those blustery overnight winds.

A windchime suspended from the ancient apple tree tinkles above my head. The coo of a contented wood pigeon joins the symphony of the closing summer. Mother Earth it seems, has decided, at this precise moment to create an open-air concert of natural harmony.

Warm breeze whispers across the landscape. Sodden leaves quiver, dislodging fat, juicy apples. Their thud to the ground, a drum roll of abundant harvest. In a garden, somewhere, the faint pitchy yap of a terrier, the distant cue for a farmer`s Labrador to bring in its baritone backing vocals.

Village church bell ringers, learning their craft, a jumbo jet high in the azure blue, blending tones seamlessly with the orchestra.

And I realise, I could do this every single day, and the composition would always differ. Just as every single piece of music composed, or performed has something to set it apart, always some miniscule difference regardless of whether it is an old favourite, or a fresh new tune. In a social media world where perfection is sought by so many, the desire to mimic others brings anxiety and stress because it is pushing against the natural flow of things.

We cannot be Dua Lipa, because Dua Lipa is unique. She has discovered the gift of embracing her own uniqueness. Just as the symphony of our surroundings alters by the second, its beauty is in those subtle little nuances.  That cooing wood pigeon with its puffed-out purple hued chest, storm grey plumage and feathered cape of emerald-green, is not attempting to be anything other than itself. It is embracing its personal differences, its personal beauty.

We each have a unique piece of music or an entire symphony to share. So today, breathe in the potential of the next moment. Go forth and compose. Be proud of your offering. It needs to be heard.

You may not be Beyonce, Dua Lipa, or Ed Sheeran, but you are YOU. Be brave, be unique, be who you were born to be. Get out there and write your story or sing your song! The world is waiting….

Last week I attended a weekly Creative Writing course, which I have been going to for the last ten years. My tutor is best-selling author Della Galton. She gave each of the group a starting line for a short story, some of us had the same line, and others something different. The results were a fascinating, eclectic mix of great stories, and it proved that we all have our own authentic filter through which we perceive and interact with the world around us.

In writing circles, when the words hit the page, they call it the author’s voice. Once you get to a point where readers recognise your `voice` then I guess you`ve almost arrived.

Think – the humourous observational style of Bill Bryson`s travel adventures, compare that with Agatha Christie`s cosy crime stories, and the gritty, edge of your seat writing style of Lee Child. 

Della Galton – The Puddleduck Farm series:

Book Two of the Ancient Power Series by Sashi Radley coming soon:

Psychic Supper – Sat. October 28th 2023 – Come and Join us

Stay safe and happy. Give someone a smile today or a hug if they are open to it. You never know how much it may mean to them.

Wishing you a bright and cheery Autumn Equinox. 

With Love & Sparkly Blessings

Sashi