A juicy berry-filled biscuit

And an invitation!

On Wednesday I woke feeling distinctly meh. A shower didn’t help. Neither did breakfast. Perhaps a brisk walk would sort me out.

I pulled on my walking boots and marched down the garden, but as I opened the gate, a bramble from next door’s garden blocked my way.

It hung directly in front of my face, straining under the weight of what I can only describe as the most perfect blackberries I’ve ever laid eyes on. They were plump and shiny, each the size of a Malteser.

My response was instantaneous: I turned back, unlocked the door, grabbed a Tupperware, and locked up, all over again.

Half an hour later I was still meandering, rather than marching. Still on the lane behind my house, my Tupperware full to the brim, my listlessness long forgotten.

It is almost impossible to worry, or fret, or overthink when you are repeatedly thrusting your hand into brambles under a crisp blue sky. What had been troubling me drifted away, replaced by deep contentment.

In those minutes it was as if foraging for food was what my life was meant for.

And as if that weren’t enough, whilst suspended in my berry-fuelled state of bliss, a friend came to mind - one I’ve been meaning to message for weeks. I left a voice note and he instantly replied. His message was like a mini podcast meant just for me.

Very soon l shall enjoy those berries in a steaming pie with custard. Or I will pop them in my morning porridge.

Their tang will prompt me to marvel at the possibility that our days can transform from moribund to magic, with one small choice. And in this case, all thanks to my neighbour’s unruly bush.

[#sorrynotsorry for that last sentence :) ]

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And now for the invitation!….

Some weeks ago I alluded to a new work-related-something cooking…and I’m excited to share that it’s here :)

To celebrate the birth of my new upcoming programme- The Joyful Visibility Incubator -- I’m offering a new workshop for heart-led women entrepreneurs and changemakers:

How to Write More Like Yourself: Unleash your authentic writing voice and attract the clients you most love working with

It gives a taste of the philosophy on which the full programme is based, and is an inspiring, nourishing standalone event in its own right.

Whether you’re considering joining the full programme and want to find out more - or simply feel called to participate in this one-off session - you are warmly invited to join! For now I am offering the taster workshop at no charge.

The dates, full details and sign up for the workshop is here. Do share the link with any women in your life it might resonate with!

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And…

Glitter and Biscuits is not - I repeat not - a newsletter where I will be ‘selling you’ on this programme.

But it does feel good and right in my bones to share this with you here today. I expect that in future editions I will have some nuggets of wisdom to offer related to the creative process involved.

Because Joyful Visibility is simply another creation. And this newsletter is about reclaiming our creativity from whatever dark forces may stop us sharing our gifts, and ourselves, with others.

Glitter and Biscuits was borne of my desire for my creativity to have a place to roam more freely, beyond the confines of my corporate work. And now it seems the muse wishes to gallop around in my work-life. She has changes in mind that will have it feel as exquisite as my non-worky creative projects. Who knew?

Perhaps as we tend to our creative dreams in one realm of our lives, other parts can bloom, a bit like a magical garden.

Thank you for being here :)

With love,

Claire

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Find me elsewhere:

Instagram: @clairemackinnonwrites

Website: clairemackinnon.com

LinkedIn: Claire Mackinnon