Today is the day! The Cactus Surgeon has gone from being an idea in my head to now sitting in people’s hands. So where can you pick up a copy? It’s on sale at Perrywood Tiptree and Perrywood Sudbury (of course!). It will be on sale at Red Lion Books in Colchester very soon. YouContinue reading “Celebrating Publication Day!”
Author Archives: hcpowell77
An Ode to Autumn
I embrace the seasons. As each one fades I am ready for the next to come into view. The flush of excitement as I see something for the first time in months is, for me, simply irresistible. Here are some of the Autumnal sights I most anticipate, with some suggestions of ways you can seekContinue reading “An Ode to Autumn”
Pre-order your copy of The Cactus Surgeon today!
The Cactus Surgeon is now available to order! What’s it about? It’s a nature and health memoir which explores the possible reasons for my burnout and functional neurological disorder. It also investigates my connection with Mother Nature, how that has helped me over the years – in particular through my ‘green recovery’. It’s a bookContinue reading “Pre-order your copy of The Cactus Surgeon today!”
Making memories and mood shifters
Some days I feel on top of the world and want to bottle the feeling, to enjoy at my leisure. Other days might be sad or irritable and I can’t wait to go to bed where I can not only slumber but also put an end to the bad mood. Here are my own topContinue reading “Making memories and mood shifters”
The menopause – something we should all know about
Over the last six months my awareness of how menopause, and perimenopause, can affect women has grown. I’ve learnt that menopause is when your periods stop, and perimenopause is the time before this (can be many years!) when you still have periods but start to experience menopausal symptoms. I have been aware of my ownContinue reading “The menopause – something we should all know about”
Space
I’ve spent the last week in Broad Oak, Sussex on the edge of the High Weald, for a family holiday. It’s more by luck than judgement that we ended up in that spot, after the original booking got unceremoniously cancelled a few months ago. I’m glad it did. The view from our living room hasContinue reading “Space”
Hollyhocks and Heather
My love affair with hollyhocks continues, they must be one of the most cheerful flowers around. Tall and bright they immediately bring a smile to my face. Lots grow in Suffolk, the destination of numerous family holidays and day trips, so they also remind me of being on vacation. They are coming to an endContinue reading “Hollyhocks and Heather”
Sowing smiles
Is there anything as satisfying as growing plants from seed? Since sowing seeds with my daughter I’ve rediscovered the joys and extra big smiles they bring to my face, as well as hers. In 2018 my daughter collected some seeds from my parent’s garden in Suffolk and ever since we have enjoyed the bright andContinue reading “Sowing smiles”
How’s your chatter?
Over the years I’ve learnt to quieten or ignore the negative chatter in my head. When it’s really bad I do activities that distract me from it, like gardening, a walk in the countryside or something creative like art or sewing. And, when life and my brain feels chaotic I get organised. I make aContinue reading “How’s your chatter?”
An unlocking of emotion
When I was ill, and before I was diagnosed with a functional neurological disorder, I tried acupuncture to desensitise my nervous system and speed my recovery. At the first appointment, I ventured in with trepidation. I don’t like injections or blood tests and have to look away to ensure I don’t faint so I reallyContinue reading “An unlocking of emotion”