Since my last newsletter, I spent some time on a canal boat cruising the Grand Union canal north of Milton Keynes – I used the towpath to collect tiny leaves and blackthorn blossom for the flower press in preparation for making this season’s jewellery.
Canal life happens at a pace that is far slower than anything I could hope to achieve at home, and forces me to notice the changing of the seasons in greater detail than ever before. One thing that was noticeably different from other years’ spring trips was the lack of ducklings bobbing along. We did however see this Jackdaw busy taking twigs into a large crevice in the trunk of a tree close to the canal and comically struggling to turn her head to get the larger sticks maneuvered into the gap.
Maybe life is just a little slower to wake up this spring on account of the cold and wet weather. Or maybe even the canalside wildlife takes life a little slower than most. |
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| What has our jewellery brand Harmonite been up to? |
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| After a really successful day at the Earth Spirit spring fayre in Norfolk, and the number of people asking me about Ogham alphabet and tree zodiacs, I decided to see if I could expand my range of pendants to include as many of the letters as possible in time for the next fayre for Beltane… |
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| …a big ask, but I managed a few of them with the new blossom which is in full show right now.Early May is covered by the Willow tree and so unfortunately my flower press only had a few furry willow buds from last year and enough for a couple of sample leaf acorns. But I really like how they turned out. |
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| The fayre was held in the small town of Woodbridge in Suffolk and was an inspiration. I met some amazing people and spent the day pitched next to a collection of native British Owls provided by Evie’s Owls. I struggle a little with the exploitation of captive-bred birds, but the education that Evie provides to her customers more than makes up for it in my book. Youngsters got to spend time sitting with a live owl on their arm whilst learning all about their plight and how to protect them. |
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| What have I been writing? |
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Revive and Thrive
It’s out and getting some great reviews already – I can’t thank you all enough for your support.
If gardening is not your thing but you really want to make an effort and get started, this book will give you that helping hand.
Packed with cost-cutting tips and tricks to help you get the soil you need, encourage wildlife, and let nature do the hard work for you! (yes I am a huge fan of the no-dig, no-till method of gardening).
Get your copy now on Amazon (I am working on the Audible version as we speak). 
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Energetic Herbalism for Beginners
Ever bought echinacea from a pharmacist with promises that it would get rid of your winter cold – then was unimpressed that it failed to work?
That’s because a “this-for-that” approach to herbs doesn’t take into account your own constitution or that of the ailment you are suffering.
Find out more in this beginner’s book on herbal energetics.
Also available on Audible.
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| What have I been influenced by lately? |
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Meaningful Success by Bettina Gallego
Achieving meaningful success is about rediscovering what it truly means to be human. It’s not just about reaching goals; it’s about doing so with honesty and authenticity. This is a guidebook, offering practical advice and tools for success that align with your values, whether in your personal life or career.
I met the author on a trip to Madrid last year and was impressed by her journey, her experiences, and her attitude to life which resonated deeply and aligned so greatly with mine. If you choose to live a life of purpose then this book is for you.
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Pescatarian Cook Book
As someone who doesn’t really eat red meat, but loves seafood and fish, this newly released cookbook has me listing ingredients for the weekly shop in the hopes that I can try out some of the recipes.
The one I am looking to try first is a seafood shakshuka. I first tried Shakshuka whilst working in Israel some years ago now and have never attempted to cook it myself. It’s basically a combination of tomatoes, onion, garlic, spices and herbs all simmering away in a pan, then you create depressions in the mixture for poaching eggs in… what could possibly go wrong!?
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Influences are not always good.
“Make me a Winner” – I’m embarrassed to say I have been influenced by this long-running radio competition way too much over the last few months. I don’t have a TV at home, nor do I watch news sites on the internet – mainly because I don’t believe a word on any of them anymore. This means I am not overly exposed to adverts, but for some reason, this viral radio competition has me in its’ clutches. I don’t want to have to stop listening to the radio as well. Enough now! Please, at least stop the free entry option, so that I can stop checking my phone at 3pm on a daily basis and answering the phone “Make me a winner” to potential new customers! The shame.
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| One small business helping out another … |
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Kate Anderson Yoga
Meet Kate, my amazing yoga instructor, who visits our village hall every Thursday morning to teach our small group of middle-aged enthusiasts how to destress, relax and stretch in ways we never knew possible.
I’m lucky enough to be joining her on one of her retreats in Kent in a couple of weeks and I simply cannot wait. My first ever!
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A final word from the woodland…
The bluebells are in full bloom and the rustic steps have all been repaired and some replaced, making access much safer again – all ready for the big bank holiday camp next weekend.
We still have some smaller storm damage to clear away and a decent amount of rhodie has popped up in various locations which will swiftly get removed this weekend before it takes hold again.
So until the summer solstice in June, I wish you all a wonderful Beltane, and fantastic green man season. I’m off to build a big Beltane bonfire!
Joanne
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| If you are reading this and thinking who the hell is Joanne Hedger, then I sincerely apologize; your email address has reached my Google contacts list somewhere along the line and I have embarrassingly failed to keep in touch. For this I am very sorry and wish you all the best in life. (There is an unsubscribe link below).
If, however, you wish to continue receiving Elemental newsletters, (I send a maximum of 8 per year), be sure to whitelist my email address or mark me as an approved sender in your email inbox. This is to ensure that you will receive all updates and announcements and not have me sent to your spam box. My email address is: joanne@elementalretail.com |
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