Someone once said you can tell just as much from a writer’s quiet periods as you can from when they write a lot. For me, it usually means I’ve been busy or haven’t had much to say. I do try to follow this wonderful advice when engaging my inner editor, whether during a conversation, social media update or in my writing:

• Does this need to be said?
• Does this need to be said by me?
• Does this need to be said by me, right now?

I don’t always manage, but when I do follow it, I find my interactions much more satisfying and real, somehow.

Time for what is bringing me joy right now:

• I am excited about a new series of blog posts I’m writing, all about my favourite places in Leeds and Yorkshire. It started as one blog post, but quickly got out of control in the draft stage. I’ve broken the content into several posts, including wonderful things to do in Leeds, as well as easy day-trips from Leeds to beautiful countryside walks, market towns, other nearby cities like York, and my favourite places to eat. Stay tuned!
• Pop culture has been super nerdtastic lately, with Game of Thrones and Avengers: Endgame. I needed a little escape, especially from British politics. Perfect.
• Recently watched Knock Down The House on Netflix. Wow! All.The.Feels.
• My boy Tom at Hive Hair Salon has been taking care of my new platinum hair, and I love it so much!
• While in the Lake District, we visited Castlerigg Stone Circle and I was thrilled to read that Coleridge and Wordsworth had visited a mere 220 years earlier. This Canadian English Lit major never gets tired of how much history (over so many centuries!) I stumble across over here.
• Finally, check out Street Food on Netflix. First, make sure you have lots of food in the house or you’ve ordered something delicious.