Ripples from across the pond
Celebrating a sisterhood of water, heart leaps and the possibilities of hope
“Having the right circle of women
around you is the biggest life upgrade.”
~ anonymous
I am in the midst of the planning and outlining stage of my second book and I find myself spinning on my hamster wheel, getting nowhere fast. I know the story I want to tell, my who’s and my where’s, yet my engine is sputtering and my frustration level is mounting quicker than the words are spilling on to the page.
At the moment, I have nothing to show but my blank post-it notes, a broken pencil tip and a misplaced pencil sharpener.
The good news is, I know I am not alone. I have my trusty go-to resources when I need inspiration and encouragement or when I am sure I want to quit. The funny thing is, we aren’t even friends—heck, we don’t even live on the same continent—yet, from where I sit…it’s as if I’ve known these ladies for a lifetime.
Meet
and .Both are writers living in the U.K.
They have each made “brave moves and big leaps” at various times over the course of their lives.
And they are the real deal.
is a mentor of sorts to many here on Substack. She lives in Northumberland (you might find a puffin or two there—I am quite fond of the puffins), where she is a freelance writer and runs her publication Heart Leap. Her publication’s focus is on helping writers progress (or leap) forward through encouragement, writing prompts, a writing “happy hour” and masterclasses. Yet, to be a writer is not a requirement to appreciate the “heart” of her publication.Suzy also offers a writer’s retreat in Northumberland, which looks like something I could seriously consider at some point in the near future. It could be just what I need for that writer’s block.
In the meantime, I will revisit this celebratory post of the three-year anniversary of Suzy’s move to Northumberland. On that evening during a walk home, The Northern Lights spectacularly appeared just above her home.
“It’s a sign,” she wrote (she’s a believer in the signs…as am I).
“Of hope, of possibility, of love.”
It was a sign that she knew she was in the right place.
A sign to be brave.
A sign to reach out to our tribe who can support and inspire us.
A sign to never give up hope.
A sign to always put your face towards the light.
If you would like to learn more about Suzy and her newsletter, tap the link below:
I am no stranger to the water.
I have lived near the Atlantic Ocean on the east coast of South Florida for most of my life. As a teen, I nearly drowned—caught in the grips of a riptide until two onlookers jumped to my rescue. I had navigated my fear of the water since that event with much trepidation (the movie “Jaws” didn’t help) until my twenties, when I was taught (and learned to love) how to scuba and free dive off the coast of Florida and in the open waters of Bimini and the Bahamas.
Yet to this day, at sixty, I remain a mediocre-at-best swimmer, and rather tentative when it comes to the open waters. I am in a constant teetering between the intimidation of my swimming abilities and knowing not what lurks beneath my dangling feet (cue the Jaws soundtrack) and my fascination with the ocean’s otherworldliness.
Enter
.A writer, former air traffic controller, traveler, tea sommelier, bee rescuer (sweet story in my link below) and a wild swimmer.
For those unfamiliar, wild swimming is done in the open water—offering an opportunity to connect with nature, garner spiritual inspiration and reap the health benefits, both mentally and physically.
“I have experienced devastating grief, years of chronic illness and mental health vulnerabilities; and the two things that have saved me in more ways than I can describe are the open water and the power of female friendships - so much so that I wrote an entire book about it.” ~ Emma Simpson
Her book, Breaking Waves, will be released in March of this year.
From women who take their lives in their hands diving through the oceans for their livelihood, to those that seek release by plunging through ice, the relationship between women and water is as beautiful and profound as the oceans themselves.
Water is a giver of life, a protector of the unborn child,
a source of joy, energy, comfort and healing; it is a force.
Equally present is the force that flows through women
as sisters, friends, mothers and daughters; an unseen power
that matches the ferocity and fluidity of the waves.
~ Emma Simpson
I am eagerly awaiting the release of what will surely be a unique and compelling story of what a sisterhood of water can teach us. Who knows? Perhaps once my writer’s block has been lifted from my stay in Northumberland, a wild cold plunge or swim in the open waters might be in order. To be continued…
In case you missed it, I wrote about Emma in April of last year and she graciously agreed to answer my questionnaire. She is as charming as she is a character.
emma simpson
It is here in The Decade Chronicles section of The Wicked Pissah where I share a glimpse into the hearts and minds of folks of every decade and walk of life who have crossed my path at some point along my way and have made a distinct impact. There is always something we can learn from those who came
If you would like to learn more about Emma and her newsletter, tap the link below:
In anticipation of her book launch, Suzy also interviewed Emma in celebration of her book deal. You can read that interview below.
As always, thank you for being here.
xo Char
A delight to be joining you here. Quite a sisterhood! xxx
Keep going Char, you are one of the few who have what it takes. The "proof is in the pudding" you're recent and past accomplishments should give you the strength and guidance you need to keep those post it notes out...you will use them in time.
These two women, Emma and Suzy, sound amazing, glad you discovered them along your journey.