The Lantern | Issue 13

♡ June 2022 ♡

Dear wonderful,

I'm writing this issue of The Lantern beneath a rare untainted blue sky. The grand weeping willow tree on the green shimmers in the charged light, and the air is a flutter with bird song, possibilities and something of the numinous. It's one of those days where you instinctively feel that anything is possible.

Sipping Nordic Blueberry tea, I feel fully present and at peace in this sweet moment. Soon, I will put down my pen / keyboard for a few hours while I walk to the park and let the sun dance on my skin.

At every opportunity, Fen and I leave behind the world's challenges and chaos to find inspiration and sanctuary in the great yonder. It is here where we wander and wonder.

Sometimes, we stumble upon a touch of high strangeness such as the howling man in the woods (best not to ask), fairy-like creatures flitting over ancient ferns or a glitch in the fabric of reality. There are always surprises, and we come away feeling intrigued by our finds.

But it's being in beautiful places or experiencing a beautiful realisation that brings about something so profound, and these deep moments are a thing of beauty too and something that we are experiencing more often.

It's in these moments when I feel we have actually transcended into a higher realm of being. Perhaps we have.

Back at base-camp, I'm breathing life into new offerings. For anyone who would like to write their own beautiful story and have it published in a booklet, I'm launching a new service. If this speaks to you, email me to register your interest.

I'm also collaborating with Fen to publish issue 1 of the Beautiful Things zine. This will be available as a physical print copy and as a digital download. More about this soon.

Right now, a bee is tapping at the window... a white feather has just floated by... and there's a man walking his dog who looks uncannily like a young Jeff Lynne from ELO. There are a few tunes that seem apt today - Mr Blue Sky is one of them.

It's time to go out to find my way in.

Wherever you are on the earth realm and whatever the season, dance well and live beautifully. Remember to be the bright star that you are.

Love and sparkly wishes,

Carol Anne ♡