Last weekend I stepped out of my recluse bubble. It’s been a while, and I truly enjoyed a spell of rich socialising.
My editor visited and stayed over, enticing me to celebrate the release of ‘Course of Mirrors’ into the world. She brought along an excellent bottle of sparkle. I wish every writer was blessed with such a generous editor friend.
Truth be told, without Zohra’s editing support I would not have reached the confidence to publish my first novel, to continue writing a sequel and even start a third book.
Saturday’s party was to celebrate another friend’s birthday, once more with champagne, and a feast of the most delicious food, prepared by his partner, Ruthie. The afternoon was crowned by the appearance of an auspicious rainbow.
to greet the party – in a sky like rippled silk – a blessed rainbow
For the Sunday occasion a bunch of friends gathered in gratitude, giving honour to the memory of Rahima (Elspeth Milburn-Spottiswood) – a remarkable woman, painter, Sufi and Jungian psychotherapist.
The venue was a beautiful old barn in Surrey, surrounded by green lawns and lush, colourful gardens. We listened to recordings of our friend’s resonant voice reciting poetry by D. H. Lawrence and Rumi. And we watched film clips that brought back into awareness her kindness, knowledge, and her inspirational insights during seminars on archetypes we co-facilitated for many years. Stories were told, readings were offered – and music played. Among the gathering were strangers, new contacts, friends of friends, in the way networks grow.
The sun was warm enough to have a nap on the lawn. Family members, and some of the younger generation attended the day, which was heartwarming.
Rahima is sorely missed. I wrote about her on this blog before. In 2012 – October 2016 – and in January 2017
Miraculously, the weekend had only the occasional short shower between long spells of sunshine, augmented by the warmth of friendships.
I feel deeply nourished, and am left with the pleasure of knowing that Course of Mirrors is now travelling across the world, and readers, some of you among them, will already be immersed in the story, and hopefully post reviews.
The light in green shoots encapsulates the weekend.
Information on my first novel is on my book page here.
Course of Mirrors 
It all sounds exact;y as it ought to be! Wish I could have attended. God speed to CofM
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Philippa ☼ You would’ve enjoyed the event, but it’s a long drive up to Surrey. Hope all is well with you and yours.
LikeLike
It seems that you are blessed with wonderful friends and situatìons that enrich your life. Lovely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
True, Diane. Much stimulation is communicated and exchanged between friends.
LikeLike
How lovely Ashen! Those moments that come together with sunshine, friends, champagne mirroring the course …
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂 mirroring the course …
There’s a poem somewhere.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Ashen, Sounds like a wonderful time and looks beautiful. I glad all is well and your book is out in the world. Much love and blessings, Lehana
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Lehana ☼
LikeLike
Sounds so good …..an opening in every direction…..inside out
Happy for you, love Jenny 🌺🍀🌺
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jenny ☼
LikeLike
It sounds like a wonderful celebration of the book’s release 🙂 Enjoy the exciting time!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Christy, It’s a strange sensation, like a silent day with no breeze, when butterflies wing about the garden, seemingly without aim.
LikeLike
Congratulations on your book! What a beautiful time with lovely friends. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you Jean, for resurrecting this post. A precious day to remember ☼
LikeLike
What a lovely post, Ashen. Not only a rainbow, but a family party too. A wonderful memory, and I’ll endorse your novel, a most enjoyable read.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Cath. ☼ It’s a joy to me that you found this lovely post of this day three years ago. Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about my friend Rahima (Elsbeth Spottiswood.)
LikeLike