Put the kettle on, we need to chat.

Why I have come over to Substack, plus what I'm hoping to achieve while here.

Photo by Christian Bowen on Unsplash

My daughter, age 22 months and approximately three weeks, has FINALLY gone down for a nap in her pushchair after a battle for the last hour. Instinctively I want to reach for my book as I set a goal for the summer holidays to read more. However, my mind then flicks to the laptop and the work I should perhaps be catching up on there. Or what about the wash pile that really does need to be put away? I could run the hoover around the upstairs carpets, they have taken a hit over the holidays. Perhaps I should start packing the kids bags for their sleepover tonight.

Why do we instantly feel we need to be using this time when the baby naps so efficiently? Why shouldn’t I open up my book and lose myself in the Tuscan hills, where which my current read is set. Sounds utterly tempting doesn’t it?

Alas, I am a mother and so this time to myself is rare and therefore should only be dedicated to “getting stuff done”.

I consider myself to be quite a productive person. Let’s not confuse this with being organised, they are two very different things in my opinion. But productive, I am. So therefore, I don’t like the thought of just sitting when I know there are so many other things I could be doing with my time. I like to have something to show for what I have achieved each day. For some reason I overlook the fact that all three kids are dressed, teeth brushed, been fed hourly and had a good airing at the park, as being something productive I have achieved but we shall skirt past that for now.

So when nap time finally arrives, in a welcomed sigh of relief that the house will be peaceful for an hour at least, my mind starts racing with what I SHOULD be doing.

However, today is a little different. I pick my book up in my usual manner, and the mind starts to wander onto what jobs need addressing. But this time, I put the book down, pick up the laptop and start to furiously tap away at this here Substack post you are reading right now.

Photo by Daiga Ellaby on Unsplash

Why?

Because a good friend of mine keeps raving about how good Substack is and she also knows how much I need some space to write about all things motherhood, in the way I used to do when my second child was a baby. Gosh, I miss just writing for fun.

Since going freelance in January this year (2022), I write for a variety of businesses offering copywriting and content writing services in exchange for actual real life money which helps pays the bills and pays for the kids school uniform. Every day I feel so lucky and grateful that this is now my job. It does mean though, my writing for fun that I used to do? Doesn’t happen quite so much.

I used to blog about the perils of motherhood, even pissing off my son’s Reception teacher at the time following a particular rant about homework for the under fives. I miss connecting with other parents who just want something lighthearted to read and go “me too”, without having to scroll past the wonderfully fake photos of other people’s wonderfully fake lives on Instagram.

So when Claire told me about Substack, I had to immediately check it out and see what goes on over here.

Claire by the way is also on here and if I can work out how to do it I will link to her page. She writes some gorgeous posts (is that what we call these?) which I love seeing appear in my inbox.

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

The Adventure Started With You.

A title I spent more than enough time mulling over, but it reflects what an adventure having children is. It also shares my love for travel and family, binding the two together in this little bit of online space.

I guess then, this is my introduction post. A getting to know you type thing. I don’t want to blather on too much however as I realise by now I may be losing some of you. We can only stay focused for so long can’t we? Or perhaps your own baby is stirring from their nap… so I’ll be quick.

Residing in Northumberland with my three children, husband and cat called Arlo, who the less we talk about the better as he keeps me awake nearly as much as the children do.

I’m a writer, author and travel ambassador for a brand called Girl About. I spend my Friday evenings drinking wine and eating pizza, usually watching a boyish film or TV programme as my husband and son have the controls on a Friday.

The smell of a new book excites me, as does stepping onto an aeroplane.

If you care to stick around, and I’d love it if you did, I hope to bring some honest motherhood chat as well as occassionally describing what I see from the window for some more creative writing which offers a great sense of escapism doesn't it?

Thank you for reading my first post on Substack, it’s been great letting my thoughts flow freely here. All before the babe wakes up!