The Bookshop, The Dream & The Sand Witch

Oh I just love a new book stack!!

Dear Friend

How are you today?  The sun has got it’s hat on BIG time here and I’m loving it!  The thing is I’m not too sure how much work will get done in this mini heatwave. I need the Vitamin D, as I’m trying to ignore the fact that I have a really bad sore throat.  Best I throw some words onto the page and then head out to capture the sunny rays.

So yesterday, I went to Waterstones Cardiff, to sit in the bookstore cafe, because it always draws in the writers, the thinkers and the daydreamers. For me, this bookshop has become more than a shop; it’s my “zen den”, where I can be creative and productive on so many levels.  There is something so alluring about the gentle hum of hushed conversations, the aroma of strongly brewed coffee, all intertwining with the scent of new books.  I’m magnetised by the soft rustling of pages that create an ambience that for me is both stimulating and soothing.  A little space, a literary cocoon that I often find myself, laptop at the ready, poised to delve into deep work.

My ritual of hiding in a bookshop cafe has evolved into a unique form of self-motivation. Yesterday, I carefully selected six books that have been on my summer wish list, allowing myself a brief indulgence of flipping through their pages before stacking them beside my computer.  These books become more than just potential purchases, they seemed to transform into tangible goals, silent cheerleaders urging me on.  It's a quirky habit I’ve got, whereby I make a promise to myself, if I complete all my work tasks, then I’m allowed to treat myself to one of the books in my stack. Hilarious I know!

Yesterday, however, marked a departure from this well worn routine.  Despite my best intentions and focused efforts, I didn’t get through the essential priorities on my to-do list.  Gutted!  True to the pact that I’d made myself, I left the bookshop empty handed.  It was a moment tinged with conflicting emotions - kind of disappointed with myself yet a quiet pride in adhering to my self imposed rule.  This small act of self discipline reminded me that sometimes the journey is more important than the destination.  But why do I taunt myself with such challenges I wonder?!

From the stack of books I’d selected, one title has been persistently calling to me Sandwich by Catherine Newman.  My friends have read it and loved it, and said I’d devour it in one sitting, the book is tailor-made for me apparently.  Their enthusiasm only heightened my curiosity and desire to dive into its pages, maybe I’ll ask for it as a birthday gift.

Anyway, last night, my subconscious took this longing to read “Sandwich” and twisted it into something quite unexpected. In my dream, or maybe it was more of a mini nightmare, I found myself not just reading “Sandwich” but living it.  I was the protagonist, walking through the pages of Newman’s creation.  Yet, in the surreal logic of my weird dreams, the title had shape-shifted into “The Sand Witch”.

What was that all about??

This nocturnal narrative has left me in a state of concern.  Am I, in some metaphorical sense, the witch of the sand?  What hidden meanings lie within this dreamscape alteration that I’ve created during my slumber hours?  Perhaps it’s a manifestation of my deep seated longing for the life depicted in Newman’s novel - a woman in her 50’s who finds solace and continuity in returning to the same beach house in Cape Cod year after year, for two decades with her elderly parents and grown up children.

This dream has certainly stirred up a cocktail of emotions for me today.  There’s a tinge of envy for this fictional life, a yearning for the consistency and coastal bliss it represents.  But beyond that, there’s a sense of self reflection.  Why am I so drawn to this particular narrative?  What does it reveal about my own aspirations, my unfulfilled wishes?

Have I really lost the plot or what?

The transformation of “Sandwich” to “The Sand Witch” in my dream is particularly intriguing.  It could be a play on words, a subconscious pun that reveals deeper meanings.  I know it does.  Am I a witch, do I think like a witch?  I know I can indulge in “bewitched” behaviour when I want to, more so now, as I creep closer to the big 5 0. Perhaps my dream is a message, speaking to a part of me that feels magical or powerful (the witch) yet also grounded by the elemental (the sand).  Or maybe it’s hinting at a fear of being stuck or buried, like a witch of the sand might be.  

Blimey I wonder if I need to research this more,  any dream readers here??

Well, I guess this experience has reinforced for me, the power of literature that shapes my thoughts, dreams and aspirations.  Books have become the perfect portal for me to jump into someone else’s life.  In the end, whether I eventually buy “Sandwich” or not, this experience has given me something valuable - a deeper understanding of my own yearnings and a renewed appreciation for the books I gravitate to.  

The other five books I picked up, that sat proudly in my stack where “Monkey Grip” and “The Children’s Bach" by Helen Garner (which I’m definitely buying this week) “All Fours” by Miranda July (it’s on everyone’s wish list surely?!); "Love Warrior" by Glenn Doyle and “This really isn’t about you” by Jean Hannah Edelstein.

I now need to spend a few minutes journaling about this experience, as its stirred up something in me, an itch I can’t scratch.  I need to work out why I am so drawn to this particular protagonist and what does it say about my own unfulfilled wishes?

Help yourself to my prompts, if you’d like to journal about such a topic…

1. Describe your ideal summer retreat.  Where would it be and with whom?

2. What does the term “Sand Witch” evoke for you? Write about the feelings it brings up.

3. What does the beach symbolise for you?  

4. Explore the concept of consistency in your life or lack of it.  Are there any annual traditions you cherish or wish you had?

5. What does being almost being 50 mean to you?  Write about the hard honest truth, about your hopes and fears for this next upcoming decade.

I’m hoping these prompts might help me, and you, delve into the meaning behind our dreams.  Hopefully by journaling about them, we can explore them more fully.  Because, I deeply believe that through the process of journaling, especially about our dreams, we gain valuable insights into our subconscious minds and perhaps uncover new paths forward into our waking lives.

Until the next time

Take care and stay safe xx

What’s On 'with ease'

Creative Unblocking Weekend Retreat with ease & Emma Gannon - only 1 bedroom left available - 16th-18th November 2024

Rage on a Page - you’re very welcome to join the next series of my therapeutic journaling program. I’m looking to work with 6 women and there are only 3 spaces left available. Starting from the 9th September 2024

More Sales Please - a brand new day retreat to blow up the sales in your creative business without the grind, with the gorgeously energetic Sara Dalrymple of The Scoop-27th September 2024

Doing Hard Things with ease & Stacey Heale- there is a waiting list for the next retreat later this year - date tbc. Plus, there is a bursary place for one lucky guest.

Digital Detox Weekend Retreat - set in a gorgeous beach house near Pembrokeshire. Join me to learn how to take back control on the amount of time you spend on your device, find new ways to entertain yourself, embrace more positive daily activities and generally feel more upbeat and happier. Guaranteed… coastal walks, cold water therapy, feasting on local produce, therapeutic journaling workshops, reading, writing and plenty of resting! 18th-20th October 2024