Hi there.

There’s a curious little pocket of time we find ourselves in right now. Christmas has come and gone – the wrapping paper cleared, the plates washed, plates of chocolates still deposited strategically EVERYWHERE you look. There’s enough turkey left to feed us till Easter, and I am already planning when the BIG FAST should begin!

In the meantime, we are heading out the door this morning to meet Steve and his sons for the BIG BREAKFAST – so the cousins can see each other before they all head off in different directions.

There is a dilemma right there: Diet versus Bacon roll with avocado on the side. No contest! 😂

But I digress…back to the date. The 28th December.

It’s that in-between space.
Not festive, but not ordinary.
Not rushing, but not resting properly either.

I’ve always rather liked it. Everything has gone according to plan this year, thus far. The meals went well, the panto and musical shows were a BIG hit and absolutely 5*, the parties were fun, the gifts well received. All in all, a Christmas to smile about. Now there’s a little window of nothing planned, which feels like a holiday, it really does.

Thing is, this old workaholic really has to DO stuff, MAKE stuff. I cannot just sit and reflect; it’s not in my DNA. Can you? My brain has just relaxed enough now to start letting in new ideas for Clarity. I woke up buzzing with a new design concept, and had to write it down straightaway – even before I made the bed! Then I started thinking about the SHAC tomorrow – and boom. Back in work mode.

What are YOU going to do during this in-between time? If you’re feeling a bit rudderless, then make a little list of all those things you didn’t get to BEFORE Christmas that are still pertinent!

Here are a few gentle suggestions.

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Five Lovely Things to Do in the In-Between Days

1. Tidy just one drawer
Not the whole house – just one. There’s something very satisfying about creating a tiny pocket of order. I’m going to sort out my BOW WOB and collage papers. Don’t forget to sign up for my Glastonbury Tor Online course !. Much appreciated. xx

2. Go for a proper walk
No destination, no step count. Just fresh air, winter skies, and space to think (or not think at all). I am going up on the forest tomorrow morning after the SHAC. Grace leaves for New York tomorrow 😔, so it’s Wellies on, and Pooh Corner here I come.

3. Make something for the joy of it
No rules. No “finished piece” required. A background, a sketch, a scribble. Creativity without outcome is deeply nourishing.

I have decided to make some hand-built pots, like these. Grogged porcelain. Made a pair a while ago; used them this Christmas, when we had a few friends over for a buffet style party. REALLY USEFUL POTS! Maybe tomorrow, after the SHAC and after the walk, I’ll wedge a little porcelain.

4. Look back – briefly
What went well this year? Roses and thorns of 2025. What surprised you? What are you quietly proud of? No judgement. Just noticing. The chair-making course was a rose in our year for sure.

5. Do nothing… on purpose
Put the kettle on. Sit down. Stare out of the window. This one counts more than you think.

This in-between time doesn’t ask much of us.
It doesn’t need huge productivity or purpose or grand intentions. Just presence.

So if today feels a little floaty, a little quiet, a little odd – you’re doing it right. Let yourself linger here for a while. The New Year will be along soon enough.

Come on ! Roses and Thorns…

Love and Clarity always 💛

Barb x x x