I was brainstorming ideas for my next book, and as someone who writes women’s fiction, I take inspiration from all the very many wonderful women I have met in my life. And I suddenly became very sad – recalling all the stories I have heard of the struggles of womanhood. The way women must overcome things, they simply shouldn’t have to in a sane society. All the misogyny, the inequality, the assaults on our bodies and minds. The contradictory pressures and even now, in 2023, the undermining and attacks of our fundamental human rights. I was thinking about it all and became overwhelmed, so I went for a walk in the garden. Having my feet on the earth has always been medicine for me.
I watched the kingfisher, with its iridescent blue feathers, swoop in for a fish in the pond. I noticed a dead sparrow on the ground and then watched as a raptor circled overhead, presumably wanting to eat the dead flesh of the bird. For a moment, the world just seemed brutal, and the walk wasn’t helping. And then I heard a cacophony of tweets and I peered up and noticed an old nest in a nearby cherry blossom. A mama bird was happily feeding her chicks. It’s not spring yet, and I thought that was strange. But more than strange, it was beautiful. Beautiful to see the mama nurturing her babies, somehow adapting to these new weather patterns and seasons. And it was a salutary reminder of how resilient we are as women – how we adapt, how we find ways to love despite all that is levied at us. How strong, wild, life affirming and creative we are. How friggin inspiring we are! And those are the stories I want to write. The stories of overcoming and prospering. I felt myself smiling. I could literally write a book about almost every woman I know, and it would be that story. It brought a tear to my eye. I think I’m going to be writing for the rest of my life. I better get cracking.
Winter Cherry Blossom - Gwen B
