The Gulp Beltane & Pellicle Special!
It's Beltane today! Happy Beltane!
*Pagan BS incoming, if you're not predisposed to Pagan BS, please skip to the next bolded section*
Usually this is a celebration of putting the worst of the darker seasons behind us but... let's try something else this year.
I have yet another upheaval coming my way next week, so I drew some cards last night and turned up the two of cups (useful, supportive), the tower (okay, everything is fucked and I need to "use this opportunity to" build something new out of the rubble, got it) and the Knight Of Wands. This guy gets shit done. So I was pretty happy to burst into Beltane with a combined attitude of "you know what? Fuck it. Nothing is good out there. I need to make things good in here instead for now, and for the future."
So today that's what I'm doing. Instead of celebrating the end of winter, I'm rebuilding and setting hopes for the future, and focusing on what I'm grateful for -- my health, my family, my friends, butter, full cream milk... I'm planning to head outside and take notice of spring happening, despite every other poisonous thing raging on in the world. I'm also going to light the fire in the garden because even though I can't jump over it, it's always cathartic to burn stuff. (I found this article on celebrating Beltane during lockdown if you're struggling for inspiration.)
By the way, if you're not feeling it at all and you're angry and sad and couldn't care less that spring is here and you found all of the above incredibly infuriating and childish, don't worry. I found the perfect poem just for you. I'll be reading it a lot in the coming weeks when I'm too mad to leave the house.
*Pagan BS section over, regular service resuming*
Thanks for staying with me.
I wanted to take some time today to say Happy First Birthday to the wonderful Pellicle Magazine.
A few years ago, when I first locked on to the idea of writing for a living, I didn't dare imagine that I'd be welcomed onto a platform like Pellicle to share my odd stories. Pellicle -- Jonny and Matthew -- are supportive editors and have pushed me to continually hone my skills to a level I never thought I'd manage. On top of that, they've become good friends, which is all I ever want, if I'm being honest.
I believe in their magazine with all my heart. The stories, photography and illustrations they publish are pushing UK food and drink writing forwards, and I am perpetually honoured to be part of their crew.
Here's to you, Pellicle. Happy birthday.
My Pellicle articles... so far
Chatting with Dick Wothecombe and Cath Potter, Manchester's real cider activists
Taking a trip to Black Hand Wine to chat to owner and winemaker Sam Jary
Sam Jary in his shop, Black Hand Wine by James Pinder