I write this post during what seems like a continuous cycle of domestic stress recently. Of course I should expect it. After all, I was daft enough to get pregnant for a second time; I knew what to expect. But of course, I forgot how demanding a newborn baby can be, and more importantly I am only now learning how even more demanding a toddler can be.

My children are central to my life. I will never deny my love for them, and I will always put them at the top of my priorities list (including the dog who is also my child). However, that does not stop me from wanting to indulge in a little ‘me time.’ At the moment that means time to write, to network, to build a fanbase for my novels. It is a very long and slow process simply because I cannot find time to devote to the necessary work.

We recently celebrated the pagan festival Mabon. It is the second harvest and a time to give thanks for a fruitful summer, and to request a quiet and peaceful winter season where we can rest and recuperate, along with the ground from which our crops will grow. I was unable to fit in a specific ritual this time, but I did decide to do some baking, which doesn’t happen very often. I baked a delicious apple and cinnamon cake, using apples collected from a tree near the marina where my sister lives. She gifted the apples to me, and we enjoyed sharing the cake afterwards.

In closing, I would like to express my gratitude for having a wonderful, loving family. Yes I am experiencing stress and frustration, not least with my husband and children, but I love them unconditionally nonetheless and I know they love me too. Now, back to the madness…