Nurtured Words

I rested so I could play

Hello my lovelies,

Today I wanted to share about a recent day trip I had to York. Something a bit lighter.

When I was deeply unwell I had to cancel my volunteering as it was just a bit too much, but I did so relatively guilt-free because I don’t want to run myself into the ground. I wanted to be well enough to get out for once. I am currently writing to you in a state of fatigue. The primary purpose of the trip was for me to go to the opening of the Poetry Pharmacy bookshop.

As you may know, I have been in love with poetry since I was a child and took it more seriously mid-teens to express myself and my difficulties. I have been writing on and off since but I want to take it more seriously now. I use poetry to make sense of my experiences, embed insights as well as express myself. My fiancé once bought me a Poetry Pharmacy book by William Sieghart and I instantly fell in love. The hardcover in medicinal red made it feel special. Each prescribed poem has an emotional condition attached and explained. It feels like a wonderful privilege to have these books in my life because I eventually bought the next two in the series, and followed along on their website since I do not have social media.

Circumstances would have it so that I would end up following another Poetry Pharmacy alongside this book; an organisation by Deborah Alma, I love her writing and evident knowledge of this art. Her writing and passion evokes a singing nature in me.

When I found out Alma was opening a bookshop in York – somewhere I could get to easily – it was a no-brainer. We planned to go and search for a few shops also; Bird and Blend Teashop and Flying Tiger which would also be followed by a (hopefully) delicious meal at Ask Italian.

The day summed up: I am pleased to say overall there was very little anxiety that day because we got a simple journey, an early and quiet time out and I was just so in the moment and elated. The scenery was beautiful, as were the streets, I did go into ‘city mode’ (a little joke between Luke and I) and because of this lovely trip, we are hoping to go to York every couple of months.

Travelling: We had a very early 5.30am start. This was so we could grab a snack and find Poetry Pharmacy on time for opening. It was so easy on the trip there, quiet, and it passed by quickly. Our walking around felt seamless, we did do a light plan of which order of shops we could go to and it turned out perfectly. The way back was slightly delayed but not by too much thankfully, however, we got home rather tired, but rest was had! I get very anxious about trains these days so it was nice to ease myself into travelling. Little steps.

Poetry Pharmacy: Ah yes, the main event! I was one of the first to enter the now much loved shop! It was a very lovely experience for me. The vast array of books were arranged by theme or feeling and had so much choice for a modest sized bookshop. There were anthologies to suit everyone with a vast, vast array of writers. Of course, there were accessories too and different bits of stationery. I ended up nearly filling a basket with different anthologies, stationery and writing guides. I of course bought the customary pill bottle filled with extracts of works (Joy for me, Shakespearean Curses for Luke). It came packaged like a prescription with a px pad sheet. I got a delightful book sleeve which now holds said guides and a new notebook to begin practicing writing once more. It is a deep aspiration of mine. It really was close to the centre and I will definitely be going back.

Bird and Blend: Since Luke now adores tea once more, coming to Bird and Blend was also a no-brainer. I was so excited for him to pick up a tasty new tea, he did have a sample of a few. There was a wonderful aroma. He picked up Cream Egg which today he said reminds him of fondant without anything being sweet in it, and something he can drink every day. I also treated him to The World Atlas of Tea – I have been eyeing it for a while, I thought ‘why not?’ He now has a lovely new book to read.

Flying Tiger: I so love the quirkiness of Flying Tiger, there are always really cute and imaginative items there. I ended up purchasing some old-school style exercise books and Mother’s Day presents as well as a Spring-like tote.

Other shops: We had finished our main shops early so ended up wandering a bit to: L’Occitane and Fudge Kitchen. I love L’Occitane products so treated myself to a luxurious hand cream and shower oil (cherry blossom). The Fudge Kitchen is a very important one. For our wedding in 18 months we are having a fudge sculpture as our cake from there so a little tasting was needed. When we are next in York we will choose the flavours and make a day of tasting them to find our two favourite flavours for the sculpture! Breakfast at costa consisted of a hot chocolate, coffee, a chocolate nest and a cinnamon bun. It got us warm and set up for the day. We did have to stop again due to my pain and we went to a Caffe Nero but the mug was erm, not clean. Either way, it was all good fun!

Ask Italian: We really were so looking forward to Ask Italian. It’s a scenic walk and the building is beautiful, I can honestly say we have never had a bad meal from there, until this trip. Without going into detail and possibly triggering you, the pizza of mine was inedible, but the bread I had was delicious. I need more of the balsamic vinegar in my life. The desserts for us – divine. Luke has the classic tiramisu and ate it so quickly. I tried the bomboloni doughnut sundae and gosh, I needed that. Toffee popcorn, toffee, caramel sauce, vanilla gelato, it was immensely delicious!

Overall vibes: I love York. I always have, and I probably always will, there are so many memories of York. We got to every shop on opening, at times it was just us in there. All the staff were lovely, attentive, kind. The quietness gave a reflective solitude. This trip was literally a breath of fresh air, no pressure and just a delight.

I really think I needed this trip because I have spent much of this year inside, unwell, and just, well, reclusive. It was good for me to get out somewhere I haven’t been in a while, have new experiences, make new memories, and just enjoy the present moment. So, thank you Luke for the encouragement and support in seeing the outside world.

Journal prompt: if you could take a day trip anywhere sort of near you, where would you go and what would you do?

Kindly, Leanne x