Book @ Bramble - August & September 2024
Dear Reader,
Before dusk this evening, I went out and gathered up all the remaining peppers and cucumbers. I rounded up any tomatoes that showed even the faintest hint of blushing. I picked four bouquets of flowers and tried to really revel in the decadence of it. There’s no frost in the forecast, but there was a chill in the air today that just made me feel like it was better to tie up my loose garden ends just in case.
It may be that I am in a mood from having just turned in the “final” edits on my book. Final is a relative thing at this point, as there will still be copy edits and other opportunities to tweak small things, but this version should be very, very close to what will appear on the printed pages when the book comes out in 2026. It’s a strange feeling, knowing that a creative project as sprawling as a novel will soon be set in ink and paper, no longer subject to my whims, finalized for the ages. Exciting, of course! But also a little unnerving.
Image Description: The flower garden at sunset.
Between editing the book and drafting its sequel, I feel as though my mind has been completely preoccupied with my own little fictional world. I’ve barely read anything for months, with the exception of biographies of L.M. Montgomery and some of her journals, but more on that later. Bruce, for one, thinks it has made me very boring.
Image Description: Monty and Bruce reclaim the guest bed after a visitor departs.
Interpreting:
This was my summer of Maud. L.M. Montgomery, who wrote Anne of Green Gables and is easily the most celebrated person to ever come from Prince Edward Island, has always been a favorite author of mine. Here on the Island, there’s so much tourism and commercialism that revolves around her life and work (or more accurately, a certain image of her life and work), and I wasn’t sure if running a museum program about her would feel like participating in the circus of it all.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it only made me love and appreciate her more. Part of it was certainly the magic of Orwell Corner Historic Village, the site where I ran the program. Even when I’m working, being there feels like stepping back in time. Also magical were the lovely people who came to the program. Mothers and daughters, best friends, couples… it was amazing to watch every group become friends over the course of the afternoon. Kindred spirits, indeed.
Image Description: Flower arranging at Orwell, in Maud’s honor.
But most of all, I really appreciated having the opportunity to get to know Maud better. She kept journals for most of her life, and while she did curate them heavily before they were published, they truly feel like a glimpse into her life. She’s just so funny, and a little mean, and keenly observant. She loved flowers, cats, and long walks through the woods. Reading her thoughts about her first book’s publication and deaths of several loved ones moved me to tears, especially in this year where I see echoes of my own experiences in hers.
Last weekend, I decided to make a pilgrimage to the Cavendish Cemetery to visit her grave and leave her a bouquet from my garden. It felt like a fitting way to thank her for giving me such a beautiful summer.
Image Description: L.M.
Montgomery’s gravestone.
Crafting:
For August’s crown, I took inspiration from a beautiful scarf I treated myself to in celebration of announcing my book. It’s made by a small Canadian fashion brand called Market of Stars, who print beautiful garments inspired by poetry.
The crown is made of amaranth, basil, snapdragons, and zinnias.
Image Description: Queen Bee (one tried to pollinate me while I took the photos).
For September, I made a circlet out of celosia that I stared from seed all the way back in April. I love that it looks like a crown of fire.
Image Description: Queen
of September’s Flame
Gardening:
I had a very difficult season in the garden, with many setbacks and disappointments and things that just didn’t quite work the way they should, and then we had a drought for much of the last two months. I often found myself feeling stressed or grumpy about it, which was very silly, because the whole point of having a garden (for me, anyway) is to enjoy it.
Image Description: The veggie garden at sunset.
I began to practice noticing all the little creatures in the garden every time I went out there. Bees, of course. Moths and butterflies. Hummingbirds and sparrows and other songbirds. One evening, two little frogs. A multitude of insects. I found that when I focused on them and their enjoyment of the garden, my enjoyment returned as well.
Musing:
As I mentioned at the start, it definitely feels like autumn is on our doorstep, and I’m ready. October promises to be a busy month as I get back to my now annual tradition of moonlighting as Madame Evangeline Grey, Fake Spirit Medium and Erstwhile Conduit of the Otherworldly for the Victorian séances at Beaconsfield Historic House. You can be sure I’ll let you know how it goes.
Image Description: Madame Evangeline Grey contemplates the the other side of the veil.
Until next time, wishing you the best books and the most berry-full brambles,
Caitlyn
(All opinions expressed in this newsletter are my own and do not represent my employer.)
I write this from the traditional unceded territory known as Mi’kma’ki, and I am grateful to call Epekwitk my home.