Hey,

There we have it: six (and a bit) weeks at Château Coliving done and dusted, left trailing in the chugging wake of Brittany Ferries’ behemoth Santona.

It’s sad, for sure. It’s okay, too.

I think my acceptance started on Monday 4th, as that was the start of our last full week together. Then, this Monday, I knew it was the last few days. Still, though, for all the acceptance and processing and stoicism… Thursday sucked. It was the last day that I knew was coming, that I knew was inevitable, and yet it still hit me square in the chest when I woke up. Winded, I moved through the day trying to get everything in place.

See, it’s been a busy week. Fortnight, really. I’ve planned a pretty last minute stag do. I’ve been working as usual and preparing to take next week off. I’ve struggled to stay on top of my WhatsApp chats.

Maybe all of that dimmed the intensity of our impending departure. Maybe it wasn’t until it was staring me dead in the eyes that I blinked and it echoed across my retina. Whatever the case… there it was. Bright and blinding and unshakeable.

And on the other side of our ferry ride? Said stag do! Then a week of catching up with things back in Devon (including my nephew’s birthday and some harder news at the other end of my family), then a 10k race in Exmouth, then two weeks in Cornwall (taking in a friend’s big 30th — and last before parenthood — birthday), and then all the way up to Hebden Bridge in preparation for the wedding.

It’s a lot to look ahead to. It’s daunting. I think it’s going to tire me out. One thing I really want is to be able to sit and reflect on our Château summer—our second time here; one link in a long chain of a (nascent) annual routine?

I might just have to wait a month or two until I get that space.

Slow down guide

Need a little help moving slower?

Ease your way out of Friday afternoon with this newsletter, a nice cup of something, and a little background music. Steal my setup if you aren't sure where to start.

After I press send, I’m unashamedly looking ahead to being back amongst England’s coffee shops. I’ll be nearby to DropShot this weekend, then back by Crankhouse on Tuesday. Lip-smacking possibilities after a month of limited options.

To go with the range of caffeinated possibilities, I want to offer up a tender and touching track by Talos. dance against the calm moves me in some big ways. Their music has always been really powerful—I remember the tears welling in my eyes when I saw them in the hazy big top of Citadel 2019. If you’d forgive me being so bold, I’d recommend you listen to the whole of Dear Chaos and let the beauty wash over you. Motion and emotion. Let it wash. Let it wash.

https://open.spotify.com/track/09iVuRC8u1bXgqLmC0M8ZY

Take it easy,