Be here now …

Looking for … academic connections, networks, support, advice etc (it takes more than a village to raise an academic)

As per the suggestion from Derek Sivers … this is what is going on in my life right now.

pebbles on a beach, one has the word NOW written on it

Latest Update 23rd August 2026

Time flies, things happen, the world turns … I found a wonderfully perfect role with the National Trust and started 1st June 2026. I love it (as much as you can love a job). The NT align with my own values and outlook, I work at Fellfoot on the shores of Lake Windermere, and I travel around the Lake district to visit ranger bases.

And then family stuff happened – something had to give, sadly for now that is my PhD. I’m still reading and writing but I have had to take a break because my family and my health come first.

I am also revising my consultancy work, hoping to facilitate some workshops before the end of the year, and aligning my Companion Path offer with my ethos and values rather than what is expected. That may sound odd, however, what I will be offering is for the select few not the masses. For those who seek the sprawling paths of possibilities.

I saw the eclipse at Jodrell Bank – it was amaze amaze amaze, a host of humans gathered on the grass to observe nature creating a wondrous moment. I also bought a hammock, which has been very useful for afternoon naps and night-time stargazing. I spent a few nights breathlessly watching for the Perseids, and I saw multiple shooting stars. I made a wish, more on that to come.

Been decluttering the house, it’s slowly progressing – obviously there has to be time for the items to settle into the box, and then spend a few days in the boot of the car (just to acclimatise), before being delivered to the charity shop.

Music obsession for this month has been the album Bloom by Crustation.

17th April 2026

PhD – definitely back on track and writing – a lot of RE-writing, I realised that my focus was shifting around, so I gave myself a shake and had a good think. This has resulted in me realising that sharing stories may not be the correct term to describe what I want to research, I’ve coined the term ‘knowledge’ tapestries for now and am ruminating on it. I posted on my blog about it.

Consultancy – this too has had a bit of a reorganising, and also everything I want to do is now up and running – resources (free and otherwise) are here, you can discover more about the facilitation I do here, and I have developed some ‘mentoring’ offers here (including ones that don’t involve zoom calls!), which are also on the consultancy page. Oh! And I had my first sale of the Pivot Workbook – YAY!

Personal – still seeking part-time work, I’ve an interview coming up, but I would love to do some remote VA work or similar. My gardener has finished all the heavy work and I have been busy planting. If you want a conscientious gardener who can plan your garden as well as plant it – then talk to Mathew At Morrey & Co Gardening Services.

Reading – almost through the Valdemar series (or as many of them as I own), am also reading Emergent Strategy, which I am finding very insightful and interesting. My next book I am going to start is One, Two, Free by Tracy Irwin, she’s an excellent mentor and a wonderful friend, and I thoroughly recommend this book if you are running (or thinking of running) a business.

Writing – I’ve published on Substack, and also here on my blog. And, of course, I am (re)writing my lit review and methodology.

Fun – visited my brother and his R2D2 at Morecambe Comic Con, had a wonderful lunch with my friend Tracy, another lovely lunch with an ex-colleague, Glyn (we talked about music, books, films – everything). The new album from Ladytron landed so I have been listening to that.

25th March 2026

PhD – had a bit of a wobble a couple of weeks ago, back on track now though – although confirmation panel delayed because of it.

Consultancy – I’ve been doing some deep thinking about what I want to do, the impact I want to have, and the ways I want to work. So you may be seeing a few changes here over the next week or so. Especially on the [Consultancy](https://fuelled-by-coffee.onyx-sites.io/consultancy) and the [Community](https://fuelled-by-coffee.onyx-sites.io/community) pages.

Personal – Still seeking part-time work, but I am being choosy – I want the right sort of work. Other than that I have been enjoying the house to myself while my housemate has been away. There may have been loud singing and dancing in the kitchen at some point …

Reading – Emergent Strategy, the Valdemar series (around 6 books to go I think)

Writing – I have been [writing on my Substack](https://dovesandbullets.substack.com/) – I attended a nature writing session run through LitFest and it spawned creativity

Fun – enjoying a peaceful life to be honest. I am enjoying slow mornings with coffee and journalling.

16th February 2026

PhD – getting there … drafted most of the lit review and done my Research Questions and methodology.

Consultancy – set up Email Octopus for my newsletters, so for a semi-regular cup of caffeine please sign up here. I’ve finished the Mapping Your Research Story resource and created a few more ‘quick wins’ – watch out for them appearing on my website and on your local social media soon. I’ve also revamped the website a bit, added some better information and also started to promote the workshop “Stories That Connect”. I ran this for the first time for Research Week at Lancaster University back in September 2025 and it received some excellent feedback. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and am looking forward to running more.

Personal – I am feeling more alive than I have in a very long time, burnout is a bitch. I am so grateful that I planned some time away from work to recover. I am now seeking a part-time role because between my consultancy and PhD I have obviously so much time on my hands! Starfleet Academy is still awesome btw.

Reading – I bought The Field Guide to Design Futures which I am thoroughly enjoying right now. For fun I am re-reading the Valdemar series by Mercedes Lackey in date order.

Writing – there’s this pesky thing called a Confirmation Panel coming up so I’m writing for that, and the newsletter.

Fun – jigsaws, Lego, and days out with friends. I also went out in the evening (shocking I know) and met up with ex-colleagues from Imagination.

3rd February 2026

PhD – been concentrating on getting everything done to pass my confirmation panel, almost there. Should be held around end Feb or early March 2026.

Consultancy – behind the scenes I have been prepping a lot of resources and also working with an excellent coach/mentor to help me take things the way I want and not the way that is ‘usual’ – and this includes marketing and sales techniques. Final stages of releasing a wonderful resource to help you create stories that connect. I’ve also started a regular Substack publishing routine and will be also writing an email newsletter through EmailOctopus. Watch this space.

Personal – I have taken a lot of time to relax and recover, I did not realise how burned out I was. This has also meant time for baking. I can make a mean loaf now, and have been making scones to eat alongside watching Bridgerton. And OMG isn’t the new Star Trek: Starfleet Academy awesome! Decluttering is ongoing …

Reading – my daughter purchased a replica first edition of Pride and Prejudice (published in three volumes and packaged beautifully by the British Library) so I have been reading that. Also, re-reading the Valdemar series by Mercedes Lackey.

Writing – thesis and newsletters mostly.

Fun – trips out to Rheged, lunches with good friends, can’t wait for warmer weather. Thank goodness the 342 days of January are ended.

Previous years

24th October 2025
PhD – starting back up, the last few months have been a struggle with work and travelling and health. Intentionally unemployed for a while so I can make a good stab at the Lit Review and Confirmation Panel. Had a supervision yesterday that went really well, and I am definitely more focused on my topic after the workshop “Stories that Connect” I ran for Lancaster University’s Research Culture Week.
Consultancy – yes, a new addition to the list. Finally getting the time, space, and energy to get this going. Looking at renting shared office space at The Storey in Lancaster just so I am out of the house sometimes, and it gets me meeting people too.
Personal – lots of changes but all is good. Time at home to rest and recover (and declutter!). Making soups now it’s autumn – I do love a nice soup on a chilly day.
Reading – not much, although I have worked my way through The Chalet School series. Been listening to audiobooks for the first time, thoroughly enjoyed listening to Project Hail Mary even though I have read the book. Now listening to the Rama series by Arthur C. Clarke (which I have also read ages ago).
Writing – bits and pieces but more each week.
Fun – done some socialising, met with a Thriend from Threads the other week and we have a fab time chatting and eating and shopping. Planning more.
No more trips to Glasgow, but still would like to learn Italian.


12th April 2025
PhD – found thinking time during long flights, I have a better idea and focus for my research.
Personal – Shanghai was exhausting and fun, I finally had a meal in a hot pot restaurant, and loved spending time with my son doing touristy stuff.
Reading – still Citizens, although I read practically all the ‘Anne of Green Gables’ books during the holiday and also started ‘Spell of the Sensuous’ (again).
Writing – thoughts are in my Obsidian files, waiting to be refined, rewritten, and published.
Fun – I’ve had so much fun, spending some time recovering now.
Still splitting my time between home and Glasgow, sporadic attempts at learning Italian.


29th March 2025
PhD – snail’s pace but there is progress
Personal – Just finished some group coaching sessions which have really helped me, thank you Katherine. I’ve just started a two week holiday and I am going to visit my son in Shanghai. Taking breaths, meditating, trying to find peace.
Reading – Citizens, inspiring me to see what I can do to contribute to a better world. Re-reading all the LM Montgomery books I have as escapism.
Writing – there’s some words on this blog, and more words on my Substack.
Fun – Shanghai, baby!
Still splitting my time between home and Glasgow, sporadic attempts at learning Italian.


28th February 2025
PhD – plodding along with the lit review for my confirmation panel, encouraging noises from the supervisor corner so pleased about that. I’m wanting to investigate different ways of presenting/writing my thesis. I am writing about storytelling and engagement and so I want it to be engaging.
Personal – still attempting to live life intentionally, I’ve realised it’s not so much slow mornings that I crave, but peaceful ones.
Reading – I’m in a book club so have half-read “Do Less” by Kate Northrup, and need to read “Rest is Resistance” by Tricia Hersey for the next session.
Writing – I wrote a piece around sustainability and mental health and received some lovely feedback. It’s on my Green Futures Storytelling Substack if you’re curious.
Fun – crochet, and I have also rediscovered Civilisations VI so am being careful when I play because it is a huge time suck. Had a girlie night out for food and the new Bridget Jones movie – excellent, go see it. Also enjoyed the new Captain America film the other week. Planning weekly artist dates …
Still splitting my time between home and Glasgow, sporadic attempts at learning Italian.


9th January 2025
PhD – preparing for a confirmation panel later this year, writing my lit review, feeling a little daunted but well supported by my supervisors.
Personal – slowing down, feeling good is the primary intention, finding the joy in the little things, being in the moment
Reading – or re-reading as the case appears to be, mainly Jane Austen. Also Slow Productivity by Cal Newport for a book club that’s part of the group coaching I’m taking part in.
Writing – sporadic but practising flash fiction mostly
Fun – crochet, I finished a scarf and also made a hat. My daughter bought me Lego Horizon Adventures for Christmas and it is making me giggle a lot, especially after playing the ‘serious’ versions.
Still splitting my time between home and Glasgow, sporadic attempts at learning Italian.

4th May 2024
PhD – Intercalation is giving me space to start my new job, and I am thinking more, finding new connections (and new/more things to read up on)
Personal – I’m a month into my new role, finally found my feet, took part in a workshop, attended an external event, started making new connections here in Glasgow. Been working sporadically through The Artist’s Way with a small group, finding it kinda useful – it’s definitely giving me things to ponder …
my life is not a performance for others
enthusiasm over discipline
Reading – still with Robin Hobb for fun reading, finishing off Cal Newport and making notes, looking forward to ‘Rest is Resistance’ and ‘The Success Myth’ soon.
Writing – not beating myself up over Morning Pages, I am doing what I can when I can while I settle into my new role and new routines. Joined a writing group so that I have blocked space for writing and also accountability and support.
Fun – arranging regular meet ups with ex-colleagues because I want to keep in touch with the friends I made at Imagination. Post Modern Jukebox were fun last weekend. Enjoying morning coffee in the porch and watching the birds when I am home. It’s the little things.
“After all,” Anne had said to Marilla once, “I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string.”
― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea
Still splitting my time between home and Glasgow, sporadic attempts at learning Italian.


27th March 2024
PHD – officially intercalating from 1st April, however I will be continuing to read papers, make notes, and start my lit review etc in preparation from my confirmation panel in October. I simply need some breathing space to get used to new realities. I am also finding connections and thoughts to ponder in the most unlikely places.
Personal – It was my leaving day last week, I almost broke when my work bestie leaned across the table, held my hand, and said ‘friends forever’. Life threw me a bit of a curve ball a few weeks ago, but working through it. Planning and plotting my future, getting organised. Remembering that taking a breath, pausing a moment, is good for me.
Reading – Working through Robin Hobb, taking notes from Slow Productivity by Cal Newport (I’m enjoying his podcasts)
Writing – up and down, been working through the Artist’s Way, however the busyness of the last couple of weeks meant my Morning Pages kinda didn’t happen much. Restarting this week as they are so useful.
Fun – had a fab night out with my colleagues last week, planning on doing this regularly so we can stay in touch. Look at me, a social life! Madam Butterfly was a good experience (not sure if the subtitles above the stage added or distracted from the experience). Morecambe Comic Con this weekend – it’s Easter so it will be probably raining, but hey, us northerners are used to that. Looking forward to Post-Modern Jukebox in April, and finally booked our week away for later this year. Although technically not ‘fun’ I am catching up on jobs (cleaning) around the house and yesterday I replanted my herb garden and repotted my dwarf lilac. It was fun getting my hands dirty.
Still splitting my time between home and Glasgow, sporadic attempts at learning Italian.


13th February 2024
PhD – intercalating while I get acquainted with my new job
Personal – I have a job! Such a relief.
Reading – Emily books by L M Montgomery * Robin Hobb series. Also subscribed to Shortform and listening to some non-fiction
Writing – bits and pieces, but I part of a group doing the Artist’s Way so looking forward to more words and more creativity
Fun – Monster Trucks the other week, Madam Butterfly towards the end of the month
Still splitting my time between home and Glasgow, sporadic attempts at learning Italian, no longer job hunting !


2nd January 2024
PhD – I got overwhelmed with work, job hunting, life, and the PhD was one thing too much. Had a BIG wobble and spent time wondering whether I should carry on. But I am still here, still doing (trying to do) a Lit Review. Confirmation panel put off til February probably.
Personal – taken time for myself, to relax, to think, to be in the moment. Feeling better about everything, thankfully. I should know better, I’d let go of my self-care routines and that way leads to the cave of despair.
Reading – finished Deverry series and the Strike novels. Reading ‘White Holes’ by Carlo Rovelli, a random purchase at Waterstones picked up while waiting at the till. Night-time reading is now Anne of Green Gables – something soothingly familiar.
Writing – I randomly started a Substack, wrote about life. I wrote words! I made some inroads into the LitReview too.
Fun – had a lovely xmas with my partner, though rain stopped us from doing all we wanted to. Booked some nice things to look forward to – Monster Trucks this month 🙂
Still splitting my time between home and Glasgow, sporadic attempts at learning Italian, job hunting as my contract ends 31st March 2024

24th November 2023

PhD – gave my first presentation in public about my PhD (there’s a blog post if you want to look). Still procrastinating over my lit review for my confirmation panel in January – BUT – it’s because I don’t see the point at the moment, I can do a cursory overview but because my topic is still evolving I know a lot of what I read probably won’t be relevant.

Personal – chest infection, grey gremlins lurking, overwhelm at everything PLUS the ‘C’ season approaching

Reading – almost through the Deverry series, still reading Strike novels for balance.

Writing – reading Exploratory Writing and attempting to write a little each day. Not enough though. Exhausted, tired, overwhelmed, scared …

Fun – managed some days out etc with my partner, Spain seems so long ago. Trying to find the mini-adventures for now and enjoying the moment.

Still splitting my time between home and Glasgow, sporadic attempts at learning Italian, job hunting as my contract ends 31st March 2024

20th October 2023

PhD – I can feel my confirmation panel lurking, waiting to spring on me at the last minute. I am the worst of procrastinators.

Personal – autumn/winter is never a good time. I always have a chest infection, I feel even greyer than usual, I’m tired, missing sunshine and warmth. However, I have invested in a SAD lamp to see if that helps on the short, dark days ahead.

Reading – night-time is the Deverry series from Katherine Kerr. Daytime has been the Strike novels from Robert Galbraith (aka JK Rowling). I do like a good detective novel. Long-time fan of Agatha Christie.

Writing – not enough, working on it. Joined the Women’s Writing Group at work to get me moving more.

Fun – had an amazing time in Spain with my friend, even though it was too short a visit. I want to go see my friend in Oxfordshire one weekend but will have to wait til after my confirmation panel. So, next year 🙁

Still splitting my time between home and Glasgow, sporadic attempts at learning Italian, job hunting as my contract ends 31st March 2024

1st July 2023

PhD – I think I have finally found direction … will be blogging about it this month. Using Logseq+Readwise and loving it.

Personal – up and down but mostly up, thankfully. I started taking ashwagandha which seems to be helping.

Reading – because I have found a PhD focus I am able to do more useful reading, which feels good. Read the ‘dragon joust’ trilogy by Mercedes Lackey and now onto her ‘obsidian’ trilogy.

Writing – has stalled, not felt creative or anything. Hoping July will be a better month.

Fun – have booked dates (but not flights yet) to see my friend Tracy in Spain in September. I’ve seen Roger Waters and Iron Maiden in Glasgow this last month (separate gigs) which was fun, depressing, and nostalgic. July is my birthday month so hoping for nice weather and my man to cook meat with fire.

Still splitting my time between home and Glasgow, sporadic attempts at learning Italian, looking forward to visiting friends in the UK and Europe over the coming year.

30th May 2023

PhD – tomorrow I go away for two nights, a little mini-retreat to write and think about engagement, what it means to me, what I have read about it, what I want to do about it. I cannot wait. Still using Logseq to make notes.

Personal – the last few weeks have been a struggle, I am so tired even after a decent sleep and that affects everything else, especially my mood. Wanting to cry, or actually crying, and not knowing why is frustrating. Everything in my life feels so good, just the usual everyday things, but mostly great. So why do I feel like this?

Reading – all over the place because my brain is out of sorts. Graduated on to Wise Man’s Fear, by Patrick Rothfuss and also enjoying Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer.

Writing – finished the narrative non-fiction course. It has relit my desire to write, got me back into some kind of groove. I now need to keep that groove going. Looking for other courses later in the year. (note: while I have enjoyed the course and got a lot from it, I am not doing anything that means being online after 7pm at night. I am NOT at my best)

Fun – I think this could be fun, I am going to see Roger Waters in concert with my partner. I’m not a Pink Floyd fan at all but willing to go with an open mind.

Stationery – I have been flitting about from notebook to notebook for years, trying this system and that. I love using a fountain pen and my daughter introduced me to Midori notebooks, which took me on a path the the Traveller’s Notebook system. I wish I’d done this years ago. Compact enough to fit in my Wall-E Loungefly bag, adaptable to my needs, lovely to write on with a fountain pen. So, that gets carried around and holds my diary, thoughts, and learning Italian. I use the Midori A5 grid for my morning pages and journal. Fountain pens are LAMY Al-Star with EF nib.

Still splitting my time between home and Glasgow, sporadic attempts at learning Italian, looking forward to visiting friends in the UK and Europe over the coming year.

5th May 2023

PhD – have words to write, words around words like epistemology and worldviews and methodologies. Changed from Obsidian to LogSeq as I prefer the way it works for connecting thoughts. Decided against Notion – while I do like it and know it could be useful I am aware of it being kept in servers elsewhere, whereas LogSeq is local (although it does get backed up to Microsoft servers). Pros and cons but decided on this way.

Personal – reading Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey. Only a couple of chapters in but finding it is making aware of where my focus is at any moment of the day.

Writing – still with the narrative non-fiction course (two more sessions to go) and wondering what I should do next to keep my writing habit on track and also uplevel my writing skills.

Fun – Re-reading ‘Name of the Wind‘ by Patrick Rothfuss, may be going to see Roger Waters ‘Life is not a Drill’ tour and definitely going to see Iron Maiden in June. I also have a two-night break at the Retreat Studio to look forward to.

Still splitting my time between home and Glasgow, sporadic attempts at learning Italian, looking forward to visiting friends in the UK and Europe over the coming year.

21st April 2023

PhD – lots of reading, currently “Understanding Design” by Kees Dorst which is helping me so much as I do not have a background in design research. Using Obsidian to make notes, Evernote to store snippets of stuff I find in various places. Working towards my 18 month appraisal.

Personal – reading “Effortless” by Greg McKeown, listening to Jay Shetty’s Daily Jay on the Calm app, trying out SlimPod to retrain my brain about food choices. Revisiting Better Creating’s Life OS for Notion to attempt to organise my life.

Writing – taking a Narrative Non-fiction writing course with Kathryn Aalto. Getting back into habits of writing.

Fun – re-reading parts of the Valdemar series by Mercedes Lackey, currently on “Storm Breaking”.

Still splitting my time between home and Glasgow, sporadic attempts at learning Italian, looking forward to visiting friends in the UK and Europe over the coming year.