The Christmas stamps have gone on sale and I'm looking forward to catching up with distant friends and family through the exchange of cards in the post very soon.
There's something particularly special about getting mail through the letterbox, and to have a row of beautiful pictures and designs on the mantelpiece. We all need things to lift our spirits this year more than ever.
We don't need Christmas or birthdays to send happy mail, of course. I read recently of a couple who decided they were fed up with being swamped by bad news so pre-addressed and stamped 500 postcards and left them in busy London streets asking the finder to write some good news on the back and post it to them. They received more than 300! Their initiative is called Hello Stranger and images of the cards are on their Instagram feed. Possibly material for a book at some point?!
I've been enjoying books with a lighter, more positive theme recently so, in addition to the titles I'm recommending below, I would suggest the authors Clare Chambers and Katherine Heiny for fiction which has a wry, upbeat tone while still having an interesting and entertaining storyline, and good writing of course.
And I hope you're still considering joining me in meeting Angela Harding in her studio in a couple of weeks' time. I can assure you of a really uplifting and enjoyable hour of conversation, finding out about how she works and what inspires her beautiful designs as well as taking a peek into her workroom with its printing presses and projects in progress.
It would be a great help if you are able to reserve your place in good time because it assists me with preparations and book ordering! And I'd be thrilled if you could spread the word, too. I know that Angela has a considerable following and this event is geared at not only supporting her by encouraging sales of her new book, but also Browsers Bookshop of course. Events like these help ensure the future of a beautiful independent bookshop on the high street.
Thank you, as always, for reading.