A Short Update Before The Party Starts In November
Projects and injury have kept me offline for most of October, but I'm back to welcome our new subscribers and to prime you for our next adventure.
Hi Friends,
Welcome, welcome, new subscribers! I love that you’ve subscribed to Cricklewood at this particular time because we are about to embark on a true season of wonder. I’ll explain more below, but for those of you who are just joining us (and for those who would like a little refresher) below you will find some links to earlier prompts that will inspire your nature journaling activities and get you warmed up for what’s coming next. Otherwise, just skip to the next section to learn what I’ve been cooking up for us.
From the archive: A nature journaling primer
These prompts are great for jump-starting your practice or a helpful refresher, and include links to other archived posts you may find helpful.
I added this one purely for encouragement. xo
What I’ve been up to of late…
Making soon-to-be-revealed illustrations, and brainstorming ways to bring the Expedition of Wonder to Cricklewood. I’m still working out the fine details, but I have the overall topic and architecture. So drumroll, please….
In 2024, I officially launch the Expedition of Wonder: The Birds of Downeast Maine and the Canadian Maritimes. It still follows the general structure I outlined in my proposal to the Park, but I’ve broadened the project geographically and narrowed the lens through which we view the environment.
I’ll explain it in more detail in a future newsletter, although I want to tell you all the things half- and fully-baked NOW.
I’m just bursting with excitement (squeeeeeeeee!), but it’s too soon. I still need to fine-tune. I will tell you the reason I chose this region is simply that over the past decade, the surface waters in the Gulf of Maine have been warming 99% faster than the global oceans and this has a profound impact on the flora, fauna, and humans that populate its shores.
And looking at this through an avian lens gives us a tangible, easy-to-observe measurement of the effect climate change has on the health of the ecosystem. Plus I’m biased – I find birds incredibly fascinating. We are going to have so much fun nature journaling this project together. This is just the type of nerdy, arty project I created Cricklewood for.
There will be a detailed post about the Expedition coming very soon, but I’m still working out the details. I am beyond excited about this project not only because it makes my nature nerd heart pound with joy, but also because I’m sharing it with you in this space I love so much!
I can’t tell you enough how grateful I am for all of you. You make this space very special for me. Thank you.
I’ll talk to you soon.
xoSusannah
Very much looking forward to hearing your plans! I love how excited you are about them too. Sorry to hear you've been injured though, that's frustrating, I'm sure. Life certainly has a habit changing things, when you least expect it. I've not had as much time for Notes, or reading, of late, and it's making me feel a bit stressed! Hopefully, I can change that now, though.