The Library
Wonder, nature, folklore, culture, creativity.
I write about all sorts.
This is a selection of my writing.
More recent work is on Substack.
-
The Woman Who Collects Signs
We got married in Italy. And for a country famous for love and grand romantic gestures, the wedding vows were surprisingly practical. I remember reading them for the first time and being a bit disappointed at how unromantic they were. No poetry. No promises of eternal love. They were more like a job description. All…
-
Honouring the Women Who Built Us
I’m writing this on International Women’s Day. I love this day seeing all the stories about women. Making a mark on their own worlds in their own ways. I feel so lucky to have been surrounded by remarkable and strong women growing up. And now as I am older, I have women who lift me…
-
The Classroom We Don’t See
My first parents evening was spent on a tiny chair, looking through a tray of scribbles. I spent my last one sat at home looking at a screen on Zoom. Reflecting on how much the role of ‘school mum’ has shaped my life. I was crying before it even started. I’m awe of teachers but…
-
In the Space Between Doing and Being
Last Christmas was so different. It is usually a much needed rest followed by a surge of energy ready to make plans for the new year ahead. A few days before Christmas, on the winter solstice, I had closed the doors on a business that had been my life for years. It wasn’t just a…
-
A Gift That Keeps Moving
“I read a book about that.” This is something I say often during conversations with friends. It’s become a bit of a joke now. It is always met with, “Of course you have.” This week, we were talking about Black Friday and the barrage of ads screaming at us from every direction. My feed is…
-
A December “Not-To-Do” List
I often write notes and letters to my future self—little reminders about where I was and where I am now. This particular note was written by frazzled, end-of-Christmas me, determined to save future me from the same fate. A letter version of A Christmas Carol. In it, I gave myself a not to do list:…
-
The Beauty in Watching Life
We spent half term in Dubai. I’ve been a few times as my husband works out there for periods through the year. I will never get used to the speed of it, I have to brace myself for it. A city that feels like it is never enough. With a skyline of tall buildings that…
-
Discovering the Magic of Awe
This week, all wrapped up in the garden, I was captivated by the Northern Lights. They lit up our skies for only the second time this year. The vibrant colours stretching across the sky felt like a gift from nature. As social media filled up with photos and reactions, I couldn’t help but reflect. These…
By Eve Bell 