The ramblings, happenings and meanderings of Ratty Golightly.
Hello Friend
Thanks for joining me on a wander of Rat-thoughts. This week I’ve been thinking about the Platinum Jubilee celebrations and how wonderful it felt to be happy, knowing that millions of others felt the same. The daily news broadcasts have been full of sadness for so long that it felt lovely to see Kirsty Young et al discussing something of joy and recognising the incredible working life of our Queen. Seeing the youngest Royals behaving like our own children was a reminder of our human connection and that, underneath all the social hierarchy, we all love to laugh.
On a personal note, the Jubilee reminded me of what I love most - joy and merriment. Ratty Golightly began with a small set of prints featuring everyday objects surrounded by a scattering of stars. My way of recognising life’s everyday best bits. In these challenging times it seems more important than ever to remember why we do what we do.
I’m so grateful for your support of this little brand and wonder if I could ask a favour? If you don’t have the spare change for spending at the moment, perhaps you could support Ratty Golightly by sharing this email with a friend who might like to join Club Rat or sharing a post on social media? Someone else who loves joy and whimsy. I’ll help you by only offering discounts through my newsletter club (sign up to receive the Ratler here).
Read on to discover 5 great simple joys, including a delicious, almost free, cordial recipe.
The Rat’s 5 great things about mud…
1) An Adventure in the Fresh Air
For us a trip to the coast always brings joy (yes, plenty of huffing and puffing too as the Volvo bus is loaded and still something is forgotten). Space to run free, creatures to spot and the chance to jump in the water or mud.
I created this print with this very joy in mind. Yes, it’s messy and sometimes it won’t wash out (choose your clothes wisely) but it’s almost impossible to venture to the Norfolk or Suffolk coasts with a child or beastie ending up in the mud.
2) People Watch and Spot the Joy
There’s something infectious about watching others smile and share joy. The Platinum Jubilee gave us the ultimate in people watching. Hands up who loved watching the smallest Royal’s take in the festivities.
Click here for a reminder of the balcony best bits.
3) Be brave like Lucy - small businesses love to help
Ratty Golightly Super Customer, Lucy, asked this week if it were at all possible to have two portrait prints in a landscape format. One of the joys of running a teeny-weeny business is being able to help in these situations. With a little digital tweaking, Lucy’s wish was granted and her landscape gallery wall is now complete - I can’t wait for photos!
Support small businesses, spread joy and don’t be afraid to ask if there’s something you’d like a little differently.
4) Spiritual Joy - The Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu
I stumbled across this mind-blowing documentary one lunch break. It might not be the first thing you’d consider viewing but, trust me, you’ll be grateful you did. The tangible love and respect, not to mention the laughter, between these two highly respected religious leaders is utterly delightful.
Click here to watch.
5) The simple and (almost) free joy of homemade Elderflower Cordial
It’s that time of year for trekking out with your secateurs and basket in hand for hedgerow bounty. Yes its Elderflower Cordial season. The simplest and most satisfying of tasks that is almost free (other than the second mortgageable amount of sugar required).
Makes approx 2 litres...
25 Elderflower heads
1'5 kg sugar
1'5 l of water
2 lemons
50g citric acid
Put sugar and water into a large pan and bring to the boil until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat.
Thinly slice the lemons and put into a large container, e.g. preserving pan. Add the elderflower heads and sprinkle on the citric acid.
Pour over the cooled sugar syrup and leave over night.
Strain through a muslin into sterilised bottles and store in the fridge.
Share your Elderflower pictures by tagging @rattygolightly on Social Media.
The results of this week's social survey:
“When was the last time you did something a bit silly?”
To take part in future Ratty Golightly Social Surveys join me on Instagram
To receive the next instalment of the Ratler directly into your inbox together with an exclusive subscriber discount code, click here to register.
Thank you for reading, see you next time.
Comentários