EVEN IN STILLNESS, WE CAN CHANGE: A solstice reflection on quiet transformation, poetry and healing
My agapanthus beginning to bloom by the front door in Spain
I promised myself a giant, glittering dose of optimism at the start of 2025, determined to start the year in the best way possible. I drove to the beach by myself on New Years Day and dove into the chilly Mediterranean, emerging with a smile on my face as I snuggled into my turquoise towelling poncho with yellow bananas on it.
At the time I was still on cortisone for IBD but scheduled to start tapering the next day. As soon as I began to taper, my symptoms returned in full force. After much reflexion, initiated during the previous year in case cortisone didn’t put me into lasting remission, I decided to go on immunosuppressant therapy. I began Entyvio infusions in late March, completing the three loading doses by May 1, and recently had my fourth treatment, this time subcutaneously. From now on I will self-inject every two weeks.
My intestines are a little quieter, but I remain housebound most of the time, and continue to find refuge, fulfilment and entertainment in poetry. I don’t always succeed, but I don’t think I’m doing too badly. Freedom will come. It will!
Of course, my psychiatrist and my anti-depressant medication help enormously, as does my neuropathic pain medication for fibromyalgia.
Since today is the summer solstice, I wanted to mark this moment by celebrating what I consider my biggest achievement so far this year: the publication of Illicit Croissants At Dawn.
As many of you know, my daughter, Olivia Bossert, a fashion photographer and mixed-media artist in the UK, illustrated the book and designed the cover. A few weeks after the launch, Olivia surprised me with a gorgeous reel to celebrate it. I’ll share it here in case you missed it, or in case we hadn’t met yet.
The book has sold relatively well (better than expected, frankly!) and the feedback has been consistently wonderful, even from people who don’t usually read poetry. My voice has been compared to a grown-up, bohemian Shel Silverstein! If you need a poetic poolside companion for your holiday, Illicit Croissants At Dawnwould be delighted to come with you.
Another highlight of this year was being featured in Alisa Kennedy-Jones’ Substack, THE EMPRESS. I thought Alisa had made a mistake when she first contacted me about the interview. Oh, me of little self-confidence!
There are so many other things I could write about today, but I kind of want to go and make a cake!
Before I go, I want to congratulate Anna Schott on her book deal! Anna was one of the first people to interact with me when I tiptoed into Substack in November 2023. She’s a lovely person and a phenomenal writer and I can’t wait to hear more about this fantastic news!
And now, off we all go, whirling towards the winter solstice!
With love and gratitude,
Francesca xx
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