🅰️⬇️⬆️ 🅰️⬇️⬆️ ⛈️🍲㋈

Dear Adventurers,

September is upon us! Clearly my constant humming of the Song of Storms has paid off, and I have single-handedly broken England's drought-- rain at last!

Cooler temperatures eases my symptoms; POTS, MCAS, headaches, fatigue, all of it better when the weather is mild. Given this summer was the UK's hottest on record(according to the MET) I hope my productivity will increase now that the heat has broken. Could really use a fairy fountain at the moment though.

I am using the cooler weather to finalize my soup additions; the spiced Carrumpkin Soup (inspired by the Carrumpkin from tri force heroes) is roasted and then bisqued  (not a verb but should be), which is just not ideal for hot weather. But perfect for cozy rainy days!

Despite the August heat, I had my longest string of cookbook work days since my CSF leak in late 2024, when all of the delays began. I am learning to work with my body and energy levels, and my progress tracker says August has been the best month in a long time. woo! 😅

I was also very lucky to have my parents in town for a week long visit; it was their first time in the UK, and I admit, not much work was accomplished during their visit-- making the month's progress that much more impressive!

I spoke of timeline in my last update, and that is still holding true. It will be done when it is done, dependent on my health, and I will figure out the money/loan at that time. The end of the year is still my hope-- I will be so relieved when this is done.

I must thank you once more for your patience, persistence, and kindness, in awaiting this fan-project with the grace you have. Right now I am on both sides of the equation; I also backed a Kickstarter in 2024 with a similar timeline that has been delayed for two years, and still wait for the reward. I only think of that creator with love and a wish that she takes all the time she needs; que sera sera, life happens. But applying the same logic and grace to my own very late project is so difficult! Of course, my guilt and self-flagellation at the lateness helps no one. I breathe through the feelings of inadequacy, and aim my attentions towards the finish line.

Plans for September include a trip to Prague; which will be my first ever trip to continental Europe! (aside from flying in with my cats to Paris on the way to England) I hope to try many delicious foods, and return home with additional motivation to steam-roll through the rest of this book.

Thank you for tuning in to the monthly update; wishing you all a lovely September and harvest (or planting) depending on where you are.

listening to the birds play in the rain,
Aimee

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ps-- goodness. sleep has been the deciding factor this month I think. I've just decided to allow myself to sleep. sometimes twelve hours a day. I've struggled with getting enough sleep; grew up with early rising parents, a perpetual "you're being lazy!" echoing in my head if I sleep more than 8 or 9 hours, giving myself lots of "shoulds". I wonder if I just need more than a normal person. I have no problems getting to sleep, or staying there. I do have vivid horrific nightmares that plague me nearly every night-- the emergency surgery nightmares illustrate some sort of unresolved medical trauma over the last few years. 🤷‍♀️ So letting myself sleep more. Letting go of all this weird guilt I carry along. Grateful for all of my partner's support, while I recover and finish all of this. <3

pps-- secondly, I did make one other thing over the summer. This took me all of 2 hours one afternoon, so please do not think this was made at the sacrifice of cookbook work, lmao! It is my first ever video game! yes that is right, I am a video game developer! It is called "Fish Climb Trees", and it is very bad, and no one will ever buy it. You can play it for free right now (on a computer browser, not a phone, sorry), on my itch. This was inspired by Ill Omen's "No One is Going to Buy Your Video Game" Manifesto, which I found very freeing. Hope this brings you some modicum of joy. I'm always thinking of you. <3 Happy Birthdays and hang in there; I'm right here with you, still hugging you from afar!