Snowdrops are colouring the verges and edges, blooming under hedges, small snowdrifts of blossoms. I am home after a few days away, looking after my mum, taking her shopping, spending time in her company, then signing 1500 books in a warehouse for Otter Barry Books, and on to Tamsin's for a couple of days that included quiet time in her garden listening to the language of birds and a book launch in a castle, via an astonishing place.

I've driven past the turning to Arthur's Stone many a time. Had I known before that it was, with its riven capstone, the inspiration for C S Lewis's sceen of sacrifive in The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe I would have visited before. Things happen at the right time though. High on a hill with views of the borderlands and well into Wales it is a place of peace and strength. We lingered, resting awhile beneath the weight of the stone, as a small wren stitched its myths through a dense hedge and overhead raven flew and a red kite surveyed its territory of land and sky.

I need to go back, see the sun come up or the daylight fade there, listen. The patterns of lichen, small forests of moss, utterly beautiful. And the patterns of flight also. A fine place to listen to the birds.

We were heading to Hay for the launch of Sarn Helen by Tom Bullough. I had illustrated this wonderful book, during a very difficult time, finding peace in the process of ink grinding and sacred geometry while living in a basement in Hammersmith, looking after my Child. The launch was in Hay Castle, and it was the first full moon since our launch of Wild Folk. Beautiful moonlight. The crowd gathered were wonderful, and it was great to see the enthusiasm for Tom's book, a curious collection of travel writing, climate science, myth and history, but mostly a love song to the world centred on Wales and a plea to rise in active hope.

I know Seven Fables have copies. I am hoping Solva Wollen Mill will get some too. 

Before we set off Tamsin and I spent a short time in her studio. Much of the morning was spent in conversation with John, of Unbound and Backlisted fame, as we have been having some problems with The Unwinding Cards and are fire fighting trying to push through to publication stage so they aren't delayed and will be out for Christmas. Another meeting on Monday should push these forward. Really looking forward to having them to send out.

Tamsin showed me work she had been making for two things: first the story of the Black Fox, in Wild Folk.

Second is for something connected to Wild Folk that we are working on. I have a question for you. Who remembers the Puffin Club? And another question. If we were to suggest an enamelled badge, for a Wild Folk Club, who might be interested? We need to have an answer, as we want to work out whether to design this as a pledge level ( don't worry if you have pledged already, because we will let you know how you can upgrade, if we go ahead- but we all, Tamsin, John and myself, love the idea of building a Wild Folk community). First would be a Wild Folk badge, but we also like the idea of having selkie, raven, black fox etc badges. At the moment we are checking out prices, but if you could let us know by commenting on this post, who else is a badge freak, like us, who remembers the Puffin Club and who would like to have a Wild Folk badge if we can make this happen? Below is the suggested piece for a Black Fox badge. This, because of the story, is the one I am most passionate about. She's a fierce and wild one, the Black Fox, a protection from harm.

Home now, settling in to work for a few weeks, shape shifting and feeding the birds. I have maps to work on for Nicola Davies and birds to paint. Hoping to have news soon of a Wild Folk event with Tamsin, somewhere very special. So much happening this year, but I need to settle my soul into shapeshifting and flight. Aiming to go to another burial chamber this week. Look forward to hearing from you, friends and Wild Folk.