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Hi there, Reader! Being the messenger of questionably favoured news is not always a bad thing, I'd say. The questionably favoured news in this case is: the days are getting shorter. And with this we begin to return to darkness. Don't get me wrong ~ I am absolutely delighted that we have lots of sunny, Summer days left to enjoy; long and lazy days to languish along shores and beaches, reading beach reads and cozy mysteries; stolen moments under mottled sunshine through dancing leaves, catching up on our latest, captivating non-fiction tome; or, even, many weeks left when we can make our way in sunshine to our nearest sbc613 meetup, and leave when there's still a touch of light in the sky. Yet... the return to darkness that touched our seasonal souls when the Summer Solstice came and went, is as worthy of celebration as was the coming of the light. Sarah Faith Gottesdiener remarks in her podcast, Moonbeaming, that for us ~ as seasonal creatures ~ this is a powerful time for reflection, a time to reconnect with [our] deeper intentions, and to move into the second half of the year with greater purpose. And as natural creatures, science also reminds us of earth’s dynamic relationship with the Sun, shaping everything from weather patterns to cultural traditions. How can it not help shape us? So the slow, slow return to shorter days and longer nights is a time to be honoured. Linda Geddes tells us that "our biology is set up to work in partnership with the sun." It follows that it is deeply affected by the dark, too. What does this have to do with reading? Well, obliquely, everything has something to do with reading when, like me, you are a voracious reader, chasing more, more, more to read about what is fascinating and compelling. There is an abundance of books about seasonal living and tons of science that tells us, get out into the sun when you can (without burning!), curl up and be intentional when the days get shorter, and look to nature when it comes to seasons and what's good for us. And since reading can weave itself into the ebbs and flows of any season, whether it's the advent of long, sunny days or the coming of shorter days and longer nights, join me in doing our best to welcome what the seasons bring! · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · · What are some ways in which you find yourself living seasonally, Reader, or even sometimes, resisting what the seasons usher in? I'd love to know... as it might just help me on my seasonal path. Warmly, seasonally, and as always, bookishly, ~ nicole (& the whole SBC613 team) · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · · 📣 🍂 2026 Fall Book Swap 🍂 📣 Join us for our SBC613 2026 Fall Book Swap, where book lovers of all kinds can gather to exchange their gently-loved reads and Here’s how it works:
Just bring a couple of books and an open mind! We can’t wait to see you there and share the joy of reading! 🍂 Silent Book Club ~ Ottawa Chapter 2026 Fall Book Swap 🍂 Reminders... For the Summer season (speaking of seasonal rhythms) The Stittsville meetup on the fourth Saturday of each month, is cancelled for the month of August, on the 22nd. · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · · AUGUST 2026 MEETUPS 📆 Rather than a list of meetups, perhaps you'd prefer a calendar page. 📝 All meetups are available for signup here. ⭐ = NEW!
· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · · How does a reading meetup work?
Make your experience fit your vibe
· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · · Silent Book Club ~ Ottawa Chapter If you received this email from a friend and would like to subscribe, please click here. |
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August 2026 ph.cr. ~ unsplash: Lyle Hastie Hi there, Reader, Being the messenger of questionably favoured news is not always a bad thing, I'd say. The questionably favoured news in this case is: the days are getting shorter. And with this we begin to return to darkness. Don't get me wrong ~ I am absolutely delighted that we have lots of sunny, Summer days left to enjoy; long and lazy days to languish along shores and beaches, reading beach reads and cozy mysteries; stolen moments under...
July 2026 * photo cr.: UnSplash Hello, Reader! Happy Summer! I am hopping into your inbox with a short note about new meetups and events coming up this Summer. I'm also keeping this brief so you can head back outside to enjoy the gorgeous weather!! Last month we shared about the new meetups that started this past month. Well, we're still tickled about how the hosts have been bringing all this newness to the chapter's lists of meetups, and totally in love with how much you've enjoyed getting...
June 2026 We're well into Spring and moving swiftly (some say too swiftly!) into Summer, Reader. We've said hello and goodbye to a million tulips; we've seen magnolia and cherry blossoms bloom; we've seen forsythia go from bright yellow to deep and rich greens; and, we've already welcomed the unfurling of leaves on all the trees that surround us. As Summer approaches this month, lilacs will make themselves known with their bright purples, creams and pinks, and their strong and heady scent....