3:33 AM. Is it wicked of me to want to build a "pillow fort" (I saw it on a children's television programme), make a gallon of martinis, and hibernate inside with Crowley all weekend? I think we need a little "us" time. 🍸+🐍+😇=💘

Change of season? Geomagnetic pollution? Sensory overload? Whatever the cause, I'm feeling particularly bumbly and ineffective today. I'm certain tomorrow will be better! ✨️

I'm going to pop over the road for a bit. I promised to help Justine shift some tables; a new holiday set-up! Back soon! ✨️🥂✨️

Heading into Winter on the top half of the World, so I'm curious to know your cold-weather comfort foods! Southern Hemisphere, how do you embrace your Summer at the table?

A quiet, rainy night ahead. The shape of this days asks for soft comfort, very gentle touch and simple food. A custard sounds nice.

Obituaries in the papers. Not what they used to be. Used to tell you a story, now they just tell you someone’s accountant signed off. *throws newspaper in the bin*

There are times (inevitably) when Crowley and I argue, or choose to distance ourselves for a bit of breathing room, or are downright, well... "bitchy." But never doubt that we remain absolutely devoted to each other. Crowley has always been the other half of my heart. And that will never change.

I for one welcome our new multicolor overlords

Let's talk about books and the public trust. 📚🧵 Something that is easy to forget, in these days of barcode-scanning / auto-adjust pricing on third-party platforms for pennies plus shipping: Booksellers are not merely people who sell some popular books in a competitive market.

A just-past midnight reminder, @mrajcrowley.bsky.social: I love you, as always, as ever.

Morton Lauritsen translated Naruda’s beautiful poem, “Soneto de la Noche” and created this gorgeous choral piece: youtu.be/-sW4IgkBfrY?...

This Bookshop is a Sanctuary. If contention is your prize, perhaps you've got the wrong bookshop.

@mrajcrowley.bsky.social Might I tempt you outside for a morning stroll to the park and a chat with some very interesting ducks? Perhaps culminating in a ridiculously hearty late breakfast involving hash browns and eggs? And all the espresso you can hold?

"A Dark Seahorse in Cepheus" reads like the title of a heretofore undiscovered Yeats poem, and I shall not be dissuaded! How glorious this is; I dearly hope modern humans are still inspired by the stars.

This is a glorious dream!

"I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you simply, without problems or pride: I love you in this way because I do not know any other way of loving but this..." Reading Pablo Neruda tonight, to remind myself that I am not the only one to have loved so fiercely.

Spiraling #Star Factory: A star-studded spiral #galaxy, NGC 4571, shines in this NASA/ESA #Hubble Space Telescope Picture of the Week. It’s situated about 60 million light-years away in the constellation Coma Berenices. Link for more info: esahubble.org/images/potw2...

Let him have time to see his friends his foes, And merry fools to mock at him resort; Let him have time to mark how slow time goes In time of sorrow, and how swift and short His time of folly and his time of ; And ever let his crime Have time to wail th’ abusing of his time.

@mrajcrowley.bsky.social I like the pinky-blue bits on this one.

The sunset behind my house right now.

@mrajcrowley.bsky.social There's a lovely yellow curry for later, if you've any appetite. I've actually spent most of the day reorganizing the poetry section. And do you know, as much as I love every single volume, I've made a decision.

What a gorgeous series of posts! Do scroll through and treat your eyes to a bit of therapeutic beauty. ✨️

Last night, I dined solo, Crowley being otherwise engaged in serpentine slumbers. I prepared a tiny brie en croute, paired with a glass of Chateau Lascombes Margaux (1961). Candles on the table and all. Delius on the gramophone. We all need time to recharge. Be kind to yourself.

This week's weather forecast reads: "NOVEMBER." Suppose I shouldn't put it off any longer. *pushes sofa back to clear space, miracles 4XL reptile climbing frame with adjacent flat rock beneath a heat lamp* I'll just leave it as a surprise for Crowley. *pats frock coat concealing sleeping snake*

Great Christmas gift! 🎄 We've had lots of requests for more information about the Official South Downs National Park 2026 calendar. Visit our South Downs Shop page where you can see more detail and purchase your copy. buff.ly/hOM8K3i #2026Calendar #SouthDownsNationalPark

Crowley? *shuffles through blanket pile on sofa* Hmm. Where has that rascal gotten to? *opens desk drawer, peers inside* Crowley, are you in there? Well. Upstairs, perhaps? *heads toward staircase*

Excellent information for pet owners! Apparently, this site assists those in US and Canada to source veterinary services and pet food banks! Thank you, @onthedrift.bsky.social! Does anyone have a similar service in UK?

@mrajcrowley.bsky.social It was a queue well worth the wait! Closer to noon, Give Me Coffee or Give Me Death was buzzing with custom. Crowley and I joined the crowd; my heart racing like a caffeinated hummingbird. He asked me, "Earl Grey, for you?" I gathered up all my courage, and replied "No."

Oh, my goodness!! How glorious!

Hello, my dears! A Very Important Topic just now is #FoodInsecurity, and this is an issue worldwide. Governments seem in no great rush to do their jobs. Once again, it comes down to the individual. Could you please add a link for food assistance in your area, and I'll pin this. Thank you! ✨️

@mrajcrowley.bsky.social Um, do you have any plans for the last week of November?

Well. Well, well. Cup of tea has marginally cleared my mind. What do I want to add to our list of Things Not Yet Done? Crowley set the bar very high last night. Anything I wanted to do pales in comparison. I know it's not a competition. It's a completion. But still. *pondering*

4:44 AM. The Dinner. The Evening. The Bandshell. The Dance. The...Afterward. All my words? Flown away. Might live in this haze for a bit. ✨️

Currently trying to make up for lost time... I do very much hope that Bentley has it within them to be discreet.

Agreed. Although I could have instigated forward motion, as well.

The human brain can be a terribly bossy landlord.

Happiest of birthdays to you! ✨️✨️✨️

That is an absolute certainty.

Life is a miracle of your very own making. Now you've realised that, my dear, you will be unstoppable! ✨️✨️✨️

After yesterday's very restful day and the nice long kip, my head has new shoes. No, wait... that's not right. Crowley! *shouting into next room* What's the thing when you turn a device off and on again? ... Thank you, darling! ... My head has "re-booted." I have come to a decision.

Pink or black?

5:14 AM. It's raining. Not a storm, not a torrent, but simply an insistent tapping on the panes, as if asking for permission to come inside where it's dry. A more fanciful angel might invite the rain inside for a cup of tea. But I shan't, because I am exquisitely comfortable.

The official South Downs National Park 2026 Calendar is available now! 😊 And it's a beauty - so many glorious shots of this wonderful landscape and its wildlife. Get your calendar here 👉 www.civicaepay.co.uk/BHCCEstore/e...

✨️✨️✨️

Today’s #AutumnArrivalSpotlight shines on the Starling! Forget fireworks...Autumn’s skies come alive with magnificent murmurations: vast, swirling clouds of Starlings dancing at dusk. One of nature's greatest spectacles. 😍

Here's your reminder to look out for hedgehogs this Bonfire Night. Stacks of logs and leaves look real inviting to hedgehogs searching for places to hibernate. Remember to check your bonfires before lighting them!

Before we left the inn at Norfolk, I was standing at the French door, casting a rather suspicious eye at the outdoor bath. Crowley, shrugging on his jacket, paused beside me and said, "You look very pretty for someone who's been up to mischief," then very casually kissed me on the forehead.

Hello, 5:00 AM! Not a pensive post at all, as Crowley and I are on a sort of "mission" (which is also a bit of a lark) here in Norfolk! Because it's a secret, Crowley donned his sleekest black jumper and slightly more flexible but still incredibly snug black trousers...

Please don't give @mrajcrowley.bsky.social any ideas!