This. So much this. Also, I don’t wish to turn on the sound on my phone so I can listen to 2 minutes of waffle to then find out that actually this particular video won’t in fact be answering the question I had in the first place. Simple, written instructions please.

12 miles this evening to contribute to #Belay2025in2025 along with some gorgeous sunset views :)

Top #MiddleAgedWomanWin (of the tmi sort for some, be warned): I have been on #HRT. After some minor breakthrough bleeding the meds were adjusted. And … now yep, we have a period type bleed with actual period pains for added veracity. What a privilege it is being a woman at each and every stage.

Out on Saturday as a podcast! A great conversation and what @thebelayfoundation.org.uk do is quite simple but very well thought thru and managed. Have a listen when it drops on Saturday. 🎧

We can join this gang I reckon @redwellyfeats.bsky.social

Hooray! We made it to the end of term! We got to the holidays! Well done us, we are brilliant! Oh. It’s the holidays. Oh blimey. We have to survive the holidays now?

Our big #BelaySurvey is out! Are you a #specialguardianship #SGO #kinship or #adoptive family? Can you share how you feel about in-home practical support ("respite") and your experiences? We'd be VERY grateful! Intro video: vimeo.com/1094294617 Straight to the survey: forms.office.com/e/EDfKWKgntV

So we did a "thing" ... we were "live" on the Adoption and Fostering Podcast earlier this evening! If you missed it and want to watch along ... here's the link ... or the podcast should be out on Saturday for your listening pleasure any time at all ;) fb.watch/B10BZCiUu2/

Quick #Belay2025in2025 update ... ***1250 miles market done! YES!!!!*** Interesting in helping out Belay (as well as motivating my somewhat tired legs to keep moving)? Donate here: justgiving.com/page/belay2025in2025

Very belated but ... this was indeed a fab day out. Just what we all needed. Next excursion plan please!

The Benefact Group Children & Young People Special Draw is open for 7 days from today. Please nominate us! youth.movementforgood.com/index.php?cn...

PhD studentship at Cambridge! Closing date for applications: 26/07/25 You need to be a woman and eligible for UK home fees. And interested in doing a PhD in developmental cognitive neuroscience and education, based in Cambridge, UK (not hybrid/remote)

Helen is halfway to her 2025 miles in 2025 target! *1012.5 miles done* We are very excited ... and if you are able to sponsor her a few pounds to keep her motivated she'd be even happier. She even cycled *despite the weather forecast* today! justgiving.com/page/belay2025in2025 #Belay2025in2025

So not only am I excited to be exactly half way to 2025 miles … but someone has mysteriously anonymously donated £100! I have no idea who you are but if you’re on here please tell me! And/or just a *massive* thank you!!! So kind x #Belay2025in2025 justgiving.com/page/belay2025in2025

I'm conscious I've been pretty quiet here recently. Tbh there's been a lot (too much?) life going on; I just haven't been feeling the joy in a way that might drive me to post. Also, I've been feeling despondent because "too much life" has also correlated with "very few miles". #Belay2025in2025

Important news: the Weston Library in Oxford (part of the Bodleian) has added a small baby play space. And they've called it the Toddleian.

If you know, you know... 🖨️ 👉 For practical advice, clear information, and resources to make the load a little lighter, visit our website: https://f.mtr.cool/nywddsuniy

Enlightenment. This morning on Glastonbury Tor.

Glastonbury Tor revealing it's own very special magic this morning.

Medieval story time! Let’s talk about Isabel, who stabbed a priest when he told her to shut up in church (relatable) So Isabel lived in London in 1330.

Today is National Biscuit Day, and it’s about time that I populated this account with biscuit (cookie) sets from the past few years. Here are some of my favourites. 🧵 First up, a set inspired by the delicious designs of William Morris and John Henry Dearle.

An important question that I feel @redwellyfeats.bsky.social and mutual friends need to have a position on. (I have to ‘fess up I did already have a position even before the below, but I am reviewing in case revision is required.)

Historians know that incorrect information becomes increasingly hard to fact check over time. We are sleep walking into an age of misinformation as we increasingly rely on AI to think for us. #histsci #hps #sts #bookhistory #data #history #journalism www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...

Who wants to enter the portal? Taken this morning shortly after sunrise on Glastonbury Tor.

22 miles on the bike yesterday! (And the joyful gift of lunch with a friend too.) #Belay2025in2025

This thread has made me smile :) (And I’m not even watching lol x)

This dog politely asked for a musician's drumstick in the middle of their performance. Always excited to find a fellow stick lover. 12/10

He did it! And in style! Congratulations to Olly from all of us at @thebelayfoundation ... and a huge thank you too. Olly has (already) raised an incredible £670! Could you help us raise that even higher? www.justgiving.com/page/olly-cr... Thank you everybody!

my 14yo made a power point of what she wants her future to look like and this is my favorite slide

Just about managed to get a photo of this deer in the buttercups a minute or so ago.

Hey! Another lovely #buyastrangerabook day offer! @whiterose74.bsky.social is offering to buy someone the book of their choice, up to £25. Yes, that's right! So if there's a particular book you're after, get in touch. UK only.

So someone wants a book! Yay! But I reckon there must be more of you out there who would like something for your child / your neighbour’s son / your friend’s daughter / the grandparents down the road with their grandchild!

These boxes are not moving. A mind-bending optical illusion by Japanese artist Jagarikin.

Hey! Everyone! @biggreenbooks.bsky.social is doing his fabulous #BuyAStrangerABook day thing. Yes! People buy people books! On Wednesdays! For no reason other than cos it’s a fabulous and lovely thing to do! And there are currently books going begging! Go look 👀! Click the hashtag! Buy a book!!!

THERE'S MORE!! Another #buyastrangerabook day offer incoming. @nendo2.bsky.social is offering to buy someone any book they like, up to £15. Any book. Not just what's on my adorable website. So, if there's something you're after, get in touch. UK only.

More #buyastrangerabook magic! @humanaqvi.bsky.social is offering to buy someone a book of their choice, up to £15! So, if there is a particular book you'd like (not just what's on my website), get in touch. It's #buyastrangerabook day. UK only.

Here's another great #buyastrangerabook day offer. @helenmew.bsky.social has sent me £25 to buy kids some happy, positive, cheerful, uplifting books! One book per person! If you'd like something in particular (or maybe a suggestion), get in touch! UK only

Interested in whether your child may be eligible for Disability Living Allowance? There’s still time to join our free zoom session on #DLA this evening at 7.30 if you would like! (Future sessions also bookable at the same link) More info here: calendly.com/training-the...

The lovely Olly is running his first ever run - a massive 10k - this Sunday. And he's doing it on behalf of @TheBelayFoundation! How amazing is Olly?! More about Olly, his very personal reasons for supporting Belay, his run this Sunday, and about Belay all here: www.justgiving.com/page/olly-cr...

On a train on the way to London to support and steward at the @asgsfprotest.bsky.social - with the amazing @sarahfry.bsky.social #FundNowOrPayLater #CareNotCuts #ACutTooFar

On 14th April this year, the government announced it was slashing funding for essential support for some of the most vulnerable children & young adults in England. Our community has come together to ask government to reconsider. @asgsfprotest.bsky.social

At least campaigning against the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund, supporting the @asgsfprotest.bsky.social march, and pushing the petition is saving me from too much of a depressing focus on the election results. Small wins. But still …

ASGSF Reduction in funding – An Open Letter from TLSWi

Cuts to the Adoption & Special Guardianship Support Fund are having a huge impact on families & the charities who support them. I’m grateful to Jenny at The Purple Elephant Project for speaking to me, alongside an adoptive mum who told of how vital therapy & ASGSF support is for her girls.

Are the stewards at protest marches getting you here or is it just us? We're gearing up for the big day! Who’s coming to speak truth to power and make our voice heard? It’s never too early! Join Us: bit.ly/4iIAhrd #FundNowOrPayLater #CareNotCuts

April wasn't my best month ... but as May starts today, I've still made it to over 750 miles in total. Hooray! Anyone feel like sponsoring me for a little bit of motivation AND supporting Belay too? £10 is basically a penny for every two miles if you have it ... 🚴‍♀️🚶‍♀️ #Belay2025in2025

Please support - sign, march, share and repost ... or perhaps just tell one more person. Thank you. All the info 👇 #ASGSFProtest #CareNotCuts #ACutTooFar #FundNowOrPayLater

On behalf of our families, and the wider adoption, special guardianship and kinship communities, @TheBelayFoundation will be marching on Saturday with @asgsfprotest.bsky.social to stand up for the support our children need and deserve. #FundNowOrPayLater #CareNotCuts #ACutTooFar #ASGSFProtest

The Potato Group is backing calls for the government to reverse the changes to the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund. Please consider signing this petition, and joining us on May 3rd in London. #asgsf