A cartoon
VS
A thought
I’ve been aware of this beautiful concept for a while and couldn’t resist drawing a L’il Bean version - it was so much fun to draw!
Fun aside, it really sums up all the reasons we are in the mess we are in and the solution. Show me a problem on earth that cannot be improved by reframing guided by these two images. Genius. The image that inspired this cartoon is by architect Steffen Lehmann. He is an academic who writes about the intersection of architecture, urban design, ecosystems and climate change.
I hope you can carry these two images in your hearts and when you have a moment of uncertainty, remember and use them to help you make your decision.
You can read the article here: Lehmann S. Reconnecting with nature: Developing urban spaces in the age of climate change here.
Glimmers and sparks*
My glimmers for today are:
Lots of rain!
This Substack is now one month old, I had an overnight doubling of subscribers thanks to a generous shout-out from
. I’m thrilled you have come to meet L’il Bean, Anneliese, Ros, Cat, Kate, Nick, Karen, Mabel, Kit, Natalie, Wendy, Kylie, Phillip, Nat, Ian, Kristy, Ali, Terran, Kate, Siobhan, Sera, Amanda, Emily, Karen, Paula, Hannah, Diana, Kei, Steve (and a few of you with mysterious names I couldn’t work out from your emails!). I hope you enjoy journeying with Li’l Bean and me, as much as I enjoy drawing them for you.That’s all for today - #2 above, each new face here is a glimmer of its own!
Li’l bean is your reminder to pause and ask: What are your glimmers for today?
From your friend and your small, steadfast companion,
*Drawing Li’l Bean helped me navigate out of a period of depression in 2023. A good friend 13, 595km away, helped, too, through a ritual of swapping daily glimmers via text.
A glimmer is a tiny spark of hope, enthusiasm or joy that lifts your heart. By helping me find three glimmers each day, she gently helped me see the joy and beauty already around me.
I’d like to share this practice with you and invite you to reflect on your glimmers for the day when you read this. Think of Li’l Bean as a reminder to notice the glimmers and sparks in your life. We’d love it if you would like to share your glimmers in the comments.
Ah thank you for the thoughts and images and the idea of daily glimmers.
My daughter is 16 today and my heart
Is full this morning reflecting on who she is and how grateful I am that her teenage years are proving thus far to be enjoyable and far less tumultuous and confusing than mine were.
Nice to be in this space. I adore Sarah’s work so it makes sense she’d connect other good people
I love this so much too and when you make the t shirts I am definitely getting one!