It has been a long while since I’ve sat down to type with such an urge to write. Really write. Write like nothing is stopping me, like I’m not going to be interrupted by “Would you like a cup of tea?”, like it’s the only thing I have to do today. The most positive outcome of all this free time (I was made redundant three weeks ago today) is the quiet feeling of freedom. Perhaps I did need a short break to breathe and allow my creativity to thrive. Despite being in the midst of what would seem like turbulence, it’s warming to know that bright skies are ahead. That’s not to say they are currently gloomy, since the family trip to Wales illuminated me with a renewed freshness only Welsh air can instil, and the intoxicating smell of paint from our home redecorations infuses my lungs. It has been a real benefit to be living at home during this time, even more so what with my parents being on school holidays. Our family time is always paramount and the constant connection and friendship we have is always a calm and reassuring force that runs like a strong undercurrent day in, day out. It is going to be difficult to separate this blog post into defined sections but please persevere with me, I hope you enjoy my musings of the past few weeks.
May joy flood your life, fear find its exit, and light stream in.
AmyAnn Cadwell & The Good Trade Team
RHS Bridgewater
This Wednesday saw our annual (although it is only our second year trip, it’s sure to become a tradition) outing to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Garden at Bridgewater, Manchester. I should specify Worsley, since it is a heritage place for my family – and I know my Gran will be reading this at some point. This beautiful open space is a true gem that feels nurturing and ‘good for the soul.’ Celebrating my Gran’s 92nd birthday, we embarked on the journey to Worsley with our human Satnav (Gran) before piling out of the car in the glorious midday sunshine. The weather this week has been warm, although under the Manchester clouds it did feel quite muggy and stifling – but one shall not complain about the weather. On approach, RHS Bridgewater is a tranquil yet thriving hub. I love to see so many people of different ages enjoying themselves in a space that celebrates nature.
I think the beauty of this space speaks for itself, so here’s a selection of the many photos I took throughout the day.
What also excited me about going to Bridgewater is how at Threadbare, we collaborated with RHS on an 8-piece collection featuring florals and botanicals from the RHS Lindley Collections. Having won an award from RHS for a drawing of a vase with flowers and scissors in Year 6 of primary school, this collaboration was an absolute dream. I loved putting the campaign copy together for this collection:
Derived from the RHS Lindley Collections, the floral prints of our first Threadbare x Royal Horticultural Society collection adorn elevated separates for timeless and effortless dressing. Captivating wildflowers and sketches of elegant botanicals, these blooms bring the floral flourish this season across four silhouettes. Discover a fresh scent of floral fancy and delight in styling your favourite Threadbare shapes in these eternal, horticultural prints – perfect for summer occasions.
The RHS Lindley Limited Edition Collection, Threadbare.com, words by Anna Mather
Other notes
I miss people. The joy of seeing the people I worked with every day, and the laughs – I miss that. It was a pleasure to work with wonderful, talented people who showed a lot of care for one another – particularly personally – and I’m so grateful that in my mid twenties, I experienced that. It makes me feel like this will be possible in a new workplace too, and that makes me feel so hopeful I could almost burst with excitement.
Love,
Anna x
kulayrosas 