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Gothenburg Coffees & Beautiful Chaos - Karen's Corner - 26.10.25

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October has been one of those months that’s felt both wonderfully full and slightly chaotic ... in the best, most Fossoway kind of way.


With Mum and Dad off in the USA for three weeks, John and I have been holding the fort, and the market garden, in their absence. There’s something grounding about tending the land when the seasons are turning with the days getting shorter, the air cooler, and everything’s quietly preparing for rest. The fact that we have very little idea about what we're doing doesn't concern us at all! I’ve been trying to do a little 'preparing to rest' myself really ... still busy, but with a sense of gentle winding down underneath it all.


Before the garden took over, John and I snuck away for a few days in Gothenburg ... a beautiful city full of understated charm, friendly faces, and an unhurried rhythm that I really fell in love with. The more time I spend in Scandinavia, the more I think we could learn from their culture and values ... the balance, the simplicity, the genuine appreciation and respect for all professions, and the emphasis on design that’s both useful and beautiful.


I really love these little trips away and their permission to slow down and reflect a little. I always come back with a new viewpoint, some inspiration or a little lesson learned. Gothenburg was no different. In fact, my Uber driver, very kindly, insisted on pouring me a cup of coffee for the journey back to the airport. I said no, politely, repeatedly .... Britishly, but he was determined. So, there I was, holding a steaming cup of very strong Swedish coffee for twenty minutes, pretending to sip it like a woman who definitely drinks coffee … before quietly slipping it into the bin at the terminal. It was a lovely gesture, truly, but here’s the truth ...I don’t like coffee. I’ve tried to like it ... the smell, the ritual, the aesthetic ... but I just can’t get past the taste. And I’ve decided that’s fine, because it’s not really about the coffee, is it? It’s about all the things we convince ourselves we should like ... the habits, hobbies, and lifestyles that look good on other people but don’t quite fit us. So thank you Gothenburg for the reminder.


Back home, The Sieve has been keeping me inspired and connected in all the best ways. This month I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Charles Dowding, twice (!), and Polly Pullar, and both conversations were such a joy. I love that the podcast allows me to speak to people I might never have had the chance to otherwise, people who expand how I think and remind me of the value in slowing down, looking closer, and asking better questions.


On the more practical side of life, I’ve been knee-deep in digital filing ... a glamorous task, I know! It’s been a slow process of sorting, deleting, and neatly backing up everything from photos to project files. The online equivalent of finally tackling that overflowing junk drawer. Tedious, yes. But satisfying? Absolutely.


I’ve also been busy developing the new Everything & Nothing website, which should be ready to launch before the end of the year ... a fresh home for our projects, podcasts, and PR work.


October also marked the launch of The Harmony Report. Each Monday morning, The Harmony Report gathers good news from around the world that reflects the values we hold close at Fossoway Stables ... nurture, harmony, and sustainability. It’s a weekly reminder that progress is happening, often quietly, in classrooms, communities, and conservation projects that reconnect people with nature and one another. Curated with care, The Harmony Report offers a calm, hopeful start to the week ... stories to read over a cuppa or on the commute and carry into the days ahead. It's something I've been doing for a while, just for myself, a way of tapping into all the good things happening in the world bt it feels relly lovely to share it more widely. If you fancy reading, I've popped the link to last week's issue below, and you can subscribe to the blog below to get it sent to your inbox every Monday Morning.



Alongside all of that, I’ve been planning the community events we’ll be attending between now and the new year, and beginning the annual end-of-year tidy-up that feels a bit like preparing for a fresh start ... getting ready to welcome 2026 feeling (in theory, at least) sparkly, clean and organised.


Meanwhile, the kids have been off school for the past two weeks and with John’s two here as well, it’s been a very full house! The kind of busy, joyful noise that makes the days long but the house feel alive. A beautiful chaos, really.


So yes, October has been busy. But it’s also been a reminder of what I love most about this time of year ... that balance between motion and stillness. The sense that while the world outside is slowing down, we get the chance to gather, reflect, and quietly set things in order before the next chapter begins.


Until next month,


Karen xx



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WHAT'S ON


Saturday 1st November, 12noon - 10pm - FIDDLE HANG with JOHN MCCUSKER

After the success of July's Fiddle Weekend, we're hosting another opportunity for fiddle players to come and join in on a day jam packed with workshops, masterclasses and a 'session-style' evening of tunes at the Crook of Devon Village Hall. If you'd like to attend and take part, the cost of the day is £100 or if you'd just like to join us and listen to tunes in the evening please email hello@everythingandnothingpr.com to secure your spot.


Mondays 3.30 - 5pm - FOSSOWAY FARMYARD

A slow, seasonal after-school club for curious kids who love animals, mud, and magic. Join us each week at Fossoway Stables for an after-school adventure in nature. Children aged p1-p7 are invited to roll up their sleeves and become little land stewards ... feeding animals, planting and harvesting veg, getting hands-on with nature crafts, and learning how to care for the world around them. Each session follows the rhythm of the seasons and the daily goings-on of our real working smallholding. It’s joyful, grounded, and designed to nurture a lifelong connection to land, food, and animal welfare ... one muddy pair of boots at a time.

✨ Fresh air, freedom, and friendship

🐓 Hands-on animal care with hens, ponies & more

🌱 Learn to grow your own food

🍎 Seasonal themes, nature crafts & storytelling

📚 Led by experienced, caring practitioners

Email enquiries@fossowaystables.com to secure your spot.


Tuesdays 3.30 - 4.30pm - CRAFT CLUB

Our weekly Craft Club invites children into the cozy studio for hands-on projects that spark imagination and joy. Each session explores a new craft — from painting and printing to seasonal makes and upcycled creations — giving kids the chance to learn skills, make something special, and enjoy the simple pleasure of creating together.

Email enquiries@fossowaystables.com to secure your spot.


Wednesdays 3.30 - 5pm - PLAYMAKERS

A creative after-school club for children P4-P7 who love to perform and those who just need a little encouragement to shine. Every Wednesday afternoon, Playmakers invites children to step into the spotlight through drama, storytelling, movement, and film-making. Led by Moira, this much-loved club is a chance for children to explore their creativity, build confidence, and work together to bring stories to life on stage and screen. From improvisation games and script work to character building and short films, no two weeks are ever the same. Whether your child dreams of the stage or just wants to try something new, Playmakers is a joyful, supportive space where imaginations flourish and friendships grow.

Email enquiries@fossowaystables.com to secure your spot.


Thursdays 3.30 - 4.30pm - PLAYMAKERS JUNIORS

A joyful after-school club for budding performers in P1–P3. Led with love by Moira, Playmakers Juniors is our brand-new creative club designed especially for younger children who love to perform or who could benefit from a gentle boost in confidence. Each week, children will step into a world of imagination through drama games, storytelling, movement, and music. They’ll explore characters, create scenes, and even try their hand at simple filming and performance all in a fun, nurturing space where every child feels seen, heard, and supported. Whether your little one is already bursting with dramatic flair or just beginning to find their voice, Playmakers Juniors is a joyful place to play, grow, and shine.

Email enquiries@fossowaystables.com to secure your spot.

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