Is it just me, or has November been weird? And felt like six months instead of one?
Doesn’t it seem like everyone you know is feeling down, overwhelmed, confused? Wrestling with choices about careers, and relationships, and their place in the world? Desperate for some kind of change, a fresh start?
The photo above is definitely a misnomer, and just maybe wishful thinking: these are not the sunny hours. (The image is, in fact, of a sundial in Beacon Hill Park in Victoria, just over a month ago.) No, these are the dark, short days. When 4:00 pm seems like midnight, and the wind reaches into the bus shelter, snatches your umbrella, and nearly blows it into the middle of a busy street. (If this sounds oddly specific, it’s because it happened to me earlier).
They are the days of struggle and uncertainty. Of wondering and waiting and asking why, and hoping against hope that answers present themselves.
Still, November’s not all bad. It’s an opportunity to be deliberate in our reflections, to make space for peace and calm — once we allow our monkey brains to settle. Yes, these are the days of rushing home in the rain (umbrella securely in hand), but then we can change into something cozy, put on the fire, eat chocolate spread out of the jar with a butter knife, and hunker down for a while.
And even though it may not always feel like it now, better days — the sunny hours — are coming.
Behind the Scenes
My new interview with Pinhole Poetry! I shared my poem ‘Pierre and Marthe,’ along with what book of poetry has been most influential in my life, where I turn for inspiration, and who I trust to read my work first. It’s always an honour to be featured. Thanks, Pinhole Poetry!
Another Old Friend
It feels so good to have work published by this quality literary magazine once again.
Issue 5.2 (Blank Spaces) from Stripes Literary Magazine features poetry, art, and photography while honouring a beloved contributor who passed away. This issue explores silence, memory, and creative resilience through original poems, visual art, and a heartfelt tribute.
Featuring Poetry and Art by:
Sonia Nicholson, Jill Eloise Vance, Faith-Anne Bell, Ace Boggess, Linda Crate, Tukur Loba Ridwan, Susanne Wolf, Bart Edelman, Sharisa Aidukaitis, Ayiyi Joel, Sharon Hoffmann, Judith Rosner, Mary Salome, Anderson Moses, Renee Cronley, Kristin Zimet, Wainaina Salama, Khayelihle Glenrose, Geoffrey Aitken, Umenyi Evelyn, Diarmuid ó Maolalai, Giu Lio, Favour Emmanuel and Merlin Flower.
Available now in paperback, or read it online.
First the Fun
My bit of fun earlier in the month: a vintage-style dress, a perfectly-named cocktail, and a lovely Niçoise salad. Did I miss anything for a fabulous, French-inspired evening? 🤩
And Then the Heartbreak
It was devastating to have to say goodbye to the best writing buddy, who was a very good boy, and whose journey ended November 10, 2025. Here’s a small pictorial tribute:
Les Bouquinistes
Show me what you’re reading!
I picked up these lovely books by Rebecca Raisin and Sue Roe the other Saturday. With love, old letters, history, artists, and of course, Paris, these titles check all my boxes. Can’t wait to dive in. 🇫🇷 🤓
I featured A Love Letter to Paris a few months ago and it’s been on my list ever since, so when I crossed paths with it at the bookstore, I knew it was finally time to take it home!
Sue Roe’s work has also appeared previously on Les Bouquinistes, for her book In Montmartre, which I was just looking at on my self the other day thinking I should re-read it before next year for ✨ reasons ✨ (to be revealed in a future post).
As always, thanks for reading. Merci!
Sonia
Sonia Nicholson 