As you may know, during August gatherings are being organised all over the world so that Gaia members can meet face to face. I am organising one in Nottingham if you are interested in coming along.

The gathering will be held on Saturday 23rd August at 2pm, and we will meet outside Waterstones, 1-5 Bridlesmith Gate, Nottingham NG1 2GR (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=waterstones,+nottingham,+uk&jsv=123&sll=52.981723,-1.149445&sspn=0.172391,0.422974&ie=UTF8&ei=U_ylSPy-K4Hu2wKFypmKCg&cd=1&cid=52952476,-1147025,13672328770877951680&li=lmd&z=16&t=m).

We will have a chance to get to know each other, have some discussions about gaia-like topics, possibly even have a short meditation if people feel so inclined!

Please message me to let me know if you are coming, just so I know how many to expect.

Hope to see you there!

I have just planted a silver birch copse!  This is apparently the English name for a small group of trees - my copse has 5 trees. 

I planted it because a friend of mine advised me when I was upset and down to find a silver birch tree and sit against it.  So I searched my village for silver birch trees, but could only find them in the middle of the main street, and thought I would get some strange looks if I sat down in the middle of the main street (and it wouldn't be very peaceful).  So I planted my own trees - they are not ready yet to be leaned against, but I can wait...

This week I've been to Ispra, on Lake Maggiore, in Italy.  This is a lovely part of Italy - it feels relaxed and comfortable (a bit like Australia) - warm weather too.  I was visiting the Joint Research Centre of the EU, and had to go through serious security to get in!

Italy took a while to grow on me, I think mainly because there are so many crowds of tourists there, but now I really like it.  I can't speak Italian, though, which makes things a bit more difficult.

We went out for a meal, organised by local people - there was lots of raw meat!  Tip if you're not a big meat fan: ask for a vegetarian meal.