About Me - Lesley

More background about me
My life changed in 2017 after being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease.
It made me realise that it was now or never to achieve my lifelong ambition of writing. Articles previously published (linked to my varied career), had been more of a side-line. Developing a tremor did not go well with being a professional make-up artist or tutor of silver clay jewellery. I lost my confidence totally, so turned to nature for help.

I don't feel the stress and anxiety which had taken hold of me when putting words onto paper. Photography had also played a major part in my career and combining it with the countryside and all its fascinating creatures encourages me not only to get out, but it gives something enjoyable to focus on. 

During that dreadful period of Covid isolation, both these creative aspects kept me sane! It was at that time I undertook every writing course available online that I could. Then gained an NCFE level 2 in counselling skills. As you can guess, I have to be achieving something.

Published Author and Photographer
Although I had already self-published a book called 'Dark Cheshire - myths and legends', at the end of 2024 my second book was finished and ready to be sold. Whispers on the Wind is a countryside memoir. Articles published range from photography, makeup artistry, to countryside pieces. 

Bookbinding 
My interest in books has developed into a love of vintage editions; the feel, the memories contained within. The multitude of fingers turning the very same pages throughout generations. 
It was during 2017 that I undertook a  bookbinding course. Learning how to create a photographic album, from putting pages together to creating the binding. Three wonderful days that left me exhausted with the concentration, yet elated at my achievement. A member of the Society of Bookbinders, I also completed a course in repairing of cloth covered adhesive case bindings.

Foraging 
Being born and brought up in areas with Celtic origins, it was here my love of the countryside began, as did devouring (reading) every book to be found. It was nature that came to my aid during those first few years of adjusting to a different lifestyle. I've completed many courses over the years including a recognised course in Inland Foraging.

Family History 
Family research began as a hobby during the early 1990s. Creating a small book about my grandmother provided an insight into her early life. Born in 1907 she experienced both world wars; something I find hard to imagine. Two years seemed to be swallowed during that period. Social history is so fascinating.
 
Prior to obtaining my PTLLS qualification in Lifelong Learning, I'd already qualified as a Vocational Assessor in NVQs. Later adding a Diploma in Para Medical Makeup to my artistic 'talents' and became a Art Clay certified instructor (creating 99.9% silver jewellery).