Writer of creative nonfiction; researcher in the environmental humanities. Based in Sheffield, lover of allotments and trees. joannaclaredobson.com https://wreckageandshimmer.substack.com/https://bsky.app/profile/joannacdobson.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/joannacdobson.bsky.social/post/3lukx5jdi4s2q'She's a tree that's fallen; she's a tree that trees have grown out of; she's now part of the past, but also she fed and nourished and loved and guided a possible future'. Absolutely beautiful tribute to Joanna Macy by @rebeccasolnit.bsky.social https://www.meditationsinanemergency.com/in-honor-of-joanna-macy-1929-2025/22 Jul 2025 16:42 +0000at://did:plc:jo63gitqinf4ostihrn326ee/app.bsky.feed.post/3lukx5jdi4s2qhttps://bsky.app/profile/joannacdobson.bsky.social/post/3ltjvkw63x22wOne of the many problems I have with the ‘nature cure’ label is that it gets slapped on any memoir about nature and illness/disability/mental distress, regardless of content. When most of those books - and Nic’s is a fine example - are doing something MUCH more interesting than the term implies. [contains quote post or other embedded content]09 Jul 2025 13:16 +0000at://did:plc:jo63gitqinf4ostihrn326ee/app.bsky.feed.post/3ltjvkw63x22whttps://bsky.app/profile/joannacdobson.bsky.social/post/3ltctnj7yvk2dThe Italian for swift is rondone, which is linked to the word for ‘patrol’. Patrolling implies ownership, agency, a sense of responsibility: the naming is a powerful, if subconscious, act of recognising the birds as co-citizens. #swiftawarenessweek https://wreckageandshimmer.substack.com/p/shimmering-with-swifts06 Jul 2025 17:53 +0000at://did:plc:jo63gitqinf4ostihrn326ee/app.bsky.feed.post/3ltctnj7yvk2dhttps://bsky.app/profile/joannacdobson.bsky.social/post/3ltct6mbnfc2fHurrah! [contains quote post or other embedded content]06 Jul 2025 17:44 +0000at://did:plc:jo63gitqinf4ostihrn326ee/app.bsky.feed.post/3ltct6mbnfc2fhttps://bsky.app/profile/joannacdobson.bsky.social/post/3ltcj6douns2yTruth in memoir is a slippery thing. Nevertheless, if we present our writing as memoir, we enter into a solemn contract with our readers: that we are telling the truth as best as we possibly can. If one writer abrogates that responsibility, the consequences affect all of us.06 Jul 2025 14:45 +0000at://did:plc:jo63gitqinf4ostihrn326ee/app.bsky.feed.post/3ltcj6douns2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/joannacdobson.bsky.social/post/3loy6m5yy5k2jToday I am thinking about the midwife who delivered my firstborn, the psychiatrist who led our family through a turbulent time, the neighbours who shared their cooking with us in London, the ESOL students who trusted me with their stories, and so many more. The sum total is incalculable enrichment. [contains quote post or other embedded content]12 May 2025 14:29 +0000at://did:plc:jo63gitqinf4ostihrn326ee/app.bsky.feed.post/3loy6m5yy5k2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/joannacdobson.bsky.social/post/3lov3deip3k2iOoh looking forward to reading this. Absolutely loved What the Trumpet Taught Me [contains quote post or other embedded content]11 May 2025 08:52 +0000at://did:plc:jo63gitqinf4ostihrn326ee/app.bsky.feed.post/3lov3deip3k2ihttps://bsky.app/profile/joannacdobson.bsky.social/post/3lov2o6fpvk2iThis is bonkers. Care homes are closing because they can’t recruit staff. Elders are stuck in hospitals because of care home staff shortages. This is actually an opportunity to argue for the value of migrant workers but I guess that would clash with their apparent plan to Be More Reform [contains quote post or other embedded content]11 May 2025 08:40 +0000at://did:plc:jo63gitqinf4ostihrn326ee/app.bsky.feed.post/3lov2o6fpvk2ihttps://bsky.app/profile/joannacdobson.bsky.social/post/3lov26ykcd22iThe allotment is looking great this year, thanks to hours of work by @juliandobson.bsky.social. But it’s so, so thirsty. Anyone else finding their rhubarb and broad beans seem sluggish in the heat? #allotments #growyourown11 May 2025 08:32 +0000at://did:plc:jo63gitqinf4ostihrn326ee/app.bsky.feed.post/3lov26ykcd22i