If it captures my imagination, it’s here – links to things that inspire, challenge or move me – books, art, photography, film, travel and adventure…

October 2016

Obituary of Japanese climber Junko Tabei – “What’s remarkable about her strength is how quietly determined it was. Tabei showed a generation of girls how to strap on their crampons and ascend above their circumstances. Her climbs remain an anthem to every mother who dreams of handing a fussy toddler over to its father and embracing a mountain.” This resonates so powerfully with me – as mum who squeezes adventure in between school runs, I remain forever in Junko’s debt for proving that with love and tenacity, it is possible to do both – and well.

Artpickings – beautiful quotes selected by the inimitable Maria Popova (from the Brainpickings blog) and illustrated by her talented friends. I especially love this from David Foster Wallace on leadership.

Max Lowe – there is something about Max’s photographs. I follow a lot of adventure photographers on Instagram – many are brilliant – but sometimes the shots are a little self-conscious or staged or over edited. Max’s photos seem fresh, natural, human…intimate somehow. I feel like I’m right there in the shot and that there’s a warmth and smile between photographer and subject. Oh and he writes beautifully too.

September 2016

Jonathan Livingston Seagull – a must read for anyone looking to break free from self-doubt – a friend recommended this as I embarked on my Mountain Leader training and it could not have been a more powerful or poignant reminder of the important lessons in life.

May 2016

Cereal travel magazine – chill out with this beautifully shot travel journal

In Other Words by Jhumpa Lahiri – a beautiful memoir of Jhumpa Lahiri’s love affair with the Italian language

Into the Wild by Sarah Marquis – inspirational recollections by explorer Sarah Marquis, who spent three years walking across Asia

April 2016

Infinite Belly – sublime food blog and photography

Yoga with Adriene – because I can’t have too much yoga in my life

Presence by Sarah Cuddy – power pose your way to success