33 Comments
Nov 12, 2022Liked by Hookland

Beautiful writing as always David, Hookland lives in us all <3

Expand full comment
Nov 11, 2022Liked by Hookland

Reading issue two is like an evening in a good pub with old friends. Inspirational and heartwarming but with enough talk of the dark and the eerie to quicken my pace on the walk home. Thank you Mr Southwell.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you Bob. Mine is a pint of Lazarus or if it is off, a pint of porter.

Expand full comment
Nov 13, 2022Liked by Hookland

The Hairy Hob sounds a lot like the Pukwudgie of New England. Some towns in Massachusetts have placed “Pukwudgie Crossing” signs at road stops. It’s fascinating what beliefs were clearly brought here, and what they eventually morphed into after several generations of mixology with indigenous beliefs. Pukwudgie is actually a Wampanoag word. Thanks for another round of great storytelling!

Expand full comment
author

As further bestiary entries may show, the Pukwudgie is possibly closer to the puncles of the county than the hobs. I'd certainly trust a hob above a Pukwodgie. I do like some of the tales of those emigrating to North America from Ireland, Scotland and England being surprised that various hobs and kin had stowed away with them.

Expand full comment

Thank you David - loved it 🖤

Expand full comment

Can’t wait to sit down and read this! Yay!

Expand full comment
author

I hope you enjoyed it Augusta.

Expand full comment

I have that book of folktales! In the teetering pile of books next to my dresser. You are an excellent book enabler, David. :)

I am getting caught up with my backlog of emails, and am skiving off work right now to sojourn in Hookland. So restful.

Expand full comment
author

I do like being called a book enabler.

Expand full comment

If there is a Hookland County, is there then a Hookland County Council? Formica, chipped. Lots and lots of forms, in triplicate carbon copy: white, blue, pink. Strip lights, humming, flickering. Disposable, granulated coffee in disposable brown and crinkling plastic ridged cups. A lethargic and irrevocable slowness.A knowing and an unsaid. Sedimentary power layers, divided by department, pay grade, class and gender. A crushing weight and aimlessness, aligned with the rules, ignorant of life.

Expand full comment
author

The is both a Hookland County Council, numerous borough councils and a legion of parish councils. There is also the Grand Council of Hookland who are allowed to tell me what to do.

Expand full comment

A legion of parish councils, what a terrifying prospect. I hope you have good relations with the Grand Council.

Expand full comment
author

The Grand Council are independent, wise heads who get to tell me what to do. I enjoy Grand Council Meetings – they are always held in a pub.

Expand full comment

Hookland is good company.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you Richard.

Expand full comment

Thank you for another great issue and the personal reflections behind it. The Chronicle mainlines one straight to the heart of Hookland and is a much appreciated connection. Long may it continue.

Expand full comment

Wonderful! The chant was delightful, the quotes marvellous and the personal insights moving. Great stuff, thank you, David.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you Leigh.

Expand full comment

I miss the sky with two moons. My soul yearns for it. My eyes, both green and gold, miss the forests of home. Do us lost Changelings ever get to go back?

Thank you Hookland, for being another home.

Expand full comment
author

Wherever it is, Hookland will always endeavour to be a home to fully-grown changelings.

Expand full comment

This is a wonderful read, I loved all of it, David. I found 'Notes from the wyrd lab' especially moving, thank you for sharing so much of your soul. And the book is on my wish list...

I think the format works really well, it feels like reading a Hookland paper.

And: Emily Banting!

Thank you xx

Expand full comment
author

Thank you Maria. I am trying to make it as much like a little zine to be read with tea as possible. As for Emily, she quite rightly, won't be quiet!

Expand full comment

Agree heartily ! I've missed Hookland since I gave up on Twitter. A wonderful read and thank you, David. Shall look forward to more of the same!

Expand full comment
author

So delighted to see you here Gill.

Expand full comment

So happy to be here!. Thank you for this!

Expand full comment

Another wonderful if sobering issue. Folklore and other tales of wonder bring solace at the worst of times. Thank you for putting this together. It is a balm during these unsettling times.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you Pat. This is a long season of bruises and I think we need all the solace we can get.

Expand full comment

Beautiful as always; full of truths that, when whispered in the ear, resonate in one’s soul until the frequencies of pure joy are reached and surpassed. Thank you David ❤️ ॐ

Expand full comment
author

A pleasure Ian, a pleasure.

Expand full comment

Such a beautiful and incredibly emotive read. Another wonderful issue *hugs* Thank you, David xxx

Expand full comment
author

Don't make me pah! you,

Expand full comment

You know I relish those xxx

Expand full comment