Take a Break with The Joy Parade by Alex T Smith

With our days packed from start to finish with jobs, tasks, commitments and chores let’s take a moment to pause and reflect on all the lovely things we may not have had time to relish. Award-winning author and illustrator Alex T Smith has created the perfect cosy space for us to enjoy the simple pleasures everyday life can bring via his charming weekly newsletter the Joy Parade, available on his Pigeon Post on Substack and published every Sunday.

In each issue Alex shares things which have sparked delight and happiness, including riveting gossip from his chicken coop, a profusion of puppy-related mayhem, tales of travels across the country, blossoming blooms, interior design insights, recipes, and exquisite sneak peeks into his marvellous sketchbooks. We couldn’t think of a more perfect way to welcome each brand-new week.

The Joy Parade is pure unadulterated escapism, blissfully funny and completely free for everyone to enjoy over on Substack.

Each edition of the newsletter consists of:

A page from Alex's sketchbook called “My Week In Little Boxes”
A little catch up of funny or interesting titbits Alex has seen or overheard or found himself thinking about in the week
A section called “BEHOLDING! and EXCLAIMING” where he really looks at something in nature that caught his eye during the week and found to be uplifting.
The JOY PARADE. 10-15 varied, joyful finds encompassing gardening, nature, pop culture, books, interiors, art and artists, art history, animals, humour, and the art of taking a moment to really notice life in all its hilarious and touching strands.
Then we finish with a song. This can be clips from classic film musicals, or more niche performances like Summer Nights from Grease performed in Czech in the 1970s and featuring backing performers you have to see to believe…!