I am a history buff. Have been for years. I’m not exactly sure how it’s started, though I suspect a particular European history teacher in Exeter had a hand in it, making it interesting and all that (how dare he?) by somehow finding the ridiculous and the sublime in every era, every conflict, every revolution we…
I rolled out of bed this morning after a blessed sleep and did my normal bleary-eyed check on the state of things in the world via my phone. Time? Boo-yah that was a great sleep. Weather? Cold. Email? Nothing urgent. Messenger comment from a friend? Noted. Facebook notifications and feed? Done, done, done … oh…
I’m sure you’re familiar with the phenomenon of reliving your childhood, whether by falling back into an old habit, indulging in a childhood treat, returning to a once-upon-a-time hideaway, or reading something that was a favourite book. It stands to reason then, that if you’re in the profession where you get to distribute your creative work…
Holidays are now official. We’re chilling in Nana’s house. Presents are (mostly) wrapped and under the tree. Other family members and friends are dropping by for a visit. One of the things and parenting in a culture that is different from the one in which I grew up is that I get to experience some…
Dear Brain, I have another email from you this morning with tough news about your mom. I’m sorry that I didn’t write to you before. I have your previous two emails flagged for a response but somehow there was never any time. I am reminded of you often, whenever I come to bed and see…
Anyone who followed my original #100happydays on Instagram will have read about why I have a fascination with frost. It is childhood memories and magic and beauty all rolled together into one very cold but exciting package. Unfortunately (from one point of view at least) I don’t get to see much in the way of…
Sometimes you just need something sweet, and sugary, and warm, and cinnamonny, with some tea and a slice of nostalgia. Thankfully I had the opportunity to partake in these seasonal treats with my tea. Really hit the October sweet spot. Emphasis on the sweet. I did have a more exciting post planned for today, involving Sunday’s…
There’s too much going on, too much to do, too much work and generally not enough sleep. So instead of a proper post, I dug out an older video I forgot to post on my Facebook back in September when I first filmed it. It was a relatively cold yet clear day and Nana brought…
When our son was born I looked up at my husband and said “happy belated birthday, dear. I got you a baby.” I mean, let’s be honest – I had a lot on my mind that year and didn’t quite get around to organising a proper birthday present. With only days apart, mid-October is therefore…
“When did his feet get so big?” I asked The Mister today when we were out shopping for wellies. His first pair of wellies! I kept thinking to myself. “I dunno. I mean, we keep feeding him, and he keeps growing. Maybe that’s our problem?” What stunned me today is that when I zeroed in on…
The last couple of weeks, my entry to and from our housing estate has been dominated by the heavily ripened rowan berries hanging above the gate (as well as other parts of the estate). The name “rowan” is actually new to me exactly as of fifteen minutes ago. I have been idly composing this post…
The Feathered Rose 