When I grow up…

Last Saturday, we went to London to see Matilda. My husband was particularly keen, as our daughter has been playing him the My Big Telly song for years. He adores it. I wasn't that sure to be honest. There are so many other plays I want to see and, having read the book to children … Continue reading When I grow up… →

Designed to be kind

Today, I walked into town to buy gifts. The sky was grey but I didn't mind, as the gloom was eclipsed by prim-lipped tulips and scrawls of magnolia. It was such a treat to be out, after burrowing at home with Covid. Feeling jubilant, I smiled broadly at a woman with child. Her returning stare … Continue reading Designed to be kind →

Do opposites attract? Thoughts on The Wounds of Time, by S L Russell

Is it true that opposites attract (with relationships, as well as magnets)? Are we more likely to seek out people with different personalities/talents to our own? And will those relationships thrive? I once assumed this to be the case. Observing partnerships, it has often seemed that one person is introverted/tidy/detail-conscious while the other is outgoing/disorganised/big-pictureish. … Continue reading Do opposites attract? Thoughts on The Wounds of Time, by S L Russell →

How happy is yours so far?

'Happy New Year.' It's probably time to stop saying it now, but we still do, particularly if we're seeing someone for the first time this year. Then they say it back to us because they don't want us to think that they don't want us to be happy. I'm not sure when we stop saying … Continue reading How happy is yours so far? →

To a poinsettia – this year it may be different

Welcome to your new home. I hope you enjoy Christmas here. Two people live in this house most of the time. Let's call them the vicar (or minister) and the woman (a girl with old skin). It occurred to me that it might be good to flag up a few things to help you during … Continue reading To a poinsettia – this year it may be different →

To have and to hold?

After Disastrous Devon last May (involving an ambulance, a gallbladder and an early return home), we were holding out for Cornwall, in October. We aren't extravagant vacationers - we've had our fair share of adventures (and are planning a few more). But for now, a cottage, a view, a pile of books, is all really. … Continue reading To have and to hold? →

Living to please?

'I am a textbook people-pleaser. You can't trust me. I probably need help.' This is my (slightly adapted) favourite quote so far from a series my daughter introduced me to recently. She had been telling me about it for ages, to the point where I agreed to watch a couple of episodes just to stop … Continue reading Living to please? →

What flavour are you?

Recently, when the doctor suggested Vitamin D tablets for bone density, he asked me what flavour I'd like. "Sorry?" I was still coming to terms with having not-dense bones and wasn't ready to move on. But, you know, they only have ten minutes... "Well, they come in two flavours." He paused a bit embarrassed, "Lemon … Continue reading What flavour are you? →

What do your storage habits tell me about you? (Nothing)

My OH has views about coat hangers. These consist mainly of a) they should stay in wardrobes b) they should only hang one thing c) when stored, they should be tied together in same-sex bundles with twisty wire. Since my first-week-of-the-hols wardrobe mega-clearance, this is how I've been storing coat hangers: - For some reason … Continue reading What do your storage habits tell me about you? (Nothing) →