Thanks for dropping by. I'm a writer and teacher with interests in education, mental health and community. I like to wonder aloud about everyday life, hope and the silly, incongruous things that shape us and make us who we are. I also like hats, cake and those tiny little snores cats make when they sleep. On the Home page, you'll find around 100 wonderings, all different in length and content. On a pc, you'll see a 'Select month' menu at the side where you can choose a piece from the last 8 years. I'd love to hear your comments below each post. Have a good day. Deborah
I found out the other day that there are over thirty words for mud in Sussex. Although the local dialect is rarely used now, some of these beautifully descriptive words still occasionally pop up. Ike - a mess or area of mud Clodgy - muddy and wet, like a field path after heavy rain Gubber … Continue reading Mud and compost, Sussex-style
Does that make sense? I say this a lot, with various responses depending on the context: at work (usually a nod - thank goodness), at home (Yep - they know me), to friends (Absolutely! Bless them.) I can't always hear and understand others correctly because of a strange condition I've explained before but I do … Continue reading Making Sense
I've always wanted twinkly trees but in London we didn't have trees to twink. So when we moved to this house in Sussex, the fruit trees by the front door filled me with quiet joy. At Christmas, we would have twists of tiny lights and their delicate glow would lift the hearts of passers-by with … Continue reading Christmas lights
Dad loved Christmas. His eyes would go all shiny and bright as he recounted stories of his youth, how he and his brothers would choose a Christmas tree, cut it down and drag it home by sledge through the snow. We never knew how true this actually was. As with many of Dad's stories, it … Continue reading Look up
Do you ever have a night where it feels as if you don't actually sleep at all? You're exhausted and desperate to slide into the pool of oblivion but instead, you lie rigid, brain fizzing, eyes popping, muscles poised to act. Occasionally, you seem to skate over the surface of sleep like a swan or … Continue reading To sleep, perchance to dream…
Many of us have an activity or two in life that transforms us. We change from generally likeable, easy-going types in cardigans, into red eyed gremlins, waving pitchforks. For some, it's the supermarket shop, for others, driving (I know a clutch of normally gentle, mild-mannered people in the latter group). Whatever our intentions beforehand, the … Continue reading The Bad-tempered Cleaning Company
Social distancing can be awkward, can’t it? Maybe you're more relaxed (I'm what I call a rulie not a floutie). But you may not have asthma and such a history of bronchitis that you can't say it out loud in case your chest hears and immediately convulses. I'm out and about now, as we all … Continue reading Social distancing moves for Brits
Dear Manufacturer of hand gel, Firstly, I'd like to thank you for your sterling efforts to keep the nation's hands clean and virus-free. These days, your trusty, little bottles are indeed a pleasure to behold, sticking out of people's pockets, thrust into shopping bags or about to be drunk by thirsty toddlers (Relax. His mum … Continue reading Concerning hand gel: letter and ode
I recently wrote a post on another blog featuring possible letters from fictional characters during Lockdown. You can find the post here. Below are my imagined replies. They weren't as easy to write but it was fun and I hope it raises a smile or two, for you. Dear Paddington, Thank you for your lovely … Continue reading Literary Lockdown – letters
Did you know London begins on the A22 just outside Whyteleafe? Unless you're on the train, and then it's probably somewhere like Purley Beeches. This is when you're travelling from Sussex. Of course that's just my opinion. There are actual signs up on roads that say things like 'Welcome to the London Borough of Croydon'. … Continue reading Boundaries, baldness and the art of listening carefully
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