Autumn and the art of being human

I cycled into town today to post a book. I love cycling, and I love autumn, at least when the weather is like it was today - drowsy and warm, and smelling of mown grass and earth. I cycled along the twittens (Sussex word for alleyways). The sun fell down through the trees and landed … Continue reading Autumn and the art of being human

Wonder

I'm trying to be a better person - kinder, more patient, a healthy eater. I want to be the sort of person who exercises and enjoys it, carries a water bottle, and drinks it. It's not going well. The thing is, at this time of year there's Mothers Day, then my birthday, then my husband's … Continue reading Wonder

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?

The Last One

Me: How much can you see of me? Him: (looking through the camera) Waist and up Me: Any fat ripples? Him: Er, no... Me: I want the truth, OK? In most situations, I expect a lie. But with this, I want the truth Him: No, you're fine. Let's just get on with it Me: Do … Continue reading The Last One

Fearfully and wonderfully made

If I've said anything random to you lately, I apologise. There's only a certain number of times you can acceptably say, "Sorry?" or "Pardon?" without being written off as decrepit or deaf. Though I am, it seems, the latter, for weeks and weeks after a cold. It's not that I can't hear anything. I can … Continue reading Fearfully and wonderfully made

From there to here…

The Vaucluse is the most beautiful place on earth. Well, perhaps not THE most beautiful. Cappodocia, Turkey probably is....then there's Holy Island. Well, alright, there are quite a few beautiful place on earth and the Vaucluse is one of them. In fact, on our recent holiday,  I found it so beautiful, that it actually hurt in … Continue reading From there to here…

Waiting for Dad

The old man leans on the gate at the edge of the park. It is heavier than he remembers but then so are most things. Like his own stomach and the bag of weekly shopping. He sighs. If only he had taken better care of himself when the whole damn thing had started – the … Continue reading Waiting for Dad

The eye (and ear) of the beholder

"...If you listen carefully, the earth is singing." I swung round sharply. The two girls nearly crashed into me, their hands cradling petri-dishes filled with wood lice, ants and  a fat snail with a shell crisis. I had one of those rare moments of tenderness. "That's beautiful," I said, "Really beautiful!" They looked up at … Continue reading The eye (and ear) of the beholder

Happy Valentine’s – Scars in our Eyes

I have scars in my eyes. Particularly the left one. If I were to wink at you with my right eye, you would have no nose. You might argue that this is a good thing in a way, but I assure you however misshapen your nose (I have one nostril higher than the other), it's … Continue reading Happy Valentine’s – Scars in our Eyes

Happy Old Year and the Little Painted House

At what point do you stop saying Happy Christmas and start saying Happy New Year? I'm never quite sure. After all, the Twelve Days of Christmas start on Christmas Day so perhaps we shouldn't say Happy New Year until 5th January, when incidentally, you're  supposed to take down your decorations and NOT BEFORE (but who … Continue reading Happy Old Year and the Little Painted House