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
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?
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
Lately, to add to my other foibles, I've been staring at trees. I've always been a bit of a tree freak but in these STRANGE TIMES (sorry), I'm becoming a bit obsessed (in my defence, I am shielding, but not for much longer!). The fruit trees are fat with buds and every day their baby … Continue reading Slowly, then all at once
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
When I was little there were only two occasions when someone might say 'Bless you'. The first was when you sneezed. The second was when someone wanted to indicate compassion or affirmation, the blesser always being someone of indeterminate age. i.e. So old you couldn't place them. Why is it that when you're young you … Continue reading Aw, bless…
So many questions: - What are social distancing procedures on pavements? Should I tint my own eyebrows? Shall I grow a beard? As far as pavements are concerned, I think there should be a very clear rule that the person on the outside steps into/across the road (if it's quiet) or onto the kerb, while … Continue reading Digging up daisies
Like you, at this (*Do not use the word unprecedented! DO NOT use the word unprecedented!*) unprecedented time (sorry), I'm noticing the mood swings. I guess we all are. Some days I feel sad and pensive, weepy even. News of the spread of the virus, of the death toll, of friends who have contracted it … Continue reading Why rainbows?
Don't overplan - On the 20th, last year, you locked yourself out of the house, your car filled up with water and your hubby broke down on the motorway in a rented van. Didn't plan for that did you? But you survived. Go with the flowHowever busy you are, it's a good idea to wrap … Continue reading Next Christmas – Notes to Self
stillwonderinghere 