Four daughters: "What would you like for your birthday, dad?" They are braced for the standard reply. Dad: "Just a little bit of tokenism, don't go mad." The four heave a collective sigh. When pressed to expound his thoughts, regarding possible birthday treats, the sisters are most underwhelmed, by dad's predictable: "socks and sweets." So … Continue reading A little bit of tokenism
Road trip – finale
Palm trees and hot tubs Once upon a time, an English symphony orchestra decided that an ornate Tuscan church would make a lovely alternative to their usual London concert venue, and a plan was hatched forthwith. A plan that came to the ears of a lady writer and her chap, with an invitation to pack … Continue reading Road trip – finale
Road trip – part three
Part three - Italy A gigantic, immovable mountain blocking a short cut to Italy? 'We can't go over it. We can't go under it. We've got to go through it', as Michael Rosen might say. Mont Blanc was, obviously, impossible to miss, and his mouth could be glimpsed ahead, wide open and hungry for vehicles … Continue reading Road trip – part three
Road trip – part two
Part two - roof down (for ten minutes) As the car swung through the open gates...wow. A beautiful, palatial French manor house, dating back to 1766, set in lush green grounds. Cream coloured stone, the fourth tier in grey brick with matching slate roof. Tall double doors in the centre, with pairs of long shuttered windows … Continue reading Road trip – part two
Road trip – part one
Part one - roof up As a schoolgirl, September for me always brought with it a mixture of feelings. Joy, at the thought of using my new pencil case, sporadic slivers of excitement at the idea of fresh beginnings and the unknown, but predominantly, trepidation. New school year, new lessons, new teacher. Eeek! At primary school … Continue reading Road trip – part one
#GE2017
More cars than usual, more pedestrians too, for this street, at this time. Despite the rain there is an air of busyness - as if the occupants of the surrounding houses have all decided to go and buy the morning paper at the same time, like perhaps one would, if one lived in a delicious … Continue reading #GE2017
Wedding words
Once upon a time, a lovely dark haired anaesthetist, of the German kind, asked a lady writer to embark on a top secret mission. A mission to combine words and joy and love. A secret literary quest, the findings of which were only to be revealed on the day of his wedding to his true … Continue reading Wedding words
Today I will write a poem
Today I will write a poem, I think, it feels like a good thing to do. But my head is lacking coherent words and my rollerball hasn't a clue. Inspiration is playing a rascally trick, an elaborate hide and seek. Despite me hunting my hardest, it turns out I'm lacking technique. I extend my search … Continue reading Today I will write a poem
Rodent requiem
'The music block is closed until further notice'. This stark proclamation shouts at me from an A4 piece of paper sellotaped to the outer door. I read the smaller print beneath the title for further explanation. Vandalism. I sigh. Guitars have been subjected to yogurt abuse and the carpet embedded with biscuits. The destructive properties … Continue reading Rodent requiem
Home sweet home
Way too early to be up on a Sunday morning and I find myself sipping tea at the dining table, television on, watching Gardeners' World. Is this what happens once you reach a certain age? A flick through the channels for something friendly and non-taxing to keep me company whilst my Earl Grey kicks in … Continue reading Home sweet home
The Blog of a Nobody 