My morning, my hands

I went to a writing workshop a couple of months ago as part of an Arts Festival in my locality.  It was billed as a mindful writing workshop and was led by a Buddhist who told us it was about 'coming home to the body - where we live'.  I didn't understand that in relation …

Recycling is hard

We've been getting our parlour re-decorated.  This is the room that for almost 20 years has served as the stopping off point for stuff on the way to the charity shop.  It is the room that has housed the printer, the router and a fine selection of booze - 3 bottles of gin at the …

Chatterbox

It seems I don't have much that I want to say. I used to but I'm suspect this getting older is making me less verbose.  Sometimes I just can't be bothered to use words, to make conversation and to talk about things, even argue.  I'm surprised at myself and for myself.  I have memories of …

In a state

I'm going on holiday tomorrow and I realise that I am thinking many negative things about me, my clothes and how I will look in comparison to others.  We are going to Florida so it will be hot which means I will have to spend some time in skimpy clothing and maybe swimwear.  I have …

Relax

I caught half of a news item on Radio 4 about book weekends and how they could, in our busy, stressed society, become more popular than the more traditional spa weekend.  The woman being interviewed explained how it all started with her thinking that she wasn't reading as much as she wanted or would like.  …

On the buses

I've used buses and trains for as long as I can remember.  They are an effective means of getting lots of people to where they want to be.  I have never understood those who object to travelling on a bus, or train, because they might have to sit next to a stranger - who will …

Who asked you?

About a year ago I made a bit of a silly mistake - I commented, on-line, in response to an article in a national newspaper - The Guardian.  The article was something about shopping for clothes whilst fat and I think I was moved to comment because I had been searching for suitable clothing to …

The skinny can’t help it

Sometimes I hate skinny people. I have no idea what it is like to be skinny and I know that I never will. I suppose the skinny have their moments of self-doubt, their moments of discomfort in a crowded place, their moments when they fear meeting new people, doing anything for the first time. Underneath …

Another January, another diet

January is the month of new diets, new eating regimes and ever more bizarre food restrictions.  We are bombarded with articles about lifestyle changes to enhance our health and well-being; magazines are full of meal plans and recipes which promise to  ensure we won't die any time soon.  It is all very exciting and everyone …

Christmas No 1

I was chatting with my sister the other evening. We were talking about Christmas parties, family traditions and generally about our low expectations for this time of the year. It used to bother me that somehow I didn't 'get' Christmas, the preparations, the anticipation, the gift-buying. I love putting up the decorations and bringing light …