Sensory overload, information overload, news overload, work overload, people overload. What about, ‘thinking overload’? What about those same old, tired thoughts that, if you are anything like me, are heavy to lift and wearing to carry around? I’m going away from the weekend and I have to pack within a 10-kilo weight limit. Easy for most, but … Continue reading Being Human
My husband used to say, “we are all ethnic somewhere.” It is a true and wise leveller. Another favourite line of his, in response to someone asking him, “Where is that accent from?” was to bounce back in his soft, mellifluous Canadian tones, “What accent? I don't have an accent, you’re the one with the … Continue reading Everyone Has An Accent
“I knew it wasn't too important, but it made me sad anyway.” Holden Caulfield, character from J.D. Salinger’s, The Catcher in the Rye. I dressed and went across the road to a cafe that I sometimes visit on Sundays (only on Sundays). They keep the papers. I have a favourite spot, facing out onto the … Continue reading Snap Out Of It
One of life’s biggest challenges is that of speaking up. I’m not talking about making a presentation at work, delivering a wedding speech or any of those other goose-bump inducing public-facing talks. I mean saying what needs to be said in the moment, within a small group, or maybe even one on one. In other … Continue reading Polite Conversation
“Have you been there recently?”B. asked me in the course of a meandering catch-up conversation. I hadn’t. It was a café she’d visited the week before and she was remarking that, although it had one of the most amazing views in town, the staff were unfriendly to the point of her being put off ever … Continue reading Eye Contact; We Contact
I caught myself doing that thing I do when I’m on trains. Couldn't help myself - watching and imagining. Profiling according to what people are reading, or doing. The man in front was reading a history of the Korean War; he was ex-Australian Navy. Not that I gleaned that by the cut of his jib, … Continue reading Meddle
My friends: where would I be without them? These days, as I’m still in the early stages of finding new friends – and it’s much easier to find pennies lying on the street than it is to find new friends – my old friends support me from afar. They shout from the wings: line prompts, … Continue reading Friends
Tell the truth: have you ever looked up someone from your past on social media to see what they look like, what they’re doing now, how they have…. matured? It’s almost a ridiculous question these days as, if you haven't, you are either over a certain age or you are a very centred, grounded, (incurious?) … Continue reading Tracking You Down
“Did you ever play the looky-likey game?” T. asked me this as we were sitting at the airport. I didn’t know what it was, but I should have guessed from the name. “Take yer man over there, he looks a bit like Declan Donnelly.” “Well I don't know whether I agree with you or not, … Continue reading You Look Just Like……
“What’s your name, please?” I hesitated, then hesitated further. I was wondering how many people when asked their name in Starbucks give one that isn't theirs. Petronella, I think to myself “Mary” I end up saying, giving him my middle name. I wasn’t being ‘Mary, Mary quite contrary’, just the opposite; I was saving the … Continue reading Name
