December seems to be a month crammed with responsibility and obligation, assignments and commitments causing us to accelerate as we approach year end. This runs contrary to instinct, which would have us slow down, recline into the depths of the year and let ourselves ape nature in coming to rest like the dried-out teasel heads … Continue reading Stillness
This time last week I didn't even know where Clevedon was, never mind think that in a matter of days I would be wandering along its promenade enjoying the late summer sun. But life takes unexpected turns and catapults you to unforeseen places, which for me, yesterday, was the southern shore of the Severn Estuary … Continue reading Summer’s Parting Sighs
Friday’s vigorous washing and mopping of the stairs in my tenement resulted in me having an exercise hangover. It’s one of my quirks. Some years ago the doctor’s diagnosed me with chronic fatigue syndrome but it has since improved such that episodes like this are, thankfully, a rarity. I’m mildly fit, but fit for certain … Continue reading Fit For Nothing
‘The old dog for the long road.’ D. taught me that one when I was much younger, when I had more give in my knees. Back then I got the gist of it, though I can't say I fully grasped its depth of meaning. It is one of those sayings to which you nod when … Continue reading Be Still And Wait
Edinburgh is filling up. It never really empties out, but the pavements, all of a sudden, are bursting with people. The tourists have arrived, alongside the profusion of spring blooms, all of them having magically appeared since the start of the month, like a white rabbit plucked out of a top hat. I love the … Continue reading Life Is Not Hurrying
It’s Sunday: that day in the week when you want things to be simple. A bit of a lie in (maybe you’ve had someone bring you a cup of tea to bed), flick on the radio to see about the state of the world (it’s still turning, snuggle back under), a quick peep outside for … Continue reading Easy Like Sunday Morning
I’ve just looked at the weather forecast and decided I’m not going to leave the house all weekend. I’m still ‘post viral’ which is my main excuse, but a frigid February has firmed it up for me. I am going to continue to drop everything and relax. I used to have a poster of ‘The … Continue reading Balancing Act
