“I had no idea you were so melodramatic,” J. said to me on the phone last night. “You are so measured when we talk through things, but when it comes to you feeling poorly, suddenly it’s the end of the world!” My mum laughed, “she’s got the measure of you alright,” as she reminded me … Continue reading Go Slow
I need to laugh. But I don’t have the energy because I’m still sick. Although they do say that laughter is the best medicine. If it were in a box or container beside my bed like the Paracetamol, the Vicks, the Brochco-Stop pastilles and the Echinacea drink, then I might take some, but I can’t … Continue reading Curative Smiling
Sickness has descended. Upon my body. My brain’s foggy. Words escape me. Can't think straight. Not long ago. Read a story. By Colum McCann. Fabulous Irish author. Highly recommend him. Cleverly crafted sentences. Each three words. Unless I’m misremembering? Might try it. Especially when sick. Easier on brain? Don't think so. Feels too hard. Giving … Continue reading Cloak Of Fog
“When a great moment knocks on the door of your life, it is often no louder than the beating of your heart, and it is very easy to miss.” So said poet and novelist Boris Pasternak. I surely don't want to miss my ‘great moment’ and have it slip by unnoticed, do you? But if … Continue reading Quiet
Ireland has three patron saints: Patrick, Columcille, and one woman, Brigid. Today, February 1st, is Brigid’s feast day and it also traditionally marks (in Ireland at any rate) the first day of spring. There are many legends surrounding Brigid: she had a reputation as an expert dairywoman and brewer, with the enviable reputation of being … Continue reading Saint Brigid
What are you afraid of? Spiders? Flying? Snakes? Heights? Caterpillars? Needles? I once worked with someone in Dublin who had a fear of buttons. I thought she was making it up, but it turned out to be real (for her) and all her clothes had to be button-proof; it was zips and velcro all the … Continue reading Fear
Ask someone about the super power they would most like to have, and apparently the top answer is: the ability to read other people’s minds. Wow - that might be the end of a few marriages! I can’t think of anything worse. I was mulling it over as I was sitting in the silence of … Continue reading Super Powers
Every time I go to the airport and I get as far as security I invariably pick the wrong queue and join the slowest river of moving people. Sometimes there is a man or woman to sift, sort and tell you which little rivulet you may run off into, but often you must choose for … Continue reading Queue
What are you up to tonight? This evening, when the wind that is currently whipping through Edinburgh abates, might you head up Princes Street to see the fireworks going off by the Castle? Will you stop for a romantic kiss under the Balmoral Hotel clock at the stroke of midnight? Or will you just stay … Continue reading Auld Lang Syne
I know a few people who have been derailed lately. No need to go into the circumstances, but they have either been literally or metaphorically knocked for a big Viv Richards’ six. Something has come out of the blue to change the course of where they thought they were going. As Robert Burns so aptly … Continue reading Unforeseen Circumstances
My Edinburgh Press 