The summer rolls on. There are leaves turning now; the blackberries are ripe; we are collecting apples, and I am switching gears. Now is the time for running errands, getting things done around the house and preparing for a new term at work. We are still enjoying plenty of rest and play, but the transition…
Category: Small Things
Where I reflect on the good things in the past week
Holiday Notes 2
The holidays allow more time for dreamy days, adventures, talking more, playing more, and escaping from routine. Of course, in these times, at least as much as in other times, we are still facing our own challenges, edging around complicated feelings and finding our way in our relationships. In all the seasons, we do our…
Holiday Notes 1
The summer holidays have begun, and, as a teacher, I am fortunate enough to have this time away from work. Having nearly six weeks off in one stint is obviously a blessing, but it can be a daunting prospect too. I suspect that I am not alone in my tendency to overthink the whole thing….
Small Things
It’s about time for a “Small Things” post. My Small Things posts are sweet, simple lists of the things I am grateful for, and I write them as much for myself as for anyone reading. Stopping to note some of the good things never fails to brighten my mood. The past few weekends, I have…
Being Seen
There’s something very strengthening about being “seen”. There have been times when I have felt that my vulnerabilities and struggles have been uncomfortably visible. In some of these times, there have been extra layers of discomfort when I have realised that although aspects of my life are highly visible, they are misunderstood. Being seen without…
Small Things
Perhaps I will one day drive a camper van and go on road trips with my family. Maybe I will, at some point in my life, have a golden retriever to walk along the beach, before returning to my coastal cottage for a coffee. Perhaps I will one day achieve the dream of having an…
Writing Prompt: Freedom
When the furthest I can go is the local garage to buy milk, freedom is listening to my favourite music, putting the window down, and driving the extra minute to see the way the sun sparkles on the river. When those minutes in that car are limited, freedom is soaking in every moment, all the…
Easter
It is increasingly hard to write concisely and meaningfully about my faith in recent years. I’ve taken steps away from identifying with established Christianity, sickened by some of the ways it has been misrepresented and misused, saddened that it is good leaders who are the rare surprises, whilst abuse of power is what we have…
Small Things
Sometimes, it’s really, really important to celebrate the small things, and this evening feels to me like one of those times. This week, I am especially thankful for the garden, the act of growing things, and Spring evenings. Brightness and kindness: Someone surprised me with some daffodils and a kind message on my doorstep. Flowers,…
Winter Weekends (Small Things)
At its best, winter teaches us to appreciate the small things. It reminds us of the small pleasures of blankets, books and cups of tea; of brisk walks in the countryside; of being at home and getting together with loved ones. I didn’t want to miss these things this year, however busy or tired I…
January
January has a bad rep, as months go. Known as the long, cold, dark month, January can also be a time when we force ourselves into a new year with a range of self improvement goals, which can feel exhausting. This year, I’ve been reading the thoughts of several writers about this notorious month. All…
Life Lately/Enchanted
It’s been a tough few weeks and I’ve teetered close to burnout almost daily. Within our family, we’ve had a storm, power cuts, an operation, a string of minor illnesses, changes and challenges in our work, the ongoing rumble of assessments and meetings about one of our children, sleep deprivation, anxiety, and the general wear…
Life Lived 