Writing, for me, has always been a way of honing in on the beautiful, the hopeful and the wonderful. I like to write to notice and name. I often write ‘in praise of…’ things. I do write to express and process pain, questions, sadness and anger, and this, too can be very helpful, to myself,…
Tag: faith
The Colour Purple
Lately, I long for sincerity, selflessness and simplicity. Mostly – along with the rest of the world – I long for hope. Is it just me? I try to write, and then I wonder what I can possibly have to say to this weary world. I feel overwhelmed as I look at everything with my…
Our Humanity
After a busy week, I found myself sitting by my father-in-law’s bed in the Intensive Care Unit. There was a plethora of screens and tubes around him and pain in his face. There was a raw vulnerability about him and that whole ward, which Andrew and I had not witnessed before. He couldn’t tell us…
Small Things
I believe it was Tolkien who wrote, “It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life“, and that is what I endeavour to do in my Small Things posts. Today’s post is particularly simple, as I return to the blog’s roots and share a straightforward gratitude list. As I write, there is illness and…
2025, Year of Fullness
2025 was a year in which spaces that had been made in our family life, by loss and letting go, were filled, gradually and wonderfully. Circumstances had led to a reduction of our friends; a narrowing of our social circle to the point of some feelings of isolation. 2025 brought the return of old friends…
Small Things, and Retreat
Recently, I feel a deep pull towards the idea of retreat. Perhaps it is a seasonal thing. In the summer, I wanted to explore and broaden my horizons. Now, in this darker, busier, colder time of year, I want to hunker down, to live ‘smaller’. I want to rest. I crave quiet and I long…
September
Much like life, writing sometimes comes easily. At other times, both take a little more concentration. Putting together this post has been an example of the latter, and things have felt stilted. But reaching for the right words has always been important to me. Sitting down to scribble or type is how I feel my…
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….
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…
Lenny and the lost art of patience
Let me introduce you to Lenny, the leopard gecko. He’s the newest member of our family and, honestly, preparing for him, welcoming him and trying to take care of him has taken a huge amount of dedication, perseverance, and, above all, patience. First, we had to get a suitable home for him, full of suitable…
On Gardens and Wilderness, Fences and Open Space
It’s March, and colour is blooming. Light and warmth are mingling with cool, fresh air and drops of soft rain to grace our days again. I’ve got sweet pea shoots springing up everywhere, because I carefully cultivated some, while others self-seeded from last year. Daisies have popped up in with the winter jasmine, and I…
Life Lived 