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…
Tag: god
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 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…
National Adoption Week
In a world of injustice, difficulty and diversity, adoption could be one of the most powerful words. All of us have vulnerabilities and corners of loneliness or isolation in our lives. Some of us have huge disadvantages. All of us, though we may hate to admit it, need the embrace of others, the hand pulling…
Life Lived 