“She tolerates aloneness well” -Miss Mardle, Form Teacher, 5M, 1981 A long remembered line in my last school report, at my old high school before it closed, and I set off to a much bigger school the following year. I thought I understood what she meant, but it wouldn’t be until almost 40 years later, … Continue reading a teacher’s insight
One of the online groups I belong to, encourages its members to do a gratitude list every day. And most of us do. Once a day, morning or night, 1 line or 30 lines. Whatever works for you.. it focuses your mind on the positives… I do mine at night, reflecting on the day that’s … Continue reading lockdown ledger
“We're going on a bear hunt.We're going to catch a big one.What a beautiful day!We're not scared" - Michael Rosen A simple kids’ book, with a simple story….. I live in a very small country, at the bottom of the world; our nearest neighbours are about 3 hours away by plane; and to get just … Continue reading connections
“That’s what I do, I write, and I know things.” Apologies to George R R Martin, and Tyrrione, for bastardising this often memed quote.. I love words, reading, writing, speaking, collecting. I’ve had it described as my Superpower… I love being able to take people on a journey, in their heads, by just using words; … Continue reading The Wordsmith
“Where were you when JFK was shot?” A pinpoint in history that changed the world – or our perception of the world. There have been other “JFK Moments” – When Elvis “left the building”; When Diana died; When Bowie and Prince passed away; 9/11.. Moments in time, that are globally felt, that are markers of … Continue reading 1.40pm:15 March 2019
My younger son has left home. The exodus from the family home has begun… To mark his leaving, there was, of course, a shared dinner… And as my, ever increasing, whanau sat, sated, playing a card game, I was given to reflect on the deep voices around my table and the full bellied laughs…… There … Continue reading Deep Voices and Loud Laughter
“Friends” had Central Perk “Cheers” had, well Cheers And every British drama or soap opera has the local Pub Its where the characters gather daily, sometimes twice a day ... and all of these places have “Regulars”; nameless characters, in the background, that if you watch long enough, become familiar faces.. Our lives have places … Continue reading The Regulars
“A treasured thing” As I start the declutter of the house, I face a thousand (actually possibly a million) decisions of what to keep and what to rehome/recycle/pass to charity… (throwing away being the last option). I have many MANY “things” and am finding as life changes I am willing to part with more of … Continue reading “taonga”
I was given this book for Christmas; letters famous people have written to their younger selves. A writer friend and I decided we would join in….. It turned out to be a harder write than I anticipated…. This is my fourth draft…. So here we go…. Ahh Chris, 16 was one of the best years! … Continue reading dear me…..
“Nice to see you, to see you Nice!” Anyone of a certain age, who watched British TV in the 70s will recognise that particularly cringe worthy phrase from one of the original TV Game shows.. It basically pitted 2 generations of 1 family against 2 generations of other families… Camp, corny and hugely popular, it … Continue reading The Generation Game
