I follow Robert Macfarlane on twitter and particularly look forward to reading his word definition tweets. One that caught my attention recently was an Irish/ Gaeilge word, “ciúnas gan uaigneas”, which literally means “quietness without loneliness” A phrase, he explains, that carries a sense of peaceful solitude, of being beyond the usual chaos & noise. I…Read more When the Mist Descends
An English Woodland Ball
Come dance now? As these days lengthen into warm evenings, For the Woodland has prepared her dappled halls With banners of green from her spring stores. Carpets of lilac and white she has laid Delicate, soft - a nymphs delight! Drifting on the freshening air, Wild garlic intoxicates, Gold, beam sun illuminates the regal scene…Read more An English Woodland Ball
Who do you walk with?
“May I walk with you? In silence!” I said. “Of course!” she replied But she chattered instead.
The Lady and the Van – taking back control
a glorious, sunny Easter holiday weekend arrived. Outside on the drive sat a recently, converted camper van waiting patiently to play her part in the next phase of life... A curious plan formed in my mind. I could take advantage of the hot weather and...
I missed the daffodils
I missed the daffodils this year. A whole month slipped by As I walked with my head down, My thoughts in other places. I missed the daffodils this year. A whole month locked in a room Because I needed to study My head in grammar books. I missed the daffodils this year. A…Read more I missed the daffodils
How to value the things you have?
Last summer, I went to Odense in Denmark. Odense is the birthplace of Han Christian Anderson, the great storyteller. I was fortunate enough to visit the house where he was born - a tiny little place, with a few bare rooms. Hanging on one of the walls was an inventory of the possessions of his…Read more How to value the things you have?
Are you struggling with the need to Conform?
On Picking Up a Paintbrush The bristles were dipped with care into azure blue. Cobalt paint rolled an ocean wild, untamed And this landlocked soul began to play. A memory surfaced with recognisable hue. Exhilaration slipped its eternal, anchor chain, Freedom untied its moorings and cast off. Over crisp, white paper, the brush strokes launched.…Read more Are you struggling with the need to Conform?
