To some, it’s a mint condition ’50s kitchen unit that deserves pride of place in the home. To me, it’s just been a ‘challenge’. I’ve moved it a lot, working hard to avoid damage. To my nephew, it’s currently THE place to store toy things. We’d each put a different value on it. Each of us are right. . (Featured image by Jessica Barrios on Unsplash) Continue reading Perspective
In reading ‘Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race’, this sentence struck me as having especially broad application. It has always been about the redistribution of power rather than the inverting of it. Reni Eddo-Lodge Power is abused in all sorts of ways and those who have it are often desperate to cling to it – precisely because they fear what would … Continue reading Fear of inversion
Be near a loved one making cake. Pester them a lot as they’re making it. Eventually get the spoons to lick and the bowl to run your finger around. Now, pray to the gods of baking that fifty minutes in the oven doesn’t really mean fifty whole actual minutes. I’m seven again. :^) . (Photo by Clint Patterson on Unsplash) Continue reading Time travel isn’t that hard
It’s odd, the things that stick in the mind. At least in mine. My Nan once told me that my Grampy grumbled to her about tasting washing up liquid when he had a cuppa. I have no idea how often he grumbled about it or how serious he was, and this was long after my Grampy passed away. Still, it occurs to me every time … Continue reading Washing up
A concise summary of three strategies for resilience, which are more eloquently put forward in Lucy Hone’s TEDx talk. Bad things happen, so expect to have to deal with them. Place your attention carefully, don’t dwell on the bad things. Whatever you’re doing to cope, ask yourself if it’s harmful or helpful. Not easy, but straight-forward. All related to our sphere of control. We always … Continue reading Resilience
My blog crush, Dan, wrote a post not so long back entitled Bird by Bird. I repeat the short story he mentioned here: “Thirty years ago my older brother, who was ten years old at the time, was trying to get a report on birds written that he’d had three months to write. It was due the next day. We were out at our family … Continue reading Step by step
I very rarely find myself bored when there’s little to do nowadays. Not since I was in my twenties, really. If there’s an internet connection, my brain can be kept busy. If there isn’t, there are plenty of things I have to think through. It’s unfortunate I that I forget most of the solutions I arrive at, but never mind. If I’m too tired to … Continue reading Boring. Booooring. Bored.
I’m closing down the small studio I’ve had for a while. It’s been emotional at times. There’s a great thing coming out of it though – things that I’ve had around and enjoyed seeing day to day are finding new homes. In sharing the essence of my little creative enterprise, it’s not simply going away – it’s spreading its wings and flying the nest. . … Continue reading Fly high
However bright the prospect was, however much hope you invested, however tantalising that vision is, it’s just not working out. Sometimes, you have to let go. Working hard to get through obstacles is important. Enduring difficulty is often necessary for success. But it’s right to consider if you can bear the cost, especially if your mental health is at stake. Sometimes, we have to move … Continue reading It was the future, once
Around the middle of July I face professional uncertainty. Engagement with my current employer comes to an end and although there’s scope to do more work, it’s distinctly possible I’ll need to find something new. I don’t have a cushion or a fall-back position that I can rest easily with. This is a trivial concern compared to the challenges some are facing, but it’s still … Continue reading Possibility likes space
Sometimes You Learn 