Category Archives: Odds & Ends

The Astrolabe. Why have Sat Nav or a Smartphone?

Posted on January 13, 2013 by Scribe Doll

I have a favourite artefact at the British Museum.  One I never fail to go and admire, whenever I happen to be visiting this treasure trove of international archeology. It was a couple of years ago.  I was lucky enough … Continue reading →

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Epiphany and an Old Woman Bearing Gifts*

Posted on January 6, 2013 by Scribe Doll

Traditionally, it is La Befana – and not Father Christmas – who brings gifts to the children of Central Italy.  It is on the morning of the Epiphany, that children would wake up to find packages under their beds.  If they … Continue reading →

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A Broom to Sweep Out the Old*

Posted on December 30, 2012 by Scribe Doll

In Rome, at this time of year, among the blocks of torrone and wedges of panforte piled up on the market stalls, you can also buy a scacciaguai.  It is a miniature broomstick.  People hang it just inside their front … Continue reading →

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Short Story: ‘Christmas Eve’

Posted on December 23, 2012 by Scribe Doll

Instead of the usual blog, a short story, for a change.  A gift.  The season demands it.  I hope you enjoy it. Christmas Eve* She scratched the paint off the woodwork with her fingernails.  There was a hollow, there, on … Continue reading →

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In the Bleakness, a Bright Green Shoot

Posted on December 9, 2012 by Scribe Doll

Seedless oranges, seedless clementines, seedless grapes.  The words are displayed in large letters on the glossy supermarket shelf labels, or squares of brown cardboard on the stalls of street vendors.  Seedless.  As an incentive for buying.  I shrink in horror … Continue reading →

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Be Yourself – At Your Peril

Posted on December 2, 2012 by Scribe Doll

“Just be yourself.”  How many times have you heard that? It is the advice given by friends, psychologists, life coaches and even career advisors.  “Being yourself” is widely recognised as the best policy. But what if that were not always … Continue reading →

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When the Day is Perfectly Still

Posted on November 18, 2012 by Scribe Doll

I like still days, like yesterday in London. They creep up on you softly and, suddenly, you walk out of the house and find yourself in the midst of one.  Early winter days, when the sky is a grey so … Continue reading →

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‘A Many-Splendoured Thing’ by Han Suyin – An Undervalued Treasure

Posted on November 11, 2012 by Scribe Doll

I was very sad to hear, through fellow-Red Roomer Kim Packard, of the death of writer Han Suyin, last 2 November.  Only last Sunday, I mentioned her novel, A Many-Splendoured Thing, in my piece about the moon.  I was very … Continue reading →

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And What of the Moon?

Posted on November 4, 2012 by Scribe Doll

Sun-kissed, sunbathe, suntan, a sunny disposition. Good morning, Sunshine. And what of the Moon? In his magical book, Portrait of the Gulf Stream, Erik Orsenna tells us that the Moon is getting further away from the Earth.  No wonder.  There … Continue reading →

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Hallowe’en Edition

Posted on October 28, 2012 by Scribe Doll

No – not the polyester black capes, rubber bats and plastic axes.  Not the fake fangs and stage blood.  Not the tack.  It has little to do with the original spirit of Hallowe’en. And, please, let us spell it correctly.  … Continue reading →

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