Tag Archives: scribe doll
Birthday in a New City
My friend B. gave me a gift card for a coffee shop chain, for Christmas. He said it would allow him to buy me a coffee or hot chocolate if I ever really needed one, and he was not there … Continue reading
Posted in Travel
Tagged city of literature, katherine gregor, norwich, relocating, scribe doll, travel, writing
22 Comments
Habit as an Enemy
You do not need to travel across the Globe, to experience culture shock. It can suddenly creep up on you where you least expect it. Just a few hours away from where you have spent the last eighteen years. Habit … Continue reading
Posted in Travel
Tagged culture shock, katherine gregor, relocating, scribe doll, travelling
22 Comments
Trying Out a New City
Is two weeks long enough for a new city and you to decide whether you would make a good team? Well, two weeks is all I have. The fog was so thick, this morning, it had swallowed up the Cathedral … Continue reading
Time for a Change?
“Change your city, change your luck.” It is a Jewish saying, my osteopath told me. In a Russian fairy tale, the Tzar bids his sons go into an open field with their bows and arrows, and aim into the air. … Continue reading
Britain Sees Snow for the First Time – Again
We had some snow, a couple of weeks ago. Soft, white powder sifted out of a dark grey sky all day, without stopping. Eventually, the dusting on the ground and roofs thickened to a cloak, and muffled the city sounds. … Continue reading
The Astrolabe. Why have Sat Nav or a Smartphone?
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
Epiphany and an Old Woman Bearing Gifts*
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
Posted in Odds & Ends
Tagged befana, epiphany, friends, gifts, katherine gregor, scribe doll, writing
22 Comments
A Broom to Sweep Out the Old*
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
Posted in Odds & Ends
Tagged friendship, katherine gregor, new year resolutions, scribe doll
19 Comments
Short Story: ‘Christmas Eve’
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
Scribe Doll 