Tag Archives: writing
Just About a Teddy Bear with a Wonky Nose*
“What does he think I am? A baby?” Deep embarrassment was making me peevish. I did not want my mother, grandmother – and, especially, the guests – to think I was still a little girl who liked teddy bears. After all, … Continue reading
A Room of My Own
There is a tree outside the window of my new room. An oak, with ivy wrapped around, embracing his body and lower branches. His body, yes. There is something male about this oak. A wise old man ready to share … Continue reading
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
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
When the Day is Perfectly Still
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
And What of the Moon?
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
When Writing Tips Become Platitudes
I am a scribbler. I love writing but, I confess, I seldom read articles or blogs about writing. Barring the usual exceptions, of course, I confess I find reading about writing tedious. I would far rather read a story than … Continue reading
Odds& Ends: Alone, but not Lonely.
When I was at university, my best female friend said she preferred sharing a house with other friends. I said I preferred living alone, if I could. Then she said something that has always stayed with me, “I like to … Continue reading
A Poesy Ringful of Stories
I used to be a theatrical agent. A young actor from RADA, whilst deliberating whether or not to accept my offer of representation, asked, “What, would you say, sets you apart from other agents?” I struggled to come up with an … Continue reading
Female Solidarity?*
A couple of years ago, my colleagues and I were watching BBC News 24 during our lunch break. There was a report about the Chilean miners trapped underground for several weeks. Finally rescued, the men were telling the interviewer about … Continue reading