I think I always knew that I don't like goat's cheese but it's only relatively recently that I came to realise I don't need to. Some years ago, before that epiphany, I was on holiday and a persuasive man in a French market told me that he had a hard goat's cheese which would convert me. I was … [Read more...] about When Perseverance Is Really Worth It
Recovery
Imposter Syndrome In Cake
I've taken a commission to write a series of blog posts for a mental-health organisation and I'm telling my daughter about it as we make tomato sauce for pasta. "What do they want you to write about?" "Issues at the intersection of work and mental health" "You struggle to find enough ideas … [Read more...] about Imposter Syndrome In Cake
Any Spare Tickets?
I'm buying tickets for a gig, clicking through the various screens like I used to do, in the before times. It feels surreal, the imagining of a crowded room, the floor sticky with spilled beer, and the smell of sweat and perfume. This past year I have learned not to expect anything, yet I am … [Read more...] about Any Spare Tickets?
Holding My Breath
I arrive early for my vaccine appointment unable to escape the nagging belief that lateness will result in a refusal to put the long-awaited needle into my arm. I am led through the car park and around the back by a volunteer from The Rotary Club. The gardens have changed since I last visited, … [Read more...] about Holding My Breath
The Orange
I'm making Cornetti, grating orange zest, and adding it to the dough. While I do so the children are arguing about which way up the forks and knives have to go in the dishwasher cutlery basket. My daughter says that the only reason she doesn't load the dishwasher is that my son complains that … [Read more...] about The Orange