"I've only had these boots for four months and already they're letting in water." I'm writing a complaint through an online portal, the enforced alternative to ranting at an actual person down the telephone. I go for a walk with the dogs in said boots and by the time I've got home and hung my … [Read more...] about Unfit For Purpose
Self Acceptance
Cake & Ice Cream
It was my birthday earlier this week and so naturally I've been thinking a lot about cake and ice cream. Last year, I told my children that I really wanted something as close as possible to the cones I used to get from the "Mr Whippy" van that came along our road. So we drove to Mcdonald's for a … [Read more...] about Cake & Ice Cream
Desire Not Denial
I've spent an inordinate amount of time this week preparing for additional work that I don't want to do. My supervisor recently told me about an online therapy platform she's working for. "It's really slick and they have some excellent resources," she told me. "Maybe I'll have a look at … [Read more...] about Desire Not Denial
Selfie Ick
I'm telling my daughter about an article I read charting the rise of the "ick" and how its bewildering randomness can destroy what looked like perfectly good relationships. "How can you stop finding someone attractive just because of the way they chase after a ping pong ball?" She … [Read more...] about Selfie Ick
In Praise Of Hardship
My daughter bought me a copy of Ali Smith's latest novel, "Companion Piece" which is, as its title suggests, to compliment the quartet of stories she wrote in the years since Brexit as a reflection of the chaos and hope inherent in modern UK society. I am always left feeling fulfiled when I read … [Read more...] about In Praise Of Hardship