It’s 20 years – yep, 20 – since this young man arrived in my life. That’s more or less a generation, and probably a reason to celebrate. I am a fantastic mother – I’ve been keeping children alive for two decades. Admittedly, when this chap first fixed me with his fierce gaze, I had such […]
On a journey south and a delightful deceit… things I’ve learned lately
Write a post every day, she said (to herself, cos no one else cares). Let’s see how that goes then! And here we are a week later, but it’s been a good – and educational week. Here are the things I learned. The long way round still gets you there… (Also known as, confusingly, only […]
More things I learned: birthday edition
Writer’s blockage would be nearer the mark. It’s what I feel when there’s so much going on in my head that I don’t know where to begin, where the loose end is to start the unravelling. More in common with road-trip constipation (you know what I mean) than a wistful gaze at a pristine page. […]
Things I’ve learned from my children – the party version
It’s party time. Another rite of passage lately – the teenage party. The campaign began months before, a subtle and effective manoeuvring of the notion from a slight suggestion to an in-the-calendar fact. I tried to think of a reason to say no, but there really wasn’t one. The teen in question and his friends […]
Things you can do now you’re 50
Not quite a week after the marvellous celebrations that marked my half century (yes, I know, I can’t believe it either) and the doormat is troubled by another envelope. This one cheerfully invites me to send in samples of my ‘bowel movement (poo)’ for testing. It even includes instructions and little cardboard sticks for smearing […]