Bertie and Bella, my feline protectors and constant companions. They came to live with me as tiny kittens five years ago, eager to venture into my small London courtyard garden. They immediately provided endless entertainment, leaving a trail of toy mice and little footballs of tin foil. They’ve stayed with me ever since, through ups and downs and new gardens to explore, sharing the pure unconditional love animals give so freely. Read More
I’ve been eagerly waiting for spring. I’ve watched as fields and hedgerows slowly turn green. I’ve looked out for colourful bulbs working their way up from the ground. I’ve sat outside as the sun has teased me with its warmth. I’ve felt relief as the days have started to stretch out and happiness as the birds have begun their first joyful song. I long for the fresh energy that spring brings; the new growth, colour and light, and the endless possibilities that come with a new start. Read More
Last week I said goodbye to my lovely Granny. She was 92, the wise owl of the family and a constant figure in my life. She looked after me as a small child, watching me take my first steps. She saw me through school, through college and into my career. She shared in the triumph of my music and the heartache of my illness. She gave me a steady supply of umbrellas, delighted in buying me warm coats and insisted on giving me ‘pocket money’ even in my thirties. I didn’t dare comment that something looked nice in a shop. If I did, she’d be determined to buy it in an embarrassing display of generosity. “Rather,” she’d say, with elongated vowels. Read More
A seat belt digs into my shoulder. The wheels of my chair are clamped to the ambulance floor. I rub my eyes against the glaring blue light. I yawn. Even the kitties had sleepy faces this morning. My tummy rumbles. My breakfast is in my rucksack, out of reach. We left two hours ago. Where are we? I’m going to be late. I need to get to my appointment. Where have the hospital drivers gone? Are they lost again? I try to peer out of the window. It’s grey. It’s gloomy. We’re in the middle of a housing estate, goodness knows where. And then I see it. TIVENDALE. It’s the block of flats named after my Great-Grandfather, Thomas Tivendale, Mayor of Hornsey 1951-2. I’m home. I’m present. I’m where I’m supposed to be. I’ve uncovered a little gift and I cannot help but smile.Read More
I love the sense of a fresh start and feeling of a new beginning that January brings, but I’m not sure about New Year’s resolutions. Don’t get me wrong, I think setting yourself a challenge and changing an aspect of your life for the better is fantastic. I do wonder though how many people set an unrealistic resolution in January, only to have given up and forgotten about it by February, perhaps trundling through the rest of the year feeling slightly disillusioned, until repeating the cycle when feeling the excess of Christmas and the wake-up call of January 1st? Probably quite a few. A gradual, consistent approach to making changes can be more lasting. It’s also a wonderful way of staying in touch with your lifestyle, your values and your dreams. Read More
New Year’s Eve. Party night. I used to feel so much pressure to go out and have fun. There was expectation, though it was rarely met. Going out was busy and expensive. Tensions ran high and I often found myself the sober mediator between friends and their boyfriends in drunken rows. I’d feel myself flagging, wondering how much longer until the clock struck midnight. Of course, pushing myself in this way meant I’d start the New Year feeling exhausted and needing to rest before I could embrace the new start. Read More