It's so hard to let go. So much easier to cling on And on and on and on. Letting go takes blind faith; Clinging on takes nothing. It's so easy But so addictive, seductive, palliative. So easy to top up your wine glass, Look at old photos, Read old diaries, messages, Memories. The narcosia of [...]
Category: A Writer’s Life
To My Inner Demon
With the start of a new year, I’ve been thinking a lot about my relationship with you. Yes, you, my once-beloved inner demon. You’ve given me some of the most euphoric moments in my life – hope, excitement, promises for a golden future; but time and time again you’ve fallen short of your promises. And [...]
A Grumpy Christmas Eve
CHRISTMAS EVE 1992 Kraków, Poland “We’re closed.” That’s what I said to the woman as the chimes by the front door announced her entrance. I didn’t even bother preceding it with a ‘sorry’. It was quarter to two on Christmas Eve and I was just about to lock up shop and go home. Who can [...]
Thinking of going to Budapest? Think again
Imagine this scene. You’re in beautiful, historic Budapest with three of your mates on a pre-Christmas weekend break. You’re all male; you’re bright, cool, fun-loving, young English lads. You enjoy a night out: drinking, meeting new people, eyeing up the talent. You also enjoy sightseeing in the afternoons, after you’ve sobered up and arisen from [...]
Thanksgiving and the Eight Pillars of Joy
At this time of year, when so many people are celebrating Thanksgiving, it’s a good opportunity for us to pause and think about what we have to be thankful for in our lives. Now please don’t say Yuk! – I know what I just said might sound like a truism, but very often it’s the [...]
Be Careful What You Wish For
“You should be careful what you wish for!” Hmmm. That’s what my ex-husband said to me (my first ex, not my second, let’s get it right) when I had a heart-to-heart with him shortly after Hubby No 2 and I split up, back in the inconsolable autumn days of 2017. “Weren’t you wanting more space [...]
Beneath a Scarlet Sky – unsung hero or oversung novel?
The other day I found myself on a Ryanair plane to London, with two and a half blissful hours of peace in front of me. Yippee! - I thought giddily to myself. No internet to interrupt the long, imminent reading session that lay ahead! I snuggled down in my seat (‘snuggling’ is something that’s pretty [...]
