Listening to The Signal,  I hear about the phases of dealing with the restrictions and fears brought about by Corona Virus.  Phases not dissimilar to those of grief. One of the key suggestions they had was to step back a little - don't read every news article, don't watch every press conference with the health … Continue reading Too close… →

Inspired to think about oral stories by this interesting reflection on Short Stories vs Jokes (John Malone),  I was reminded of a brilliant story P and I heard on our big international trip in 2009.  We were staying at a little B&B in Wales and, while sharing a delicious hot breakfast, were regaled by another … Continue reading Story Told At Pilleth Oaks Breakfast Table →

I can list all the things I'll never be and it would take pages and pages even if I only include the ones I might actually like.   But the list of things I am is shorter (in contrast to my stature and my fingers and my word count, generally speaking) less spectacular (pop, fizz, … Continue reading In a nutshell →

Is it a coincidence that thug and glug rhyme?   A planet apparently under the thumb of thugs   Will glug and glug under the rise of its own oceans   the way this thug of a virus drowns us in our own lungs.

Would you like a case? No, thanks.  Just one is enough. Sorry, Madam, they're by the case. I really don't want a whole case. Look here.  Read the label.  It says "Not for individual sale." Ah.  I get it now. You get it? I get why this is a pandemic.  Even Viruses have marketing departments. … Continue reading A Case of … →

In the tatty fog-wet grass of our back yard I find four perfect flowers.   I hunt the garden for their origin but the trees haven't woken in this coldest month of winter   and the hazelnuts only have tassels. Many of the natives have flowers but not like these.   I must ask our … Continue reading Last night →

in the moment the droplets are mysterious and perfect on the sweet pea's graceful bow and the sun is that perfect lemon juice tone   later on my phone screen it all looks artificial and the light is studio white   like pixels can't bear witness to nature's delicacy   was it a Kodak moment? … Continue reading sweet pea →

This morning, when looking for a podcast to listen to, I found one on the ABC, which I hadn't seen before, called The History Listen.   I selected an episode about SOS (or Sisters Overseas Service) a grassroots underground organisation that sprang up in December 1977 when New Zealand made it virtually impossible for women to … Continue reading The Human Tension →