a new mantra

The Magpie
Claude Monet (1868-9)

"Stay Frosty" is the catch phrase of Claude Taylor, one of the tireless commentators on the #TrumpRussia Twitter campaign. It also seems sensible advice if you are in the U.K. for the next seven weeks.

recovery plan

Girl in a white dress resting on a sofa

Alfred Emile Leopole Stevens

Apologies for absence over past few days - sometimes I try to do too much and my body protests. It is probably a hangover from my brush with meningitis and is very annoying but over the years I have put together a plan of action which starts with "stop doing stuff (including writing) and get some sleep". So I wrap myself up in my Donegal blanket, lie on the sofa, and remind myself that it is better to suffer from having too much fun than too little. 

silence

It is foggy here on the Isle of Wight, my home for the next few days, and at night I can hear the fog horn booming which is curiously comforting - an auditory memory from a childhood by the sea. The fog creates a sense of being cocooned, separated from the world, which is appropriate because I am at Quarr Abbey on retreat. It is a chance to read, write and reflect and I am very grateful to the monks for this opportunity to experience silence in a noisy world.

positive self-talk

Amaryllis grew 3mm overnight.

Have calculated that the EDF (*Expected Date of Flowering) is 24 October 2017.

Am getting well ahead for Christmas 2017 decor plans.