Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
It could have been a scene played out on the Serengeti plains. A predator stealthily utilising its ecosystem’s arid grasses and flora to mask their slow and steady approach toward unsuspecting prey. Becoming aware of its quarry around 20 metres away, the predator swiftly determining a strategy of attack. There was no swiftness in the... Continue Reading →
“Don't leave me this way. I can’t survive, can’t stay alive, without your love. Don’t leave me this way.” Those sentiments from an opening chorus of a Communards refrain are often communicated by my beagle Bella’s sad sideways glances when about to be left home alone. Yours truly's parting assurances of “I’ll not be long!”... Continue Reading →
Scene - At the park’s periphery, a middle-aged man and his dog engage on a frenetic walk. The pair circumnavigate tree trunks with the nimbleness of a Lionel Messi dribble, a waltzing skillset of Anton du Beke, along with the collision avoidance wherewithal of fighter pilot Brad Bootavich. Cause of this improvised dance routine was... Continue Reading →
It was an early dog walk this morning. My needy beagle/alarm clock Bella deciding a 6.40am stroll would be a splendid way to celebrate the dawning of 7th August 2026. This previous start not so much a case of the early bird catching the worm, more the early dog walker gets to pick up poop... Continue Reading →
Yesterday I wrote the first of what I plan to make a series of imaginary verbal jousts as I walk my beagle Bella during a 5-10 min stroll to the park, as part of her daily morning walk. These mostly absurd notions manifesting in my mind as I wander the street, a dirt track road,... Continue Reading →
“Turned Out Arid Again, Mother!” by Gary Strachan Today started like every day, with the walk. A dishevelled man with three score years of broken dreams emerged from a bedraggled duvet. Standing up he adjusted his boxer shorts which feel like they’ve been screwed on by a spanner. Stretching melodramatically, he adds to the... Continue Reading →
I’ve an unerring urge to use the word expedient within today’s narrative. My motive not to rage bait the Never Use Expedient In Prose Association (NUEPA), although to be honest, if that had been the reason, those stuffy bastards have had it coming for a while! My decision to utilise the noun (or adjective depending... Continue Reading →
Today sees another small step in my ongoing penmanship rehab. A further attempt to reinvigorate a passion for writing which has largely forsaken me since last December. A devotion waning in December 2025, after succumbed to a wave of self-doubt about my art; consequently becoming overwhelmed by lethargy and low-spirits. A malaise I’ve now resolved... Continue Reading →
Return of the Strac? With a blow out of the cheeks and a somewhat overdramatic sigh, I perch tentatively in front of my the keyboard. Today’s goal being the penning of my first blog since 11th December 2025. For months any ideas for my once daily pieces, numbering in excess of 2700 posts, remaining locked... Continue Reading →