Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
The new year is upon us. For many the start of January manifesting resolutions aimed at improving physical and/or mental wellbeing. People’s declarations of existential advancement coming in various ways. For instance, gym memberships increase, sales of workout gear surge skywards like new years fireworks, and I purge all thoughts of taking up lion taming.... Continue Reading →
If you do not follow my regular self-indulgent (although sometimes insightful) postings on social media, you will not know I recently had my first sale from my Etsy store 'GaryCatures'. An online retail outlet peddling copies of original caricatures I started drawing in COVID lockdown. These cartoon depictions an amalgam of stars from the movies,... Continue Reading →
This morning, as I am off work this week, yours truly made a cameo appearance at the Next Chapter writing group meeting which I’ve been unable to attend since cutting short my retirement. My submission for the workshop, where the topic hook was ‘fireworks’, is below. A spoof ‘horrible history’ biographical vignette relating to Guy... Continue Reading →
Earlier in the week, while mingling with attendees at a friend’s funeral in Gateshead, an old mate commented he'd noticed I'd not been as prolific with my blog writing lately. I responded the situation a consequence of taking up of a part-time job role; meaning opportunities to pen my unreliable prose had diminished markedly. The... Continue Reading →
‘League One Leeds – A Journey Through The Abyss’ by author Rocco Dean; Reviewed by Gary Strachan I first visited Leeds United’s Elland Road home on 19th September 1970. A rite of passage allowing me to witness the most successful Leeds side to grace the LS11 turf. An overcast autumn Saturday seeing a John Giles penalty... Continue Reading →
Yesterday witnessed the celebration of All Hallows' Evening in numerous countries across the globe. A time of fancy dress, imaginatively sculptured pumpkins and hyper kids not sleeping after eating six bags of Haribo gummy bears, four lollipops and eighteen sherbet dips. Blimey, I’m showing my age there. I'm not even sure you can still purchase sherbet dips.... Continue Reading →
Due to an erratic night’s sleep, I awoke this morning staring through bleary eyes, accompanied by a hazy brain fog. My neurological peasouper leading to such marked cognitive disorientation, I experienced an outer body experience. An episode where I floated in my bedroom, looking down on my 5’ 11” frame. A disturbing event not aided... Continue Reading →
It has been an expensive week motor vehicle wise. Insuring and paying road tax for Victor the campervan, along with purchasing two new front tyres for my car has seen the best part of 1,000 English pounds haemorrhage from my savings account. Bearing in mind Victor spends 99% of his existence off road, either on... Continue Reading →
After a couple of years in early retirement, I am contemplating a return into the employment world. This despite having lots of pastimes to fill my days, and huge uncertainty it is the correct lifestyle avenue to embrace. Anyhow, with this in mind, I have tentatively put out some feelers, researching opportunities current eddying around... Continue Reading →