Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
If I am not on his naughty list, in eleven days Santa will have broken into my flat. With a bit of luck, though, not to ransack its festively decorated chambers or quaff my favourite single malt whisky. No, the chubby red-faced bloke’s modus operandi will be to impart yuletide cheer in the shape of... 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 →
Apart from the odd journey to keep the engine ticking over and stopping the battery going flat, Victor (my VW campervan) has been placed into hibernation for the winter. When I say hibernation I, of course, do not mean I’ve driven him into a huge box containing water, lettuce and shredded newspaper like Blue Peter... 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 →
I am back in Wakefield after a two-night sabbatical aboard Victor the Volkswagen campervan. Despite their best efforts to sully our odyssey, the weather gods were unable to break our spirit. It takes more than sporadic rainstorms and diminishing temperatures to crush the verve of my partner Sarah and me. While Knaresborough campsite in situ,... Continue Reading →
After a month or so hiatus, yours truly is once again sampling the ambrosia borne from living a campervan life. My beau Sarah and me, along with her adorable dog Zella currently ‘moored’ on a site in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire. Upon arriving at our domain for the next two days, the Ossett lass and I... Continue Reading →
As a man afflicted by recurring depressive episodes in adulthood, it felt remiss not to reference yesterday’s World Mental Health Day. An event aimed at addressing inequalities in support and awareness surrounding the debilitating illnesses fitting under the cognitive impairment umbrella. The Mental Health Foundation mooting mental health is a universal human right. Amongst events... 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 →
As I sit journaling insights into last weekend’s campervan adventure, a constant pinging emanates from the kitchen area. The distracting sound venturing through the office door ‘ole, joining Barnsley Road traffic noise as an accompanying audioscape to my penmanship. I have narrowed down the source of this audible alert to receipt of a stream of... Continue Reading →