Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
Mid-summer 1971 - Recently enveloped by imposing thunder clouds, the West Yorkshire skies darkened as a babe in arms, later to be known as ‘The Rebellious One’, makes her inaugural appearance on this dysfunctional planet. The arrival not a virgin birth, or consequently marked by a reverential visit by three wise men. Not too big... Continue Reading →
During a reflective moment yesterday, lyrics to Daryl Hall and John Hall's 1970s song Sara's Smile meandered evocatively around my neurological corridors. These locutions floated around my mind, gently blown along by a metaphorical zephyr. Calming and soothing my soul, evoking thoughts of my beau Sarah. Sure, unlike Daryl Hall's girlfriend Sara, my Ossett squeeze... Continue Reading →
Last weekend saw my inaugural visit to a music festival. It has only took six decades but the wait was well worth it, even the ninety minutes it took to get from the venue entrance to my camper van pitch. If there is a sun god, he also had tickets to the musical clambake. His... Continue Reading →
You can say what you want about us Brits, but no one can take away our ingrained capacity to nail pomp, circumstance and royal celebration. A point gloriously highlighted over a weekend witnessing two days of festivities to mark King Charles III's coronation. As expected the ceremony which saw our new monarch crowned was undertaken... Continue Reading →
I'm penning this prose from within the hallowed walls of my partner Sarah's living room. A bright and airy room which she has decorated in the minimalist style she so says she prefers. I reckon if truth be told, though, the chamber is only minimalist because she's not yet worked out how to shop-lift a... Continue Reading →
I have had a buddy from Gateshead stopping at my Wakefield apartment for the past two days. A cohort of mine since working together at the National Coal Board head office in the early 1980's, he (also named Gary) taught me a huge amount about inappropriate humour; including the limerick starting 'The was a young... Continue Reading →
A few years back I wrote a blog about baroque period composer Johann Sebastian Bach... Or should that be a few years Bach, not back?... No, no, I was right first time. Within that fictional essay I somehow managed to divert from the original narrative topic of the UK’s 1715 Riot Act. Instead segwaying onto... Continue Reading →
Something struck me during my stay at a North Yorkshire campsite during the weekend. This scheduled tarry taken in the campervan my West Yorkshire beau Sarah and me use to explore little corners of this green and pleasant land. I suppose camping in a van, especially one modernised to provide comforts of home such as... Continue Reading →
Yesterday morning an unexpected audible ping greeted my arrival into the living room. Conscious it was Valentines Day, I poetically romanticised this soundscape maybe Cupid's bow string shooting an arrow in my direction - This episode playing out as a gesture of amour from a love struck beau. It was not long, though, before yours... Continue Reading →