Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
Two years ago, almost to the day, I embarked on a trip to the Scottish village where my surname originates. At the time, I wrote three narratives journaling my voyage, all of which I am in the process of editing. Below is an updated version chronicling the first part of that expedition....... Sitting by myself on the driveway in my trusty black Astra automobile, it... Continue Reading →
Twenty seven years ago today I became a father for the first time. It was just gone 3 am when my son Jonathon made an appearance at a Bedfordshire hospital. His arrival followed a harrowing seven hours for his mum, and me shouting myself hoarse with regular cries of “Heave!”..... An unhelpful yell that made it appear the delivery room was... Continue Reading →
Yesterday, I wrote a short story which was completely (but deliberately) barking mad. I have to say, I can’t ever recall enjoying writing anything as much as I did those 1100 words. I belly laughed through large swathes of the text I was writing, as well as a read back during this mornings edit. However, now I have the dilemma of... Continue Reading →
This morning, I'm being taunted by the blank white page, as it gawps back from my poorly performing laptop. My frustration of suffering writers block exacerbated by the latency of my computer. Its responses so slow that the ‘live' national BBC news being streamed to my screen is last Sundays! Sensing this doubly sourced frustration, the blank Word document appears to smugly goad... Continue Reading →
On this day, in 1835, PT Barnum and his circus embarked on their first ever tour of the United States. The multi-skilled Connecticut born showman’s diverse curriculum vitae included author, publisher, philanthropist, and politician. However, he classed his work entertaining audiences as his real true love. Barnum is accredited by some as being the man... Continue Reading →
The first known batch of Scotch whisky was recorded on this day in 1495, which accredits the first distillation to a Tironensian monk named John Cor. The man of pray a servant in King James IV court, when his majesty resided at Lindores Abbey, Fife. I’d like to think he stumbled over the drink after being given an objective by James IV to:- “Create... Continue Reading →
Throwback Thursday - Two years ago today I penned this yarn of food temperature, Shakespeare parody and litigation...... They say that revenge is a dish best served cold. Well if that’s the case, it's a shame I didn't have revenge for tea, as being cold didn't do anything for the lasagne I’ve just consumed. My... Continue Reading →
I’m contemplating ridding myself of facial hair. It's started to itch like hell and my wife recently liken me to Catweazle’s scruffier brother; and that was before I’d even grown this full beard. I personally see my increased facial hirsuteness as the unconventional move taken by lots of creative individuals. A strategy displaying to your peers... Continue Reading →
Throwback to this time last year and a trip north to the cricket Test Match...... This is my first blog for a few days as I’ve been away in the north east of England. To clarify, it’s not the case you’re not allowed to write blogs in the area; so I'd hang fire with any plans to send... Continue Reading →