Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
Two days until family and friends say an official adieu to my mum at the matriarch's funeral service. A day when we'll give thanks to, and for, the wonderful force of nature who touched our lives with unconditional love, warmth, hilarity and generosity of spirit. Wednesday one of celebration for a lady who spent eighty... Continue Reading →
This narrative is a continuation of my week long vignettes relating to my recently deceased mum. Bearing the same writing format of part fiction based on fact running throughout each essay, all of these monologues are edited amalgamations of prose previously published on my website strachan.blog . A piece penned on 29th March 2020...... During... Continue Reading →
Sunday 10th October - It's a week since my siblings and me bode the familial matriarch a tearful farewell. At this time last Sunday after mum's passed I was utterly numb. A time existing in a dazed cloud exacerbated by the previous three days of sleep deprivation while being sustained by sandwiches and stolen slices... Continue Reading →
It's Saturday morning and East Lancashire's awoken to a rainfall deluge. Admittedly, not an uncommon meteorological landscape for those residing on the western foothills of the Pennines. Especially here in Heywood, whose precipitation is so extensive the town should be twinned with Niagara Falls. Sadly, in a traumatic week which saw her mum cremated, this... Continue Reading →
This week, I've been spending lots of quality time with my little canine buddy Coco. This company of the girl who puts the adore into labrador partly consequential from the sad passing of her owner Sam's mother (Cokey's nan) in the early hours of Monday morning. Footnote - To clarify, I know the 'putting the... Continue Reading →
Yesterday evening I'd a second visit to church in five days when attending a Commemoration of the Faithful Departed service at St Michael's Church in East Ardsley. My previous attendance in a congregation occurring last Wednesday when I attended the funeral of my great aunt Rosa, in Ossett. Both magnificent 'old school' churches, Wednesday's place... Continue Reading →
This morning, I was reminded by a social media app that two years ago today I wrote the spoof new story below about my dad, who passed away in October 2017...... I miss the old man terribly - What I'd give today to see him squabbling with the Connie Club committee over subscription fee costs.................. Continue Reading →
Yesterday lunchtime our modest abode in east Leeds was graced by the presence of Mrs Strachan senior. Lured by a roast beef dinner and the entertaining anecdotes of her eldest child (cough, cough), the Yorkshire lass was in decent spirits as she tucking into a plateful of Sunday fare. A fact no doubt helped by... Continue Reading →
Comfort zone, erstwhile sanctuary of clan chief Former chamber of serenity, grape and musical refrain Empty leather seat beckons product of god’s own county to no avail Empty brood hearts beckon man of god’s own county to no avail Sinatra in solitude, Darrin in desolation his clans hereafter. Yorkshireman’s invite to his sanctuary has... Continue Reading →