Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
"Anything worth doing, is worth doing right." Philosophical words of wisdom from late US writer Hunter S Thompson, advocating his belief in the necessity to undertake projects with pride, tenacity with aspirations it's produced 'right first time'. Prose expressing the importance of not settling for a completed job that's unfit for purpose. In a far... Continue Reading →
Monday 14th May - There's an old adage that 'No good deed goes unpunished'. Yesterday afternoon it was a folklore teaching I was rudely reminded of by my 'good' buddy karma, in cahoots with his rancid sidekick cancer. Following undertaking five hours voluntary work for MacMillan Cancer Support, I returned home to witness the 'reward'... Continue Reading →
Tomorrow morning I'll be partaking in a voluntary collection for Marie Curie cancer care. My presence a small contribution towards the raising of funds during the organisation's March Daffodil Appeal campaign. I experience a great deal of satisfaction being a foot soldier in the battalions fundraising the fight on numerous fronts against cancer. An odious,... Continue Reading →
I'm penning today's narrative in a waiting area of a Leeds hospital's Bexley Wing. A consequence of accompanying my wife Karen during her four weekly receipt of oncological treatment. As I aimlessly type seeking inspiration for a 500+ worded monologue, Karen is sitting patiently poring through her current read. Due to the angle she's holding... Continue Reading →
Apparently, spring is around the corner. I'm unsure which corner it's hiding behind, however I wish it'd stop procrastinating and get it's ass back to Blighty pronto. Circling low pressure isobars are tightening like Native American's menacing a waggon convoy in a 1950's B-movie. The consequence being the UK's inclement weather. To gain liberty from... Continue Reading →
The Sword of Damocles - An expression coined to describe living with a situation of constant impending doom. Four words evoking an image of metaphorical long blade dangling menacingly above an individuals head; a solitary thread all that's stopping gravitational force sending it plummeting downwards to it's helpless victim. I recently learned the term derives... Continue Reading →
Today, the 4th February is World Cancer Day. Around the globe events are taking place to increase awareness, educate and raise funds for a multitude of the research and support charities that underpin the fight against this rancid disease. The people selflessly involved in today’s events do so with the objective of making a difference... Continue Reading →
I wrote recently of my scepticism surrounding old wives tales. A mini diatribe not backed on any scientific fact, moreover sneering conclusions born from my ingrained middle-age cynicism. During that narrative, I carelessly omitted to touch on the comedic value of these superstitious folk tales, especially when misquoted. I'm alluding to mixed metaphors and idioms, which are inherently funny when delivered incorrectly. I have... Continue Reading →
Yesterday, my other half returned to West Yorkshire after a three-night visit to her parents in Birtley, County Durham. As part of her home town's legislation, any of the townsfolk that leave the inside of it's metaphorical walls have to return every three months for stone cladding refresher courses. An edict my missus was about to breach...... Failure to adhere to this dictum results... Continue Reading →