Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
My prevailing knee ligament injury still doggedly refuses to afford me pain free days. This limb trauma, although no longer bestowing acute pain of the initial post-strain days, seemingly determined to persist with imparting me with tendon discomfort. Consequently, although not as pronounced, my limp continues unabated. Thankfully, though, my hobble isn't severe enough to... Continue Reading →
In these times of logistical difficulties acquiring foodstuffs, compromises need to be made with regards meals/ingredients one craves. On occasion doing without a desired product altogether, or settle for smaller portions. Mindful of this situation, this morning saw me undertake a food thriftiness technique I'd not utilised since my youth. This simple not a compromise on... Continue Reading →
It's a few years since I've penned a sonnet. However, in the isolation of a West Yorkshire dining room, this evening I felt moved to quill prose about the prevailing shenanigans surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic:- SONNET TO COVID Indiscriminate pathogen, agenda stark Rendering us hermits, unless we roam park Enough already, you’ve made toxic mark Existence... Continue Reading →
Within the next few days I'll reach a couple of milestones on this enduring blogging odyssey. Firstly, today's narrative is the 1,800th piece I've penned since, five years ago, embarking on this sojourn by syntax. The second juncture of note is that of the aforementioned five year anniversary of me writing, along with publishing the... Continue Reading →
The fallow period between Christmas and New Year festivities is among us. It's 27th December, the yuletide culinary smorgasbord appears threadbare which, in association with excessive imbibing of intoxicating liquor, necessitates a sojourn to the grocer for replenishments. Big decisions ruminate around residences on this sceptred isle. Considerations such as whether to consume the confectionery... Continue Reading →
With Christmas Day hurtling towards us with the speed of a linen basket escaping a pair of The Grinch's three week worn underpants, I'm concerned to be still awaiting delivery of half the festive gifts I purchased online in the middle of November...... In hindsight, perhaps it was misguided to order my daughter Rachel a... Continue Reading →
It's Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK. As someone who's experienced the all-consuming joylessness of depression I felt it'd be remiss of me not to pen my thoughts on the subject during the days aimed at raising the profile of mental illness. Below I enclose an updated version of an essay I wrote two... Continue Reading →
They journeyed from afar under an energy-sapping sun, parched and weary on arrival at their destination. The spent travellers odysseys made to congregate for a family feast among the east Leeds suburbs...... Well, they came from York and Wakefield anyway. The christian resurrection commemorated with sacrificed lamb, the up-coming birthday of GJ Strachan marked with... Continue Reading →
"Contentment is an achievable Holy Grail, Gary....... Disenchantment, though, can only be consequential from bearing aspirations of eternal serenity. They're the notions of fatuousness that'll lead to inevitable disappointment, corrosion of spirit, manifestations of discontentment and taint the soul. Take heed that the pragmatist ordinarily prevails over the dreamer" The wise words offered yesterday by... Continue Reading →