Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
I started writing this narrative sat in the Oncology Institute at St James' Hospital, while awaiting Karen's oncologist appointment. It's the first of two visits this week as she has her monthly treatment on Tuesday to supplement her daily medication. When I commenced writing this, I was heartened to see the sun shining outside and... Continue Reading →
“Like pebbles on a beach. Kicked around, displaced by feet….” The first two lines of the classic 1990’s song Broken Stones by ex-The Jam frontman Paul Weller. I heard the song yesterday for the first time in ages, which for some reason set me pondering about what message the Modfather was trying to impart within... Continue Reading →
Currently bereft of a topic for today’s narrative my eye (well both eyes really) is drawn to the behaviour of two of the neighbourhood cats. One of which is sat on my front lawn, while the other cavorts with abandon in my back garden. While Marmalade gorges on the spoils of a recent hunting expedition... Continue Reading →
Despite my best intentions, I didn't write a narrative yesterday. Unfortunately, I cannot express the full reasons behind this lack of Wednesday's blog in one paragraph. So if you're interested in the reason for yesterday's literary absence stick with today's narrative. If you're not interested I'd still recommend staying with this blog as at the... Continue Reading →
11:50 am on Sunday 7th August - Traffic congestion on the A64 meant I was rushing home to catch kick off of the first Leeds United game of the season. As I sat impatiently at numerous sets of Crossgates traffic lights with the radio trying its best to drown out my impatient cursing, Radio Leeds... Continue Reading →
As I write, the unforgiving heat propagates beads of perspiration on my troubled brow, on this scorching East Leeds morning. Unfortunately, I seek inspiration not perspiration whilst sitting unshaven in my trilby at our underused rattan patio table. I catch a sight of my reflection on the outside of my kitchen window. The face staring back... Continue Reading →
Another day, another hospital waiting room. Today, I’m in Waiting Area 3, which is very similar to Waiting Area 2 and not unlike Waiting Area 1. However, it has to be said it’s a great improvement on Waiting Area 4 which was full of car tyres and exhausts……. Although I might be confusing that with... Continue Reading →
“I had coffee this morning with an new acquaintance who I found forthright. I was late though as he told me his local cafe was third right!” I know that’s an awful gag that I shouldn’t have shared in this meander down random avenue, which is the main road connected to the third right and... Continue Reading →
Recently, I had a bit of wake up call. An epiphany where it dawned on me just how hard my parents had worked to provide my siblings and me with a comfortable, warm and secure upbringing. Were they the thoughts of a man coming to terms with his own mortality, following a many recent stories... Continue Reading →