Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
Yesterday evening I attended an Open Mic evening at a chic Harrogate eatery. To clarify, an Open Mic night isn't attending a event to be entertained by a candid fellow called Michael... Unless, of course, the amateur turn is a forthright chap called Michael... In which case, you are attending an Open Mic evening presented... Continue Reading →
Seeking inspiration for today’s writing group submission I wandered a lane taking me to a time where I wore a younger man’s clothes. Well, to be more accurate, when I wore a young boy’s clothes… That reminds me, I need to return those clothes to the young boy; after all, I have had them for... Continue Reading →
Yesterday witnessed the celebration of All Hallows' Evening in numerous countries across the globe. A time of fancy dress, imaginatively sculptured pumpkins and hyper kids not sleeping after eating six bags of Haribo gummy bears, four lollipops and eighteen sherbet dips. Blimey, I’m showing my age there. I'm not even sure you can still purchase sherbet dips.... Continue Reading →
In recent times notions relating to my late father have been amongst the numerous visitors to my mercurial mind. My cerebrum in receipt of thoughts relating to the old fella who four years ago passed away, depriving my brood of his inherent warmth, kindness, wisdom and love of family. Amongst memories appertaining to the patriarch... Continue Reading →
Collated as tributes to my mum who passed twelve days ago, over the previous few days my daily blogs've been an amalgam of essays written about unreliable memories relating to the matriarch. As highlighted in a prologue to those pieces, these are partly fictional tales based on fact, were the names of the innocent were... Continue Reading →
I'm sitting looking out of my Newcastle hotel room French doors across the River Tyne. Staring back from the opposite bank is Gateshead, the town where I was raised after my family relocated from Leeds when a young child. A town where I've not resided since 1987, after leaving for London to seek my fortune... Continue Reading →
Sunday witnessed me in reflective mood; in particular pondering matters ecclesiastical. Amongst numerous spiritual notions crossing my mind was if God did indeed maketh man what warranty was he offering....... Not to mention, whether there's a uniform in the afterlife, and if so does take into account clothing allergies. I've written before about the faith... Continue Reading →
It was an arching run up with trailing bowling arm and slightly unorthodox delivery action I mimicked on numerous occasions during my 1970's childhood. This then homage to Warwickshire and England cricketer Bob Willis ordinarily undertaken during 'Test Matches' my brother Ian and/or friends participated on the tarmac wicket of Dorchester Gardens, or dog dirt... Continue Reading →
I've just dropped my car off in Whitkirk for its annual Ministry of Transport test (MOT). Following a meander down the road to Crossgates shopping centre I'm cafe in situ, as I commence this prose; my trusty a laptop and Americano coffee, Yesterday's narrative Anniversary Stoicism told of how the day would've been my parents 59th wedding anniversary.... Continue Reading →