Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
Yesterday, while strolling the avenues and alleyways of this fair metropolis. I bumped into an old acquaintance; a keen amateur runner who goes by the nickname Frank Microwave-Oven. My pal’s unlikely pseudonym borne from him receiving static electric shocks when coming into contact with post-race foil blankets.. The covers aimed at keeping athletes warm at... Continue Reading →
Mid-summer 1971 - Recently enveloped by imposing thunder clouds, the West Yorkshire skies darkened as a babe in arms, later to be known as ‘The Rebellious One’, makes her inaugural appearance on this dysfunctional planet. The arrival not a virgin birth, or consequently marked by a reverential visit by three wise men. Not too big... Continue Reading →
1st August 2022 - Whether they're spending the next few hours bah t'at or wi' t'at, I'd like to wish my fellow Tykes a Happy Yorkshire Day. For the uninitiated who're confused about this tattery of which I speak, they're references to lyrics within the unofficial Yorkshire folk anthem On Ilkley Moor Bah T'at. It's... Continue Reading →
At around midday yesterday, having just fit two solar lights in my buddy Sarah's garden, I picked up her nine month old grandson Rory from his pram, allowing him to survey his grandma's new yard lamps. During this slow meander, in which we also took in the achromatic flowers in her pots, I was startled... Continue Reading →
Yesterday, a family friend inquired about the creative process I follow while structuring fictional characters within narratives. They also enquired what time Binks' butchers on Bradford Road shut on a Friday. I was able to answer the first question but, as I'm not a chuffing opening time directory, I told them they'd have to research the latter online........ Continue Reading →
One of the sternest challenges when writing a daily blog is unearthing a narrative's subject matter. Consequently, it's not unusual for me to spend part of my morning staring at a blank laptop page, gracelessly slurping on a cuppa until experiencing the aforementioned topic 'light bulb' moment - A notion which I'll only adopt if... Continue Reading →
I initiate this revue litteraire perched amongst lunchtime patrons of a shopping centre coffee shop. Adjacent to me in this south Leeds cafe sits a woman who's audibly raucous diatribe about a friend (to other friends) is ranted with almost Hitleresque vigour..... Quite clearly, she won't be as evil as Hitler but after witnessing this... Continue Reading →
Upon departing my marital home in late 2019, wanting to avoid my estranged wife being bereft of DIY utensils I left my existing set for her to use going forward. Consequently meaning I'd cause to procure a brand new toolkit. Not unsurprisingly, she didn't thank me for this benevolence, Instead, in a fit of trademark... Continue Reading →
I begin this prose with a woolly head, consequential of yesterday evening's celebrations following England's progression to the final of Euro 2020. A hard fought victory over Denmark, setting up a game with Italy on Sunday to secure European football champions bragging rights. National fever born from Gareth Southgate's boys' achievement seemingly a catalyst to... Continue Reading →