Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
Occasionally I'm asked about what it's like aboard the emotionally fraught rollercoaster ride which manifests from my spouses incurable cancer diagnosis. My inquisitors, individuals who've not previous shared this venture along a metaphorical cobbled path while in possession of nitroglycerin. People seeking to understand what's it's like existing with a clan member who in their... Continue Reading →
This evening, I was originally planning to go see Hugh Jackman's Greatest Showman performance at the O2 Arena, in London. The two tickets purchased as a Christmas gift for my wife who adores the Antipodean performer; along with a one night Docklands hotel stay and the booking of return train tickets to/from the capital. That... Continue Reading →
Yesterday afternoon I spent quite some time creating three seperate books in readiness for self-publication. These tomes bearing narratives I wrote at various points during 2015; prose not previously incorporated amongst the other twenty four literary chronicles I've written. I'm unsure why, unlike everything I've written since the start of 2016, I'd never previously recorded... Continue Reading →
This week sees the eighth anniversary of a life changing event that shook my family to it's core. A time my brood and I were ushered, or more accurately dragged kicking and screaming, onto an unwanted emotional rollercoaster sojourn. A ride with no height restrictions, or indeed any other discriminatory parameters, allowing for non-participation. My... Continue Reading →
Wednesday 20th June - Travelling back by train to Leeds from London last Sunday I commenced penning a narrative from the comfort of my perch in coach H. A piece of work I didn't finish, it was an unashamedly ridiculous tale of the strategy I employ when selecting crisp flavours. With a packed coach on... Continue Reading →
Wednesday 6th June - I had a sojourn to Ilkley this morning/early afternoon. Accompanied by my spouse and doubts about the government's Brexit strategy, we journeyed 17 miles by trusty steed (well, trusty Vauxhall Astra) north west of our bustling metropolis. Ilkley, West Yorkshire's spa town with it's core of Victorian architecture, quaint stores, Betty's... Continue Reading →
Friday 6th April (Part Two) - I've arrived in Newcastle. With two hours to kill before I meet my brother Ian, I'm yet again Starbucks in situ, Americano with milk nestling in front of me. Opposite from the café is the imposing stone building which, amongst other functions, is the entrance to Newcastle Central train... Continue Reading →
My train journey back from Newcastle to Leeds on Sunday afternoon passed swiftly. My ninety minutes in situ of the Trans-Pennine locomotive predominantly spent writing, along with chatting to a diminutive middle-aged Gateshead woman en route to her daughter's in Bradford. This lady, short of mane and even shorter of legs was initially an affable... Continue Reading →
Chamber of lingering, institution of inflicted Seemingly endless tenancy o’er seven summers; brood support plural Carer career abiding; careering confidence consequential Caricature spent emotionally; parking fees spent frequently Oppressive chamber calefaction; procrastinating in dept Radiation Unfaltering resource dedication; vocational tools medication. Jimmy’s, affectionate moniker for institute of St James Minions of Zebedee’s son challenged... Continue Reading →