Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
Uninvited, unexpected, unwelcome and under our skin, heavy snow is once again 'gracing' the populace of West Yorkshire. Woken by my spouse Karen's singing as she ironed, this morning I jumped out of bed to be greeted yet again by a carpet of snowflakes...... It's no good, I'm going to have to get that flaming... Continue Reading →
With my wife Karen being at her parents home in the People's Republic of Birtley for the weekend, I spent yesterday in the company of a massive pizza. It didn't possess Karen's charm, nevertheless it proved to be an agreeable companion during my binge-watching of rugby and a dramatization of the 1990s trial of OJ... Continue Reading →
As I commence this literary offering, I'm sitting in situ of the living room sofa in my modest three-bedroomed abode in east Leeds. The settee in question is a brown leather three-seater; which I find comfortable but my wife thinks has seen better days...... One of them was yesterday when it didn't have my fat... Continue Reading →
I wrote recently of my scepticism surrounding old wives tales. A mini diatribe not backed on any scientific fact, moreover sneering conclusions born from my ingrained middle-age cynicism. During that narrative, I carelessly omitted to touch on the comedic value of these superstitious folk tales, especially when misquoted. I'm alluding to mixed metaphors and idioms, which are inherently funny when delivered incorrectly. I have... Continue Reading →
Yesterday I wrote of all things philosophy. Well not all things, I mainly conveyed the fictional philosophical words of wisdom by an equally fictional Frenchman named Aidan Le Torche. Today I want to touch upon the lower end of philosophy market - old wives tales. Folklore which, depending on your inclination, are advocacies of gospel truth or... Continue Reading →
The last two nights have seen new lows in sleep longevity for yours truly. My body clock appears to have developed an alarm which, with the mischief of an advent 'elf on the shelf', finds it humorous to end my slumber at around 1.30am. Consequently, if it wasn't for the caffeine infusing qualities of my good friend Douwe... Continue Reading →
There's been a paucity of activity in casa Strachan over the last day or two. Activities such as weekly shopping for provisions, watching the rugby league World Cup final on TV and writing a parody gig review titled Selsey Bill or Bracklesham Bay, Love? , being my sole accomplishments in the last 36 hours or so. I suppose I did make Saturday's evening... Continue Reading →
The overwhelming feelings of anger and frustration I felt between my father's passing and his funeral thankfully abated last week. I'm unsure what the catalyst was for this new found tranquillity, but it feels like my old man is perched on my shoulder advocating "Calm down, Gary! Anger is a futile emotion...... Oh, and can you put the Irish Lottery... Continue Reading →
I'm unable to visit my dad in the hospice with the rest of the family until this afternoon. The consequence of Karma, in her infinite wisdom, decreeing my past misdemeanours warrant a current existence of two close family members with incurable illness. I'm unsure what's caused Karma's wrath, but I'm beginning to regret stealing segments of my brother's Terrys... Continue Reading →