Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
To distract me from gawping at the hypnotic sight of settling snow flurries outside, I've been watching a few minutes of a dog psychic on breakfast TV. As a sceptic of human beings being able to telepathically connect with canines, apart from Bob Carolgees & Spit the Dog, I commenced the viewing with an unhealthy... Continue Reading →
Yesterday lunchtime our modest abode in east Leeds was graced by the presence of Mrs Strachan senior. Lured by a roast beef dinner and the entertaining anecdotes of her eldest child (cough, cough), the Yorkshire lass was in decent spirits as she tucking into a plateful of Sunday fare. A fact no doubt helped by... Continue Reading →
Scene - It's Saturday 19th December 2015. In a north Leeds social club, two men over 40 (that's years old, not pints downed) are stood with a crowd of around 100+ people awaiting a music gig commencement. The younger of the two, is in the midst of a home bathroom drama so bad he's got his own theme tune. Despite his renovation disenchantment,... Continue Reading →
Later this evening, I'm headed out to watch the alternative rock band Shed Seven, who are performing at the Leeds O2 Academy. Hopefully, it'll turn out to be as entertaining as last years pre-Christmas performance I witnessed from the York band. A night that led to me journaling the following parody review:- I ventured out to see... 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 →
Yesterday, I ventured on a short car trip to a local retail park. It was a frustrating journey, the type of which is never witnessed in the Utopian drives portrayed on car commercials. This was no sun-filled, carefree drive at the wheel of the only automobile on a picturesque Alpine road. A journey where I’d pass shepherds and milk maids in... Continue Reading →
Chestnuts roasting on a open fire Jack Frost nipping at your nose Yuletide songs being sung by a choir Folks dressed up like Eskimos. Just a few of this morning's distractions to my literary flow. Attempting to write a narrative when someone's nipping your nose, not to mention enduring the tuneless cacophony of a choir outside, was quite a challenge....... I probably... Continue Reading →
As a part of cricket playing recollections in my teens/early twenties at Gateshead Fell, today I'm moved to pen vague memories from club cricket tearooms. A domain that for generations has been predominantly the domicile of cricketer's wives, mums and girlfriends. Warm-hearted volunteers giving up their summer Saturday afternoons, ensuring the teams/crowd are provided with sustenance, a warm smile and the occasional rollocking for the unhygienic... Continue Reading →
The Australian national anthem is blasting out in the corner of the living room as I commence this literary portrayal. To clarify, the playing of Advance Australia Fair isn't a precondition of me writing a blog, it resonates around my living room as a proviso to the England v Australia rugby international that is playing out on my TV.... Continue Reading →