It would be so easy to write a lovely post about the community of the Silent Book Club in Stourbridge, but I’ll start with… What is a Silent Book Club? Ok, it’s a place where a group of people meet in person every few weeks, socialise, and then sit silently (nearly) and read whatever book […]
Silent Book Club Stourbridge Read More »
There are things in this blog that my daughters don’t need to read. However, I feel I need to thank them and the wisdom they shared while finding themselves in the world. Because of them, I have found new ways to look at myself and everything. I hope they have found at least some of
Sexuality, ED and healing Read More »
Note: Writing this blog or reverse diary makes me realise I’ve never reflected much on what I’ve lived through and usually only through storytelling to others. I’m not writing it in any order, one memory triggers another, but I will share I am crying right now, as I write this bit, and I have no
1976 – The Social worker, the Consultant and the Brain Tumour Read More »
As I write this disclaimer, I wonder if I’ll ever click publish on this very personal article, one of the hardest I’ve written. It was the beginning of self-loathing, ultimately leading to isolation, esteem issues and depression later in life. The details I’ll be going into below are personal and sometimes graphic. Those who know
1977 – Circumcision and Trauma Read More »
Once upon a time, I was in a Beatles tribute band called the Moondog Beatles. During my 4 years in the band, there were a lot of stories to tell, good and bad, but this is by far the most indelible. It may be a funny story now, but at the time, it was a
1998 – Up Around the Mountain – a band story Read More »
For some reason, I like the idea of my 60th birthday being a re-invention or day one of this third of my life. Not sure how much sense this will make, but as the world seems to be a cross between Monty Python and a Nightmare on Elm Street at the moment, I’m not sure
10/07/25 – Day one of year one (I’ll explain below) Read More »
I’m not here to judge or advise, I’ve been here and stepped back from it. People often refer to it as being in a dark place in literature. I had a different experience, and I’m sure mine is not unique. It was a long time ago, my early 40s, and I no longer have these
Suicide is not Painless or Cowardly Read More »
When I was 9, Mom managed to get a job cleaning a few hours a night, a couple of nights a week. It was a rare period during her illness when she was doing better, and, of course, the money was welcome as we were on benefits which covered the bare essentials, so this would
1974 – Fire on the 11th Floor Read More »
My mom loved me, I just wanted to state that. I was a difficult kid, hyper, high on coffee, never slept (see coffee) but she was a single mom and with no support. In no way do I condone striking, hitting or any other kind of physical act towards children or anyone else for that
1969 – Mom and my first scar Read More »
I was 4 years old and standing by the window in the living room next to the black-and-white TV. I’m pointing at the moon in the sky trying desperately to see the moon lander, squinting and asking my mom why I can’t see it, well I was 4! Ok, so I started at the end
1969 – The moon landing Read More »