I was on the train last night talking to some friends and we got on the subject of what we were going to do for Christmas. We told each other where we would be and which family members we would be hanging around with over the holidays and I began to describe my nieces and... Continue Reading →
Writing Prompt:The Hardest Word
Apparently, the word most people find hardest to say to someone is "NO". I'm not sure I agree with this, but it's an interesting idea. Personally, there are about a dozen words I find harder. I find telling someone they're wrong harder than refusing them something. If you had to pick one word that you... Continue Reading →
Writing Prompt: In what order?
It's interesting to see how people make decisions. I just had a conversation with someone and they asked me the following question... "Imagine a scenario where you are in the house alone. The following things occur at the same time: Someone starts pounding at the door. The phone rings You realise the tap is running... Continue Reading →
Writing Promopt: “All change here, all change…”
That is what the train conductor says when the train terminates and it's time to get off. There are times when I hear those words and I think they're a metaphor for something else. For instance, is the universe trying to tell me that it's time to change, to jump off this train and catch... Continue Reading →
Memoir: Mom and Grace
It started at around 2am. I had already been asleep for several hours when she came into my room to wake me. Tugging gently at my warm wool blanket, she bounced lightly on the bed while I struggled to understand what she was saying. No matter how often it happened, I was always startled.... Continue Reading →
Writing Prompt: On the Road (Edinburgh to London)
I'm no Jack Kerouac. My journeys are not necessarily about self discovery, but I do find myself travelling quite a lot these days. I'm on a train heading into work for my weekly commute from Scotland to London. (I know...right!?) However this is going to be a particularly tough week. I'll be visiting Vienna, Oslo,... Continue Reading →
Writing Prompt: Sibling Rivalry
My brother is the benchmark. I've been fortunate enough throughout my life to know what it is to love someone unconditionally and have a tiny green demon in my heart at the same time. He's one of those rare people who has always known what he wanted to do. Every step pulled him closer and... Continue Reading →
Writing Prompt: Flat Battery
This one is about speed and urgency. Try this. Imagine it is your last remaining minutes on earth, your laptop battery is about to die and you have 10 minutes with which to say your final words. What would you want people to find? What do you want to leave behind? We talk and talk... Continue Reading →
Writing Prompt: The Empty Office
You're sat at your desk in an open plan office. Your colleagues are gone. The cleaners have mopped the floors and loaded the dishwasher. It's raining outside. You're surfing the net trying to motivate yourself to get finished with your work so you can go home, but you can't face the walk in the weather.... Continue Reading →
Writing Prompt: Sick Puppy
For the past four days I have scarcely left my room. I've been dropping weight and although I'm liking the way my clothes are fitting a bit better, I don't like the general lack of energy or inspiration beyond channel surfing and petting my cat. So, when you're feeling under the weather and a bit... Continue Reading →
