Tasty writing surprises (non-fattening!)
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I first became aware of the nature writing of John Lewis-Stempel when he was one of the curators of an exhibition at Wordsworth House in Cockermouth. Since then I have read and enjoyed a number of his books, which I borrowed from the local library. I have written a few blog posts here and on... Continue reading →
Recently WordPress began to notify bloggers if we had any posts from the same date in earlier years. Having three blogs, the first of which (Sue’s considered trifles) was started in July 2012, I receive notifications every day of at least one post, sometimes as many as five. It is obvious if these are photo... Continue reading →
It’s All About the Light is Joanna Watson’s second book, which I preordered from her website. It was published by Malcolm Down Publishing in May 2026. I reviewed her first book Light through the Cracks here.* Like Joanna Watson’s first book, Light through the Cracks has two straplines: Finding God in tough times and Six... Continue reading →
For the August poetry challenge Rebecca Cuningham is asking for a haiku about a surprise in nature. The challenge ends on 2nd August. Despite a heatwavea large damp amphibianappeared by my feet The background to this poem is that I was surprised earlier this month (July 2026) when a frog jumped onto the grass as... Continue reading →
I received a paperback copy of Who Leads the Church? Biblical reflections on church power struggles from the author with no obligation to write a review. The blurb Who really leads the church–Christ, or those who seek power and pre-eminence? In this searching and deeply biblical book, Alan Pallister explores the mysterious figure of Diotrephes... Continue reading →
Farewell Fifteen: Growing up is weird is a stand-alone YA novel, which is also the third in the Mullins Family Saga. The intended readership of the first two books is adults, particularly women who will also enjoy Farewell Fifteen. The earlier books by the late Mari Howard were Baby, Baby and The Labyrinth Year. Links... Continue reading →
My tenor recorder has a case which allows it to be stored fully assembled. I have never found this convenient as it doesn’t fit conveniently into a small rucksack or shopping bag. As I have recently begun playing it again after a break of several years, it occurred to me that I could make a... Continue reading →
For several years I have taken part in a social media challenge about wildflowers in bloom. The challenge is supported by the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. Initially I posted my finds on Twitter (later X), but since leaving X, I have moved to Bluesky and Threads. For this week’s challenge I have so... Continue reading →
Rebecca Cuningham writes:- As May slips away, let’s set a date in June to turn in our next poems. Your challenge is to write a haibun about a mistake or an imperfect moment. Rated G, please. The prose section can be up to 40 words and the poem is a haiku which is non-rhyming. Due... Continue reading →
Home Bird is the sequel to Cuckoo in the Nest, which I read and reviewed earlier. I was alerted by Fran Hill’s author newsletter that Home Bird was on special offer on Kindle, so I read it on my laptop over a few days. About three years have passed since the end of Cuckoo in... Continue reading →
