Whispers and Wanderings

Thoughts on Grief, Hope, and the Seasons We Carry The sun crosses the equator at 1:05 am on 23 September 2026, bringing a fleeting moment of balance between day and night. (thanks Google).  For those of us living north of that invisible line, astronomical autumn will arrive, encouraging us to get out our jumpers and fluffy socks and whispering in our ear “Right then, snuggle up, let’s get cosy.” The Autumn Equinox is often a moment which passes me by unnoticed, but this time it seems determined to bring the year into perspective.  I usually save this kind of reflection for New Year’s Eve, when I’m armed with a glass of the red stuff and a list of unrealistic resolutions - usually to do with weight loss and doing more exercise. But, just lately, I’ve been living in my own private equinox.  My own inner seasons have been shifting and I find that I am looking back at everything that has passed while trying to imagine what the next chapter might hold for me. As many of you wh...

I wheel out my mower beneath the sky, As small puffy clouds glide gently by. My lawn is small, not much to do, Just a few grassy lengths to push through. The motor hums; the world disappears, And I forget my night-time fears. The cut green grass breathes out its scent, And somehow all my cares are spent. Then comes the breeze, with naught to say, It kisses my skin, takes my worries away. Brushing my arms, and through my hair, A cool, clean current everywhere. It lifts the weariness from me, And leaves me lighter, glad and free. For just a moment, in that breeze, I feel much better; more at ease. The leaves whisper softly overhead, Reminding me of words unsaid. I guide the mower, turn once more, The same small patch I’ve mown before. At last I switch the engine off, And with one final whirring cough. The lawn lies neat, the air is clear, And all my cares just disappear.  It’s only grass, and summer air, Yet somehow peace has found me there. I wind the cable, put the mower away, Then...

This poem was inspired by a brief getaway to Flaxton with my sister and brother-in-law. It was a longer journey than anticipated, the motorway was busy with holiday makers, roadworks and heavy goods vehicles, so on arrival we just sat relaxing outside the caravan observing the comings and goings on site. Glass of wine in hand, Helen and I talked as Phil dozed in the heat of the afternoon. As I watched the clouds sailing slowly through the sky, I spotted one that looked exactly like a single, perfect snow white feather.  As I pointed it out to Helen, my mind drifted back to childhood. To Mum telling us that some people believe a white feather to be message sent from heaven or a message of comfort and of hope. Readers of my writing will know that Mum died a number of years ago, but with Dad having just left us, the sight of that feather felt less like a coincidence and more like a reminder of them both - perhaps a message that we are never truly alone. We sat beneath the Yorkshire sk...

Benidorm was never on my wish list of places to visit. But after Dad’s passing this year, everything changed. When Helen and Phil decided to join Dawn and Chris on their annual holiday, they invited me to tag along. Somehow, I knew I needed to be a part of it. The generation above us has disappeared. With no one left to call Mum or Dad, the three of us have suddenly become the older generation. It’s a profound realisation - one that makes you look at your family and realise how easily you can drift apart if you don't make the effort to stay close. So this holiday became our way of doing exactly that.  It wasn't a pilgrimage. It wasn't especially sentimental. It was just five people who have known one another for decades deciding to spend a week together. To laugh, to remember and to make new memories. I arrived as the only single traveller, dubious of our destination and determined not to get in the way of my sisters' enjoyment by being the gooseberry. I needn't hav...

MIRAGE Hair and Beauty   There's a little shop in Euxton, Just on Runshaw Lane. I visit at the weekend, And I'm always glad I came. There's Sarah, Brooke and Hannah, And Charlotte, bright as day. With smiling faces, caring hands, They always find a way. There's music, laughter, friendly chat, Fresh coffee, biscuits too. A place where you feel welcome, The moment you walk through. With colours, cuts and styling, Bleach, waxing, nails with care, A little touch of pampering, And kindness everywhere. You leave feeling refreshed, renewed, With confidence unfurled. A brighter heart, a lighter step, Ready to face the world. I love my little visits, Each one a special treat. You leave with brighter hair, perhaps, But lighter on your feet.

Recently, my son Martin picked me up so we could go for a coffee and to catch up on the weeks events. As I settled into my seat, I noticed that we had another passenger. Sitting behind him was an old brown teddy bear, which he immediately gave me to hold. During our journey, Martin spoke animatedly about his latest acquisition, referring to it as a "Blitz Bear." I had never heard this phrase before but Martin went on to explain its provenance.  The bear had been reconditioned, it had no identifying label, but judging by his shape, coarse coat, and fixed limbs and head, it is thought to be 90 - 100 years old. What seemed like a simple toy immediately became much more interesting as Martin shared the story behind it. Martin has a keen interest in aviation and wartime history. Through his popular Instagram page, " flying_with_martin ", he regularly shares photographs, research, and stories from the world of historic aviation with a large and enthusiastic following. Our...