The washing machine sloshes with a dim, somnolent hum, but that's not it. My heart pumps, blood also sloshes: if I close an ear, I can hear it. That's not it either. I draw breath, try to breathe the light, breathe out the darkness: is this it? Getting closer. Time spent in meditation is time... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #47: Vanganel Reservoir
In 1964, the Bavski Potok river was dammed to prevent it from flooding, creating the Vanganel Reservoir, which is a peaceful and secluded spot popular with fly fishers, just outside of Koper. You can park at the village of Vanganel and take a short walk through the woods to come up on the dramatic wall... Continue Reading →
Sonnet Sunday announcement: Mayday!
Next weekend marks the start of the May Day bank holiday in the UK, while in other parts of the world we celebrate International Workers' Day or Labour Day. In honour of this, and in recognition of the emergency on planet earth, I will be holding a Sonnet Sunday on 2 May on the theme... Continue Reading →
My Review of ‘Infinite World’ by Rishika Jain
I have just had the pleasure of reading this short poetry collection by Rishika Jain of The Ethereal Unicorn. Rishika is 13 years old and has already ventured into the publishing world with this new book, a poetic celebration of her love of nature. The impression I came away with after finishing the book was... Continue Reading →
I’m a pest #poetry #dVerse
I’m a pest, I’m a pest, anapestically speakingfor I rhyme every timewithout pausing or breaking each monotonous linewith a flick of the keys:I can drone on for hourswriting stanzas like these; but I like a good metrethat’s as firm as it’s strongand as swiftly rememberedas your best-hated song; so will someone please stop mebefore I’m sent... Continue Reading →
Experiments in Taste #9: Jan’s Vegetable Curry
My husband Jan is the real chef of the family. And sometimes he is kind enough to cook a vegetarian meal for me, despite the fact that he's a dedicated carnivore! Here's a delicious recipe for a curry he made at the weekend: Ingredients 8 cloves garlic (same quantity as ginger)Root ginger, same weight as... Continue Reading →
‘At Liberty’ revisited for #TopTweetTuesday
At liberty for the first time in my life:free to just drive and driveor dive into the sea; to live without fearno longer to carehow harshly you judge me. At libertyto stand alone upon a mountain top:I'll stand beside you should you careto join me but I do not fearto go my own way. At libertyfor the... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #46: Slavnik, 1028m
Also known as Istrski Triglav, 'The Istrian Triglav,' Slavnik is the highest mountain in Slovenia's Primorska region. Though it is significantly lower than Triglav (Slovenia's highest mountain, 2863m), it affords stunning views over the Istrian coast, and to Triglav itself on a clear day. It is a suitable objective for a family hike as it... Continue Reading →
The Quarantine Diaries #44: Letting Go
Sometimes I have trouble letting go. Whether it's a fixed idea, an obsession, or my feelings about a particular person or thing. Without the ability to let go, however, there can be little peace of mind or spiritual progress in life. So I'm actively (or should that be 'passively'?) learning to let go when I... Continue Reading →
Experiments in Taste #8: Pasta Veganese!
In Britain, 'Spaghetti Bolognese' is a very popular dish, though I believe in Bologna it is more common to serve ragù with tagliatelle. I'm used to making ragù with minced meat and pancetta, but since I cut out meat from my diet, I've been looking for a lower-carbon-footprint, vegan-friendly alternative. My friend Annette gave me... Continue Reading →