It was the same villageThe same hotel andThe same meal (sausage and chips)But she wasn’t there: Had I been trying to bring her back? I wonder now as I think backI can’t even remember how old I wasNo more than ten or elevenShe died when I was eight Drowned in the riverThe same river of... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #18: The Seven Lakes of Triglav
Today, I'm going to tell you about a true mountain paradise within the Julian Alps of Slovenia, and also describe one of the routes which you can use to reach it. I hope you enjoy our trip to the Seven Lakes of Triglav! The Seven Lakes The Seven Lakes Valley close to the Koča pri... Continue Reading →
Shattered – A new #poem #published
Today, I am honoured to announce the publication of two of my poems, 'Shattered' and 'The Last Best Pisstake' in the anthology BeautiFUl Ways to Say... This anthology was compiled and edited by Katie Elizabeth, and is available from Amazon. All proceeds will go towards helping victims of domestic violence. I am very proud to... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #17: The Ljubljanica River
The Ljubljanica is Ljubljana's main watercourse, flowing right through the heart of the Old Town, and attracting many tourists to its riverside terraces and iconic bridges. It has a rich history and a delightful setting, making it an unforgettable part of any trip to Ljubljana. Today, we take a trip down the river. History of... Continue Reading →
Award Nominations!
I am very honoured to have received two award nominations this week: The Original Outstanding Blogger Award by Jaya Avendel of Nin Chronicles and my second Liebster Award by Rishika Kakar of Whimsical Wordsmith. Thanks to both of you for these nominations. Jaya is a published poet and writes wonderful poetry and flash fiction. She... Continue Reading →
EIF Poetry Challenge #2: The Results!
I am happy to say I've had some interesting responses to, and interpretations of, this week's challenge. I loved the way that poets came up with new ideas of translation, from translating well-known poems into a local dialect of English, to sign-language recordings of poems and songs synced to poetry readings and song lyrics. Thank... Continue Reading →
The Friendly Face of Death: Flash Fiction
I was walking across town the other day when I saw him standing in a field on the outskirts: an old man, skin turned swarthy by decades-long exposure to the sun, sharpening his scythe. He turned and grinned a friendly, welcoming grin: he was waving to his neighbour across the road. Had it not been... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #16 Hrastovlje Church
The town of Hrastovlje is nestled within the karst landscape of southern Slovenia, amidst hillsides clothed with lush mediterranean vegetation. And on the outskirts of the town stands a fortified church dating from the 13th Century A.D. Though from the outside it appears rugged and weather-worn, the interior is a treasure-house of early Renaissance ecclesiastical... Continue Reading →
Lessons learned in one year sober
Today I'm celebrating one year without drinking alcohol. One whole year's sobriety. People who knew me before might never have believed that. I might never have believed that. But the truth is, since having kids, I'd always wanted to get sober, and previously I'd even managed it for months at a time. But this time... Continue Reading →
10 things I miss about Spain (And 10 things I don’t)
Today, I'm starting a new series; 'Reflections.' I miss this side of 'The Quarantine Diaries' now that they are over: the reflections on life, lessons learned, personal growth and development, etc. I find this kind of writing very therapeutic, and I hope there is something beneficial to you in these reflections. Please let me know... Continue Reading →