Christmas LightsMichelle carried the ladder, which was not as heavy as Andrew had always made out, down the side path. She steadied it against the wall and…Mar 21, 2023Mar 21, 2023
I was surprised at how much I wanted to celebrate 50At 21 I was too clueless, 30 too bridal, 40 too distraught, but 50 — oh yeah.Jul 1, 20211Jul 1, 20211
Left out in the coal‘Moscow’ Mike Brunker got the nickname that would stick for life as an 18-year-old apprentice diesel fitter, when he was selected to go to…Dec 15, 2020Dec 15, 2020
Welcome to the worldWhen my son was born 18 years ago, it was compulsory for every single well-wisher to say: ‘Enjoy every moment! It goes so fast!’ I hated…Jul 26, 2020Jul 26, 2020
Gemini twinsI thought I’d write something sad but uplifting about life with a heroin addict brother. But not even time heals all wounds.Jun 14, 2020Jun 14, 2020
Published inHuman PartsHe Called It Love, But It Was a CrimeAt 14, I found myself in a “relationship” with a 31-year-old manMar 7, 201988Mar 7, 201988
‘Am I a dreadful mother?’ and other holiday Google searchesHaving my kids stand on the rim of an active volcano had been my idea, but I was rapidly losing confidence it was a good one. After a…Jul 29, 2017Jul 29, 2017
Love, loss and beanies: a half-baked pilgrimageThousand-year-old Buddhist enclave perched on a mountain-top. Temples. Shrines. Steep cable-car. Living tradition. I was hooked as soon as…May 21, 2016May 21, 2016
Walking with bear bellsThere were a few things I was worried about after booking a self-guided walking tour along Japan’s Nakasendo Way.Apr 15, 2016Apr 15, 2016
Bromo: notes from a volcanoSo when I told my friends I was going to climb a volcano, it turns out I was overstating the ‘climb’ part.Oct 16, 2015Oct 16, 2015
