Ash Wednesday thoughts

I had fifteen minutes to spare, so I bought a flaky almond pastry-pretzel from the bakery and then walked 100m up the small street so that I could stand in the sunshine. The pavements were all white from the salt the city has been throwing down each night to stop us from sliding to and…

A better Valentine – She Loves Well

Valentine’s Day has never been a holiday that was important to me. Sure, as a teenager, I hoped upon hope that the boy I fancied would suddenly this year realise that I was the girl of his dreams and shower me with roses, chocolates and hand-made cards – preferably in front of the rest of…

on owning my gifts

Saturday evening found me standing in my study, going through my sermon one last time for the next morning. I’d put a big pile of food and interior design magazines on top of my desk, hoisted my cookbook stand from the kitchen on top of them to create a makeshift lectern to practise with. It…

Thankful Tuesday

(I typed this up yesterday afternoon and then didn’t have a chance to finish it before bed. But it’s never too late to be thankful, so here it is…) I am thankful. For a long lunch with a woman who encourages me and understands me and helps me understand myself. For the chore of going…

on my one word for 2013

Brave had such a profound impact on me during 2013, that is was nearly a given that I’d choose to repeat this new practise – choose a word, just one word, that I can anchor myself around this year, that will orient my steps and my thoughts and my decisions. I like lists too. A…