It’s early afternoon. I’m sitting at my desk, in my office on the first floor of my home. My brain feels chaotic. So many thoughts, but no coherent ones. Each thought spins off into the wind, like the tails of a kite. Then I remember my Yin yoga class this morning. During the end meditation…
DUTCH WITH AN ENGLISH ACCENT “Do you speak Dutch?” is usually the first question I am asked when I am back in England (invariably visiting family), and someone finds out I live in The Netherlands. The answer is “yes, I do. But with a very English accent”. The title of a book about my life…
SEARCHING FOR KATHLEEN My older sister recently did some work on investigating the family tree, with the help of a very knowledgeable lady she met whilst walking the dog in the charming, English village where my mother lives. Such is the way with English villages – you never know who you are going to bump…
FACING THE SUN The coming weekend (1st and 2nd February) is Imbolc, a Celtic tradition that is celebrated midway between the winter solstice (the shortest day) and the spring equinox (when day and night are equal). Although it does not necessarily feel like it, it is a reminder that winter is nearing its end, that…
BLEND UNTIL SMOOTH Some thoughts on forming a blended family I am a member of two blended families. One my mother and stepfather created with their children, and one my husband and I created with our children. I was 16 when my mother and stepfather got together. I liked my stepfather until he moved in…