April Afloat
It’s been a very busy couple of weeks. We now have our beautiful Border Collie puppy April Blue and she has really injected all of our lives with lots of energy. (Sorry Bailey.) She’s exceptionally good natured and has stolen everybody’s hearts already. She’s a Blue Merle, which is quite an unusual colouring and lots of Italians we’ve met have asked me if she’s a … Continue reading April Afloat
One week today we’re bringing a puppy home!
I’m so excited I think I might burst! This time next week we will have just brought April Blue, our new Border Collie puppy, home and she’ll be running around the house. I can’t wait! I’m a little bit nervous about how Bailey will react, but he’s met dogs in the past and he’s very playful, so fingers crossed they will get along soon. He … Continue reading One week today we’re bringing a puppy home!
Moving and settling in
Sorry I’ve been off the radar for a while. We’ve sadly moved off the boat in Rome, due to work commitments, and moved into a beautiful house beside Lake Maggiore, near Milan. We moved at the beginning of April and we’re finally starting to settle in. Although I’m sorely missing the boat, I’m also enjoying the perks of living on land. The main plus is … Continue reading Moving and settling in
Getting into a writing routine
I think I’m finally getting myself organised and getting into a bit of a routine. I use ‘routine’ loosely since it doesn’t really feature in our lives aboard Nocturne, but I’m writing consistently, everyday. I’m finally following Bailey Boat Cat’s example! The last few months have been quite busy with travelling to Vietnam and Dubai (blogs about our travels to follow) and starting my Masters. … Continue reading Getting into a writing routine
Officially a student again!
Well, last night I started an MA in Professional Writing and I’m now officially a student again! I’m very excited about the course and also a little nervous, but butterflies are a good thing…right? There’s already lots of reading to be done, but luckily the first tasks haven’t flummoxed me, so far! I’m a world class procrastinator, so I’m trying to be mindful of actually … Continue reading Officially a student again!
Why you should never judge a book by its cover… or its first publication date!
One of the suggested reading books for the MA in Professional Writing was a book titled ‘Becoming a Writer’ by Dorothea Brande. It was first published in 1934 and Brande refers to using a typewriter throughout. I am now embarrassed to admit that when I started the book, after seeing the first publication date, I was not looking forward to it, assuming that it would … Continue reading Why you should never judge a book by its cover… or its first publication date!
New Year…New Hopes, New Motivation!
Happy New Year Everyone! I love the festive period. In the past month I’ve over indulged in food, wine, giving presents, receiving presents and I’m very thankful to be in a position to be able to do so. I’ve loved all of it however, there’s something really satisfying about stopping all the excesses and starting afresh on the first of January. Although statistically most New … Continue reading New Year…New Hopes, New Motivation!
Book review: Shanti and the Magic Mandala by F. T. Camargo
Book Blurb: Shanti and the Magic Mandala is an adventure in which fantasy and reality are mingled. The book tells the story of six teenagers, from different religious and cultural origins and different parts of the world, who are mystically recruited to form two groups – one in the Northern Hemisphere, and one in the Southern. They eventually gather in Peru, and through a single … Continue reading Book review: Shanti and the Magic Mandala by F. T. Camargo
A bibliophile’s dilemma
When you start a book expecting to enjoy it and it just doesn’t capture your imagination, it’s a bibliophile’s dilemma. Do you finish it? With the exception of set books we’re obliged to read for study or work, I think we all tend to start books we think we’ll enjoy. What happens when you really don’t like the book at all? When the thought of … Continue reading A bibliophile’s dilemma
A Refugee
I hope you’re comfortable, As you sit, in the safety of your home. I hope you’ll never really understand my situation, Desperate and alone. I walk with thousands, Yet I’m unseen. I hope you’re happy, As you tuck your children into bed. I hope your child is never frightened, Like mine is, as we push on ahead. We search for safety, Yet we’re not seen. … Continue reading A Refugee
Sailing Titanium 