I’ve seen a few posts on social media recently about the language surrounding cancer, questioning why it evokes so much talk of conflict? The posts really struck a chord with me. Anyone diagnosed with cancer is encouraged to be and often referred to as, a fighter, labelled strong and courageous. This is of course well-meaning […]
One of my poems, ‘Bedside’ has been included in a new and very special anthology published by Sidhe Press. It’s a collection of poems about dementia, a subject very close to my heart. I wrote the poem about my Mum, who was sadly diagnosed with this condition a few years ago and is now in […]
I used to think mindfulness was about living in the moment and enjoying the beauty of nature – I do a lot of that and it’s wonderful! But mindfulness is so much more than just meditation and stillness… it’s also, observing and accepting our emotions, including the ones we wish we didn’t feel. People sometimes […]
I’ve discovered I really like writing Haiku. I’ve found them a great distraction these last few weeks. I love playing with words and although Haiku are relatively simple in form, their structure requires as much creative thought as any regular poem. Usually Haiku relate to emotions or seasons, often focused in nature, which appeals to […]
Writing is so much more than a creative outlet, it’s cathartic too. The mere act of writing it all down can help us navigate the storm of turbulent emotions that often rages when we go through traumatic times. I struggled to write about my experiences when I was being treated for breast cancer last year; […]
Some more poems, mostly written during Covid-19 quarantine, whilst I have been ‘shielding’ from coronavirus. Life certainly has a way of coming at us – and I was thinking this year would be a bit calmer! I’ve never known anything quite like this, I don’t think any of us have, hopefully we never will again. […]
I’ve been inspired by the Forestry Commission’s ongoing celebration of their centenary to join in the nationwide ‘Tribute to Trees’ and pen a poem about the healing nature of woodland. We have so many beautiful spots here in Northumberland and I’m often to be found treading through leaves and talking to trees! Woods are so therapeutic. In […]