All the (Olympic) Bells
The Olympics are coming! Sure. You are skeptical of my enthusiasm. I get it. There has been much criticism, confusion and downright buffoonery in the lead up the games. I mean, a rights monopoly on all potato-based sticks in the area is a very odd battle ground no matter where you live. And drivers getting … Continue reading
The Virgin Money Lounge
I sometimes wonder if Richard Branson is the UK’s very own Donald Trump, admittedly with a savvy, edgier, Baby Boomer vibe. The red lacquered signage has splashed its way into almost every major industry. It is an Empire. Of records, and books, and phones, and cable tv – including the long-awaited UK launch of TiVo. … Continue reading
Things I Love
It’s raining cats and dogs. Again. They say it’s the worst summer on record (and the Queen’s Garden Party was definitely a damp squib). The wet weather has drowned a large portion of puffin hatchlings, wiped out the breeding season for the already struggling butterfly population, and hit farmers hard. The season of bounty this … Continue reading
Dandelions
Once, a friend an I were talking about flowers. “You’re a dandelion.” At the time I wasn’t sure how to take this remark. Dandelions are incessant, unwanted weeds which stain your clothes and plague Suburbanites the world over. On reflection, however, dandelions persevere in the most unlikely of situations. Their delicate, downy heads may seem … Continue reading
I Capture the Castle
This is one of those books I’ve always meant to read. Working in a children’s bookshop once upon a time, it was a go-to favourite for many of my colleagues. In the world of British kids lit it’s legendary, and I believe it is the sort of coming-of-age novel that’s as valuable and valid at … Continue reading
Happy Birthday, America
I stand in my kitchen, stirring fresh lemonade with a wooden spoon. I sing cheesy Americana anthems in my acoustically perfect bathroom. I read State by State and remember the smells of home and the dusty charms of the Midwest. Maybe you make flag-themed foods. Or opt into a pick-up game. … Continue reading
Digital Storytelling (Amb:IT:ion)
Amb:IT:ion is dedicated to enabling, inspiring, and implementing digital creativity in Scotland. From workshops to funding streams, the initiative aims to support arts and cultural bodies to make the most of their digital presence, and think outside the box to be competitive and creative in their digital strategies. One of their recent activities explored Digital … Continue reading
“Uh-oh. This is bad, bad, bad, bad, bad…”
When I was 5, my mom’s sister came to visit. My mom was so excited. I think they talked non-stop for days. “Take your sister and go play upstairs” my mom ordered. I guess they were talking about grown-up things. On this less than inspiring afternoon, we rummaged in the art supplies. Did you ever … Continue reading
Monster Cookies
Let’s be honest. I am no food blogger. I am too excited about eating my concoctions to stop and take nice photos. As curses go, it could be much worse. BUT, today, despite their hideousness, I feel compelled to share my latest baking adventure. After all, it’s okay if Monster cookies are a little, well, … Continue reading
Serendipity
Today I do not want to be chained to my laptop. I definitely don’t want to be sitting in my cold, damp, North-facing front room to work on budgets and research proposals. I want sunshine and laughter and a day off. But work is work, and deadlines are deadlines, so, I create a makeshift desk from … Continue reading
Que Sera Sara? 