Be careful in whose footsteps you tread

I’m happily married and will celebrate twelve years of marriage this year. When my husband proposed near Beachy Head in Sussex, he was surprised at the detail of our conversation as we walked back to the car. I already had ‘thoughts’ about how the wedding might go. I was quite surprised myself. Very wisely, weContinue reading “Be careful in whose footsteps you tread”

Awaking the power of self-publishing

As a self-published author, I know that getting a book out there in the world can be challenging. So I’m always thankful when other authors take the time to share their hints and tips. Rudi Muchoko tells us that in Awakening the Power of Self-Publishing you’ll discover: The importance of building an author brand andContinue reading “Awaking the power of self-publishing”

Strong Female Character

It’s my stop on the blog tour for Strong Female Character by comedian Fern Brady, known for her recent Taskmaster appearance and no-nonsense Scottish humour. She has written an open and honest memoir about growing up and not knowing she is autistic but knowing she is very different from others. She is kicked out ofContinue reading “Strong Female Character”

My February Reads

This month I have started lots of books, but not finished very many! It’s a terrible trait to have half-finished books scattered around the house. Book of The Month – Fifty Words For Snow by Nancy Campbell ***** This was a lovely read, the kind of book which you can read in one go orContinue reading “My February Reads”

My January Reads (2022)

I am an avid reader and normally have at least three or four books on the go. My desire to read non-fiction continues! Here is a round-up of my January reads. You can see all my reviews on my Good Reads page. Non-fiction MY BOOK OF THE MONTH is Sixteen Days by Victoria Wilson-Crane .Continue reading “My January Reads (2022)”

The danger of a wine o’clock culture

Boris Johnson has been called out for many things in the last few years but the one I feel compelled to comment on is the drinking culture he has either personally driven, or at the very least encouraged, at number ten. If you have read The Cactus Surgeon you will know that I used toContinue reading “The danger of a wine o’clock culture”

Recommendations for The Cactus Surgeon

I’ve been extremely grateful for the wonderful reviews readers have shared with me, and here are just some of my favourites: ***** A lovely book with some important messages about living well, a cracking read. I enjoyed this book a lot and read it in a very short time as it really pulled me in.Continue reading “Recommendations for The Cactus Surgeon”

Connections, Covid and Christmas lights

I travelled to Houston, Texas with my husband and daughter for Christmas, to stay with my husband’s auntie. We booked tickets before the Omicron variant emerged. In the week before we left, we were indecisive. Should we go? Sentences starting with ‘what if..’ endlessly ran through my mind and filled me with doubt. We veryContinue reading “Connections, Covid and Christmas lights”

A bad mental health day can sneak up on you

I have climbed the peaks and troughs of mental health over the years. I have had depression and beaten it. I pride myself on the proactive strategies I take to keep mentally well. Two weeks ago I felt happy, energised and well. So, imagine my surprise when on Sunday and Monday last week I feltContinue reading “A bad mental health day can sneak up on you”

How do you beat Autumn fatigue?

Autumn can be a difficult time of year if you are living in the Northern hemisphere. The nights draw in, temperatures drop and some days it feels like maybe the sun has disappeared forever. I recently asked the members of my Cactus Surgeon Group how they combat seasonal affective disorder, and general low mood, inContinue reading “How do you beat Autumn fatigue?”