Author Archives: Sherri Matthews

About Sherri Matthews

Once upon a time, Sherri emigrated from her native England to America and stayed for twenty years, raising her three children in California. Today, she lives in England's West Country with her family, shepherded by two little black cats. Always home, forever homesick.

Sanctuary in Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei

Posted on November 15, 2015 by Sherri Matthews

There is a tiny village in Normandy called Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei that is so charming, it is known officially as a ‘Most Beautiful Village of France’. It was a privilige to spend my birthday afternoon there in September with my family ~ … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Affairs, Grief, Travel | Tagged Art, France, Grief, HIstory, hope, Miracles, Paris, Peace, Prayer, Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei, Sanctuary, travel | 92 Comments

In Which The Story Changes

Posted on November 6, 2015 by Sherri Matthews

I found the words one day as I walked. These words: ‘Stranger In A White Dress.’ The title of my memoir. But as I climbed high above the sea, I found something more: I found strength. And I realised that … Continue reading →

Posted in My Dad's Alcoholic Prison, Travel, Weekly Photo Challenge | Tagged Alcoholism, change, crime, England, Family Life, Father & Daughters, Memoir Writing, postaday, prison, story telling, travel, Weekly Photo Challenge | 90 Comments

Good Tools Clueless Werewolf

Posted on November 3, 2015 by Sherri Matthews

A bad workman blames his tools, so they say. But then again, if you haven’t got the right tool for the job… When I moved back to England twelve years ago, my remaining worldly possessions crammed into an international shipping … Continue reading →

Posted in Flash Fiction, Writing Updates | Tagged 99 Word Flash Fiction, Exmoor Beast, First Draft, Humour, Left-Handed, Memoir, NaNoWriMo, Panther, Revisions, Toolkit, Writers, writing | 71 Comments

Happy Halloween!

Posted on October 31, 2015 by Sherri Matthews

The stew’s bubbling away ~ Goodies ready and waiting for trick-or-treater’s ~ The Jack -O-Lantern’s carved and lit ~ ~ and conveniently placed on a bench to qualify for Jude’s October Bench Series before the stroke of midnight. Wishing you … Continue reading →

Posted in Bench Photos, Halloween | Tagged Bench Photo, Bench Series, Halloween, Halloween Photos, Jack-O-Lantern | 62 Comments

Guest Post by Author Geoff Le Pard

Posted on October 29, 2015 by Sherri Matthews

Today I’m delighed to welcome to the Summerhouse the indomnitable Geoff Le Pard ~ I had the pleasure of meeting Geoff at the Blogger’s Bash in June and he is as warm, friendly and genuine – and yes, funny – … Continue reading →

Posted in Guest Blogs | Tagged Book Blog Tour, Guest Blog, Guest Post, writing, Writing Advice | 88 Comments

Story From A Cemetery And A 99 Word Flash Fiction

Posted on October 27, 2015 by Sherri Matthews

This week, Charli’s flash fiction prompt has us looking at gravestones, literally: ‘October 21, 2015 prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about a final resting place. You can take any perspective that appeals to you … Continue reading →

Posted in Flash Fiction, Halloween, HIstory | Tagged 99 Word Flash Fiction, Cemetery, Church, Ghosts, Gravestones, Halloween, HIstory, Orbs, Photography, Stourhead, Supernatural, Tombstones | 99 Comments

Serendipity And The Bunny That Nobody Wanted

Posted on October 21, 2015 by Sherri Matthews

Most of you, I’m sure, have heard the joke about the horse walking into a bar and the bar tender asks: “So why the long face?” But I bet you haven’t heard this one: Three people walk into a store … Continue reading →

Posted in Flash Fiction, Pets, Weekly Pet Challenge, Writing | Tagged 99 Word Flash Fiction, Blogging Community, C S Lewis, cats, J R R Tolkien, Pet Rabbits, Pets, Serendipity, Weekly Pet Share, writing, Writing Community | 95 Comments

Happy Place, Stolen Days And A 99 Word Flash Fiction

Posted on October 13, 2015 by Sherri Matthews

Last week, Hubby surprised us with the news that he had heard about a pumpkin farm mere miles from where we live. “What? Really?” Aspie D and I asked incredulously. “Yes, really!” So guess what we did at the weekend? … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Life, Flash Fiction, Weekly Photo Challenge | Tagged 99 Word Flash Fiction, California, Chickens, Family Life, Happy Place, joy, Pumpkin Patch, Reindeer, Stealing, Weekly Photo Challenge, Werewolves | 81 Comments

Spooktacular Snacks For A Healthy Halloween

Posted on October 9, 2015 by Sherri Matthews

With Halloween fast approaching, I like to prepare early for all those trick-or-treaters by stocking up on plenty of sweets ready to hand out on the day. The problem is, will there be any left by the time Halloween … Continue reading →

Posted in Halloween, My California, Recipes | Tagged California, Children's Halloween Parties, Eyeball Soup, Family Life, food, Halloween, Health, Healthy Snacks, Nutrition, Nuts, Recipes, Trick or Treat | 71 Comments

Homecoming Queen: 99 Word Flash Fiction

Posted on October 6, 2015 by Sherri Matthews

When I first joined Facebook, I left the question about ‘hometown’ blank. To me, your hometown is the place where you are born and grow up and return to decades later for heartwarming family reunions (I love the thought of … Continue reading →