Tag Archives: California

The Distance Between Us

Originally posted on Carrot Ranch Literary Community:
Twenty years ago this Friday, I went out for a meal to celebrate my birthday with my family. My eighteen year old had graduated from high school that spring and was looking forward…

Posted in Memoir Across the Pond Column | Tagged , , , , , , , | 26 Comments

Shut Away Breaking Free

Originally posted on Carrot Ranch Literary Community:
California is hot. Sun-blazing, earth-baking, dry-dusty hot. I came there from England and I didn’t know what hit me. I held my breath from May to November until the rains came. ? Except…

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Christmas Lost And Found In America

Born in England, my firstborn son didn’t meet his American grandparents until he was three-years-old. His father, tired of the rain and dismal British economy of the mid 1980s, decided we would have a better life in the land of … Continue reading

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Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore – Author Spotlight – Life Changing Moments – Shake The Dust Off Your Feet by Sherri Matthews

Today, I am delighted and honoured to guest post at Sally Cronin’s Author Spotlight Life Changing Moments Series with ‘Shake The Dust Off Your Feet’. You never know when you’ll face a life-changing decision, nor who’ll be there to support … Continue reading

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School’s Out But I’m In The Classroom Down Under

Last week I bought some curtain material from Laura Ashley, thanks to a great sale discount. It’s been a long time since I did any sewing. My steadfast sewing machine since my days in California still works a dream thanks … Continue reading

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Five Years And Another Fab Bloggers Bash 2019

London called and I heeded. Why else but for the Annual (and fifth!) Bloggers Bash? Hubby and I travelled by train the day before on Friday, making a short getaway of it. As an aside, it never fails to amaze … Continue reading

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Three Little Words: I Did It

Dear friends, don’t worry, this isn’t a confession. Net yet…  What I did (this week) is finish those edits. My memoir manuscript (just about there, I hope…) is off for a final read through with a massive ‘Thank You’  to … Continue reading

Posted in Guest Blogs, Memoir | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 105 Comments

Summerhouse Snow And Pressing On

This must be my latest yet for wishing you all a Happy New Year… I tried to squeeze in before the end of January, but didn’t make it.  Still, at least I managed it before Valentine’s Day… How are things … Continue reading

Posted in Family Memoirs, Photos of Cats | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 60 Comments

Pumpkins Memoir And A Bull Ride And A Radio Spot At The Rodeo

This time last year, we had just moved house.  What a difference a year makes.  We’ve painted, repaired and put up new fencing for starters. And Animal Farm has a new addition: a tiny ball of kitten naughtiness and heart … Continue reading

Posted in Carrot Ranch, Halloween | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 60 Comments

Surprises, Diana’s Dresses And The Annual Blogger’s Bash 2018

The Summerhouse sat in snow last time I checked, but emerging from hibernation to a sun-basked spring, I discover a new garden and the chance, at last, to get my hands dirty. New growth pushes through bare soil and reminds … Continue reading

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