Tag Archives: England

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…

Posted in Memoir Across the Pond Column | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

The Words We Know

Originally posted on Carrot Ranch Literary Community:
In recent discussion with my husband about decorating our kitchen, I asked if we had enough paint for the base boards. Base boards? For the life of me, I couldn’t think what we…

Posted in Memoir Across the Pond Column | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

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

Posted in Christmas | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 81 Comments

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

Posted in Guest Blogs | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 88 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

Memoirs Of A Bicycle: Times Past

Driving to Gatwick Airport recently, road signs to long-ago places from my childhood like Horley, Reigate and Brighton, zoom by.  But one town called Purley brings back just one clear memory.  Not of the town itself; in fact, I have … Continue reading

Posted in Times Past Challenge | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 100 Comments

Sixty Seconds’ Worth Of Distance Run

The sun disappeared taking last year with it, and I quietly prayed that this year would be better. Eyes straight, time to press on and write.  This is THE year, right? The Summerhouse is five years old this month.  Five … Continue reading

Posted in Times Past Challenge, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 75 Comments

In Which The Story Changes

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 , , , , , , , , , , , | 90 Comments

Homecoming Queen: 99 Word Flash Fiction

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

Posted in Family Life, Flash Fiction, My California, Weekly Photo Challenge | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 71 Comments