The magic was contained in the simplicity of life — Like a tortoise, I had carried everything I owned and everything I needed. Unlike a tortoise, I hadn’t contained it all on my back, but nearly. My little Citroen car was only just powerful enough to tow the little caravan I owned, and the back of that little car was…

The dumbest thing I have ever gotten into trouble over — I am a shoplifter. A thief. A low-down piece of scum. Those were the thoughts that swirled around in my head that day I was hauled into the manager’s office of the Asda Superstore in Southgate, North London, back in 1994. I was made to sit down in the chair…

What some may know, others may wish to know, and yet others don’t give two hoots. — Hey! Great to have you stop by ;) Pull up a virtual seat and I will put on the virtual kettle for a cuppa. I may or may not have yet read about you, but I guess this is where you get to find out all about me, so here…

“Bring just yourselves and leave highly infectious diseases at home.” — Everyone loves a good wedding. And to be invited to one that promises to be the most glorious of affairs can give you a great dopamine hit, from knowing how much the day will mean to the two lucky people who have found their perfect match in one another. What…

Thoughts on the power of change and the power of intention — Last month, I made a decision. It was to prioritise the things that bring me joy and heal my winter-infused, overexerted mind and body over everything else. Even over writing. I discovered the joy of walking on a particular beach. One that is easy to drive to and park at…

I think I just had one — Christmas is over. Just. Last night was Twelfth Night and, according to tradition, that means that today we take down our decorations. Although I have no real religious investment in Christmas traditions — we didn’t even celebrate Christmas when I was a kid since I was born into a Jewish…

Ringing in the new year with a fresh perspective — Happy New Year, my fellow creative warriors. Welcome to the first newsletter of the year! I hope everyone took at least a little down time over the holidays, feasted well, laughed plenty, played abundantly, allowed yourselves to switch off from the seemingly never-ending online world, and turned your busy writers’…

They say like attracts like — be careful what you wish for — We Brits are a cynical lot at the best of times. (And duped by lies at the worst.) But when I learnt about the so-called spiritual leanings of a side of American culture through the movie, The Secret, I found a reason to be more than cynical. I have been…

Hailing the dissolution of resolutions — I gave up the idea of making New Year’s resolutions years ago after I failed continuously to follow through. They seemed pointless. It was like uttering empty promises to myself that I could never keep, and then felt even worse for failing. So I stopped. I stopped making any resolutions…