Excerpt from a work in progress — The is a draft from a early part of a novel in progress. The majority of the novel takes place after the Napoleonic wars and addresses how the main character copes with the stress and emotion leftover from the conflict. I think this chapter, somewhere towards the beginning of the…

A short story ‘How much?’ Cecilia asked. The young boy, in white vest and torn jeans gave her a flicker of a scan. His reading was clear: middle-aged woman, expensive sunglasses and silver bangles… equals many rupees. So what? Many tourists got angry over a few extra coins. She heard…

The evidence that we experience many lives is mounting. — I have always found the idea of rebirth or reincarnation a fascinating idea. Rather hopeful, in fact. Yet, for hundreds of years following the rise of Christianity the idea was denounced. Well, they would, wouldn’t they? According to Christian doctrine we have just the one life on which we will…

Rejection of Roe v Wade is returning the US to the dark ages — When I was younger I assumed the whig approach to history. That is, one that presents a progressive grand narrative of the past, from dark towards greater light. Regression was not in the tea leaves. …

Rather than holding politicians to account, they denounce the power of the working class — Yesterday was my partner’s, Laura’s, birthday. We had planned a day out in London. It is only a thirty minute train ride from where we live. Yet our plans were scuppered by the announcement of a rail strike. We were disappointed. It was frustrating. But that’s life, I guess. I…

The past of my parents — I‘ve been reading a manuscript from my writing group that is a short biography of the immediate post war years. The 40s and 50s are a bygone world. We are increasingly separated from a society with a more rigidly defined social strata. …

Blessings on The Sun God and Goddess of Fertility — Today, 21st June is midsummer’s day or the Summer Solstice, one of the eight sabbats in the Pagan calendar. It is the longest day, and the shortest night. After this day the wheel slower turns, and light gradually gives over to dark. In the time of rural communities, and living…

The memories of past travels… the dreams to come — Yes, I miss India. The hot nights of strange dreams, punctuated by the beating heart of a ceiling fan. Its invading sound, chipping into my dreamscape, giving out images of Apocalypse Now and choppers flying low over foam crested waters, Martin Sheen freaking out in his hotel room, the heart…

The trials of caring for dogs during a heat wave — We are enjoying something of a mini wave here with temperatures rising to the upper thirties. Everyone has slowed down, hampered by their own slick of sweat and the relentless, punishing hammer of heat. In my youth I lived for such days. Now I just live for returning to India…