Within the past 3 weeks, I have lost two aunts. But more importantly, my Mum has lost both of her elder sisters leaving her as the eldest surviving of her siblings with her younger brother (who lives in Eire). My Mum and her eldest sister didn’t see a lot of each other; this sister lived … More A short reflection on family after two bereavements
I’ve been back home just over a week after my adventure in Jordan. It’s bloody cold here (around 22 degrees colder than on our final days at the Dead Sea and Madaba) and the news from neighbouring countries of the Middle East makes me glad to be home – not because I felt in any … More Reflections on Jordan
So my free day in Petra was one of self-care – a swim, reading beside the pool, a walk, a museum and some retail therapy. The following morning we were en route by 8, north towards the Dead Sea area. We drove through breathtaking scenery – winding roads through rocky mountains with a view over … More Jordan part 4 – Dead Sea and Madaba
Unfortunately for me, my head torch came in handy as overnight I developed a rather unpredictable stomach and spent the next day somewhere between fragile and nauseous. I remained undeterred from the programme, however, as this was Petra day – one of the highlights of the trip! We had a winding 2 hour journey from … More Jordan part 3 – Petra
Leaving the noise and traffic of Amman behind, we journeyed south on the Desert Highway (not dark, no cool wind in my hair…) almost as far as the tip of the Red Sea and sandwiched between Israel on the one side and Saudi Arabia on the other. We were headed for Wadi Rum – a … More Jordan part 2 – Wadi Rum
My first night was not the best for sleep – I was beyond tired but slept fitfully, awoken by the 5am call to prayer and then dozing until 9 before I decided to get up and get breakfast. Which was interesting. I remember Moroccan breakfasts being a surprise, and this was similar with omelette, falafel, … More Jordan part 1 – Amman
If you read my previous post, 50 shades of wobbly, you will know that my solo trip to Madeira almost didn’t happen as I got an attack of freezing cold feet in the airport departure lounge! But I made it, and I’m home feeling glad that I went and feeling that I’ve learned a few … More Reflections on Madeira
Please indulge me for a moment while I unload… I am currently in pain. In fact, I have been in almost constant pain probably for over a year now. If I wasn’t sure what ‘chronic pain’ meant… I am now! I have had on/off lower back pain for quite a few years, including a period … More A short reflection on pain
On Sunday evening I watched a video reel. It was a video reel of the funeral of a musician friend who I had played in youth orchestras with, lost touch with, and reconnected with a couple of years ago. She died of cancer earlier this year at the age of 55. I was aware of … More Playing small
I have recently been working with a holistic therapist in an attempt to reduce both my anxiety levels and the joint pain I have been suffering quite badly with. Visits to mainstream medics and specialists seem to have got me nowhere fast, so ‘alternative’ seemed like a reasonable way forward. To accompany some hands-on therapy … More Elimination diet
50shadesofbrave 