“Now, think of as many words as you can to describe a tree, and how it makes you feel.” So said the leader of our workshop, based on the book, “The Man Who Planted Trees”. Several minutes later, the flipchart was adorned with the most beautiful, complimentary words. Anyone would have been delighted to beContinue reading “The Tree of Life”
Author Archives: johnhearson
How to fail gloriously
Cover photograph from Wikipedia “I’m sorry, Mum and Dad, we can’t go any further. The path peters out with a sheer drop below it. Sam? Sam? Are you alright?” “Yes, Daddy,” replied our 7-year-old grandson, unaware of the perils below, from his perch about 15 feet up on the wooded cliff ahead. “You need toContinue reading “How to fail gloriously”
The Memory Tree
1975 A.D “Chrrup..Chrrup…” “Yes, of course, I’d be delighted. You’re the very first bird ever to settle on my branches! Make yourself at home, feed on the insects in my bark…” I beam with pride as the dappled light shines through the canopy way above my head. Now I’m growing up, I’m aware of myContinue reading “The Memory Tree”
A Wet(tish) Weekend in London
“Can I have some water please?” And then it struck me. My nearly 3-year-old granddaughter Grace whose buggy I was pushing, is no longer a baby. She’s become a little girl, able to articulate her wishes and needs. Steering between shoppers on the High Street, I fished her cup out of a bag so sheContinue reading “A Wet(tish) Weekend in London”
A Tearful Weekend
Cover picture from Dreamstime The voice was unmistakeable. I tried to focus through my tears, but my vision was blurred. Surely this must be one of those strange delusions, the sort I used to have? Only, those were filled with grotesque, bear-like creatures who demanded my body, causing me to emit blood-curdling shrieks with wild,Continue reading “A Tearful Weekend”
A Moving Day Tale
“Ann? Oh, I’m glad I caught you. It’s a while since we’ve spoken. I just thought I should call you and ask how you are.” “Well, yes Jane, I’m glad you’ve rung. I’m moving house today. The removal van’s been round, but I’ve still got lots of stuff in my garage and, to be honest,Continue reading “A Moving Day Tale”
Who’s afraid of the Permacrisis? Part 2
One of the joys of living in an otherwise female household (2 ladies, a 9-year-old girl and 3 chickens, plus our daughter Helen who often visits) is the craft activities that abound. Helen has taught our young house guest Olena how to cross stitch. One day I came across a sad tapestry with untidy threadsContinue reading “Who’s afraid of the Permacrisis? Part 2”
Who’s afraid of the Permacrisis? Part 1
Cartoon: from the Collins’ Dictionary Blog website Post office bosses under criminal investigation… UK ship sinking in Red Sea after Houthi attack…Putin shows off chilling convoy of missiles in Moscow…Biden’s hopes for Gaza ceasefire are wishful thinking…hopes of restricting global temperature rise to 1.5 degC almost gone… Whether it’s the BBC News, my Microsoft newsfeedContinue reading “Who’s afraid of the Permacrisis? Part 1”
A (Nearly) Car Free Week
Two weeks ago, I carried out an experiment. I decided not to use our car for a week. You probably wonder, “why should anybody do a silly thing like that?” At times, I wondered, too. Well, did you know that 20%, one fifth, of all the carbon we emit worldwide comes from transport? My littleContinue reading “A (Nearly) Car Free Week”
Happy New Year! Making Memories
“Oooh, isn’t this a luxury!” said party-pooper me as we turned off the light and snuggled into our pillows. It was 11 p.m on Sunday 31st December, and a night at home had seemed the perfect conclusion to our quiet Christmas week. Such a contrast to our normal busy lives… Not that we’d hidden ourselvesContinue reading “Happy New Year! Making Memories”
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