micro on Emma Cragg

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 14:23:41 +0100

Finished reading: Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid 📚

Thought I was too cynical for a book that boldly states on the cover that it is a love story. Apparently when there’s queers, stars and space travel involved, I am not.

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 08:30:54 +0100

Finished reading: The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley 📚

I needed this to be a bit pacier. Started well but never really recovered from the lull in the middle.

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 08:11:55 +0100

Finished reading: Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto 📚

I think I need to give this another read at a different time. Not sure if it didn’t live up to my expectation or whether I purposely held myself back from it.

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 22:16:42 +0100

Finished reading: Penguins Stopped Play by Harry Thompson 📚

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 22:31:16 +0100

Finished reading: Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg 📚

Brutal. Tender. Draining. Honest. Necessary. And thankfully a little bit hopeful. The story of a life lived in between. I wonder what impact this book would have had on me if I’d read it earlier.

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 23:24:58 +0100

Finished reading: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir 📚

Really enjoyed how this story was constructed. Learning along with the main character as he pieced together what was going on really gripped me.

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 23:23:49 +0100

Finished reading: A Darker Domain by Val McDermid 📚

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 13:26:53 +0100

Finished reading: Disobedience by Naomi Alderman 📚

Such subtleties in the telling of this story. I’ve raced through it, and although I’d happily read more about the lives of these characters, it’s near perfect in its snapshot of a moment in time.

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 22:41:50 +0100

Finished reading: The Distant Echo by Val McDermid 📚

For a book in the Karen Pirie series, I expected more Karen Pirie. A good mystery to solve nevertheless.

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 20:53:33 +0100

Finished reading: Matrix by Lauren Groff 📚

An enjoyable read but was left feeling I wanted something more.

Sun, 18 May 2025 13:59:28 +0100

Finished reading: Crudo by Olivia Laing 📚

Sun, 18 May 2025 13:58:06 +0100

Finished reading: Big Sky by Kate Atkinson 📚

Bit meh. A few too many characters to get really attached to anyone or their story.

Sun, 11 May 2025 20:35:44 +0100

Read in 2025: Crudo by Olivia Laing 📚

Read in two sittings which was probably best as I didn’t get in with it. Will stick to Laing’s non-fiction.

Thu, 01 May 2025 22:37:24 +0100

Finished reading: Mongrel by Hanako Footman 📚

The story of three women getting to know themselves and each other. Surprising. And challenging. And tender.

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 07:46:56 +0100

Finished reading: Union Jack by Val McDermid 📚

Think I’ve gone as far with Lindsey Gordon as I can for now.

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 22:37:56 +0100

Finished reading: The Unfolding by A.M. Homes 📚

As ever from A.M. Homes, an engaging and witty story that pulled me in from the first few pages. I needed this to find some flow to my reading again.

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 13:38:36 +0100

Finished reading: Babel by R. F Kuang 📚

Thoroughly enjoyable. Some good twists along the way. Got a little pedestrian in the final third though which has tempered my enthusiasm a little.

Sat, 18 Jan 2025 14:29:23 +0100

The bookend to my day yesterday, walking home via the Quayside. Spot Venus 🪐

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 10:17:27 +0100

Mad sky this morning on my commute

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 23:39:32 +0100

I’m kinda glad I don’t get annual podcast stats, otherwise you’d know how much time I spend thinking about my fantasy premier league team 😆

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 21:08:27 +0100

Currently reading: Babel by R. F Kuang 📚

I enjoyed the author’s note at the beginning of this, which outlines all her sources for the details of Victorian Oxford and the artistic licences she has taken. The last sentence in particular made me chuckle…

If you find any other inconsistencies, feel free to remind yourself this is a work of fiction.

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 20:24:26 +0100

Finished reading: Report for Murder by V. L. McDermid 📚

Sometimes you just need the comfort of a classic crime procedural and Val McDermid is always a sure bet.

Sun, 05 Jan 2025 16:15:59 +0100

Finished reading: Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver 📚

It took me two goes, but I did it. Skipped a few chapters in the late 30s/early 40s where the story felt it just got stuck. Enjoyed the rest of it.

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 11:40:33 +0100

Currently reading: Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver 📚

Encouraged by my friend, I’m picking this up again. She said it’s worth getting through the middle slump, so I skipped a few chapters from where I left off and started again. So far, so good.

Sat, 28 Dec 2024 17:33:07 +0100

Abandoned reading: Daisy Jones & The Six (TV Tie-in Edition) by Taylor Jenkins Reid 📚

Can’t seem to get through a book at the moment. The interview style, and the lack of any connection developing with the characters, didn’t work for me.

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 21:09:51 +0100

After saying our goodbyes to the family today, my eldest nephew sidled up and gave me an extra squeeze. The smallest gesture topped off a wonderful Christmas 🥰

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 15:43:44 +0100

Note to self: A walk at the coast puts everything in perspective

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 18:12:27 +0100

Finished reading: Endpapers by Jennifer Savran Kelly 📚

This came up in my kindle recommendations and it was a hit. Enjoyed the element of mystery and getting to know the main character as they also discovered themself.

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 18:06:22 +0100

Abandoned reading: Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver 📚

Lost my momentum with this. It was just a bit meh. Won’t discount coming back to finish it at a later date, I just need something else right now.

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 18:19:03 +0100

A question for those who have daily standups or check-ins with their team… what are the most valuable aspects of that activity for you?

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 17:01:28 +0100

I enjoyed this reflection on Christmas carols, and singing more generally, as a method of connection and catharsis.

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 11:57:19 +0100

The end of live chat conversations never quite fit the mood of what’s gone before…

“It has been an absolute pleasure :). As this is all from me for now, do have a beautiful rest of your day filled with tranquility. Your feedback will be highly appreciated once chat has ended. Goodbye.”

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 21:49:49 +0100

I’ve written just two Christmas cards and I’ve already run out of steam 😫

Sat, 07 Dec 2024 18:58:42 +0100

I thought about that a lot is one of my favourite advent calendars.

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 15:35:10 +0100

Beautiful day to have the afternoon off

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 13:20:55 +0100

Hey @seimoon.bsky.social, here’s a potato for you 🥔

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 18:39:25 +0100

Finished reading: The Sentence by Louise Erdrich 📚

This was so much more than a story about a haunting in a bookstore and it took me entirely by surprise. Now I’ve read Erdrich’s two latest novels where shall I go next in her back catalogue?

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 08:18:18 +0100

Starting this seasonal read today: The Sentence by Louise Erdrich 📚

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 08:17:14 +0100

Finished reading: Tokyo Express by Seicho Matsumoto 📚

Enjoyable mystery to solve alongside the detectives. This short book has reset my desire to read after a drought of decent stories.

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 20:44:14 +0100

Finished reading: The Binding by Bridget Collins 📚

Meh. I struggled to get into this, got drawn in a little in the middle but then had to make myself finish it. Not really my cup of tea.

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 13:08:54 +0100

Finished reading: The Bee Sting by Paul Murray 📚

Took too long to get into and by then it was too late to stop reading. It was fine, but not award shortlist level. And can someone explain why the full stops disappeared in Imelda’s story?

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 18:14:20 +0100

Finished reading: Salvation of a Saint by Keigo Higashino 📚

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 12:34:16 +0100

Abandoned reading: Milk Teeth by Jessica Andrews 📚

Just couldn’t get on with the main character. Or the repetition of certain words - not sure if that was intentional or I just became fixated on it.

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 21:02:46 +0100

#PhotoMo Bank Holiday fun helping a friend decorate her flat before selling. We were here 8 years ago decorating before she moved in too

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 19:52:25 +0100

Finished reading: The Gallows Pole by Benjamin Myers 📚

Continuing to work my way through everything Benjamin Myers writes.

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 21:36:57 +0100

#PhotoMo it’s a sign

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 21:15:41 +0100

Played a pre-season friendly today - first time I’ve picked up a hockey stick in 5 months. I didn’t embarrass myself and it didn’t break me 🏑

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 21:49:34 +0100

#PhotoMo back to work tomorrow, head still up the coast

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 17:22:59 +0100

First day back from holiday and it has completely run away from me. Don’t feel like I’ve stopped and yet have little to show for it 😏

Sat, 17 Aug 2024 22:04:06 +0100

#PhotoMo had to collect my prints before they were fully dry so we’re not eating at the table the rest of the weekend 😆

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 21:40:42 +0100

#PhotoMo Albion press I used today to finish my submission for the 20:20 print exchange - https://www.2020printexchange.com/

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 17:16:13 +0100

#PhotoMo a puppy called Poppy

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 15:39:06 +0100

Holiday update: I have reached the “what day is it?” stage.

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 22:02:38 +0100

#PhotoMo English country garden

Sat, 10 Aug 2024 09:08:55 +0100

#PhotoMo got a week off work and no plans. Bliss.

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 21:03:01 +0100

#PhotoMo I took up tag rugby this summer aged 40. It’s the most fun I’ve had playing sport in a long time, even tonight in torrential rain

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 22:32:54 +0100

#PhotoMo earlier this week, on the hottest day, my wife decided to make Christmas cakes 🥵

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 22:26:51 +0100

#PhotoMo out and about for meetings across town

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 16:29:10 +0100

Women’s hockey QF here we go. Hoping for a miracle🤞

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 16:27:27 +0100

While watching the kayak cross finals on BBC I realised the only thing I’ve been missing from their coverage (through watching on Discovery+) is Hazel Irvine.

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 12:01:39 +0100

#PhotoMo a walk before work

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 14:40:09 +0100

Finished reading: The Red Parts by Maggie Nelson 📚

Reading, or watching, anything related to real crimes always feels voyeuristic to me. While it is about a murder and subsequent trial, this book is more about the author whose writing is raw and honest, sometimes brutally so.

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 10:21:44 +0100

#PhotoMo lazy Sunday

Sat, 03 Aug 2024 17:44:30 +0100

#PhotoMo went prepared for blackberry picking on today’s walk

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 18:43:54 +0100

Finished reading: Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid 📚

Easy summer read. After Evelyn Hugo I’m happy to read more of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s extensive collection.

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 18:11:44 +0100

#PhotoMo Planting in the back lane

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 13:24:44 +0100

Summer means silly events take place on the Quayside. Which leads to road closures and diversions. Which results in grumpy bike commuters #PhotoMo

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 12:50:16 +0100

Some observations from the Olympic hockey - there’s far too much waving of hands to claim free hits and GB women seriously need to add some variety to their short corner routines.

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 13:21:47 +0100

The unexpected benefit of re-employment (and an office in town) is that my use of the library has exponentially increased 📚🐛

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 12:31:16 +0100

Finished reading: An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon 📚

I enjoyed this and as a debut novel goes it’s written well. I’m certainly keen to explore what the author did next.

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 11:36:18 +0100

Poppy and I had breakfast in the park this morning to make the most of a rare glimpse of the sun.

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 16:37:15 +0100

Jettisoning networking in favor of kinworking means taking a more ecological approach, one oriented towards nurturing the soil, planting seeds, providing water and sunlight—and then accepting that you have no control over what grows.

From Make kin not nets by Mandy Brown

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 17:06:44 +0100

Finished reading: Pageboy by Elliot Page 📚

It’s important we hear trans people tell their stories and this felt like a necessary read. Although, I did find the jumping around through time a challenge to the reading experience.

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 20:07:06 +0100

Got my pal Poppy staying for the next five days 🥰

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 15:48:20 +0100

I forgot that one of the things I love most about Wimbledon is Heather Watson’s mum 😁🎾

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 17:24:16 +0100

Finished reading: Sisters by Daisy Johnson 📚

Unsettling. Daisy Johnson creates such atmospheric worlds. Now I want to re-read Everything Under.

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 17:16:46 +0100

I sacked off work this afternoon to finish this print project. A trial of using Ternes Burton pins for registration ahead of another multi-block project on the horizon.

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 20:20:06 +0100

Doing the weekly meal planning. Send me some inspiration please 🥙🥗🍝

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 13:07:23 +0100

My wife is going away for a week so just been to see her off at the station during my lunch break. She was running late so I asked if she needed anything for the journey (thinking coffee/sandwich etc). The reply: a new pair of reading glasses 😂 Is this what it means to be middle age?

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 07:41:48 +0100

Finished reading: How to Kill Your Family by Bella Mackie 📚

I finally went back and finished this. It was ok, an interesting idea just a bit one note in delivery and faded away towards the end.

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 19:39:28 +0100

Abandoned reading: Stoner by John Williams 📚

Not for me. Perhaps I expected too much, but this sadly sits alongside The Rainbow as one of the most boring books I’ve tried to read.

Sat, 29 Jun 2024 21:53:27 +0100

Finished reading: Cuddy by Benjamin Myers 📚

I enjoyed this overall. The local angle definitely helped. Was a little challenging initially getting used to the different styles, but after time I found the narrative flowed.

Sun, 09 Jun 2024 16:53:47 +0100

The latest rain delay in New York allowed me to get the washing in before it started bucketing down here. I probably would have left it otherwise 🏏😅

Sat, 08 Jun 2024 17:18:36 +0100

I’ve entered a print exchange happening later in the year. It’ll be the first time I send my prints out into the world, other than to family and friends. Ideas have been bubbling for a while and today I did a rough sketch for the design.

Tue, 28 May 2024 20:07:31 +0100

Spent a week in the Netherlands and now a good portion of the ads that top and tail my podcasts are in Dutch 😝

Fri, 24 May 2024 09:34:26 +0100

Finished reading: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid 📚

I’d been avoiding reading this. Why? I stubbornly dig my heels in when people tell me I should do something. But, I finally picked it up to take on holiday and it was just what I needed. It took me entirely by surprise. And I loved it!

Fri, 24 May 2024 09:30:30 +0100

Finished reading: Bessie Smith by Jackie Kay 📚

Thu, 23 May 2024 13:28:26 +0100

Back from holiday and determined to do more with the photos I’ve taken (other than posting them here and then letting them languish in my photo library). Any recommendations for printing photo books in the UK? 📸

Sun, 12 May 2024 21:26:57 +0100

I’m visiting the Netherlands soon and would welcome recommendations for places to eat/drink and visit (beyond the obvious tourist stuff) in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Delft and Utrecht 🇳🇱

Mon, 06 May 2024 19:24:41 +0100

Finished reading: Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers 📚

I have no idea what possessed me to read this. While the mystery element interested me at first, the lazy stereotyping and abrupt ending made the whole experience supremely disappointing.

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 09:23:01 +0100

Grey and damp here today so I keep returning to this lovely pic from the garden yesterday

Sat, 27 Apr 2024 17:20:37 +0100

Had a tiring week so I was going to spend the day on the sofa in my pjs. Then my buddy invited me over to mow the grass at their new place. Turns out pushing a lawn mower is my happy place ☺️

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 08:10:56 +0100

Finished reading: The Devotion Of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino 📚

A good spin on the classic detective story. Recommended in book group at work. I’ll definitely look out for more in this series.

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 16:11:53 +0100

Got lucky with our tickets for the snooker. Appears (if I’ve interpreted the order of play correctly) that we’ll be watching local boy Gary Wilson vs former World Champion Stuart Bingham 🤩

Sat, 20 Apr 2024 11:38:30 +0100

Just spent an hour thinking about and then practicing how I write my name. How’s your day going?

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 15:09:55 +0100

Crocs. With heels. I have now seen it all 😲

Sun, 14 Apr 2024 21:27:52 +0100

Finished reading: Prophet Song by Paul Lynch 📚

Brutal. The atmosphere the author creates had me on edge throughout. I think it benefitted from reading over a short period in a few big chunks.

There was a point where I had to put it down for a while and give myself space to sit with what had happened. I doubt that will be a feeling I forget any time soon.

Totally get why this won the Booker.

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 22:31:38 +0100

Never seen the Tyne so high. Left work today to find parts of the path along the Quayside on the Newcastle side of the Swing Bridge blocked off by flood defences 😮

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 12:48:41 +0100

Part of building better creative habits is making sharing easier. Now that I can post here directly from Feedbin and Keep let’s see what happens…

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 12:46:32 +0100

I picked up Issue 12 of Own Your Web at just the right time. This week’s focus for me is establishing a rhythm for my creative practice, whether that’s writing, sketching or printing.

Sat, 30 Mar 2024 16:30:19 +0100

Currently reading: Prophet Song by Paul Lynch 📚

Oof, this packs a punch. Only ~100 pages in but I can already see why it won the Booker.

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 16:26:05 +0100

This comma butterfly was out making a point today, hanging out on a local wildlife sign that only told us to look out for peacocks and tortoiseshells

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 09:09:20 +0100

Finished reading: Piranesi by Susanna Clarke 📚

Excellent. A complex narrative balanced by an easy style made this a pleasure to read.

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 11:00:53 +0100

“The most regretful people on earth are those who felt the call to creative work, who felt their own creative power restive and uprising, and gave to it neither power nor time.”

A warning from Mary Oliver.

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 10:44:12 +0100

I’ve just deleted my recurring ‘Publish weeknote’ task from Todoist. Every week it’s been slipping and it’s time to admit that frequency doesn’t work for me. I think I’ll try monthly updates for a while and see if that’s sustainable.

Sun, 10 Mar 2024 18:06:56 +0100

A well balanced Sunday

reading in bed with dog on lap
creating a master meal plan to make weekly planning and shopping easier
virtual games (junior Catan) with nephews
Liverpool vs City
roast chicken dinner

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 14:09:53 +0100

Finished reading: Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler 📚

I wasn’t as engaged with this book as I was with the first in the series. The telling of the story felt disjointed. However I’m pleased to have seen how Lauren’s story unfolded.

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 14:05:26 +0100

Finished reading: China Lake by Meg Gardiner 📚

Looking for a new (to me) crime series with a female lead. Trying out a few options by Meg Gardiner. First up Evan Delaney.

Sat, 17 Feb 2024 17:26:51 +0100

Finished reading: The Shadow District by Arnaldur Indridason 📚

Sat, 10 Feb 2024 18:55:22 +0100

Finished reading: Parable of the sower by Octavia E. Butler 📚

Outstanding. I can’t explain the comfort (not sure that’s the right word… hope, maybe?) this book gave me despite the world it is set in. I’m not ready to let it go yet.

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 20:28:36 +0100

Is it possible to go into a bookshop or library and only come out with the specific thing you went in for? Asking for a friend 📚

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 08:41:41 +0100

Finished reading: Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata 📚

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 13:57:40 +0100

Finished reading: Foster by Claire Keegan 📚

Another remarkable story. We join somewhere in the middle and leave before its end, yet Keegan’s writing always feels like just enough.

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 16:20:39 +0100

I want to read more by Stephen King. I really enjoyed The Long Walk and am wondering if the best place to start would be other novels he published under the Richard Bachman pen name. Would welcome other suggestions too please 📚

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 13:11:22 +0100

Paused reading: The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas 📚

I was really struggling to get into this. Rather than push on I’ve decided it’s just not the right time and am pressing pause. Will try again later in the year.

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 12:40:19 +0100

Doing a distance challenge with work has got me out and about so much more this month. Hit 100km yesterday. I need to think about how to keep this motivation up after the challenge ends.

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 23:26:15 +0100

Cosy

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 16:44:07 +0100

“What you learn in the thick of life is the limits of rationality.”

Krista Tippett in conversation with Nick Cave

Sat, 06 Jan 2024 19:17:30 +0100

Finished reading: Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel 📚

Sublime. What a way to start a new year in books. Really want to reread Station Eleven now too.

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 22:29:47 +0100

I’ll watch most sports with the notable exceptions of F1, horse racing and golf. Today may be the first time I’ve actively chosen to watch darts. Have to see if Luke Littler can continue his amazing run and take home the top prize 🎯

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 16:35:29 +0100

This is the first year in I can’t remember how long that I haven’t heaped pressure on myself to finish lots of things (and inevitably fail) before the new year ticks round. It feels refreshing.

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 12:54:17 +0100

Finished reading: A Scatter of Light by Malinda Lo 📚

Last book of the year. Indulging my love of queer origin stories.

Sat, 30 Dec 2023 22:27:47 +0100

Booked my first overseas holiday for five years today. A short trip over the North Sea to explore the Netherlands and celebrate one of those big 0 birthdays ✈️

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 14:01:03 +0100

Finished reading: The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich 📚

My first Erdrich book but definitely not my last. This was a slow burn for me until a little over half way through when I just had to find out what happened next. It’s a rich story based on the history of the author’s own family.

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 13:29:14 +0100

An offering left at the bus stop

Sat, 02 Dec 2023 15:44:50 +0100

Testing posting from Google Keep after seeing all the chat about posting from Apple Notes.

Sat, 02 Dec 2023 15:36:27 +0100

Every December I aim to hold out as long as I can on putting the decorations up. My one concession this year is the wreath I made at a work social this week which is now up on the front door.

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 13:42:29 +0100

My Spotify Wrapped has taught me one thing: I need to take more control over the music I listen to and not lazily listen to the daily mixes that the algorithm throws up 🎶

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 15:40:34 +0100

I remember a time when it seemed all the links shared in newsletters went to Medium. It’s the same now but for Substack 🙄

Sat, 25 Nov 2023 15:20:41 +0100

Finished reading: If I Survive You by Jonathan Escoffery 📚

Sat, 18 Nov 2023 11:09:23 +0100

Finished reading: The Galaxy, and the Ground Within by Becky Chambers 📚

Sad to reach the end of the wayfarer series but excited to read more from Becky Chambers and the worlds she creates.

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 19:34:44 +0100

I’m a convert to reading microblog timelines via RSS, in Feedbin it’s such a smooth experience. But I find it reduces the amount I post and interact which makes me sad.

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 20:07:24 +0100

Finished reading: Old God’s Time by Sebastian Barry 📚

Barry is one of my favourite authors and I’ve enjoyed losing myself in his writing before but this one proved a challenge.

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 17:21:40 +0100

The best thing about substack newsletters is that they have RSS feeds.

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 08:52:18 +0100

Finished reading: Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson 📚

Astonishing. I couldn’t put this down, just wanted to float in the words. There’s an art to writing fiction that feels like poetry. This story is tender and it also punches you in the gut.

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 18:00:05 +0100

Fixed some minor issues on my bike all by myself aided by tools borrowed from work and tutorials on youtube 💪

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 09:40:27 +0100

Finished reading: This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar 📚

This one grew on me. I enjoyed the letters but felt a little lost in the rest of the narrative. Also not sure I’ve ever read a co-authored fiction book before, and if I hadn’t have known I couldn’t have told you that was the case.

Sat, 30 Sep 2023 14:27:46 +0100

📸 September 2023 photo challenge. Day 30: Treasure

This tree stood for around 300 years on Hadrian’s Wall. This past week it was purposefully felled by vandals. I can’t comprehend it. We’ve lost a treasure and a symbol of our region.

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 19:47:19 +0100

📸 September 2023 photo challenge. Day 29: Contrast

I’m a sucker for a crane against a crisp blue sky.

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 20:59:03 +0100

📸 September 2023 photo challenge. Day 28: Workout

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 18:16:12 +0100

📸 September 2023 photo challenge. Day 27: Embrace

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 14:13:20 +0100

When I follow baking recipes two things happen without fail: the cooking time is longer and the amount of items made is always short.

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 21:52:44 +0100

It’s so disappointing when your tasty pint isn’t listed on Untappd 😞🍺

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 21:49:26 +0100

📸 September 2023 photo challenge. Day 26: Beverage

Last night’s pre-film pint. Contrary to what the glass says it’s Bohemian Northern Brown Ale brewed by The Durham Brewery.

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 14:42:50 +0100

📸 September 2023 photo challenge. Day 25: Flare

A search of the archives brought up this photo of an artwork by Jean-Michel Othoniel from an exhibition at Centre Pompidou in 2018.

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 22:20:37 +0100

📸 September 2023 photo challenge. Day 24: Belt

Sat, 23 Sep 2023 14:09:33 +0100

📸 September 2023 photo challenge. Day 23: A day in the life

Saturdays from September to April = hockey days. Slight anomaly today as playing in goal with all this clobber on (we won 2-1 btw).

Sat, 23 Sep 2023 09:35:30 +0100

Pre-match nerves on another level today, making my annual cameo in goal 😬

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 22:32:24 +0100

📸 September 2023 photo challenge. Day 22: Road

Newcastle’s Grey Street looking splendiferous in the midday sun.

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 13:59:02 +0100

📸 September 2023 photo challenge. Day 21: Fall

P.S. Forgot to say that this is another cheat day. This photo was taken back in 2011 on a visit to New Zealand.

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 13:03:50 +0100

📸 September 2023 photo challenge. Day 20: Disruption

The story of a cycle commute.

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 19:49:12 +0100

📸 September 2023 photo challenge. Day 19: Edge

Another one from the archives. We went over the edge at the Mirador de Abrante on La Gomera.

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 11:10:57 +0100

📸 September 2023 photo challenge. Day 18: Fabric

Digging into the archives today because the story’s so good. An internet friend sent me a bow tie, it arrived just in time for a wedding we were going to and was the perfect match for the dress Izzy had picked out to wear. That’s magic 🪄

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 15:45:50 +0100

📸 September 2023 photo challenge. Day 17: Intense

Sat, 16 Sep 2023 18:17:10 +0100

📸 September 2023 photo challenge. Day 16: Oof!

Hockey is back. We went on a 4 hour round trip and lost 5-0. Here are the post-match teas.

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 19:12:01 +0100

📸 September 2023 photo challenge. Day 15: Red

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 17:33:37 +0100

📸 September 2023 photo challenge. Day 14: Statue

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 16:52:22 +0100

📸 September 2023 photo challenge. Day 13: Glowing

My first cheat of the challenge — today’s photos were taken by my wife. It was a no brainer given there’s a hot shop where she works.

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 19:12:50 +0100

📸 September 2023 photo challenge. Day 12: Panic

Found a nice quiet spot to spend my lunch break… then turned around and saw the vampire rabbit was watching me 😱

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 15:18:15 +0100

📸 September 2023 photo challenge. Day 11: Retrospect

I adore Lucy Rie’s creations and picked up this catalogue of her work on a recent visit to the Centre of Ceramic Art in York.

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 16:20:28 +0100

I have two questions about ITV’s rugby World Cup coverage…

Why have they set it up to look like a political debate?
Why are they making the pundits wear suit jackets in this heat?

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 12:34:45 +0100

📸 September 2023 photo challenge. Day 10: Cycle

Round here Sundays are for housework.

Sat, 09 Sep 2023 21:57:53 +0100

I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed watching England play rugby. All change tonight - a George Ford masterclass and finally playing like a team 🙌 🌹🏉

Sat, 09 Sep 2023 14:22:52 +0100

📸 September 2023 photo challenge. Day 9: Language

Cricket has its very own vocabulary.

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 18:05:56 +0100

📸 September 2023 photo challenge. Day 8: Yonder

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 17:58:22 +0100

📸 September 2023 photo challenge. Day 7: Panorama

Messing about with panoramas during my lunch break for today’s photo. Managed to get 5 of Newcastle’s famous bridges in the shot (Millennium, Tyne, Swing, High Level and QE2)

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 16:01:30 +0100

I’ve not forgotten about my holiday highlights series, so here’s #3…

Listening to my Dad read my nephews their bedtime story… it just so happened to be the abuelo tonto (silly grandad) chapter from Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth 😂

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 12:47:16 +0100

📸 September 2023 photo challenge. Day 6: Well

A good excuse to take a different route for today’s lunchtime dog walk

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 13:19:15 +0100

📸 September 2023 photo challenge. Day 5: Forest

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 13:47:32 +0100

Really enjoying seeing the variety in photos being posted for today’s challenge prompt 🤩

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 13:46:16 +0100

📸 September 2023 photo challenge. Day 4: Orange

Somewhere between green and red 🍅

Sun, 03 Sep 2023 19:31:10 +0100

📸 September 2023 photo challenge. Day 3: Precious 🥰

Sat, 02 Sep 2023 16:43:15 +0100

📸 September 2023 photo challenge. Day 2: Buildup

It’s two weeks today until the first match of the season.

Sat, 02 Sep 2023 07:55:24 +0100

Finished reading: Supporting Cast by Kit de Waal 📚

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 18:43:48 +0100

📸 September 2023 photo challenge. Day 1: Abstract

Sun, 27 Aug 2023 16:58:22 +0100

Someone wrote recently about the reason for blogging / who a blog is for. Can’t find it now and want to share with someone 😞 Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Sun, 27 Aug 2023 09:33:11 +0100

On my way to Durham this morning for a wander inspired by this derivé walk

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 15:09:03 +0100

YouTube have unintentionally made the best user experience ever. Loving the calm of this, long may it last

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 14:05:47 +0100

“You’re not a perfectionist. You’re insecure about how your best effort will be received.”

💬 Unknown author. Source: Dense Discovery #250

This is one of those quotes that took the wind out of me a little the first time I read it.

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 08:50:36 +0100

Finished reading: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin 📚

I devoured this. It is one of those rare books that’s as good as everyone says it is.

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 20:35:29 +0100

First full session back at hockey tonight and it’s clear that the brain needs pre-season as much as the body. My decision making was definitely off 🏑

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 16:36:46 +0100

Holiday highlights #2 - a cheeseboard to rival Christmas with newfound favourite, Alp Blossom

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 13:12:08 +0100

Well, the better team on the day won. Just a shame we didn’t get the same level of football in the second half after the ref lost all control of the game. Other than that all I can say is I bloody love Mary Earps 🤩 - player of match for me even though on losing side ⚽️

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 11:54:08 +0100

Switching to ITV for half time to hear what Karen Carney, and hopefully Emma Hayes, have got to say about the game so far ⚽️

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 08:28:47 +0100

It’s World Cup Final Day! So excited and nervous. No idea how I’m going to distract myself for the next couple of hours until it kicks off ⚽️

Sat, 19 Aug 2023 20:03:25 +0100

Holiday highlights #1 - with three kids under 10 finding a holiday let with its own play park including the climbing frame pictured, a trampoline and two decent football goals was a big win.

Sat, 19 Aug 2023 13:59:52 +0100

Just home from a week away with the family. A wonderful mix of outdoor activities, rest and countless games of Yahtzee. Spending the afternoon on the sofa reading in the hope of extending the holiday mood a while longer.

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 15:39:25 +0100

Finished reading: Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta 📚

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 20:03:06 +0100

Last few days to join the microblog Fantasy Premier League mini-league ⚽️

Sign up for an FPL account
Pick your team (15 players, max of 3 per club)
Join the league using the code gg0qs9
Make transfers and confirm your starting lineup by the gameweek deadline each week during the season

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 20:25:17 +0100

First 🍅 harvest

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 20:00:00 +0100

Today epitomises the different approaches to relaxation taken in our household. One of us made two cakes, mincemeat and the Christmas pudding, then cleaned the car. The other watched two football matches, the netball World Cup final and kept one eye on The Hundred. We walked the dog together.

Sat, 05 Aug 2023 15:28:55 +0100

Finished reading: Sybil & Cyril by Jenny Uglow 📚

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 18:11:34 +0100

As soon as you notice that the Welsh Fire kit makes them look like a team of vicars you can’t unsee it 🏏

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 18:15:16 +0100

Getting quite emotional here watching Broad steam in for his last few overs. The roar that went up from the crowd when he got Murphy’s wicket just about finished me off 🥲🏏

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 15:57:15 +0100

“His mind is a thousand ball bearings in a biscuit tin.”

💬 The Perfect Golden Circle by Benjamin Myers

My wife and I often have conversations about what it’s like in our minds. Hers is loud, perhaps something like this biscuit tin. Mine is quiet.

I’ve been thinking about an analogy for the quiet that I experience for a few days and I’m stuck on the image of a slide projector. There’s one thing in focus at a time with others queued up for later. Occasionally it gets stuck and the slide in focus isn’t the one that’s supposed to be shown.

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 21:27:30 +0100

Choo choo 🚂

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 17:40:04 +0100

Finished reading: The Perfect Golden Circle by Benjamin Myers 📚

Poetic. I really enjoy the characters and snapshots of their worlds that Benjamin Myers creates.

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 16:07:42 +0100

At last count there were seven of us in the micro.blog Fantasy Premier League mini-league. It would be great to see a few more players join us ahead of the new season. If you want to take part everything you need is in this post 🔮⚽

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 10:32:48 +0100

I have decided that for future posts about fantasy football I’m going to use this emoji combo 🔮⚽️

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 15:31:37 +0100

Had an odd experience at a restaurant last week where the atmosphere was at complete odds with what they claimed on their website. I don’t often leave reviews, negative or otherwise, but felt compelled to comment. Just had a response that basically said it’s your problem not ours 😂

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 18:16:49 +0100

Finished reading: A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers 📚

When I opened this book I was a little sad not to be continuing the journey with the crew of the Wayfarer. Then the story got going and I realised spending time getting to know Pepper and Sidra was going to be even better.

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 16:15:28 +0100

Forced into making drop scones for the sole purpose of trying out this chilli marmalade. It’s a bit spicy 🌶️😤

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 11:11:58 +0100

Finished reading: The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers 📚

Perfect holiday reading. I enjoyed this so much I’ve immediately started book two.

Sun, 16 Jul 2023 14:13:51 +0100

26 off the final over 😏 Can England summon up another record run chase to keep the final game competitive? 🏏

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 19:46:37 +0100

Kate Cross and Heather Knight, England’s heroes today. Can’t wait for the next episode of the No Balls podcast and the ball by ball walk through of that winning partnership 🏏

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 18:12:09 +0100

Finished reading: The Long Good-bye by Raymond Chandler 📚

This may be the start of a Raymond Chandler / classic detective fiction book binge.

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 21:11:33 +0100

Stop press: England have won an Ashes match 🏏

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 21:45:47 +0100

Are there any other Fantasy Premier League players out there in micro.blog land? ⚽️

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 19:23:20 +0100

For the record: I am not a fan of on court interviews 🎾

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 20:28:22 +0100

January to June in the park

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 13:29:09 +0100

Hmm, feels like such a missed opportunity to steal are rare win from Australia today. Kind of glad I couldn’t listen to this morning’s session. In other respects a thoroughly entertaining test match. Excited for the rest of the series and glad to be able to watch the first T20 on the BBC 🏏

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 13:19:52 +0100

Finished reading: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman 📚

I thoroughly enjoyed spending the last week or so with Ove and I’m going to miss him. This one will stay with me a long while and I can see myself rereading it, which is rare for me.

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 16:23:32 +0100

My family are at Trent Bridge today. Seems like they’ve been good luck for England’s bowlers. Bring on the chase 🏏

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 10:31:02 +0100

Majorly disrupted sleep due to heat and neighbours having a sing-a-long when they got in at 4AM. Decided to get up and watch yesterday’s Premier 15s final. A commanding performance from winners Gloucester-Hartpury and just reward for finishing top of the table.

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 17:39:28 +0100

A chap passing in the back lane as I was getting the bin in this morning complimented me on our yard. He said “That’s canny cute, like” and I wholeheartedly agree with him.

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 17:28:57 +0100

What did Sophie Ecclestone eat at tea? 🏏

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 08:45:36 +0100

Kielder Water — cycling: https://fragments.ekcragg.co.uk/kielder-water-cycling?pk_campaign=rss-feed

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 21:52:37 +0100

It’s a real shame that not a single game of the women’s Ashes series is being played in the north 😢 🏏

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 17:57:54 +0100

Kielder Water — walking: https://fragments.ekcragg.co.uk/kielder-water-walking?pk_campaign=rss-feed

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 09:14:34 +0100

Accidentally had breakfast in the yard this morning (was driven out of my usual spot by workmen setting up on the street outside). While I was there I fixed a few problems with my hanging baskets and overly keen tomatoes. Think I’ve discovered a new morning routine for the summer.

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 18:06:46 +0100

Popped into the toon this morning, it’s a beautiful day

Sun, 11 Jun 2023 19:54:51 +0100

Finished reading: Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo 📚

Forgot I had to post about this for it to count towards my reading goal. It’s a charming YA novel about discovering who you are.

Sun, 11 Jun 2023 19:53:35 +0100

Finished reading: My Name Is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout 📚

Quick weekend read.

Sun, 11 Jun 2023 17:02:54 +0100

Test print complete ✅ Work to do on the inking, especially of the blue but I’m super happy with how the design has turned out. This view of a house martin in flight is my highlight of the summer, was watching them play while sitting in the yard last night

Sat, 10 Jun 2023 19:54:48 +0100

Pre-match and half-time ‘shows’ at major sporting events make me sad 😞

Sat, 10 Jun 2023 18:10:40 +0100

Currently reading: My Name Is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout 📚

Not far into this but can’t help feeling that it’s like an accessible version of Ducks, Newburyport

Sat, 10 Jun 2023 15:27:59 +0100

Starting a new project 🎨

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 09:57:23 +0100

Considering this as a new response when people ask how old I am: “As old as Ghostbusters.”

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 21:03:27 +0100

Espresso martinis on a Thursday night. Just because.

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 12:09:23 +0100

Finished reading: GREY BEES. by ANDREY. KURKOV 📚

How much I enjoyed this book and how much I cared for the bees really crept up on me. I’m going to miss starting my days with Sergey and his bees.

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 12:07:29 +0100

Currently reading: Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman 📚

In anticipation of having more demands on my time when I start a new role at the end of the month, I’m finally sitting down to read this.

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 11:13:23 +0100

Breakfasts just got more interesting 🍳

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 13:43:26 +0100

Lunch in the park #BloomScrolling

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 19:24:09 +0100

Just me: https://fragments.ekcragg.co.uk/just-me?pk_campaign=rss-feed

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 21:40:52 +0100

The Byker Wall looking resplendent in the early evening sun

Wed, 31 May 2023 13:06:53 +0100

Time plays a role when there’s someone to keep track of it, to depend on it. And if no-one like that remains then time, too, stops and disappears.

— Andrey Kurkov, Grey Bees (translated by Boris Dralyuk)

Mon, 29 May 2023 11:49:03 +0100

I’ve been trying to learn how to identify birds by their songs, it wasn’t going well until I discovered Merlin. It allows you to record what you’re hearing and picks out the individual birds. The one highlighted in yellow is the active/loudest bird singing.

Sun, 28 May 2023 17:28:19 +0100

Learnt some knots while listening to the first half of the football

Sun, 28 May 2023 15:22:26 +0100

Last day of the Premier League season. Last day of FPL. Actually looking forward to a break from it all and switching my attention to cricket for the summer ⚽️🏏

Sat, 27 May 2023 14:25:50 +0100

Work in progress

Fri, 26 May 2023 12:26:21 +0100

My lunchtime treat after running a workshop all morning is another episode of Voyager

Wed, 24 May 2023 09:02:59 +0100

I used to import my letterboxd reviews to micro.blog. I switched it off recently but want to revert back now. My question… will it duplicate old posts when I do that?

Tue, 23 May 2023 14:15:28 +0100

My media diet: https://fragments.ekcragg.co.uk/my-media-diet?pk_campaign=rss-feed

Sat, 20 May 2023 15:54:36 +0100

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside…

Mon, 15 May 2023 14:15:34 +0100

Favourite tree looking glorious in the morning sun

Sat, 13 May 2023 12:16:33 +0100

Birdwatch: Saw my first swift of the year in the park this morning. Yet to see the house martins return to the terrace though

Fri, 12 May 2023 13:34:08 +0100

Finished reading: Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro 📚

Should have trusted my judgment and skipped this one. Me and Ishiguro don’t get on. The start was promising but after half way I was just waiting for it to be over.

Wed, 03 May 2023 11:19:57 +0100

Finished reading: Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan 📚

Subtle yet powerful, a gem of a book 💎

Mon, 01 May 2023 11:19:59 +0100

Managed to score some tickets to next year’s World Championship snooker. Already looking forward to it 🤩

Sat, 29 Apr 2023 17:27:34 +0100

Finished reading: Ghost Town by Patrick McGrath 📚

Not really much to say about this collection. The stories clipped along but didn’t really move me in any direction.

Sat, 29 Apr 2023 12:48:58 +0100

Excited for the big showdown in the women’s Six Nations today. Think it could be close 😬

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 17:43:57 +0100

Finished reading: Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr 📚

I really enjoyed this. The evidence is how fast I read it - just a couple of weeks is record breaking for me for a book over 500 pages

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 14:38:31 +0100

We received two huge Easter eggs in the post with no note to say who they are from. I’ve got it into my head that I can’t eat mine until I know who it is from. Now I’m in a battle with myself. Who will win… my stubbornness or my inner chocoholic?

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 13:52:36 +0100

Taking some time off over the past week has given me some space to think about what each of my blogs is for. Not being clear on this is one of the many reasons I've not been publishing much lately. Think I've got it sorted now and I'm looking forward to getting into a bit of spring cleaning

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 14:51:58 +0100

We took advantage of a break in the clouds this morning and beat the rain. I think Aggie enjoyed her first visit to Rising Sun Country Park too

Sat, 08 Apr 2023 16:41:59 +0100

Finished reading: The Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper 📚

Took me a little while to get into this. Lining it up for a re-read later in the year, feel the arrival of Spring didn’t fully allow me to get immersed in the atmosphere of midwinter.

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 18:48:17 +0100

Day 22: insect #mbmar

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 19:10:47 +0100

Day 21: tiny #mbmar

Picked this collection up on the beach a few weeks ago

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 19:33:16 +0100

Day 20: houseplant #mbmar

Not many to choose from - I chose this because it’s the only one that looks remotely healthy 😳

Sun, 19 Mar 2023 14:19:42 +0100

Day 19: analogue #mbmar

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 23:24:51 +0100

Day 16: road #mbmar

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 19:51:47 +0100

Day 15: patience #mbmar

As the temperature drops outside I’m waiting to hear whether hockey training is going ahead tonight

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 23:54:53 +0100

Finished reading: Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper 📚

Bloomin’ marvellous! Sending this on to my Mum to read to my nephews at bedtime - two things they love are quests and King Arthur.

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 17:25:15 +0100

Day 14: horizon #mbmar

Not much to see out there today, much like this pic from the same time last year

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 22:38:46 +0100

Day 13: connection #mbmar

One connection in a piece of neon art yet to be installed

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 19:34:06 +0100

Tomorrow I will leave the house

Sun, 12 Mar 2023 18:34:14 +0100

Day 12: shiny #mbmar

Sat, 11 Mar 2023 18:14:42 +0100

Day 11: gimcrack #mbmar

Never seen this word before so had to look up the definition. Reckon the closest term we use in the UK is knick-knack. Searched the flat and then remembered this…

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 13:57:04 +0100

Day 10: ritual #mbmar

Reading in bed with the first cup of tea is how we start every day

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 13:26:44 +0100

Day 9: together #mbmar

This photo of me and my eldest nephew has pride of place on the mantelpiece. It was taken on their first visit to us

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 13:06:38 +0100

As a reader, how do you feel about whole sentences in brackets?

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 13:06:10 +0100

As a reader, how do you feel about whole sentences in brackets?

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 13:37:08 +0100

Day 8: walk #mbmar

My local park looking glorious on my lunchtime walk today. I struggled to choose which picture to share

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 16:48:43 +0100

Day 7: whole #mbmar

Not for long 😋

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 16:42:37 +0100

Day 6: engineering #mbmar

This is Dunston Staiths, one of the largest timber structures in Europe. It was built in the 1890s to move coal arriving by rail from the Durham coalfields directly onto trade ships on the River Tyne.

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 19:31:34 +0100

Kept the faith with my Liverpool players and they did me proud today. Second half of the season not going too badly for me after languishing around 4.5m rank at the World Cup break. Any other FPL players out there in micro.blog land? ⚽️

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 19:28:14 +0100

Day 5: tile #mbmar

This is one of a series of mosaics in an underpass nearby. The image is of Newcastle upon Tyne’s iconic Civic Centre

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 01:08:37 +0100

Day 4: zip #mbmar

Just the other side of midnight but it’s still Saturday somewhere

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 19:26:57 +0100

Day 3: solitude #mbmar

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 18:07:34 +0100

Day 2: weather #mbmar

It’s been a bit wet lately but we seem to have turned a corner today. Still chilly; a reminder that it’s not quite Spring yet.

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 13:55:23 +0100

Day 1: secure #mbmar

Sun, 26 Feb 2023 17:06:48 +0100

SA put up a good fight for a first final against a team they’ve never beaten in T20 but just not enough in their batting lineup.

Who is going to stop the Australian juggernaut? And when? 🏏

Sun, 26 Feb 2023 13:52:19 +0100

Sunday sports day: 🏏 T20 World Cup final, 🏉 big Six Nations game, ⚽️ EFL Cup final. Might need some multi-screen action to cram it all in

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 12:22:08 +0100

My body clock needs a reset — been waking up on the dot of 05:20 every morning this week 🥱

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 20:07:40 +0100

Went to see the sea today

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 10:47:15 +0100

Finished reading: The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles 📚

I read this with anticipation having loved the author’s previous book, A Gentleman in Moscow. Sadly this just isn’t anywhere near as good and I can’t quite put my finger on why. Underwhelming.

Sat, 11 Feb 2023 13:32:16 +0100

I listened to an interview with the new England coach yesterday and I’m hopeful for our chances at the Women’s T20 World Cup… but ask me again after we play the West Indies today 🏏

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 22:20:20 +0100

I really think more of a distinction should be made between a missed penalty and a saved penalty ⚽️

Sat, 28 Jan 2023 23:16:35 +0100

📺 Finished watching Wednesday (2022)

I delayed starting this because I’m stubborn and was convinced I wouldn’t like it. Two friends kept raving about it though and I finally caved… happy to admit I was wrong

Sat, 28 Jan 2023 20:02:09 +0100

Finished reading: Burnt Shadows by Kamila Shamsie 📚

I enjoyed the relationships and the range in this story (across both time and geography). However there were a few too many episodes that had the right people in the right place at the right time that felt obviously engineered.

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 17:18:57 +0100

I am always over ambitious about what I can do on Friday afternoons

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 19:05:57 +0100

Me and my Dad moved a shit ton (I think that’s the technical term) of soil over the past few days. If anyone needs me in the next couple, I’ll be sleeping!

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 19:25:22 +0100

Post-dinner nap time; Mum, Dad and dog have all nodded off. Good job I have a book

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 17:48:06 +0100

On my way to stay with my parents for a few days to help Dad with some work in the garden (digging out and replacing soil in the veg plot). Looking forward to some home comforts but feeling slightly apprehensive about not being in control of my own time

Sat, 21 Jan 2023 18:08:37 +0100

This morning in the park

Sat, 21 Jan 2023 00:01:03 +0100

I knew there would be a day when all the beer bottle tops I’ve collected over the years would come in handy. It’s poker night and we’ve got chips coming out of our ears

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 12:19:15 +0100

📺 Finished watching Kaleidoscope (2023)

I really enjoyed this series. I watched it in the order suggested by Netflix but I’m really interested to see how it plays out watching the episodes either chronologically or in a different non-chronological order.

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 23:49:30 +0100

Cooking tea tonight was a relay; I started and my wife finished. Somewhere along the way we got our wires crossed and ended up eating both tonight’s meal and tomorrow’s lunch as one dish 😆

Sun, 15 Jan 2023 15:42:31 +0100

It was super windy here last night (80+ km/hr). Saw this on my walk this morning. The sign reads “High Winds. Mixed medium. Artist: Mother Nature (Temporary Installation)”

Sat, 14 Jan 2023 19:15:00 +0100

Went to Whitby to play hockey. We lost. Beaten by a better team on the day. Fish and chips and a pint as a consolation prize

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 17:49:18 +0100

Finished reading: Funny Weather: Art in an Emergency by Olivia Laing 📚

As with every other book I’ve read by Olivia Laing I’ve come away with a list of artists and authors, and their work, to follow up on.

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 19:23:55 +0100

TIL about the role of a Chief Evangelist. Sounds a bit icky to me.

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 23:14:30 +0100

Finished reading: The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern 📚

Woah 🤯 The perfect holiday read, I’ve devoured this over the past few days.

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 17:43:36 +0100

Question about importing feeds (eg Letterboxd) to microblog; will it pull in existing entries or just those published after the feed is added?

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 22:12:50 +0100

A walk at the coast was a great way to start the day (and year)

Sat, 31 Dec 2022 14:26:57 +0100

Finished reading in 2022: Titus Alone by Mervyn Peake 📚

Finishing up the Gormenghast trilogy. I was really surprised just how much I enjoyed it and how long the characters have stayed with me. Really want to re-watch the BBC TV adaptation.

Sat, 31 Dec 2022 14:24:40 +0100

Finished reading in 2022: The Passenger by Ulrich Alexander Boschwitz 📚

Sat, 31 Dec 2022 12:32:49 +0100

Finished reading in 2022: Roseanna (The Martin Beck series, Book 1) by Maj Sjöwall 📚

It’s difficult to tell whether the functional language of this was due to the author’s style or the translation to English. Either way, I found it’s starkness compelling and a good addition to the atmosphere of the story.

Sat, 31 Dec 2022 12:30:48 +0100

Finished reading in 2022: Flight Behaviour by Barbara Kingsolver 📚

I’ve read a couple of other books by Kingsolver which, while I enjoyed I found overly descriptive. This was both an easy and enjoyable read.

Fri, 30 Dec 2022 20:11:20 +0100

Making Yorkshire puddings tonight with a new recipe and a new tin. What could possibly go wrong 🤞

Fri, 30 Dec 2022 19:02:28 +0100

Finished reading: Spy Who Came in from the Cold, Level 6 by John le Carré 📚

This might have been my first le Carré but it won’t be my last.

Fri, 30 Dec 2022 18:25:34 +0100

Wondered why I was seeing a flurry of finished book posts. Thought it might be that reading is a microbloggers main activity during twixtmas, but now reassessing as I realise there’s books I need to log in order to add them to my 2022 reading list 😆

Fri, 30 Dec 2022 18:06:21 +0100

Finished reading: The Fortune Men by Nadifa Mohamed 📚

Read this on my summer holiday. Thought it was excellent, more so because I knew nothing about it before reading so had a surprise towards the end.

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 14:16:39 +0100

Currently reading: The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern 📚

I’m always mildly disappointed when the covers available in Epilogue don’t match the edition that I’m reading 😢

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 18:35:18 +0100

📺 Just finished watching 1899. It started out as compelling viewing but just after halfway it started to get more and more ridiculous. Kinda frustrating really

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 13:40:36 +0100

Left the house for the first time since Sunday and the light was beautiful

Sat, 26 Nov 2022 23:12:19 +0100

I make a commitment for seven months of the year to dedicate my Saturdays to playing hockey. When we get a rare one off (like today) I don’t know what to do with myself.

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 20:57:49 +0100

A weekly ritual we started during lockdowns was a weekend morning video call to do the crossword with my parents. It continues two years on and I’ll be dialling in with my coffee at 10am tomorrow 🥰

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 20:55:50 +0100

Currently reading: Sybil & Cyril by Jenny Uglow 📚

Went to hear the author speak tonight so high time I actually started reading this. More to follow on key points from the talk soon

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 11:17:34 +0100

I forgot to post an update for the November challenge yesterday. So going for two in one today. I often wonder how and why I retain some frankly useless information and fail to remember the important stuff.

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 15:46:17 +0100

Today I will graze on Celebrations to get me through the mid-afternoon slump.

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 12:15:17 +0100

Just discovered the theme is broken on my personal blog. Who knows how long it's been that way. Could there be a clearer message that I'm not giving enough of my attention to it (or my own writing practice)?

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 21:10:08 +0100

Over the past few weeks I’ve been trying to teach my wife to ice skate. It’s been a challenge to break it down into the component parts. We’re making slow progress, but progress nonetheless ⛸

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 19:56:31 +0100

Repeat after me: it’s time to put your phone away and give your attention to something meaningful for a little while

Sat, 19 Nov 2022 15:40:36 +0100

I haven’t wanted to start reading another novel since finishing The Name of the Wind, but I think after a week I may just about be ready. Now what to choose?

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 11:18:18 +0100

Think I have a new answer to the "what's your greatest weakness" interview question... impatience. I'm waiting for someone to send me a thing and it not being here yet is consuming all my attention.

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 14:27:14 +0100

There’s been a sudden upsurge in the amount of aluminium foil in our recycling bin since I decided it was indeed acceptable to eat mince pies in November 🥧😋

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 10:29:51 +0100

I’ve missed a few days of microblogvember prompts, but trying to get back on the horse and not leave the challenge. It’s still Monday in Hawaii as I type this so I’ll get this one in before trying to catch up with myself.

Sun, 13 Nov 2022 20:25:42 +0100

Really not sure I managed to adjust to this weekend’s hockey match being on Sunday rather than Saturday. Going to be a shock getting up for work tomorrow! 🏑

Sat, 12 Nov 2022 09:30:52 +0100

A heartbreaking loss but that’s some performance from the Red Roses to keep within a score (and almost steal it at the end) having played 3/4 of the match a player down. My heart is still racing!

Sat, 12 Nov 2022 07:38:20 +0100

Here we go 🌹

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 20:22:09 +0100

Finished reading: The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss 📚

Been sitting on this for years waiting until I was in the right place to read it. Feeling both glad that I waited but also wish I’d entered this world sooner. Roll on Christmas and book two.

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 20:07:28 +0100

My wife recently started training to become a lay minister, little did I know this would require me to dredge up stuff I learned on my ancient history degree when she quizzes me about the Roman Empire over breakfast

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 17:42:19 +0100

Over the past few weeks I’ve learned enough about my uses of micro.blog and Mastodon to decide that it’s time to stop cross-posting. If everything’s working corrently this post shouldn’t appear over on writing.exchange 👀

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 15:00:59 +0100

I find myself feeling less certain about more things these days… and I think I’m ok with that.

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 15:00:56 +0100

I find myself feeling less certain about more things these days… and I think I’m ok with that.

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 21:46:15 +0100

After much back and forth we have finally reached a consensus over team selection for this weekend’s hockey teams

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 21:46:13 +0100

After much back and forth we have finally reached a consensus over team selection for this weekend’s hockey teams

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 17:04:37 +0100

I’m grateful for the insights being shared through the microblogvember prompts… especially today’s. https://challenges.micro.blog/2022/10/31/microblogvember-heres-how.html

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 17:04:30 +0100

I’m grateful for the insights being shared through the microblogvember prompts… especially today’s.

Sun, 06 Nov 2022 17:01:16 +0100

A good story echoes

Sun, 06 Nov 2022 17:01:14 +0100

A good story echoes

Sat, 05 Nov 2022 19:14:40 +0100

After playing hockey on Saturdays I make myself exempt from any household chores

Sat, 05 Nov 2022 19:14:32 +0100

After playing hockey on Saturdays I make myself exempt from any household chores

Fri, 04 Nov 2022 16:15:01 +0100

I’ve been drawn back in to fantasy fiction this year and I’m full of admiration for the writers who create these other worlds for me to escape into.

Fri, 04 Nov 2022 16:14:57 +0100

I’ve been drawn back in to fantasy fiction this year and I’m full of admiration for the writers who create these other worlds for me to escape into.

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 16:24:23 +0100

My observation of today’s prompt is how rarely I have a reason to use the word license in everyday conversation. Vastly different from when I worked in libraries a decade ago and seemed to constantly be referring to what our licences allowed (or more often didn’t!)

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 16:24:19 +0100

My observation of today’s prompt is how rarely I have a reason to use the word license in everyday conversation. Vastly different from when I worked in libraries a decade ago and seemed to constantly be referring to what our licences allowed (or more often didn’t!)

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 16:08:42 +0100

The colours on the trees this autumn really have been a feast for the eyes. I am curious though… has this year has been any different or have I just paid more attention than usual?

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 11:14:51 +0100

Think I’m going to use the microblogvember challenge to help me get into the habit of posting more regularly while I figure out how to keep going after that.

Sun, 23 Oct 2022 10:28:05 +0100

Spent the morning dog walk photographing fallen leaves. Such an abundance of colour - perfect for my next watercolour class on colour matching 🎨

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 17:26:24 +0100

Current favourite 🌳

Sat, 15 Oct 2022 07:56:44 +0100

No hockey to play for me today so I’m up and on the sofa ready to watch England’s Red Roses 🌹 vs France 🐓 at the Rugby World Cup before I head out to help do the subs on the sideline for our 3rd team. It is sport Saturday after all.

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 14:33:00 +0100

Currently reading: The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss 📚

I’m finally ready to read this which was a gift from a friend 5+ years ago. Only a few pages in and seeing the influence of Ursula le Guin makes me think I’ll enjoy it.

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 12:27:52 +0100

My contribution to micro.blog’s a day in the life. Picture taken on my daily walk in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (11:11AM GMT+1)

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 17:50:23 +0100

Managed to limit my spending in Barter Books 📚

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 17:48:59 +0100

Awesome day out in the sunshine at Alnwick Garden

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 17:22:39 +0100

Finished reading: The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett 📚

A really engaging read. Left me wanting to seek out Bennett’s debut novel, The Mothers.

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 18:22:14 +0100

Finished reading: Treacle Walker by Alan Garner 📚

Best book I’ve read in a while. Raced through it in just a couple of sittings (which is rare for me) — I didn’t want to put it down.

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 19:16:25 +0100

Hmm, finished watching The Sandman and I still really don’t know how I feel about it. If anything I’m left a little underwhelmed 📺

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 09:13:53 +0100

Finished reading: I Didn’t Do The Thing Today by Madeleine Dore 📚

I enjoyed reading this and frequently found myself nodding along. My copy is covered in sticky notes and I’m looking forward to going back to review the highlights.

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 17:29:56 +0100

Finished reading: The End of Eddy by Edouard Louis 📚

Is it a novel? Is it autobiography? Does it matter? Either way I didn’t really manage to get into it and have to admit to skimming it towards the end.

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 10:54:41 +0100

What do you call a co-working space when you’re the only one in it? 🤔

Sun, 21 Aug 2022 14:06:56 +0100

“Simplicity is the end result of long, hard work; not the starting point.”

💬 Frederick Maitland

Sun, 07 Aug 2022 12:01:49 +0100

Plus ça change… Bristol City condemn abuse towards women’s manager Lauren Smith www.bbc.co.uk/sport/foo…

Sun, 07 Aug 2022 11:21:39 +0100

Two days and two pretty dismal batting performances by England at the Commonwealth Games. They’re going to have to be at the top of their game in the field to win the bronze 🏏🥉

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 16:22:57 +0100

Finished reading: The Lamplighters by Emma Stonex 📚

Should have gone with my gut on this one and stopped reading before I’d committed too much to it. Meh 🤷🏼

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 15:54:56 +0100

Today I am thankful for the opportunity to get out and about (and walk more than 100 metres).

I am looking forward to a day at the beach tomorrow.

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 11:52:33 +0100

Negative test this morning = going on holiday this afternoon 🥳

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 21:52:28 +0100

⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️ Here we go!

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 17:34:42 +0100

On living in the moment: Today, this one-of-a-kind day

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 11:08:54 +0100

Currently reading: The Lamplighters by Emma Stonex 📚

Always a little apprehensive when starting a book bought as a gift. Let’s see how this goes.

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 19:14:55 +0100

It’s Norway vs Austria for us at the Euros tonight. I’ll always take the game with something to play for over a dead rubber ⚽️

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 23:14:23 +0100

Today I am grateful that it is significantly cooler in the north east than it is in the south.

I am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed.

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 16:17:57 +0100

Today I am grateful for seeing Izzy again after five days apart.

I am looking forward to being at the Germany v Spain Euros match tonight.

Sat, 09 Jul 2022 21:58:39 +0100

Sports day…

🏉 Australia v England

🎾 Rybakina v Jabeur

🏏 England v India

⚽️ Netherlands v Sweden

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 21:21:17 +0100

This is my favourite tree in Jesmond Dene. I love the variety of colours and how it catches the late afternoon light.

Do you have a favourite tree in your local park?

Sun, 26 Jun 2022 09:48:09 +0100

January to June in my local park

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 18:19:00 +0100

A chair collapsed underneath me today. Now I find myself viewing all chairs that I approach with suspicion

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 15:56:24 +0100

Human beings are like jazz musicians; always improvising.

Fortuitous to be in the car with 6Music on the radio yesterday to catch Herbie Hancock on The First Time with Matt Everitt

Sun, 19 Jun 2022 20:52:49 +0100

Spent the morning with Hockney at Salts Mill. Fell in love with a tree 😍

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 07:17:19 +0100

Finished reading: The Locals by Jonathan Dee 📚

Found this massively underwhelming, if not irritating. Dee seemed to start lots of plot lines and then just let them trail off. About two thirds through I asked my wife if anything happened before the end, she said yes… it did not.

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 15:24:12 +0100

When I started co-working at Good Space in Commercial Union House we knew that one day it would be knocked down. Four years later they finally did it and this is all that remains

Sat, 04 Jun 2022 19:47:46 +0100

Got my watercolours out today and enjoyed getting a feel for the brushes again. Realised this may be the first time I’ve painted as an adult! It won’t be the last 🎨

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 09:52:12 +0100

Up and out for a walk before the Bank Holiday crowds. Lovely and fresh after last night’s downpour

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 13:00:34 +0100

What a morning of cricket! Delighted for local lad Matthew Potts on his debut. Trying not to get ahead of myself though; difficult to tell from the radio whether we’ve been good or NZ aren’t up to scratch… and have to wait to see how we bat 😬🏏

Tue, 31 May 2022 08:52:39 +0100

Finished reading: A Thousand Moons by Sebastian Barry 📚

Another gem. I don’t know any other author who weaves poetry into the narrative like Barry does.

Fri, 27 May 2022 21:07:02 +0100

Too nice not to head out for a stroll this evening

Fri, 27 May 2022 14:30:44 +0100

Just found out a local coffee roastery is opening a shop within 100 yards of my flat. Can’t decide if this is the best thing to happen this week (excellent coffee on my doorstep) or the worst (there’s already a beer cafe so soon I’ll have no pocket money left!)

Thu, 26 May 2022 09:10:52 +0100

Waiting for our new sofa to be delivered. Chance of any meaningful work getting done before or after? Slim.

Wed, 25 May 2022 17:58:47 +0100

Caught up on Taskmaster last night (S13:E6). Was in stitches at the attempts to record the highest number on a pedometer. As I was 30 mins early for an appointment today I decided to apply the simplest strategy to the task: walking. With 2,285 steps in 20 mins I’d have come 2nd

Tue, 24 May 2022 18:59:20 +0100

Tasks that present unexpected challenges then are straightforward to complete once you have a clear strategy and the right tools are the most satisfying. Emma 1 : Sofa 0

Sun, 22 May 2022 13:46:48 +0100

Here’s how my afternoon is shaping up: dismantling a sofa and trying to follow 10 football matches all at once. How about you?

Sat, 14 May 2022 08:45:19 +0100

Currently reading: I Didn’t Do The Thing Today by Madeleine Dore 📚

You’ll know on the first page if this book is for you. Summary: I don’t have the answers, there’s no one way to do things, it’s about experimenting and finding what works for you. Bingo!

Fri, 13 May 2022 16:18:07 +0100

Today I danced in the sunshine, invented a game in 2 minutes (called Pointless Popping Pirate Personas) and realised I need to redraw the edges of my comfort zone

Fri, 13 May 2022 16:15:50 +0100

I’ve always wondered whether this could happen with wordle and the myriad spin offs. Today’s the day!

Framed #63 🎥 🟩 ⬛ ⬛ ⬛ ⬛ ⬛

framed.wtf

Thu, 12 May 2022 15:15:21 +0100

First day I’ve seen the house martins back playing between the terraces so I’ve downloaded this for my journey this evening

Wed, 11 May 2022 18:34:34 +0100

Want to get better at logging the films I’m watching and thinking of connecting Letterboxd to micro.blog. Curious what workflow others use for this 🍿🎥

Wed, 11 May 2022 07:20:27 +0100

Currently reading: A Thousand Moons by Sebastian Barry 📚

Back to fiction today with one of my favourite authors.

Fri, 06 May 2022 21:19:01 +0100

The more I read of Spring Cannot Be Cancelled: David Hockney in Normandy, the more I want to spend my time just looking at the trees in the park outside my back door 📚

Mon, 02 May 2022 15:55:05 +0100

Found the flaw in my plan to buy no new books this year… my wife is still buying books. Four she’s finished recently added to my to read pile today 🤷🏼

Sat, 30 Apr 2022 12:27:59 +0100

Sunny morning run before the rest of the world gets up = a good start to a long weekend

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 21:35:21 +0100

Signed up for my first Good Gym sessions today. In the next few weeks I’ll be going on a group run and a litter pick. Looking forward to helping in the community, meeting new people and improving fitness along the way

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 20:47:21 +0100

I do not enjoy getting up early however I am looking forward to an early start for Dawn Chorus Day on May 1

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 11:17:05 +0100

New favourite wordle spin-off framed.wtf 🎬🎥🍿

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 11:46:26 +0100

Running through a field of cows in the middle of the city still feels like a novelty

Sat, 16 Apr 2022 16:52:51 +0100

For me Bank Holidays are about baking and beer. Bonus points this weekend for baking with beer. Spiced stout hot cross buns on the menu today 😋

Sun, 27 Mar 2022 18:17:10 +0100

For a fleeting moment this afternoon the sun reflecting off the crackle glaze on this little pot made a beautiful pattern that reminded me of marbling

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 21:04:22 +0100

I have a long-standing desire to “be more creative” and I think I’ve always equated that to doing more drawing, printing, photography etc. Today I realised the hour or so that I spend cooking every day is creative time. Seems so obvious now, I’m unsure how I didn’t see it before

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 09:10:31 +0100

Finished reading: Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead 📚

Enjoyed this adventure yarn and getting to know Marian Graves. Wasn’t sure about the need for the modern plot, but it made itself known in the end.

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 18:44:31 +0100

In my accountability group this morning I appreciated being asked what I am looking forward to this week as well as what I need to get done

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 17:47:15 +0100

Super excited - just bought tickets to see my first Red Roses match live. Taking my Dad back to Welford Road where we used to spend every Saturday hanging out and watching rugby when I was a kid.

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 17:29:00 +0100

Just updated my /now page ekcragg.co.uk/now/

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 14:00:00 +0100

Finished reading: Do Pause by Robert Poynton 📚

This book has prompted so many questions for me to explore around how I create and use pauses in my life and work. Highly recommend.

Sat, 12 Feb 2022 18:09:40 +0100

Watching rugby with my wife. “I like their bonnets” she says 🤣

Fri, 11 Feb 2022 12:57:57 +0100

One of my favourite things to do is a solo trip to the cinema. It felt good to be back there yesterday after too long.

I watched Nightmare Alley which is definitely a film of two halves.

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 14:40:24 +0100

Spotted my first snowdrops in the park today and was pleased to see the friendly bullfinches are back.

Roll on Spring.

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 14:19:00 +0100

Finished reading: Saltwater: Winner of the Portico Prize by Jessica Andrews 📚

An absolutely fantastic first novel. Really engaging with a distinctive style and structure.

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 13:18:00 +0100

Pure luck. Anyone ever got it on the first guess?

Wordle 227 2/6

🟨⬛🟨⬛⬛ 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Sun, 30 Jan 2022 13:28:23 +0100

More storm damage in the local parks. Grateful to have been able to stay indoors yesterday after hockey was cancelled because the goals kept blowing over!

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 17:43:51 +0100

Weekend craft project

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 18:25:50 +0100

Oh what a beautiful day

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 19:47:58 +0100

My favourite everyday loaf is Dan Lepard’s sour cream sandwich bread. Here’s my first bake of the new year

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 18:22:19 +0100

The quality of the search function in the tool I use to track my reading is the deal breaker for me. I was too often disappointed with the first replacement I found for Goodreads. Happily though Epilogue is spot on. Thanks @manton

Sat, 25 Dec 2021 19:28:00 +0100

Finished reading: Gratitude by Oliver Sacks 📚

A short read for Christmas Day courtesy of 🎅🏻

Sat, 25 Dec 2021 19:26:58 +0100

Today I am grateful for being able to spend Christmas with my parents.

And I am looking forward to eating trifle for pudding 😋

Sun, 28 Nov 2021 11:33:00 +0100

Currently reading: The Books of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin 📚

Reached the halfway point today by finishing The Farthest Shore. The more I read, the more I wonder why I’ve never been here before.

Sat, 27 Nov 2021 14:59:34 +0100

Just been to check storm damage in my local park. Thankfully it’s come off lightly with just a couple of trees uprooted and branches down

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 17:57:24 +0100

Today I am grateful for central heating.

And I am looking forward to an evening of creative fun.

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 15:50:03 +0100

Spent my morning talking about WiFi boosters and mesh networks. Who do I send my expenses form to so that I can claim that time back?

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 12:06:29 +0100

Turns out pomodoro breaks come at the perfect interval for regularly checking on the Christmas pud while it steams

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 15:47:46 +0100

Saw my first job advert today that requires candidates to be “fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (unless medically exempt)”

Sun, 21 Nov 2021 12:27:09 +0100

I’m really going to miss the Sunday afternoon double bill of WSL and Red Roses matches on TV after the autumn internationals are over

Sat, 20 Nov 2021 18:05:48 +0100

Today I am grateful for my team for voting me player of the match… it softens the loss slightly.

And I am looking forward to a day doing nothing.

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 21:57:00 +0100

Finished reading: The Biggest Bluff: How I Learned to Pay Attention, Take Control and Master the Odds by Maria Konnikova 📚

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 15:51:07 +0100

Which tube station makes you feel most like you’re stepping into Fritz Lang’s Metropolis?

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 18:31:10 +0100

Story from a London street today…

Random man: Where’s your coat and hat?

Me: I’m from the North.

I hope that was enough of an explanation for him.

Sun, 14 Nov 2021 13:04:56 +0100

Today I am grateful for the ability to travel again.

And I am looking forward to exploring a different city.

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 21:40:23 +0100

Today I am grateful for the park on my doorstep.

And I am looking forward to some time off next week.

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 21:02:15 +0100

Today I am grateful for the weekly intention setting session with my accountability group.

And I am looking forward to eating the quiche I just made for lunch tomorrow.

Sat, 06 Nov 2021 22:15:22 +0100

Today I am grateful for a clear sky and a good view of Jupiter.

And I am looking forward to attempting my first 5k in a while (probably a year) tomorrow.

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 22:12:51 +0100

Today I am grateful for laughter therapy from Taskmaster.

And I am looking forward to virtual coffee with my journaling community tomorrow.

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:40:07 +0100

A question always leaves room for you

From Hannah Gadsby’s University of Tasmania Gradutation Address

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 18:57:35 +0100

Today I am grateful that the rain has eased before I have to go to hockey training.

And I am looking forward to getting some fresh air.

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 18:01:59 +0100

Today I am grateful for flexibility in my work day.

And I am looking forward to an upcoming inspiration jaunt to London.

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 10:21:47 +0100

The moon really didn’t disappoint

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 14:36:20 +0100

Today I am grateful for the start of a new project.

And I am looking forward to seeing The Museum of the Moon.

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 17:51:36 +0100

Hello world. Testing custom domain.