You have made feel brave and I believe we may have crossed paths in Beth's belief in us all being writers , and it's a just a maybe that I will hit publish soon as I make the transition of leaving a full time job to make more time for my stories but I look forward to your second instalment. Your Nan reminded me of mine though she lived in another continent her love for me was something I will never forget being the eldest grandchild always makes a difference :)
Thanks so much for the mention Matthew, the intrigue has me a bit unraveled at the moment and my pen shaky but we'll see....your Nan sounds lovely. My memories of my paternal grandparents from the eighties are so rich in smells and colour. Strong black coffee, orange light through sunscreens, the earthy dustiness in the basement with the workbench...
You had me at the first sentence, I just had to know more about someone who put booze in the cat's dinner on a regular basis. But the whole first paragraph is a wonderful character study and I love your writing voice. You put just the right amount of affectionate distance between your younger self and where you are now.
And thank you for the mention - I am honoured to understand that the stuff my head generates makes you sit up and think. It does the same to me! I am often found writing with eyebrows raised at what appears to be appearing on the page.
You have been in my mind of late, actually, wondering where your posts are - you seemed a little quiet. Actually I've missed chatting with several from SoulCircle that I feel close to, but then it is Summer and people are out getting burned and doing barbecue's etc..... I must make more effort to stay connected x talk soon...
oh Matthew, I had a Nan just like yours, all woodbine fag ash and whiskey in her tea. They don't make them like they used to. I don't know the wisdom my Nana held close though, she lived in Staines and we lived in Norwich and I didn't see her that often. But she was kind and quick to chuckle, and spoke to me with love and interest. I liked her. Please continue with the story my dear... I am quite comfortable....
What a wonderful stories Matthew! I totally feel you when you write about Beth and the SoulCircle, it made me emotional just like the beautiful story about Nan. Looking forward to part 2! And thank you so much for mentioning me, again you touched my heart, I never would have thought that such a talented writer as you, the writer who always leaves me in awe when you read a part of your work at the end of a SoulCircle gathering, would love my poetry… you leave me speechless 🙏🏻🧡
Oh fabulous writing and thank you for mentioning me in there. I’m just going to get a cup of tea to read the rest now… thank you for sharing such wonderful words, as always 😊
Ooh I love the story. And your Nan 💜
Exceptional woman.
Thank you so much for the mention my dear friend 🙏🏻. The last few weeks I’ve been out of the writing zone and miss out chatter.
It’s a privilege to be in the company of you all
You have made feel brave and I believe we may have crossed paths in Beth's belief in us all being writers , and it's a just a maybe that I will hit publish soon as I make the transition of leaving a full time job to make more time for my stories but I look forward to your second instalment. Your Nan reminded me of mine though she lived in another continent her love for me was something I will never forget being the eldest grandchild always makes a difference :)
We are all better for having Nans in our lives. Sometimes they arrive in unexpected ways.
Thanks so much for the mention Matthew, the intrigue has me a bit unraveled at the moment and my pen shaky but we'll see....your Nan sounds lovely. My memories of my paternal grandparents from the eighties are so rich in smells and colour. Strong black coffee, orange light through sunscreens, the earthy dustiness in the basement with the workbench...
It's the smells, isn't? Always the smells to take us back...
You had me at the first sentence, I just had to know more about someone who put booze in the cat's dinner on a regular basis. But the whole first paragraph is a wonderful character study and I love your writing voice. You put just the right amount of affectionate distance between your younger self and where you are now.
You have little idea how hugely your words affect me - thank you!
I think maybe I have, after all I do a bit of writing myself. A pleasure to read and to comment.
And thank you for the mention - I am honoured to understand that the stuff my head generates makes you sit up and think. It does the same to me! I am often found writing with eyebrows raised at what appears to be appearing on the page.
You have been in my mind of late, actually, wondering where your posts are - you seemed a little quiet. Actually I've missed chatting with several from SoulCircle that I feel close to, but then it is Summer and people are out getting burned and doing barbecue's etc..... I must make more effort to stay connected x talk soon...
Thanks, Kole - and we will - as soon as my mini-road trip is done.
oh Matthew, I had a Nan just like yours, all woodbine fag ash and whiskey in her tea. They don't make them like they used to. I don't know the wisdom my Nana held close though, she lived in Staines and we lived in Norwich and I didn't see her that often. But she was kind and quick to chuckle, and spoke to me with love and interest. I liked her. Please continue with the story my dear... I am quite comfortable....
I want more...! Did I tell you your writing is pulling me more and more? 😊
Not often enough, Arnaly my friend!
Let me say it again, then. Your writing grabs my attention and doesn’t let go until I’m finished. That’s very hard to do!
What a wonderful stories Matthew! I totally feel you when you write about Beth and the SoulCircle, it made me emotional just like the beautiful story about Nan. Looking forward to part 2! And thank you so much for mentioning me, again you touched my heart, I never would have thought that such a talented writer as you, the writer who always leaves me in awe when you read a part of your work at the end of a SoulCircle gathering, would love my poetry… you leave me speechless 🙏🏻🧡
Well, Simone, the feeling is now entirely mutual! Thank you.
Thanks for your very generous words Matthew, as always a treat.
As always, my privilege, Sally. Thank you.
Oh fabulous writing and thank you for mentioning me in there. I’m just going to get a cup of tea to read the rest now… thank you for sharing such wonderful words, as always 😊
I am so happy you and Agnes enjoy that what I have written, Lynn.
Thank you Matthew for sharing these stories, it was a pleasure to read (as always :-)) 🙏🏼
So happy you enjoy them, Hilda, and thank you!
To remember Nan’s words so clearly from so many years ago - you probably would have written about this even without Beth’s invitation. 🙂
Some days, I think I’ll make a compendium of Nan’s pearls of wisdom; many stuck fast.