This morning, I decided to listen when my alarm clock called. I ate breakfast quickly and was on my way by 6:30. I walked through our garden—a green oasis, something you might expect in the country—and carried on down College Avenue towards Albert Street. A newly landscaped house is for sale; the landscaping, I guess, […]
Walking
Walking With Our Angels
This morning, I decided to listen when my alarm clock called. I ate breakfast quickly and was on my way by 6:30. I walked through our garden—a green oasis, something you might expect in the country—and carried on down College Avenue towards Albert Street. A newly landscaped house is for sale; the landscaping, I guess, […]
Walking on a Hot Summer Morning
I left the house earlier than I did on Tuesday, but still not early enough to beat the heat. I should’ve set the alarm and left before seven o’clock, but I didn’t, and I dithered at my computer while the sun got higher in the sky. Eventually I tied my boots and started walking. I […]
Walking on a Hot Summer Morning
I left the house earlier than I did on Tuesday, but still not early enough to beat the heat. I should’ve set the alarm and left before seven o’clock, but I didn’t, and I dithered at my computer while the sun got higher in the sky. Eventually I tied my boots and started walking. I […]
Carrying the Weight Walk
I’m planning a walk before the summer ends—not a very long walk, just a few days, but long enough that I need to do something to get ready, since a six weeks or more of sitting and writing has done less than nothing to help me prepare. So this morning I left the house carrying […]
Carrying the Weight Walk
I’m planning a walk before the summer ends—not a very long walk, just a few days, but long enough that I need to do something to get ready, since a six weeks or more of sitting and writing has done less than nothing to help me prepare. So this morning I left the house carrying […]
Lockdown Daisies
In March, like all of us in the UK, my wandering became limited to a once a day walk within my local area. And so began my lockdown daisy project – a photo each week day. These bright, sturdy flowers bloom for months and can grow all over the place. This became a daily hunt … Lockdown DaisiesRead More »
Dear West Ham Park
Is there a place that has been special to you during lockdown? A place that got you through? Below is my love letter to West Ham Park, the place that made all the difference to me over the last few months. Take a moment to write your own lockdown special place love letter. Let me … Dear West Ham ParkRead More »
Walking to a Wasteland
(photograph courtesy of Google Streetview; I forgot my camera this afternoon) I’m taking a writing course this week through the Sage Hill Writing Experience. Every day we are given things to read and exercises to do. Today’s exercise was to read Erica Violet Lee’s “In Defence of the Wastelands: A Survival Guide,” and then to […]
Walking to a Wasteland
(photograph courtesy of Google Streetview; I forgot my camera this afternoon) I’m taking a writing course this week through the Sage Hill Writing Experience. Every day we are given things to read and exercises to do. Today’s exercise was to read Erica Violet Lee’s “In Defence of the Wastelands: A Survival Guide,” and then to […]
Verse Aid : Poems for the Earth
Back in January I was honoured to be invited by Poets for the Planet to run two workshops at their launch event at the Society Of Authors in London. “Poets for the Planet is a community of kindred poets, performers, artists and creative activists raising their voices to engage with climate and ecological emergency through … Continue reading Verse Aid : Poems for the Earth →
Iso Topics | Belconnen Arts Centre
Some recent work produced for the Urban Tree Festival is currently part of …
What’s That Tree?
Why should we pay attention to urban trees? It would be great if every urban tree had a label. When we are able to name a tree and know something about it, we care more about the tree and our environment. Spending time with nature also has so many benefits for our stress levels, health … What’s That Tree?Read More »
Walking West, Once Again
It’s the middle of June, and the forecast is calling for a hot and windy day, so I get off to an early start. Sparrows are chirping, and I hear children playing in a park. On Elphinstone Street, a dead squirrel, dessicated and stiff, lies in the middle of the sidewalk. At the corner of […]
Walking West, Again
It’s the middle of June, and the forecast is calling for a hot and windy day, so I get off to an early start. Sparrows are chirping, and I hear children playing in a park. On Elphinstone Street, a dead squirrel, dessicated and stiff, lies in the middle of the sidewalk. Where did it come […]
Walking Down Rotary Avenue
When I started making these walks in April, spring hadn’t arrived yet; the trees were bare and the grass was still brown after the long winter. Now the city is green; the wild roses in our yard are in bloom, and our bur oak tree—always the last to leaf out—is bright green. Christine and I […]
Walking Down Rotary Avenue
When I started making these walks in April, spring hadn’t arrived yet; the trees were bare and the grass was still brown after the long winter. Now the city is green; the wild roses in our yard are in bloom, and our bur oak tree—always the last to leaf out—is bright green. Christine and I […]
Walking to the Canadian Pacific Intermodal Yard
I head west again. I’m trying out a different route today, walking south of the airport rather than north. I leave the house and startle a pair of mourning doves in the alley. A bold robin issues a challenge. In a sunny corner, ostrich ferns are poking out of a planting of juniper. There are […]
Walking to the Canadian Pacific Intermodal Yard
I head west again. I’m trying out a different route today, walking south of the airport rather than north. I leave the house and startle a pair of mourning doves in the alley. A bold robin issues a challenge. In a sunny corner, ostrich ferns are poking out of a planting of juniper. There are […]
Walking West, Again
It’s a breezy, cool, sunny day and I’m walking towards 13th Avenue. i notice a miniature Adirondack chair at the foot of an elm tree next to the sidewalk, and I’m reminded of the tiny chairs at the beginning of The Friendly Giant. Down the street, a lawn is entirely occupied by large rhubarb plants; […]