stephc2021

Haiku Hope Part 14 – Degree

Welcome to another in my series of Haikus. This time I’m using my experiences as a student nearing the end of her degree (year 5 of 6 is now well underway) and the stresses of managing study with life in general. I’ve missed these Haikus – over the festive period I focussed on a seriesContinue reading “Haiku Hope Part 14 – Degree”

Crap Poems Part 18 – The Worried Parent

My poems usually try to be humourous in some way, but when the world isn’t a pleasant place to be, it’s hard to find any fun within. I wrote this poem in pieces as I watched on redundantly while my daughter was hospitalised throughout Christmas, and I saw it all through a window and myContinue reading “Crap Poems Part 18 – The Worried Parent”

Chronic Pain – a new diagnostic chapter

Well, it’s officially 2023 and I’m sure many of you are feeling as redundant as I am about what the future holds. These are not simple times. But my fear of external catastrophies, things I have absolutely no control over, has forced me to find the silver lining on every charcoal cloud. So when IContinue reading “Chronic Pain – a new diagnostic chapter”

Goodbye 2022, Hello 2023

What a frigging year. I remember, 12 months ago, sitting in this same spot at about the same time thinking about the possibilities ahead. From my achievements in my degree to writing and illustration, I’ve definitely managed things I had no idea I could. At the start of the year I became the Creative VolunteerContinue reading “Goodbye 2022, Hello 2023”

A very stressful Christmas is normal. Maybe we should change things?

***TRIGGER WARNING*** This page is specifically about declining mental health and mental illness during the festive season. If you or someone you know is in need of help then a full list of contact information (including opening hours, phone numbers and links) is available at the bottom of this post or my Get Support page.Continue reading “A very stressful Christmas is normal. Maybe we should change things?”

Weird Words part 14 – Qualtagh

Merry Christmas! Welcome to another (the penultimate) edition of my festive weird words project. This time I’ve chosen a word believe to be derived from manx folklore. Qualtagh can also be spelt ‘Quaaltagh’, although I’m unsure of the reason why. It took a bit of digging to find the meaning, but it’s a great wordContinue reading “Weird Words part 14 – Qualtagh”

Mental Illness and parenting – trying to learn Makaton

If the covid lockdown taught parents one thing, it’s that teaching children is HARD WORK. Wow, trying to make sure just one kid does their homework is a full time job, I can’t imagine how teachers manage over 30 of the cheeky little monsters. But Covid also helped me realise that keeping up with learningContinue reading “Mental Illness and parenting – trying to learn Makaton”

Weird Words part 13 – Krampus

Welcome back to another festive edition of my weird words project. Today I’ve found a word that I think a few people already know, but here in the UK we rarely talk about the Krampus around advent time, so I have to assume there are a few others like me who don’t know anything aboutContinue reading “Weird Words part 13 – Krampus”

Christmas movies – cheese that doesn’t stink?

Here we are again. The most wonderful time of the year…usually. This year we seem to be lacking the usual joy and happiness that Christmas inevitably spreads. Even though I only have social media to rely on, I can feel the sadness seeping through the screen and I can feel it at home too. ButContinue reading “Christmas movies – cheese that doesn’t stink?”

Weird Words Part 12 – Scurryfunge

Welcome everyone. Here, as promised, is another edition of the Weird Words festive series. Today I’ve chosen a word thought to originate from the late 18th Century. That’s right, I’m conducting proper (vague) research in order to bring you these words so you can impress (bore) family and friends with your vast and unusual festiveContinue reading “Weird Words Part 12 – Scurryfunge”