stephc2021

When equality isn’t equal

41 years ago, when I was just a few months old, I’m confident someone like my father would have stared open-mouthed when a same sex couple married in a soap opera, scoffed at the idea of a Hindu Prime Minister and spat out his tea when a trans-gender woman won a popular reality programme. HeContinue reading “When equality isn’t equal”

Weird Words Part 11 – Crumping

Welcome, friends, to another festive edition of Weird Words. The season seems to have officially started now and, in the name of saving energy while remaining jolly, I’m not ashamed to admit our home is now twinkling with led lights powered my many AA’s and AAA’s. I’m growing increasingly concerned that the money we’ve savedContinue reading “Weird Words Part 11 – Crumping”

Mental health and the media – Trigger warnings

***Trigger Warning – This post will talk a little about child loss and miscarriage. Please consider if you feel able to read on before continuing. For help and support with grief, please visit my get support page where there’s lots of information and ways to engage with help*** To keep myself feeling cheerful I useContinue reading “Mental health and the media – Trigger warnings”

Weird Words part 10 – Merrymaking

Welcome to part 10 of my Weird Words series, and part 4 of my festive Weird Words. Many of the words found for this project have seemed pretty usual rather than unusual, but it’s only when I consider how and if I’d ever use them that I understand they are becoming as old and forgottenContinue reading “Weird Words part 10 – Merrymaking”

Mental Illness – the OCD label

“Why are you checking the front door again? This is the third time. We’ve locked it. I swear you’ve got OCD” A comment made by my ex-husband 15 years ago, but remembered negatively with crystal clarity even today. It wasn’t the first time I’d thought it, but it was the first time I’d heard it.Continue reading “Mental Illness – the OCD label”

Weird Words Part 9 – Fezziwig

Welcome to another edition of my festive Weird Words. This is my 9th weird word overall, but my 3rd in the christmas specials. I’ve found it more engaging and interesting to look for words that relate to something I’m truly passionate about. I might keep the themes going in the future. Anyway, today I’ve foundContinue reading “Weird Words Part 9 – Fezziwig”

Crap Poems Part 17 – Too Early

Welcome to another Crap Poem. Yes, that’s right, I’m continuing my meander through the forest of festivities by bringing you another group of rhymes about the maple-glazed time of year we call Christmas. I have created several posts about the festivities already, all from my own point of view. I think it’s obvious I’m someoneContinue reading “Crap Poems Part 17 – Too Early”

Weird Words Part 8 – Hogmadog

Welcome to another Festive Weird Word. Continuing my project to tell you all about the forgotten language of the season, today I’m focussing on the thing we wish for (without results) every single year. Snow. I’ve never seen a christmas with the white stuff. Wrong place wrong time I think. But that doesn’t stop meContinue reading “Weird Words Part 8 – Hogmadog”

Healthcare Superheroes – great care makes a huge difference.

Yes, I can categorically confirm that top notch healthcare still exists and my goodness does it make a difference. Here’s the real news… Superheroes exist! I’ve talked a few times recently about the negative experiences I’ve had with healthcare and trying to root out some help with my pain. Although it’s been a long journeyContinue reading “Healthcare Superheroes – great care makes a huge difference.”

The Chronic Pain Cyclone – Agony to Misery

I know I talk a lot, loads, infinitely, about pain. But, as anyone living with chronic pain will understand, it’s impossible to ignore. It imapcts and defines every second of your existence as you try and navigate life without making it worse. You wake up at night without a moment to feel dopey because theContinue reading “The Chronic Pain Cyclone – Agony to Misery”