In the midst of energy price increases, we’ve had a cold snap, and my thoughts are turning to the kind of warm outfit you can wear when working from home on your own. While not turning the heating on. In the old days, people wore layers. Lots of layers. Their homes weren’t always windproof, and […]
Where did all your friends go?
One of my friends asked me what happened to DB, Katy and Toseland. And as it turns out, it’s a good lead in to a post I’ve been trying to write for a while. Because the answer is a little more complex than it would otherwise seem. I live in Melbourne – once famous for […]
When the Sun Comes Out
Last week was a bit cloudy and miserable, and I was struck by how beautiful the garden was when the sun comes out. Raindrops glistening and all that. When it’s cloudy, everything seems that little bit more dour, and when the sun comes out less so. There’s something about sunshine that makes everything seem just […]
Time Passes Slowly
I’d like to say my vacation time passes slowly, and I really enjoyed my break, but that would be a lie. I’d also like to say I’ve got grand plans for 2021, but I didn’t really make time to work them out yet. Except for the barest minimum. So that would be a lie as […]
Happy Holidays 2020!
Well. Let’s be honest. The only happy thing about holidays in 2020, is that the year is nearly over. Vaccines are coming out, people are heading back to work, and things are returning to normal. Hopefully we can bring the good from 2020, and forget the rest. Have a safe and happy festive season. I’ll […]
“My” Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine is out!
Just a quick note to let you know my story is in the September/October Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, available from August 21, 2020. As they describe it: The Perfume of Peaches by Alexandria Blaelock (from the Department of First Stories) will have you drifting into aromatic and flavorful territory. Plus, my guest post The Thin […]
We’re Busy Doing Nothing
Many of my friends are marooned at home, busy doing nothing. For them the world has ended, but for me nothing much has changed. I’m busy writing and publishing short stories. And submitting them to magazines (my Ellery Queen story will be out in a week or so). Researching and writing another non-fiction book. Planning […]
New! Short Story Sunday
I’ve started a new thing I’m calling Short Story Sunday. I’m releasing some of my older stories to celebrate my upcoming Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine debut. I’m a little bit nervous, and a little bit excited, and a little bit stressed, and a little bit proud. Because it marks a new phase in my writing […]
Stress Free Virtual Dinner Party
It’s hard to stay connected in lock-down. You can’t meet in person, but you can get online and host a Virtual Dinner Party. No, it’s not the same, but it’s better than nothing. And as the important thing is to be together, and because most communications suppliers (e.g. Zoom or Skype) limit free plans to […]
How to Respect All People
Respect politeness, honour, and care shown towards someone or something that is considered important Cambridge dictionary When I was young, all the people I came into contact with were “ordinary” people, just getting on with their lives. I didn’t think surviving to adulthood was anything that commanded respect, so I didn’t see why I should […]
Welcome 2020, good to see you
It seems like no time at all since I was wishing you Happy Holidays, and now it’s all Welcome 2020. Last year I was feeling all optimistic, but this year I’m feeling tired and worn out. Half the country is on fire, has been for months, and it feels like we’re running on global charity. […]
Happy Holidays 2019!!!
The fifth anniversary of this blog passed quietly during the year, so this is the sixth time I’ve wished you all Happy Holidays. Here are just some of the celebrations taking place in December: • Christmas • Hanukkah • Kwanzaa • Bodhi Day • St Lucia Day • Fiesta of Our Lady of Guadalupe • […]
