Blog Archive

Sails, sea ice and songs

There’s been a heatwave in June for most of the UK, apparently. I like a heatwave, working in my shady studio during the day and savouring the warm evenings, the pleasure of eating supper outdoors, being able to wear light and floaty clothes. Ah, the joy of finally taking socks off, hello toes! But I continue reading »


Ocean liners, brigantines and barges

When writing this last week I was somewhere in the North Sea, which was its usual shade of sullen grey. White flecks on the waves told me that it was windy and cold out there, but I was warm and comfortable in the drawing room of Cunard’s Queen Anne. I don’t make a habit of continue reading »


Sea fever strikes again

Just before 2am I came on deck for the 2-5 watch. I was sleepy and slightly queasy from the westerly swell coming in from the Atlantic, making it a balancing act to pull on waterproof trousers and boots by my bunk in the forepeak. Night watches on a sailing ship can be dull and cold, continue reading »


Colour, connections and creativity

‘It’s all gone online now my dear, as you’re over there and I’m here We can chat in a forum with utmost decorum, but never meet up for a beer….’ Here we all are, still in hibernation eagerly waiting for the lengthening days and the freedom to do simple things like visit a friend – continue reading »


The years slip through your hands….

This time last year I was trying to pack an impossible amount of stuff into a suitcase and getting ready for my two month sailing trip. It’s hard to believe that a year has flown by since then and what a strange year it has been. I can’t believe how lucky I was with my continue reading »