Blog Archives

As Autumn Arrives …

Well, where did we leave it?

With all the changes and variations to the lockdown restrictions, it’s hard to keep up sometimes.

Well a birthday is a good place to start, eh? Our beloved little great-niece Thea’s 1st birthday was in August. We couldn’t party in ‘full on whole family’ style for obvious reasons but Thea nonetheless had a wonderful day.

Here she is, bless her, in her celebratory outfit ❤

I’ve been enjoying spending some extra time with Thea and both our great-nephews these past few weeks, and with my family in general, given how lockdown has affected our various work patterns, health & wellbeing.

The joy of simple pleasures. I’d forgotten how much fun a game of hide n seek could be.

Or feeding the goats with sweet little Stanley at Christmas Tree Farm

In September we were lucky enough to get away for a few days to north Wales with two good friends of ours. Our timing was spectacular, not only because where we stayed is sadly now in temporary local lockdown, but the weather was fantastic. Never did I think when I was packing my windproofs and waterproofs that we’d be blessed with dazzling sunshine and temperatures of 25 degrees.

Here is a snapshot of our trip 😀

One of our lovely views in Llanfairfechan

October is always special for me as Dave and I celebrate our wedding anniversary (17 years this year!) and my birthday. On both occasions we ate out and had successive fabulous meals. We received some lovely cards and messages and I had some gorgeous birthday gifts.

Then and now ❤

I was lucky enough to appear on fellow author Anne Stormont’s blog this month where I wrote about a typical (or not so typical) day in my writing life. Thank you to Anne for inviting me to feature.

You can read my post here 🙂 Jan Brigden’s Writing Day

Also, another fab addition to project Briggy to report in the shape of our new pergola. Clever man, my husband ❤

As we speak, I am working on a novella for my publisher Choc Lit UK It’ll be Christmas-themed and out in time for the 2021 festivities. I love all things Christmas so it is a joy to be able to set a story at this time of year. I’ll keep you posted on my progress.

I’ve read two cracking books over the past few weeks, one fiction, one non-fiction.

Sue Moorcroft’s Summer on a Sunny Island whisked me to Malta where I have previously visited and loved. I felt like I’d returned in person such is the brilliance of Sue’s writing and descriptions in this novel. Rosa and Zach are both on the island for very different reasons, having endured past setbacks in love and life. From the moment I met each of these characters, I was rooting for them to get together but the author creates enough tension and drama to leave you never knowing for sure if they actually will. The perfect escape from all the madness and chaos going on around us. Top marks from me 🙂

Being a serial overthinker and someone who suffers with sporadic episodes of anxiety, especially in these strange times, Richard Carlson’s Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff was a welcome distraction. Simply explained tips and encouragement, via 100 short chapters, on how to put things into perspective to save yourself a whole lot of angst and frustration. Good to dip in and out of when the worry bunny comes calling. It certainly gave my spirits a lift 🙂

Blooms this time around are a feast for the eyes. Beautiful birthday roses and some glorious gladioli. Enjoy!