why i’ve stopped geo-tagging on instagram

April 19, 2021.Reading time 5 minutes.

Just recently I’ve stopped geotagging locations on Instagram. Why? Undeniably beautiful places encourage us all to reach for the camera and share our images; it’s understandable. But these places are becoming more heavily visited and it is having an impact. Early one morning I headed for a coastal spot well known for its other-worldly qualities […]

five thoughts on avoiding the crowds in devon

April 12, 2021.Reading time 5 minutes.

It’s been quite novel, these last few weeks, exploring a quieter-than-usual Devon. Truth is, I’ve quite enjoyed being able to go to places without getting stuck in traffic and, when you get there, seeing fewer people. As the restrictions out of lockdown ease, that will change and with Devon being such a gorgeous place and […]

if we’re serious about change, we need to keep going

March 14, 2021.Reading time 7 minutes.

We started the week with International Women’s Day and (in the UK anyway) end it with Mother’s Day. What were you hoping for this week? Stories of empowerment? Change? Hoping, perhaps, for hope? I’d like to say the same but as I sit here, I cannot help but think it has been a very dark […]

Responding to casual sexism

March 8, 2021.Reading time 5 minutes.

‘Alright love, chill out’. I’d stopped running to give a man with a big dog a wide berth. The dog was on a long extended lead and they were approaching me. I usually err on the side of caution when passing larger dogs in case they decide to lunge or jump up. The guy stared […]

tips for a great staycation

February 26, 2021.Reading time 9 minutes.

Are you thinking about having a staycation this year? It might be that you’re not able to travel abroad or are nervous about doing so given the 12 months we’ve had. I love exploring new places in the UK: staycations are my thing and while my heart lies in Devon, I enjoy the anticipation of […]

run: torquay

February 22, 2021.Reading time 4 minutes.

The day dawned bright and breezy and the morning hush hung in the air. A tabby cat looked decidedly nonplussed at someone being up so early on a Sunday out of choice. As I crested the hill, an easterly wind smacked me in the face vigorously enough to make my cheeks turn pink with cold. […]

explore from your door

February 15, 2021.Reading time 5 minutes.

Since the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve all needed to stay closer to home and for many of us that has involved exercising locally too. It has really opened my eyes up to some of the spots we have on our doorstep. When restrictions were introduced in March 2020, I made a commitment to do either a […]

lockdown: how are you coping?

February 12, 2021.Reading time 4 minutes.

So, how are you? No, really – how are you? Did you find January tough as old boots? It’s not my favourite month by any stretch. I knew it was going to be hard but didn’t realise it was going to be so rocky that my emotional track and trace would crash nearly every day. […]

Dreaming about drinking: some thoughts

January 10, 2021.Reading time 4 minutes.

This morning I woke up after dreaming about drinking alcohol. In my dream, I am with people and we are happy – euphoric, almost – and I have a glass of wine in my hand. I am drinking from it and laughing. All of a sudden, I realise I’m making a horrible mistake: I don’t […]

quitting social media: six months on

December 14, 2020.Reading time 4 minutes.

Little more than six months ago, I wrote about taking a break from social media. I did it for lots of reasons. The first thing I’d do in the morning with my cup of coffee was check Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn. It became a circle of scrolling/updating that saw me lose half an hour and […]