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Unmothering the Mind: Demented Mothers in Literature and Theory
“I do not know which to prefer,the beauty of inflectionsor the beauty of innuendoes,the blackbird whistlingor just after.”— Wallace Stevens, Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird The mother who forgets is often feared. She is no longer the custodian of the domestic archive, no longer the ground of the child’s stability or the embodiment…
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Basel Trip, Day Two and Three
If you visit Basel then do take a day to admire the Old Town. Along with the Mittlere Brücke, the Basler Münster (Cathedral) or Minster is probably the most famous landmark in Basel. It is quite like the Dom in Cologne. Its iconic red sandstone walls and twin towers, are easily recognisable in the Basel…
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Alicante is a State of Mind
A well-needed break came in the form of a short summer holiday to Alicante. We stayed at the Hotel Sercotel Suites del Mar; a delightful property with both sea and port views. I especially liked the attention the hotel has paid to little details that made our stay comfortable: extra sockets and USB points in…
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Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron!
I was informed by a Whatsapp message from my brother-in-law (a new blogger in the hood, will post his blog link soon – stay tuned) that it is Women’s Day. I thought I would post something slanted for the occasion. “Slanted” because it is personal, and there is plenty out there otherwise for you to…
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Musing about Success
This week I spoke to two individuals on the topic of success. The first, a mother of two in her late forties, for her the concept of success had much to do with her husband and her children, “ultimately, if our children are settled and are good human beings then my life has been successful.”…
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Bruegel and my Son
My son age 11 took a picture of the school playground covered in snow To send to his classmate who has recently moved to South Korea He said there was no him, no longer in that playground The image reminded me of Bruegel’s winter scenes So I told him about how Bruegel made everyday drudgery…
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The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Ever
Bambi and I tried our hand at baking over Christmas. He has been given a free pass from the doctor to eat whatever he wants, so we have been trying out recipes with milk. Touch wood! He’s been thriving. I wanted to link this recipe by Joy Food Sunshine blog because it turned out absolutely…
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Nagomi Spa in Hotel Okura Amsterdam
Today was day well-spent practicing zelf zorg or selfcare at the Nagomi Spa and health center. I had a relaxing shiatsu massage; my first. I discovered some muscles in my body that I didn’t even know existed. Points were made, and unmade, along with a long lecture on neck posture. Apparently, mine leaves much to…
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Slow cooked realisation
Last month I realised my son Age 11, is almost as tall as me His feet, now, bigger than mine his hands wrap around my fingers Once curled in the nook of my arm he did not even reach in length from my wrist to elbow Now as his long body leans by my side…
