Written for a friends' retirement: "When a flock of starlings swarm, there is nothing perceptively guiding their flight. Mesmerising patterns are made by each bird keeping the same distance from the seven closest to them. Some scientists wonder if the patterns are made by each bird seeking the safest place in the centre of the … Continue reading Constancy
"Prickle by name, Prickle by nature", his mother sighed, as yet another perceived slight from his friend Bilberry caused the little hedgehug to stomp off into the bushes. Her friend nodded sympathetically and she went on. "It worries me that he will end up just a heap of prickles. I know he's terrified of being … Continue reading ‘Prickle’ – the story of a HedgeHug
When dear friends and family go through hard times it is so difficult to know how to respond and acknowledge its awfulness, whilst carrying on with everything you need to do as well. This is my attempt at expressing it. FOR A FRIEND IN NEED Let me help me carry your load, my friend,For the … Continue reading Compassionate Friendship through thick and thin
New term. New opportunities and challenges. New relationships to navigate. I think one of life's epiphanies is realising that that how people treat you is much more about what's going on for them than anything particularly to do with you. But as a school child it's hard to hold onto that. This story has no … Continue reading The Bimble-berries
I didn't expect to cry today. Worry and irritation, I expected, and exhaustion I knew would appear - all the normal emotions associated with taking two children to London in a pandemic (I have a hair chewer and a finger nibbler). But nothing prepared me for the sheer wall of emotion I felt within minutes … Continue reading Moved to tears
This reflection is available to buy as a postcard. Please order by email at grainofsandblog@gmail.com Friendship matters immensely. It comes in many forms and circumstances create all sorts. At its most fleeting it might be a momentary connection - such as a friendly opinion given by a stranger in a changing room that helps you … Continue reading Anchor Friendships
Grain of Sand 