So what has celebrating another birthday yesterday meant for me, other than turning from 50 to 51? First and foremost, I have well and truly left my fortuitous 40's behind! Last year when I wrote about turning the "Big Five-O” and what it meant, I could still say tongue-in-cheek that I'm in my "late 40s". … Continue reading Why has turning 51 made me wanna be a grandpa?
My “New Heroes” #1 – Famous Procrastinating Writers
Talk about procrastinators! Nearly 12 months ago, I wrote about my "Writer's Pause", and how I've been reluctant to press on with my book-length memoir rewrite. It seems in all this time, not very much has changed! My "PAUSE" button seems to be working more like a "STOP" button instead. Welcome to the abysmal life … Continue reading My “New Heroes” #1 – Famous Procrastinating Writers
My Monday Metrical Musings #34
Be. Better. Best. Once there were three brothersBorn. The oldest two had names most supremeThe first was "Best", the second "Better"But the youngest of them most humbleHis name was simply "Be". "Best" was the haughtiest of them all.He claimed he was perfect every timeKnew exactly what he was doingExactly what to sayHow to solve anythingHow … Continue reading My Monday Metrical Musings #34
Our Autism Enabling Masterplan – High Priority Area #6 of 6
This is it, the last autism priority area unwrapped! Finally, after two months! Since the start of May, I've been writing every Saturday about my country's first-ever Autism Enabling Masterplan (AEM) -- launched in January -- and its six High Priority Areas (HPA). Took a break last week to write about Father's Day but now … Continue reading Our Autism Enabling Masterplan – High Priority Area #6 of 6
The teacher who showed me how failure felt
Nearly four decades now since that eventful week, but the feeling remains as palpable as ever. I was in my first year at an all-boys secondary school. Barely 13, and struggling with the usual teenage issues. Adjusting to a new school environment. Dealing with triple the number of academic subjects and extracurricular activities. Traveling daily … Continue reading The teacher who showed me how failure felt
My Monday Metrical Musings #33
"Let The Hills Have (My) Eyes" Sittin' here with my bullfrog eyes With veins around them madly throbbin'My forehead's tensile strength is off the chartsIt's the return of that forebodin' feelin'! I've finally got a name for it nowIt came to me this mornin'."Let The Hills Have (My) Eyes" That's it! That's how I'll be … Continue reading My Monday Metrical Musings #33
‘Worth in the Hearth’ — A New Masculine Identity?
On Father’s Day 2021, my musings on the losses and gains of being a stay home dad {A version of this post first appeared here in a local news publication Todayonline. Also, check out a reader's beautifully written and resonating response to my piece here.}When it comes to parenting, one truth remains today: Fathers are, … Continue reading ‘Worth in the Hearth’ — A New Masculine Identity?
Our first staycation in years!
This week, I'm taking a break from my usual Wednesday posting on Writing and Life. After four intense weeks of unpacking stuff I've learned about writing (from two years and 200 blog posts), I figured hey I've earned this break. Plus, I'm taking my family for our first staycation in years! Given how Covid's derailed … Continue reading Our first staycation in years!
My Monday Metrical Musings #32
That Little Boy of Mine From Writer's Family Album (2011) Two eyes that shine so brightTwo lips that kiss good nightTwo arms that hold me tightThat Little Boy of Mine! No one can fully knowHow much your arrival meantBecause I love you soYou're a gift that heaven sent Still. It was hard in your first … Continue reading My Monday Metrical Musings #32
Our Autism Enabling Masterplan – High Priority Area #5 of 6
Four down. Two to go. Surely this series I've been writing on the Autism Enabling Masterplan (AEM) and its six High Priority Areas (HPA) can't get any worse. Right? And yet, it just did. With this week's HPA #5 -- Residential Continuum. [If you're new to my blog and this series, please find my brief … Continue reading Our Autism Enabling Masterplan – High Priority Area #5 of 6