Art for therapy isn’t a new concept – it’s been used for decades to help people examine psychological and emotional issues in a way that feels safe, organic and natural. Because things like drawing, painting, collage and colouring are repetitive and creative by nature, they allow us to work at something on a simple level that employs …
Category: Culture
In the Frame
Taking family photos…. The idea of getting professional baby photos done has always seemed a bit cheesy to me. I am proud of our little babies, but the thought of putting them in a cabbage with an oversized bow on their heads and their arms neatly crossed seemed faintly ridiculous. Equally, the weeks post-birth are…
In defence of Instagram…
Little squares of light in the dark… I am never more glued to my phone than when I have a newborn baby. Breastfeeding constantly means long periods of enforced sitting with only one hand to spare, as well as minimal brain capacity and an inability to concentrate for more than a few moments at a…
The Republic of Motherhood
A dear friend sent me this poem a few days ago, and I wanted to share it with you. Written by poet Liz Berry, The Republic of Motherhood, recently published in Granta, is a beautifully-crafted vision of the realities of motherhood, in all its searing painful, euphoric beauty. With perfect precision she covers the simplicity…
Be Bold for Change
International Women’s Day this year is all about making changes. “A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water. “ Eleanor Roosevelt The #BeBoldForChange campaign for International Women’s Day this year is all about being braver, about taking risks and putting yourself…
A World of Beautiful Books
Favourite books from the past two years… It’s World Book Day today. Listening to all the children on the radio heading to school dressed as stick men, mermaids, wizards and bears, it got me rifling through all of Munchkin’s books and digging out some old favourites from when she was too small to talk, but old…
The Caged Bird Singing
The beauty and the bravery of Maya Angelou… Desert Island Discs celebrated 75 years of programmes last week. An incredible feat for a format that has barely changed since its inception in 1942. Presenter Kirsty Young did a special two hour show looking back at the show’s history, in which she featured some of the…
Christmas Spirit
I don’t watch adverts anymore (thank you Sky Plus). When people say “Have you seen the new [insert cool brand] advert..?” I have to Google it and watch it on YouTube. Like that Nationwide one from last year, with the man and his Dad scarf, and the weepy soundtrack. Oh. Wow. (Try to get through that without…
Super Sophie
Just a really great heroine… We watched The BFG at the weekend. Not only is it one of my favourite books, but it’s also a reminder of how great Roald Dahl was at writing brilliant heroines. Matilda, Sophie, even Miss Honey – all in their different ways clever, kind, thoughtful, brave women. But it is perhaps Sophie…
A Wild Life in Words 