A weekend in Nantes, Brittany

They say there was a particularly progressive law that came from this part of France in 1598. Called the Edict of Nantes, it allowed unheard of religious freedoms to the Protestant minority living in Catholic France at the time. It was a law that upheld their rights and allowed them to live by their faith. […]

Beautiful still pond at Richmond Park

A friend took me through Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park this morning. The flowers were in bloom and it was beautiful. For Debbie’s Six Word Saturday

Positive Test Results

Our son tested positive for covid at the end of January. He had a runny nose and some body aches, but no fever or cough. We didn’t think much of it until his lateral flow test turned up with two lines — a sign that meant he’d contracted covid. We were extremely worried. Until we […]

Next on my reading list

I don’t have a reading list. I have a graveyard of unfinished books. Some books were left only a few chapters in with the hope of returning to their stories one day. Others abandoned more than halfway through never to be picked up again. I enjoy reading. I do. Really. But sometimes I feel it’s […]

That Famous Arnolfini Portrait

I’d seen it in textbooks. Read about how remarkable this work was for it’s time (1434). I never dreamed I’d see the real thing. But there it was, just hanging there as casually as you please. I was quite delighted to stumble upon it at the National Gallery. For Becky’s Monday Portrait

One fine ordinary day

Ordinary. My ideal day looks like any other ordinary day. Preferably a Saturday. Back in Australia it started with a sunrise walk by the beach with friends. They did it for exercise. I really did it for the amazing light, their company and the açai bowl waiting for me at the end. We talk and […]

5 things I’m grateful for today

Life I am grateful for life today. In all its messiness and glory. For the living of it. For the pain and joy of it. Daunting and difficult it can be at times, I’m grateful we can’t hide from it. It’s there to be lived. From the monotonous days to the adventures ahead, we can […]

Fantastic time at the West End

One day to a new beginning. Will you raise the flag of freedom high? The old songs have been going around in my head since we returned from watching Les Misérables on New Years Day. I’ve loved this musical since it came out in 1985. I must have been around nine or ten years old. […]

He makes me laugh

He’s a smart man, my husband. He likes to remind me of it often. He’s a kind man too. Don’t let the grumpy old man routine fool you. I love the way he makes me laugh. No matter how mad I get or frustrated I feel, he has a knack of making me smile with […]

Here’s to 2022

Before the new year gets too old, I just wanted to thank you all for sticking around. I’ve really appreciated your thoughtful comments and interest throughout the crazy year that was 2021. Nomad online is in its sixth year now. It had a bit of a wobbly time towards the end of last year, but […]

It gets better

Advice to my teenage self: I see you there trying to fit in. Not quite comfortable within your own skin. You’re trying so hard to be who they need you to be. A good girl with good grades with good friends at a good school. I see you there. Trying to meet their expectations. To […]

A happy Christmas to you all!