Creating Sparks and Sentences - and Happily Ever Afters

Or is it subjective "knowing"? With the onset of Nonfiction November, I have my self-help and my memoirs to-read, all lined up for the month.  But, that got me thinking...are these kinds of stories really the truth? Research would suggest that findings are true, and yet, researchers seek what they wish to seek, or write what they understand to be the truth.  Similarly, memoir seeks to outline ones perception and memory as the truth. As a memoirist, I am familiar with the notion of perceiving my thoughts as truth, compared to the same event experienced differently by someone else.  I am not taking away from either experience, simply outlining that two opposing perceptions can be true at the same time, about the very same event. I know, because I've struggled through, trying to portray instances subjectively.  Turns out it is impossible, because we cannot experience another's feelings for them. Therefore, what we write, is our truth. Okay, I realise these are heavy t...

Seasoned Love I think I've just referred to love as a piece of food, but we all know that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, right?  Wrong! Seriously though, this month, October 2026, my husband and I celebrate our Ruby Anniversary! It seems impossible, and yet it is real! (That's forty years in case you weren't sure). The only advice I feel experienced enough to give, is to have the difficult conversations. Don't shy away from those awkward chats because then you are shying away from growth and progress.  The other piece of advice I would offer is to not lose yourself, AKA your identity, in a relationship. Try to maintain your interests and joys, because...  a happy you equals a happy two.  That's it, that's my 'secret' to success in a long-term relationship. Disclaimer: I am not a qualified couples therapist.  All opinions are my own, based on personal experience If you're after more specific ideas, like getting lost in a virtual...