Beating the alternative – my March newsletter

For the first time in my entire life, I am actually younger today than I was yesterday—well, according to my health app, which has informed me my physical age is much lower than my biological age. I am taking this as a guarantee that my life expectancy has increased accordingly 😊

It’s interesting, this getting older thing. Okay, not always positively interesting, but still. What fascinates me the most is the growing discrepancy between how I feel and who I am—still energetic, curious, hungry for more—and the limitations of my body. No, I can no longer jog down a slope—because I am scared of falling. No, I would never dive off the five metre platform, because seriously, was it THIS high? (I do jump feet first, though) No, I am no longer the fastest walker on my daily circuit—and it bugs me to have people pass me.

Also, I am surprised by the flaring aches in my legs. According to the doctor, it is “common” to have what he calls “moving pain” in your legs when you get older. (Moving in the sense that it starts in the thigh, meanders down to the calf, detours via your foot and then slides back up to the thigh) But hey, NO ONE told me about this! Just as no one told me just how annoying it is that the font size on all types of packaging has evidently been shrunk as I can’t read it without glasses and a strong light.

There are, however, quite a few upsides to this getting older thing—other than the obvious fact that growing older deffo beats the alternative.  I no longer waste time: if a book doesn’t hook me, I set it aside. I am not as generous with my time with people who take more than they give. I am better at ignoring an unweeded patch in my garden because I want to sit in the sun.

I also dress like I want—means a lot of jeans, hoodies and linen shirts, very, very, very few suits or dresses. I wear comfy shoes. I put on my disco music and dance, not giving a rat’s arse if anyone sees me. I tell people what I think—not necessarily in a rude way. I trust myself. I mostly like myself. I am kind to myself.

And now, with a few more years of life ahead of me (according to my health app) I intend to enjoy them. Sleep as late as I want when I can. Stay up until well after midnight because I just can’t put my book down. Write books about honourable men and women, about love and loss. Read books—many, many books. Indulge in my faiblesse for dark romance. Lie under the birches in summer and look up at the cloud-dotted sky as it floats by. Kiss my grandbabies (and my adult babies) as often as I can. Share lovely cuppa sessions with my BFF. Take long walks with my sister—even if they take longer than they used to. Share evenings with hubby, safe in his arms.

Life, dear peeps is precious. Best not waste a single day!

Since last we spoke, I have read my way through many, many books, but a couple stood out for me—and maybe they will for you too!

First,a rather intriguing blend between sort-of-biography and a murder case in late 19^th century San Francisco. The protagonist is Jack London – you know, the author of The Call of the Wild and White Fang. (My copy of The Call of the Wild died decades ago, read until it fell apart… ) But in Mr Schultze’s intriguing book, Jack London and Murder on Nob Hill, we meet a frustrated Jack—his writing career has not kicked off, he is low on cash and has a tendency to now and then drown his sorrows in too much alcohol. Which is how he ends up witnessing a murder one late night—only to discover someone is going to great lengths to sweep the murder under the carpet. Great descriptions of San Francisco in the 1890s, of the seething Chinatown, of rich, white entitled men who take what they want (some things never change, do they?) and a compelling plot makes for a gripping read.

For those who enjoy a good medieval read, you cannot go wrong with Rogues and Kings by Char Newcomb (Read my full review HERE) Set in 1216, it spans the last few months of King John’s life. A cornered king—and John is most definitely cornered—is a dangerous beast, as those in his proximity well know. In fact, you don’t need to be anywhere close to him to be aware of how dangerous he is, which is why Robin FitzWilliam despairs when he realises his son, Richard, has ended up as some sort of hostage, serving as one of John’s squires. Robin has a long history with John—his first name may hint at just how complicated that history is—and it is fortunate John never realises just who is his newest squire’s father. But every day at court is a dangerous day—even more so when Richard decides to help steal the king’s treasure. A most enjoyable read, with lovely characters (well, bar John) and a well-depicted historical background!

Finally, I give you Before he was Red. Oh, boy. This is one of my absolute favourite reads in 2025—an utterly gripping story about the potential future sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Hamid, and his infatuation with a Belgian shopkeeper, Flora. Set in a fantastically depicted Istanbul, against the political background of a crumbling empire, the story of Hamid and Flora unfolds over a couple of months. Ms Ståhle has turned a “crack in the teacup” as she phrases it (i.e. a casual mention in actual documents) into an intriguing novel that had me utterly spellbound. (read my full review HERE)

If you want to check out MY books (of course you do!) you find them HERE

With that, dear peeps, I leave you. The day has grown successively longer, and the sky outside is an inviting pink as the sun slowly sets. It is 5.30 pm and the sun will set in seven or eight minutes. I intend to rush out and make the most of the lingering light, so happy that we are moving towards spring and budding bushes!

Take care,

Anna