words

Of Mondays and Fridays, bishops and axes

As I was out walking earlier this week, I found myself considering the names of the weekdays – as one does. (What? You don’t? Does this mean you don’t mull over the origins of words like “axe” either? ) Mainly, I was reflecting on the fact that the names in Swedish, German and English are …

Of Mondays and Fridays, bishops and axes Read More »

Waiting for the annual miracle

The wagtail has arrived. Five days late, but still. (And yes, the wagtail tends to be very exact, showing up on April 6th. Not so this year) Over the newly ploughed fields the lapwings dip and wheel, the wrens and sparrows are squabbling in the shrubs and the willow is in full, if muted, flower, …

Waiting for the annual miracle Read More »

A woman’s got to do what a woman’s got to do – a reflection on the word “MUST”

There are words that lie like melting toffee in my mouth – words like twilight, ubiquitous and cornucopia (I’d like one of those, but unfortunately they seem to be very rare) (Abundantia and her magic horn – by Rubens) There are words that empower me, words like knowledge, leadership and ambition. (Or maybe all this …

A woman’s got to do what a woman’s got to do – a reflection on the word “MUST” Read More »