This phrase, ‘The Certainty of Granite’ is one that I’ve had knocking around for years, and it was the working title of my book before I settled on the one I have now. Instead, earlier this year I crafted this poem from various notes and journal entries. The ideas here don’t resonate in the same… Continue reading The Certainty of Granite
Tag: the frustrated nester
The Art of Finding Home
Image from Shutterstock ... The friendships I’ve made with people because we connect over performance, or books, or because we’ve worked on a passion project together, those have been important in a different way. Because they connect with a deeper, stronger part of my identity, one that is a constant, regardless of circumstance. It’s connecting… Continue reading The Art of Finding Home
On Crossing Paths and Feeding the Soul
It's my birthday weekend, so here's a treat! I'm sharing my fortnightly email this week with anyone who wants to read it! If you like it, get more about connection, expat insights, and creative living resources by signing up here. I had two meals in a row this week that fed my soul, as well… Continue reading On Crossing Paths and Feeding the Soul
The Roles Not Chosen
September 2020 'Which company does your husband work for?' I was so taken aback by the question I just answered it. In the next moment, the event organiser called for everyone's attention to introduce a speaker. I half-listened as I mentally retraced the friendly conversation. We'd been talking for maybe five minutes about the challenges… Continue reading The Roles Not Chosen
What’s in a name? Why ‘The Frustrated Nester’?
Last week I took part in an Instagram live interview with the irrepressible Rossella of Going Expat. You can watch the whole conversation here (or just listen while you do your thing). One of the topics that came up was the name, 'The Frustrated Nester', and I realised I haven't spoken about it for a… Continue reading What’s in a name? Why ‘The Frustrated Nester’?
Sketch: Saudade on a Saturday afternoon
[Lip-syncing: Fallin'] Alicia Keys is playing from the speaker in the corner. I’m enjoying it not just because I’m transported back to Saturday afternoons with Trevor Nelson on Radio 1, in my sunny yellow flat, the first flat I owned. My first self-created nest. But also because the music is…not loud…but insistently present. I have… Continue reading Sketch: Saudade on a Saturday afternoon
Fresh Ideas and Getting Personal
At a Christmas market in Kampala, Uganda, in 2013, I bought a cute thing from an art teacher who created cute and useful things to supplement her income. I liked the quirkiness of her style, and I liked chatting to her, and who doesn't need an excuse to buy a cute thing? I still have… Continue reading Fresh Ideas and Getting Personal
I KonMari'd My Mind
This is a longer read, so top up your beverage and settle in... It was overwhelming, that first week at home. Before I say more, I am not complaining. I have nothing to complain about. My family and I are healthy and comfortable in our home, with a garden, in a leafy neighbourhood threaded with… Continue reading I KonMari'd My Mind
Re-bonjour à ma Version Française
(Click here to read this post in English.) Plus tôt ce mois, nous avons célébré une de nos traditions préférées. C’était le 6 janvier, l’épiphanie, donc nous avons mangé notre galette des rois, fait maison. Notre Galette des Rois Et oui, vous avez compris, ce n’est même pas écossais, cette tradition. Dans notre famille, entre… Continue reading Re-bonjour à ma Version Française
Re-Bonjour to my Version Française
(Cliquez ici pour lire cet article en français.) Earlier this month, on January 6th, the Frustrated Nester family enthusiastically took part in one of our favourite traditions: la Galette des Rois. Our Galette des Rois: puff pastry with a frangipane filling. A bean (fève) is hidden inside - whoever finds it wears the crown. You’ve… Continue reading Re-Bonjour to my Version Française
The Frustrated Nester 