It’s been a while since I posted on here.  I’ve been shocked and saddened by some reactions to this Blog.  I thought I’d keep silent for a while, whilst the dust settles.  But I realise the dust will never settle.

I don’t understand what possible offence I could have caused.  First, these are my thoughts and feelings, but more important, everything on this Blog is motivated by love for my mother.  She wasn’t a saint, but she was a remarkable person, and someone who lived with me for the past eight+ years and whom I’ve loved deeply all my life.

So, I’m really sorry to those who dislike what I’m doing here, but you don’t need to read this.  This is my own way of communicating and sharing experiences about my mother.  At times the format will be a kind of conversation, speaking directly to my mum.  I see much of this as a dialogue and it’s how I feel – just continuing the conversations we’ve had, and which were interrupted.  I know she’d have a laugh and maybe say I’m being fanciful, but I hope she would approve.

Anyway, it would have been mum’s birthday on Friday 25 April, and I decided to create a planter of lovely flowers and start a new lavender pot in her honour.  Now, I’m not one of life’s natural gardeners, so it’s not the best creation, but I made it.  I thought we’d have a very different birthday celebration, but even I can’t control everything.

So, mum, for the lack of any other place to talk to you, here is your planter and lavender pot.  I’ll try to do better next time! 🙂

Wish you could read my short story entry for the Bristol Prize, but I’ve managed to write it and have submitted it.  I know you read the first one in this series which won a different competition.  It was supposed to be published on the date of your birthday, but alas the publishers told me there’s a slight delay.  But at least you read it, and knew I’d won.  I will post the link on here when I receive it from the publishers.  I know you can’t read this, but who knows!

I’m going to post some photos of things I like and know my mum liked.  But here are your birthday flowers.