Monday, 31 March 2025

Tough Guys, Melty Spuds, and Eerie Lights...

Well hello, April! You're almost here! 

An animated white cartoon dog is standing on its hind legs and dancing amid the spring flowers.
This week I've said, 'This year's flying by,' at least twice, and without irony. I know it's the kind of thing old people say. It's a cliched statement that's used for all sorts of meaningless situations when small talk is required. BUT IT'S STILL TRUE. 

It feels only two minutes since the January snow arrived just as my pipes were getting dug up. (Not a euphemism!) The new cess pit is working like a dream - thanks for asking - and I can't believe how often I can have a bath now. But all that was three months ago. Three months! And now Spring is well and truly here. The clocks have changed, the daylight lasts longer, and there were one or two days last week when I didn't wear a jumper. Can you believe it? We've turned a corner, folks.

So, let's sally forth and embrace the change. As you know, I dread the Summer. The heat, the sweat, the general stickiness of it all. But that's ages away. Spring is fresh and breezy! It's warm but cool! It's bright and beautiful! Let's enjoy it for as long as it lasts.

The front cover of the 1st Leeza McAuliffe Book. It's called Leeza McAuliffe Has Something To Say and is by me, Nicky Bond.
The 1st Leeza book
Writing News
It's time to start thinking about the next steps of the third Leeza McAuliffe book. I'm officially going back to it on Tuesday 15th April. My diary is clear from then on so that's when it'll be. So what will I be doing on the 15th April? Well, reading through the first draft. That's the first job. From start to finish, all in one go. It'll take the best part of the day, but it's the first step. 

That will flag up loads of issues. LOADS. There'll be too many to make sense of. I'll be bursting with so many thoughts that there'll be no room in my brain for them all. But as soon as I've finished reading the whole thing through, I'll open a new word doc and let every thought I've got explode onto the page. It'll be frenzied and garbled, and potentially make no sense. But it'll be the only thing to do at that stage.

And look, it's not my first rodeo. I know the kinds of things that'll stand out before I even read it back. They'll be the same as the four other times I've written a book. I'll spot that some of the ideas that jump out in the first chapter, fizzle out by the third. I'll notice that the middle section is saggy and dull. I'll also realise that the ending needs more oomph. But there'll be loads of other things too. Inconsistencies, characters that don't do much, or plot lines that need beefing up or cutting. I'll spot everything all at once and I'll make a list of it all. That will shape what I'll be doing in the next chunk of 2025.

Jack Reacher, a big tough guy, wearing a black t shirt and sitting in a diner, is drinking a cup of coffee.
Culture
I've just finished the 3rd season of Reacher on Amazon. I infinitely prefer the books but there's something wonderfully escapist about watching a big good guy beat up the big bad guys. And despite being generally pacifist at heart, I surprised myself by shouting, 'Shoot him in the dick,' at the telly when a would-be rapist was getting his comeuppance just before he attacked. In book news, I've just finished Janice Hallet's The Examiner. Properly gripping and much more reminiscent of her first novel, The Appeal, than her other books have been. Finally, The Flat Share is being repeated on Channel 5 right now but it's all there on Paramount if you want to catch up. It's sweet without being saccharine, and has been making me smile as I wind down each day. 

A white plate. On one side are three small cubes of potato cake, and next to that on the right is a dollop of beige coloured mayo. There's a spoonful of caviar on the top.
Exmoor caviar, confit
potatoes, and brown crab.
Food and Drink
Ooooh. Let me tell you about my birthday meal starter from last Monday. It was confit potatoes - all crispy on the outside and melty on the inside - with a crab mayo-y sauce and caviar on top. (The official title is under the picture.) You know when you can't stop thinking about something you've eaten, and you're craving it all the time, but you can never hope to replicate it yourself no matter how hard you try? Well, that. That's all I've thought of this week. If you want to see for yourself, the Dog and Collar on Hope Street will be able to sort you out. It's just opened and is utterly lovely.

The night's sky is coloured with turquoise, royal blue, and green tones, with smoke giving the sense of clouds. People are walking underneath, looking up, and soaking up the experience.
Borealis
Out and About
After the pub and the nicest starter I've ever had, I had a walk down to the docks. For the past week, the Borealis light installation has been in place at the Albert Dock. The effect is beautifully strange, with music and smoke adding to the feel of the whole thing. Despite being busy, there was no bustle. The eerie vibes slowed people right down, and gave a sense of calm as people wandered under the lights. A pretty cool way to end the evening, not going to lie.

So enjoy the first day of April tomorrow. Will you spot a daffodil? Eat a cream egg? Pat a newborn lamb? It's unlikely I'll do any of those things as I'll be busy indoors, but no matter. It's the thought that counts. Baaaaaaa.

Have a lovely week, folks.

Monday, 24 March 2025

Forty-Seven Trips Around the Sun...

*Taps mic* Hello... Hello? I just wanted to make a small announcement. 

Today is MY BIRTHDAY!!!!! Wooooohooooo!!!!!!
🎈🎂🥳🎉🙌🎁💃
Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly is coming out of an elevator. As the door open, and she walks out, the back wall of the elevator has the words, It's My Birthday' in white.
I'll never understand the vibes that some adults give off; that they're not fussed about their birthday. It's the best! Even when I've spent the day on my own, had no plans, or been 'going through a rough patch', the anniversary of my birth is a lovely glimmer of light. It's the positive upside of the week. It's provides a Ready Brek glow all the day is long. And it's not about presents. It's not about getting stuff. It's the FEELING. 

A one year old me - with brown bowl head hair and wearing a white onesie, is siting in a highchair. She has a plastic bib around her neck and eating a piece of cake.
My first birthday cake.
The mood is nonchalant.
The past seven days were officially designated as My Birthday Week. The normal rules didn't apply; all bets were off. For example, I used my posh bubble bath more than once. I chose the best picky teas and had patatas bravas on a week night. I also rewatched the ten second video I've got from 2012, where my Grandma (who died later that year) wishes me a happy birthday. All the loveliest things. 

A short haired, serious looking me, is blowing out 9 candles on a chocolate cake. My mum has written 'Nicky's 9th b'day' on a sticker on the photo.
The brown decor suggests 
this was 1971 but no.
It was 1987.
So, whilst I'll carry on with the Weekly Update, be aware it's infused with more positivity, more self-care, and more Ready Brek glow than usual. What do you expect? It was MY BIRTHDAY WEEK after all. I've had a ball!

Writing News
I've done NOTHING. Ha. My empty head is happily enjoying the break. Whoop!

A long haired brunette White woman is sitting in a diner, with a burger in her hand that she's eating. She's talking to someone off camera, and says, 'I don't know' to their question.
Mikey Madison in Anora.
She was exceptional.
Culture News
I finally managed to see Anora - the film that won four Oscars last month. You know what? It's pretty good. I let it pass me by when it was originally released. To be fair, if it hadn't been lauded so much, I'd have continued to give it a swerve. It sounded too gritty and depressing on paper. Happily, on screen, it's funny and poignant, as well as sad and scary. All the feelings!

A large blue bowl, filled with patatas bravas, gherkins, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, and cheese.
Food and Drink
Check out my birthday week picky tea. Isn't it beautiful? I also broke my no crisps in the house rule (because I'd eat them all if there was a stash) and so had the odd packet here and there. I also made a cake (for another household birthday - in MY week! Tsk) and there was no question. I went straight to my Queen, Nigella. Her chocolate and Guinness cake is utterly delicious and I could eat it forever. Something about the Guinness means the sickliness is dialled down so it's properly fit. And then finally, there was an Albert Schloss Sunday lunch yesterday. All tasty birthday fun!

Out and About
I did an overnight to London. I know! What a week I've had! For Christmas I'd got tickets to one of the Off Menu live shows. Hurrah! I didn't know who the guest was going to be, but I could listen to James Acaster and Ed Gamble riff with anyone. As it turned out, when I rocked up to the London Palladium, the secret guest was Rhod Gilbert! Whoop. An excellent evening was had by all. (It's my birthday so I feel I can speak for the entire audience.)

Me, current day, with brunette hair and a blonde fringe, looking at the camera with a Mona Lisa smile. (Probs) I've got large black rimmed glasses and am wearing a black top. It is, I am happy to say, a good hair day.
HELLO 47
So this is forty-seven. Isn't it a nondescript age? I remember the heady thrill of turning sixteen and knowing I could buy a cigs and a lottery ticket if I wanted. This time, it's more of the same. But isn't that marvellous! More of the same will suit me just fine. And even though my birthday week peaks today, and it's back to normal tomorrow, I'll ease back in slowly. I think the fancy bubble baths and the patatas bravas can hang around a little longer, don't you?

Have a lovely week, folks.

Monday, 17 March 2025

Happily Selfish...

Taken from Home Alone, Kevin, a blonde haired, caucasion eight year old boy, is jumping up and down in his house, clearly excited. The caption says, 'I'm living alone, I'm living alone!
Hello there. You find me returning to my usual routine after a few days of home alone fun. I've talked before about the joys of living alone. At least for me, it's SOOO good. (Other opinions are valid.) But having moved from a large family, to a big house share, to a cohabiting couple, I've never experienced the giddy thrill of being uncompromisingly selfish. It's the absolute best.

A dark bedroom. There are wardrobes, with a mirror and then above that, a sloping ceiling. There is a projection of the Disney + information for the film Free Guy.
The ceiling of dreams
Last week's period of wallowing, was shorter than usual. Relaxing into my own rhythms had to be truncated. I skipped the giddy and home improvement stages, and went straight to pampering and binge-watching. I also utilised a Christmas present that I bought my partner. He's shown little interest in it so I think it's fine. In December I gave him a projector that plays your streaming services onto a wall. This means the past week has seen me working through box sets, lying in bed, and looking up at Disney + on a sloping ceiling. It's been utter bliss and I feel rejuvenated!
 
Writing News
The writing break continues. It's important to be clear about this. This is a pre-determined, designated break with a clear end date. If I became wishy washy about this; if I were to be vague about when I'd be getting back to it, then that would be dangerous. I know several writers who regularly say they've not written for months. They can't get into it. They're not feeling it. They don't have the words. That's fair enough. Everyone's different and I have no intention of pushing my personal way of working onto anyone else. But I know one thing. If I gave myself an unspecified, open-ended break, with the plan to get back to my book when I felt like it, that day would never come. I know myself too well. So the break continues, but only for a few more weeks. Then it's back to the grind.

A male detective is crouching down at a crime scene. He's looking up at a woman, rocking a pushchair, wearing bright, casual clothing (ie not work clothes) who's looking on and responding to the detective.
High Potential
Culture
Let's talk about those box sets. They're all on Disney + because I couldn't be bothered logging the projector into any of the other streamers. So what did I binge in bed? Well, I finished Paradise. That's the strange yet compelling story that starts with a murdered president and ends up in a post-apocalyptic survivalist world. I also caught up with the rest of High Potential. That's the super-intelligent police consultant with unorthodox methods who outfoxes the police at every crime scene. 

Joshua Jackson is reclining on a sun lounger. He slowly takes off his sunglasses and looks at someone off camera. It's HOT.
Finally, there was a new series I started. Doctor Odyssey. This one's fun and frothy. If you have a soft spot for Pacey Witter (tbf, his name's Joshua Jackson and he stopped playing Pacey Witter in 2003) then this might be right up your street. Pacey  Joshua Jackson is Dr Max Bankman, the new doctor on a fancy cruise ship. It looks great, HE looks great, and the plots are fun. High drama it is not, but for those of us who want to support our famous teen peers in their adult endeavours, then you could do a lot worse.

A white plate. In the middle is a little bowl of garlic mayo. Around the mini bowl, there are different foods arranged. Sliced radish, cornichones, marinated artichoke, roasted peppers, sliced cheese, sliced cucumber, and olives. There's also another little bowl (brown) with some chunks of crusty bread.
Food and Drink
I don't eat as much when I live alone. Fact. I also eat more healthily. There must be studies about why this is, right? For most of last week, I arranged pickles, marinated veggies, and slices of cheese on a plate. Then I went upstairs, fired up the Disney + ceiling, and ate with my fingers in bed. The dishwasher was barely used, I didn't fill a binbag, and I was more relaxed than usual. The downside? There's a good possibility that some garlic infused olive oil may have dripped onto the duvet. With every silver lining there's a cloud.

Out and About
Despite my semi-feral state, I did shower, brush my teeth, and leave the house. How could I not? Hibernation's over, remember? There was Wednesday brunch, my fortnightly writing group, a Costa meeting, and a hair cut. It's good to be out and about in the world when your home life has become a boxset in bed experience. 

Have a lovely week, folks.

Monday, 10 March 2025

Change is in the Air...

Hear ye, hear ye! I hereby declare that Nicky Bond's Winter Hibernation is OVER.

A white woman, in summer's hat and floaty white top is holding a red wine glass and tapping it to get attention. She's anxiously looking around and saying, 'Everybody!' in the hope that people listen.
At midnight on 1st March, I woke up. Not literally, tbf. It was more likely I was falling asleep at that point. But I mentally and metaphorically came alive. Energy coursed through my veins, I felt invigorated and fresh. March was here! Winter was almost over! I would shave my pits for the first time in a season! Spring was PALPABLE.

It's strange how it hits. After wallowing in my own juices since October - a period of time I actively love - I'm now ready for something new. And how does this manifest? Well, apart from renewed hair removal routines, I've been online looking for garden candles. Yeah, check me out. I even went to a garden centre last week. Admittedly, this was a step too far, and I found myself quickly out of my depth. All I want are the perfect garden chairs. Sadly they don't exist. But still! The appetite for outdoor activities is within me. Spring - whilst technically being weeks away - has sprung! 

Writing News
I've banged on about this for what feels like forever, so I'll give you some closure. The first draft of Leeza McAuliffe Book 3 is now complete. Whoop de doo! It's way too long at 75,000 words but that means I have lots of stuff I can cut. And cut it I will, just as soon as my month of ignoring the manuscript is over. For the rest of March, I'll be reading other people's novels. Utter bliss.
 
Me, with white skin, blonde fringe, and brunette hair, is holding a book. It's half obscuring my face and the cover is clear. It's Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld.
Culture
'And which other people's novels will I be reading?' I hear no one ask. Well thanks to some bookshop.org vouchers I got at Christmas, I've just finished Curtis Sittenfeld's Romantic Comedy. This was EXACTLY what I needed. A romance, with developed characters, and lots to say about the world. It threw in the US political sitch, as well as COVID so felt nicely weighted in reality. A happy way to pass a couple of days. My next read's going to be Gabrielle Zevins' Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow. I'm hoping for a similar 'curl up on the sofa and lose myself' experience. 

Other than that, I've finished the second series of Shrinking, I've binged Zero Day on Netflix, and I'm loving the weekly episodes ofWhite Lotus. Because of its serenely beautiful location, it makes me feel tranquil and calm, despite the terrible characters on screen. Cool, huhAnd finally, here's the UK song for Eurovision! Because it's the ESC, it's fair to say, there are A LOT OF OPINIONS ONLINE. Why not listen and see what you think. 

Food and Drink
Talking of brunch (at least I think we were a couple of weeks ago) something miraculous happened. It was Saturday morning and I was craving food. I don't mean I was hungry. Not just that. I was craving something specific - something lovely and beautiful and brunchy. I just couldn't put my finger on it. I had the time, plus some basic ingredients, but I couldn't work out what I wanted. 

A white plate on a pale counter top. There is a golden waffle, with some wilted spinach, a fried egg, a smattering of red paprika and a couple of anchovies on top.
After all the usual things (scrawling back through my food photos, Googling 'brunch ideas', and aimlessly opening kitchen cupboards) I was hit with a gloomy thought. It was, I decided, a real shame that the waffle maker had been binned. That would have been perfect now. It used to sit on the worktop, but years ago we had a clear out and it went. That was my memory, anyway. It was when I was voicing this to my partner that the miracle happened. He looked at me like I was mad and then opened a kitchen drawer. There, in front of my very eyes, was the waffle maker! It had not been binned. Not at all. It had simply been removed from the worktop and hidden out of the way. My dream of the perfect brunch could become a reality. I whipped up a cheesy batter and got wilting spinach quicker than you can say, 'Get a life Nicky, you mad woman.' It was the loveliest way to start the weekend.

Me and my nephew. I'm a white skinned, blonde-fringed brunette, smiling for the camera. He's a white skinned brunette baby, with an extremely cute grin, and the smiliest eyes.
Out and About
The newest of my nephs turned the big 1 at the weekend. A family get together for the littleun was a cracking way to spend the afternoon and loads of fun was had by all. One of the problems with a big family, however, (and there are many!) is that new born members tend to see you as part of a gaggle. No one is distinguishable. I'm one of his many aunties and uncles. How will he ever learn I'm the best? This is something I struggle with a lot. I guess it takes time. The oldest niece is in high school now. This means she has me messaging her random questions about teen life, hot boys, and youth slang. (Research, folks!) Maybe my baby neph is happier without my 'fun' for now. Sigh.

So on we march with March. If, like me, you're all about shaved pits and garden candles, then hello! Are we twinnies? What are the odds?! If, in the more likely event, you are not, then enjoy the change in vibe. However you're filling your month, I hope it's bringing you joy. More next week, if you're up for it - mkay?

Have a lovely week, folks.

Monday, 3 March 2025

Here's to you, My Laptop...

I missed the February Long Ramble. Did you notice? No, me neither. Sorry to everyone I let down. It's not all bad. You got four Weekly Updates instead of three. I don't think the world will stop turning because I didn't post a rant an exploration of a single issue during the calendar month. 

An apple laptop is sitting on a table. It starts to smoke and quickly becomes covered with it.
This is a (much more)
dramatic reconstruction
 of what happened
But let's make up for it now. Last week, if you caught my Monday morning TikTok address (the first couple of minutes can also be found on Insta) you'll know my laptop was hanging on for dear life. Folks, I'm sorry to say she didn't make it. I know. Dark times. Several weeks before I was mentally ready, I had to say goodbye. I now have a shiny, new, bought-in-a-hurry laptop, upon which I'm typing these very words. I can't, however, move on without stopping to take a moment. The adventures myself and My (old) Laptop shared, are many and varied. Today, I want to share my personal tribute with you.

A silver laptop, on a messy desk, open. The title page, Leeza McAuliffe Book 2 is clearly visible on the screen.
Born in 2015, My Laptop led a full life. She came to me when I tinkering with the draft of my first novel. I'd no idea what I was doing, or where I was going with it. Deadlines and a work ethic had yet to be put into place. But with My Laptop at my fingertips, I was able to finish the manuscript, research publishing, send it out to people, engage an editor, arrange with a designer for the creation of a front cover, and publish, distribute, and market the thing. With her help, I repeated the process another three times.

 

My Laptop spent her life completing the most mundane of tasks; never complaining, always with a welcoming chime and a bright screen. She tackled the Guardian Crossword, the Times Concise Crossword, and the free New York Times puzzles on a daily basis. She compiled shopping lists, found recipes, and sent messages. She was the host of almost all the FaceTimes I've had with my nieces and nephs. Midway through her life, she swapped the Google home page for Ecosia's. This did not stymie her ability to search. She provided information on a myriad of topics, with speed and clarity. She also enjoyed modifying her appearance. A 2019 Christmas present saw her become adorned with Jessie and Celine stickers. After Liverpool hosted the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, she added an ESC sticker to her lid. 

 

A silver laptop open on a bed. There's a scene from a film on screen - two characters talking. In front of the laptop is a tray - with a burger, fries, and a large glass of white wine. It looks like a hotel room service.
My Laptop travelled widely. Accompanying me on multiple weekends in Wales and Scotland, she also went as far as Canada. Our shared experiences on the VIA train from Toronto to Halifax will remain a particularly happy memory. She was also instrumental in one of my favourite evenings in Berlin. After a long day of walking around the city, I escaped to my bed. Me and My Laptop ordered a room service burger, a glass of white wine, and snuggled up with the Andrew Haigh film, Weekend. It was a lovely evening, providing much-needed succour amidst a busy and shattering week. 

 

A silver latop with a zoom call taking place. The screen is split up into seven small screen, with different people in each.
It's not all been glamour and travel. There's been adversity along the way. My Laptop has spent hours in Ticketmaster queues. She lived through the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021, being an essential part of the weekly Bond Family Zoom quizzes. Throughout the Covid pandemic, she was my portal to the outside world. This was a responsibility she did not shy away from. She enabled me to watch a Zoom with Kenneth Branagh, raising money for theatre professionals unable to work. She facilitated a Zoom with Russell T Davis, where he shared tips with members of the Writers' Guild. She even broadcast the Dominic Cumming's Barnard Castle speech from Downing Street's rose garden. She did not baulk at this grimmest of tasks. 

 

A silver laptop on a kitchen island. There's a pan on the hob, with a stew and veg bubbling away. The laptop is on the other side. it's cover has gravy splashes on it.

Throughout her life, My Laptop remained stoic in the face of adversity. She survived multiple drops. The loss of two of her rubber corner feet did not hold her back. Indeed, her persistent wobble became an endearing eccentricity. In later years, the complete disappearance of the printed letters A and E from their respective keys, did not hamper her efficiency. She continued as she always had. A loyal friend despite her own personal challenges.

 

A closeup of part of the keyboard of a laptop. The A key is no longer a clear A. It's become blurred and indistinct. As if someone had got a cotton bud soaked in acid and rubbed at it for a second. The E key is going the same way.

In recent months, it's clear she's been struggling. Her inability to update to the latest iOS meant she could no longer take part fully in all that was required of her. As apps on her desktop started to fail, it was evident her remaining time was limited. On Tuesday 25th February 2025, her inability to open Word was the sign I needed. It was time to say goodbye. She left this world having been an essential part of the next Leeza McAuliffe book; missing out on the first draft's completion by half a chapter. No doubt she would have taken this set back in her stride.

 

Me, a blonde-fringed brunette, with white skin and big black glasses, holding my laptop in front of me. It's silver and has stickers. One that says Eurovision in black letters on a white circular background, and heads and shoulders of the characters of Jesse and Celine from Before Sunrise. I am smiling.

So, here's to you, My Laptop. Thank you for giving me the chance to write the stories I had in my head. Thank you for the puzzles, the recipes, the films, and the reading material. Thank you for the FaceTimes and the Zooms; for both keeping me in touch with others, as well as accompanying me in the solitary task of novel writing. Ten years has flown by. We had a blast, didn't we?

 

Have a lovely week, folks.

Monday, 24 February 2025

No Money For Lobster...

I'm at it again. I can only apologise. You thought my home-improvement woes were done and dusted with January's cess pit upgrade? Wrong! Turns out, living in the same place for sixteen years without really maintaining it, can be a recipe for... well not disaster. That's far too strong a term. More like, a recipe for lots of jobs needing attention at the same time. And once you begin on one thing, loads more issues crop up. 

A pile of bricks - house bricks and breeze blocks - are piled up outside a brown garage door. There's a wall of green ivy behind, and the drive way is covered in grey slate.
As I speak there's a pile of bricks outside my garage. They're from a wall that's been knocked down. Skips are pricy so they're going to the tip, one car boot at a time. Then the patio's getting redone. At the moment it's a trip hazard and only a matter of time before a family member sues. After that, there's the gravel to replace, and the new fancy-pants cess pit needs greenery to disguise it. The list goes on and proves the old adage: once you pop you just can't stop. I've resigned myself to the fact that 2025 is the year of home improvement shit. And that's OK. I'm lucky I have a home to fix. Remind me of that when I moan.  

Writing News
The last thousand words still need to be written, but the first draft is practically done. So far, the word count is 66,845. It's slightly shorter than an adult novel would be, but for a YA novel, this is fine. 

Both Leeza McAuliffe books are being held in my hand, spines facing the camera. One is called Leeza McAuliffe Has Something To Say, and the second is called Leeza McAuliffe Has Loads More To Say. Both are written by Nicky Bond.
But here's the rub. What feels an appropriate length for the genre, isn't the only consideration. As I head towards the editing period, my creative storytelling needs are not the only thing on my mind. I've also to consider how much paper will be used to print the books. Prices are rising all over the place. I could raise the price of the book (and it may well come to that) or I can use less paper. With the last book, I worked out I needed the story  to stop at 60,000 words in order to sell the book at £8.99 and make a pound profit. This time, it may be pricier? I'm not sure yet. I'll work it out when I have a clearer idea of the final length. The upshot is, that as I come to the end of the first draft, I'm aware that the next stage isn't all creative decisions and writerly instincts. And more's the pity.

A big glass building, with curving front wall, in an urban setting. The letters HOME are lit up in yellow and large on the front. The sky is dusk, and the whole building is lit up from the inside.
HOME. Image from here.
Culture
Someone's killed the President! Uh-oh! Who could have done it? That's how Disney+'s Paradise opens. It's moves on - quite quickly - from that set up, but it's fun and tense nonetheless. In other TV news, Reacher is back on Amazon Prime. This series is based on the Lee Child book, Persuader, which I'll probably end up rereading. As for the show, I'm waiting until all the episodes have dropped before I go in. Elsewhere in Culture news, as I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I had a ticket for Before Sunrise on the big screen. Last week it happened. It was SOOO good to see it enlarged. But just as marvellous was my glass of wine in the bar at HOME beforehand. It was Valentine's Day and I'd brought my book to read. Before I walked in, I had the slight panic that I might stand out like a sore thumb, as couples around me romanced each other to bits. Not so! The bar at HOME is a welcoming space for people wanting a quiet drink with a book. I was not the only solo reader there. That fact alone would have made my night, but I also had the thrill of the film. Lucky, lucky me.

A wide white bowl, with a little brown bowl in the centre. The little brown bowl has a white dip with flecks of green. Arranged around the  dip, are large individual pieces of ravioli. They're beige with some crispy brown parts. There are also some things that look like nuggets or goujons.They're an orangey brown colour.
A beige bowl of brilliance. 
AKA crab and prawn 
ravioli, cod goujons, 
and tartare sauce.
Food and Drink
I've been craving lobster ravioli for weeks. I know, I know, it's such a bougie thing to say. Soz. But I'd had it in a restaurant a few weeks ago, and it's been on my mind ever since. Now, I'm not someone who's going to make my own pasta. Not these days. And the Asda didn't have anything even approaching what I wanted, so I had to go to Markises. There goes the food budget! The nearest I could get was crab and prawn, but it was enough to satiate me. Come Saturday night, I went off piste by baking the individual parcels until they were crispy and serving them with a garlicky tartare. They were lovely!
 
Three people's faces, crammed into a photo. Me, with most of my face off camera, have got a black-haired caucasian baby boy on my knee. He looks quizzical. Next to him, is a brunette caucasian boy standing next to us. He's smiling.
Bonding
Out and About
It was half term. Did you know? I did. Because all my siblings with kids were on holiday, and my usually quiet Costa was riddled with multi-generational patrons. Fair play. I can handle it for a week. But the best part was I got to catch up with two of my nephs. The littlest neph - still under a year old - has yet to learn of my brilliance. I did my best, over the course of Friday afternoon, to impart what he needs to know about me. Time will tell if I managed it.

Enjoy the rest of the month! Can you Adam and Eve it? March is almost upon us! The month of my birth, as well as the births of almost everyone I know. There'll be no money for lobster ravioli in March. It'll be spent on birthday presents, maintenance jobs, and nothing else. Until then...

...have a lovely week, folks.

Monday, 17 February 2025

Small Stuff, Wanky Words, and Hyperbole...

An animated calendar, shedding days that have past. Fri 14 is the first, then Sat 15, and then Sun 16.
Time's flying!
It doesn't seem five minutes since Christmas. Or is that just me? The aftermath's over so quickly, while the build up lasts for months. It's almost two months after the event and the shebang's become a distant memory.

From Rattatouille, a cute animated mouse is nibbling some cheese in a kitchen.
I had a thought this week. It was when I opened the fridge and was reminded of one of my many December food stresses. In order to ensure the Christmas Night Cheese had plenty of date left by the time it got eaten, I had to buy it fairly close to Christmas. It was the same with the Boxing Day lettuce too. I spent the 22nd December (the last free day I had) visiting three different supermarkets, looking for a lettuce that had a date beyond the 26th. In my head, it became 'an issue.' Fast forward to now, and the last of the Christmas Night Cheese is still in the fridge. I've been eating it throughout January, and will finish the rest this week. I've no idea what its date is, but a quick glance tells me it's OK. Maybe, just maybe, this is a lesson for life. Don't get obsessed with lettuce when you're busy. Don't panic about serving mouldy cheese to guests when the chances are, it'll be good for weeks. TLDR? Don't sweat the small stuff, I suppose. It's a cheesy lesson, of sorts.

A girl is sitting on the floor, chatting to someone off camera. The caption says, 'We are teenagers. We like to go out with friends and have fun.'
Me and my teen-mates
Writing News
This is the wankiest thing to say, but I'm going to do it anyway. Ready? I LOVE hanging out with my characters! Look, I warned you. The thing is, it's SO cathartic. Writing teen Leeza and teen Jake means I get to relive my youth, chill with cooler people than I was, and experience all the firsts all over again. Last week I wrote a scene where one of the characters has their first 'proper' kiss. (i.e not the spin the bottle sort.) It perked me right up! I never got this sort of high when I was teaching. (I mean, it was cool when a kid finally got a tricky concept and you suddenly saw the lightbulb go on, but still.) Living through every detail that happens to my fictional mates, is life-affirming. The problem is, it only happens now in the first draft. In a year's time, when this story will be out in the world, I'll have become so dulled to the magic, I won't get the same high. There'll be other highs by then, but buzzing off every sweet plot development, is a first draft experience. For me anyway. Over the next week or so, I'll be finishing the first draft. It's a huge milestone in any novel, and I'll definitely celebrate reaching it. Ngl, it'll be bitter sweet as well. Sigh. Farewell my lovely made-up mates. Soon  I will leave you.

Moira Rose from Schitt's Creek - wearing a silver lame dress - is looking at her phone, becomes affronted by something she's read, and says, 'Well that's hyperbolic.'
Culture
I'm aware that I have a tendency towards hyperbole. I'm OK with that. There's enough negativity in the world without me using my weekly Culture paragraph to slag off other people's creative endeavours. If I've enjoyed something, I'll write about it here. I consume lots of telly, many films, and occasional books and theatre in the week. I can't reference them all. That means I pick the stuff I've found to be the most brilliant, and big it up for anyone that's stumbled across this blog. 

Betty White, wearing a bright yellow blouse, raises a glass to the camera and says, 'happy birthday big boy.'
Betty White being marvellous
will have to do in lieu of
ACTUAL Big Boys gifs.
This week, I fear my hyperbole meter may explode. Honestly, I CANNOT praise this show any higher. Big Boys (Ch4) just dropped its third and final series. I'd seen the previous two and really enjoyed them. They told the story of Jack and Danny, two students who meet at the start of Uni. Jack's gay and just lost his dad, Danny's straight with an extrovert personality that masks his own struggles. The series follows their best bud friendship, through foam parties and bad dates, assignments and family trauma. Despite the pathos, it's also piss-funny. The 2010's setting is mined for comedy with the love for Alison Hammond being a regular reference point. So far, so good, right? But series three dropped last week. To say it takes it up a notch is an understatement. All the beats are there - the humour, the poignancy. But we're nearing the end of third year. The friends are looking to the future. And, just as happened at the end of series two, the narrative structure is there to play with. Jack Rooke's script is a MASTERCLASS in how to tell a story. He's been narrating it from episode one, but only now do we fully realise why and to who. I CANNOT recommend it highly enough. Honestly, it's properly great, for realsies. OK, hyperbole over. I need a lie down.

Food and Drink
Welcome to more tales of Bond's experimental kitchen exploits. I've kind of invented a sauce. Actually on second thoughts, of course I haven't invented it. Someone somewhere in the world will have done this already. It's probably someone's national dish. There are literally no new ideas anymore, so to assume this is my recipe is hugely cocky. But to me, this is both new, and a revelation. Here's what happened. It was the day before the big shop and I was trying to cobble together my tea from the random stuff in the cupboards. I had pasta so all I needed was a sauce. Look, I'll cut the chase and tell you what I did. No one needs an exciting build up.

Ingredients 
  • A white bowl on a wooden tray. It's piled full of mini roast potatoes, that are covered with a reddy/brown sauce.
    Roasties with my
    paprika-y sauce
    .
    1 tin of anchovies in olive oil
  • 1 tbs smoked paprika 
  • 1tbs parmesan
  • 1 crushed garlic clove
  • 1 tbs tomato puree
  • A splash of water

Method
Whizz together until its an oozy paste, warm through on the hob, and stir through pasta. 

Ta-daa! It was a taste sensation. I made it again on Saturday night as a patatas bravas style topping to my roasties. A happy accident and a new sauce to my repertoire. (I think it's the only sauce in my repertoire, if we're not counting packets of Colmans.)

The inside of a restaurant. There's a bar at the end, booths and chairs and tables in the foreground. From the ceiling, plants and dangling ornamental lightbulbs cover the space. There's lots of light coming in from the window.
Sunday vibes
Out and About
The trouble with finding a great new place for brunch is that you want to have brunch every day. Just me? I've come to realise I much prefer a brunch to an evening restaurant meal. I haven't decided if that's down to a preferred time of day, or the food choices on offer. Regardless, Botanico in Woolton is my new place. Sunday morning's have never been so much fun.

Have fun, whatever you're doing. Enjoy the things in your life that cause their own hyperbolic reactions, and whatever you do, stop stressing over the lettuce.


Have a lovely week, folks.