Living with Autism

My son Matthew is 16 now and has Autism with complex additional needs including moderate to severe learning difficulties. This doesn't mean life is not good, it's just different!!

I tried to capture some of that "difference" in this poem called "The Boy at my Side". It focuses on a phrase that Matthew blurts out from time to time and explores what he might mean by this. Read more...

Where did Charles Darwin live?

In 1842 Charles Darwin, and his wife Emma Wedgwood, moved to the lovely Down House on the outskirts of South East London. They lived there for 40 years until his death in 1882. Charles was a focused and determined scientist while maintaining an active village life.

He loved his "Sandwalk" and spent many happy hours walking up and down through the trees reflecting on the origins of humankind. He wrote his famous book "On the origin of Species" in the study and could now find his old home being awarded World Heritage status in the coming months. Read more...

Alum Bay

Tucked away in the western corner of the Isle of Wight is the beautiful Alum Bay. This is an extraordinary bay due to its unique coloured sand. A multi coloured kaleidoscope, a layered paradise. Yet many come down to Alum Bay and they miss the point, they miss the sands. They throw stones and take the boat trip but miss the treasure. Isn't this like life?
Read more to find out.

Deathbook

Deathbook!! Whatever next!! We've had Facebook and now Twitter - it won't be long before another comes along. But someone has suggested Deathbook. It started as a spoof - a system to send emails, tweets and pokes from beyond the grave.

The more you think about it, the more it has a point. Who is going to deal with all the virtual friends, the articles and the networks. What about money made at Bukisa and Triond that will still be coming in? Who is going to collect it all? Good questions - see you on Deathbook!!

Festival Song

Walking away from the Big Top at the Isle of Wight Festival brings so many mixed emotions. The amazing "Australian Pink Floyd Experience" had just completed a wonderful set, long into the warm evening. In my head were the searing guitars and yet my heart was wrenched by the beautiful "Wish you were here".

It brings a quiet sadness when reflecting on the deaths of brother and mother in the last few years. Times of high enjoyment, that soaring sense of wonder, seem to breed the silent cry "How I wish you were here"

Read my Festival Song