Monique Sliedrecht

____ One of the amazing things about being in a place like Freswick is that you can be living a quiet and undramatic life, hardly aware of anyone, but when you go a few miles up the road to John O’Groats you notice number plates from all over the world. The most extraordinary connection I have ever experienced with a far-off country happened a couple of weeks ago.  I received an email out of the blue requesting accommodation - at the very last moment - for two young Sudanese

Over the years I’ve picked up a few beautiful objects from the past - items that would now be considered vintage or old fashioned: a typewriter, a phone with a round number dial and cord receiver, a black Singer sewing machine… The latter reminded me of the machine my mother had. When I was young she sewed a lot of our clothes. She was a great seamstress. One of my childhood memories involved me and my mom going to Fabricland where we spent a long time looking at the myriad o

___ It is December.  Christmas jingles are played on repeat over the loudspeakers. Many buy into the illusion of peace and wellbeing via early Black Friday sales. Days of December (and even November!) are filled with markets and flyers that point to family get-togethers and parties in the name of commerce. In many homes and businesses entertaining guests over dinner may be part of the lineup for the holidays. Most adverts overtly suggest the need for perfectly dressed tables,

____ There is a new feeling in the air which comes with the change of the seasons.   It's a little cooler, a little breezier. When the...

_____ A film maker from Glasgow came to the north on a work trip recently.  He only stayed for one night, as he had a busy schedule.  I...