Our family mix are Spurs Fan, Girl1, Girl2, Jake- a rehomed Westie with trust issues- and me, Speccy. We live in Belfast, Northern Ireland- a cold, grey sort of place: we look for the splashes of colour.
Girl1 is 12, a performer beginning to make independent steps into the outside world. That seems too soon to me, but apparently wrapping her up in cotton wool until she’s 20 would do her no favours. Girl2 is 10, full of giggles, melodrama and anxiety about fractions. Spurs Fan is a primary school teacher and devotee of Tottenham Hotspur FC. You may note a lack of imagination in the names- don’t expect too much fiction here.
In 2006 I contracted ME, had to give up work, discovered a whole new world on the internet, and began to learn a lot about health issues. Now, I volunteer for the PSP Association (my mum, Herself, died from PSP in 2011) and the NI Rare Disease Partnership.
This is a personal blog. I post about whatever’s going on in my head. There are tales from the middle age, rants, book reviews, music snippets, links to better writers, and family chaos. Also, some rubbish photography.
You can contact me at memineandotherbits-speccyATyahoo.co.uk
Welcome!
Good to meet you! I am a writer of romantic fiction from South Africa and about a year into the blogging thing. Can’t imagine my life without it!
I think I’ve probably met you. Or maybe just am very like you – knew nothing about blogs, did a bit of volunteering, bit of reading and embarassing the children. Am now discovering a virtual world – barely dreamed of conversations – ain’t life grand!!!
My husband has had ME for fifteen years, so I know how tough it can be.
Thanks for stopping by my blog
You’ve been linked.
Speccy, I know Tinman already nominated you for the Blog Lovin Award, but I double nominate you.
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Hi – thanks for ‘like’ to my granny teeth thing – that happened in NI also! A long time ago. Sorry you are so close to your loss. As soon as I read your stuff I thought I know folk like that – though they are all over the world, people who care and are kind. I am now a long way from there. Have fun say hello to the park for me.
Speccy, my ancestors are from NI. Went to visit in 1992. We saw Monaghan county and city. Loved the people there. Look forward to reading more.
Can I please use your photo of the Ormeau Bridge tribute to Michael Caulfield with acknowledgement for a piece I’m writing for another blog? Someone removed the bike yesterday. Many thanks Phil
Of course, Phil. I look forward to the piece
Nice to find you.
I shall be in NI in a couple of weeks staying with Cousin in Co Derry not far from Magherafelt. I used to combine summer visits ith the Sperrins Hillealking Festival, but I am lazier these days…
Great blog- I remember being here before only now I’m going to follow you to make sure I don’t miss your posts!
Hi Speccy, you know I love your blog so I have nominated you for a lovely blog award, check it out here: http://debbiereajohnston.wordpress.com/2012/08/10/lovely-bloggers/
Hi Speccy, I have Fibromyalgia which is the main reason i’m out of work at the moment, at the beginning of the trawl through the maze of JSA/ESA/DLA & other benefits nightmare. My girls are 15 & almost 18 & my hubby cant stand football! We also have Lilly the cat, Myrtle the tortoise & Wilson the Cocker Spaniel who also came from a dogs home. Thanks for popping in for a visit at GM’s bidding
Merry Christmas Speccy. Ireland, a beautiful country. I think you celebrate Christmas before Canada does. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
I recently published Falling through the World ~ A journey through ME. It is a brief, easy to read novel based loosely on my own experiences. I thought fiction might be a good way to raise awareness without sounding too dry and scientific.
As a blogger who also suffers from the condition, I wondered if you might be interested in reading it?
If so, I’d be happy to send you a complimentary copy. There would be no obligation to read it but if you did and liked it, you might consider mentioning it in one of your posts. But, as I said, there would be absolutely no obligation to do this. I know how limited everyone’s time and energy is.
If you’re at all interested, you can find out more at fallingthroughtheworld.com and get in touch with me at info@fallingthroughtheworld.com
Please feel free to delete this comment. I’m not trying to be spammy, just using it as a method to get in touch with you.
Thanks
Rachel
Hi Speccy – your photography is far from rubbish! Infact, would you be up for credited use of your shot of the Peace Bridge in a guidance document that i’m writing on good urban places in NI ?
James, certainly. I’d be interested in seeing the document- always good to find new urban spots to visit
Thanks for visiting and following my blog! I am enjoying my look around yours right now.
I’m happy to hear the world of the internet has opened to you as it is a great place to be social for so many people with chronic conditions, my mom included. On a side note my good friends mom was recently diagnosed with PSP…
Lisa
LIsa, you’ll know I found you via Andra’s great post- I’m looking forward to getting to know you
I’m sorry to hear about your friend’s mum. Both of them will be glad of your support
I really enjoyed Andra’s post yesterday and have had a lot of fun meeting some new blogging friends! Thanks for connecting with me.
Lisa