Stories (377/0)
The Cabin Boy and the Rat
So, there we are. I'm tucked up nicely in the cabin boy's pocket when the Captain tells us we're going to be thrown off the ship! I've seen this before - crew member is forced to walk this plank, off the side of the ship and into the deep blue yonder. And is never seen again.
By Rachel Deeming9 months ago in Fiction
The Ball
Ella was desperate to remove her restrictive silk gown. Feeling the tightening grip of the corset around her midriff day-in day-out was like constantly being gripped by a giant lobster's claw, being pinched and unable to squirm away. And the rustling! Every movement she made elicited a small sound, like someone crumpling tissue paper. It was like water torture. But the worst was that she hated it when she had to parade around like this. These events were so stuffy and stifling in so many ways! And so stilted and pretentious, everyone scrutinising everyone else and commenting on what they are wearing, how they look, whether they are beautiful or not, who will capture the Prince's eye. She took a deep breath to suppress her irritation. The time was dragging and made worse by her discomfort. She couldn't wait until later that evening when she could go to the Ball.
By Rachel Deeming9 months ago in Fiction
- Top Story - August 2023
An Evening with Alison Weir
Is there an historical British monarch who is more internationally recognised than Henry VIII? I doubt it. Known ostensibly for having an abundance of wives, some of whom he decided he no longer liked and so decreed that they should be executed, Henry VIII has become instilled in our consciousness as an erratic king, of excess and impulse and salacious appetites who defied the Pope and liked upsetting monks.
By Rachel Deeming10 months ago in History
Bob Ross made me do it
Watching Bob Ross painting has always been my go-to relaxation activity. No spa or relaxing bath for me! No, I grab myself a glass of something, an elderflower cordial, and maybe a snack to nibble on and plonk myself on the couch to watch the fuzzy haired maestro himself. I can feel the tension tangibly releasing itself from my shoulders and neck as I drift into his creative process, like an air pillow. I love it when he mixes a bit of "Prussian Blue" and "Van Dyke Brown" and seemingly dabs it onto a canvas in a random way but revealing way, creating phenomenal pictures.
By Rachel Deeming11 months ago in Art
Ruminating on a great man
It's bittersweet, transporting yourself back and seeking memories of people now passed. There is an indulgence to it but also a sting, as recollections infuse you with warmth but leave you wanting when you realise that you can only live them as you are now - in your mind's eye.
By Rachel Deeming11 months ago in Men