I’m in heaven tonight – I’m away (v v bad) but I’m in luxury and comfort instead of a ‘formica room’. I’m also in deep gratitude to my old friend and colleague, Ginny who is on holiday and her wonderful generosity of spirit is why I’m so comfortable.

You see, she’s been asking me to stay at her place for ages and I’ve been declining, not because I didn’t want her hospitality but simply because I’ve been so exhausted and just desperate for a bit of space so being with a full-on family hasn’t been a priority for me.

Anyway, despite my rejection of her hospitality, she showed the ultimate generosity and gave me the keys to her beautiful home so I could have some home-comforts while she is away.

And it’s fab. It’s spacious, luxurious and generally a wonderful place to be. Do I sound gushing? It’s true – tonight, for the first time since I’ve been living away from home during the week, I’ve had a real cooked meal – usually I buy sandwiches and eat them in my room in my hotel. Tonight, although a compromise from my usual food because it came from a packet, I’ve had pasta and sauce from Sainsbury, cooked on Ginny’s stove. Still, I made sure that what I bought’s ingredients were all things I have at home – no modified starch or hydrogenated vegetable oil in it anywhere to be seen.

What’s more – she’s got wi-fi and I’m on it!!!! So, I can, for the first time since leaving home at the beginning of September, get online and do my stuff!!! I suppose that probably means I won’t end up writing any more of my book – yep, it’s true, it’s started – well, I’ve written three pages and I’m too terrified to look at them and see if I’ve written a pile of complete crap or if I think it’s got potential. Being here gives me the opportunity to put off that moment a few more days…..



Now, I’ve loads of ‘new stuff’ for inspiration from photos of things in her home and I know it’s a wild leap to assume these shells are there for my benefit to remind me of home, the truth is that I know they’re not really but nonetheless they make tonight’s shot because they do!

There are some times when I feel completely at a loss at the moment but today for once, despite a hard day, I feel quite at peace.

Two years ago, I was happy to be 'home' from Cornwall......but not happy to be away from that place if you see the difference. Last year, I was with the closest thing I have to a lifelong friend - I was with Claz - we've been friends for longer than anyone else I know - twenty-four years - more than a lifetime but only half of our lifetimes if you see what I mean!