• Lonely Tree, Brecon Beacons

    We stand tall, erect and proud. We can cope. We are capable. We are in control. We don’t need help, thank you.

    At least, that’s the image we try to portray. That’s the image we are taught to portray, especially in the Western world. The stiff upper lip that refuses to cry, publicly; or even privately, for that matter. After all, we are in control. What is there to cry about? We don’t need help, thank you.

    Pain sneaks up on us, unexpectedly. Pain hides in the shadows of our existence, lurking, waiting for the right opportunity to rear its ugly head; waiting until the perfect moment to cause us embarrassment.

    The truth is that we have to acknowledge our pain. We have to confront it. We have to savour the challenge of accepting, and beating our pain into submission. And we can only do that by admitting that it is there, that we are in pain, that we are suffering; that we need help.

    For only then can we be truly free. Only then can we stand tall, erect, and proud; not because we are pain-free; not because we have conquered pain; but because we are not afraid to show our vulnerabilities.

  • Misty, overcast

    Cold branches bare from winter

    When will sunshine come

  • Porthcawl Lighthouse

    Shine like a lighthouse

    To shine, like a beacon of light over a dark, murky sea, illuminating the path of weary travellers, and bringing them safely home.

    Such is the task that we all face.

    For though we all may be travelling our own path, we still have a duty to illuminate the paths of others.

    Shine.

    Like a lighthouse.

  • A vignette of a winter sunset. The sky is coloured in red and, orange, and yellow hues. Leafless trees are silhouetted against the sky.
    Winter sunset

    Winter hanging on

    Tree buds shiver in the cold

    With confused feelings


    A numb heart struggles to be creative. But as winter turns to spring once again, maybe this is the year that the numbness will dissipate.

    There is nothing normal about grief. Everyone grieves differently. Let your winter turn to spring when it is ready. You will know when it is time.

  • Yorkshire Field in Summer

    Welcome to Greenacre 9.

    This website has only personal observations about life.

    I have no intention of trying to change your thinking on anything. I have no intention of solving your problems. Only you can do that. All I ask is that you think about my observations, and the observations of others. If it changes your life for the better, then I’m happy for you.