Crash Course in Canadiana

I know that working your way through the latest tome from Lonely Planet isn’t for everyone, that’s why I’m bringing you this… Continue reading →

The truth about Islam

As someone who became a muslim by choice I look around sometimes and think “What have I done?” So much of what I researched and felt a connection with is misrepresented in the world. Did I misunderstand? Was there something I missed? Continue reading →

The science behind Mindfulness

For those who remain unconvinced or sceptical of the benefits of mindfulness, here’s Professor Mark Williams, director of the Oxford Mindfulness Centre, explaining the scientific studies that prove unequivocally how it can help with depression. Quite why they interviewed him in a storage-cupboard is unclear, but it’s great to be part of research that results … Continue reading →

Do you live to write or write to live?

Whatever made me think I’d be immune? I’d read the blog posts about pressure sapping creativity and the danger of writing for your audience instead of yourself and shrugged it off with nonchalant naivety – that didn’t sound like me at all… Continue reading →

Drive-Thrus Done to Death

Today at school pick-up, as I described the goldfish experience of being scrutinised by the drive-thru queue while having coffee at Tim Hortons, a friend happened to mention drive-thru wakes in the US. Yes, you heard me right – drive-thru wakes… Continue reading →

5 Books to Boost your Writing

Sometimes, when the very act of writing has become painful drudgery and you think “I can’t be any good – surely it’s not meant to be like this…”, all you need to get going again is a little inspiration and a reminder of why you love doing what you do… Continue reading →

Choking on the memory

All it takes is for one of the kids to wrap their fingers around my neck in play and I’m transported back in time to the day a man strangled his daughter on the stairs of their home while her mother and siblings watched…
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