Julian Summerhayes

 I've been writing for a decade or more. Sadly, I don't have much to show for my efforts. Still, I'm confident with a change of emphasis -- i.e. calling myself a writer -- I can make something of what I've to offer the world. We'll see.  Ju.

  “It may be important to great thinkers to examine the world, to explain and despise it. But I think it is only important to love the world, not to despise it, not for us to hate each other, but to be able to regard the world and ourselves and all beings with love, admiration and respect.” ―  Hermann Hesse,  Siddhartha

  I'm lucky to live in Devon. I mean, really lucky. This picture says it all. The vibrant colours; the mellifluous river; and the tang of nature -- WOW. Cornwall is great but it never quite feels the same. Sure, the beaches are off the scale but it's the soul that doesn't grab me. I've not yet done my list of the things that feel impressed upon me but writ large is to fall back into a creative regime, however than unfolds.  Save that, we'll see what happens next. Love, Ju

We're nearly at the end of our holiday. It must be the 15th time we've been here.  And it's been wonderful to get away, even allowing for the fact that people appear to have forgotten the Rules on social distancing!  (I've stayed away from the Town as much as possible and instead have enjoyed quiet time in the flat -- owned by my late father-in-law, Brian.) We've booked next year for a week, and it'll be nice to keep the family tradition fully alive.  Previously, and certainly by now, I'd have made some grand statement about all the things that I intend doing on my return home to Devon but this time there's been nothing of the sort save that I do want to start open-water swimming -- something I've never properly done. I will have to buy a wetsuit but for now, given the sea and river temperatures, I'll either manage with an old short-sleeved wetsuit or just my swimming trunks. One thing that will live on in my memory is the fact that our children ...

Perhaps it's me, but I don't understand the fascination with mobile phones.  What do I mean? I mean, why does everyone live in their phones and not pay attention to what's happening? Perhaps I'm being too judgmental but then again, I wonder what we're missing in the process?