Tag: women

The Witch of Portobello by Paulo Coelho


Gypsies, the steppes, travel, orphans, witches,dancing, calligraphyThe Witch of Portobello has it all. I looked forward to reading it each night.

When I think back on the books I’ve read by Paulo Coelho I can never quite put my finger on what part of it impacted on me, yet I always feel a little altered and more alive from having read. I love the International flavour of his books. I find it quite startling sometimes when he writes because many of his central characters are women and the subjects quite feminine, yet he treats them from a male perspective. I enjoy his writing and look forward to the few remaining unread by me.

PS: Kat, text me your address and I will put it in the mail to you. If you are quick, you could be reading it on the weekend!

Playtime – Not for girls!

This article follows from Germaine Greer’s speech at Permira Leisureland, a panel debate on the future of the leisure industry in the UK.

When Andrew showed me all his toys, kayaks, camera’s, motorbike and a variety of other novel objects whose purpose is generally leisure and amusement I had nothing to show in return. Half finished crafts for my half finished home, my home itself and my kids are how I spend my leisure time. If I think about leisure time I imagine myself filling it with sleep. I have also noticed that many women don’t play silly games with pets and small children either. This is not a complaint but I think Germaine Greer has accurately described the state of my reality around play.
I especially love the line ” Your house is clean enough. Come out and play” I think that feeling, of playing, having fun, involve food and laughter with others. These things can involve work though. Mmm, I want to find a toy and play with it…