If we were having coffee, I’d worry about souring the milk with my mood, but then I’d remember the simple pleasure of sharing my burdens, and those worries would evaporate like the steam used to heat said milk!
I’d tell you I’ve been ill this week. Not from the cold which seems to be going around (I dress like an Eskimo, even in this relatively mild British weather). But from a stomach bug. I spent the majority of my day off in bed yesterday, chugging pepto bismol like Doug Heffernan in King of Queens. It’s been a sick fest for the whole household – my youngest has tonsillitis and I had to take my eldest to the emergency doctor last night. Had to drag myself out of bed and peel myself into the Eskimo suit first, but we got there.
At this point I’d change the subject, beg you to tell me your news because, clearly, I need a distraction!
I don’t like to talk about work, mainly because of confidentiality issues, but I had a stinker of a job and it’s stayed with me for days. It involved a Domestic Abuse case, which just made me sad. If I worked for an agency, I’d be able to debrief. But I work for myself, so I usually pour my emotions into my writing. Grace Jameson was born from my experiences, and the process was therapeutic.
By now though, I’m sure we’d have talked it out (being mindful of confidentiality), and we would move on to other things. We’d laugh, because there’s always something to laugh about – if only what I look like in my outdoor wear 🙂
The topic would move to happier things. Like the fact I’ve finished the fantasy novella at last, which will form part of an anthology of three (one of the writers being my good friend Gina Briganti).
Then there is the inspiration I gain from all the marvellous bloggers in my circle. People like Gene’O, who brought to my attention the 1000 Voices for Compassion project, aiming to unite 1000 bloggers to all post about compassion on the same day (20th February 2015). I’d tell you how pleased I am to be on board, and encourage you to add your name to the list. You can join the fun on twitter too, just use #1000Speak.
I’d also tell you I’ve had fun over at Comparative Geeks this week with David and Holly, but then who wouldn’t? I don’t have to hide my inner geek there – it’s wonderfully refreshing. This is another thing I also have to thank Gene’O for, because I get to share my obsession with Arrow on a weekly basis (you knew I had to get it in there – just one more time). The show starts next week at Sourcerer.
So, since I’m no longer crying over soured milk, having embraced my inner geek, gained inspiration from this wonderful community, and shared all your wonderful news. I’d take my next coffee to go (since I have to work). No doubt I’d point out that you can join other friends for coffee by visiting Diana’s place – the Weekend Coffee Share is organised by Diana (Part Time Monster) and there’s an easy way to link-up 🙂
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Mel
Melissa Barker-Simpson 
I’d love to hear from you.