A proper Sunday lunch

This story of what is was like on family visits to my grandparents is published online in the Spring 2022 issue of The Longridge Review. You can read it there: the constraints on our behaviour that gave rise to anxiety and boredom, and the things that made it special. Actually, I admired my grandmother despite what you may think after reading it. And thanks to my brother Chris who volunteered to take the rap for the broken window when we couldn't remember who the culprit really was.

Aide-memoire

May 28, 2022May 28, 2022 ~ beverleystevens ~ Leave a comment

This story of a phone call with my mother as her memory was going is published in Landfall issue 243.

Not drowning but waving

February 6, 2022May 27, 2022 ~ beverleystevens ~ Leave a comment

A personal essay, first published by Headland in issue 16, November 2021: I edge closer, close enough to read the words in the thought bubble in the larger-than-life comic book painting. “I DON’T CARE! I’D RATHER SINK THAN CALL BRAD FOR HELP!"

Clara’s musings

September 10, 2021February 5, 2022 ~ beverleystevens ~ Leave a comment

Not all Clara's experiences are mine – she's more than happy to borrow from friends if it makes for a good story. Clara is a big fan of Cecily – her influence may be evident.

French class with Mr Lewis (or how I became an expert 500 player)

April 9, 2021April 10, 2021 ~ beverleystevens ~ 1 Comment

For most of the seventh form, my best friend Eva and I spent every French class in the common room playing 500 with whoever was around, bidding, winning and losing tricks. None of the other seventh formers commented. Perhaps they didn’t notice.

Pretty pink things

March 26, 2021February 6, 2022 ~ beverleystevens ~ 2 Comments

Pink things are sneaking their way into my bathroom and my wardrobe. And I’m growing curiouser and curiouser about why.

Days of uncertain sunshine

January 5, 2021February 6, 2022 ~ beverleystevens ~ 1 Comment

Beneath the self-congratulations and thankfulness that we can hug family and friends and relax these summer holidays without the worry of catching Covid, anxiety rocks and tumbles in my mind like the towels in my front-loading dryer.

No more tears

October 11, 2020October 11, 2020 ~ beverleystevens ~ 1 Comment

It’s been a long time since I really cried. I used to be in tears regularly, every three-and-a half weeks like clockwork, but not since my monthly cycles stopped, not since my husband started taking antidepressants. If someone close to me dies or I’m at a funeral there’ll be tears. And if, God forbid, something … Continue reading No more tears

Of poppies and passionfruit

July 20, 2020January 5, 2021 ~ beverleystevens ~ Leave a comment

The poppies that grew in my grandfather’s quarter-acre garden were bedraggled specimens. Each individual plant sat apart, marooned in its own patch of dull brown soil. Similarly the lemon trees dotted around the grassy lawn were like respectable neighbours who preferred to keep at arm's length. The lemon trees had the attraction of glossy leaves … Continue reading Of poppies and passionfruit

Destination Dubrovnik

July 20, 2020March 3, 2021 ~ beverleystevens ~ Leave a comment

If you think you've come across seen this before in my blog, you're pretty much correct; it revisits the same territory as my earlier piece called 'To Dubrovnik and Beyond' but I hope in a more engaging style.

You are here, here you are

April 18, 2020September 2, 2020 ~ beverleystevens ~ 1 Comment

"Everywhere you go, there you are." (Attributed to Confucius)