I have been keeping this blog now for about thirteen years although space means a lot of the older posts have been deleted. I started it as a food blog, hence the title. Things change, though. Not always for the best. This blog reflects life in that it is not a linear journey and, looking back through the archive, I notice a real mess of subjects. Which is nice.
I will divide my entries into three categories. Nothing too difficult or complex. Some words about these.
Living with Multiple Sclerosis
Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis has now been a part of my life since 2013. Perhaps longer. I have written a lot about it, starting with a post in 2014. It is progressing. In this blog I will write about the highs and the lows of living with MS. It will be honest, that is something I have resolved. Sometimes I fall into the trap of writing optimistic words when I do not feel that way, which is bad as the impact of genuinely optimistic posts is reduced. I will try to keep the voice mine and that means that, sometimes, the updates will not be so uplifting to read because, to be quite honest, living with something as unpredictable as MS can really be quite shit. But, other times, they will be. The voice will always be honest. At least I will try to keep it honest. Posts are categorised under ‘Living with Multiple Sclerosis‘.
Ways of Escape
A lot of my life is about escaping MS with positive activities. Some of them, such as cycling and walking, have had to change because of MS. So there are new ones which I am going to try to write about, even though I am no expert. Painting, drawing. I am also rediscovering so many hobbies such as cooking and being something of a nerd about wine. Then there is my love of films, my love of music, the enjoyment of concerts, the thrill of visiting galleries. Things that I enjoy. I will try to enjoy writing about them and will place them in the category ‘Ways of Escape‘.
Roam
A blog is nothing more than a log on-line. There are thousands of words about having a consistent message, a target, a mission. Well, I reject that. There are going to be posts in this blog that do not align with any of the categories I have outlined. Call it something of a right to roam. So, in the category ‘Roam‘, will come the posts that do not quite fit with the two main categories. Something of a catchall. The right to roam.
No Names
There will not be many rules here and, frankly, it doesn’t matter. However I will enforce one. My friends are important to me. They are the ones who still keep me involved in life and are not patronising when issues caused by MS impact me and listen patiently whilst I mangle the words coming out of my mouth. They are patient with my strange behaviour at concerts (not too far from the exit!) and always give me an arm when I need that extra bit of stability. A real international mix, some of whom I have known for over thirty years, others far more recent and all ages, male and female. Nice to have so many perspectives! Enriching!
But I will never mention their names and will not include pictures of them except with their express permission and for a reason. I have included pictures of cycling friends atop Stelvio or Col du Tourmalet. That is because I would not have summited without them.
Last Word
I am sometimes the world’s worst blogger. I am not good at promoting what I write. Indeed, I am useless with Social Media. And I have nothing to promote. So why do this?
Quite simply, I like words and I like writing. My attention span and fatigue mean short posts on a blog are a perfect format. It helps me keep a sense of perspective and also keep my somewhat fragmented brain active. Of course I could do this all offline but… well… I just find this fun.
In the end I write for myself. Perhaps something I write about will strike someone, though. Mean something to them. That will be nice. In the meantime, I will keep enjoying myself.