Hi folks,

First off, I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who sent me lots of positive feedback after the first issue of Telling Tales. It’s hugely appreciated. Secondly, welcome to all the new faces who’ve signed up to receive these – I hope you enjoy the ride.

Here’s what’s on my mind this week…

1. Snow. Lots and lots of snow!

So Cornwall had snow. A whole heap of snow. The last time we had any snow of note was way back in 2010. There hasn’t been snow like this in decades. And I love it. I love how it turns the normal upside down, forces us to be in the present (because it’s something rare for us here) and brings communities together (I rescued cars stuck on the hill in my village). There’s a certain magic in that. Just as there is when my little girl made her first snowman and gave it a kiss. Plus, I’ve had the added bonus of working in what looks like an Alpine Lodge since Wednesday.

2. Going above and beyond.

With the snow causing chaos, there were wonderful stories about NHS staff staying in the hospital to make sure patients can be treated. Something Charlie Fox, the owner of Hartley Dental who I’ve worked with for nearly three years, also did for two nights in a row. Charlie lives an hour’s drive away from the practice so, instead of risking not being able to make it back in, spent the night at the office to make sure his patients could be seen the next day. Brilliant gesture from a top man.

3. Guilty pleasures.

We all have guilty pleasures. And, while I may regret admitting this, I watched the new Baywatch movie this week and loved it. It’s a terrible film but I still enjoyed it. File it under ‘so bad, it’s good.’ Plus it has the Rock in it. Would love to do a ‘Top 10 Guilty Pleasures’ so please feel free to let me know yours!

4. Stepping outside the comfort zone.

As I mentioned last week, it was my sister’s 30th birthday. It’s always been a dream of her’s to ride a horse on the beach. She rides horses regularly, I most definitely do not. She didn’t want to do it on her own so she dragged the family along with her. This was a massive step outside my comfort zone. The best bit for me was when we finished, but actually, seeing the beaming smile on my sister’s face made the two and half hours bouncing along on the horse-version of Godzilla all worth it.

5. Defining love

I read this article and this quote has stayed with me:

“Last night, like he has numerous times over the past three years, my grandfather proposed to my grandmother who has Alzheimer’s and sometimes struggles to remember who he is.”

It brought a lump to my throat and made me grateful for those I love, and those who love me in return. Love is impossible to define, but that quote comes pretty close for me.

Have a great weekend,

Tommy

PS – I’ve mostly been listening to this playlist on Spotify this week. Beautiful songs for when the snow was falling.