Kate's Blog

Follow me if you will as I try to navigate through the ups and downs of my world.

I'm writing this blog to help me make sense of all that has happened - from my diagnosis with non-Hodgkins lymphoma while pregnant with my third child in May 2008
, through to my reflections on chaotic family life as I try to pick up the pieces of my life again.


The kids are so small, and I'm working hard to keep us all safe and to stay in remission.

Stay with me - it won't be all doom and gloom I promise!



Tuesday 10 July 2012

Hello....again!!

Yes - I'm still here.

I've been rubbish at keeping up with my blog - I blame the job. There's just too much to do.

But changes are afoot. I'm cutting back from September. I'm doing supply teaching, exam marking and tuition - trying to work more flexibly and from home. I'm starting my psychotherapy training next September, and in the meantime I'm going to try to write more seriously.

To that end, once the summer holidays start I'm off to do a residential writing course for a week. No kids, no distractions, no washing, shopping, cooking.... or teaching. Frankly I'm terrified. I'm tired and worn out after a long, hard year and inspiration feels a long way distant. How embarrassing will it be when I'm the only one in the group who discovers they actually CAN'T write after all. I have some plans, some ideas and ambitions -but heaven knows if I can achieve them.

And - come September, Hattie is starting school! For those who have been reading my blog since the start (and I don't suppose there are many readers left since my shocking blog-neglect) you will know what an important milestone this is for the whole family. When Hattie was born I had three weeks to live and my prognois was very uncertain. After a year of horrendous cancer treatment, I went into remission. And I knew that if I managed to stay alive to see Hattie turn four and start school, I would be a good way down the road to survival.

Things aren't bad, then. We're off to Scotland after my writing course. I need to update my blog with all the books I've recently read ..... and I'm planning to read a whole lot more over the summer. And Hilary Mantel's sequel to Wolf Hall is top of the list. Watch this space.

7 comments:

Mueslihill said...

Great to see you back again! I am counting the minutes till Wolf Hall follow up appears in paperback. I refuse to crack and buy a hardback even though it stresses me out waiting!

Anita said...

Hello Kate! Most important - congrats on being continueing to be cancer-free! May you always be. :)

Best wishes in maintaining all your projects and in meeting all your goals.

Little Hattie goes to school - Yeaaaa! :)

Wally B said...

Hi Kate, You are a great writer and it's wonderful to see you back.

Laurie Allee said...

Lovely Kate!

Welcome back! It's so wonderful to see you back and I'm thrilled that Hattie is starting school and you are doing well. Never stop dreaming or reaching for the stars. You're a wonderful writer.

Hugs from Sourh Pas. Xo

Jelly Babies said...

Looking forward to hearing about all the books you've read!

Unknown said...

life is good, sweet girl!

Rebecca S. said...

You're back! And thanks for the lovely comment on one of my recent posts - hooray! It was great to hear from you.
Enjoy that writing course. I'm sure it will be great for you and spur some creativity.
Congratulations on Hattie's turning four...simply wonderful for you all.