The Wilson Lot

The Tyne Bridge is an iconic structure, especially for those who hail from in and around Gateshead and Newcastle upon Tyne.  It is a frequent feature on postcards, and photographs and is the focus of many an artist, who bring the bridge to life on paper. For those not from the area, it is still a recognisable landmark.  It marks the beginning of the Great North Run every Autumn – an event that is filled with fun, joy and is the culmination of hard work and perseverance.  In 2012, Bear Grylls zip-wired from the bridge with the Olympic Torch. To me, the Bridge is a sign of home and with home comes safety.  It is what I know and choose to know and I am fiercely proud of my roots and being from the North East too.  Even just living in Durham, when I past the Angel of the North and the Tyne Bridge and my way to and from work, something in me finds comfort in seeing them. Yet, to others, the Bridge is nothing but an instrument in their own self destructio...

How do you put into words how much you miss somebody? I've been trying for over a year now to find the words or inspiration to sum up how much I miss one of my best and most treasured friends.  My wifey, my amazing, beautiful and hilarious friend. I remember our very last night-in together.  A night where she opened up a little more than she usually did and for some reason I took in everything she said but didn't push any further.  Looking back, I should have known something wasn't right; no, everything was completely wrong.  She wasn't happy.  She hadn't been happy for a ridiculous amount of time and I didn't realise.  How selfish is that?  I knew things weren't all perfect and hunky-dory either, but I didn't know the extent to which her life was changing and how alone she had been in her sadness. Why didn't she tell me how she was feeling?  I judge myself now.  I know how it feels as a close friend to feel taken advantage of, or only ...