My Writing!

12/12/2016

Bipolarcoaster

I started blogging in March of 2015. That Easter I became ill, after suffering from a Bipolar relapse. It was important for me, at the time to document, what was happening in my life. I wanted to write about Bipolar, but I didn't want it to be a medical blog. Recording my experience with Manic Depression, from a very personal point of view, was a goal, I believe this blog achieved!

Like any blog, my daily routine and experiences were detailed, in many cases, graphically, no holes barred. I wanted people to feel what I was feeling at any given point in time. Whilst writing Bipolarcoaster, I was going through medical treatment and was able to explain to my readers, what the processes involved were. Many people who suffer from any form of mental illness, cope on their own, many more don't even understand just what is happening to them. Bipolarcoaster took readers on a deeply personal journey into my world. Many thousands of people continue to read this blog; I still have emails every day, asking me how I am now and just where has my life taken me.

I was made aware of the reasons behind my relapse, during the production of Bipolarcoaster; A Sociopathic boss, who had planned for the very day I collapsed. They were dark weeks for myself and indeed my partner, Darrell, who worked for Oxfam the same charity I did. He also became a victim of terrible abuse from our mutual employer, colleagues and people he regarded as friends; Bipolcoaster, documents this time in fine detail.

The saving grace was our Wedding on 22 September 2015. For a short while, our troubles are forgotten as we celebrate 20 years together.

Other entries include 'Verruca Almond', a serialisation, based on events and people in my life. Verruca, has a chequered past; she is given an opportunity to become a home help, looking after vulnerable patients. Verruca's past soon surfaces, during her time as my carer, as she teaches me the ways of a Sociopath. Secondly 'Betty's Story' is a fictional account about a secretary, who after years of abuse at work, finally stands up to her boss. Based around the events that led to my relapse, Betty is the heroine I would have liked to have been, had I known of the truth behind my Manager and the charity she worked for!

Both of these short stories, are tongue in cheek reconstructions, of episodes that had occurred or were similar to incidents, that had become commonplace, in my life, or others, who were going through the same traumatic times!

Forever Enduring Cycles

Forever Enduring Cycles, my second blog, started in November 2015. A new chapter had started, I had recovered from my relapse and had entered the final stages of life in the UK. I returned to Oxfam in October 2015, only to leave in the December of that year, after the bullying and Sociopathic behaviour restarted!

This blog documents recovery from adversity and relief at finally leaving the charity that caused me so much pain and anguish. With our decision to move to Spain made, Forever Enduring Cycles shows, the processes involved, in packing up our life and moving abroad. A big decision for us both, after living together in Britain, for twenty years.

As we celebrate our final Christmas together, with friends, this second blog comes to an untimely end. We say our goodbye's, and start our journey to Spain, to begin the long slow process of recovery, from the most dreadful episode in our life.

Spanish Views

Spanish Views is my latest, ongoing blog, started in December last year. It chronicles my new life in Spain, with gay daughter Jamie, after Darrell is called to Australia, to care for his ill mother. The blog discusses the ups and downs of life living in Spain as an expat, on The Costa Blanca.

As my new life begins, the wounds of a past, made permanent by sociopathic behaviour, resurface from time to time. Spanish Views has allowed me to discuss the future and come to terms with what transpired, a year and a half before. Using transcrips from conversations at the time, free from the constraints, Oxfam demanded, I am finally able to discuss, the deviant behaviour of individuals working for them, in 'Charlatan or Confidant.'

Surviving on ones own, in Gran Alacant can be hard, especially with no income, so as an edition to Spanish Views 'The No Wives Club', part of the same blog, running along side shows a group of like minded individuals, coping with life without those they love. I have also included another section on Darrell's life down under in Australia, whilst caring for his Mother.

After the brexit vote in The UK, this third blog discusses my attitude towards Europe, the trials and tribulations involved in securing a future on the continent, as well as daily life in southern Spain. Recipes, opinions, the language barrier and also a series of video clips or vlogs, showing normal activities, humours stories and circumstances as well as frustrating and infuriating obstacles that come our way.

Verruca Almond also returns, after a six month absence. A phone call, after months of trying to discover my whereabouts. An emotional reunion, tinged with sadness, but happy to hear from an old friend, after such a difficult time for us both.

Gran Alacant, the residents, bars, shops and restaurants feature highly in this set of muses from a time of discovery and relief. Spanish Views; restarting life after death!

Chatter

Finally 'Chatter', my monthly column in The Gran Alacant Advertiser. I have been writing for this publication since July of this year. My column, discusses the issues; local, national and international, high on the agenda of local residents, who live in Gran Alacant and the surrounding area.

'Chatter' explores different topics each month. Talking to those who live and holiday here, I have been able, to not only feature their opinions, but also learn much about this place I now call home. From BREXIT, THE COST OF LIVING and also SCHOOLS and COMMUNITY, this new column aims to explore all the subjects important to everyone that have a connection to Gran Alacant!