Gillian Smellie Writer

Gillian Smellie Writer Writer exploring memory, belief and uncertainty. Author of Living in the Grey, a memoir of ambiguous loss

28/05/2026

Every time I tried to ignore it or run away from it, it just kept shoving itself in my face again. And then I discovered I didn’t really mind.

One of the weirdest lessons I learned as a result of Stuart‘s death 😉

25/05/2026

It’s not grim up north 😆

Credits:
Bird song: Mother Nature
Deer: Mike Hutchinson
Garden: Stuart, Michael and me
Mug:
Tea: (loose leaf always 😉 )
Glasses case: my talented mother
Leading Lady: Poppy the Jack Russell

Just say yesFrom a morning fishing with Cancer and Pisces Trust a few months later I found myself making a film with T...
24/05/2026

Just say yes

From a morning fishing with Cancer and Pisces Trust a few months later I found myself making a film with Toby Curson and and his crew.

I never saw that coming and I had the most wonderful time. It was so good to be back in the water and though my Stuart, who first taught me to fish wasn’t there in person I am sure he was there in spirit. And he handed over my tuition to another Stuart! Thank you Stuart from Durham Fly Fishing, your advice and guidance made all the difference

Just say yes

I’ll say it again - words matter, use them carefully!it is possible that somebody thought they were being funny and clev...
23/05/2026

I’ll say it again - words matter, use them carefully!

it is possible that somebody thought they were being funny and clever, but I suspect it was probably accidental

On the basis of this sign, I it is unlikely I would be allowed to park there 😆

Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks. 100/5 (no typo)In the last book I read there was one line that I felt had been writte...
22/05/2026

Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks. 100/5 (no typo)

In the last book I read there was one line that I felt had been written specifically for me which I read again and again and again

This book in its entirety felt as if it was my story. The story is not the same as mine, but there are some shocking similarities they are small and perhaps inconsequential. But they remain nonetheless. I am struggling to put into words the on emotions that this book has brought up in me. And perhaps that is it the emotions are where we converged.

I don’t imagine anybody else would give it such a high score out of five as I did but then nobody else is me and nobody else has just read their story written so eloquently by somebody who wasn’t writing my story at all.

Whatever you’re writing, a novel, textbook, postcard to a friend, or even a text message; your words have power beyond your imagining. Choose them carefully.

Can just one line change a book entirely?Perhaps not for everyone, but can one line speak directly to you? Or perhaps be...
19/05/2026

Can just one line change a book entirely?

Perhaps not for everyone, but can one line speak directly to you? Or perhaps be written about you?

I enjoy Alan Hollinghurst's writing and this book was no different. But it was in the last pages that there was one line that I read moved on and then went back and read it again. And then I read it again. And again.

This book was not written for me. But actually it was. Is that possible? Of course not. Alan Hollinghurst doesn't even know of my existence. But he spoke, in one line, to me.

Some books speak to you in their entirety. Some tell your story, even if only in a chapter or a minor character. Some in one line

This isn't a better book for that one line. But it is one I will never forget and has somewhat discombobulated me this evening.

And you? Has one line changed a book for you?

This time last year those candle holders were not there. Seeing them brought me up short.Stuart made them for a family ...
18/05/2026

This time last year those candle holders were not there. Seeing them brought me up short.

Stuart made them for a family member as a gift, we brought them when we came to stay last spring. I am visiting again, a year later. Seeing them now and I am back in time, watching him unwrap and nervously hand them over.

Ordinary things changed by memory

I have absolutely no idea why I did it . Place tea in infuser, place infuser in cup, pour over boiling water.I write ab...
18/05/2026

I have absolutely no idea why I did it .

Place tea in infuser, place infuser in cup, pour over boiling water.

I write about memory and other weird stuff, but I forgot the vital step two. 🙄😆

I had 10 years of freedom.But now I am Head Gardener again 😬. I love the end product, but I have to admit I am not a gre...
17/05/2026

I had 10 years of freedom.

But now I am Head Gardener again 😬. I love the end product, but I have to admit I am not a great fan of the process.

I planted seeds, they germinated. I have now planted out some of the resulting seedlings. Let’s see if they survive let alone grow 🤞

Keep watching for updates on Gillian’s garden. Writing is far easier.😂

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Brancepeth
Durham

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