54 (nearly 33)

I currently have a draft deck (I used to hate them being called that in my past corporate imposter life) on Canva aiming to introduce myself to the flurry of followers I’ve accumulated — or as we inconsistent creators say, ‘a lot of new faces!’ — recently. Those poor creatures.

This half-cooked deck of cards is really just going to be a repeat/redraft of the one I already have pinned; I’m going to use the same snippets of information, more or less, but with a different font and newer photos — maybe a little more flair? We’ll see.

Because the thing is, I don’t need to reintroduce myself. None of us really do. People can just scroll back through our profiles if they’re that curious, surely? And much like writing a book (she says, as though she’s an expert), you have to trust the audience.

Can you tell I’m in one of my strange philosophical/f-ck the online world* phases currently? Apologies, they only happen once every couple of months, and then I go back to the empty grind of creating frivolous 11-second bids for attention…

* ‘online world’ here referring specifically to social media, and by ‘social media’ I mean Instagram and it’s affiliates — you lot are fine. I don’t know why I don’t spend more time here, to be honest. It’s a freeing, mostly fun space, full of creative souls and/or admirably ambitious hustlers. Although it does hold me more accountable, and maybe that’s what I’m avoiding. I still need to finish That Book. 

Oh look, a distraction!

I’m turning 33 this weekend. I haven’t done one of these posts in a year; not since the old blog days (she's still here, but barely). 

Apparently I love breweries now.

Now, let’s see what comes out. (are you enjoying the mildly cynical running commentary? If not, I’ll send some more apologies, as I haven’t had my first gulp of coffee yet)

Hi, I’m Grace. I went through a Gracie phase, but now it’s over, and only a select few are permitted to call me that. I hate instant coffee, but will drink it out of politeness. My theme for this year, going in, was ‘learn more’. I know Ms McKenzie from that pop video. I wish I could afford more art. I’ve rescued a lot of seagulls recently, and want to be trained in pigeon handling. I’ve made 11 silver rings in my college classes this year, and suddenly want to make more shiny things in my spare time. I might paint my boring kitchen trolley pink. I like my new job, I think. Reading or speaking in front of audiences doesn’t seem to scare me any more. One side of my neck has been hurting for a week. I’m really appreciative of our little town’s long-awaited castle (ruins) reopening. Silent discos at 7am are a recently discovered joy.

I strongly believe that all TV shows, especially sitcoms, only have a couple of good years in them, maximum three, before they need to end — and yes, that includes Ted Lasso.

Yesterday evening, my therapist and I broached the (big) topic of sex again, after me attempting to last year and not feeling comfortable — I’m much more positive now, but there’s still a lot to unpack.

There is one googly eye hidden in each room of my flat. My cat needs to lose half a kilo, but I hate depriving her. I’m still fascinated by the road into town from my front door, and deciphering all its different personalities. I’m getting REALLY into my garden. This year I had a heap of purple poppies appear, slightly different to the deep pink crop last summer. I believe in the art of asking.

I keep checklists everywhere — To Dos, work tasks, reminders for my next trip to the supermarket, icks and pet peeves, cringe Instagram post ideas, long-term hopes, home improvements, body count, everything comes with a box to tick.

I’m thinking about moving back over to my own web space. ‘Web space’ sounds so uncool now. I haven’t had the tattoo itch (literally, or metaphorically) in a hot minute. I didn’t fall in love with that sailor but that’s not to say I wouldn’t want to try again. I think I’ll steer myself away from gin, once my current supply has run dry. I’m woefully behind on my 2026 Bingo Card/List, but already excited to make the next one in January ‘27.

I wonder how many ‘fun’ facts I’ve repeated in the 15(!)-year history of these posts — and how many aren’t true any more.

…okay, I think I’m out. Not as many pop culture references as usual (I say ‘usual’, and think, it’s been a year?!) and a bit more intimacy than expected, but I’m happy about it all. If there’s anything here that intrigues you, let me know — maybe a post can be made here or there.

1 minute ‘til the end of Writing Hour. Thank you for being with me for this time. And happy birthday to me. 

Follow my Substack, if you dare. I may not be there much longer.