Fleeting Comforts

Sunday papers in bed and the joy of long form articles

Oh how I used to love reading the Sunday newspapers in bed, but sadly, gone are the days of nestling into the blankets with a steaming cup of coffee over pages thick with stories of joy and sorrow. These days the allure of those moments are lost to the digital scroll. Instead of strolling through articles at a leisurely pace, now it’s a race through headlines, updates and often disheartening news

I have fond memories of lazy Sunday mornings reading the papers and especially the glossy Style magazines nestled in amongst the home section. Sometimes I'd pretend I lived in NYC and carry the Sunday broadsheets with a large coffee, a picnic blanket and a warm danish pastry, over to the local park. Although, I'd barely get past page five, because I’d spend most of my morning day dreaming or cloud busting.  Oh the simple joy of life before social media.

But today a rare quiet morning invites a break from the usual rush. The ridgebacks are in slumber at the bottom of my bed, as I sink into an article by Rachel Stirling in The Guardian about her mother Diana Rigg - it's a reflective long form piece about her mothers final months. It’s equally a heartbreaking and astounding read, detailing Diana's passionate plea for assisted dying.  

After I’d finished reading the article, it seems nothing much has changed about our attitude to assisted dying. It's topic I was weirdly interested in, way back in high school, when I was tasked by my English teacher to write about the taboo subject of euthanasia. Even at 11 years of age the topic fascinated me.  

Weirdly, death and its complexities have long intrigued me. Today’s article stirs contemplation, igniting thoughts that could fill pages in my journal. For those curious about the reluctance to confront the inevitable and especially if you were a fan of Diana Rigg, I highly recommend reading this article - It's gone on too long

And to those who cherish the Sunday morning ritual of reading the Sunday papers in bed, may you relish the tranquil sanctuary it offers. I think I spoke too soon, the ridgebacks are stirring and the coast is calling.

Until the next time

Take care & stay safe xxx