Well, there’s no point pretending I’ve had a wild and crazy time since I last wrote, I haven’t but there’s been a lot of menopausal chat going on. I spoke about the M word a lot at this years ‘Flush Fest’ - the worlds first menopause festival. We took to Zoom and here it is; Support, kindness, humour, networks, and a whole heap of loveliness. You can have a listen here.

I also was on an ‘Instgram Live’ (I had no idea what one was) chatting with Severine, a nutritionist who specialises in menopause. And then Martin and I were interviewed by students at Chelsea Art college who’d been asked by Refinery 29 and The Case for Her to come up with a campaign to ‘repostion menopause as something that affects all people of all ages; to de-stigmatise and educate as many people as possible’. Menopause really is getting a lot of attention. It was nice to be in conversation with Martin too. It’s not often you actually have a proper conversation about menopause with your partner. They asked him his thoughts and surprisingly was very knowledgable - he did pay attention after all! I shall be glad when I never talk about the subject again but for now, where I can offer a bit of help or hope, I will. And please, if you are not coping well with yours - get in touch with Menopause Cafe it’s a life saver.

A touching blast from the past last week too. All those years ago when I interviewed 100 women for Collecting Conversation, I spoke to Harriet. She told me the story of how she lost both her sisters in a plane crash. It was and still is one of the most awful, tragic stories I’ve heard. Recently she was interviewed by Jane Garvey on Life Changing - this is her story.

We needed a change of scenery, who doesn’t? Last weekend we nipped to West Sussex for 48 hours. Turquoise sea, beautiful sunshine, a well needed dose of Vitamin D and big vistas - a sensory overload of loveliness. I’ve never been to Selsey but one of the men I spoke to grew up there. His memories made me want to see what it was like. Beautiful beaches, kids jumping off the sea wall and views all the way to the Isle of Wight. These interviews make me even more curious. Whenever I am out and about all I get little glimpses into so many other peoples worlds now.

Back home and ready to listen to the last of my many men. This last lockdown has really focused me in, only 14 men left to chat to. I am loving the conversations and seeing how the jigsaw of my book is slowly coming together. I’ve also written 5 monolgues too, a little something to give insight into whats evolving out of all these conversations. I hope to share these with you soon.

For historical reference; this last lockdown I have witnessed my niece get married on Zoom, I’ve had my Covid vaccination, I’ve painted the outside of my house and my neighbour celebrated her 99th birthday, AND I’ve spoken to a lot of men. I think all those are once in a life time events and therefore should make the edit of this months blog. Til soon x

I have spoken to 85 men and the finish line in not to far off. I have to tell you, I am EXHAUSTED by the typing and for some reason will do almost anyting not to type. Its one of those mysterious things, I love re listening, I enjoy it when I’m doing it, but the idea is will never ever ever interview 100 people ever again. Its been lovely but talk about biting off more tahn you can chew.

Life is getting back to a kind of new normal and