Ted’s Blog – Guest Author, Sally

I don’t normally preface my guest author’s blog post, but this is a special one for me as it’s my Mum (hi Mum!) who has written for the blog this week. I am always happy to have guest authors and I’m always super excited when someone comes from out of the blue to write something for the blog, but this one is definitely special for me. Also just to say that what you will read next are the words of my Mum and so are obviously remarkably biased towards her favourite child or as you the reader know me, your ‘humble’ blog author. And yes my family nickname is Ted. Don’t get cocky with it.

Hello, I am Ted’s mum to whom he sometimes adds a ‘hi ‘ to in his blogs, usually to apologise when he has sworn or knows I will disapprove of what is to come in his post. I have never written as eloquently as Ted can and I have always admired those who can put their thoughts into writing – prose or poetry or into the medium of drawing and painting. It is such an admired skill. My love of cross stich came from wanting to draw or paint and to be able to produce something beautiful for others to get pleasure from and to be admired long into the future.

I have often written things down, usually in times of emotional turmoil and then destroyed them when I have calmed down and have reflected on the situation. I once fancied the idea of writing a novel with me as the central character, not very interesting some would say, or an anthology of my vivid dreams I have, but quickly realised they would make very worrying reading and so the paper was always quickly destroyed. There have been times when I have felt strongly about some issue and would love to be able to express my point of view in a fair and eloquent way just as Ted can.

In the last 5 months I have written down my thoughts usually when I can’t sleep which have helped. Again not good reading. I have had a lot of support from family and friends but I have found it hard to rely on them in times of extreme sadness, anger and need or times when my inner thoughts have not been good. However by putting down my feelings onto paper and out of my head, it allows me some peace.

Perhaps we should take more time to express our thoughts openly through the medium of writing or through creating something beautiful to help us all with our mental health. It might be a nicer way of relating to people instead of hurtful words said in times of anguish. Writing gives you time to think about the situation.

Ted’s writings have entertained and / or moved me greatly over the 100 or so posts he has written. He has given vent to his emotions, his frustrations and his opinions in a way that I am sure is not only to entertain the reader but helpful to him in being able to express his feelings. So, long may he continue to write his blogs and that you continue to read them. Ted always manages to find a way of expressing his opinions and thoughts in an extremely succinct way. They might be controversial, they might be sad, they might not be agreeable to your point of view but they always make a good read. Keep up the good work. I’m proud of you!