Hobo Camp Review issue 50 is out, reminding us that in the midst of all the horrors we must create and play and communicate. Even editor James Duncan’s editorial for this issue reminds us. I’m pleased to be in this issue along with a bunch of names I recognise. I have a little story ‘The…
Ten Years Already
I had forgotten all about this piece at Pulp Metal Magazine (hi Jason) until a chance reminder yesterday. Clearly remember that day, waking up here in Dundee and hearing/seeing the news. I am amused by the theory that we have been in an alternate reality since, but it does not change what we must do…
Dundee When It Grizzles
Okay, poor (very poor) joke title — and it’s Grissel Jaffray anyway! Although thanks to the comments on this new video, I found out about Jim Reid’s song ‘Grizzeled Jaffray’ about Dundee’s last witch. So I’m told; I’m trying to get a copy of it now so I can hear for myself. [Edit to add:…
TABI Tarot MidWinter Conference
Excitement builds for the TABI Midwinter Tarot Conference: what a great line-up of speakers — and I’m not just saying that because I’m one of them! I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of different approaches to the cards and the theories behind them, as well as having a chance to talk about an overlooked…
Cosmic Law
Wrapping up the trying year that was 2025, endeavouring to remember what was good amidst the many tragedies and horrors of the year is definitely a challenge. Negotiating many losses, including the practical one of employment, which in its peculiarly American context means also health care [as Lady Catherine would doubtless find reasonable] and yet…
Daft Days & Discipline
In these daft days between the Yule and Hogmanay celebrations it’s easy to lose track of time, as Fergusson suggests. He also claims this is the time to enjoy ourselves in all the usual ways: Let mirth abound, let social cheerInvest the dawning of the year;Let blithesome innocence appearTo crown our joy;Nor envy wi sarcastic…
Free Xmas Ghost Stories
Here it is Xmas eve and I have gifts for you: two free ebooks. The first one is the trilogy of ghost stories written in past Xmases for Fox Spirit Books, carrying on the tradition of spooky Victorian tales told on the holiday. This free download is courtesy of me and Fox Spirit — though you can…
Dark Moon, Dark Goddess
As the dark moon is upon us this month and the winter solstice approaches, naturally thoughts turn to the Cailleach here in Scotland. The Crone of Winter some call her; she is the one who made the landscape as the old tales tell. She shoes up in the romantic poetry of the eighteenth century, such…
Occulture Talk & a Gift
Delightful birthday gifts for me yesterday (thank you all!) included my Occulture talk going live on YT. Do check out all the speakers — so many inspiring talks from interesting and knowledgeable people. I’m afeared to watch myself but you are welcome to do so. A reminder, too, that the Fox Spirit Collection Fearless Genre…
Bard Hessel Museum
As the migration approaches, I am trying to catch some last minute things — like visiting the new Keith Haring wing at Bard’s Hessel Museum, home of Curatorial Studies, where the first year students have assembled interesting collections. While I should get around to all the local art exhibits, this one had a particular draw…