Thinking Allowed

In the midst of a mitten

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, writes Liz Breslin. The fridge is stuffed, the house is full and the car parks in town are more crowded than the mitten in that Ukrainian folk tale.

Skating on creative uncertainty

Becky Plunkett, Jennie Salter and Gilly Pugh run through the script. Photos: Supplied

Skating on creative uncertainty

There are times when it 's very good to be able to overcome self-doubt. To dwell in a state of certainty, writes Liz Breslin.

A mighty power struggle

You can’t be good at all the things all the time, and nobody likes a show off, but I would like to be a little bit less distinctly average at growing things, says Liz Breslin.

Mashing up TV tires your brain

When there's nothing remotely interesting on TV, channelling your inner collage artist is not the answer, writes Liz Breslin.

The paradox of the elder

They call it a weed in these parts. And yet I'm driving home with an eye out on the green beyond the roadside every day so I can catch it in its first bloom, writes Liz Breslin.

Finding balance a balancing act

Finding balance a balancing act

The garden wants a good weed. The pantry needs clearing. The fridge, a good cleaning. The car needs maintaining. The house interior needs painting. The house exterior needs painting, sighs Liz Breslin.

Singing a part in life's chorus

What would you sing though, if you had to take part? asks Liz Breslin.

What a difference a day makes

Today, I'm going to be drinking coffee. Of course, because it's a day with a "y'' in it. But today I can drink coffee with special purpose and meaning because it's International Coffee Day, writes Liz Breslin.

Liz Breslin: Getting that holiday buzz

Getting that holiday buzz

The Dali Lama has a lot of good stuff to say about mosquitoes, like how if you think you are too small to make a difference, you should try sleeping with one, writes Liz Breslin.

Liz Breslin: Words are flowing out

Words are flowing out

If the Wi-Fi was down (unthinkable) and the postal service obsolete (inevitable) - how would I ever make my deadline, wonders Liz Breslin.

Liz Breslin: Relaxing with military precision

Relaxing with military precision

Liz Breslin is ridiculously excited about her holiday.

Liz Breslin: Hair today, gone tomorrow

The Edwardian solution; only the eyebrows are showing. Photo: Getty Images

Hair today, gone tomorrow

Liz Breslin on our weird (Western) relationships with our furry selves.

Getting a handle on familiarity

It’s a complex business, the naming of people and things. And there are laws about it, of course, writes Liz Breslin.

Liz Breslin: Making the case

Making the case

Liz Breslin loves a good old debate.

This one's for you, mum

Liz Breslin pens some words of thanks and appreciation to her mum.

Liz Breslin: Tackling a taxing matter

Tackling a taxing matter

A frustrated Liz Breslin has a taxing time ringing Inland Revenue.

Volunteering good for volunteers, too

Saturday marked the end of National Volunteering Week, but every week is a volunteering week for me, although usually with slightly less cake, writes Liz Breslin.