Stella Devine's Page

WARNING: This story does not show very good parenting skills. It’s also pretty gross. If you only like stories about good mothers, you may prefer to click on to the next blog. We went to visit a friend last weekend. Bobby Mowang was doing some work for him (screwing in his hardwood back door, which for some reason makes everybody laugh when I tell them) so Fizzy and I thought we’d pay a social call at the same time. Our friend has a gorgeous, purebred American staffy. ‘Is Fizzy all right with… Continue

We don’t get out much. There are a few reasons for this. Most of our old haunts are expensive, dimly lit excuses for imbibing lots of alcohol and checking out the opposite sex. The food’s generally not as good as I could make at home, but is significantly more costly. The bands never start playing until past my bedtime. I already have a handsome husband, so no need to go out to see cute butts. I find myself completely unable to deal with being hungover the following day, and even less able to de… Continue

Is there any one of us on the interwebs who hasn’t toyed with the idea of being a professional writer, at one time or another? It sounds so glamorous: being paid for your prose, jetsetting around to meet up with your editors, attending book signings and launches. The reality is very different. The reality is that even if your book gets accepted by a major publishing house, it’s going to be at least two years before you see any money, and then it’s probably only going to be 2.5% of the cover pri… Continue

Put up your hand if you like looking for work. Me neither. The biggest obstacle I am facing at the moment is not letting fear and desperation take over. Fear and desperation are leading me to try to read some appeal in job ads for junior police officers, or receptionists, or food and beverage service. I’m looking at listings for apprentice welders and thinking, I could do that. There could be good money in welding. While it’s important to keep an open mind on the job hunt, you also need to be… Continue

With all this lovely, delicious time on my hands, I decided to cancel Fizzy’s childcare arrangements yesterday and look after her myself. This seemed like a fabulous idea, right up until Bobby Mowang left for work, when it suddenly became very daunting. It was like that first day he went off to work after she was born, leaving me to manage keeping a squawking creature alive without any adult assistance. I can’t remember the last time I have had to look after Fizzy all on my own for a whole day.… Continue