A tradition at Christmas was for the choir of local musicians and singers to assemble at the Hardys’ cottage, prior to setting out into the snow to do the rounds of local farms, homesteads, and manor house, in order to entertain their occupants. Hardy recreated this magical scene in Under the Greenwood Tree, published in 1872.In the days when labouring classes worked long hours, and for the majority, material comforts were small, Christmas was a time (aside from the formal...

Throughout the world, people regard Peter Sellers purely as a comedic genius: surely, one of the greatest ever to have lived. But, the astute observer will notice that he always appeared to be acting, even when being interviewed. So, who was Peter Sellers?Sellers once said, "I could never be myself you see. There is no 'Me'. I do not exist. There used to be me, but I had it surgically removed." Clearly, this was not intended to be taken literally. Instead, the inference is that som...

As a relationship and life coach, I’ve seen firsthand how entrenched ways of behaving, as a result of childhood trauma, can result in toxic and unhealthy relationships. These unhealthy relationships can leave one or both partners bruised and battered from chronic emotional abuse. Many become closed-off toward any prospect of having their heart ripped out, from yet another toxic relationship. Others, find themselves having the same types of relationship with different partners and asking th...