Abigail Hayes' Home Truths
Everyone, this is Abigail. Why ask her for her Home Truths? Cos she’s my sister (in-law), working flat out right now, looking after a 2-year old, and living with her in-laws. All while still smiling.
1. The song to put a smile on your face…
Bad Case Of Loving You (Doctor Doctor) - Robert Palmer. When we were children my dad played guitar in a band so I grew up listening to bands like R.E.M, Chris Rea and Robert Palmer. I vividly remember singing this song with my siblings – and can still remember most of the words. It gets me singing along at the top of my voice!
2. You can only watch one film for the next three months… What is it?
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I’m massively sentimental and this film is an adaptation of a book that I adore. It’s a bit soppy but really warm-hearted, and the perfect combination of nostalgia, wartime darkness, a strong female lead and romance. It is also a fascinating tale of how the island of Guernsey survived Nazi occupation during the Second World War, and how communities came together to look after each other. Very timely for us now.
3. The TV series you want everyone to watch:
The Good Fight. This is the spin-off of The Good Wife. I LOVE IT. It tackles some really important issues like diversity in the workplace, being a working parent and America in the age of Trump. AND everyone is wearing beautiful clothes.
4. The book you most recommend to people:
Circe by Madeline Miller. My husband recommended it to me and I recommended it to my mother. It is a retelling of the story of the witch Circe – who is traditionally described as a villain – but in this version becomes a woman trying to find her way in a world that in turn doesn’t want her and tries to take advantage of her. Miller writes beautifully about being a parent and finding love. I can’t remember the exact words that the book ends with when she is talking about how the tricky bits in life are what makes us feel alive - but I do remember the tears rolling down my cheek as I read it and just thinking ‘wow’.
5. The subject you’ve put off exploring that’s now top of your to-do list:
I have even less time on my hands now than I did before – particularly as our daughter is here with us instead of in nursery. I am enjoying getting to know my in-laws more though as we are staying with them at the moment.
6. The wild card you wish more people knew about…
Alstonefield Manor. It is a gorgeous B&B in the Derbyshire Dales and has been a real refuge to us from the city over the years. The couple that run it are lovely – plus it has a gastro pub in staggering distance and a million and one walks to take. Every time I go it gives me massive house envy. Cooked breakfast from the aga and tea and cake at 4pm are other highlights.
7. We’re allowed dinner parties again… What are you cooking?
I’m not a big dinner party person – too much washing up and not enough space! I’ll be going out.
8. Everything’s back open. What’s the first coffee shop, restaurant or pub you’re visiting?
Gail’s in Temple Fortune, London. The team there have become real friends to us (particularly after a year of daily coffee and cake on maternity leave). We haven’t seen them for a while and really hope they are doing ok.
P.S. What you know now, that you wish you knew then…
I feel still very much in the middle of learning how to deal with this - so no benefit of hindsight yet!
C’est fini... Now what?
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