From top: Little Slightly’s pet called ‘Cat’; Michael O’Riordan aka ‘Slightly Bemused’
This afternoon.
Slightly Bemused writes:
It really is sad that you are having to close down. I feel like there should have been something I could do to help, but not sure what.
I remember when I was introduced to the ‘sheet‘ I loved the repartee. When I wanted to comment, I did not see actual names and so had to come up with one for myself. I blame Clampers for that as, even in the name, I was slightly amused, and found many posting more so. And so Slightly Bemused was ‘born’ and the name defined how I wanted to see the world, too. And all too often one comment led to another, and I created missives where none were needed. I will miss that.
Little Slightly sends her very best, and her thanks for hosting her pieces. Her name came about when I won a pair of Nick’s vouchers for my favourite song (You To Me Are Everything by The Real Thing), and I mentioned that it always reminds me of my wonderful daughter. A comment, I think from Janet, said something to the effect of ‘best wishes to Little Slightly too’, and so she was anointed into the club.
She sent a picture of her cat, named Cat, to cheer you up. Sleepy and with partial blep (a word I only recently learned). I know dogs are more the site’s thing, but never mind. She cannot send a photo of herself as she just had her wisdom teeth out, and her face is all swollen, and I would not do that to her.
She grew up with cats, although her mother’s never liked me from day one. In bed the first night said cat Whiskers (imaginative names run in her family) snuggled into the crook of my knee above the blanket. When I turned in my sleep, as is often, I was awoken to a howl of protest as I catapulted her off the side and onto the floor. She haughtily ignored me ever after.
I would like to thank you and all the team for allowing me the space to post. It did allow me to deal with my own demons too, although in a different way perhaps. The columns gave me a focus around which my week could revolve.
During that time I learned the wisdom of a message emblazoned on the back of a truck in Malawi: ‘Hospital ceilings are boring. Keep your distance!’ . I had to get far to close to read that, but gently backed off.
Over the past few years I have seen more of my local hospital ceilings than I like, and now appreciate that warning in a different light.
My ramblings were often a form of catharsis, distracting me from my own woes and helping me recover. For that, I thank you all.
In reading one of the comments the other day (I think to Nick’s post) I was caught with an idea, would it be an idea to make another Broadsheet buke based on contewnt posted over the years? I think you could do a whole one on John Moynes’ Limericks alone, and Harry’s Dublin would surely have a place. Nick’s Friday playlists I imagine would go down well. With careful curating, I imagine including the comments could be an attraction, too. I imagine you may be able to sell a few at least to the regulars. If not a hard copy, perhaps a soft, e-book, sort of thing? An idea to think about perhaps.
All the best, and thanks for all you have done for me.
Slightly Bemused‘s column appeared here every Wednesday.
Pics by Slightly and Little Slighty
Great idea Slightly
Another great commenter and poster who will be sadly missed
for sure.
keep her lit SB.
+1
Hope your garden grows lush and lively
always enjoyed reading slightly
+ 1
get stuck into life’s buissons ardentes, Slighty…
always a great source of humourous observations,
everyday inspirations, and Zen reflections.
Find a new place to post..! ..And kindly let us know.
Best wishes of health and happiness…!
Another lovely post Slightly.
My name did carry an exclamation mark at one point, but another commenter said it came across as alarming, so I removed it at some point. And at some point after that, I imagine it was, that you Slightly found the name amusing, so… well maybe that other commenter were right :)
Again, I’ve enjoyed your posts, and the quiet calming confidence that comes across in your writing – it’s quite soothing, truth be told.
All the best Slightly, or should I say… Michael :)
+ 1
I’ll miss these too!
Thanks Clampers!
I must admit it was in your early ! days, and where you chose to put it :)
Ah Slightly, you’ve got me crying again.
Thankyou for your honesty, openess and an objective take on so many things.
You look exactly as I imagined you would.
I bet you give great hugs.
All the very best to you and Little Slightly.
Always enjoyed your writing. Anyone who quotes Granny Weatherwax is alright by me. Thank you.
Breaking up is hard to do Slightly. Your columns were a joy to read, informative and always fun. Yourself and Paulus should get together and produce a show for the Gaiety :-)
Paulus – I’ll never forget this. https://youtu.be/qlCKtLyk1Vo – You’re one talented fellow.
Thank you for all the classy Wednesday posts Slightly, a real highlight.
classy is the right word exactly and so nice to see your face, I really enjoyed the window into your world, it’s one full of care and kindness may it so continue.
Thanks Slightly, I’d like to think that your gardening endeavors will be a substitute for Broadsheet in the short term anyway. I very much enjoyed all of your articles over the last few years, especially the adventures in foreign lands and your willingness to be open and trusting in your writing. And also the adventures in domesticity, cats, cheese, dishwashers, cars, Newbridge, family et al! Thank you very much for sharing and enlightening. Good luck and take good care Michael.
Fek! You reminded me of do much I’m gonna miss !
I’m feeling’ so bloody sad !!!!
Loved your wonderful posts Slightly Could hear your ‘voice’ in them like you were ‘telling’ a story.
Should have told you more often; I know I did once or twice but not nearly enough!
Stay safe, look after yourself and little slightly and the cat !
Best of luck man, never felt much need to comment on your posts, always left me with a sense of calm and an appreciation of the everyday things.
Look after yourself.
I read most of your columns, loved that you are a family man.! Goping to miss your writing and musings mate x
As a newbie I’ve not caught many of your postings, those I did read were spot on. I have to say that your countenance fits your name perfectly.In the best possible taste. John Moynes has a beautiful face too.All the best.
Thank you my dearest Bemused. What a lovely wrap up.
Your pieces, as many have said before me, were a port of calm in the storm. At times, they were one of the few pieces to look forward to in the week. Maybe someday I’ll see a collection of your writings in a bookshop. You certainly have a way with words.
All the best to you, my friend, and to the lovely Little Slightly.
Godspeed, Slightly!
From one Lillywhite to another.
Thanks Slightly for all your contributions.
While we try to put a frame on the bigger picture before us, your musings were a reminder that there was and is a whole world to be found reflected in the details of our own lives.
All the best to you and yours.
And Cat is a great name for a cat btw
I echo all the comments above. There was a serenity and a real wisdom in your writing. I’ll miss it.