A father reflects on one final family trip to Lourdes in What I Gave Them at the Grotto, a heartfelt essay about faith, fatherhood, and the quiet moments that shape a child’s soul. As his children grow older, he grapples with what it means to pass on belief—not through preaching, but through presence. Set against the sacred landscape of southern France, this personal narrative weaves Mass, memory, and a grainy film photograph into a meditation on legacy, letting go, and the imperfect love that lasts a lifetime.
A bittersweet final chapter from our trip to Brittany—where a rogue mussel, a warm family lunch, and a hospital visit intertwine. This piece reflects on changing roles, quiet heroism, and the passage of time, with humour, tenderness, and a toast to a man who may be fading, but remains the man.
Fireworks, family chaos, and an unexpected party in my pants — not the kind you’re thinking. A night out at the French firemen’s ball turns into a seafood-fuelled disaster. Light-hearted, witty, and utterly relatable.
Welcome to Back to Hell’s Belz — a heartfelt tale of family, hearing aids, and last-minute rescues in coastal Brittany. Amid apéros, fireworks, and a faulty plan, our narrator navigates familial chaos with humor and warmth. From deafness to shrimps and Kir, it’s a story of love, resilience, and the joy of being gloriously imperfect together.
Join us for Bastille Day 2025 as we explore the history, traditions, and chaos of France’s national holiday. From the storming of the Bastille to modern-day fireworks, family lunches, and infamous French road rage, this post blends history, humour, and heart in a uniquely Anglo-French summer tale.
This article follows a deeply personal journey through the Pyrenees Mountains to the Pont d’Espagne — a place in France often mistaken for being in Spain. It’s not just a travelogue, but a reflection on fatherhood, healing, and connection. Along the way, there’s ice cream, photography, winding roads, and moments of quiet understanding between a father and son.
Before his big move, Killian invites his dad on one final journey—a return to Lourdes. This warm and honest travel memoir explores father-son bonds, quiet faith, and letting go. Set against the landscapes of southwest France, it’s the first in a three-part series capturing a farewell, and a beginning.
Discover the magic of capturing everyday moments in this heartfelt journey through the archives with the Canon AE1. Join me and my daughter Kate on a nostalgic walk through the vines, exploring how familiar scenes transform into timeless treasures through photography. Reflect on seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary.
In this entry from the Film Archives series, I revisit a visit to the Chateau de Clisson in February 2017, documenting the experience with my Canon AE1. Explore memories captured in time, the nostalgic process of film development, and a playful moment with my daughter. A journey through history.
