Christine Lovatt's Desk

Welcome to Christine's Desk

Here you'll find a variety of puzzle themed items and pieces of information to hold your interest. Learn about some of the wonderful words and phrases in our everyday language, find out about the health benefits of crosswords and puzzles, be entertained by Christine's Hello column… and there's much more on offer. The latest submissions appear below. Thanks for dropping by and we hope you enjoy your visit.

Happy New Year!

Throughout the year there are many occasions which we commemorate in different ways. Some festivals have religious significance, others remember historical events or mark the passing of time or the seasons. Throughout the world, even though we may follow different faiths, it’s pleasing to realise that we often celebrate in the same way. The [more…]

The season of giving

Exchanging presents at Christmas is a tradition that dates to the 4th century. Bishop Nicholas of Myra was born into a wealthy merchant family in the village of Patera in the south of Turkey. He was known for his many kind and generous deeds, including throwing gold into the houses of the needy and [more…]

Christmas Feasts

Kiviak is a gastronomical Christmas treat from Greenland and is made from the raw flesh of an auk which has been buried under a stone in sealskin for several months until it has achieved an advanced stage of decomposition.

Portuguese families eat a special meal of salted dry codfish with boiled potatoes at midnight on [more…]

Move Your Way to Health: The Vitality of Physical Activity

In a world increasingly characterised by sedentary lifestyles, it’s crucial to emphasise the importance of moving our bodies. Physical activity is not just a recommendation; it’s a fundamental necessity for a vibrant and fulfilling life. Let’s explore the significance of movement and how incorporating it into your daily routine can lead to a healthier, [more…]

Crafting Joy: The Art of Mindful Creativity

In a world that often celebrates speed and productivity, there’s immense value in slowing down, embracing the present moment, and allowing your creative spirit to flourish. Engaging in craft projects, especially when done more for the pure joy of creating than to achieve a specific goal, can be an integral part of a healthy [more…]

Nourishment: Feeding your mind, body and soul

In the hustle and bustle of our modern lives, it’s easy to overlook the significance of true nourishment. We often focus on the quick fixes and instant gratifications that the world offers, forgetting that genuine wellbeing stems from nurturing not just the body, but also the mind and soul. Let’s delve into the importance [more…]

Mindful Month & creating mindful rituals

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s all too easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of daily life, leaving little room for tranquillity and self-reflection. Mindful Month is an invitation to slow down and cultivate mindfulness in your everyday life. It’s a dedicated period where you commit to being present and nurture your mental, [more…]

Discover ear expressions

According to one superstition that goes back to ancient Roman times, when your ears are burning you are subconsciously aware of being talked about or criticised. The historian Pliny the Elder believed that if a person’s right ear burns they are being praised, but a burning left ear indicates that they are the subject [more…]

Popular colourful phrases

Surprisingly, quite a few sayings that include the word colour relate to naval terminology.

To sail under false colours is to pretend to have a different view or identity in order to conceal one’s true purpose. This tactic was used by pirates who preyed on ships by flying a ‘friendly’ flag to lure in vessels [more…]