A curious mixture of ancient and modern – I’m sitting here by candlelight blogging on a smartphone. I find the juxtaposition strangely satisfying. I love to write and I love the warm colours produced by the candles’ flames – such warmth that I feel cocooned and at peace.

Candles on my table

I find the light conducive to writing – it’s a friendly light and has none of the harsh, bright whiteness of incandescent bulbs or the new compact fluorescent ones. I write because I need release from stress and anxiety, and my surroundings have to reinforce that.