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A journal of sincerity and sarcasm where the voices in my head come to be counted

Family

What Mel Did - Hart Fargo in goggles and muddy pool

January 29, 2017 February 24, 2017

Helping my son play truant

What Mel Did - US Elections 2016

November 10, 2016 January 13, 2017

Taking civil liberties

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What Mel Did – Melinda Fargo

Melinda (‘Mel’) is a freelance writer and blogger and former newspaper columnist for the UK’s largest regional newspaper. She was also the former Editor-in-chief of online magazine ‘Post-40 Bloggers’ before the internet host accidentally deleted the site and 7 years of work by over 500 subscribers. An enthusiastic photographer, Melinda is also the passionate founder of the bespoke cushion making brand, 'The Cushion Maven.'

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I WANTED MY SON TO ATTEND A PRESTIGIOUS UNIVERSITY. WHY I WAS WRONG

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KINDNESS PLEASE STAND - There were many great mome

KINDNESS PLEASE STAND - There were many great moments in yesterday’s US Presidential inauguration. I for one high-fived the TV when Joe made it down those stairs to start his four-year journey. (Those of us in the “certain age” bracket salute you, Sir.) And what his speech may have lacked in orgasm-inducing rhetoric, it made up for in kindness. A glimmer of hope for a different approach to the many (many) subjects which currently polarise and divide us. My daffodils, which have stayed stubbornly closed for the last few days, came out in full bloom and agreement this morning. 🇺🇸

Autumn⁠ Leaves⁠ Shoes⁠ Had to be done⁠ Don

Autumn⁠
Leaves⁠
Shoes⁠
Had to be done⁠
Don't hate me.⁠
🍁

When someone who didn't even know you were having

When someone who didn't even know you were having a challenging week, gives you an unexpected gift, which says "Hey, I see you."⁠
⁠
Thank you, Lucy. Mx

Happiest of birthdays to my youngest, 22 today. Ag

Happiest of birthdays to my youngest, 22 today. Again, if I wasn't related to this guy, he is someone I would always want to hang out with. 🎂 🎉 🥂 💖 🥳⁠
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I've chosen this photo, as it has a special place in my heart. This was one of my first showings of the Cushion Maven. This young man came to "help" dress the cubicle and basically ended up saying "Step aside woman, I've got this." And he did got this.

The long and winding road this morning took me on

The long and winding road this morning took me on a dirt path, which could be mistaken for a picturesque scene on vacation. Gratifying then that this scenic beauty is available to us in the "Fine City" of Norwich, Norfolk, England. Happy Saturday, friends. M

I’ve resisted saying what some of us may be thin

I’ve resisted saying what some of us may be thinking…. the mornings are drawing in and there is a definite whiff of Autumn in the air. #truthbringer 🍁 🍂 ⁠

This is a capture from my first “proper” early

This is a capture from my first “proper” early morning walk. The kind of walk where the back of your thighs wake up and scream: “What the ‘F’ is going on this morning?”⁠
⁠
I’ve being feeling sluggish for weeks now, but got into the bad habit of looking at my work laptop first thing. You know how it is; you go into your inbox promising yourself you’ll just get rid of one or two urgent matters, *then* you’ll go for the power walk, come back, shower, have breakfast, then sit down like a normal human being to start the work day. By the time you’ve finished “the few urgent matters,” it’s evening and another day has gone in a blur. The irony is ignoring work first thing and taking that 2-hour walk actually sets you up physically and mentally for anything work throws at you. So come on inbox, do your worst, I’m ready for you.

BEYOND THE GRID Today's guest, Melinda Fargo⁠
⁠
Was honoured to be the third guest on Tinuke Bernard's (@TinukeBernard) podcast. Tinuke "explores the lives of her favourite influencers past the images we see of them on their social media grids. A refreshing, honest conversation with inspirational guests."⁠
⁠
And then there was me. 😊 Hah!⁠
⁠
Here's a link to Spotify, but Podcast will be wherever you normally access. Mx⁠

Special mentions: @morganfargo, @downssideup @hillhousevintage @herstoriesproject
⁠
https://open.spotify.com/episode/46k9tlGg4KR0SBvZUTMe5M?si=1paF8Zv9QU2uFPvUfJcMLw

BLOG POST | IN PLAIN SIGHT⁠ ⁠ My inbox this mo

BLOG POST | IN PLAIN SIGHT⁠
⁠
My inbox this morning is overrun with organisations advocating for black lives; pledging to be there for black mothers, black children, black businesses; for me.⁠
⁠
These pledges are not unlike those which flooded my inbox at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. A mass swell of organisations eager to be on the right side of history on how well they handled this sickness.⁠
⁠
I read through these outpourings from CEOs and their counterparts over my morning coffee, knowing in the slush pile there may be genuine feeling. But my nagging internal voice taps me on the shoulder asking if these people had first looked around their own organisations for the fairness and diversity they seek and are pedalling into my inbox.⁠
⁠
For some, this will involve the tokenism of appointing more black employees, regardless of their qualification for the job. Not understanding a leg-up based solely on the colour of one’s skin is not a compliment. Having the same doors and chances opened to us because our qualifications or character plainly say it should be so, is the ask.⁠
⁠
Link in bio to continue reading.⁠

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MSF writing profile picture

Melinda Fargo

Melinda (‘Mel’) is a freelance writer and blogger and former newspaper columnist for the UK’s largest regional newspaper. She was also the former Editor-in-chief of online magazine ‘Post-40 Bloggers’ before GoDaddy accidentally deleted the site and 7 years of work by over 500 subscribers. An enthusiastic photographer, Melinda is also the passionate founder of the bespoke cushion making brand, ‘The Cushion Maven.’

(c) 2018 Melinda Fargo | WHAT MEL DID

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