My name is Teddy

My name is Teddy…

Well, to be honest my name is actually Theodora, Thea or Teddy. But I’ll answer to my siblings names or to Oscar (the labrador).

I live in Oxfordshire, England and I’m British Canadian. My Mother is British, my Father Canadian and both sides of the family descend from Scotland.

I was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2013, and I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety for several years.

I enjoy writing about day to day life. My lifestyle in the countryside and around animals. Writing about what I’m up to helps me own how I’m feeling. Sounds pedantic yes, but when you’re stuck somewhere and not sure how to move forward, small steps, however slowly are a good idea.

Here are 11 facts about me…

  • I adore my animals. I have a horse, a dog and two chickens who are part of the family. I spend a large amount of time each day chatting with them. They may not have much to say but they’re great listeners.

  • I love living in the countryside and I can’t imagine ever wanting to live in the bustle and noise of a city. At one point all three of my siblings lived in big cities and whilst I enjoyed visiting them It definitely isn’t for me. I come home and feel my mind relax in the calm of trees, grass and nature.

- Oscar the labrador as a pup. He’s 11 now and a lil bigger -

  • I’m very often cold. Most of the time, often in the summertime. I grew up in an old Cottage, which was colder inside than out so I spent most of the year in an alpaca wool jumper sitting on the aga. 

  • 70% of what I say is quotes; from Blackadder, Harry Potter, The Mummy or one of a long list of action films that make me happy. I can watch and listen to my favourite films over and over again.

  • I love stories; books and films and audiobooks. We need fantasy to survive because reality is too difficult. During my A levels I took solace in listening to Stephen Fry’s Harry Potter audiobooks. Stephen Fry and JK Rowling saved me.

  • I think kindles are amazing. My siblings and I are all dyslexic. Myself, I struggle reading fine print and written text. I spent a few weeks one holiday learning to touch type and began using a computer in my lessons at school. And using a kindle now is fantastic. I would definitely recommend trying one of you have trouble reading in straight lines!

  • When I’m stressed I like to organise things. I make lists and tidy or sort something.

  • I have an elder brother, an elder sister and a younger sister. We’re spread out over 13 years so I’ve always had older individuals to show me what was coming next. I like big families, trying at times but great fun. I nannied a lot in my twenties and it’s given me an enormous admiration for my parents. I don’t know how they coped having four children without wanting to sell us!

  • The last few years I’ve been inspired by hiking and camping. I’ve taken part in the Danish and German Fjällräven Classics. I used to spend my free time riding, but my horse Kiwi is now retired and I’ve found a drive and excitement in hiking. Nowadays I day dream about exploring rural Norway and hiking all the Wainwrights in the Lake District.

  • No seizures since 2014 - Yay!

  • Keep Calm and Carry on - or at least try one or the other.