Welcome!

Hello! Welcome to Spoons and Toons.

I’m Fay and I’m a poet, storyteller, blogger and photographer from Leeds, England. I write about feminism, politics, health and disability issues, creativity and occasionally review books, podcasts and events I love. All work – including articles, pictures and poetry – belong to me unless specifically stated on the piece.

What is a Spoonie? The name comes from the spoon theory dreamt up by a college student to explain what it’s like to live with a chronic illness. It’s used to explain how every task takes energy, or spoons, and when you live with a chronic illness the energy toll is much higher, meaning even simple tasks require a lot more thought than it would for non-spoonies. Personally, I live with Fibromyalgia/ME, hypermobility, complicated neurological needs, depression and anxiety.

What are some of my favourite Toons? I love Slade, Robbie Williams, Elvis Costello, Pulp, The Fratellis, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles and cheesey 90’s pop.

 

Why do I describe myself as a difficult bitch with a big mouth? This moniker was given to me by my best friend and distilled all the negative comments I ever got from Twitter, men and every teacher or boss who has had to put up with me. I wear it with pride. Why be quiet and demure when you can shout your cause from the rooftops?

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