About

It’s hard writing about yourself, but I’ll give it a go. I live in the south of England, in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. I read loads, play tennis occasionally, love visiting galleries, love London, enjoy watching premiership football and work in a mainstream school, mainly with autistic children, helping them make sense of the world. I love their point of view; find humour and wisdom in their comments and have learned to be patient as well as one step ahead.

I discovered, initially through one of my students and then by doing some research, that I have synaesthesia – I see numbers, days of the week and months in colour. It had never occurred to me before that it was unusual so it therefore never cropped up in conversation. I think it’s quite exciting and can’t imagine life without it.

I’ve always dabbled with writing. I wrote commercially for over ten years when I worked in publicity, but it’s only recently that I’ve made time to get to grips with all the words and characters spinning around in my head. So, I started this blog in the hope that it will provide me with a reason to write regularly. Apparently, aspiring writers should write something every day.

Whatever. Yeah, write.

Here goes…

All text © jennypellett 2012/13/14/15/16/17

62 Comments »

62 Responses

on January 16, 2013 at 23:41 | Reply Lynette d'Arty-Cross

You have an interesting blog. Thanks for the follow! 🙂
on February 11, 2013 at 14:31 | Reply relativelyfrank

V interesting about synaesthesia – I think I may have something similar – makes life much richer 🙂 Good luck with the blog – look forward to seeing more!
- on February 20, 2013 at 21:46 | Reply jennypellett
  
  Thank you! I’d be interested to know what form your synaesthesia takes. I have only met one other person who reports seeing his numbers hanging in space until he needs them and then they spin towards him getting larger and larger…
on February 19, 2013 at 22:28 | Reply roughseasinthemed

Doesn’t everyone see everything in colour?
on February 19, 2013 at 22:40 | Reply jennypellett

Well, probably when we create scenes or dreams, yes, although some people dream in monochrome. My numbers have a specific pattern – for instance, number eight in my world is always red. Interestingly, so is my August. Monday is pale blue whereas Tuesday is yellow with brownish edges. When I say Tuesday, I don’t mean I see the word written in that colour, it is the idea of Tuesday that is yellow. Ok, I know it sounds weird.
on February 20, 2013 at 07:21 | Reply helena mallett

Weird is good – how can i acquire synaesthesia? 🙂 it sounds fascinating!
on February 20, 2013 at 21:36 | Reply jennypellett

Ha! Sadly I don’t think you can acquire it – you are born with it, and it can run in families, although no-one else in my immediate family has it. My niece was quite envious! Some people report smells and sounds as colours – it’s got something to do with our sensory wiring. Perhaps I’ll write a post about it sometime – it is quite interesting.
on June 8, 2013 at 19:22 | Reply Professor VJ Duke

Hey, you did pretty good. I love tennis! (so does my dog) 🙂
on June 15, 2013 at 17:44 | Reply doronart

Jenny thank you for saying hello and making a nice comment about my work. Love the lavender picture on your blog and your great writing. I hope the weather will be kind with your tennis too.
- on June 15, 2013 at 19:58 | Reply jennypellett
  
  Thank you for dropping in on my blog. I made a comment on yours because I thought your paintings are really fresh – I have clicked follow so that I’ll get them coming up in my reader. The lavender is at a monastery near Gordes in Provence. That would be a wonderful place to paint en plein air!
  - on June 16, 2013 at 19:57 | Reply doronart
    
    Super idea and great smell to start the week.. have a good one.
on July 13, 2013 at 07:53 | Reply Tooty Nolan

I had to read that middle paragraph three times. Days of the week in colour? I’m dumbfounded. You’re right about writing: When I stop to go on holiday, it takes me twice as long again to get my brain back into gear. And as regards my fingers…
- on July 14, 2013 at 12:16 | Reply jennypellett
  
  Thanks for the comment which I had to rescue from my spam box. Sorry, you don’t look like spam – I wonder how you got put there?!
on July 16, 2013 at 14:47 | Reply pfstare

Thanks for following, I have followed back 🙂 I have two relatives with synaesthesia, one is whom is one of my sisters. All the days of the week are a particular colour and not just that but a particular shade of that colour! It seems to go with being very creative.
- on July 16, 2013 at 15:30 | Reply jennypellett
  
  Hi there – welcome! I found you on the forum feeling just as frustrated as me about your comments going awol. Have just retrieved you from my spam box – I’m probably in yours. Interesting about your sister – I wonder if her colours are the same as mine?
on July 19, 2013 at 09:20 | Reply Sherri

Hi again Jenny! Catching up with things at last and knowing that I can now post on your blog (another hooray!) I just thought I would mention how very interested I am to read that you teach mainly autistic children. My daughter was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (so more higher functioning but crippled with social anxiety) when she was 18 (21 in a few weeks). Also to read about you having synaesthesia as my daughter also sees certain words in colour (and many issues tied in with sensory overload). I am just learning about all this! Great blog, and you seem like a really lovely person too 🙂
- on July 19, 2013 at 20:51 | Reply jennypellett
  
  Well, thank you so much – I’m blushing!
  That’s very interesting about your daughter. It must have been a relief to have the diagnosis and for things to start making sense for you both. I’d love to know what sort of words she sees in colour and where her interests lie – is she artistic, or musical, perhaps? I have not come across any girls with Asperger’s. I have supported several boys with high functioning autism – and although there are definite patterns of behaviour, their personalities have been vastly different – I find it fascinating and very rewarding – they see things so clearly, if a little one-sided at times! I wish you both well and look forward to reading your blog posts which will be pinging up in my reader.
on August 8, 2013 at 07:45 | Reply Insung

I really enjoyed reading your interesting posts! I do not quiet understand how it feels to have synaesthesia. But I guess it is very special since you see things with color. I heard that people with synaesthesia are very artistic and like to just express how they feel about certain things with color they see. It must be cool I think. 🙂
on August 8, 2013 at 07:58 | Reply jennypellett

Hello Insung – thank you for dropping by – I read your about page with much interest and will be reading more of your posts later on. It’s difficult to explain synaesthesia, because to me, it’s normal, I can’t imagine how everyone else perceives things – but it’s very interesting for me to hear from others who see colours in things – some are more vivid than mine, some less.
on September 1, 2013 at 16:48 | Reply Tracy Lee Karner

Have you read Vladimir Nabokov’s memoir, “Speak, Memory” ? He writes wonderfully about his and his mother’s synesthesia.
- on September 1, 2013 at 18:10 | Reply jennypellett
  
  I haven’t, but it’s now on my list. Thanks, Tracy!
on September 2, 2013 at 19:45 | Reply Hollis Hildebrand-Mills

Jenny I was in publicity also! We have that, synaesthesia, and love of art and writing in common!
- on September 2, 2013 at 19:57 | Reply jennypellett
  
  That’s so weird! Or maybe it isn’t – I think we seem to gravitate towards like-minded folks even in the virtual world of blogging. It’s such a great way to connect with people all over the world – so glad I stumbled in on your article on synaesthesia!
on September 4, 2013 at 06:54 | Reply Opinionated Man

Since we just exchanged a few messages I thought I would stop by and browse. Hope you don’t mind and there is no obligation back. Have a good week! -OM
- on September 4, 2013 at 12:03 | Reply jennypellett
  
  You’re welcome any time – thanks for dropping by. Exchanging messages and ideas, inspiring and educating each other is what blogging is all about.
  - on September 4, 2013 at 12:04 | Reply Opinionated Man
    
    I agree! See we finally found something we agreed on. lol 😉
on September 16, 2013 at 23:09 | Reply Gemma Hawdon

This is a lovely about me page, Jenny. I’ve never heard of synaesthesia, but you have me fascinated – how wonderful to see the days of weeks and months in colours. I’m from England originally, but now live in Australia and, like you, love London. Good luck with your journey x
- on September 17, 2013 at 06:54 | Reply jennypellett
  
  Hello Gemma – what a lovely comment to wake up to this morning – thank you!
  I really appreciate you stopping by, and for the follow. I hope I will entertain you with my various posts and musings, it’s great to have you here.
on September 17, 2013 at 14:42 | Reply Hollis Hildebrand-Mills

I have a friend who is going to Australia in a few days. Stopping in New Zealand first! How wonderful!
on December 3, 2013 at 11:17 | Reply Jade

Hi Jenny, hope you don’t mind, but I’ve nominated you for a blogging award (or two!) Jx

http://cocktailsandcountrytales.wordpress.com/2013/12/03/the-liebster-award-and-the-versatile-blogger/
on December 9, 2013 at 15:30 | Reply Jadi Campbell

Synaesthesia? Wow, that is so cool! All of my writer friends (and myself) think it would be a wonderful skill/talent to have creatively. Do you get to utilize it in your writing?
- on December 9, 2013 at 17:23 | Reply jennypellett
  
  Hello Jadi, thanks for dropping in.
  As for your question – I don’t know! Synaesthesia is not something I am continually conscious of, it’s just there, so whether it actively contributes to my writing, I can’t say. I do wonder if the colours and tones I see are in sharper or in some way different focus to how non-synaesthetes see things but I can’t think that it would heighten one’s imagination. But perhaps it might…
on January 18, 2014 at 08:35 | Reply Gallivanta

Hello! Here I am, visiting from silkannthreades. How intriguing about synaesthesia. I haven’t ever thought about how I see words and numbers. Do most people see them in black against white?
- on January 18, 2014 at 15:59 | Reply jennypellett
  
  Hello – thanks for stopping by – we seem to enjoy the same blogs, I think!
  I’m not sure how people ‘see’ them, How do you visualise say, the word Tuesday? Is your number eight, or the idea of it, red? I know this sounds really strange and I’d never even thought it was odd until I started to try and explain it. But it is a recognised condition and some people have it much more acutely – they can smell words or taste colours. It’s all to do with our individual sensory wiring apparently, but as I’ve always had it, it seems normal for me. 🙂
  - on January 18, 2014 at 23:56 | Reply Gallivanta
    
    I don’t think it’s odd but it’s definitely intriguing. Also I suspect that different cultures see words and numbers differently..and colours too. There will be research on that somewhere!
on February 16, 2014 at 12:54 | Reply penpusherpen

I too, find it hard to talk about/describe myself. I’m me can’t they see that and just accept it methinks. Sigh!! But no, there has to be an added bit.. I did one.. third person,, (was it singular? I have no idea) 🙂 Nice to meet you xPenx
- on February 16, 2014 at 19:38 | Reply jennypellett
  
  Hello Pen – thanks for dropping in – we have Just Rod to thank for the introduction, I think. I shall be popping over to yours soon to read some more of your poetry. Nice to meet you too 😉
on February 21, 2014 at 16:19 | Reply Jill Weatherholt

Thanks again for editing, Jenny! 🙂
- on February 21, 2014 at 16:41 | Reply jennypellett
  
  No one will ever know!
  - on February 21, 2014 at 16:46 | Reply Jill Weatherholt
    
    Sneaky!
on March 1, 2014 at 15:37 | Reply marianbeaman

Hi, Jenny. I followed your comment on Marylin Warner’s website to your own. Now I see we have similar interests in travel and wanting to get our own thoughts preserved through writing. I notice you are English. I have to wonder whether Brits are as besotted by the drama series Downton Abbey as Americans are. I know you see the episodes a week earlier!

Anyway, I am happy to discover your blog today.
- on March 1, 2014 at 16:54 | Reply jennypellett
  
  Hello Marian, it’s lovely to meet you – thanks for stopping by and introducing yourself, it’s always great to meet fellow bloggers.
  Yes, there are plenty of Brits who are Downton crazy. I have to admit to not seeing one episode – but I am in a very small minority. I have however visited Highclere Castle which is where much of the filming for the series took place. It’s a beautiful residence, and I’m assured by the friends who came with me that it is exactly like it is in the series!
on March 1, 2014 at 18:25 | Reply marianbeaman

Thanks, Jenny. I read the book about the history and decor of Highclerc Castle written by the Countess now in residence. Great book! Thanks for the comment.
on August 15, 2014 at 21:10 | Reply barbtaub

Oh, no you must be completely wrong! I have it on the highest authority (the opening ceremonies of the Olympics) that every person in the United Kingdom offers nightly prayers of thanks and devotion to the NHS. So obviously, you should be telling yourself that you’re so damn lucky for the privilege of them wasting your time like that. Think of all the poor people in third world countries and America who would love to be underserved by the NHS!
on November 23, 2014 at 05:19 | Reply M-R

Synaesthesia ! – you are in exalted company, Jenny ! An extraordinary quality (the only word I think fits), that makes you a really interesting person. 🙂
I like the fact that you, like me, are an ordinary person commenting on your political environment: well done you !
- on November 25, 2014 at 18:28 | Reply jennypellett
  
  Thank you M-R for stopping by and for thinking of me as interesting – I shall have to work hard to live up to that one! Hope to see you again 😊
  - on November 25, 2014 at 22:22 | Reply M-R
    
    Provided you post again, you will …
on December 23, 2014 at 14:29 | Reply Merryn

I enjoy reading your blog and have nominated you for a Liebster Award. No obligation to participate, but if you are interested, you can find the post here: https://humbleheartscribbles.wordpress.com/2014/12/24/a-liebster-award/
- on December 23, 2014 at 16:51 | Reply jennypellett
  
  Hi there Merryn. Thank you very much for dropping in and appreciating my random ramblings and for nominating me for an award. Actually, I’m one of these weird folk who don’t accept blog awards – it’s enough for me to have people stop by and comment – but it doesn’t mean that I don’t appreciate the thought!
on August 30, 2015 at 12:13 | Reply arlingwoman

I just popped over from Pauline’s blog, where I thought “Hmm…more good book recommendations.” What a great post on France!
- on August 30, 2015 at 13:27 | Reply jennypellett
  
  Hello! Lovely to meet you. Were you one of the lovely ladies that Pauline visited on her trip to the U.S.? Thanks for popping over – and for the follow – hope I can keep you interested😀 will be dropping in on you very soon.
  - on August 30, 2015 at 14:20 | Reply arlingwoman
    
    Yes, I’m Lisa, the one who walked them to exhaustion without realizing it…
on January 19, 2016 at 22:10 | Reply TanGental

Hi Jenny and thank you for the follow. I fear I’m a black and white kind of guy so I make up for it by an overactive imagination, though I still don’t think it is in colour. I will pop over now and have a look at your blog and follow.
- on January 20, 2016 at 00:01 | Reply jennypellett
  
  Hi there! That was nice of you to pop over and check me out! I got to you via the lovely Sherri who I’ve been blog chums with for almost two years now. I’ve hit the three year malaise right at the moment so haven’t posted this year yet. I’m wondering which direction to take, or whether to have a short break so I can read more and find new blogs to follow…hence my curiosity. Hope to see you soon. I followed you because you said that you love London. I do too. I’m never happier than when my train pulls into Waterloo and I have a whole day to myself in our wonderful capital city!
  - on January 20, 2016 at 02:03 | Reply TanGental
    
    Jenny that last sentence is music to my ears. I proselytise about the glories of London to all and sundry. There’s a fair bit in my blog about it. As for direction, from reading your posts I’d say you move in some excellent directions already. But I do understand how dilutive things can get, how easy it is to fear repeating yourself and boring your readers, or worse, boring yourself. And a break always sounds like a good idea only I don’t seem to have broken the spiral yet.. See you on your blog Jenny!
on February 13, 2016 at 08:52 | Reply Norah

Hi Jenny,
It was lovely to meet you through Pauline. I see we have a few other friends in common too: Sherri and Geoff.
I am intrigued by your synaesthesia. What a fascinating ability/condition. I went to Wikipedia and did the test. I saw the 2s but not in colour. Seems it’s genetic. Does your son have it too? Does it have a positive effect on your life, or is it an affliction? What happens if the numbers are shown in colour? Does your colour over-ride it? Fascinating. Sorry. Questions, questions, questions.
I’m sure we’ll have many teaching stories to share and am looking forward to exploring your blog. 🙂
- on February 13, 2016 at 13:05 | Reply jennypellett
  
  Hello Norah –
  It is a fascinating condition and I’d regard it as a gift rather than an affliction. It is supposed to run in families but as far as I can figure, no one else on my side seems to have anything similar, although my Mum sees her months as a clock face. My very creative and artistic niece is actually envious and wishes she had it! I’d say it has a positive effect, definitely. And it’s difficult to explain, but it is the idea of the number that is coloured, or the day of the week/month. I’m not sure that my colours over-ride a number if I see it printed as the ‘wrong’ colour – it would just make it look (in my world, at least), wrong. Some time ago I wrote a post about my life-long struggle with maths and how I see colour in numbers. You could read it here:
  https://charactersfromthekitchen.wordpress.com/2013/03/18/today-is-blue-tomorrow-is-yellow-but-maths-is-always-a-mystery/
  Until I worked in a school, synaesthesia never occurred to me as odd. It wasn’t until I came across a little boy struggling with his maths because he told me he couldn’t ‘catch’ his numbers – they were spinning towards him from out of space too quickly, sparkling at him that I realised. I understood immediately but his teacher was completely non-plussed. He just thought we were both weird.
  - on February 14, 2016 at 11:33 | Reply Norah
    
    Fascinating, Jenny. Thanks for answering my impertinent question, and also for linking back to a post in which you explained synaesthesia so clearly. The description makes it much more understandable. The story there about the boy with dyslexia and this one here about the boy and his numbers sparkling towards him are both enlightening and challenging. What I loved most about your story was the response of your son’s teacher. What an amazing attitude. 🙂
    - on February 15, 2016 at 18:52 jennypellett
      
      Hi Norah, thanks! I’ve now muddled my replies to you and put part of this one on the synaesthesia posting. Glad I’ve made this weird sounding condition more understandable. Talk about crossed wires…😄😄
    - on February 16, 2016 at 12:19 Norah
      
      Thanks, Jenny. I don’t mind the crossed wires – they make perfect sense to me! I hope you are enjoying the week. 🙂
on August 4, 2017 at 20:29 | Reply Garland

Jenny I would love to use one of your photos for a proposal I am writing for a volunteer program. The photo is one of the Skyfall chapel movie set that you had on your blog a few years ago.
- on August 4, 2017 at 22:51 | Reply jennypellett
  
  Yes, by all means use the photo. Thank you for asking. I’m intrigued as to how it fits in to your program…how interesting. Good luck with it.