Not long ago I made a matcha cake. I curved the buttercream and arranged strawberries on the top and through the middle. I'd made sourdough and banana breads before then and this week I am making carrot cake and pimms cupcakes, for some friends.

I think I like baking because it absorbs and satisfies those parts of us that like things to be pretty, the parts of us that love to love and love to give.

I'd like to love my mother in this way. I like making her her favourite things—a clean kitchen and a platter full of scones or cakes. She loves breads, too, especially when she can smear them with her very own quince and strawberry jams.

I want to send her mince pies, victoria sponges and anything that will make her smile.

My dog has just died. She held him til the end, and maybe I inherited parts of her tender heart because I've cried three times since it happened, which was yesterday. Even though I know he was an old and happy dog.

I wish I could hug my dog. Dogs are definitely the best beings to do hobbies with. I like long walks and quick runs. I like cycling to my favourite hot chocolate place and getting dark hot chocolate. I like seeing artsy films at the cinema and eating fried chicken afterwards. I like trying the seitan and deciding that I don't like it, and my friend letting me finish his fried chicken instead. I like slow Saturday mornings, spent in the sunshine or shopping for Chinese foods.

I like dancing in kitchens. I like it when my younger brother self-consciously joins in and then relaxes. I love his joy when we're dancing together.

I like dancing in bars, too. I like drinking martinis. I like giggling and one of my friends forcing me onto water, so that I have the best night possible. I love my friends, and spending time with them.

I like being alone, too. I like the quiet. I like soy milk cappucinos and full fat frappucinos.

I like packing picnics. Organising them. Acing it. I like long walks that mean you deserve the picnic, and a stop in the pub afterwards.

And, in case you hadn't realised. I really like writing about myself.