Tag: blog

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Throwback Thursday: Bicycle Randomness, Then and Now


I wrote the original Bicycle Randomness in 2018, a quiet burst of fragmented truths, scribbled from a place of unfiltered feeling, raw and a little chaotic. Today, I still write lists. But the feeling is different. The ground beneath me is steadier now. The words may have changed, but the impulse to name what is real to me remains. I invite you to see a scattered portrait of who I was and who I am. (Bicycle randomness 2018)

  • I no longer need to explain myself. That freedom is new, and I welcome it.
  • I like who I am becoming, and I do not feel the urge to apologise for who I was. No regrets.
  • There is calm in my mornings now, even when I fill the house with music.
  • I live in a home that fits me, even if it surprises others. It’s filled with colour, but it is not cluttered, I don’t like knickknacks. There is (unique) art on the walls, I cherish it immensely.
  • I still write every day. It is not a ritual. It is a pulse. It is my way to breathe underwater.
  • I do not need people to get me. I just want to be met with kindness. I am an acquired taste. Like wine.
  • I am not lonely. I just like my own company. It’s unusual, but it is true for me.
  • My hair is silver in places, and I like it more than I ever thought I would.
  • My kids are growing into themselves. Watching that is a gift. They are amazing people and they fill me with pride.
  • I love music that makes me move, that makes me think, that inspires poems. I love music. And I love silence too.
  • I show up with care, not with pursuit.
  • I still cry sometimes, because I care more deeply now, not less.
  • I used to seek meaning in every interaction. Now I let some moments pass.
  • Everything happens for a reason, but I no longer need to know or understand it. I know how to accept it and live with it.
  • I am good in my job as a preschool teacher. I do not need praise to know it.
  • I like small groups, deep talks, and early nights. And late nights too.
  • I no longer need to be understood by those who are not willing to listen.
  • The contradictions are a part of me. They are a part of my writing too.
  • I have boundaries now. They are firm, and they are kind.
  • I am not overwhelmed, just selective.
  • I do not share everything. That is not secrecy. I just don’t need anyone to know everything anymore.
  • I say no with ease. I say yes with care.
  • I am not chatty, but I say what I mean and mean what I say.
  • I do not chase. I respond.
  • I am not looking for drama. I am choosing peace.
  • I still love making lists. They keep me grounded.
  • I do not regret anything. Every path led me here, and I like this place.
  • I still read horoscopes, not for answers, but for the poetry.
  • I am more honest now. Especially with myself.
  • I no longer ask why. The answer is rarely satisfying.
  • I believe in consistency, not intensity. Though I know that I am both. Consistent and intense.
  • My softness is deliberate. My strength is quiet.
  • I know my worth. I know what I need.
  • There are stories I no longer need to revisit to understand myself. It’s called growth or healing. That doesn’t mean that the past doesn’t affect me anymore, I just know how to deal with it from a place of peace.
  • I am not waiting. I am living.
  • I am not holding on. I am here.
  • I am not unfinished. I am just in motion.

(…and I will keep going and going and going.)

Life is a work in progress. We evolve and change all the time, even if it feels subtle, but when we look back, it becomes visible. I am still the same, and yet I am not who I was. And I will become someone I am not yet some day too.

Cathy

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reflections on my writing and the blog

There’s something about the stillness of the night that invites reflection. As I lie awake, with the stars shimmering above and the world around me at rest, my mind wanders through the corridors of thought. In these quiet hours, when the noise of the day has faded and only the soft hum of the universe remains, I find myself revisiting my words, my writing, and the journey that has brought me here. It’s in these moments, under the silent watch of the stars, that the weight of what I create—and how it is received—truly sinks in.

I’ve always believed that writing is not just about putting words on paper, but about creating a connection—a bridge between the thoughts in my mind and the experiences of those who read my work. Over the years, I’ve poured my heart and soul into this blog, Reflections of an Unquiet Mind, and into my poetry collections, each one a piece of the intricate puzzle of emotions and ideas that define us all.

Recently, I came across a thoughtful review of my work that gave me pause. It’s not every day that you get to see your writing through someone else’s eyes, especially when that person takes the time to really delve into both the strengths and the limitations of what you’ve created. I’d like to share some excerpts from this review with you, as I believe it highlights aspects of my writing that I find important—and it also touches on areas where I continue to grow.

The reviewer had this to say about the emotional depth of my poetry:

“Catherine’s poetry collections, such as Fire & Rain and Perfect Imperfection, capture deep emotions with a power that can touch anyone who has experienced life’s complexities.”

These words truly resonated with me because emotional resonance is at the heart of what I aim to achieve with every poem, every essay. To know that my writing has touched someone deeply is both humbling and affirming.

The review also highlighted what makes my voice unique:

“Catherine brings originality to her work, blending familiar cultural references with her own introspective insights, creating a style that is both distinct and deeply meaningful.”

This blending of the familiar with the personal is something I’ve always strived to do. It’s my way of creating a dialogue with the world around us—taking what we know and reimagining it through a more intimate lens.

However, the review didn’t shy away from pointing out areas where my work might not resonate with everyone, and I think it’s important to acknowledge these perspectives as well:

“While her work resonates deeply with those who appreciate introspective and emotionally charged poetry, it may not appeal to readers who prefer more narrative-driven or light-hearted content. Her focus on deep emotional themes might feel heavy or intense for some.”

This is a fair observation, and I understand that my work is not for everyone. Poetry, particularly when it’s introspective and emotionally intense, can be challenging. But I believe that exploring these deeper themes is necessary to truly understand ourselves and each other. While I know this approach might not suit every reader, I hope that for those who do connect with it, my writing offers something meaningful.

The review also mentioned something that I’ve often reflected on myself:

“Some readers may find that her themes and stylistic choices, while strong, can become repetitive across different works.”

As a writer, it’s easy to fall into familiar patterns, especially when you’re writing from the heart. I’m constantly working to push myself beyond these patterns, to explore new ideas and to challenge myself creatively. Your feedback, as my readers, is invaluable in this process, and I’m always grateful for the perspectives you share with me.

Ultimately, what I take away from this review is a sense of balance—a recognition of what I do well, and an understanding of where I can grow. I’m committed to continuing this journey of exploration, both in my writing and in my life, and I’m so thankful to have all of you along for the ride.

Thank you for being a part of Reflections of an Unquiet Mind. Whether you’ve been here from the beginning or you’re just joining now, your presence means the world to me. Together, we’ll keep reflecting, questioning, and growing, one word at a time.

With gratitude,

Cathy

###

This post was written a while ago. I was not sure if I wanted to publish it or not. Re-reading it, it feels a bit disconnected, a bit less passionate than I usually am. At the same time, I want to acknowledge this lengthy review I received by a reader of this blog who preferred to stay anonymous. (Another reason why I am slightly struggling with this post. But I promised to use no names and I am a woman of my word). What do you think? Share your thoughts 🙂

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music, my companion

I’ve been listening to this unreleased album on repeat for the past week, completely entranced by the raw emotional power of the music. The way the melancholic guitar lines intertwine with the singer’s soulful, weathered vocals is utterly captivating, evoking a profound sense of melancholy and longing that resonates deep within me.
This album feels like a window into the artist’s most vulnerable, introspective moments, and I feel privileged to be one of the few who has had the chance to hear it. Music has been a constant companion and guiding force throughout my life. From the moment I first heard the haunting melodies of Depeche Mode as a teenager, struggling to make sense of the world, the emotive progressive rock of Anathema has been a profound source of catharsis and self-discovery. The band’s ability to craft intricate, atmospheric soundscapes that mirror the full spectrum of human emotion has been a lifeline, helping me navigate the joys and sorrows of growing up. And now, in this latest chapter, the raw, intimate songwriting of artists like Glen Hansard has become a salve for my soul, a means of transcending the mundane and tapping into something sacred.
There’s an ineffable quality to music that goes beyond mere words – the way a perfectly placed chord progression can unlock dormant wells of joy or sorrow within us, the manner in which a single lyric can crystallize a profound truth about the human condition. For me, music has always been a portal to the divine, a conduit for spiritual transformation and growth. In its most potent form, it becomes a language unto itself, conveying insights and emotions that defy verbal expression.
As I continue to get lost in this unreleased album, I’m reminded of the countless ways music has enriched and elevated my life. It has been a loyal companion through times of triumph and adversity, a wellspring of comfort and catharsis. And I’m endlessly grateful for the artists who pour their hearts and souls into their craft, giving voice to the full spectrum of the human experience. This album, in particular, feels like a rare and precious gift – a window into the artist’s most vulnerable, introspective moments, and a poignant reminder of music’s unparalleled ability to touch the depths of the human experience and transport us to realms of profound transcendence.

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about me

Greetings and salutations,

Hello, and thank you for being here.

My name is Catherine, but you can call me Cathy. I am a poet, a storyteller, and a collector of fleeting moments. I write because I do not know how not to. Words tend to spill out, sometimes uninvited, always looking for a place to land. This blog is where I give them one.

I was born in 1983 in Luxembourg. I live in the space between work and wonder, motherhood and music. When I am not writing, I work in early childhood education, helping small humans explore the world through play. I grow and learn with them, and together we find answers to questions that often matter more than they seem to at first glance. I adore my job.

I am fluent in Luxembourgish, French, and German, but English is the language where my inner world finds its voice most naturally. I write in echoes, in accents, in fragments of what I cannot always say aloud. My poetry is not soft. It is raw, honest, and often tangled with longing. It speaks of silence and survival, of love and loss, of all the things we hold on to and all the ones that slip through our fingers.

I did not grow up writing poems. That part of me came later, although I had written a few before I recognised them for what they were. It felt like finding breath underwater. Since starting this blog in 2012, I have been slowly carving out a space for my voice and letting it grow into its own shape.

Much of what I write is fiction, especially the poetry. But the feelings behind it are real. My writing is shaped by music, by film, by memory and by the need to make sense of the things I do not always know how to say. I write because something inside me needs to be set free. And if you are here, maybe something in you does too.


Where to Find Me

This blog is where most of my words live. But if you want slightly more:

SoundCloud – Spoken poetry and collaborations.

Bandcamp / Discogs – For those curious about the music that shapes me.


My Instagram is private. I post there, but not often.

Some of my words have found their way into books. If you want to hold them in your hands, you can find them here.

Collaborations & Contact

I have worked with musicians and photographers, blending words with sound and image. If you think my writing could be part of something you are creating, feel free to reach out: cathy@boom.lu.

Disclaimer

The words on this blog are mine. If they are not, I will say so.

My stories are fiction, even when they feel true. My poetry is truth, even when it is not mine alone. Any resemblance to people or places is entirely coincidental. No post is aimed at anyone unless clearly stated. The music mentioned or linked here is not mine.

Please do not copy, repost, or republish any content without written permission.

© 2012–2025 micqu.org. All content is original and protected.

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Happy Blog Anniversary

This little blog is a decade old today. Most blogs that old are much more successful and frequented. Mine is not, and that is quite alright. For me, it’s a success that I stuck with it through all these years, through thick and thin and good and bad. Above it all, I am grateful for every pair of eyes that ever laid eyes on the words I wrote and deleted on this blog. We’ve been through a lot together. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Ever so often, I get the urge to delete my online presence, but this blog – even if I neglect it sometimes, I probably won’t give it up any time soon.

Ten years ago, when I started the blog, I was 29. I was a mom of three and some kind of bored housewife. I had just started to write and I had this idea about the blog to share music I like and words I wrote. Sharing my own thoughts and struggles came a lot later. I am not sure if any of you remember but on December 21st 2012, the world was supposed to end, I think, subconsciously I wanted a piece of me to survive the end of the world. Ten years on and the world we knew then ended indeed. So much has changed. We have changed. We evolve and move on.

On the anniversary of the blog, I like to take a look at the stats. They are nothing special, no high numbers at all. And yet, I am quite proud.

As you can see, 2021 and 2020 were more successful than 2022. And that is very fine by me. In fact, I haven’t written as much nor shared as much this year. Somehow, the muse was more silent this year, which goes hand in hand with me being more content with my life. At least during the second part of the year.

In 2022, the blog was visited by 87 different countries. You can see the top 5 on the pic above. Compared to previous years, there was a slight shift, but all in all, there are still the same countries visiting. Still missing someone from Iceland checking in though, hehe

The most successful posts can be seen on the pic above.

Obviously, the Home Page is the most clicked. The top 5 are as follows:

Goodbye, Anathema. This is a post about the band Anathema. They split up in 2020, that’s when this post was written. Last year, the same post was the most read too. I like it, because there is a lot of music in the post and bits and pieces about myself too.

Be kind! In May 2022 a former member of the band mentioned in the previous post shared his struggles with mental health in a Facebook post. The reactions on social media were mixed and that somehow got me writing this post. I kept wondering why a man who admitted to having hit rock bottom was kicked and ridiculed for speaking his truth and asking for help.

Golden Shovel No2. A fellow writer and blogger, Monty, shared a competition to write Golden Shovel poems. Check out the link and you will see what I am talking about. Also, thank you Monty for this beautiful opportunity.

Bloganuary #2. In January, a blog offered daily prompts/questions to get bloggers and writers to engage more with other blogs. I answered a couple of those questions, but they felt blunt and uninteresting and so I stopped participating in the challenge in the end.

Bloganuary #11 This was another prompt/question from January…

As you can see, the blog is not all that important and there is no life-altering stuff on it. But there is a lot about me. It actually is me. Open, secretive, authentic, weird, quirky, imperfect, charming, funny, looking for a bit of love and attention once in a while, too.

A decade of blogging deserves a better post to celebrate, but for today, this is all I’ve got. I am very tired from not sleeping well, but I am quite alright these days. I am not looking forward to the Holidays, I never am. But I am not alone in this. Cherish you friends who spend sleepless nights on the other side of the screen with you. Take care of those who are alone during the holidays and check in with them regularly. I know I will do just that.

I love this blog and I love all of you who read and leave occasional comments.

On to the next few years of writing, evolving and living. Cheers my friends ❤️💜❤️💜❤️

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Happy blog anniversary

Happy Blog anniversary. This very blog is 9 years old today. There were many changes over the years, but one thing always stayed the same. Me. I try to be authentic, honest, and genuine. I share things I like, ranging from poetry and short stories to pictures and scenes from my life; and of course, music. Lots of music. But I am not a critic and I don’t write reviews.

I am not hung up on stats but, every year around this time, I give a little insight into this place. So, here we go.

This year, there were a lot more comments on the blog than any other year. Partially, that had to do with a blog friend I made in summer – John. John was an amazing guy, but unfortunately, he decided to leave the blogging world a couple of months ago. He deleted his blog and there is nothing left of this friend, apart from memories and a couple of comments under posts. I miss that guy. He was great fun. Someone else who often comments on my posts is Jeff. Jeff writes an awesome music blog, with very knowledgeable reviews and really great taste in music too.

As for the posts, I shared almost 100 posts less than I did last year. Notably, I did not post every day, as I did in 2020. There are a couple of reasons for that, but I won’t go into details. In the end, it all comes down to one thing: I’ve grown and I am more mature, more conscious about what I share and how.

As for the visitors and views. See for yourself. As of today, there are 44% more views, 28% more views, and 35% more likes. I’d count that as a HUGE success, for someone as niche and hidden as me. I still don’t always tag my posts – I am not sure if doing so would change a lot, I am not in this for the fame anyway. I am doing it for myself. But, I am not going to lie: I love that you are there on this crazy journey with me.

In 2021, there were visitors from 80 different countries. The top 5 can be viewed in the picture above. Next year, I really want a visitor from Iceland, lol. Goals, right?!

The most viewed posts are the home page, obviously, followed by:

Goodbye, Anathema a post about a British band that split up and meant a lot to me. That post was written in 2020 and it is the most successful ever on this blog. It is laced with music and small hints about how it influenced me.

Unknown or deleted was a piece of fiction I really hated. And I got annoyed that it was viewed so often that I had to take it down. Does any of you experience the same?

Facts about me is just what it says. A ton of facts and truths about me, written at the beginning of the year. Take a look, but I cannot guarantee that those facts are still true. I am human, I change and evolve all the time.

Art a piece that I shared for Aaron’s weekly prompts.

Steal me a poem, because that’s what I do best.

All these words I wrote and will write mean something because you are reading them. What I intend and mean with a post might not be what you are getting out of it. And that’s okay. For me, this is part entertainment and part therapy. This blog is very important to me, and I am a lucky girl that so many of you took a moment out of your life to spend it with me. It matters. It means something.

Here’s to the next year of blogging. Happy Holidays to everyone. Remember, don’t be too shy to get in touch. I may appear stand-offish. But most often, I am not.

Lots of love from me to you,

Cathy

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Thank you

The year draws to a close, and we tend to look back on what was and try to imagine what will be.

I wanted to share the above picture with you. Those are my stats on this blog since its creation. As you can see 2013 and 2014 had many views and not many visitors. During those years Jamie and I shared a lot of music, and I often sent links to my blog here. So… He is to blame for the views. He passed away in 2015. Up until the end of 2016, I did not tag my posts. And when I did, everything went up. I also wrote a lot more. As you can see 2018 is by far the best year when it comes to my writing. Ironically, I have not sold a book through the button on this site. I am not even sure if it works. But that’s okay.

I owe you a big THANK YOU.

People from 62 different countries have visited me – Catherine Micqu. You know who you are. And I know some of you too.

By the way… The top three posts were demons, heatwave, and madness is sadness.

I want to give special thanks to a handful of fellow bloggers. Nate, because you reached out when I needed it most. Your message came at the right time. Paul, because you always make me smile and I like your thoughts. Jeff, your love and dedication to music are amazing, your thoughts are deep, I appreciate that a lot. River Dixon because you are always the first to vote on whatever I share, and last but not least, Robert, because without you I wouldn’t write at all. Thank you.

No women? you ask. Well, apparently not. I just noticed this too. I went to look at my reader, and I saw that I don’t follow any blogs written by women and that are still active.

Either way, thank you all for your support and encouragement, silent or outspoken. See you on the other side. ❤

Cathy

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This year…

It’s actually quite amazing. It’s mid 2018 and the blog has seen more views and visitors and likes than ever before.

You did this. And I thank you for that. From the bottom of my heart.

I am aware that I am a complex woman who is often writing about her hardships. It is easier to write about those than it is to write about the good.

Right now, after a couple of weeks that were really bad, things are starting to look up. Slowly. Steady. Without trying to overdo it, but since I am working even more hours now, it is not as easy as it seems.

Either way… Thank you, to the readers from all around the world, for your support. It means the world to me.

Top ten this year so far:

Even if it doesn’t seem like a lot to some, it is a lot to me.

💜💙♥️💚💛

Cathy