April: Grasshopper and I volunteered to support Worcestershire Literary Festival with the 'Literally in a Day' at The Hive, Worcester's new, iconic University and Public Library. The building was still to be completed before being officially opened by the Queen. The public came in droves to the day to see what the new library had to offer and many attended WLF's workshops. Members of Worcester Writers' Circle (me included) read some of their humorous stories. Volunteers took it in turns to look after the WWC stand, support the workshop leaders and answer queries. Young people recited some of their brilliant and inventive poetry, as did the 2011-2012 Poet Laureate Theo Theobald.
My trike riding adventure round Rutland Water made me determined that I was not going to spend the rest of my life being denied the joy of cycling. Two wheelers were out. I'm too old to bounce. So I set about researching tricycles on the internet. Eventually I decided on a British made, folding Pashley that I bought locally. Because it just bends in the middle it doesn't fold very small, however with a bit of manoeuvring it does fit in the back storage compartment of Wanda (motorhome), along with Grasshopper's new bike. And yes it has been away with us. I'm proud to say I've ridden it at home, elsewhere in England and in France in 2012. The bad weather towards the end of 2012 and so far in 2013, brought cycling activities to a temporary halt, however we've had a nice couple of days here so I'm getting in the mood again.
May: We spent a splendid two weeks in Northumberland visiting family. Enjoyed spending time with Mum and went with Sis to a weavers', spinners' and dyers' event and bought some lovely combed, dyed hanks of sheeps wool (called roving). Sis has infected me with her interest in felting so we also went to Feltwerk in Hexham where Carolin showed us how to make Summer Fairies. Photo will be included here if I can ever manage to get Blogger to upload pics into my blog again.
I had visions of myself in a floral cotton frock, hair flowing behind me, cycling along french country lanes. From a basket on the back, a red and white gingham table cloth peeps out. It conceals du fromage, un bouteille de vin rouge and des baguettes. Forget the fact that I have shortish hair, I didn't have the basket! The one made by Pashley (black, plastic coated wire) is a £90. Ridiculous! So I found the perfect one on the internet. A cat carrier, black, plastic coated wire - pretty similar. With postage it was about £25. Sorted. Secured to the frame between the back wheels with some black plastic coated chain and small padlocks it works a treat. Course it does mean that when I'm out with Grasshopper I carry all the coats, flasks, shopping. We haven't managed a proper picnic yet. The weather just hasn't been good enough.
The Olympic torch went through Worcester. It passed about a mile from where we live. I surpised myself by feeling very pleased and privileged to see it being run past me, held aloft by one of the bearers.
June: Grasshopper's birthday. His bike was his pressie. Most of the month focused on Worcestershire Literary Festival. Worcester Writers' Circle put on two events - 'Worcester Sauce' (saucy stories) and 'You can't be Serious' (humorous stories). The new Worcestershire Poet Laureate was selected at the Launch Event. Maggie Doyle has been a fantastic PL during 2012-2013, and a great supporter of the year round Worcestershire Literary Festival events. Grasshopper and I volunteered to be 'on the door', 'meet and greet' and most importantly take ticket money at many of the WLF events over the 10 day period. It was all good fun. One of the perks was that we got to hear many of the speakers for free! Roll on the WLF in June 2013. See you there.
Friday, 4 January 2013
Thursday, 3 January 2013
Welcome 2013, New Year, Same Resolutions!
So my last entry was 7th January 2012? ! Ah well. There, that's self pity and flagellation finished with.
It's traditional to look back over the previous year. So over the next 4 posts I'm going to precis of some of the good stuff that happened in the last twelve months. Here are the first three:
January: Very excited. Visit to Malvern Theatre to see 'The Secret Garden'. Childhood (perhaps all time) favourite book. Age 10, I fell in love with Dickon. I must have kept the model of Dickon hidden in my heart, because 8 years later I recognised something special in a young chap who picked me up at a college dance. Two years later I married him. The play at Malvern? It was not quite a play and not quite a pantomime. Disappointing. My Dickon - forty four years on? Still living up to expectations.
February: Attended a Comedy workshop. The hardest genre to write in my opinion so I was desperate to learn. Could have been great. Unfortunately the trainer did not ask anyone what they wanted to achieve from the workshop, so couldn't deliver.
March: Attended very interesting talk about Kathleen Ferrier at the U3A. The 'wireless' played a big part in my growing up. Listen with Mother, Children's Hour, Housewives Choice, Workers' Playtime, Two Way Family Favourites - I loved them all. As a pre-school child I found Kathleen Ferrier's gorgeous contralto voice captivating, so I memorised her name and never forgot it.
Had a lovely week's break at Barnsdale Hall, Rutland Water (I always wanted to visit Rutland). The hotel and the area were great. Lots to see and do. Plus I had a first. I cycled! Yes! I'm the one person in the world who had never owned or ridden any kind of cycle. The cycle hire shop on the side of Rutland Water had a TRICYCLE for hire. The very helpful young man was kindness itself and did not laugh as he adjusted the saddle and handlebars for me. Soon we were off around the Rutland Water cycle path - Grasshopper on a bike and me on the trike. Despite the saddle becoming more excrutiatingly 'razor like' the further we went, I loved the experience. Wth lots of stops for refreshments, and much walking to ease the pain in my posterior, I managed six miles from the cycle hire shop to St.Matthews Church, Normanton, and back again. This beautiful church was saved when the valley was flooded for the reservoir.
We had a thoroughly great time. This adventure had longer term impact. More of that in later posts.
NB. I wanted to insert 2 photos in this post, and have tried many times, over several days to do this, without success. If I'm to ever get through 2012 and move on into 2013 I cannot delay posting this any longer.
It's traditional to look back over the previous year. So over the next 4 posts I'm going to precis of some of the good stuff that happened in the last twelve months. Here are the first three:
January: Very excited. Visit to Malvern Theatre to see 'The Secret Garden'. Childhood (perhaps all time) favourite book. Age 10, I fell in love with Dickon. I must have kept the model of Dickon hidden in my heart, because 8 years later I recognised something special in a young chap who picked me up at a college dance. Two years later I married him. The play at Malvern? It was not quite a play and not quite a pantomime. Disappointing. My Dickon - forty four years on? Still living up to expectations.
February: Attended a Comedy workshop. The hardest genre to write in my opinion so I was desperate to learn. Could have been great. Unfortunately the trainer did not ask anyone what they wanted to achieve from the workshop, so couldn't deliver.
March: Attended very interesting talk about Kathleen Ferrier at the U3A. The 'wireless' played a big part in my growing up. Listen with Mother, Children's Hour, Housewives Choice, Workers' Playtime, Two Way Family Favourites - I loved them all. As a pre-school child I found Kathleen Ferrier's gorgeous contralto voice captivating, so I memorised her name and never forgot it.
Had a lovely week's break at Barnsdale Hall, Rutland Water (I always wanted to visit Rutland). The hotel and the area were great. Lots to see and do. Plus I had a first. I cycled! Yes! I'm the one person in the world who had never owned or ridden any kind of cycle. The cycle hire shop on the side of Rutland Water had a TRICYCLE for hire. The very helpful young man was kindness itself and did not laugh as he adjusted the saddle and handlebars for me. Soon we were off around the Rutland Water cycle path - Grasshopper on a bike and me on the trike. Despite the saddle becoming more excrutiatingly 'razor like' the further we went, I loved the experience. Wth lots of stops for refreshments, and much walking to ease the pain in my posterior, I managed six miles from the cycle hire shop to St.Matthews Church, Normanton, and back again. This beautiful church was saved when the valley was flooded for the reservoir.
We had a thoroughly great time. This adventure had longer term impact. More of that in later posts.
NB. I wanted to insert 2 photos in this post, and have tried many times, over several days to do this, without success. If I'm to ever get through 2012 and move on into 2013 I cannot delay posting this any longer.
Saturday, 7 January 2012
Don't Jog, Just Jot
Just spotted - in the Daily Mail (p3 Sat 7th Jan) - if you prefer to lift a pen rather than weights, and choose typing over tap dancing you can be slimmer than your friends as long as you write for 15 minutes a day about topics that matter to you, and they don't.
The theory is if you write about things you value, you feel good about yourself and lose the urge to snack. Stanford University, USA and Rentford University College, Canada tested 2 groups of women. The lucky group wrote about their favourite things and lost 3.4lbs in four months. The control group wrote about inconsequentials and put on 2.7lbs in the same period. I bet group 2 were furious when they found out.
So only another 10 minutes and 45 seconds to go and I won't want that cup of bedtime hot chocolate.
Oh what the heck. Put the kettle on will you love?
The theory is if you write about things you value, you feel good about yourself and lose the urge to snack. Stanford University, USA and Rentford University College, Canada tested 2 groups of women. The lucky group wrote about their favourite things and lost 3.4lbs in four months. The control group wrote about inconsequentials and put on 2.7lbs in the same period. I bet group 2 were furious when they found out.
So only another 10 minutes and 45 seconds to go and I won't want that cup of bedtime hot chocolate.
Oh what the heck. Put the kettle on will you love?
Thursday, 5 January 2012
Mosaic Table - C'est Fini
I'm very happy with the finish on the mosaic table I started way back in the autumn. After my last post on it (13.12.11), I rubbed a fine sandpaper block over the sharp edges of the smaller tile pieces, mixed some more grout, tinted it with acrylic paint and covered the whole top with another layer. After I'd cleaned it off and given the mosaic a polish with a soft cloth I finally achieved the smooth finish I wanted. It proved to be a very useful additional table for guests' drinks over Christmas and New Year. As I had plenty of tiles left over, I mosaic-ed another two tables with toning tiles, but different patterns. I'm keeping photos of those two just in case I write a book about crafts!
I've started a new craft, again thanks to Kirstie Allsop who demonstrated needle felting in her programme, and to Grasshopper and Sis who between them bought me the tools, book and materials to get started. My first attempt is a flower shape, which I'll either make into a brooch or a picture!
While I'm on the subject of crafts, a new craft materials shop has just opened in Worcester. It's great to see that entrepreneurial spirit continues despite messages of financial gloom we keep hearing. I found Crafty Mo's shop yesterday and had a good chat with Mo who was very informative and helpful. She told me about the craft workshops she is planning to start in the next few weeks. I bought a lovely scarlet wool roving to add to my collection of wools for needle felting. If you live in the Worcester area, like shopping in small local shops and want to know more, you can find Crafty Mo's page on Facebook.
I've started a new craft, again thanks to Kirstie Allsop who demonstrated needle felting in her programme, and to Grasshopper and Sis who between them bought me the tools, book and materials to get started. My first attempt is a flower shape, which I'll either make into a brooch or a picture!
While I'm on the subject of crafts, a new craft materials shop has just opened in Worcester. It's great to see that entrepreneurial spirit continues despite messages of financial gloom we keep hearing. I found Crafty Mo's shop yesterday and had a good chat with Mo who was very informative and helpful. She told me about the craft workshops she is planning to start in the next few weeks. I bought a lovely scarlet wool roving to add to my collection of wools for needle felting. If you live in the Worcester area, like shopping in small local shops and want to know more, you can find Crafty Mo's page on Facebook.
Hello 2012
Yes I know we're several days in and I'm already chasing my tail. Anyway here's to a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2012 for all of us. Grasshopper and I had the most social festive season we've enjoyed in ages. As usual we had fun at the Victorian Christmas Fair in Worcester. I'm not a poet, but had a bash at a poem called 'Generosity'. This was accepted for a placard advertising this year's Worcester Literary Festival (15th to 24th June 2012).
Then there were visits to and from new and old friends right through December and a happy time with son, girlfriend and little boy over the Christmas period. Now it's good to get back to normal. The tree and decs were taken down and stowed away yesterday, and renewed 2012 healthy living plan started today. This couldn't begin until after the Writers Circle social evening on 3rd Jan when all sorts of delicious goodies were provided by members. We were entertained by magician Andy Kirk, a regular at WWC who delighted and baffled us all with his skill and humour. Click on andysmagic.blogspot.com
Over the festive season, friends were talking to us about intolerant attitudes that stem from historical animosity, that are still being kept alive by some to this day. One friend was asking what we thought could be done to improve relationships between groups that have strong loyalties, values and sometimes opposing beliefs. The answer must start with each of us making the effort to develop tolerance and understanding. And deciding not to hold a grudge. Even if we don't agree with others' views, we need to accept that they have a right to have them. Perhaps if we got to know people as individuals who just happen to belong to a different team, country, religion, political group and so on, we would see how daft it is to spout thoughtless and groundless generalised statements about the collective. Perhaps generosity has a part to play too.
Then there were visits to and from new and old friends right through December and a happy time with son, girlfriend and little boy over the Christmas period. Now it's good to get back to normal. The tree and decs were taken down and stowed away yesterday, and renewed 2012 healthy living plan started today. This couldn't begin until after the Writers Circle social evening on 3rd Jan when all sorts of delicious goodies were provided by members. We were entertained by magician Andy Kirk, a regular at WWC who delighted and baffled us all with his skill and humour. Click on andysmagic.blogspot.com
Over the festive season, friends were talking to us about intolerant attitudes that stem from historical animosity, that are still being kept alive by some to this day. One friend was asking what we thought could be done to improve relationships between groups that have strong loyalties, values and sometimes opposing beliefs. The answer must start with each of us making the effort to develop tolerance and understanding. And deciding not to hold a grudge. Even if we don't agree with others' views, we need to accept that they have a right to have them. Perhaps if we got to know people as individuals who just happen to belong to a different team, country, religion, political group and so on, we would see how daft it is to spout thoughtless and groundless generalised statements about the collective. Perhaps generosity has a part to play too.
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| ''Generosity''. |
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Winter Projects - Inspired by Kirstie
With motorhoming adventures behind us until 2012 (note to self - write post about most recent m/home adventure) my mind and fingers are turning to cosy indoor pursuits. I enjoy trying my hand at different crafts so after watching Kirstie Allsopp's WI friends do a jolly good job on producing a mirror with a mosaic frame for their exhibit at one of the County Shows I looked around for a suitable mosaic related project.
I spotted a scruffy, brown, but solid coffee table at a local charity shop for £5, stripped off the torn and stained leatherette top and what did I have left? A nice recessed space for - you guessed it - a mosaic. After giving the legs and frame a couple of coats of paint, clear varnish and an antique finish I set about the design, which was perhaps too curvy. Covering this in random bits of tile, was sometimes fiddly and frustrating, although enjoyable overall.
It's almost finished. I'm pleased with the effect, but the grout seems to have shrunk and some of the very tiny bits of tile stick up and are sharp. So tomorrow I'm going to sandpaper the sharp edges and top up the grout. Of course being me I couldn't make do with white grout, I had to colour it, so I'm going to have to try and mix the same shade again! I shall report on progress!
Incidentally Kirstie Allsopp and her WI friends' theme for their competition entry was The Secret Garden. One of my all time favourite books. Looking forward to Malvern Theatre's production of it in the New Year.
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| Hmm. This gives me an idea! |
 |
| Getting There. |
It's almost finished. I'm pleased with the effect, but the grout seems to have shrunk and some of the very tiny bits of tile stick up and are sharp. So tomorrow I'm going to sandpaper the sharp edges and top up the grout. Of course being me I couldn't make do with white grout, I had to colour it, so I'm going to have to try and mix the same shade again! I shall report on progress!
Incidentally Kirstie Allsopp and her WI friends' theme for their competition entry was The Secret Garden. One of my all time favourite books. Looking forward to Malvern Theatre's production of it in the New Year.
Friday, 11 November 2011
Malvern Theatre Thrill
How time flies. I feel shamefaced that I haven't written a post since August. We've been touring in our motorhome (see future posts) and I've been writing short stories. Three were submitted to Woman's Weekly (happy hundreth birthday WW). Two rejected. I'm still hopeful that the third, a longer Christmas story called 'Keeping Christmas' may be accepted for a WW fiction special. I also submitted a story to Writers Forum, for which I received a commendation and a useful critique which I will definitely use to make some improvements and re-submit as they suggest.
I've had a little more success with letters and photos being published in Take a Break magazine.
A special thrill was winning a place in Malvern Theatres' short story competition 'As You Read It'. The eight writers selected to read their stories performed in front of a substantial and receptive audience last night. I'm very proud to have been chosen. http://www.malvern-theatres.co.uk/
I became more terrified as the 9th (rehearsal) and 10th November (performance) drew nearer. I woke at 3am yesterday morning, and despite deep breathing, getting up to make chamomile tea, eating a banana (good for inducing sleep allegedly), I didn't drop off again until it was almost time to get up.
The rest of the day was spent trying to chill out and numb my nerves. The copious amounts of chamomile and lavender (inhaled, massaged and in the case of the chamomile - drunk as well), plus yoga, self-manicure and pedicure etc etc worked sufficiently well to get me to Malvern before 6.30 to get ready for the performance an hour later.
I was met by Sophie, the Education Manager, who was very involved with the organisation of the event and the writers throughout the evening. Bill, the Stage Manager showed me to the dressing room and was very kind and supportive. This was much appreciated, especially when waiting in the wings to go on. Nic Lloyd, the CEO of Malvern Theatres (without whom 'As You Read It' would not have taken place) came to the green room to cheer us all on. According to Grasshopper who was in the audience with two friends, he also gave a witty introduction to the evening.
I was first on after the interval, to a wonderful warm welcome from the audience. Amazingly my nerves disappeared, the audience laughed in all the right places, I didn't make a single mistake and I really enjoyed myself.
Meeting all the other writers was also great. Fay Wentworth, who read her story 'Whisper in the Wind' is an extensively published writer. To visit her website click on http://www.faywentworth.wordpress.com/
Andrew Owens, a fellow member of the Worcester Writers Circle read his story 'Bootleg to Paris'. He regularly reads at performance venues around the west mids.
The other writers were Ellie Targett who also has a number of books under her belt. She read 'Preparations'. John Jinks read 'Get me to the Church on Time', Oliver Jones - 'RE. The Tables Turned', Daniel Howard - 'Dreaming of Lucas', David Phelps - 'Unwanted Guests'.
Many thanks to Malvern Theatres, Nic Lloyd, Sophie Mclellan and Bill (I don't know Bill's surname) for this fantastic opportunity. When is the next one?
I've had a little more success with letters and photos being published in Take a Break magazine.
A special thrill was winning a place in Malvern Theatres' short story competition 'As You Read It'. The eight writers selected to read their stories performed in front of a substantial and receptive audience last night. I'm very proud to have been chosen. http://www.malvern-theatres.co.uk/
I became more terrified as the 9th (rehearsal) and 10th November (performance) drew nearer. I woke at 3am yesterday morning, and despite deep breathing, getting up to make chamomile tea, eating a banana (good for inducing sleep allegedly), I didn't drop off again until it was almost time to get up.
The rest of the day was spent trying to chill out and numb my nerves. The copious amounts of chamomile and lavender (inhaled, massaged and in the case of the chamomile - drunk as well), plus yoga, self-manicure and pedicure etc etc worked sufficiently well to get me to Malvern before 6.30 to get ready for the performance an hour later.
I was met by Sophie, the Education Manager, who was very involved with the organisation of the event and the writers throughout the evening. Bill, the Stage Manager showed me to the dressing room and was very kind and supportive. This was much appreciated, especially when waiting in the wings to go on. Nic Lloyd, the CEO of Malvern Theatres (without whom 'As You Read It' would not have taken place) came to the green room to cheer us all on. According to Grasshopper who was in the audience with two friends, he also gave a witty introduction to the evening.
I was first on after the interval, to a wonderful warm welcome from the audience. Amazingly my nerves disappeared, the audience laughed in all the right places, I didn't make a single mistake and I really enjoyed myself.
Meeting all the other writers was also great. Fay Wentworth, who read her story 'Whisper in the Wind' is an extensively published writer. To visit her website click on http://www.faywentworth.wordpress.com/
Andrew Owens, a fellow member of the Worcester Writers Circle read his story 'Bootleg to Paris'. He regularly reads at performance venues around the west mids.
The other writers were Ellie Targett who also has a number of books under her belt. She read 'Preparations'. John Jinks read 'Get me to the Church on Time', Oliver Jones - 'RE. The Tables Turned', Daniel Howard - 'Dreaming of Lucas', David Phelps - 'Unwanted Guests'.
Many thanks to Malvern Theatres, Nic Lloyd, Sophie Mclellan and Bill (I don't know Bill's surname) for this fantastic opportunity. When is the next one?
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