Facebook Flash Fiction Experiment.

A friend's success in getting a stream of 80 + imaginative responses to his facebook post, inspired me to try a story experiment on facebook, based on the children's party game 'Consequences'.  You remember, description of a man and his name, description of a woman and name, where they met, what they said, what they did and so on. 

A few of us had some fun putting in some random words and phrases and I volunteered to edit it to see if I could make it in to some sort of story.  It is just a bit of nonsense, but it works in a quirky way.  And it just goes to show you can make a story from mostly anything!  I hope you enjoy it:

‘’If You Want to Get Ahead, Get a Hat’’

Based on a Facebook Game of Consequences.

Commuters on the 6.35am express to Kings Cross thought the shy man who always sat in the same seat, was a little odd. Some wondered if he was foreign, probably because of the foppish Fedora he wore. 

The hat hinted at his ‘other life’, where he was gregarious and dashing Rudolf Valentine Day-Lovitt.  It was Day-Lovitt who met fortnightly with his Cuban counterpart in the library.

Abigail Poultney was watching.  The man in the Fedora seemed familiar.  ‘Someone from my dangerous, exciting past?’ she wondered.  When she tried to recall it, memories floated away.  To Abi life was ’Before Being Jilted’ and ‘After Being Jilted’.  She’d been crazy since that day in 1983.  Her love had bolted from the alter before saying ‘I do’.  Now she felt compelled to wear her wedding dress whenever she went out, in case he was waiting with a special licence to marry her.

Abigail was adept with a needle, so the dress had several incarnations.  She was quite a trendsetter with New Romantics and Goths.  

One day Abigail spotted the man in the hat going to the station.  She followed him. The dress had been transformed into a reasonable facsimile of a business suit, so she didn’t feel out of place boarding the train.  Coveting the Fedora, she sat down next to him. ‘The perfect accessory’ she thought.

Rudolf recognised her and she him.  His eyes fixed on the diamond pin on her lapel.  Without preamble he said ‘’Abigail,   Where did you get that brooch?  It reminds me of one stolen from Baroness Hardup’’

‘’Stolen?  That can’t be.  My lover was an honest man.  Then again, the heartless cove jilted me’.

‘’He was anything but honest.  He jilted the Baroness too. Do you know how much that brooch is worth m’dear?

‘Its sentimental value is immeasurable.  I’ll never sell it.  Although I popped into Peplow’s last week.  They valued at £15k.  A fair offer do you think?’

Rudolf removed the Fedora and placed it on the seat between them. ‘Grab Mr Peplow’s hand off m’dear.  Then put that bounder Fortesque-Grungepocket behind you.  We need you back in the service’’. 

‘’Why?’’

‘’To carry out a top secret mission to trap old Fortesque-Grungepocket. 

Abigail gasped ‘You know where he is? ‘

Rudolf paused. ‘You might as well know.  He discovered I have a lucrative sideline with our friends overseas.  Then he went into hiding.  But I’ve tracked him down.  Your job is to finish him for good.  I’m sure that will appeal after everything he’s put you through’.

Abi nodded. ‘Tell me the address’. 

Rudolf bent his head towards her.  Swiftly, Abi grabbed the gun hidden under the Fedora and pressed it against Rudolf’s temple.

‘FG never betrayed me.  There’s no Baroness Hardup.  You’re the reason FG ran from the church. You were going to shoot him.  I lost my sanity because of you.’’.  Abi pulled the trigger.  What was left of Rudi fell back against the seat.

Stepping daintily on to the platform Abigail set the Fedora jauntily on her curls. She smiled at the porter ‘The things a girl has to do these days to get ahead’.

00

Contributors in alphabetical order: 

Maggie Doyle, Alan Durham, Tana Durham, Andy Kirk, Damon Lord, Andrew Owens, Polly Robinson. 

Autumn Quarter 2012

Our French trip in September and half of October was great, although the weather wasn't brilliant.  Another chance to practice our French which does improve as we travel about.   We journeyed down from Dunkirque through Picardy, the Somme area, Orleans then Tours.  We meandered along the Loire Valley to Saumur, then up north to Le Mans and Neufchatel before staying the last night in a waterlogged field at a campsite near Calais. 

I plan to write some more articles in 2013, about our travels and the places we stayed in the hope of getting them published.  So will save most of the detail for these, but will return to my blog in 2013 with some pics and highspots of our trip.  Right now though I'm hurrying on so I can finally get to Christmas and then to this year - 2013.

When we returned to England we spent a pleasant couple of days with our lovely family in the South East before travelling home. 

We had a treat in October organised by our WLF friends.  A wonderful walk on the Malvern Hills, in fog (so no views) with poetry along the way from some very talented people before returning to the Malvern Hills Hotel for refreshment and more poems by local writers.  Another great fundraiser for the festival.  Everyone enjoyed it so much that we have a Malvern Midsummer's Eve Walk planned to take place during the Literary Festival in June this year.

There was another family trip to Northumberland, with a Hallowe'en party at Fallowfield Dene in November.  Then on to the end of the year with plenty of story writing and reading action through the writers' circle and the very lively spoken word groups that exist in our area.  A friend's book launch (Girl's Got Rhythm by Polly Robinson), the launch of WLF Flash Fiction Anthology (Grasshopper has a story in it) and an adaptation of A Christmas Carol, read by members of WLF and the Writers' Circle at the Guildhall during the Victorian Christmas Fair.

Christmas was spent with the younger members of our lovely family and our daughter in law's parents in the South East.  A truly full and happy year that we are so thankful for.

Once again I have been foiled in my attempts to load photos.  Why?

Summer Quarter 2012

I was a volunteer steward for the first time at Worcestershire Literary Festival in June 2012 and spent an enjoyable time welcoming speakers and guests to the events.  It was just the second year of the festival, and at the wrap up meeting, Grasshopper and I found ourselves becoming a part of the committee and from then forming a fundrasing committee.  The whole WLF team felt we needed to have an all year round fundraising drive to give us some funds to stage the WLF 2103. 

July found us planning our August trip to Northumberland, which as always was lovely.  It is such a beautiful area (see previous post for Fallowfield Dene our recomended campsite near Hexham).

Then our September adventure to France. First though I had a soft toy Monster to make (Name the Monster Competition), a tombola to organise with Grasshopper, and lots of cakes to bake for a children's story telling Monster Morning at our local library.  We had lots of help from friends to make the first of the fundraisers for WLF a great success.  Lots of children came and enjoyed Maggie Doyle's (Worcestershire Poet Laureate 2012) monster poems and stories as well as her 'How to Write Good Stories' workshop.  About 30 children entered the writing competition and we took a decent amount for WLF 2013. 

2012 Review, Spring

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.

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.

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?

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.

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. 

''Generosity''.

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.

Hmm.  This gives me an idea!

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.

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.

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?

Writer's Bottom. It's worth it!

'Writers Bottom' - a picturesque thatched hideaway located in a sunny glade and purchased by writer with the proceeds of her best sellers?  Regrettably not.  Although if I'm ever lucky enough to be in the position to buy that cottage I think I will call it Writer's Bottom.

Yesterday was a lucky day.  I had two articles published with photos.  What a thrill!  After our enjoyable visit to the Great Western Motorhome Show on Saturday (see Rootin Tootin post 22nd August) I came home a wrote a short piece for the Worcester News http://worcesternews.co.uk/ and emailed it off to them with four or five pics.  They printed it with two of the photos yesterday morning. 

Later in the day, Jan and Terry, motorhoming friends we'd met up with at the Show, emailed to say they'd spotted my site review about Fallowfield Dene, Hexham, Northumberland http://www.fallowfielddene.co.uk/ in the current issue of MMM magazine.  Well it was news to me as I hadn't heard a thing.  Frustratingly we weren't able to read it ourselves until Sainsbury's put them out for sale this morning.

For more information about things to do in Northumberland visit my posts 15th May, 2nd and 3rd June 2011.

Anyway I'm still walking on air, which makes a change from sitting tapping away on the PC or laptop developing my - yes you guessed it - writer's bottom.

For MMM magazine's website click on:          http://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/

Motorhoming and Accessing the Internet

Robin getting in on the free WiFi

We imagined we'd have less difficulty accessing the internet as we travel around in our motorhome.  I admit that I have become addicted to activities that somehow involve daily internet access.  I didn't mean for this to happen but I've found that when I'm away from my daily broadband fix I have withdrawal symptoms.  I notice that I'm not the only one.  At the campsites in France where reasonably priced, or better still free internet access was available, droves of men and women jostled for space in the optimum WiFi coverage areas, braving rain and wind and dodgy reception in order to email and blog. 

At L'Orangerie de Lanniron near Quimper where the cost overcame my desire, we were willing to lose ourselves on the confusing road system just so we could find a McDonalds and free WiFi (pronounced WeeFee in France).  Yes we did eat there.

We also stayed longer than we'd originally intended at sites that provide free Wifi (Kawan Village Le Moustoir near Carnac, Camping Le Cabellou Plage near Concarneau, La Ferme Lann Hoëdic near Sarzeau) so benefitting the local economy.  Please see my relevant posts for links.

In Britain the Caravan Club is expanding the number of sites with access to the internet (currently 120).  Costs have reduced over the years, and is now between £5 for 5 hours and £40 for 100 hours that can be used over a 6 month period.  http://caravanclub.co.uk/

As a newly retired person of restricted income I needed to reduce my costs at home for telephone and broadband so decided to wave goodbye to BT (that saga has to be a subject of a future blog).  Using the internet of course to research my best options I went for Plusnet (owned by BT - but hopefully more efficient and less costly, however it is too early to say) and got the deal through comparison website Simplifydigital.  At that time they were offering a free dongle to get 'WiFi on the move' for a month - so naturally that swung the deal.  It took a while and another phone call before they sent it to me, but I was politely treated by a very nice girl who understood what I was saying, and I understood her.  She sent it to me by return with a very nice letter. So a big gold star and grateful thanks to D.Mistry, Sumeet Maru and Simplifydigital for good customer service.  For more info go to http://simplifydigital.co.uk/

Have any of you got any useful advice about free or cheap internet access in Britain and Europe?  If so I'd love to hear from you.

Rootin Tootin Great Western Motorhome Show, Yee Haa!

Grasshopper and I joined thousands of enthusiastic motorcaravan owners and wannabes at the 7^th Great Western Motorhome Show at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern on Saturday 20^th.  When not dodging the downpour we perused the vast array of American and European Motor Homes on show, sang along to the Country and Western Bands, and indulged in a bit of motor home related shopping!  It was also good to catch up with friends Jan and Terry who we met in France earlier this year.

''Gittin' together at the Tradin' Post''

The busy showground looked like a film set as many visitors embraced the spirit of the event by dressing in imaginative western garb.  Sharpshooters researching satellite systems, graceful Southern Belles sheltering in the tea tent, an Indian Chief, his Squaw and their papoose weighing up different motor homes  - all slightly bizarre and great fun. 

Mean gunslingers, hardened cavalry men, tough Sheriffs and State Marshalls staged exciting shoot-outs several times a day in the ‘Lone Star’ group’s re-enactments. 

''Come on in and rest awhile''

Visitors with a fancy to live like the Wild West frontiersmen and women were given a glimpse of life in covered wagons complete with authentic artefacts, cooking pots, utensils and weapons.

Frontierswoman modelling a bustle.

Creating Traditional Beadwork

Native American enthusiasts demonstrated traditional crafts, dancing and poetic sign language.  Curious visitors were welcomed into cosy tepees, wigwams and wick-i-ups and shown how to do the intricate beadwork decorating clothing and accessories.

If you are interested in motorhoming and missed the show this year, put it in your diary for 2012.  See you there.

Blogger Frustration

Last week I went back into the Carnac post I'd previously published to add some more information and photos.  The photos took an age uploading, finally resulting in a warning sign saying 'server rejected'.  It was late so I thought I'd try again the next day.  This was not to be.  The 'compose' box is full of gobbledegook that looks suspiciously like HTML and refuses to go back to the original.  I searched the help topics, and posted a question.  Someone has been trying to help me find a solution, all to no avail.  I think s/he has given up, so I think I will have to delete the draft and start again.  Curses.  All that work!

Grasshopper and I recently joined Worcester Writers Circle.  We are both enjoying the fortnightly meetings.  Established members of the group are successful writers who have been welcoming and very willing to share their extensive knowledge and experience with us new 'uns.

They also have an informative website and blog  http://worcesterwriterscircle.blogspot.com/

Another blogger frustration though - I have tried to post a comment today on the Circle's blog and it keeps being rejected, but it doesn't say why or what I have to do to put it right.  UGGHH!!! Hair pulling time.  Perhaps not.  At my age every strand counts.
 
Ain't new communication great when it works?

Places to Visit - Dinan and St.Malo



The Interesting Old Town of Dinan

We loved Dinan.  Wonderful oak timbered medieval buildings, bustling little narrow streets, interesting shops and pavement cafés.  Just our sort of place.  I think the sun shone too whilst we explored.  We had a lunchtime snack in the cafe near to the Basilique Saint Sauveur.  The heart of Bertrand du Guesclin is entombed there.  He was a knight and military commander in the 100 Years War, and known as the Eagle of Brittany.

There is a theatre.  The tourist office is housed in a medieval building next to it.  This building used to be the hotel where the visiting actors used to stay. 

Dinan is well worth a visit.  Next time I'd like to spend longer than just a few hours there.



Dinan Tourist Office (previously Theatre Hotel).  Theatre on the right - off photo.



City Walls of St.Malo

St.Malo was also a lovely surpise.  This busy and attractive walled city was severely damaged during World War 2, however extensive rebuilding has been completed.  This complements the oldest parts of the city.  We really couldn't detect new from old.  You can walk around the walls, which are very wide in parts. 

Mmm.. I wish I'd ordered what you're having!

On one side, you can enjoy voyeuristic pleasures looking at unsuspecting diners enjoying their seafood lunches.  On the other you can see out to the port areas and to the sea beyond.   It was too wet to venture on to the beach, but we watched intrepid youths oblivious to the cold wind and rain enjoying launching themselves off the diving platform.




What rain and wind?



Cold Weather Protection?

The city would be a good base for a longer holiday as it so much more than just a ferry port. 

Take wet weather clothes and warm jumpers.  This chap's fur collar?

It's a POODLE - thankfully still living.

Chateau de Galinée

For the final week of our French adventure we headed back to the St.Malo area, where we were to catch the ferry to Portsmouth.  The site we chose was the Chateau de Galinée, about 25 miles from the port.  http://www.chateaudegalinee.com/en/

It was pouring with rain when we arrived, and hardly stopped for the whole of our stay.  It was unpleasantly muddy which probably coloured our view of the place because the facilities were good, clean modern single sex toilets and shower blocks with loo paper and hair/hand-dryers but no soap.

There are good outdoor and indoor swimming pools.  Unfortunately the excess of water descending from above did not encourage further submersion.  We did use the nice bar and restaurant and enjoyed our meal, although the poor barman and the chef seemed to be running the place single handed the night we went and it was very busy.  The shop was well stocked with the necessities.  There is a children's play area.  We loved the pond area and the antics of the exotic poultry.   


Hen that thinks it's a cat?



Negative points:-

Arriving in the pouring rain to find Reception closed for lunch and a long queue of caravans and motorhomes ahead of us.

Plastic wrist bands (like you get in hospital) which are compulsory for all visitors.  I rebelled and refused to wear mine.

There are hundreds of overgrown trees.  This means that certain parts of the site are very dark and less inclined to dry up following rain.  Few proper paths to get from the dark side of the site to the loos, so permanently muddy feet.  Trees and many hedges are in serious need of pruning.

Wi Fi was fairly costly and only available in the bar/restaurant.

Rhuys Peninsula, Sarzeau and La Ferme de Lann Hoëdic

It seems that the authorities in Brittany are just as willing to completely close roads as those who rule our highways and byways in the UK.  We followed the directions for our campsite at La Ferme de Lann Hoëdic only to get within 2kms and find the road closed.  It took us another 25 minutes to negotiate the diversion with some angst about the narrow lanes (small roads big rig) to get to the campsite.

La Ferme de Lann Hoedic is an attractive site, with spacious pitches and plenty of trees. 
http://fr-fr.facebook.com/Camping.LannHoedic?sk=wall

Play area at La  Ferme de Lann Hoedic

The owners Tim and Mireille Prouten (he's English, she's French - and a fluent English speaker) are friendly and very helpful.  We visited at the beginning of June and the site was almost full.  There are many return visitors who have filled the visitors books with photos, stories, sketches and paintings of the happy times they've had staying in the area and at the site.  The Reception also boasts some magnificent framed photos of birds.  These were taken at the salt marshes and surrounding area of Suscinio by a regular visitor.  Unfortunately the day when Grasshopper went at the crack of dawn, it was raining so the photos did not come up to scratch.

Unspoilt beaches at Lann Hoedic

Lots of English people are regulars, and we pitched near some to some friendly Dutch, German and French couples.  Marie Blanchette and Claude initiated us in to the delights of buttery Breton biscuits and savoury galettes.  Isn't it amazing how easy it can be to communicate when we try, even when verbal language is difficult?

The site has two mixed toilet/shower blocks which are modern and clean.  Strangely, toilet paper and soap is not provided, although there was a handryer. Lack of these necessities seems common in France.  It just means you have to remember to carry your own with you when you pay a visit, however I would prefer to pay slightly more for the convenience of having paper and soap provided.

Highlights of our visit to the Rhuys Peninsula

Craft Market in Sarzeau

Fresh Apricots in the Market



• Sarzeau, a pretty market town with lots of pavement cafes, church and markets in the square.  Visit on market day for a wonderful range of fresh fruit and veg, fish, bread, cheese and meats.  There was also a craft weekend market.  Unfortunately it poured with rain the whole weekend.

Castle at Suscinio

Suscinio, fairytale castle, previously the home of the lords of Normandy - currently being renovated, salt marshes, avocets, long sandy beach edged with wildflowers.  I was waylaid by an elderly french gentleman near the artisans' houses and the creperie.  A very long conversation in French resulted in him trying to sell me a cottage!  He either mistook me for someone with euros to spare or something was lost in translation.

Le Passage, St.Armel, La Villeneuve.  It was another miserable. wet day when we travelled down the narrow strip of land that connects the mainland to Le Passage which is almost an island.  Flat bottomed oyster boats are moored here.  There are pretty views across the bay, a cottage on an island that made me think of Famous Five adventures, lashings of ginger beer, smugglers and strange 'goings on'.  The rain stopped and on our way back we stopped at a roadside bar tabac, I think in St. Armel.  The French have diversification just right.  This one doubled as a boulangerie and patisserie so we were able to enjoy a glass of wine whilst contemplating which of the delicious pains et tartes we would choose for a picnic.

Lively Quiberon

The Quiberon Peninsula.  A boiling hot day and we chose to visit at le weekend so the one road down the peninsula was crammed.  The most traffic we'd encountered since Quimper.  As it is a narrow strip of land there are many stopping off points to the left and right should you want a bit of wind surfing, or kite flying or a combination job.  Lots of places for wild camping too.  We just set our sights for the southerly tip and Quiberon, a lively seaside resort with wide sandy beaches and pavement cafes.  We were lucky to find a table at one, also called Le Passage and enjoyed moules (me) filet mignon de porc (Grasshopper) et frites. 

We will definitely go back to the Rhuys Peninsula and La Ferme de Lann Hoedic, we loved it and there is so much more to see and enjoy.  

A Curious Fish at Quiberon

Pont Aven and Art

Watermill, now Restaurant at Pont Aven

It was a cold and windy Sunday when we visited Pont Aven.  With the exception of the magasin du chocolat and restaurants full of French families enjoying long lunches together, the place was closed.  It reminded me just a little of Pitlocherie in Scotland but that was probably more to do with the river and the temperature. 

Watermill Pont Aven, Guaguin 1894

It is a very picturesque place with pretty buildings, the River Aven and boats. Paul Gauguin and fellow artists flocked here in the 1880s and going by the number of galleries (all closed) there is still a heavy concentration of artists living and working here. 

We trailed about looking into the windows of all of the galleries.  They display every style of art imaginable, and every quality.  There is so much I wonder who buys the pictures.  How hard it must be to make a living in the clearly competitive art market.  Sometimes we looked in wonder at work that seemed less than skilful.  Someone must buy it - because it can't be cheap to rent a shop and set it up as a gallerie in Pont Aven. 

The restaurants were all full to bursting.  After walking up and down the river and through the town in the biting wind it was a relief to go back to the Café du Centre (Central Caf!) on the Rue de Port.  You will find it at the crossroads in the centre of the town.

Hardy souls in the wind outside at Le Café du Centre 

Chocolat chaud was a must.  When that settled, we ordered Croque Monsieur avec salade et deux verres du vin rouge (petit) et puis café crème.  It was very pleasant.  There is a lovely stained glass window and lots of polished wood.


Stained Glass in Le Café du Centre

 There were flowers on the table, madame understood our French, the food and wine were good et la toilette était trés propre. 












It is just the sort of place I can imagine myself rubbing shoulders with bohemian types discussing art and literature over the morning papers whilst enjoying a breakfast pain au chocolat and steaming coffee.  

It was a good day out and next time we'll go on a sunny day when everything is open.

Curious Fish Shop in Ville Close and everywhere in Brittany.

Heading off towards the Tinned Fish Emporium
 in Ville Close

The people of Brittany must be great tinned fish eaters.  We first saw a shop dedicated only to the promotion and sale of tinned and otherwise preserved poisson in Quimper.  We thought it must be a lone optimist's business enterprise idea that would surely be destined to fail, purely through lack of variety.  How wrong were.  Since then we have discovered that the tinned fish shops are everywhere. 

They must be part of a chain, or a franchise.  Does anyone out there know?

The shops are very attractive and on closer inspection sell a fairly wide range of tinned fishes.  Sardines in everything you can imagine, pilchards in everything, mackeral in everthing, tuna in ....., well you get the idea.  The assistant in the Ville Close branch of Fishes R Us (no it isn't really called that) let me take some arty shots, so of course we had to buy two tins of soupe de poisson, which we have now consumed.  It was delicious. 

I wondered if tinned fish shops are aimed mainly at tourists.  A Tourist Attraction.  Do people from countries deprived of sardines in tomato sauce head to Brittany to find and buy from tinned fish suppliers? 

This is certainly another example of a nation cleverly exploiting it's natural resources (see previous blogs - Lanzarote/Volcanoes). 

Further investigation into the popularity of tinned fish showed that all hypermarkets, supermarkets and local épiceries have enormous displays of it.  So the French must eat it too. 

Catch of the Day

Ville Close, Concarneau's Walled City

Construction of the old walled city of Concarneau, Ville Close, began in the 14th Century.  The sturdy walls rise from the rocky outcrop on which the town is built. Inside the walls is a thriving small town of narrow cobbled lanes. We filled many happy hours wandering through the historic streets, looking at the lovely timber framed houses.  We mooched through the shops and galleries, enjoyed lunch one day in one of the many restaurants, and had hot drinks to warm oursleves in Salons du Thé. 

The Bridge from the Fishing Port into Ville Close

You can drive to Ville Close from Le Cabellou Plage on the main road.  Park on the quayside next to the

Tourist Information Centre http://www.tourismeconcarneau.fr/  and walk across the bridge to the walled city. 

Through the Arch is a Town of Delights



0.80c pour un aller simple



On the Ferry and Dressed for Winter

We found it much more fun to take the short drive from Le Cabellou Plage to the quay at Le Passage, park for free and then catch le petit bateau - the ferry, for the short trip across to Ville Close to enter the city from the sea.  This costs only 0.80c each way, or buy a book of tickets for 5 euros 70c.

It was cold and windy or wet the twice we went over.  Despite being a chilly Concarneau when we visited, it didn't dampen our enthusiasm for the place.    The narrow streets still bustled, the granite buildings and the timber framed houses were just as picturesque. 

The Top of the Town near the Ferry

Mmm - What to Choose?

Un Cheval au Chocolat

One of the shops we loved was the Chocolaterie.  Visit here and be enveloped in a smell that is like a warm chocolatey hugg.  I defy anyone to walk in and not come out with a treat.  I'm not a chocolate fiend but I just had to help Grasshopper eat some of his luxury pick and mix chocs.  They do wonderful expensive gift selections - which can only be for the very well off or the seriously addicted.  The sugar craft and chocolate scupltures that are displayed were incredible.      



A Sweet Dragon - literally.