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29/10/2024 0 Comments The universe, again!There are moments during most weeks when I question what the universe sends my way. Large or small, insignificant or bizarre events which appear from nowhere and yet have cause to alter my plans in a heartbeat. Such an event took place last week, a week ago today to be precise. I’d gone into town, as is my routine, and came upon a lady who was quite distressed. She didn’t know the area, had driven there for a one-off appointment but now, was lost. She’d been in such a panic about her appointment that she’d forgotten where her car was parked. She knew one detail – it was in an open-air carpark. She later said she’d bought a three-hour parking ticket confirming the first detail. I asked if she remembered seeing specific landmarks, gardens or the river? Nothing remembered. What do you do?
It reminded me of the morning back in September 2023 when I found a young man lying unconscious on a drive way during my dog walk – at first, you think it’s a twisted joke until reality kicks in. So back to the question – what do you do? Mid-afternoon, a complete stranger, who’s clearly upset … there was only one option for me. And that’s because I’ve been in similar situations in life, not that exact one but I’ve been alone, lost and frightened on many occasions without someone to trust. How many open-air carparks are there in your nearest town? I can confirm there are six in my town, not including the train station or the cinema. It took 70 minutes to walk this lady around each car-park viewing the lines of parked vehicles. We visited the largest carpark twice, approaching it from different angles – and that’s when we found her car, safe and sound awaiting her return. You can imagine our relief, as we were running out of options at this point. I made sure her phone/sat nav was set up correctly to direct her back towards Stafford. And off she went. A chance encounter that colours your day, highlighting certain aspects of modern life and has had my muse churning for a week. I’m hoping the universe has given up testing me for the time being and gives someone else a chance of a good deed.
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28/10/2024 0 Comments Today, let's begin!Today, I’m starting my routine for NaNoWriMo which officially starts on Friday, 1st November. The reason being is this morning, while sitting at my desk, I thought 'I wish Friday would hurry up'. Why? The truth being told, I love being in the collective swing of things, knowing that I have a daily goal of 1667 set by the annual challenge. I’m honest enough to say, I don’t want to wait and ultimately waste this week in pre-prep mode – I simply want to dive into the challenge.
So, between now and Friday my aim is to write a minimum 1667 words each day (6668 in total) and then start my annual goal of 50,000 fresh words come Friday. Instantly, my muse was a happy gal and Monday morning seemed bright. The alternative would have been spending a week saying ‘come on Friday, hurry up, I can’t wait to do blar, blar, blar …’ which is a waste of time in my opinion. That’s it … my Monday morning news – I’m adding four warm-up days to my NaNoWriMo 2024! Monday - 1793 words Tuesday - 1802 words Wednesday - 1715 words Thursday - 1756 words 24/10/2024 0 Comments The Reading Lessons by Carol Atherton Over the years, my reading habits have changed greatly. I was once a sucker for any book recommended by a friend, neighbour or colleague. I can laugh as I recall memories, as I duly note the details, swiftly buy or order from the library and hungrily look forward to joining the realms of those who had read it. On occasion, I’d even put aside my ‘current read’ because the recommended book was deemed ‘worthy’ based on the glowing review from the said friend, neighbour or colleague.
Sadly, I’d hate to recall the number of disappoints this has brought me. Book after book would be a total dud - leaving me feeling robbed of my time, effort and on occasion money - let’s face it, books aren’t always cheap. My patience with ‘recommendations’ was whittled away to the point that I made a stance and vowed - I was no longer open to book recommendations. As a result of my experiences, I stopped recommending books to others. I no longer remark ‘you must read …’ or ‘should read’ or even ‘could read’. Now, I tend to remark how I felt about a particular book and simply leave it there. So, when one of my dearest, oldest friends suggested I read ‘The Reading Lessons’ by Carol Atherton, I was slightly dubious. Though given she’s a librarian, with oodles of experience, I trusted her opinion. Thankfully, I was right to. The author is an English teacher who explores the impact of the literature that she has taught during her long career. A simple premise which I thoroughly enjoyed, having once been a full-time English teacher and have taught the same curriculum. I’d read all but three of her chosen books so was enthralled to compare her thoughts, feelings and class discussions with my own. Am I recommending that you read it? Nope. Simply sharing what has brought me delight in recent weeks. The reading list discussed: My Last Duchess by Robert Browning An Inspector Calls – J.B. Priestley To Kill A Mockingbird – Harper Lee Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit – Jeanette Winterton Great Expectations – Charles Dickens A Kestrel For A Knave – Barry Hines* Noughts & Crosses – Malorie Blackman Lord Of The Flies – William Golding Coram Boy – Jamila Gavin Of Mice And Men – John Steinbeck I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings – Maya Angelou Macbeth – William Shakespeare Death Of A Salesman – Arthur Miller* The History Boys – Alan Bennett* * The three books I hadn’t previously read but may seek out in the future. 2/10/2024 0 Comments 1st October It might seem strange to some but yesterday was officially my half-year celebration – tadah! I decided a while back that one birthday per year wasn’t enough so have effectively introduced two additional celebration days into my calendar, much like the King has. Recent years/events have highlighted the importance of time so I celebrate and recognise the add-ons purely on a personal level – don’t panic, I don’t expect gifts and treats from third parties. It helps to prevent an unnecessary sense of maudlin creeping in as certain months and memories return – better to have chilled bubbles than relive a nasty episode. Well, that’s my argument and I’m sticking with it … cheers!
Another task for today, was to undertake my monthly challenge. I usually choose something creative connected to my writing, but not this month. This month, I have opted to sketch for 20 minutes each day. I have no rules - other than to be creative and enjoy my time. I can draw what I wish, as I wish and do with it what I wish – which is all very liberating given the usual restraints on modern life. Day one went well – I was pleased with the finished piece. I may reproduce it in a larger form, sometime in the future, but for now it can remain as it is. I might share some of my sketched pieces as the month pans out, fingers crossed – I’ll have 31 to choose from. 2/10/2024 0 Comments Autumn time Don’t you just love this time of year? When nature changes her colour palette from vibrant green to tawny browns, oranges and deep reds. I love watching the subtle changes of the season, embracing the dark nights and the crisp autumn chill.
I especially like the changes to my daily routines. Today, I’ve rearranged furniture so that my favourite reading chair has a cosier feel and sufficient lighting ensuring that nothing detracts from my enjoyment of reading. I tend to read far more during the autumn and winter months so smother myself with cosy blankets, oodles of hot chocolate, plus an accompanying dog and settle between the pages of a book. Gone is the nightly TV watching, the busy social calendar and long evening walks. Instead, my body clock switches towards hibernation and a hygge-like existence filled with candle light, nourishment and self-nurturing. My current reading book – ‘Reading Lessons’ by Carol Atherton explores the books we read at school (depending upon your age), the group conversations ignited by their contents and the impact they made upon us as individuals. It’s a joy to read; as you’re taken back in time, as if rediscovering forgotten friends. I’m lucky enough to have read all but one of the books mentioned, so intend to borrow that book from the library on finishing this current read, despite it being labelled a children’s book. I often reread children’s books when the mood takes me. I’m hoping this season’s reading includes Daphne Du Maurier, more Agatha Christie and possibly, Patricia Cornwell – who knows, I’m excited to see where the seasons take me. |
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