tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12534395584450971522024-03-05T04:14:47.287+00:00Máire Rua WritesMaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353700576663217563noreply@blogger.comBlogger191125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253439558445097152.post-47498106256235674202021-01-20T22:42:00.003+00:002021-01-20T22:42:53.247+00:00Time to Reflect? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmfcEZGFscHYYKD8jyqCoJxeVbp1erQ86YTg9Fk5KadaWEhiS_T1yIW_L39sk5eKoEPDd9Mgxsqtk9dCgMolnPpvBjcFKDXhDX8fySYXGwEgK7PgMsZy7sh8qClHDn2MaQYNiGmgaXgs/s4128/20190910_081322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmfcEZGFscHYYKD8jyqCoJxeVbp1erQ86YTg9Fk5KadaWEhiS_T1yIW_L39sk5eKoEPDd9Mgxsqtk9dCgMolnPpvBjcFKDXhDX8fySYXGwEgK7PgMsZy7sh8qClHDn2MaQYNiGmgaXgs/w400-h225/20190910_081322.jpg" width="400" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">My Intuitive Vision Board - September 2019</span></div><p><br /></p><p>Happy New Year. As I write I wonder what the New Year of 2021 will bring? What I wish for most in 2021 - the demise of the coronavirus pandemic! It has been an extremely difficult and challenging year for all in 2020. We lost so many loved and beautiful people to the pandemic. We waited tentatively and patiently for life saving vaccine news. We heard stories of hope, courage and dedication and clapped in appreciation of our health care workers and keyworkers. </p><p>We are extremely grateful for the work they continue do as we move into 2021. I am thankful and grateful for those who come together and make a difference in these challenging times. I’ve been reflecting on the year of 2020. Who would have guessed when January 2020 started how the year might unfold… certainly not me! </p><p>There have been changes, many changes, to the ways we work, play and exercise. In this blog post, I reflect on some of my own changes. Let me take you back pre-Covid to a creative workshop I attended with a friend of mine, a workshop where intuition plays a considerable part!</p><p>I created an Intuitive Vision Board in September 2019 long before the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic. I recall a peaceful and relaxing Saturday morning facilitated by Mary Nondé, gathering the group together, preparing us for a visionary day ahead.</p><p>I enjoyed the skilled meditative process that Mary creates prior to the making of our respective boards. This wasn’t my first Intuitive Vision Board with Mary. As with the others I set to work to create my board quietly and intuitively, selecting and deselecting images as the morning wore on. </p><p>Upon completion, I viewed the board curiously and wondered how and when my unconscious mind which had created this board would engage with my conscious thinking? In September 2019 life was ‘normal’ …as we knew it. But everything changed in March 2020 and I don’t think anyone anticipated the magnitude of the 2020 changes. I viewed my board regularly and I wondered what work/life changes might unfold for me personally.</p><p><b>Octopussy</b></p><p>Within days of making this board, I was gifted with a beautiful drawing of an Octopus from my 3-year-old Spanish niece, a beautiful picture in her best colouring-in, not unlike the octopus on my board. Her creativity is developing as I write - beautiful handwriting, colourful drawings and mastering four languages.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Poppies</b></p><p>The group of ladies surrounded by poppies surely represent the group of friends who rallied together to help me create my website for my children’s coaching project: Poppyfields Coaching. This same website that had lain dormant for months when I was too busy to work on it prior to lockdown. Lots of discussions over virtual cups of tea and one day we’ll celebrate with Champagne in real time – both tea and wine on my board. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>The boy and the apples</b></p><p>Prior to pandemic, my coaching with children was face-to-face. Suddenly I had to learn and adapt to online coaching practice. Fast and flexible I needed to be, stretching me well outside my comfort zone. It was stressful and tough at times learning new skills however, I am amazed to find that both the children and I enjoy this style of coaching. And as a coach I can offer more, different and fun interactive tools like the apple bobbing.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Cosy by the fire</b></p><p>The cosy living room with a real coal fire? My dream of sitting in front of a coal fire however is but a fantasy, a remnant of a bygone day in Donegal. Each year in Ireland on Nollaig na mBan, we celebrate Women’s Christmas (6 January) and a talented group of female musicians used the opportunity to fundraise for their local hospice. The theme for their event, ‘Cosy by the fire’ while I sat ‘cosy by my fire’ to enjoy it. This image has quietly prompted me also to explore contributing to my own local hospice in 2021.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Pandora’s box & the weaving of threads</b></p><p>The image that intrigued me most on my board was the wooden box and cotton reels. While I admire those, who create beautiful pieces with a needle and thread and I love needleworks of art, crafted pieces and craft fairs, sewing is not my talent beyond sewing on a button or two. </p><p>Writing is my craft of development. I love to write and find the whole process enjoyable and therapeutic. Many a solution has occurred to me through a hastily written rant and a reflective read. But why this ‘sewing box and threads’ on my board? During contemplation an idea unfolded to bring creative people together – and there has never been a better time to offer this to people in lockdown and since I now have a grasp of the technological skills required. The box is yet to be opened and when it does, I’ll share. While this week I’m busy clearing space for that particular project.</p><p><br /></p><p>Exploring creativity has been been a great source of inspiration for me during lockdown - sharing words, letters, and exchanging ideas. It has helped me stay focused on days when work was quiet and lockdown days became routine. It has permitted me to think about doing things differently. My work has changed and that’s okay for now. My thoughts about tackling the impossible have changed too. From a health and wellbeing perspective, creativity has been most welcome and enjoyable too. And should you consider ‘tapping into that creative and intuitive part of self,’ add it to your 2021 ‘to do list’, you can read more about Mary’s Intuitive Vision Board below. </p><p><a href="https://www.marynonde.com/intuitive-vision-board-life-coaching-programme">https://www.marynonde.com/intuitive-vision-board-life-coaching-programme</a></p><p>In the meantime, Stay safe and Stay well. </p><p>Wishing you good health and happiness for a better year ahead.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353700576663217563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253439558445097152.post-35329329565193426152020-12-10T20:57:00.028+00:002020-12-11T13:05:08.946+00:00Whose woods are these?<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib656FAFadaRbwfSIuFVIu6Jp8vlTokvZaNh1yuen45K018avcN6rjI7Rbpi1zPJ0cZWtKWIAgrCXvi6HsL4lqhwUltnTkF6LpD3CZ78U4IO_9hVDEdTolZSgFdvE6xCdb3UMvVJmiXiE/s2048/979EE6D5-CD7E-4E5A-831C-40F52147C986.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib656FAFadaRbwfSIuFVIu6Jp8vlTokvZaNh1yuen45K018avcN6rjI7Rbpi1zPJ0cZWtKWIAgrCXvi6HsL4lqhwUltnTkF6LpD3CZ78U4IO_9hVDEdTolZSgFdvE6xCdb3UMvVJmiXiE/w400-h235/979EE6D5-CD7E-4E5A-831C-40F52147C986.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Nature is something I am enjoying more and more particularly during these pandemic times. Thanks to a good friend and a great map reader, I have enjoyed exploring new areas of countryside over the last few weeks. This has resulted in improved fitness, lots of laughter and a greater appreciation of what Mother Nature has to offer. So, thought I'd write her a little thank-you note. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Dear Mother Nature</i></span></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span> </span>A loud bang from the harvesting woods stopped us in our tracks yesterday. </span>Several herd of deer dashed right across our walking path in the early morning sun. They ran fast and frightened to the safety of the opposite wood. A mighty stag stopped, brayed and led his brood to pastures new. We watched mesmerised from a safe and hidden distance until the mass exodus was complete. The day's walk had only just begun.</span></i></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><i> </i></span></span></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span> </span>Long before our arrival you had already created a welcoming space, festooned with flowers, hawthorn, blackberry bushes, trees of beech and oak. Saplings planted side by side, nurtured daily with sunshine and soft rain. Gentle winds whispered quietly encouraging the silent growth of forest ferns. And the sprinkling of early morning frost on fallen boughs added a touch of magic to our early morning walk. Strong branches unwieldy and artistically woven created a welcoming shelter for us and other animals who ramble the earth. </i></span></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i> </i></span></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span> </span>Your architectural sculpting of the taller trees enhances the dappled light, balancing just the right amount of light and shade. All co-ordinated beautifully for the seasons and the enjoyment of these walks. Each walk a magical mystery tour weaving in and out of wooded vales, stopping only to admire the ancient oaks and beechwood and wondering who might have walked this way in bygone days. Fallen leaves in painted reds, yellows and greens. Listening for the crunch in each footstep taken, noticing the glossiness in the rain soaked leaves. Side-stepping the deeper well-walked mud tracks in the dark brown earth. The feeling of calm and wellbeing in your natural woods affords a soothing balm in these anxious times. </i></span></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i> </i></span></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span>A quiet space, a sacred space, a spiritual space? </span>Thank you</i></div></span></blockquote><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span><span> </span></span></i></p><p><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span> </span><span> </span>Gratefully yours,</i></span></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Máire Rua</i></span></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wishing everyone well over the festive season. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353700576663217563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253439558445097152.post-30687407863615554932020-11-30T17:30:00.002+00:002020-11-30T17:30:32.220+00:00The travellers of the field<p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjix8uBZvNaOhEyiNsRXyw-OgfAV-IJzW81cNpTVTWtyqNFvqBWwOjFL5OszbM1X5VcU6abShwK5oHOsu-i7LavDIEzayp7SmaiIeBbiYFZpTIKc8uRTO1eynxnbUqOORod9T-W_MaPXKo/s2048/C42C58FE-DFEE-4C56-8D97-4D75E9EA386F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjix8uBZvNaOhEyiNsRXyw-OgfAV-IJzW81cNpTVTWtyqNFvqBWwOjFL5OszbM1X5VcU6abShwK5oHOsu-i7LavDIEzayp7SmaiIeBbiYFZpTIKc8uRTO1eynxnbUqOORod9T-W_MaPXKo/s320/C42C58FE-DFEE-4C56-8D97-4D75E9EA386F.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">As the month of November closes, I am reminded of Autumn, Keats and the</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> ‘season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Thoughts of recent walks during this season prompted a few lines today. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Normally at this time of the year the fieldfares (<i>travellers of the field</i>) have returned from Scandinavia to the UK, for the winter. Their acrobatic flights across the open fields can be mesmerising, stopping walkers in their tracks! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;">A misty morning morphs into a sunny day,</span></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Unfurling leaves of red, green, yellow.</span></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Travelling the fields, a flight of fieldfares</span></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Unploughed countryside awaits the new season,</span></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Muddy boots, woolly hats, walkers in conversation,</span></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Nests and hawthorn berries ready for cooler days.</span></div></blockquote></blockquote><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><p></p>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353700576663217563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253439558445097152.post-47231731901210188432020-10-02T17:38:00.001+01:002020-10-02T17:40:27.040+01:00To Write or Not to Write?<p></p><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_132hvdk8UZ9f0_EHApNw_AowucrMbnSA3T4m52v67RjPwIb-I0PcEpBAjEJu0ObeBfq68MeE5pc-ntdlH2wFjG31N74KrhdqxCJuZowXr9w-R18UgScq3YG7bxk5vgo_NLKeXgbvzw/s2048/20201002_154429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_132hvdk8UZ9f0_EHApNw_AowucrMbnSA3T4m52v67RjPwIb-I0PcEpBAjEJu0ObeBfq68MeE5pc-ntdlH2wFjG31N74KrhdqxCJuZowXr9w-R18UgScq3YG7bxk5vgo_NLKeXgbvzw/s320/20201002_154429.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Procrastination Monster whispers in my ear, </div><div><br /></div><div> ‘Check your emails first. Make a cup of tea before you settle down. Remember to write your shopping list. What’s for dinner? Music before you start? You can always write tomorrow, can’t you?’</div><div><br /></div><div>True, I could but … </div><div><br /></div><div>In the other ear, Writing Muse, advises assertively,</div><div><br /></div><div>‘Write, write, write! Ignore him. He’s such a distraction. You know he loves when you abandon writing time. Don’t listen to him. He’ll boast with pride knowing that he has persuaded you to stop.</div><div><br /></div><div>And she’s right. Like me, she knows the master of procrastination only too well. </div><div><br /></div><div>Usually when we reach this point of inner conflict, she directs my attention to one of the many notebooks on my desk, a travel journal, a book of quotes, a poetry book, the latest writers’ magazine. </div><div><br /></div><div>‘Choose a page. Any page,’ she shouts.</div><div><br /></div><div>Her invitation is welcome. Writing Muse has a gentleness with her persuasive powers. </div><div><br /></div><div>His expertise excels in the dark act of distraction. Not helpful for a writer.</div><div><br /></div><div>‘A biscuit, a chocolate biscuit and a cup of tea?, he taunts. ‘Have an another break, just a minute or two before you start. Relax. ’ </div><div><br /></div><div>I’ve fallen for his charm in the past and the lure of chocolate is enough to distract any writer.</div><div><br /></div><div>Her look. My hesitation. His snigger. We’re getting nowhere fast.</div><div><br /></div><div>‘Writing time. Focus. Choose a notebook,’ she insists.</div><div><br /></div><div>And I do. My notebook of quotes. A random page falls opens.</div><div><br /></div><div>She giggles, as do I.</div><div><br /></div><div>‘What’s so funny?’ he grumps.</div><div><br /></div><div>‘Go on, read it aloud, share your writing prompt for today.’</div><div><br /></div><div>With a little clearing of the throat, I enunciate in finest voice.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>‘Procrastination is the natural assassin of opportunity’.</i></div><div> </div><div>He is not amused. He slithers off in disgust, muttering as he goes. </div><div> </div><div>‘Okay, let’s get started’, she says. </div><div><br /></div><div>I write … and write ... relishing the opportunity to write some more. </div><div><br /></div><p><br /></p>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353700576663217563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253439558445097152.post-50792925171370574182020-09-04T15:43:00.011+01:002020-09-05T10:52:12.895+01:00Fancy a walk?<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6uc-pnMS8SXGNPmX8LWsnHsuh-4sZVAkxLwYZOYIT7ZOSqXNMO8ONU2s3khnnSEBtb3TE1n-8Kt4lz96VjXuAaLBrb399UXDydKwmwWuJLpcWtjVYIq0daMEEDrObOWAB2BrBZQWdP8/s1844/20200826_231357.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="1844" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6uc-pnMS8SXGNPmX8LWsnHsuh-4sZVAkxLwYZOYIT7ZOSqXNMO8ONU2s3khnnSEBtb3TE1n-8Kt4lz96VjXuAaLBrb399UXDydKwmwWuJLpcWtjVYIq0daMEEDrObOWAB2BrBZQWdP8/s320/20200826_231357.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-small;">Avebury, Wiltshire </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;">Surrounded by books, notebooks, pens and the new all singing, all dancing MacBook, I'm ready to write. Emm ... but what about? News? Events? Photos? Picture prompts? Some days the creative juices flow well, other days not! Today, It’s a wild and wet day so I contemplate transporting myself to somewhere else … <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;">‘A picture is worth a thousand words’ … so I grab my mobile phone in search of inspiring pictures and sunnier days of rambling in the countryside. There are pictures of garden visits, walks walked, family weddings and events attended over the years. Unfortunately, fewer family gatherings this year as we continue to abide by Covid pandemic rules and restrictions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;">The picture that speaks to me today is one of a series of photos taken when The Man and I visited Avebury henge and stone circles, in Wiltshire several weeks ago. Despite a relatively busy car park, there was ample space to walk at our leisure, exploring these magnificent neolithic stone structures. Records indicate that the henge and stone circles were built between 2850 BC and 2200 BC. The site, henge and stone circles are currently managed by the National Trust on behalf of English Heritage. It’s remarkable walking around and admiring these huge structures. How were they built? What was the significance of these formations? Who was responsible? Who commissioned henge architecture? Did they know such pieces would continue to be viewed many years later? What was life like back in those Neolithic days? How were the various stones moved from place to place?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><i>'The chronology of Avebury's construction is unclear. It was not designed as a single monument but was the result of various projects undertaken at different times during late prehistory. Experts date the construction of the central cove to 3,000 BCE, the inner stone circle to 2,900BCE, the outer circle and henge to 2,600 BCE, and the avenues to 2,400 BCE. The construction of Avebury and Stonehenge indicate that a stable agrarian economy had developed in this region of England by 4000 to 3500 BCE'.</i></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><i>Source: Lumen Learning </i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-arthistory/chapter/the-neolithic-period/">https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-arthistory/chapter/the-neolithic-period/</a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span face="" style="background: white;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;">Avebury, my amateur snapshot speaks words of relaxation, history, awe, amazement, time travel, incredible structures.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"> Walking boots and a picnic complete the perfect day ... far from the madding crowd.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353700576663217563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253439558445097152.post-89095105988218063492020-07-26T16:39:00.002+01:002020-07-26T21:45:00.040+01:00How is the ‘new normal’ for you?<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;">
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The field of unknowing</span></i></span></h2>
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On a recent Zoom call with friends the lockdown conversation continued. How has it affected you? Your work? Your lack of work? What do you miss most / least? What do you appreciate? What do you find most challenging? How has it made a difference to how you do things? How do you feel about the ‘new normal’? How do you plan for an unknown and uncertain future? How is the ‘new normal’ for you? How are you ‘being’ in the ‘new normal’?<o:p></o:p></div>
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We shared our thoughts and insights generously and left the call with food for thought. I’ve been sitting with some of those thoughts over the last few days … note the word ‘sitting’. Those of you who know me well, know that I don’t do much sitting nor sit around doing nothing for long! I admit, I’m more of a human ‘doing’ than a human ‘being’. There’s nothing I enjoy more than participating and engaging in work and community projects, meeting people, making plans and celebrating creative connections. I really enjoy the whole business of social interaction even though at times it can be stressful and painful too. I’ve really missed doing many of the things I’ve done before lockdown. The easing of lockdown means that there is opportunity for a little interaction via ‘social bubbles’ and it’s different in the ‘new normal’ environment. I appreciate and understand the need for face coverings, social distancing and non engagement with shielded people (no hugs just yet!). I’m ‘being’ okay with that. For me, it’s important, it’s being responsible, it’s being safe.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve noted how our schools are ‘transitioning’ our children with their new classes and different teachers. Taking time to ‘transition’ is really important as many children have missed out on education, learning and seeing friends. With that comes many feelings and emotions. In many schools, teachers and support staff have really worked hard during lockdown. I admire their patience, tenacity and resilience with ever changing government guidelines. There’s been a lot of work in schools preparing our children for ‘different ways’ and how school will be when they return in September. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Like the children returning to school, we too need to ‘transition’ to new ways of doing and being. I’m learning to use this time ‘to be’, to re-assess, to think about what’s really important and savour the stillness of the quieter days. It's tough! Contemplative walks in nature, I can highly recommend. For now, there’s time and time enough ‘to be’ in the moment and listen for the ‘what elses’ that are being whispered quietly to me. As a busy ‘do-er’, I’ve often missed these whispers. In the meantime, I sit patiently in the ‘field of unknowing’ contemplating my transition to the ‘new normal’. <o:p></o:p></div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353700576663217563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253439558445097152.post-69777590594965676702020-06-13T16:51:00.000+01:002020-06-13T16:51:18.622+01:00What makes you stop and wonder?<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: cambria; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Walking on the Pastures of Wonder</span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Sometimes it takes time for inspiration to nudge my writing pen and me. I confess I’ve sat at my desk often, looking out the window, watching the fluffy white clouds move in slow motion across a bright blue sky, observing the sweeping and soaring of Red Kites and simply wonder. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Today, I see how well the purple Everlasting Sweet Pea in my garden has stretched and grown from the straggly little stem it once was. It’s a particularly cherished flower, a parting gift from staff and children at a school where I once worked. The extending branches and tendrils remind me how it has grown over the years and makes me wonder about those children and staff with whom I once worked. Where are they now? Do they continue to grow and develop? I loved being part of that growth and development. I continue to do so today albeit in a different place. I wonder where those staff and children are now? I wonder how their lives are the same or different? I wonder how I have grown, developed and changed over the years? No answers required …merely rhetorical questions at this stage! However, I wonder if there will be a stage when these questions will be asked and shared again? Perhaps in a favourite space over a cool glass of white wine but not right now …maybe later when Covid-19 has become a distant memory?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">During the ‘lockdown’, I have found comfort and solace in reading and writing. I have particularly enjoyed one of my favourite authors, John O’Donohue. He was recognised by many (myself included) as an inspirational writer. He was a native Irish speaker, born in County Clare, Ireland and wrote several best sellers and poetry collections too, <i>Anam Cara, Eternal Echoes and Divine Beauty. </i>His last work, <i>Benedictus,</i> was published in 2007. Sadly John O’Donohue died at the age of fifty-two on 4 January 2008.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I highly recommend his writing. He writes in a beautiful, lyrical style. His words encourage thought about many things. I particularly enjoy his rhythmical writing style and how his words and sentences weave beautifully on the page. For me, he inspires and permits time for contemplation particularly now in the less busy times … like ‘lockdown’. I am currently reading <i>‘Walking in the Pastures of Wonder’ </i>and enjoying his conversations on wonder, landscape and balance. This particular book is a collection of radio conversations between John O’Donohue and his close friend and former RTE broadcaster, John Quinn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I think it’s good to slow down and wonder …<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">What are you wondering about today?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353700576663217563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253439558445097152.post-28178395157107064222020-05-18T13:20:00.000+01:002020-05-18T13:20:08.912+01:00Who needs a hug?<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
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<span lang="EN-US">‘The Times they are a changin …’ sang poet and songwriter Bob Dylan in 1964. And how appropriate are those lyrics for our world today. How has Covid-19 changed and continues to change our times? True, it changes how we act, how we react and at times how we refrain from taking any action at all! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">However, it has also provided some of us with an opportunity to take stock of where we are at and what is happening in our respective worlds. It has highlighted who and what is important. It has acknowledged the talent within our caring professions and the resilience of keyworkers who ensure essential services operate during these strange and surreal times. It has changed the ways we meet and greet each other. Gone (for now) are the face-to-face gatherings where we often greet each other with a big welcoming hug. We continue to respect the social distancing rule of two metres apart. Our connections with family and friends have moved online and whilst this is wonderful for those of us who engage with the technology, it’s not quite the same as a ‘real time’ meet and greet with a hug, is it? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">On a recent online call with friends, the question was asked, ‘What do you miss most in these times?’ The replies included ‘meeting with family and friends’, ‘seeing children’, ‘cuddling grand children’ and 'having a BIG hug'. Sadly, in times of grief and despair, we would have liked to comfort family and friends. In these times, hugs are essential and people often need a hug. A hug provides comfort when words are unable to articulate that sense of loss. I’m a believer that a hug given with love and good intention can make a difference.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">During a conversation with a talented, sewing friend, we agreed to create some ‘hugs to share’. We had both received a little fun gift in the post that made us smile. A little gift sent with love and it inspired an idea. We created ‘a rainbow hug’ for these times, to raise a little smile and as a reminder that hugs have not been forgotten. So, if you know someone in need of a hug today, do get in touch. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The ‘times they are a changin …’ and we change too, from real time to virtual time and from virtual hugs to real hugs. We look forward to a happier time when we can all be together to hug family and friends and the term ‘social distancing’ becomes a redundant word in our vocabulary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353700576663217563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253439558445097152.post-13758309745683265052020-04-08T11:44:00.000+01:002020-04-08T11:44:33.079+01:00What are you grateful for today?<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
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<span lang="EN-US">As I write today, I’m grateful for many things, firstly my health and wellbeing particularly when so many people are adversely affected by the Coronavirus. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I’m thankful and appreciative of our amazing NHS staff, support teams and </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">keyworkers too.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I’m happy that I can do ‘essential shopping’ and take a walk as exercise; some people are unable to do so. I’m also appreciative of the kindness offered in my neighbourhood. I’ve made several new friends as a result of these connections and all within the mandatory ‘social distancing’ levels!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I’ve been pleasantly surprised by our venture into connections with family and friends through online meeting rooms, video calls and other social media options, once only the right of the busy business folk. There has been much laughter in our family with trial and error video escapades. Who needs to watch television for comedy? For me, the once reluctant ‘social media engager’, well I’m beginning to grasp the intricacies of newer communication methods. There may be those of you reading who will smile knowingly and say ‘about time!’ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">However, as an ardent fan of ‘talk-talk’ and ‘write-write’, I continue to embrace and enjoy the old fashioned ways of communication. I enjoy a chatty phone call with friends and I love writing and receiving letters. In fact, I’ve been able to pursue both these fine arts during this strange and surreal Coronavirus time. I’m also a big admirer of the beautiful artwork created by our children in these times. Have you noticed the colourful ‘rainbows of hope’ on pavements, walls and windows?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">On a bright sunny morning last week, I took delivery of a beautiful rainbow from a little family known to me. This ‘rainbow of hope’ is proudly displayed in my window. So for those of you who live outside my neighbourhood, I share my rainbow with you via this blog post. I’m grateful to the children who took time to create and colour this striking work of art. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">What are you grateful for today?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Stay safe and well everyone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353700576663217563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253439558445097152.post-35337774693162270952020-03-25T13:31:00.001+00:002020-03-25T13:31:54.804+00:00When do you stop to smell the roses? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h3 style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;"><i>Taken in a beautiful garden I love to visit</i> </span></h3>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span><b><span lang="EN-US">When the world stopped to smell the roses</span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I noticed ma and pa blackbird building for the future,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">I marvelled at the iridescence of the beautiful blue blooms in my garden,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">I noted the daffodils tall and defiant especially after the storm,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">I spotted the spider weave his silvery web with creative flair,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">I observed the cherry blossom buds on the maturing tree,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">I appreciated the morning birdsong more than before,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">I watched Red Kites soar in the morning sun,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">I sensed the shopkeeper’s mood was really fear in disguise,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">I acknowledged the disconnection with his ‘regulars’,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">I saluted nurses, doctors and frontline NHS staff for selfless service,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">I praised key personnel for all they do especially today,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">I laughed at the creative family videos shared to entertain,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">I struggled with learning new online communication systems,</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I shared fun and laughter to reduce the angst,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">I learned that ‘unknowing’ was the scariest fear of all,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">I touched the hand that needed to be held,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">I spoke the words hidden behind the eyes of concern,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">I reassured in the only way I knew how,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">I offered hope, with care and love<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">I prayed for healing and good health of our world,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">I wondered when all this unease happened<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">When I was busy being busy?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">When I was to-ing and fro-ing?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">When I was caught up in trivialities<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">When I was living life too quickly?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">When the world stopped to smell the roses,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">I learned who and what was really important.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353700576663217563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253439558445097152.post-6308580709702579442020-01-21T22:54:00.000+00:002020-01-21T22:55:07.871+00:00What's the best month for change?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQqdq1wsBL3pcq8j-j3WAqMaKCKXZrcgFu1RHIFxtny28o1NwPJXUQqH63_EseQ5C1OPsP0kSSwIbM_MNCHuwOgGIA85NW5Jvdr4u-ov2XDasX3hAcgNSXbs1S6NTEjHQVSCIjYnhdKc/s1600/IMG-20200103-WA0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQqdq1wsBL3pcq8j-j3WAqMaKCKXZrcgFu1RHIFxtny28o1NwPJXUQqH63_EseQ5C1OPsP0kSSwIbM_MNCHuwOgGIA85NW5Jvdr4u-ov2XDasX3hAcgNSXbs1S6NTEjHQVSCIjYnhdKc/s320/IMG-20200103-WA0000.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Photo: La Sagrada Famila by Dee</span></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Happy New Year!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish you good health and much happiness for
2020.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Yes, I know it’s more than half way through
January, but it’s never too late to wish anyone good wishes, in my humble
opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you had a reasonable
festive break and have started 2020 fit and well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I’m purposely avoiding a blog post on New
Year Resolutions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m at the stage where
if I want to make resolutions and do new things, I just do it! There are twelve
months in the year and if my changes are required in the months of May or
September, then that’s okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New Year
Resolutions are not just for January.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Often, I’m full of good intentions to try
new and different pursuits but I find that I sometimes lack energy and focus,
so for me, it’s important to be in the right frame of mind before I
commit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s fair to say that I like
engaging in new interests and being challenged with something that’s outside my
comfort zone. This week provided one such opportunity and despite the need to
sharpen the pencil and do lots of thinking for ‘said project’, dare I say … I
enjoyed the challenge!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I’m a great believer in the old adage,
‘There is no failure, only feedback and learning’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been very reassuring particularly when
things didn’t turn out as I planned . My lovely Dad used to remind me, ‘Nothing
is ever wasted, learn from the experience and take away the learning’. I’ve
received lots of feedback and learning over the years!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No doubt 2020 will provide even more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Happy New Year!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353700576663217563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253439558445097152.post-74517646316681380182019-12-20T21:12:00.001+00:002019-12-20T21:21:34.581+00:00Preparing for the festive season? <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXQTydwvAlV_Gabw5sixJT762XM40-ZPp492SJXYWyJPfo6lWZX5gUMV1luqRSd1_1LScpljx67p6nypX6IPqOSQeiFXBW3RiMzGMV7_zNsJOgW0biCPPWegmzsc9-L48M0ckAZ3tHxA/s1600/20191220_205940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXQTydwvAlV_Gabw5sixJT762XM40-ZPp492SJXYWyJPfo6lWZX5gUMV1luqRSd1_1LScpljx67p6nypX6IPqOSQeiFXBW3RiMzGMV7_zNsJOgW0biCPPWegmzsc9-L48M0ckAZ3tHxA/s320/20191220_205940.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-small;">Festive season by Máire Rua</span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Well, here we are moving towards the start
of the festive season and the end of year 2019.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How was your year? I hope you’ve had a good one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">This week I was invited as honorary guest
to my former primary school’s Christmas Story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I loved it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was wonderful to
watch the progress and development of all the ‘little stars’ as they performed
this beautiful story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was delighted to
hear the quieter children deliver lines with such clarity and energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How they have blossomed under the guidance
and direction of hardworking staff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">My
visit to school prompted this week’s blog post. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Best wishes to you and your families during
the festive season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">‘</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial";">Twas the night before Christmas …<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: small;">‘Psst, move over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let me in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s freezing outside’.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: small;">They all moved over, Ma, Pa and the others. It felt
good to be back inside again. It was warm and cosy in the old barn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The straw smelled sweet, almost heavenly, if only
I knew what heaven smelled like!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
were voices outside and they were making their way towards our barn! The latch
on the barn door rattled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The door opened.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: small;">‘Shhh, be quiet everyone!’ ordered Pa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We froze, all six of us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: small;">‘It’s the best I can do, I’m afraid. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the busiest time of year and everywhere
is fully booked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not very pretty here
but it’s warm and dry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least, you’ll
both have a chance to rest before you move on.’<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: small;">‘Thank you sir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re very
grateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll be just fine.’<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: small;">She looked tired, exhausted and in serious need of a
lie down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He led the weary, overloaded
donkey into the barn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loosely secured
the donkey to a post, not far from where we were observing the scene. He
cleared a space, took her hand and beckoned her to sit on a blanket that
covered a fresh bale of hay. She smiled at him and sighed. She looked as if really
needed to sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: small;">‘I’ll bring some hot food and more blankets for you. You
must be hungry,’ said the Innkeeper. <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: small;">We all felt the chill when the barn door opened.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: small;">We watched, curiously and fascinated by the woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We didn’t make any noise for fear of being
chased from the warmth of the barn.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: small;">He tended her lovingly, placed another blanket around
her shoulders and began to unwrap provisions from the basket they had packed
for the journey. <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: small;">She busied herself with an old crate that lay nearby.
We watched with interest as she wiped down the crate and lined it with hay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked hot and tired. She groaned every
now and again. He moved towards her and lovingly held her arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She winced as if in pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tried to comfort her but she appeared to
be distressed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: small;">Several hours later, we were awoken by the cries of …
a baby!<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: small;">Under Ma’s watchful eye, we crept quietly towards the
couple and baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There he was, a small,
chubby, crying baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He moved towards
the crying child. He smiled. He spoke quietly, ‘He’s beautiful’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and then wrapped the crying baby
in swaddling clothes. She kissed the baby’s head, soothed him and placed him in
the makeshift crib.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sang softly to
the crying baby to lull him to sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
the morning, a church bell rang out for Christmas Day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: small;">I tiptoed closer to see the baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a baby field mouse, I was too small to be
noticed by anyone but I had a strong sense that a baby born on Christmas Day
would be a special baby and one that would make a difference to our world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353700576663217563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253439558445097152.post-27245489425187852382019-12-05T22:15:00.000+00:002019-12-05T22:15:34.474+00:00Where did you get that hat?
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCer23Rb6Vb6rRmxAVNxE_cnSt16-CMIDBINbNu_QMnqSeZgcAJpWQzevHc9McDWSQj0w0Zx3a9A9dSmnmVlRIvTgv_dOgSQwK3DOLnRX8ehsXsE19IIELOus1l3yz989LA1dXXeAbLjo/s1600/20191129_121407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1411" data-original-width="1600" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCer23Rb6Vb6rRmxAVNxE_cnSt16-CMIDBINbNu_QMnqSeZgcAJpWQzevHc9McDWSQj0w0Zx3a9A9dSmnmVlRIvTgv_dOgSQwK3DOLnRX8ehsXsE19IIELOus1l3yz989LA1dXXeAbLjo/s320/20191129_121407.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Hats by Máire Rua</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">‘Where did you get that hat?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where did you get that hat? Isn’t it a lovely
one, I’d like one just like that’?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Okay, admit it, you did have a little
sing-a-long when you read the title of this blog post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve been busy recently ‘getting hats’. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Why? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hear you ask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me explain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was my turn at Writers Group to host a
workshop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s something we do during
the course of our writing year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
writers, we all benefit from the workshops, manuscript evenings, author visits,
competitions and social events too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I particularly
enjoy the variety of activities and the support and learning generously shared by
members. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Anyway, ‘Hats’ was the theme for the
workshop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I collected hats from
friends, I was inspired by the stories shared as to why and how they had
acquired their particular hats. As I put together my own collection, I found
myself recalling and reminiscing about travels and places where I had bought my
hats e.g. Spain, France, Australia and New Zealand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My collection included a black fur hat, which I negotiated fiercely for
The Man, one year at a Christmas market in London!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure who enjoyed the negotiation
banter more, the stallholder or me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
the end of the day we managed a Win- Win-Win, everyone was happy. The stallholder had a sale, I had a bargain and The Man had a warm cosy hat!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We celebrated
with a festive gluhwein, vin chaud or was it a mulled wine?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whichever, it was just the thing for a bitter
cold evening and the celebration of a new hat!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The Hats workshop proved quite a success
too. Everyone brought a hat to the meeting, which in turn provided wonderful material
for writing stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hats told their own
stories of happiness, sadness, excitement and mystery. One hat was abandoned
after a long theatrical career, another mistaken for someone else’s hat in a
bygone time, and one hat ended up in a lovers’ tiff between a squaw and Tonto
(of Hi Ho Silver fame!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Calling time at
the end of the meeting shortened the creative flow but I know stories will be
developed over the forthcoming weeks. I believe there will be some great ‘hat
tales’ to tell when the new writing year starts … and who knows maybe a new
lyrics for a song about hats too?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353700576663217563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253439558445097152.post-6250451432066294322019-11-24T21:32:00.003+00:002019-11-24T21:57:01.256+00:00How do you spend a creative afternoon?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZpiGoQFCmYCQ6VtX_o9PryNkig_cvWgHhriJEjPNrnLJsKxzeBYQ-ayETrg5_8hhXZ_AOfHRof5N9MrrfUm3g7X4rOS26b1PzUlcY8tcayy5NCF-exql42Q8Wdyv5_DLJcCjRiY-E48/s1600/Crafts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="415" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZpiGoQFCmYCQ6VtX_o9PryNkig_cvWgHhriJEjPNrnLJsKxzeBYQ-ayETrg5_8hhXZ_AOfHRof5N9MrrfUm3g7X4rOS26b1PzUlcY8tcayy5NCF-exql42Q8Wdyv5_DLJcCjRiY-E48/s320/Crafts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by me … beautiful stitches on the
Christmas tree by me!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">‘Would you like to come to a Crafternoon?’
my friend asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The word ‘craft’ caught my interest. I love
all things craft and the timing of afternoon worked too, not too early and not
too late in the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A novel way to
spend a day off I thought. Usually, I’m the one who admires and buys the
artwork of others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m always in awe of
artistic flair and creative pursuits of friends and colleagues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the idea of making and sewing, I
hesitated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sewing! Even now the word struck fear and
distant memories of a domestic science teacher, Mrs P, from a certain Grammar
school in Ireland came flooding back. Okay, I confess, I was not the A star
sewing student but I could make a mean casserole dish that could stave off hunger
for a day or two. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">‘Sounds like fun,’ I said, but please
understand that I can’t sew!’ And there it was, I’d spoken my truth and
wondered if this had jeopardised my chances of joining the creative group.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">‘Not a problem’, retorted my friend, ‘lots of
other craft activities are available’. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">With reassurance from my friend that
Crafternoons weren’t all about sewing, I agreed to attend. What a great time I
had with several other ‘crafty ladies’. The event was organised to raise funds
for Brake, the road safety charity that supports families who have been
affected by road deaths and injuries. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We created lots of beautiful cards, labels
and papers using woodprints and paint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We made Christmas tree decorations with felt and thread. I found myself
sitting next to lady who enjoyed travelling as much as me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we stitched and sewed (yes, actual sewing!),
we shared travel stories about Australia and New Zealand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were both writers and keepers of journals
too. The time whizzed by as each of us worked on our respective craft pieces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tea, coffee and glasses of wine were served
at regular intervals by the generous hosts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well, crafting can be thirsty work, you understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were moments of chat and laughter.
There were times of focus and stillness too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Overall, it was a very enjoyable and therapeutic afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We raised £200 for <a href="https://www.brake.org.uk/about" target="_blank">the Brake charity.</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I was very proud of my handiwork and takeaway
achievements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look forward to sharing
them in due course. I doubt if the pieces will win any awards but I think I’ve
done Mrs P proud with delicate stitching on my little Christmas tree
decoration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a great way to spend an
afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a great idea for an
Artist’s Date too!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353700576663217563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253439558445097152.post-61338793271295584662019-11-01T16:29:00.000+00:002019-11-03T17:23:38.414+00:00Why visit Seamus Heaney's HomePlace?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNehsWqyjs3CFCv8xhlyuAGgAwXFukqSbK9ufseYnsHigiKKcVhIAOWsoJ7C5fhu-YS8cM33u-7ZBZhiwD8DCJ8OVBobvzH7BXM5zSYG587642cY1pq1YFU0c0PTuPOZtThMFB8hUL3o/s1600/20191025_162328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNehsWqyjs3CFCv8xhlyuAGgAwXFukqSbK9ufseYnsHigiKKcVhIAOWsoJ7C5fhu-YS8cM33u-7ZBZhiwD8DCJ8OVBobvzH7BXM5zSYG587642cY1pq1YFU0c0PTuPOZtThMFB8hUL3o/s320/20191025_162328.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Seamus Heaney, Man and Boy. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Original photographer - unknown. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">On a recent trip to Ireland I visited the
new arts and literary centre, </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.seamusheaneyhome.com/seamus-heaney/" target="_blank">‘HomePlace,’in Bellaghy, </a>dedicated to the legacy of poet and playwright, </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Seamus Heaney. Although, his poetry was
very much rooted in the land of his birth, it continues to speak to people all
around the world. His literary talent was recognised and acknowledged via The
Nobel Prize for literature in 1995.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He
was hailed as the greatest poet since WB Yeats and awarded for “works of
lyrical beauty and ethical depth”. Did you know that it took several days to
track down Seamus Heaney to tell him he had won this prestigious award?</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Those were the days before mobile phones and internet! Heaney and his wife were eventually tracked down holidaying in
Greece. Meanwhile, in his attic study in Dublin, reams of paper spilled from
his fax machine with messages of congratulations.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Heaney took much of his inspiration from
the landscape around him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wrote earnestly of folk, family and friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of his
poems captured the everyday-ness of events and people who influenced him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes it was at the work they toiled,
places he was drawn to and political events of the time. Heaney was not afraid
to tackle the emotional landscape of pain, grief and loss in his writing. At
‘HomePlace’, there is the opportunity to listen to Heaney recite several of his
beautiful poems as you wander through the exhibition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may recognise other voices reciting his
poetry, people like Stephen Fry, Bono and Bill Clinton, to name a few.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">There is much to see, hear and read at
HomePlace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a chance to ‘release
your inner artist’, work with words and should you require a little nourishment,
I can highly recommend coffee with cake at the Café.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">It’s well worth the visit and a great place
for an Artist’s date too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353700576663217563noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253439558445097152.post-25406501398422680162019-10-17T23:43:00.000+01:002019-10-17T23:43:04.440+01:00Where would you go on an Artist Date?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizj_SFcgoKY9EOnZZ_t1CQzfSSJqxCT1V86fwQkOSnlWTEZ1W7-cFdPCRjYXeTnOhlINqzqf8NGWqXgt9M_FG-Td8G3_HlOUZ1qMuvXCB7NCKaIIjHZqy5zW7doDQmMjxu-5CSl9PQj90/s1600/20180215_113703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizj_SFcgoKY9EOnZZ_t1CQzfSSJqxCT1V86fwQkOSnlWTEZ1W7-cFdPCRjYXeTnOhlINqzqf8NGWqXgt9M_FG-Td8G3_HlOUZ1qMuvXCB7NCKaIIjHZqy5zW7doDQmMjxu-5CSl9PQj90/s320/20180215_113703.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo by me. An unknown Creative Self?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a writer, it’s always good to have something or somewhere to write about. And even if you haven’t, it’s helpful to think creatively about something or somewhere. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Several years ago I was gifted a beautiful book, </span><a href="https://juliacameronlive.com/basic-tools/morning-pages/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">‘The Artist’s Way’ by Julia Cameron.</a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just love books … a girl can never have too many books … or chocolate, although books are definitely less fattening!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Artist’s Way was recommended to encourage more writing and to help develop my creative self. If truth were told, I had never really considered part of me as ‘creative self’. I liked the idea of more writing. I was intrigued by the term and wondered what on earth would unfold with my new found creative part!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The book suggested writing several pages of journal every morning, at least three pages about whatever comes. Sometimes, I know it can be a challenge to do that. What will I write about today? I can’t think, brain dumb, inspiration won’t come. The Artist’s Way assists and encourages the creative write. It also encourages the concept of ‘Artist Dates’. Now, readers, before you go scurrying off and regress into the realms of, ‘Oh I haven’t written or drawn anything since my school days’, I request you to stop right there. Don’t panic. The way it works is like this – Set aside one morning, afternoon or day to make time for YOU and only you to experience something to develop your creative thinking. Examples may include walking in nature; going to the theatre, seeing a film, visiting an art gallery, checking out somewhere you’ve never been before. Ideally doing something or experiencing something different or for the first time. The brave step is doing it on your own!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week, my Artist Date prompted me to attend a local Arts Centre to participate in a new initiative called ‘Talking Tables’. The idea behind the initiative;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. To encourage people to watch new films </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. To invite people to stay and review the film </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Welcoming and friendly staff at the Talking Tables facilitated the discussion and noted our feedback about the event. There were some great discussions about the film ‘Bait’, set in Cornwall, the fishing industry and its community and how life there had changed over the years. I highly recommend seeing it…perhaps an Artist Date for you?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a result of this particular date, I came away with lots of new ideas about writing and creativity. The subject matter provided abundant food for thought about life, changes in communities and the impact of such changes particularly in small coastal communities. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Talking Tables provided a platform to listen to different viewpoints. In turn, the discussions generated further film recommendations and suggestions about other Arts venues worth a visit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On this occasion, my solo trip provided opportunity, to see a new film, review it through my artistic lens, meet some lovely people and give me something to blog about this week! I wonder how my next Artist Date will unfold? </span><br />
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<br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353700576663217563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253439558445097152.post-86437489322308688502019-10-09T10:37:00.000+01:002019-10-09T10:39:37.145+01:00What does it take to be a published author?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv7Lv8wLV6xWP_G9VBdeczozq8I8otsLM379lJVcW9QE-W6ykGDpLx2U8RUHA2u6t1MxXy4QwPUB8rcfLYY-o3q_VHaey1Xyi2BHvqXY7ecUYgL4Mwv6kU1ZBigRWPTB6K65VgwHtw_Vs/s1600/Nicola+May+%252Bby%252BDominic%252BMartin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv7Lv8wLV6xWP_G9VBdeczozq8I8otsLM379lJVcW9QE-W6ykGDpLx2U8RUHA2u6t1MxXy4QwPUB8rcfLYY-o3q_VHaey1Xyi2BHvqXY7ecUYgL4Mwv6kU1ZBigRWPTB6K65VgwHtw_Vs/s320/Nicola+May+%252Bby%252BDominic%252BMartin.jpg" width="213" height="320" data-original-width="500" data-original-height="750" /></a></div><i>Photo: Nicola May by Dominic Martin</i><br />
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My Monday evenings are dedicated to <a href="http://www.sloughwriters.org.uk/">Slough Writers.</a> It’s a local group that encourages, supports and inspires writers of all genres. Their eclectic programme of events offers many writing opportunities. Last week, we invited <a href="https://www.nicolamay.com/">Nicola May</a>, a local author, to share her writing journey with us.<br />
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After many years of diligent writing, resilience and perseverance, Nicola is now an established author, fulfilling a long held dream, to become a published author. We had many questions about how she achieved this. She explained how the writing started when she tasked herself (a few years back) to run a half marathon. She kept a diary to chart and track her progress. She confessed that at the time she hadn’t considered the diary would start her writing career, but it did! She enjoyed writing. It was her ‘first and only half marathon’ (completed in a reasonable time of just over 2 hours). What an achievement! I was impressed.<br />
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I was also impressed as she took us on her writing journey about who and what inspired her writing. She talked about her characters, the situations they found themselves in and how events unfolded, sometimes good and sometimes bad.<br />
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I had a real sense that Nicola’s heart was shared with many characters in her books. She spoke passionately about how she wrote and what she wrote. Nicola shared her writing experience and tips generously and with great honesty. Being an author was not only about writing, it was about marketing, promoting and networking too! She declared, ‘Writing the book was the easy part’.<br />
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So what did I learn from Nicola’s visit to our Writers’ Group?<br />
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1. The process of writing a book is much more than crafting the words to tell the story.<br />
2. Getting a book published is not for the faint-hearted - persistence, resistance and resilience are needed in bucket loads!<br />
3. Marketing, publishing and promotion opportunities are key on the road to success, especially for the new and unknown author. <br />
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Nicola admitted that her journey from writer to published author wasn’t without its challenges but in spite of never having attended a writing class – she made it! <br />
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In my opinion, Nicola is woman of substance, determined, persistent and a great role model for aspiring writers. My thanks to Nicola for an inspiring evening. I wish her every success for the future and in my book (yet to be published), she deserves it!<br />
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Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353700576663217563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253439558445097152.post-55883044652673456362019-09-24T15:55:00.000+01:002019-09-24T22:59:54.562+01:00What if you meet a lion ... in Windsor?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirM7-8kM7SedN9s3w-Axny_h9qqhZaWbO5M0D-zZX8JyUEL27ItD_RT_AF9-tpJO290x7DPAFoDhZsfTa2PoEHFUXX37-GdGvX_9x4mDOhnooawjFRzdiLYR09VUOYtT53gjlnd_ylrts/s1600/20190912_155151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirM7-8kM7SedN9s3w-Axny_h9qqhZaWbO5M0D-zZX8JyUEL27ItD_RT_AF9-tpJO290x7DPAFoDhZsfTa2PoEHFUXX37-GdGvX_9x4mDOhnooawjFRzdiLYR09VUOYtT53gjlnd_ylrts/s320/20190912_155151.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sabre's visit to Windsor </span></div>
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It was a fine summer's evening. Sabre was free, thanks to the new zoo keeper's incompetence at closing time. He made a dash for freedom setting off lights, alarms and sirens. His old legs ran and ran and ran until he was well into the thick of the town centre stopping only to quench his thirst and feed on some discarded leftovers. He was tired now and hungry. He didn't have so much energy these days. His fierce, fast and ferocious days were dwindling. As he wandered, he came upon a traveller asleep in a the shop doorway. He tiptoed quietly and gazed upon the slumbering minstrel in her dreamlike world. Surely his good fortune could not last? A veritable feast lay before him. He raised his eyes heavenly in grateful thanks. The old all-knowing moon shook her head with a definite, 'No!'<br />
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The minstrel stirred and woke to find Sabre towering above her.<br />
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'Oh, spare me sir, don't make me your supper. I'm a weary traveller in need of some rest. My guitar has magical powers and if you request, I can charm cheeses, wine and food of the best'.<br />
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Sabre thought to himself, 'What a treat .. a travelling minstrel and one who can conjure up food with a tune'. For a tired old lion without any teeth this was a wonderful find. Perhaps the minstrel and he could become better acquainted?<br />
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Okay, okay ... just a little storytelling today. Sabre, (not his real name), I met on a recent visit to Windsor town centre. I found him not far from Windsor Castle ..yes <b>the</b> Windsor Castle, the location of several royal weddings over the years. Currently there are many beautifully painted lions in the area, each one standing colourful and proud. <a href="https://www.windsor.gov.uk/whats-on/lions-of-windsor-and-maidenhead-sculpture-trail-p1711201" target="_blank">The Lions Sculpture Trail</a> is a public art initiative from The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. As well as a public art display for one and all to enjoy, the lions will be sold at the end of the viewing season to generate funds for three local charities.<br />
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What a great way to enjoy outdoor art and donate to a great cause at the same time.<br />
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Before I left, Sabre whispered quietly, 'Come back again and meet my colourful colleagues and bring your friends too!'<br />
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Not all lions are as talkative as Sabre, but a lion trail map is available (from the Information centre) for a nominal sum and a fun day out. Enjoy! <br />
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<br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353700576663217563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253439558445097152.post-19851455595009738692019-09-06T22:46:00.001+01:002019-09-24T14:56:40.791+01:00What prompts your writing?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRun5xjRaPL5zsKy24A_doJIMDxQx22TZ3OGmhI4RTx3QjTV-IQ2wFQ53Dv8LJQJwi3Pq2k0c0pFz9FT-eKHz3Nkn7B177Rm4_jzkYBKMwmU8a2iEvulSheQSqKfnjV56KXt25nKcx7_I/s1600/20190704_154546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRun5xjRaPL5zsKy24A_doJIMDxQx22TZ3OGmhI4RTx3QjTV-IQ2wFQ53Dv8LJQJwi3Pq2k0c0pFz9FT-eKHz3Nkn7B177Rm4_jzkYBKMwmU8a2iEvulSheQSqKfnjV56KXt25nKcx7_I/s320/20190704_154546.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Sometimes I sit down to write but inspiration
avoids me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Sometimes I sit and think, ‘What will I write
today?’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Sometimes I sit and gaze out the window … waiting
… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Like today, a beautiful autumnal morning, cold,
with a little sunshine, white clouds gathering in a clear blue sky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a slight breeze, leaves dropping from
the big eucalyptus tree at the bottom of the garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watch them drifting slowly, gently, and
softly to the ground … a flow of hypnotic and unhurried seconds from Mother
Nature. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Just as I was drifting into a trance, a
sudden movement caught my eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There he
was, a huge spider weaving his web between the garden shed and an evergreen
bush. I watched how he meticulously wove the shiny, silvery threads, slowly and
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creating and adapting as he went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wondered if he had planned the design before he started or whether or not he
made it up as he went along? Every now and again the breeze blew at his
work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stopped, secured himself safely
in the centre of the web. When the breeze passed, he continued to weave, and
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past checking progress from a safe distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was transfixed by the intricate pattern he wove.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I watched spellbound and in awe and admiration of his artwork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was impressed by his diligence, patience
and perseverance. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wondered if this
spider had a message for me. What might that message be?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What might a spider share as he goes about
his day-to-day business of web development? Maybe it’s about making something
beautiful?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it’s about spending
more time in the slower lane? Maybe it’s about how nature inspires us?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Sadly I was unable to capture a picture of
his artwork. However, I have managed to locate something that may allow you to
admire his handiwork courtesy of YouTube.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNtSAQHNONo">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNtSAQHNONo</a><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I’d like to thank a busy spider for my
writing prompt today. Who would have guessed that he would be my inspiration?
But wasn’t there someone else inspired by a spider … in Scotland … a long time
ago? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353700576663217563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253439558445097152.post-12428897688549163682019-08-26T11:59:00.002+01:002019-08-26T12:03:45.385+01:00Do you enjoy storytelling?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21uXhzpPL64mwAykuORkDMJD7d3QLEdM2jxJygYh7_0oRJPC_zhAsqcNENZRzuNCNKRLqUW10KcOnk6V5IESJMtBgsAyo_qnNQksSiY5bmJ0PuTZeVx8Z_4xoHCPpI9J99zYfwaqAAiw/s1600/20160508_205554-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="1600" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21uXhzpPL64mwAykuORkDMJD7d3QLEdM2jxJygYh7_0oRJPC_zhAsqcNENZRzuNCNKRLqUW10KcOnk6V5IESJMtBgsAyo_qnNQksSiY5bmJ0PuTZeVx8Z_4xoHCPpI9J99zYfwaqAAiw/s320/20160508_205554-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">... storytellers of an earlier time!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Last week I had the opportunity to join
fellow writers at a creative writing event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The event was organised to showcase stories on a local radio station
(<a href="https://wycombesound.org.uk/" target="_blank">Wycombe Sound</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoy the radio and I
particularly love listening to stories and plays. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It was fun to be part of the audience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As well as enjoying the literary event, for
me, it provided ideas, thinking space and feedback about what makes writing an
enjoyable pastime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">How good it is to listen to a story
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">How valuable to hear the rhythm
of the words<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">How worthwhile to savour the vocabulary
expressed <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">How alive a story becomes when
read aloud<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">How the story sounds in
different voices and accents<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">How deliberation and intonation
can make a character come alive <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">How writing and sharing stories
can push us out of our comfort zones <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">How we have preferences for
particular types of writing <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">How we can be seduced by new
and unusual styles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">How we can write more
creatively learning from others<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">How we tell a different story
from the same picture prompt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">How we fully appreciate the
pain of several rewrites<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">How joyful we can be after the
final edit!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span lang="EN-US">Creative writing is a
great way to capture and share stories – happy stories, sad stories, stories
with a moral, stories with a twist and even stories of the tallest kind!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stories have added benefits of sharing a message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They amuse and entertain adults and children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many stories allow a person to travel for
miles without leaving the comfy armchair. Writing and storytelling can be very
therapeutic too, in my opinion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">A note of thanks to my new writing friends
for an entertaining evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look
forward to tuning in to hear their short stories on the radio this week
(Friday).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feel free to join me from
wherever you are … invite your writing muse. Who knows what
stories may unfold?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment--><br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353700576663217563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253439558445097152.post-64720845075879215762019-08-12T21:15:00.002+01:002019-08-12T21:15:30.742+01:00Who needs to escape and relax?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtY_dsliebTiD11MG6eQfp3vbCWHyn-IiZ3WTa7BQbwuixjBcgMQKhRc2-CbsFutQRrTZLKrazNU9FJN-x8bocEg50K3J-srsrWJPK_tp8JkRXzG_XH4LMPPHXNqunDUgQFKP4DvGHXZo/s1600/Image+12-08-2019+at+21.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtY_dsliebTiD11MG6eQfp3vbCWHyn-IiZ3WTa7BQbwuixjBcgMQKhRc2-CbsFutQRrTZLKrazNU9FJN-x8bocEg50K3J-srsrWJPK_tp8JkRXzG_XH4LMPPHXNqunDUgQFKP4DvGHXZo/s320/Image+12-08-2019+at+21.06.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="s1"><b><i></i></b></span>Kentwell Hall, Long Melford</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Last week The Man and I spent a few
relaxing days on holiday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We visited
Suffolk, an East Anglian county in England, which is well worth the trip
especially if there is a need to escape ‘far from the madding crowd’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The air is cleaner, the pace is slower and
generally a good tonic at this time of year, in my humble opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stayed at two beautiful locations, each
providing good insights to Suffolk as a county. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Had the opportunity to visit <a href="http://www.kentwell.co.uk/" target="_blank">Kentwell Hall,Long Melford</a>, a beautiful red brick Tudor mansion surrounded by a moat and set in tranquil parklands.
Lots of history attached to this magnificent building. Fascinating to learn
that the mansion and grounds is currently owned and managed privately by Judith
and Patrick Philips, who purchased the place in 1970 as a restoration project!
It is evident that there have been hours of work spent on the building and
grounds, reviving and restoring much of the grandeur of the place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Certainly not a project for the faint hearted
and I am full of admiration and in awe of the work carried out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is certainly a labour of love and one
conducted with patience and care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each
room has its own story to tell and is beautifully written about and shared with
visitors. The ambience of the place captures the history of a bygone age very
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kentwell Hall organise special historic
events too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Historical Re-Creation days
from medieval times to WWII are popular and the Hall is available for current
day events like weddings and scary Halloween events! Rumour has it that there
is a haunted room in the Hall too! But we didn’t stay late enough in the day to
find out… although there was a room where I didn’t feel like staying too long
…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">What I particularly enjoyed about Kentwell,
there was <i>so </i>much to discover … the Hall, the restored rooms, the outbuildings,
artwork and beautiful gardens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent
ages wandering and meandering which generated an appetite for lunch. The Man
discovered some beautiful old Rolls Royce cars in a shed near the tearooms, which really
excited him. Strangely, these 'works of arts' seemed to renew his interest in bygone days more so than wallhangings and house decor. Strange that. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</style>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353700576663217563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253439558445097152.post-33689870618079096892019-08-02T20:56:00.000+01:002019-08-03T09:15:32.706+01:00How do you resolve a birthday dilemma?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-PE2F6f417kD33ik4AuewwDooZw1AcrdQ2NHMGaJCUwo6klJF_Q7pFvBlwkpuwkQgdpJDw_TKyrTdx9FSQfTGAaK3ZbPmadPEKiTG3kGkYmqDA-bnO8W6bEERDx7gew4688v5ooWeIY/s1600/20190801_134652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-PE2F6f417kD33ik4AuewwDooZw1AcrdQ2NHMGaJCUwo6klJF_Q7pFvBlwkpuwkQgdpJDw_TKyrTdx9FSQfTGAaK3ZbPmadPEKiTG3kGkYmqDA-bnO8W6bEERDx7gew4688v5ooWeIY/s320/20190801_134652.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">... a birthday surprise!</span></h4>
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<span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Last week I received an unexpected surprise
from a good friend of mine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">‘This is for you,’ she said and presented a
beautifully wrapped gift.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">‘Thank you, what a lovely surprise.’ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">‘Happy birthday,’ she continued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">‘Oh thank you’, I replied,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘but it’s not my
birthday until the end of next month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re
so organised’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">‘Oh no! I thought it was the end of this
month’, she declared.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">There had been a trauma with a phone and
lost contacts, which resulted in the mix up of birthday dates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It happens, I know, we’ve all been there …
yours truly included!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve sent a friend
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can get busy at times but the good news is that no friendships were lost in the
process.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">You’ll be pleased to know that I graciously
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gift before my official birthday date?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unlike the queen who has two birthdays – official and unofficial – I’ve
only one birthday … and that’s official. I’m wondering if the queen has a birthday
gift dilemma on her birthdays? Are there official and unofficial birthday
gifts? Just wondering, you understand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Well, I waited a whole day, almost another
day more but ‘suspense’ couldn’t wait and … yes, I opened the early birthday
gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was delighted with my friend’s
choice of gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knows me so well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A wonderful gift and one I’m very happy to
receive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m grateful and thankful for a
gift that will come in very useful over the coming weeks … and before my
official birthday too. Dilemma resolved!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353700576663217563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253439558445097152.post-12667925789714180282019-07-26T17:59:00.000+01:002019-07-26T18:06:07.852+01:00Who encouraged and supported William Shakespeare?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbimxFlZw53y18d0oKPBjp_G2vhUHOhs5YRZY4Z9UuCyOn9jSLdbjdLdO5IVJATeXRqBpPOwyRNV_ev1QdpjOtcKXTQAOlB2GUYtnNInBzzFVC5BFX4APcjjBKBGzWsm_0DcL5rq0k60k/s1600/20190725_075052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbimxFlZw53y18d0oKPBjp_G2vhUHOhs5YRZY4Z9UuCyOn9jSLdbjdLdO5IVJATeXRqBpPOwyRNV_ev1QdpjOtcKXTQAOlB2GUYtnNInBzzFVC5BFX4APcjjBKBGzWsm_0DcL5rq0k60k/s200/20190725_075052.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">a little silver horse called encouragement </span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">‘A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse,’
cried Richard III as he lost his horse in battle. The devoted Shakespeare fans
among you will nod knowingly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The line
may trigger happy school days in English classes learning and memorising
Shakespearean stanzas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although sometimes
it was a challenge staying engaged with passionate English teachers, old
fashioned English and a man called William Shakespeare. My respect for the
bard, his plays and writing is greater now, as I’ve grown older and wiser! And
what’s this little silver horse got to do with Shakespeare, I hear you
ask?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well, it’s fair to say that I like horses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my opinion they are beautiful creatures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t own one but several months ago I was
gifted some horse riding lessons. It was a fun experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the horse riding stables I got to know
several temperamental animals and they got to know me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like humans, each one had its own
personality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some were quite happy about
the early morning rides along the common.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Others played deaf when I tried to wake them up and gee them along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several were open to bribes of sugar cubes
and carrots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder if Shakespeare
liked horses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well, this week I was presented with this
little silver horse … no not for horse riding! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The riding lessons never progressed to
gymkhana standard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My <a href="http://www.sloughwriters.org.uk/" target="_blank">Writers Group</a>
awarded this little horse to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
the ‘Progress Award’ for newcomers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
must confess it was a wonderful and unexpected surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m pleased and honoured that my writing is progressing and being
acknowledged too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t help wondering
if William Shakespeare was encouraged and supported by fellow writers as he
penned sonnets and plays? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">‘A horse, a horse … <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a little silver horse for an aspiring writer,’
is a very encouraging gesture indeed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353700576663217563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253439558445097152.post-73408219209701309412019-07-19T13:12:00.000+01:002019-07-19T13:13:04.761+01:00What annoys your Procrastinator monster?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdP2gJmQYQtLiEdiJ7CMiNh5Uai0Y16FmM-pgTWuIcPuiD5oRiDCYDbIdkrAThe1FzHU7LVJYPSqBjcOB34ol1tv2NCjWiEXayN1cykny3f4qsPSk7nTqiayETAenHOLdA8Z5XdQDnk3E/s1600/20190627_172730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdP2gJmQYQtLiEdiJ7CMiNh5Uai0Y16FmM-pgTWuIcPuiD5oRiDCYDbIdkrAThe1FzHU7LVJYPSqBjcOB34ol1tv2NCjWiEXayN1cykny3f4qsPSk7nTqiayETAenHOLdA8Z5XdQDnk3E/s320/20190627_172730.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">... write like there's nobody watching</span></div>
<br />
<br />
Sometimes the hardest thing about writing is ... making a start! Have you ever noticed how the Procrastinator monster weaves his way into your thinking brain in a deliberate effort to sabotage the creative flow? He's very good at planting seeds of distraction just as I settle at my desk.<br />
<br />
'Maybe a cup of tea before you start?'<br />
<br />
'Did you remember to ..?'<br />
<br />
'What about ..?'<br />
<br />
'Have you organised something for dinner?'<br />
<br />
And if truth were told, I can be easily distracted.<br />
<br />
'Focus!... focus!' screams Writing Muse.<br />
<br />
She's been so keen since our recent trip to Ireland and our participation at the <a href="https://www.irelandwritingretreat.com/" target="_blank">Ireland Writing Retreat. </a>She uses all opportunities to guide, direct and cajole me into spending more time writing. She's insisting on a 'short write' every day. And for that I'm thankful and happy to engage.<br />
<br />
'Just write', she'll say.<br />
<br />
The 'short writes' don't always makes sense. I mean my paragraphs and prose are not quite Man Booker prize material ... and that's okay for now. Such diligence really winds up the Procrastinator. Oh yes, groans and grumbles can often be heard in the background. He's used to getting his own way and loves to win at all costs.<br />
<br />
The Writing Muse and I have been carefully balancing creative writing with work and play this week. There's been more work than play but a girl needs to earn a living too!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353700576663217563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253439558445097152.post-75741559877223024912019-07-09T10:18:00.002+01:002019-07-19T13:12:45.078+01:00Anyone for a creative break by the sea?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<h2>
<br /></h2>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6XJSC02z6yYd5gICr3HVXF0FFsboEC64nxysWM79mxYpZrY29hzXblzIaxOPd6g3qp2burV_PCfVbtupdAFMdOvNzslfw2SjQFI565oZGjanvOOognZZMoVf-487DXCV_rMHwnwcVag/s1600/20190624_181137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6XJSC02z6yYd5gICr3HVXF0FFsboEC64nxysWM79mxYpZrY29hzXblzIaxOPd6g3qp2burV_PCfVbtupdAFMdOvNzslfw2SjQFI565oZGjanvOOognZZMoVf-487DXCV_rMHwnwcVag/s320/20190624_181137.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h2 style="clear: both; font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>a quiet spot to write ...to dream ...</i></span></h2>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Writing Muse and I were in serious need
of a break … a holiday … an opportunity to re-connect creatively, so we took
ourselves off to a writing retreat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
mean, what harm could it do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recently, there
had been so many non-productive spells of writing. It seemed to both of us that
we really needed to escape from the rat race and go somewhere peaceful and
quiet. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There had been endless conversations
between us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">‘Where should we go?’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">‘What about Ireland?’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">‘Ireland?’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">‘What about the Ireland Writing Retreat?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">‘How do you know about that?’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">‘Serendipity … he’s a good friend of mine.’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">‘Emm? Where in Ireland?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">‘Donegal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Know it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">‘Know it, I love that place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Donegal is my heart space!’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">‘So we’re going?’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">‘Too right we’re going!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We booked ourselves in for a whole week with
the <a href="https://www.irelandwritingretreat.com/" target="_blank">Ireland Writing Retreat</a> in west Donegal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Teac Jack, Gweedore was the destination, a place off the beaten track towards
<a href="https://www.wildatlanticway.com/highlights" target="_blank">The Wild Atlantic Way. </a> We were not disappointed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Our</span> hosts, Sean and Columbia had woven
together a workshop of colourful and creative strands - writing exercises,
author visits, storytelling, songwriting and several excursions too. The céili
dancing provided great energy bursts for the restless soul and ensured both
mind and body were well maintained during the week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Writing Muse and I had great fun and
made lots of new writing friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
shared stories and writing in class, which often continued over a glass of wine
in Jack’s bar later. At times, it was difficult to know if it was the telling
of tales or the draining of wine glasses that enhanced the storytelling as the
night wore on … whichever, it resulted in some fine stories and writing by the
end of the week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353700576663217563noreply@blogger.com0