Máire Rua Writes

Sometimes life has a habit of running away with itself and before you know where you are (or I am!) time has gone by and there’s been no blogging. It’s only now that I’ve managed to catch up. September has finished and October, a new month has started! Welcome October. I do love these autumn months, the colours, the change of season and the beautiful full moon in the autumn sky. Does time travel at a quicker pace as we grow older and wiser or is that merely an old wives’ tale. I’m hoping it’s a great untruth as I’ve got a lot of growing older and wiser yet to do!

I’ve been doing a little blog dipping, a good blogging re-start strategy for me and today I read Ann’s recent blog at Inkpots n’ Quills. I really enjoyed her post about time, travel and childhood memories. It triggered a few memories for me too. I had one of those too, a pipe smoking grandfather, a quiet and gentle man who even in his 80s could step dance with great rhythm and grace. He enjoyed his pipe and had in fact a selection to choose from. Occasionally, under supervision, I was allowed to take a light from the fire on a small slither of firewood. Slowly and carefully I would pass the light to my grandfather. He would light the tobacco and I’d watch him puff and blow when lighting his pipe. I watched closely as the little red glow died down and he puffed again and then the smell of tobacco would fill the room. Ahhh … I can almost smell it now. If I walk past a tobacconist shop I always look in the window to see if I can see pipes like those my grandfather used to smoke. Even today and despite being a non smoker I do enjoy the tobacco aroma, it takes me back to when I was a little girl and I think of our little ritual of lighting the pipe because that was exactly what it felt like, a special ritual between grandfather and granddaughter. I wonder if he ever realised how this would impact me as I grow older and wiser.

Are you flying with the 'no frills airline'?

2010-09-12T20:37:00.008+01:00

I've just returned home from dropping my brother off at the airport this evening. It was great to see him. Busy places airports particularly on Sunday evenings when people are returning home after weeks and weekends away. My brother was travelling with one of those established airlines which operate with strong customer service standards. On the way to the airport we chatted about our travel experiences and travel in general. We talked about how the travel experience had changed from our student days and what we now viewed as good value and who offered the best deals and service.

I'll admit that as a passenger I do like to be looked after and treated well. I believe travelling should be enjoyable experience Some airlines are much better at providing the travel experience than others. I was reminded of a witty travel song from the all female comedy group Fascinating Aida, I went to see them at the theatre a few weeks ago. They were really funny and had a song about almost everything - including airlines, particularly those with the 'no frills service'! If they come to a venue near you ... go see them. If they're not due in your town soon here's a preview of their airline song. Check out the 'Cheap Flights' song on their website. I guess the dance routines are optional but as an Irish woman I would encourage you to try a few steps at least. It does wonders for your deportment and who knows what opportunities may come your way in the forthcoming weeks! There's a rumour that Riverdance are looking for a few more dancers.

I think my brother was pleased that he wasn't booked with the 'no frills airline' this weekend. He clams he's rubbish at dancing.

Have a good week, smile often and laugh lots.

The Horse Boy - a story of inspiration.

2010-09-07T14:39:00.000+01:00

I've just finished reading 'The Horse Boy' by Rupert Isaacson. I heard about it first on the radio and then by coincidence the book was gifted to me several days later!

It's an amazing read based on a true story about a father's incredible journey to heal his autistic son. They travel to the plains and mountains of Mongolia, the spiritual home of the horse. Both he and his son have a great affinity with horses. I'd recommend reading about this incredible journey, noting the encounters along the way and the love and dedication of the parents for their son. An inspiring read. Also, encouraging to note how this journey influenced and shaped the father's work today at The Horse Boy Foundation organisation.

It makes me think about how personal circumstances can and sometimes do influence, change and transform our everyday work.

Who or what inspired you lately?

Managing change - It is OK to go slowly!

2010-08-31T16:55:00.003+01:00

The thing with change and transition is that it’s a strange place to be – the transitional space, you’re neither here nor there, you’re at that in between stage of letting go of all that is familiar, of all that you have been doing for many years, of all that you can do with your eyes closed (well almost!). You find yourself moving towards the new space, the space where you really want to work, the place where you really want to share your skills and talents. The place where your hearts skips a beat with excitement because you know that you will enjoy this work more so than any of the other projects you’ve been involved in and the place where you know you can make a difference!

And what’s that like? What is it like opening the gate to the field of unknowing? What are the feelings and emotions attached to all of this? What are the questions that will be asked? What are the challenges that lie ahead? What is the learning in store for me? Who and what are the new points of contacts that will provide help, guidance and direction?

I don’t have all of the answers to the above just yet. I wonder if I will have them in three or six month’s time. What I do know is that I’ll never find out unless I explore, move forward and engage more enthusiastically in the new space. I am progressing and doing that albeit via a slow and meandering route and that feels good for now. Maybe some projects aren’t meant to be rushed. It may be that by taking time in the early stages of a new project encourages better relationship building and more authentic connections being made. I believe that by taking time to do this more trusting and reciprocal connections will be made and in turn create a ‘win/win’ for both parties.

What are you constructing today?

2010-08-25T08:40:00.003+01:00

'Look closely at the present you are constructing: it should look like the future you are dreaming.'

- Alice Walker

American novelist, short story writer.

This quote caught my attention this week and made me stop and think. What caught your attention and what did that do to your thoughts, musings and wonderings of 'what if'?

Write a real letter today!

2010-08-12T10:32:00.003+01:00

This week I received not one but two of those old fashioned letters. Remember them, a handwritten envelope with your name and address, real paper, real pen and lots of news, gossip and goings on! I love letters, I love receiving them and to be fair I do enjoy writing them too.

It has got me thinking about the art of letter writing. Is letter writing becoming a dying art? Aren’t people writing letters any more? Why is that? Is life becoming so busy and hectic we don’t have time? Is it because the process is too slow for our fast and frantic world? Is it because we no longer have the patience to wait for a considered reply? I guess there are many reasons, including, I don’t know how to write a letter. There will be those of us who argue that letters are written today, we know them as emails. Come on, do they really have the same effect? When was the last time you chat down with a cup of coffee and read a really good email? When did you last read and laugh about the adventures and antics your friend got up to while travelling to the other side of the world? I do write and receive emails, every day in fact. It’s a key part of the work that I do. But it’s not quite the same as a good old fashioned letter. The ‘ping’ of an email to my inbox just doesn’t have quite the same sound as a letter popping through the letter box and falling on the mat, come on, does it?

As a student in the 70s (pre email and inboxes) I received a letter every week from my grandmother. The letter was short and sweet with a few words about home and signed off in my granny’s familiar handwriting. At the bottom of each letter she drew a little bird and each letter contained a crisp £1 note. It was her practice on a Monday to collect her pension and post a letter to me when she went to the Post Office. Needless to say, the £1 notes have long since gone but my treasure trove of special things contains a couple of those lovely handwritten letters from her.

I’m launching a campaign to bring back good old fashioned letter writing. Care to join me? Today, take a pen, some paper, a brightly coloured envelope and write a letter to someone you know, love, would like to know better and just write until the pen stops!

And the colour is ...pink!

2010-08-03T16:20:00.005+01:00

Whilst out walking recently I came across this very pink truck. In the sunshine it looked very bright and beautiful. I loved the girly pink, a feminine touch of colour to what may be a rather messy business. It reminded me of one of Mary Poppins’ songs – ‘In every job that must be done there is an element of fun …’

Well done, Caroline!

What have you spotted recently that made you smile?

What do you wish for?

2010-07-28T08:17:00.010+01:00

Photo credit to an unknown photographer who took this fun shot.

The most important thing in life is to stop saying "I wish" and start saying "I will." Consider nothing impossible, then treat possibilites as probabilites.

David Copperfield

I wouldn't consider myself greatly unfit, although I wouldn't consider myself a paragon of fitness either. But I'm no authority on paragons of fitness, I do have a reasonable idea what that means for me, a reduction in the chocolate intake and a little more exercise! Oscar Wilde once wrote "I can resist anything but temptation" and I know exactly how he felt. For me temptation often includes a certain mint chocolate bar of bubbles. You know the one! I refrain from using the name only because if I do so, I may be inundated with endless free bars. Ah even now, the thought of it makes my mouth water. I have found that it's been a great solace on certain days and it's worked equally well as reward measures too. It's also been known to generate a little exercise by walking to the shop to buy a bar of the said mint chocolate energy generator. No doubt the calorific writing on the back of the package may reveal some unhealthy statistics but I find that I'm now at a stage that I can't always read such small print, this can be so convenient you understand.

I know I could/should perhaps be a little fitter. Of late I'm finding that there is often a reluctance to engage in aerobics and such like. I did have a go at spinning once and I quite enjoyed that and I was most surprised at how energising it was given that it was a stationary bike, lots of music and a most enthusiastic instructor. Perhaps it's time to revisit the spinning classes again or maybe enrol in a few dance classes? Who knows, it might even take away the occasional (just occasional mind!) feeling of guilt when I break open another mint chocolate bar of bubbles.

"I wish I was fitter and I will be fitter because nothing is impossible". I'm off to chant my way to the sweet shop now ..I mean gym, of course! There may be some intermittent reports later.

What do you create with your junk mail?

2010-07-23T14:23:00.006+01:00

I’ve been ‘blog dipping’ again and I’ve dipped into Fiona’s blog at Planting Words. I dip in and out fairly often as I enjoy her writings and her take on life. But don’t just take my word for it, dip in yourself and see. Anyway, yesterday she wrote a clever little piece inspired by a piece of junk mail which I quite enjoyed. It got me thinking about the ‘what’ that helps us to begin a piece of writing, I mean junk mail? Well done Fiona. So when my junk mail arrived yesterday (I’m very fortunate to have a delivery every day where I live!!) instead of the usual rush to the recycling bin, I stopped and scribbled.

So here it is especially for you today a little ditty entitled ‘Pizza poetry’. I don’t expect it to win any prizes but if makes you smile, cringe or even consider an alternative to recycling junk mail then it makes my effort all worthwhile.

Have a happy weekend.

Pizza poetry

Pizzas wi’ peppers, Pizzas wi’ cheese,

Pizzas wi’ mushrooms, Lots to please.

Chicken wi’ nuggets, Chicken wi’ chips,

Chicken wi’ sauces, To last on the lips (hips?).

Pizzas wi’ flavours, Spicy and bold,

A bottle of pop, A feast to behold!

2010-07-19T18:53:00.003+01:00

In my last post, I asked about what inspires you to blog. It set me thinking about ‘what happened during my week that was of interest to write about and share with you too’ Well I must report that the week has been full of lovely events, celebrations and meeting lots of amazing and wonderful people.

I must confess I’m less of an on line person (minimal Facebook user and a once a week blogger) and more of a face to face communicator. I like to see and talk to people in real time. I like to see the colour of a person’s eyes, the smile and laughter when a joke is shared and the look of disbelief when the tall tales are told. I do enjoy getting together with family, friends and colleagues and having a good old fashioned chat. For me that’s what I call real communication. Don’t get me wrong I do appreciate that there is a place for faster communication methods in this fast and speedy world we live in. I do sometimes wonder by engaging, are we adding to the stress and strain of our already busy lives. Maybe that is a blog post for another day!

This week there’s been lots of opportunity to do lots of the good old fashioned ‘talk talk communication’ – a lovely boat trip and picnic with The Man and friends celebrating our wedding anniversary. The day was hot, the picnic was delicious and the bubbly was chilled to perfection.

Then there was the attendance at Sue’s Inspire Day with colleagues at the delightful Bix Manor where we updated on our respective ‘life journeys’, caught up with old friends and acquired a few new skills too. I loved the African drumming workshop and if you ever need a grand boost of energy and enthusiasm to kick off a training course or event, then I wholeheartedly recommend Doug at SewaBeats – amazing!

Interesting to note that the theme of energy, music and positivity carried through my week with a carnival afternoon at the school where I occasionally work. I loved watching the children engage heart and soul with ‘When the saints go marching in’! The banging of drums, the tooting of horns and the sheer enjoyment on their faces said it all.

Yesterday I attended an excellent Women’s conference and heard from several very inspirational ladies who shared their own stories. One particular speaker, Lynn Pereira demonstrated incredible bravery and courage after a terrible acid attack.

During the week I have been inspired by so many wonderful people, those who have demonstrated courage, those who have shared fun and laughter and those who have simply been present to the moment. It’s been a great week. How was yours?

The blogging question

2010-07-12T16:48:00.007+01:00

I don’t know about you but sometimes when it comes to updating my blog, I simply don’t know what to write about. Sounds familiar? Maybe you are much better organised than me and work with a particular theme or an inspirational thought? I’m all for being organised and adhering to timelines and deadlines but sometimes it’s good to allow the creative juices to flow uninterrupted and without restraints to block the way. And that’s okay.

There are events which happen during the course of the day and the week and when they do I hear myself saying, “I must write about that”, but invariably what happens is that I get sidetracked and the creative thought disappears from whence it came. I could scribble it down, indeed on occasions I have done and my little moleskine notebook is full of such scribbles. But then when I read them back I sometimes leave my mind to pause on said scribbling and before I know where I am, I’m lost in a moment of meditation. I must confess it’s very therapeutic too!

Today has been one of those days. My little notebook sits open and I note the scribbles of inspirational thoughts, funny moments and words of wisdom. For another day I think.

My question for you today - who or what inspires you to blog?

What difference would a gift of education make?

2010-07-07T20:37:00.010+01:00

Today I learned that ‘Over 300 million children around the world do not have access to education and most likely will never learn to read or write’. This information was shared at a business breakfast meeting I attended in London. The event was organised by the charity Room to Read, a charity who believe that every child has a right to education irrespective of gender. Although I had heard of the charity previously through a friend of mine, I suppose until this morning I hadn’t really given a great deal of thought to the implications of not being able to read and write. For me, I love to read and write. I can often be found quite happily writing journals, short stories and letters, yes even in these times of speedier communication methods. I’m going to launch a ‘Polish up your penmanship’ campaign soon. Watch out for details!

I hadn’t really thought about it before now but having had the opportunity to be educated has really made a difference to me. It has allowed me to read and write and in turn improve my communication skills. The gift of education has allowed me to study, take on board additional learning and develop my career and enjoy the rewards over the years. This meant a better job and a better lifestyle. This gift of education has provided endless opportunities for me to develop my potential and that of others as I engaged with both adults and children through training programmes I’ve designed and delivered.

What difference would the gift of education make to a child who wouldn’t normally receive such a gift? What hopes and dreams might be fulfilled if we helped to make that happen?

Do you like magic with your music?

2010-06-28T17:37:00.007+01:00

Last night I attended an evening at our local Arts Centre to listen to the sweet and dulcet tones of Cara Dillon. Cara is a very talented folk singer from Ireland. I’ve listened to her albums and attended several of her performances over the years and with each performance she gets better and better. Her voice has a soothing, endearing and dare I say, magical quality about it. For me, her Gaelic songs are particularly haunting and beautiful. It’s as if she sings every song from her heart and soul. When she sang last night, the whole theatre seemed to embrace the magic of her words and music. I felt that we had been given a very precious gift to hold, we had, her beautiful singing voice! She sang and encouraged us to do so too. Her songs and music accompanied by her talented musician husband Sam Lakerman, told of joy, happiness and sadness too. She engaged her audience as she performed. I enjoyed how she shared something of herself through her stories, a truly authentic performer. This was Cara’s first visit to our local Arts Centre and somehow I don’t think it will be her last. If you have the opportunity to listen to Cara’s music, I encourage you to do so. I know you won’t be disappointed.

Who invites you to skip down memory lane?

2010-06-21T21:08:00.004+01:00

Last week I was at school helping a class of eight year olds. We were learning all about the concepts of past, present and future. The teacher was explaining how the present became the past and how this became history. We talked about current events and happenings and how they would in turn become past times and history. She highlighted various events that the children could relate to and understand the nature of the lesson. She cited the local town festival that had now had a history of being fifty years old. Fifty years old! That’s quite a concept for an eight year old to grasp. This in turn generated discussion about how life was fifty years ago. What was school like then? Did children use computers? Did the children travel to school on the bus? What did they watch on television? Thanks to the internet we were able to access one or two children’s programmes of that time so long ago.

Remember Andy Pandy and Loobyloo or Bill and Ben the Flowerpot men? Like our eight year olds some of you won’t recall these delightful Watch with Mother programmes. (The short video is purely for educational purposes you understand!)

The class were rather bemused that the programmes were in black in white and not in colour. This was a novel experience for today’s eight year olds.

And when we watched together I could feel myself skipping down memory lane …

Ahhh … those were the days.

Who or what invited you to skip down memory lane recently?

A special kind of play

2010-06-16T06:00:00.000+01:00

One of the many beautiful Oberammergau wood carvings taken by me. Artist unknown.

I’ve gone AWOL again, this time to the beautiful town of Pertisau in the Tyrol, Austria and a couple of days in the delightful village of Oberammergau in Germany. The trip was planned two years ago by my best friend and me. It seems like a long wait for a trip but this was due to the fact that the trip included a special theatre visit. We had organised to see the renowned Oberammergau Passion Play. There is a waiting list of two years for tickets to see this particular play. It is performed every ten years as per tradition and custom of the area. It had been on my ‘to see and do list’ for some time now and this year, 2010 was the year! I recall my parents going to Oberammergau some thirty years ago when I was a student at university.

The Oberammergau Passion Play originates from a vow made by the people of the village in the year 1633. It was during this time that many people in the region died as a result of the Black Death. The people vowed to portray the ‘Passion, Death and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ’ every ten years. Having made this particular pledge not one person in the village of Oberammergau died of the Black Death.

What’s so special about this play is that at least half the village (2500 people) are involved in the production, children as young as three and adults as old as ninety. Occasionally several members from one family may be involved in the production. All the actors are volunteers and prepare for the play at least a year before the season starts. Men will grow their hair long and acquire beards for their respective roles long before the season starts in the May. The season finishes in October and the play is performed five days a week. That’s a lot of rehearsals and performances.

To witness a production of the Oberammergau Passion Play is truly a wonderful experience. The choir, the music and the cast capture the drama, emotion and dignity of this story in the most fitting of ways. The setting, the ever changing scenes and the costumes capture the atmosphere of the event beautifully. Minutes into the performance I felt that I was no longer a spectator but someone caught up in the story of the time. The whole performance took us through varying levels of emotion. I was pleased that the two year wait for tickets was worth it. I would certainly recommend adding it to your ‘places to see’ list for 2020 and remember to book in plenty of time.

Ludwig Modl (theological advisor of the Oberammergau Passion Plays) wrote,

‘Once again they (the people) keep the vow of their ancestors in a way that remains true to the original promise. The play of redemption seeks to capture the fears and longings of the people of our times and gives them the kind of hope offered by faith. Consequently, the play is not a museum-like folk theatre, it is a theatre of the people for the people that reaches deep into life and seeks to convey hope.

All aboard for Raasay

2010-05-18T23:16:00.006+01:00

I’ve done it again! I’ve been sidetracked. I’ve broken my blogging habit. Not on purpose you understand it just sort of happened and during this time there were lots of interesting events going on and I had planned to write about them and share with you but … well life and work overtook such events. Note to self - need be more disciplined with my writing.

So my blog is running not in front of time, nor in time but behind time. The blog has veered off the time line perhaps in need of some inspiration, deliberation and creativity. Yes, it’s out of sync. Quite frankly I’m not sure that it ever was in sync. I did try and keep it updated on a fairly regular basis but sometimes I get sidetracked like now and I have to say that it’s quite a challenge getting back into it again, blogging I mean so please forgive my feeble efforts.

Some bloggers blog daily and that’s impressive. I truly admire such discipline. One such example is Paul At the end of the Road. I just love how he manages to write daily and usually something witty that adds a little smile or chuckle to the reading of his blog. He is based on the Scottish island Raasay, an island between the Isle of Skye and Scotland and if you can’t manage a trip there soon consider a virtual trip there today. It can be a great way to see Raasay, and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city too.

The Valley Gardens

2010-05-08T19:06:00.000+01:00

A couple of years ago I read 'The Artist's Way' by Julia Cameron. It was recommended to me by a colleague I met on a training course. Strange how some books keep cropping up in conversation and 'The Artist's Way' was one of those. In turn, I bought the book and used it as a aid to 'recover my creativity'. I was encouraged to write 'morning pages' every day for several weeks and schedule an 'artist date' for myself every week.

the artist dates are times for receptivity, preplanned solitary hours of pleasurable activity aimed at nurturing the creative consciousness.

I do enjoy writing and always have loved writing ever since I was a little girl. At 5'2" I haven't grown very tall but I do believe that my writing has improved greatly. I must confess it was a challenge making a habit of writing at least three pages of A4 every day, however when I now look back and read it through at times it can be quite enlightening! Writing can be a very therapeutic exercise too, I've found. If you haven't already tried it out do so. It can work wonders if you've had a bad day at the office!

Anyway, the 'artist's date' was something I particularly enjoyed and I visited some delightful places in my quest to 'recover my creativity'. Last week armed with notepad, scribbling pen and picnic I went off to visit The Valley Gardens. I persuaded The Man and his camera to join me. The Valley Gardens is part of The Great Windsor Park and if you have the opportunity to schedule an 'artist date' there I encourage you to do so before all the blossom falls. For those of you unable to make a visit I hope you enjoy the pictures courtesy of The Man and his camera at frasersfotos.

If you think you can, you can!

2010-04-26T13:46:00.004+01:00

Today I came across this poem from the poet C. W. Longenecker.

You Can If You Think You Can!

If you think you are beaten, you are,
If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you like to win, but you think you can't,
It is almost certain you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you're lost,
For out in the world we find,
Success begins with a fellow's will.
It's all in the state of mind.

If you think you are outclassed, you are,
You've got to think high to rise,
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.

Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man.
But soon or late the man who wins,
Is the man who thinks he can.

~ C. W. Longenecker ~

Anyone for ...daffodil therapy?

2010-04-22T23:56:00.006+01:00

I did consider posting some poetry to accompany this picture but then I thought that you might like a quiet moment viewing the daffodils.

I invite you to take a minute to escape from the busyness of the day.

So enjoy the daffodils and whatever else the new season of spring brings to you.

How creative are you?

2010-04-15T16:07:00.004+01:00

Earlier today when I sat down to write I was distracted by the activity in my garden. Some days I can be distracted so easily although I do confess that I quite enjoy sitting at the dining room table and gazing out through the French windows. Much more conducive to creative writing than working from the desk in the work space upstairs. By moving to a more creative space I believe this helps the creative thoughts flow. Well that’s my theory and I’m sticking to it!

What caught my eye was a female blackbird flitting around my garden picking up moss and straw to line her nest which she has built in a hedge near the garden fence. She has been building it for a couple of days now and it’s coming along very nicely, not that I’m an authority on blackbird nests you understand. But when I’ve sneaked a look, it looked quite impressive. In fact I would go as far to say that it’s a work of art. She must be feeling pretty proud of her handiwork. The male blackbird (presumably her mate) stopped by occasionally. I haven’t seen him build or carry anything to the nest. Maybe his role is more of a project management one!

The nest building exercise made me reflect on work and working styles. How some of us like to fully engage in the activity and others who are quite content to be more ‘hands off’. I enjoy when an organisation encourages innovation and creativity within the workplace. I love to hear the energies rise and the motivation levels rocket. Often there are some great ideas and solutions to problems from people engaged within an organisation, if only we (managers / employers) would acknowledge these untapped talents. In my opinion a good organisation encourages the company to grow and develop more by tapping into the resources and talents of its people.

Emm wondering what other talents the blackbird with the project management skills has to offer?

Tips for bloggers – Tip 1: Blog dipping

2010-04-07T13:16:00.007+01:00

To keep a blog updated requires discipline, dedication and dipping … yes, you’ve read right, dipping! Dipping in and out of other people’s blogs is a good way to learn about the ‘what else’. What else is going on in the world? What else is going on in life? I find myself ‘blog dipping’ a lot particularly when I go to update my own blog. It can be a dangerous process blog dipping as very often I find myself miles away from where I first started. Imagine that, travelling far away without ever having to leave the desk and the laptop. Hurrah for the internet. I just love to see where the virtual road takes me.

Today it took me to The Blue Cabin , near Strangford Loch in N. Ireland. Although I’ve never visited the area in person embarrassing really as I hail originally from N. Ireland (Note to self - add to the must do list), I spent some time there today courtesy of the website, blog and video wandering in the peace and tranquillity of nature. Most therapeutic. I enjoyed reading about the arrival of the Terns and wondered if they created the same sense of awe and amazement I experience when the Red Kites swoop and soar in the skies above my home. These birds have often been the cause of distraction when I work from home but a welcome distraction I hasten to add.

I'm interested to know where the virtual road takes you this week and what did you find when you got there.

Is it worth sharing?

A blogging dilemma

2010-03-28T22:55:00.007+01:00

http://www.frasersfotos.com/index.php?showimage=291

Oh dear, thirteen days since my last posting. So much for my best intentions of writing a regular blog. And a regular log is ... daily, weekly, monthly? Well I had planned that I would post at least weekly but I guess I got side tracked with life events, working, catching up with friends, more working, looking at new job opportunities, celebrating St Patrick's day (17 March!), attending a few training courses, consolidating the learning, organising time to spend with family ... so blogging got shelved for thirteen days. I promise to get back back into the habit of blogging again. My blogging buddy Caroline at 'Getting to Excellent' is quite an authority on the subject of habits as well as measuring ways to get to excellence. She did confess on line (so brave!) that she had one of two challenges with managing her caffeine habit but overall she did it. I was impressed. I plan to follow her sound advice on 'creating a blog habit' i.e. writing a blog post regularly.

I had planned to blog today about how wonderful it was to have started the first day of summer. I actually spent two hours in my garden potting, pottering and admiring my 'host of daffodils'. The sun was out and the sky was blue and it was very therapeutic time digging and working in the earth. I so enjoyed the first of many long days of light.

Have you arrived at the Element?

2010-03-15T08:28:00.005Z

At the moment I’m reading and enjoying ‘The Element’ by Ken Robinson and fellow author Lou Aronica. Sir Ken is one of the world’s leading thinkers on creativity and innovation and he is an international leader in the field of developing human potential. In THE ELEMENT which he defines as ‘the point at which natural talent meets personal passion’, he demonstrates how and when people reach the Element, they feel ‘most themselves, most inspired and achieve at their highest levels’. He explores the parts innovation, creativity and commitment to our own capabilities play in finding the Element and in doing so provides some great insights and lots of food for thought.

His thoughts, stories and insights make for inspirational reading.

I wonder how many of us have already found our ‘element’. I’m curious to know what that’s like. As for me, well I guess I’m still at the exploration stage - exploring the things that I feel quite passionate about. I'm giving thought and consideration to what may become the specific passion that changes everything. And you, where are you at? When are you in your ‘element’?

Have a good week.

A matter of time

2010-03-04T07:57:00.004Z

Time is more value than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time.

Jim Rohn

What would you do if you had more time?

How would you spend it?

Who would you spend it with?

What are you waiting for? Go for it!

Ramblings in Christmas Common

2010-02-21T20:54:00.009Z

A whole week has gone by and I haven't got round to updating my blog. Not that it really matters. I mean it's not as if anyone has missed it. I'll bet you didn't even notice. Like me you were probably so caught up in the busyness of life you weren't even aware that there were no postings from last week. But I have missed it ... just a little mind ... sometimes it's good to have a few creative ramblings. Sometimes it's good to take stock of what is going on. Sometimes it's good to sit and think. Often it's good quite simply to sit!

During the week I decided to take some time out and catch up with a friend I haven't seen for ages. We've both been caught up in the 'busyness of life' lately. We arranged to meet in a beautiful place called Christmas Common in Oxfordshire. We donned the walking boots and walked and talked, admired the countryside and watched the red kites swoop and soar in the blue skies above. Initially I had felt a little guilt with it being a Friday and a working day however the moment of guilt soon passed. It felt good to be out in the fresh air and bright sunshine.

As you can imagine all this activity requires sustenance. There's a lovely little pub to stop by and treat oneself to lunch should you meander along this way in the future.

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T15:22:00.008Z

Today is St Valentines Day but I guess you knew that already. What does it mean for you? Hearts, flowers, romantic gestures and cards? Something else? Or are you one of the cynics who say 'bah humbug' just an excuse for the stores and shops to commercialise the day to death and overkill romance? Maybe the day reminds you to do something a little romantic because life can become so busy to-ing and fro-ing and we may forget to factor in a little romance? Is it all about love of the romantic kind? Is it simply about declaring undying love for a partner or a spouse? I think its a lovely opportunity to say 'I love you' to parents, grand parents, children and good friends too!

And what of St Valentine, the patron saint of this special day? There is much mystery surrounding St Valentine. I have enjoyed reading something of the history and I hope you do too.

As for me, well I confess to being a hopeless romantic. I do enjoy the celebration of the day and the participation of it too.

Happy Valentines Day!

Praise for Prague

2010-02-08T09:13:00.009Z

We've been away for a few days visiting the beautiful city of Prague. This was my first visit and despite it being really cold with plenty of snow still on the ground I did enjoy wandering around this lovely old city. The copious layers of clothing, woolly hats and scarves from the overpacked suitcase were most welcome for the morning and afternoon meanderings. Chillier evenings when temperatures dropped were spent in the warmer places checking out the local wines and beers and admiring the internal decor and architecture!

It was like stepping back in time to another century, another world of frescoed buildings and domed and spired dwellings although I have to add that frequent evidence of mobile phones and laptops reminded me that I was very much in 2010! But there was something magical and romantic about the beautiful old buildings in styles of Baroque, Rococo and Art Nouveau and impressive hugh sculptures that had taken years to build and create. Such artistry that stood the test of time and political events exceptionally well was a delight to witness.

There are so many places to visit on a short trip but we managed quite a few. The Man at frasersfotos has captured quite a lot of photographs which bears that out. I think a return visit will be required in the spring when temperatures are warmer and woolly hats are optional!

We all smile in the same language

2010-02-01T23:23:00.000Z

"All people smile in the same language". Unknown

In a previous post I commented upon the difference a smile can make when it comes to providing good customer service. It set me thinking about how we use language and communicate to each other, how we connect without even saying a word, perhaps by the way we nod, smile and gesture to each other. Recently I had an interesting encounter with an Italian gentlemen with very limited English who 'asked' me for a lift to the bank on a cold and wet January day. As an Irish lady, Italian was never one of my languages of learning, English yes, a little French but no Italian apart from 'ciao'. However after many gestures, dramatic use of body language, broken English, a little French and lots of laughter we understood each other. I chuckle even now thinking about how this conversation might have looked to anyone watching this encounter as an 'observer of life'.

Some years ago I met Nic Askew, a man with a camera and story who created Soul Biographies. In his work he captures beautifully the essence of human nature in different languages. Check out his piece on the language of smile. http://www.soulbiographies.com/2009/07/smile/

Burns Night Celebration

2010-01-24T22:31:00.003Z

Tomorrow night around the world tributes to the life and works of Robert Burns will be held, through the ritual of the Burns Supper. Originally started a few years after his death by a group of his friends and acquaintances to honour his memory, the suppers are now celebrated annually on the date of his birth, 25th January.

No Burns Supper would be complete without the haggis, the dram of whisky, the songs, the recitals, occasionally the dancing and always the fun.

He had such a way with words … Robbie Burns, a man of words, a poet, a romantic, an orator of his time … a master of communication.

O my Luve's like a red, red rose, That's newly sprung in June: O my Luve's like the melodie, That's sweetly play'd in tune. As fair art thou, my bonie lass, So deep in luve am I; And I will luve thee still, my dear, Till a' the seas gang dry.

No doubt if, he were alive today, he would join us in the celebrations with a wee dram himself!

I love books

2010-01-17T09:10:00.005Z

I love books and could quite happily spend all my time reading. I love real books, old fashioned books where one can turn the pages, smell the newness of the page and follow the print on the page easily and comfortably. I like being able to mark the page with a colourful book marker and stop for a moment and think about what I've read. I love books in old fashioned bookshops that haven't been opened for some time. I love books that can be carried easily in a well packed handbag that can be taken out to snatch a moment or two in a crowded place awaiting a plane or a train. I love books that can take me to a place in my mind and imagination on a bad day. I love books that challenge me and make me think differently about things I thought I already knew so much about. I love books that inspire me with their words within their hard backed covers. I love books where the poetry unfolds and expresses notions of love, happiness, sadness and mixed emotion. I love books and how they educate, inform, inspire the mind and thought processes. I love books. Do you?

How does snow weather you?

2010-01-11T15:00:00.007Z

As a result of the recent heavy snowfalls I took the time to

admire the winter wonderland near where I live
breathe in the cold air
try out lots of new soups
ride the local bus into town
get the wrong bus home and short cut through fields of snow in the sunshine
read more and write more in the dark and snowy evenings
watch the children sledging in a nearby park
connect with neighbours when clearing paths and cars
watch the robins, blue tits and red lapwings that fed from the birdtable in my garden
break in my new walking boots
be appreciative of living in a country of different seasons
enjoy one or two glasses of 'vin chaud' more often
feel alive and well

What about you?

How is the snow for you?

Ready for change?

2010-01-02T17:31:00.008Z

On New Years Day, the Man and me went walking around Dorney Lake. It was a bright, cold and sunny day. Lots of people had the same idea to walk around the lake and take in the fresh air on the first day of 2010. It was good to walk and talk, walk and think, walk and ... well just walk some more. It was also good to contemplate the changes over the last few years and changes about to occur in the forthcoming years. Some known, some unknown. I noticed the changes in and around on the lake itself, the planting of new trees, the colours of the trees, the cynets changing from young to adult swans. The lake itself has changed and developed over the years since we've been going there. Even today the place is changing and developing for future events.

Dorney Lake is the venue for rowing and kayaking in the Olympic Games in 2012. The Man, a keen rower is most excited about this particular change. I look forward to watching the changes unfold and I plan to be there too watching one or two of the rowing events. (Contrary to rumour it has been known for rowing widows to attend events!)

As we walked and talked I gave serious thoughts to my New Year Resolutions. I've jotted them down on an inside page my 2010 diary. I wondered about changes that lay ahead. How different would things may be at the close of 2010. I can't predict the future. I can plan for one or two events. I wonder what world changes will affect me. I wonder how changes I make will affect the world. Now there's a sobering thought for the New Year. And you, what of your changes? How might you change during this year?

Wishing you happiness and success for 2010.

A Christmas Gift to You

2009-12-29T18:33:00.007Z

And back to blogging after the Christmas holiday. If you didn’t celebrate Christmas, I trust you enjoyed or perhaps are continuing to enjoy the ‘down time’ with family and friends. I do love this time of year. I enjoyed time spent with family particularly an excited two and half year old who ‘likes pink’ and Santa Claus, nativity plays where the shepherds wore hoodies and late morning walks in the snow.

Well the snow has stopped falling here and been replaced with rain, lots of rain as I write. I ventured out earlier today and the shops were busy with SALES, SALES and more SALES. Maybe it’s the Christmas gift exchange time? Whatever the reason, lots of people milling around and lots of shops full of people wishing to dispose of their cash. Streets, shops and houses are still decked with festive decorations, twinkling lights and Christmas trees.

I’m not good with sales shopping. In fact shopping is not my favourite thing but sometimes it has to be done! I’m much happier wandering and walking at an unhurried pace, taking time to absorb the surroundings as I amble along. I had the opportunity to factor in some reflective walking time just before Christmas with a group of colleagues and friends through the lovely Savill Gardens, Windsor. My friend and colleague Jacqueline Harris runs an organisation called Breath of Fresh Air which encourages us to get out of the office and commune with nature every now and again. Outdoors thinking is very effective and therapeutic too! Come and try it for yourself if you are in the neighbourhood.

The walk before Christmas invited us to celebrate our successes of the year, share them with others, consider what we would like to gift to ourselves for the forthcoming year. I’ve gifted myself ‘more time for creativity and writing in 2010’. What gift would you choose for you?

... and we shall have snow

2009-12-22T15:51:00.007Z

We've got snow, lots and lots of snow! Due to the fact that we are not too well equipped for big snowfalls, it creates chaos here in the South East of England ... big time!

Yesterday I attended a meeting in a local hotel, about 10 mins car drive from where I live. Nothing unusual about that except that when the meeting was over I joined the mile long queue of traffic slipping and sliding all over the place - no gritted roads, no anticipation of futher snowfalls. It snowed and snowed. I felt like one of those Father Christmases or Snowmen in the plastic bubbles. Remember those - shake the bubble and see the snow storm. Like many others I sat in my car and waited and waited ... and waited while the car in front slipped and slid a metre or two at a time ... I listened to at least three news programmes, tuned into several radio stations until I decided to park up my little car and walk home. By this time it was quite dark and the roads were lit up with cars and vans trying to make their way home ... several vehicles had been abandoned, some were refusing to move any further.

I walked into a winter wonderland, moved away from the chaos and scrunched my way home in the deep and beautiful snow. The child within me made tracks in the freshly fallen snow where paths no longer existed. The night was dark and houses were lit up with twinkling Christmas trees and lights. The scene looked quite magical. The peace and tranquility hung heavily in the air. So beautiful. Picturesque. My journey lasted a couple of hours however I so enjoyed the early Christmas gift from Mother Nature and I somewhere in the distance I'm sure I heard sleigh bells ring ...

What makes your customers smile?

2009-12-16T23:33:00.001Z

Some time ago I started receiving short films on a Monday morning from Nic Askew (with my agreement!) - not just me, lots of other people too. Nic has quite a following. His reputation as a film maker has developed over the years and although I don't claim to be 'in the know' about film making, I do know that he produces some excellent films. Films that inspire, provoke and touch the heart. He has a particular gift for capturing something special about the people he meets and there is a certain magic woven into the stories he hears and films. Often these people are part of his life journey. But don't just take my word for it, check it out for yourself at Soul Biographies.

Why am I telling you this? Earlier this week I decided to order a couple of his films on DVD. A Christmas present for .... me? ... somebody else? Anyway, when I ordered them I had a confirmation note back from the supplier thanking me for my order and assuring me that it would be with me soon. The reply really made me smile and I thought I would share it with you.

Please rest assured that we've taken great care in the shipping of your DVD.

We hold true to an ancient DVD shipping tradition passed down for over 5000 years. This very intensive practice is only achieved after years of training, meditation, purity of mind, and deep breathing exercises.

After a rigorous 17 step process of verifying the authenticity of your DVD, we donned silk gloves and placed it into a sacred box made of magic and lined with Unicorn fur, tied the box with a strand of Gypsy hair, and wrapped the whole thing in a snazzy looking faux gold leaf paper, with elm leaf inlay from Costco. Unfortunately, by the time it gets to you, all of that fancy stuff will likely have been picked clean by the greedy postal service employees. Please don't be surprised to see just a plain cardboard box.

We hope you enjoy your films and that you'll visit Film Baby again soon to browse all the great independently created entertainment!

Nothing like a little humour to lighten the wait. It worked for me!

What makes for good customer service?

2009-12-09T15:03:00.007Z

Not the well worn, 'have a nice day' phrase used so often that it begins to sound like a deflated balloon, not the totally dis-interested checkout assistant or the one who ignores the customer in the queue because he/she (usually a she!) is finishing off a conversation with her neighbouring checkout buddy.

At the risk of this post sounding like a 'grump post', I can report that customer service is alive and well. Found a little example yesterday in a doughnut shop in a neighbouring town - an employee with a welcoming smile, a very pleasant way with her customers and most helpful with customers queries. She looked and sounded happy too. That makes a difference. As a result of this, I came away happy too and so impressed that I wrote to her organisation to tell them so. I don't know what they will do with their customer feedback. I don't know if the employee will be recognised. I hope she is as she did provide really good customer service. This is a good demonstration of the difference a person can make for their organisation and to the organisation.

What does it take to become excellent at customer service? My blogger friend Caroline writes an excellent blog that makes us think about, consider and contemplate how we may consider working towards excellence in our respective roles and jobs. I invite you to stop by and read 'Getting to Excellent'. It may not provide the full doughnut experience however it will provide much food for thought, of that I am certain.

I have to add that the chocolate iced creme doughnut tasted delicious ! All in the interests of my customer service research you understand.

Life's little learnings.

2009-12-03T22:46:00.003Z

http://frasersfotos.com/

Blogging for me is one of those new 'learning experiences'. I love learning new things, trying out new hobbies and experiences. There's something about that YES feeling I get when it all comes together ... even after numerous ill fated attempts ... like when you learn to ski for the first time as a mature learner or is that a late starter?

When that tough, laborious, knitted brow, 'I hate skiing' snow plough movement flows gently into a beautiful parallel turn and ... YES, you've got!

And so it was when I finally managed to include a photo with a blog post - YES I did it!

Thank heavens for such achievements to us non techie mortals.

What gave you that 'YES feeling' recently?

How old is old?

2009-11-26T09:27:00.010Z

How old is old?

When does ‘an old lady’ become an old lady?

How old is old to qualify as ‘indigenous’?

These were a few of the questions posed by people I met this week as I travelled along life’s journey. I like questions, particularly those that are posed with an air of intrigue and curiosity. Some people may use the term nosey or even inquisitive and indeed that may be the case. I guess that depends on the questioner and the intention of the question. But hey, sometimes it makes for an interesting conversation if perused in the spirit of openness and fun.

As a little girl anyone over 20 was old! However, as the little girl grew up and became 20, 30 etc – old moved much further down the timeline. Currently it sits at 80 something.In fact, I’ve found myself referring to the ‘old’ word as ‘mature’. Well it does bring about a certain life experience with it, don’t you agree? One of my girlfriends was promptly reminded of walking the timeline when playing a game with her little grandson. After a triumphant win he shared that he didn’t want to be beaten by ‘an old lady’… ouch!

Then there’s ‘indigenous’. I love that word. It takes me back to travelling days when the tour guide would point out trees, plants, and fauna, all indigenous to the area. For me, there was something about the sound of the word which conjured up images of trees, plants and fauna that had been around for years and years, as in once upon a time, long before my days as a little girl. A friend of mine told me about an interesting discussion he had about ‘indigenous trees’. How old were they? How old do they need to be to qualify as ‘indigenous’? We don’t know the answer but if you do, let us know.

In every job that must be done ...

2009-11-19T17:00:00.002Z

In every job that must be done there is an element of fun, you’ll find the fun and (snap) the job’s a game. For every task you undertake becomes a piece of cake …

Okay, I know some of you will already have recognised the lines from Mary Poppins, that charming, talented and witty nanny of some time ago. I do think it’s important to have some fun at work, after all most of us spend a lot of time there. At times it can all become quite demanding and even stressful. I read a report recently where ‘more than 13 million working days a year are lost because of work related stress, anxiety and depression’ (UK figs). This can be a big expense to employees and employers. We seem to factor in less ‘fun’ in the workplace these days; maybe we’re too busy to have fun?

However, it has been brought to my attention that there are little pockets of work and play beautifully balanced. If you need some thoughts for your next team building event, you may wish to be a little creative in your planning. I know Mary Poppins would approve!

The Lake Isle of Innisfree

2009-11-16T07:25:00.005Z

A little poetry to start the week ...

I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made:
Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for a honey-bee,
And live alone in the bee-loud glade.

And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,
Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;
There midnight's all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
And evening full of the linnet's wings.

I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear the lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway, or in the pavements grey,
I hear it in the deep heart's core.

W.B. Yeats

Webinars - a first for me!

2009-11-11T07:38:00.009Z

A first time for everything and last night was the first time I participated in a webinar. Big deal some of you may think (those of you that have done loads of these already!) but I hadn't participated in one before and I have to say it was a novel experience and I was most impressed.

A webinar is a great opportunity and novel way to learn something new via the web - like how webinars work, how effective they can be to market your product and/or resources on line. It's like a training session on line. You are invited to participate, given a unique link or number to contact , invited to call in at a specific time and join over 100 other people on the call. Last night's webinar had over 400 attendees! The presenter presents his material for one hour. Now that's impressive, conveying a message, information, education to all of these people at the same time in different parts of the world! Powerful. I participated here in the UK at 8.30pm, a one hour webinar - convenient, it allowed time to cook dinner, feed the family and have almost all the dishes washed before the webinar started! Anything that assists and improves my time management skills scores extra points. It avoided having to go out on a wet and cold autumnal evening too ... just retire to the study and listen. I guess you could change into your pyjamas (dependent on time zones) but I refrained.

So what did I learn in one hour - lots. How webinars work. How to use them effectively. How to link up with colleagues and work collaboratively. How to sell services and products via webinars. How to use the same material and maket it in different ways to accommodate the needs of your clients. How to maximise sales. How to build business by incorporating webinars as part of the marketing plan.

All in all, a well delivered, informative and educational one hour delivered on a dark and wet evening and in the comfort of my warm and cosy study too.

It's just a job - or is it?

2009-11-06T21:14:00.007Z

It's been a relatively busy week and I'm glad that the weekend is here.

There has been several business meetings and events this week, some productive and others not. However I did meet some interesting people in the process - like the lady at a local business event for women planning on starting their own businesses. One lady is planning to start her new business in commercial bee keeping. I have to say that I found this fascinating - not sure why, I guess that I liked the 'business with a difference' idea. I do like 'different'. I learned much about bees, their behaviour, their atuning with nature and of course the commercial side of the business too. I do enjoy connecting with people with different interests and I believe that this particular lady will make a success of her business because she held such passion, belief and experience about her intended business. I wish her well.

Then there was the lady photographer who visually 'loved her job' and that could be heard when she recounted details of her work, the challenges and changes she had to deal with in the early stages when she set up her business and how she hoped to see it develop in the future. Now here was a lady happy with the job she did and wondered why she hadn't gone into photography sooner.

Work - 'a means to an end' or 'an end to a means'?

I wonder if there is something about having to try out several jobs, places of work, positions of respnsibility before we get to find the job or position that provides us with real job satisfaction, enjoyment, contentment and happiness ... and a reasonable income too?

Island Cross Talk - Pages from a Diary

2009-11-03T12:12:00.009Z

I’m currently reading ‘Island Cross Talk’ originally written in Irish by Tomas O’ Crohan and translated by Tim Enright. (Publisher, Oxford University Press). This book details a fascinating account of the life and times of the Islander, Tomas O’ Crohan, living in the Blasket Islands between 1919 and 1925.

The Blasket Islands are a group of remote islands off the west coast of Kerry, Ireland. Now a place which is no longer inhabited. I am enjoying reading about the history of the islands and you may do too, so I’m enclosing a link to a site providing further information on the Blaskets.

I particularly enjoy how the book has been written, as diary extracts which detail a way of life, the hardships, the poverty, the interaction of people, the friendships, the sense of community, the challenges and how tough life was at that time. I also enjoy the use of language and the musicality of O’Crohan’s voice telling the stories. In a way it reminds me of a time I attended a story telling session at the Irish College in Ranafast many years ago. My Irish wasn’t good enough to understand the finer details of the story at the time but there was something about the pitch, the tone and the sound of the story teller’s voice that engaged me. I note too that many of O’Crohan’s stories were told via the oral tradition and later how the author had been persuaded to write the book which in turn captured the essence of life in the Blaskets for future generations, people like me, perhaps?

It does make me think about the power of the written word. What pictures, memories, history can be shared and enjoyed by future generations. What do we learn from how life used to be? What of the people then and the people today? How do we compare? It also makes me feel privileged to have an education, the joy of being able to read and write and being comfortable with the three ‘R’s. For me, it’s wonderful that we can record events and times of the past and who knows perhaps even provide thoughts and musings for the future? Will our journaling and blogging of today offer that to the readers of the future?

Emm …must read through the Máire Rua journals and scribbling and see if there is something of note for readers of tomorrow!

Halloween - trick or treat?

2009-10-31T22:54:00.006Z

As soon as it got dark, the ghosties and ghouls came out in my neighbourhood. We had several little ghouls appear at our door this evening - not as many as previous years I have to add. I did note several parties organised for the kids locally, perhaps that's where they have all gone this year - to a pumpkin party? I have to say I was rather disappointed as the big kid within me enjoys the banter of the little ones who come tricking and treating. Great to see the parent witches dressed up for the occasion too!

It takes me back to days of apple bobbing, witches hat making and telling ghost stories with my brothers and sisters once upon a time. My lovely Dad would tell some great ghost stories ...

This evening I'm left with a surplus of chocolate - scary thought!
I'm not really sure what to do with it.

"Eat it ", I hear you say.
"I couldn't ", says my conscience.
"Ah well, maybe just a very little piece", says my sweet tooth.

Happy Halloween.

When the light goes out

2009-10-29T23:21:00.005Z

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. Albert Schwietzer

Who has 'lighted the flame' within you recently?

What difference did that make to how you think and what you do?

Poetry - to enhance and entrance

2009-10-25T09:37:00.010Z

words stream past me poetry

twentieth-century rivers

disturbed surfaces reflecting clouds

reflecting wrinkled neon

(Adrienne Rich)

On Friday the Man and me took off to London, me with scribbling pad, he with camera. It was one of those beautiful autumn mornings, no work scheduled for the day so we took the opportunity to do 'something else'. My 'something else' was to visit the poetry library. Up until a few weeks ago I hadn't heard of the poetry library, so I was keen to check it out. It's based in The South Bank Centre and if you arrive in time for a sandwich lunch you may even be serenaded with great music for free! Though I can't guarantee this with every visit.

The poetry library is on the fifth floor of the Centre and it has a wealth of poetry books and collections. I can guarantee that you will find something there to stir and inspire the mind. In fact you don't even need to read from the written page. As I gazed out the window (between readings) the lines above by Adrienne Rich caught my eye. On a beautiful day, I enjoyed 'the reflecting clouds' and the time, the peace and the quiet to savour the words I read.

When I met the Man later, he had captured a few pictures which interestingly enough captured something of the essence of the day too. Did you know that Calliope was the Muse of Poetic Inspiration?

I noted a comment from DW Grubb's poetry collection, (The Memory of Rooms)

" ...Poets deaths get mentioned, seldom their entrances, rarely their authority as change-agents, enhancers, entrancers".

I hadn't really thought about the poet as a change -agent, enhancer and entrancher. I like that.

Flying in for lunch

2009-10-18T18:04:00.004+01:00

This week a buzzard flew in for lunch. I must confess I was most surprised to see him. I suspected that the bird table had attracted him in, but no, I was wrong. He arrived with a takeaway, one he had obviously plucked fresh from the sky. He reminded me of a busy person (maybe me?) who grabs a quick sandwich and travels from somewhere to somewhere else at speed, one who doesn't have time to sit down to taste the sandwich or linger over the accompanying cup of coffee.

So he sat in our garden and unpacked his sandwich of grey feathers and slowly and surely feasted in a fashion quite befitting of one used to fine dining in urban gardens. We gazed at him in amazement from the study window, not making a sound, merely wondering which of us was going to clear the table when he had gone!

And guess who drew the short straw?

Autumnal playtime

2009-10-04T06:30:00.000+01:00

Sometimes the days move along so quickly.

I can't believe that we are in the month of October already - 'the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness' (To Autumn. John Keats)... but here we are and I have to say that I do enjoy the lovely season of autumn. Today I have particularly enjoyed scrunching my way through the fallen leaves in the local park.

Sometimes it's good to let the child within us have a little play now and again.

When does the child within you come out to play?

Book of nature

2009-09-27T10:23:00.009+01:00

The book of nature is a fine and large piece of tapestry rolled up, which we are not able to see at once, but must be content to wait for the discovery of its beauty and symmetry little by little, as it gradually comes to be unfolded.

Robert Boyle

I came across this lovely quote written on a book marker in a book I'd once read. Today I was having a little de-clutter moment in my study ... just a little de-clutter ... maybe a little more tomorrow. I wonder what other little gems lay hidden amidst the stacks of books on the shelves. The time has come to release a few more books into the wild, a tough job, but I know it's only right to set them free ...

Life teaches many lessons.

2009-09-22T10:39:00.005+01:00

It teaches that we don't always need to understand, have all the answers, know about everything. That it's really okay to 'not know' or be unsure or uncertain, as new learning helps personal growth and development. It teaches that it's okay to be overwhelmed every now and again, the learning - sometimes we need to take life a little slower and nurture ourselves. Sometimes we can get so busy looking after someone else's needs and requirements, our own needs fall prey to neglect, being ignored and devoured by the negative gremlins. That has been my learning recently and it was both painful and uncomfortable ... however I've learned!

Life is about ...

2009-09-15T23:51:00.003+01:00

http://www.frasersfotos.co.uk/

Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.

George Bernard Shaw

How did the monkey get to the moon?

2009-09-12T22:30:00.007+01:00

One day last week I went for a walk around Virginia Water in Windsor Great Park. It was a beautiful sunny day and several families had taken advantage of the last weekend before the schools started back. It was lovely to see children playing in the park, walking, cycling and generally having fun. In the park there stands a beautifully carved totem pole. I am a great admirer of totem poles although we don’t come across too many here in the UK. A trip to Canada several years ago really whetted my appetite for these wonderful works of art.

The 100ft totem pole in Windsor Great Park was a gift to HM Queen Elizabeth from the Canadian people in 1958.

As I stood admiring the totem pole, two little boys came running up to have a look too. The elder of the two (about 5 years old) was obviously out to teach his brother (a 3 year old) a thing or two.

“Hey Gary, have you ever seen one of these? It’s a rocket … and it flies monkeys to the moon!”

I smiled.

Sometimes things are not always what they seem.

At the dawning of the day

2009-09-08T08:54:00.011+01:00

I did it! - Writing at dawn – well 5.00am to be precise before the dawn broke - “Hemingway time” and on the occasion of my birthday (there were other celebrations too you’ll be pleased to hear). The 5.00am write, this was my challenge (see earlier blog 28.08.09) as a result of a provocative thought prompted by a fellow blogger.

And what was that like?

I was so concerned about not sleeping in; my internal alarm system jolted me awake at 4.45am. I guess that was my subconscious still coming to terms with the shock of a 5.00am start and the fact that I had chosen, yes, chosen of my own free will to do this. No early morning flight, no sponsored sunrise walk, no early morning business breakfast – quite simply a choice to get up and write at 5.00am.

Armed with a cup of coffee, pen and paper, I wrote and wrote and wrote about everything and anything, whatever flowed from my pen. Believe it or not, I managed to fill 10 pages of A4 (potential material for one or two blogs?). For me, there’s something quite freeing about ‘just writing’ without comments, without checking to see if you’ve spelled words correctly, without checking that the commas are in the right places, without wondering if readers will understand what you’re trying to say, without caring if you as the writer will make sense of it all in a few days time.

It was fine, it was fun, it was free flowing and I liked that. I learned a little more about me in the process too about how I think, what motivates me, what is important, how when I commit to doing something I do it. I found the early morning writing process very therapeutic and the writing tapped into memories I had almost forgotten.

Watching the dawn break and seeing the ‘gum tree’ in the garden silhouetted against the sky was a beautiful picture from Mother Nature. The stillness and sense of peace in the last morning of the summer was something quite special.

Would I repeat the experiment again? Yes, most definitely although I am wondering if perhaps I should keep it as a birthday treat from me to me!

The Field of Unknowing

2009-09-07T08:11:00.007+01:00

I’ve just opened the gate to the ‘field of unknowing’. Well the truth is that the gate was opened for me recently when I was told that my job would be coming to an end soon. It wasn’t a surprise but I hadn’t quite expected it just now…and that’s okay because I sometimes think that having a definite date that hangs over one for too long can be tough. It can allow niggles, doubts and negative thoughts to creep in and at worst cause stress and uncertainty to grow and fester. So I’ve decided to open the gate to the field of unknowing wide, very wide and see what’s there for me, for now, for today, for tomorrow.

As I stand in the field of unknowing, I note the poppies of possibilities, the big tall daisies of decisions stretching high towards the sky, the little green shoots that sprout along the boundary fence. I can’t pretend the dandelions of destruction are out of my eye line, they’re not. I note the spiky thistle and the occasional stinging nettle. I am aware that they are there too. There are various emotions as I stand in quiet contemplation about letting go and moving on, about changes like the seasons of the year and seasons of time. And now it’s time for me to move on, to change and try something new, something different, whatever that is. There’s a little apprehension, a little excitement too and much curiosity about what the next few months will bring.

Flying high for freedom

2009-08-30T14:42:00.006+01:00

I watched him from my study-cum-spare room for ten minutes as he swooped, dived and glided across the sky.

Alone and free and without a care in the world .... so it seemed.

The red kite glided with such elegance and ease,

oblivious to those of us who watched him in awe and admiration.

And then after minutes of mesmerising us with his skytime choreography,

he flew off into the distance unaware of the moments of magic he had created with his visit.

Ready for Hemingway time?

2009-08-28T07:00:00.002+01:00