Shirley Valentine

A REVIEW OF SHIRLEY VALENTINE - The Stage Version

 

One of my all time favourite films, that I have seen several times, is Shirley Valentine, starring Pauline Collins.  I absolutely loved this film - it is funny, sad, true to life, has several 'wake up call' messages in it, and the scenery of Greece is beautiful.  When I saw it was on stage in a nearby town, I just had to see it, so a friend and I went into Birmingham.  My friend had heard on the radio that the play was was a monologue, which took the shine out of being sat in the New Alexandra Theatre.  Two ladies sat next to us were also duly disappointed, as they were looking forwards to seeing a Costas look-alike.  However, Jodie Prenger was AMAZING as Shirley Valentine.





 

The first half was set in the kitchen with SV making the famous 'chips and egg'.  The smell wafted up into the circle and I was grateful I had just eaten a meal so wasn't hungry.  Jodie/Shirley portrayed the story exactly as I remembered it.  Her use of the Liverpudlian accent was very good and her take on the voices of other major characters was brilliant.  The real kitchen set up with electrics and cabinets, sink, washing machine etc was used to its full capacity.  Cupboards, freezer, washing machine doors were opened and closed, the table drawer and other drawers opened and items taken out to further set the scene.  A slight pause for a change of clothes before her departure to Greece was handled very well by stage hands and Jodie's motherly figure was transformed to a woman about to go on an adventure, just by adding a different outfit. 

 

If I had closed my eyes when Jodie was being Gillian the Neighbour (Julia McKenzie in the film) I wouldn't have known it was the same person.  Her take on her daughter Millandra too was excellent.

 

In the second half the scenery was on a beach with rocks and blue sea all around.  Jodie was in her swimwear and I was so glad she was not a slim lady but one of real proportions and not ashamed to show it.  Shirley talked to Rock instead of Wall and told us of the antics of the friend she had travelled with and how she found herself alone again.  And then Costas comes into the play, well his voice anyway.  I could see Tom Conti in my mind ... "you afraid I want f**k with you".  How we laughed.  "He kissed my stretch marks....... aren't men full of s**t?"  More laughter.  Great therapy.



 

The table and chair was used to do the 'Dougie and Jeanette' scene very well, more laughter.  And then the sitting by the sea and contemplating life and who she really was, the deciding to not go home and eventually returning to work in Costas café where she offers English tourists chips and egg when they don't want squid or any other Greek dish.

 

 

"Will he recognise me?"  Shirley had changed.

 

Well done Jodie on being word perfect throughout.  Thanks also to the New Alexandra Theatre for providing pre-paid ice creams to our seats in paper bags during the interval.  Much appreciated and enjoyed.

* * * * * 





I had my own Shirley Valentine Adventure in 2015 (minus Costas).  To celebrate being 60 I went to the Greek Island of Skyros where I changed into a serious writer.  You can read my several blogs entitled The Big Adventure.  Scroll down until you find it.  I would recommend every woman goes find herself in a place by the sea - it is memory making, life changing, liberating.  If I can overcome my fears of travelling alone, so can you.  It's a real confidence booster.  Go on, try it.  You will surprise yourself.

Book review - A Not Quite Perfect Family

 

Arriving at Fuengerola, Costa del Sol, Spain meant a week of undisturbed reading for me.  This book came out of the case onto my lap in the hotel foyer, on the balcony of my room, around the pool, in bed and on the beach.  The iPhone got relegated.  I had quality 'me' time.

I was sent this uncorrected proof copy from its publisher - a first for me to receive such a lovely gift.  It was such a privilege to be amongst some of the first readers as it is not available to buy until 7th April, 2017.  This holiday was about me drawing a line under almost a year of ill health and what a tonic it was - both for the change of scenery, the sun and food, and for this very humorous book.

If you like 'Outnumbered' or 'Not Going Out' on television you will love this book.  In a light-hearted way it deals with the agonies of being a parent or a mother-figure to three generations.  Sandwiched between an ailing elderly Aunt and her own two children, then double deckered between two men; a 'sort of' daughter-in-law and her baby, Fern's relationships play out like a pinball machine being buffeted from pillow to kitchen; hitting the jackpot, loosing the game, then winning the prize.

It is a tale for anyone separated from a long-time relationship; a carer; a dog lover; a working mum or anyone lost in a jungle of other people's needs and dreams.  Through the journey Fern rediscovers her 'self'.

I rate this a 5***** read.  Well done, Claire Sandy and Pan Macmillan.

Book Club, Mims Cafe, Cannock

 

I have been to Mim's Café for Book Club three times now and each time I have not wanted to leave!  I'm sure if I lived closer I would be in there very often.  Not only is the cake or lunch divine but the beautiful hostess, Mim, gives such a warm welcome and service.

 

The décor is shabby chic style with pastel colours, bunting and pictures.  There are playthings for children and plenty of tables and seating enough to have a private chat or to share with a group.

 

Once a month on a Thursday evening Kim Nash hosts a Book Club there.  A guest Author tells us about their publication journey and about their books, then we all share our latest read - who has read what and a mini review is voiced.  It is a good way to know which book to choose next from a bookshop or on-line.  Most enjoy a 'fluffy' read but others like crime, psychological thriller, historical or other genres.

 

If you live within travelling distance of Cannock, Staffordshire I can't recommend this friendly group enough. 

 

A similar group is being set up in Tamworth, Staffordshire in association with Tamworth Literary Festival.  If you would like details either scroll down to the next blog or go to Facebook "Readers & Writers, Tamworth" for more details.

Sue Moorcroft, Author,

 talks about her latest novel and publication journey.

Book Review - The Christmas Card

With so many Christmas novels on the market I was struggling to decide on just one for my Christmas break read.  So I handed the choice to my other half and he gave me DILLY COURT, The Christmas Card which, on first glance, I thought was not my usual genre due to the opening page giving the setting as in the 19th Century.  That said I began to read and soon could see and feel the atmosphere and all along I have felt it could be a blockbuster film and/or television series.

It made me feel grateful for living in the 20th/21st Century and the relative luxury my life is compared to this period of Dilly's work of fiction.  Alice, the protagonist, is a very strong young woman, determined, fearlessly independent in a man's world and not afraid to speak out when others go along with being dominated by others.  It is a nail-biting, exciting read, full of suspense whilst being both chilling and heart-warming.  Family secrets come to light and by Alice's determination are looked at from more than one angle enabling happy endings.

At the centre of the tale is a Butterfly brooch.  Anyone who knows me well knows that butterflies are very meaningful to me so the neatly weaved in tale of a brooch lost and found adds great significance to the entanglements of broken families and their subsequent re-uniting.

It left me with an uplifted spirit, a determination to keep going to reach my dream.  It teaches its readers that facing your fears rather than running away is what we should all do to untangle any mess we find ourselves in or whatever negative self-talk we convince ourselves of.  Reason, perseverance and grit prevails.

Well done Dilly Court.  Can't wait to see The Button Box in the shops later this year - I have had one of those in my life for as long as I can remember.  It will be interesting to see how you have made a novel out of such a collection of fasteners.

New READERS AND WRITERS GROUP

New READERS & WRITERS GROUP

In association with

Come to the Historic Town of Tamworth in Staffordshire to join in this exciting new group.  If you like reading novels of any genre, write a blog or have inroads into publishing please do get in touch or come along and share your passion and knowledge.

There will be a chance to hear from a guest Author, Blogger or Publisher and ask questions as well as share your thoughts about the latest book you have read, pick up tips, have fun, eat cake, drink coffee, tea or even something a little stronger!   

 

The first meeting will be on Tuesday 21st February 2017 at 

 

River Tame, Tamworth Castle Grounds

Guest Speaker will be : Kim Nash,

award winning Publicity & Social Media

Manager at Bookouture; and a regular Book Blogger

 

2nd meeting will be on  21st March with Guest Speaker Carol E Wyer, Award Winning Author of the comical Mr Grumpy series, Life Swap and Little Girl Lost.

 

3rd Meeting will be on May 23rd when it is hoped Crime Book Blogger/Reviewer, Noelle Holten will be with us. 

 

To Book your place please go to Facebook - Readers & Writers Group, Tamworth Staffs

 

or Ring/Text : 07980650038

 

or Email : sueflint13@hotmail.com

 

 

Note to Authors : If you would like to be a Guest Speaker please do get in touch.

 



 

Christopher's Bistro,
The Peel Hotel, 13/14 Aldergate, Tamworth B79 7DL

www.the peelaldergate.com

 

Dickens of a night

Last night I experienced a wonderful cultural evening.  The setting was Tamworth Town Hall built in 1701, the upper chamber where many a meeting will have been held.  The room housed a beautiful horseshoe table and pictures of men of old hung on the walls giving grandeur to the setting.

Having lived in Tamworth for 40+ years this was my first glimpse of the Mayor's Chambers.  The Mayor, dressed in his gold chain of office, gave my husband and I a private viewing of the silverware cabinets in the Mayor's Parlour.  Such a beautiful building, well kept and probably under used.  The treasures glistened behind glass and the curator pointed out the oldest piece.  I hope it is well alarmed!

The Tamworth Literary Festival organised a Dickens' Penny Readings evening as it was thought Dickens came our way in years gone by and read his works and promoted his books.  An actor/reader posed as Dickens (2nd from left) and gave voice to the life of someone we have all heard of but probably know little about his private life.  We will have, perhaps seen films or stage plays of his books, some may even have read or studied his bound works.  Our Dickens, in fine voice, told his life story and mentioned his works, his loves and marriage, children, poverty, travels etc.  It was fascinating and very realistic.  Then he gave us a rendition of a scene from 'Oliver Twist' where poor old Nancy and the horrible Bill Sykes met their ends.  I could 'see' the happenings in my minds eye as the narrator put various tones to his voice and actions with his hands.

The audience had been invited to dress in costumes of the times.  Alas only a handful of the 40-50 people attending participated but looked so very elegant as you can see in the photo.  Mulled wine and mince pies were enjoyed by all afterwards.  Thanks to the Committee Members of Tamworth Literary Festival for a lovely evenings' entertainment.

Christmas is coming

The cards are made ready for writing; presents are bought, wrapped and ready for giving.  Different food items are appearing in my kitchen - dates in their long clear plastic boxes and mince pies in red tins, freshly baked.

"When shall I put the tree up?" swishes through the canals of my brain on a daily basis.  I always think two or three weeks is long enough.  You see it's all about dust.  It seems more noticeable at this time of year now that its cold and I spend more time indoors.  It's the frosty bright sunshine that does it - beaming in through the windows that need cleaning yet again, casting its rays around my lounge and highlighting the dust that I only wiped away the day before.  If I put the tree up now the baubles will need dusting too!  Oh my, I must be getting old!

I sometimes think I have lost my Christmas sparkle.  I love Christmas but after 60+ other Christmas's, it becomes a bit 'samey'.  And yet it is that sameness that is so lovely.  I've tried the going away at Christmas, I tried the Christmas Day meal out, I've been ill at Christmas and I've celebrated with friends and family.  I think - 'next year I'll do something different', but then the following October comes around I haven't planned ahead and so the days towards Christmas start to speed up and, other than be organised with cards and presents, I've not left time to plan anything different.

I don't worry about Christmas though.  Some people get so stressed.  I avoid the shops and supermarkets as much as possible each December.  I let everyone else queue up at tills and fight over car parking spaces.  Everything always gets done, everyone gets what they want and more, and stuff they don't really want too!  Its fun opening present whilst still in pyjamas and fluffy dressing gown next to a glowing fire and twinkling lights.

Then the News on tv shows refugees, war torn countries and people suffering in far off places and my life feels indulgent and privileged, not ordinary at all.  My floater coffee and chocolates for breakfast which warms and comforts me is luxurious whilst somewhere in the world another child dies from malnutrition or gunfire.  Am I supposed to ignore it?  It's hard.  It's a crazy world we live in. 

So my thoughts and prayers continue to plead for PEACE and GOODWILL towards all.  I do my bit and hope that the little giving, praying and sharing that I do helps not only those near and dear to me but all those I will never meet. 

Wishing you a happy and healthy season of Advent, may Christmas Angels surround you and keep you safe, warm, healthy and happy. 

Letting Go

‘Letting Go’ is the theme of Autumn – I like to think the trees sigh as they turn from being dressed in green to reds, yellows and browns.  The sigh is not sad but one of relief having held up heavily laden branches all year – they can now stand proudly baring their real selves.  They take on a mirror image above and below ground.  They are alive though they appear dead.

In my simplistic faith I like to think this image is how God sees us – the roots being before birth, the trunk our life span and the unclothed branches our spiritual afterlife.

Death of a loved one is traumatic and we each take an individual personal journey of mourning and grief.  One never does ‘get over it’ but we learn to live ‘with it’ which entails a new ‘normal’ having finally ‘let go’ of whom we have lost.

In my many years as a bereavement counsellor I have had the privilege of sharing in many a grief process.  Indeed, I have made that journey too myself, many, many times.  It never gets any easier, even with strong faith, celebrating a life, having good memories and placing them in heaven where I believe we will all meet again one day.  Grief, like autumn, is a process that cannot be avoided.  Like trees we have to Let Go and Let God, it is the order of things He has ordained.  Though we don’t always acknowledge or see it, we DO grow through each dark season.  My dear Aunt, who recently met our God, said it was 5 years before she noticed the spring buds of green leaves on the trees after she lost her husband.  It takes time to heal and there is no one and right way or length of time.  God carries us through and puts us down when the process is done. 

May your autumn and winter seasons be a gentle time of reflection and a warming of your soul.

Book Review - Thursdays in the Park

 

 

As it is October and the leaves are changing colour, falling and scratching around the pavements on windy days, the cover of this book drew me to itself.  I picked it up in a Charity Shop, not really needing another book as I have a pile of  'to be read' books by my bed. 

What I liked about this book was that it was about a sixty year old woman (my age bracket) in a long term marriage (there are still some of us around) with a boring, yet controlling husband who gives Jeanie more than enough to worry about when he wants to sell their home and move down south before she is ready to retire.

Helping her daughter out with childcare also has its challenges when weekly trips to the park with her granddaughter gives Jeanie a new outlook on life.

With lots of traumas and believable events Jeanie's life is turned upside down and painful topics have to be faced and decisions made.

It was refreshing to read a love story that would appeal to all ages but predominantly for more mature ladies.  It was easy to read, gripping and enjoyable.  Well written Hilary Boyd. 

Book Shelves

I wonder how many homes DO NOT have book shelves?  I wonder if you, like me, scan other people's bookshelves when they are not looking, to see what they read?  Crime fiction, travel books, cooking recipe books, novels.  Hard back books, paperbacks.  Different sizes and non-uniform stuffed onto shelves that don't get dusted very often.  Do they actually read them? I ponder.  I silently try to guess who in the household reads Historic fiction, who is into astronomy or steam trains, who likes Victoria Hislop or Penguin Classics?  Are there any I recognise and where are the children's story books?

My books are not on display for visitors to do this sort of inquisitive questioning which is very rarely verbalised.  Today I have decluttered the two book cases I own.  One in a spare bedroom, the other in the garden cabin.  I have books from my former career - theory study books and self-help books; spiritual growth books, writing books.  I have long stopped keeping novels I read as I have never read a novel twice.  Why keep them?  I now take a photo of them and 'pin' them on my Pinterest board - A Good Read.  I blog about them too lately.  I then give them to friends or family who I think may enjoy them, or to the church for fundraising, or to a charity shop.

I have always loved books and, although I have read a few on my Tablet, I prefer the feel of a paperback novel.  I like the cover picture and back page giving me a taste of the story inside.  I like turning an 'actual' page rather than scrolling left on a screen.  And I like bookmarks - I use them now I value books more; I used to fold the corner of the page down to remind me where I had got too. 

If you buy a second hand book and find underlinings, stars in the margins, or scribbled notes at the bottom of the page, it was probably mine.  Do you do this too?  Some would say its sacrilege to mark a book like this but those who have used books to study, will, I am sure understand this.  Having paid good money (and study books are very expensive) I take ownership of it and imprint it with my own learning or relevance to the essay I want to write.   I keep it on the bookshelf long after the exam was taken and passed.  I keep meaning to revisit its informative pages or re-read it, but I never do. 

So now they have been pared down to a few favourites in each category.  I'll keep them a bit longer, why I am not sure.  There are books I haven't read yet as well, ones I mean to get around to but always see another one more appealing in the moment.  One click on Amazon and another book is winging its way to me in the post.  Or, on a visit to a town that has a bookshop, I browse the shelves, breathing in the smell of paper and bindings, ink and glossy paper.  I so wanted to work in a library or bookshop but never did.  Being surrounded by books brings a peace and joy to my soul.  Time stands still and there is no rush when in Waterstones, W H Smith or a library.  I try to use my library still but sadly I fail each time I enter a bookshop or buy from Amazon. 

I grew up with weekly visits to Ward End library in Birmingham, a big old building next to a fire station and across the road from a vast park area that I used to frequent.  It's all still there.  I went passed it on a coach a few months back.  It looked the same from the outside and I guess it still housed as many books only now there would be multi-national languages as a large ethnic population now reside in the area.

I used to take my daughter to our town library when she was little for a 'story-time' group with other toddlers.  Afterwards she would choose 3 or 4 books to bring home to read.  Do children still do that?  The library is certainly a noisier place than it used to be; no-one 'shhhhh-ing' you if you make a noise.  People chat and use their mobile phones in libraries just like anywhere else.  Computers are available and on the top floor there is still a reference library, but this has less and less on offer since Mr Google came along.

Are you a book or e-reader?  Do you keep all your books or have the occasional sort out like I do?Who is your favourite author - do you stick to one author or try different authors?  Do leave comments below.  Hope this blog sparked some interest?

Book Review - Autobiography of Clare Balding

This book made me wish I had a relationship with animals like Clare did.  I've only ever owned one dog and never ridden a horse.  I like the look of horses but have not had the opportunity or occasion to sit on one or ride.  It must be a lovely thing to be able to do.  I am not sure how I feel about horse racing or steeple chases.  I can understand Shire horses working the ground or pulling heavy weights but galloping at speed round a course or jumping fences in fields looks to me to be dangerous for the rider and less than fun for the horse.  Cantering along a beach or down a country lane looks more fitting for the animal.  Dressage and funny walks and shows of skill seem very unnatural to me.  However, I entered into the arena, racecourse and countryside with Clare guiding me through her expertise.

Her sense of 'self' from a young age was very impressive.  She talks about the scrapes she got into and found herself in, with her younger brother, as a total norm of growing up in an unaffectionate/unemotional family set up.

It was nice to re-connect with famous Grand National and Derby winning horse names again that I had, somehow, heard of and stored somewhere deep in my mind: Mill Reef, Aldanti, Shergar and others.

I felt relief when Clare made a friend at boarding school as for the first ten years of her life it seemed that her world was full of adults except for her younger brother.  The relief soon turned to disappointment as Jenny disowned Clare over how she dressed out of uniform.  Clare's resolve at such a young age to overcome that hurt is remarkable.

Her early account of being in the Queen's presence is hilarious.  Clare's quirky nature and lack of ladylike finesse is frowned upon by her parents but just accepted as 'normal' to Clare.  I like the fact that she does not put on 'airs and graces'; she is natural and 'herself' at all times.  Not many of us can do that - we adapt to our peers' ways of behaviours or others expectations of decorum/behaviour that it is no wonder we sometimes doubt who we really are.

Her school days are reminiscent of many a young girls' struggle to be part of a team, group or gang.  The emotions of the scrapes she got into sorely felt as I was reading.

Reading her book did make me want a horse - not to own one, or even to ride one.  But to be a friend to one, talk to one, feel its coat and mane, to get to know its ways, study it like Clare so obviously does - hands on, body on body.  To be 'at one' with such a magnificent beast must be an awesome feeling.  Clare managed to shift her affection with each dog or horse, it was total love and care that perhaps human to human we lack - stroking, playing, walking, sleeping, running, jumping, feeding, cleaning, grooming.

The book made me think again about the difference it makes in our lives that those who believe in us, see our potential and ignore or forgive our failings.  They are the people who point us in the right direction - not necessarily with words of encouragement - but because of who they are and how they influence our thinking and being in a world where negative vibes are daily battles.

I absolutely loved Clare's feministic stances and wanted to shout out aloud whilst reading, "Good for you Clare".  However, I did feel a little sorry for her brother Andrew, being on the end of a line of 'put downs' - their Grandmother and parents modelling to Clare less than encouraging remarks and acts that it was inevitable she looked down on her younger brother.  But he too has taken his place in the sporting world and there was a good feeling ending.

I listen to Clare every Sunday morning on Radio 2, enjoy her commentating on sporting events on tv and especially during the Queen's 90th birthday celebrations.  I have observed herrow in her 'fi, eld' and she looks so happy and content.  Well done Clare, well done.

ONE YEAR ON.....

This time last year (August 2015) I was a few days into an adventurous once in a life-time holiday.  I had turned 60 and had never travelled alone.  It was a challenge and dream I set my sights on, subconsciously, many years ago.  Then it came into reality.  I travelled by car, plane, taxis, coaches and two ferries and arrived on the wonderful island of Skyros for a Writing Holiday that really had an impact on me.

I met a group of fantastic people and was tutored by the amazing Monique Roffey, whose words have echoed in my mind throughout the past year, "Just F***ing Write it."  I loved her, she was a total inspiration and made our 'class' times very valuable.  I was privileged to spend my birthday evening with her after a day of great joy with the others in the group too.

 

I have been reminiscing by looking again at my collection of photos, being in touch with those who I met, by connection of Facebook, Twitter and emails.  Looking back on my achievements since then I can be proud of myself and be thankful for the wonderful experience that continues to be my 'kick-start' into taking my writing seriously.  Here's what I have been doing in this last year :

• Had articles published in YOURS and TAKE A BREAK RECIPES magazines
• Completed an Open University 'Writing Fiction' course
• Written and posted many BLOGS
• Resubmitted my Children's Books manuscripts to several publishers
• Had monthly Church Magazine articles printed.
• Attended Tamworth Literary Festival meeting established and new Authors*
• Attended two Author and Blogger Meet Ups in Birmingham hosted by Kim Nash of Bookouture Publishers*
• Spent six days at Swanwick Writer's Summer School, Derbyshire*
• Finished 90,000 words of my novel and begun the editing process.

*scroll down to read blogs about these items

 

Perhaps two years on, one year on from Swanwick Writer's Summer School, I will have had more magazine articles published and perhaps a novel.  Watch this space.



 

Six Days at Swanwick Writer's Summer School

I'm a 'white badger' at Swanwick Writers Summer School, Derby.  No, not a badger animal but a 'first time attender'.  We were given white coloured name badges to distinguish us from people who have attended before; they have yellow badges.  There are 50 white badgers amongst a crowd of 500 delegates and I have to say we have been made most welcome and cared for.
On the first evening 'Ambassadors' sit at the dinner table with us and help new delegates get to grips with how things happen in the dining room.  I have Lol Barnes to thank for taking my dietary requirements to the chef and organising a non-monotonous menu for my stay, which I was very grateful for.  (I can't eat anything with oil or fat in at the moment - so no fried or roasted foods).

The programme became my bible for the duration of my stay as I found myself referring to it at least six times a day to see 'what's next'; where in the lovely buildings I was meant to be and what course I was attending on any given day or part of the day.  Meal times and coffee break times were also important, as were times when the bookstall was open, the bar and The Hayes Conference Centre's own little gift shop.  For those able to enjoy the full range of foods and drinks available it would be hard to resist the biscuits and cakes at the break times and the puddings after lunch and evening meals.  Food for kings and queens - it was a banquet.

The green cheesecake with dried flowers on top was so
hard to resist as was the chocolate cake.
Fresh sweet strawberries were most welcome though.

For health and sanity reasons from Monday onwards I opted out of late night entertainment and one or two short course sessions in order to rest and actually write!  Here's what I did attend and thoroughly enjoyed :

• The First Year (White Badge) Reception - a lovely glass of red wine and welcome.
• After Dinner Guest Speaker - John Lamont - a very lively Scot who had us all laughing and learning at the same time.
• Short Stories - a 4 part course led by Linda Lewis who is a regular writer for women's magazines.  I will certainly be submitting more short stories to various magazines in the future.  Linda was clear, precise and a no-nonsense teacher.  Very good.
• Writing Picture Books for Children - a 2 part course led by Pat Belford which gave me the answer to questions about my own unpublished books that I needed to hear.  What a lovely gentle but informative class, much enjoyed.  Thanks to Pat for appraising my Children's Books.
• Facebook Group - a closed group of Swanwick writers was available to join and it was good to put faces to names of people who are on Facebook.
• Flash Fiction Workshop led by Veronica Bright.  Something I can do but haven't, will certainly be submitting a few of these too.  Thanks Veronica.
• Unwind your Mind group 4 sessions (see previous blog - scroll down) led exceptionally by Zana Lamont - practising Mindfulness, meditation and Tai Chi.

Unwinding - stretching, claiming the space around us, getting ready to meditate.

• After Dinner Guest Speaker - James Runcie - (Yes son of former Archbishop Runcie).  Very lively, informative and helpful.  Excellent.
• The Trickier Side of Fiction - a 2 part course led by Sue Moorcroft, Novelist. So well attended that people  were sitting on the floor.  This was so good and useful for my novel writing.   I bill this 5* alongside the Unwind your Mind classes.  
• After Dinner Guest Speaker - Kathryn Aalto, and American landscape designer, historian and lecturer living in Exeter.  She has written about the forest of 'a hundred acre woods' from Winnie the Pooh books.  Her power point pictures were lovely and hearing about her journey to being published was enthralling.
• After Dinner Guest Speaker - Michael Jecks (by now I was seriously flagging! Apologies to the evening next speaker for my non-show).
• Busker's night - where attenders of the Summer School took up their instruments or sang unaccompanied and entertained us.  Fabulous evening.  So much talent.
• Endings and Agents - led by Erin Kelly - which again was so informative and useful advice.
• Labyrinth walk - see previous blog - scroll down.
• Annual General Meeting
• Pantomime - A sketch about the perils of writing, the ghost of doubt did a good job of whispering in Trev's ear but his Big Pen and good angel Success won in the end.  Loved the songs - I will write 500 words; Paperback writer etc which the audience joined in with the choruses.

All of the above is probably only half of what was on offer.  As I was not firing on all cylinders so I had to miss some workshops in order to recharge my batteries.

I have to be honest and say that although I really wanted to attend the Summer School this year and was grateful for my family giving me Swanwick Writers Gift Vouchers last Christmas, I was thinking it was going to be a one-off experience like my Skyros holiday was last year (see blogs August 2015).  However, even before the first few days were behind me I knew I wanted to come again, as so many do.  Being in a setting where you can talk the talk all week is like being in a candy shop surrounded by your favourite sweets, or in a library surrounded by books, only its not so quiet here! Swanwick Vouchers will be on my birthday and Christmas wish list again.

My review : Excellent. 5 Star. Beautiful surroundings, caring Committee and helpers, brilliant chef, lovely waitresses and house cleaning staff, lovely writers everywhere, a wealth of knowledge to tap into. Brilliant. 

The joy of it all continues as everyone is reconnecting via a Closed Group on Facebook and on their own Facebook and Twitter accounts.  The photographs delegates are sharing is wonderful but by far the best are from Kay-Anne Sheen and Kathryn Aalto.  Here are my favourite four :

 by Kay-Anne Sheen

by Kathryn Aalto

 

 

 



Unwind your Mind.....

I am at SWANWICK WRITERS' SUMMER SCHOOL.  If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter you will know.   You might ask what my title of this blog is about and how I achieved it when so much is buzzing through my head about what I could and want to write about, how and when I will do it, etc. etc.  You may also wonder what this has to do with writing - well it has to do with everything we do in life.  We are usually so busy that we don't notice things, we loose touch with the world around and within, we cram stress upon stress until our body tells us to stop.

Unwind your Mind sessions are being led by Zana Lamont, a Scottish lady who works in the Health Service. 

I have done some Thai Chi in the past, I have listened to meditative music, I have had massages where a little bell is sounded at the end to bring me out of the totally relaxed state and into the present and I was intrigued to learn more about Mindfulness.

The experience was truly wonderful and tears dripped from my eyes and later posed me the question - Why did I cry?  This blog is my answer.

I think the droplets of water that rolled down my cheeks were an automatic bodily response to 'coming back to who I truly am'.  It happens whenever I see a beautiful sunset over the ocean or watching a touching love scene on television or at the cinema; seeing or reading about great suffering or how wicked the world can be or how strong someone has been to overcome a great hardship.  My eyes just leak in response.  It has happened too when I am happy, sad, frustrated, angry, amazed, awestruck etc.

Being in the chapel on site for the Mindfulness/Thai Chi class I chose to remain seated whilst everyone else stood (I knew I had to protect my middle as I await a gallbladder removal operation).  So a bit of the tears were probably, at first, a little self-pity that I couldn't fully participate and that's OK because that is self-compassion.

Silence in a group of strangers, and yet people who I have things in common with, is very comforting.  CPD in my profession was mostly a good experience - a time to 'check in', be heard and accepted, a time to be real and honest.  Far too often we say "I'm OK" or "I'm fine" or "not too bad under the circumstances" in response to being asked how we are, when actually we feel crap but are either fed up with hearing our own moans or think others don't really want to know.

Put me in a place where spirituality is usually expressed and I immediately 'touch base' with myself.  I miss my inner Susan and when she returns, so unexpectedly sometimes, I well up and the eye droplets overflow.  I don't care who sees me but actually no-one is looking at me because they are all dealing with their own stuff in the moment.  We all have our own private space.

The slow movement of Thai Chi not only moves muscles, limbs, internal organs and brain in flowing rhythms but something 'shifts' within me.  As I concentrate on the movements and feel the space around me and the ground (and my chair) supporting me, my gratitude of being alive overwhelms me.  It is very similar to the feeling when I enter a warm swimming pool and immerse myself in water - perhaps this is my earliest memory of being in my mother's womb comforted by the amniotic fluid around me.  Perhaps entering a spiritual place is like going back in time before I was even an embryo.  I am in another place, another realm, a perfect world where love, safety, happiness is.  There, in that place/realm, there is no hurt, pain, disappointment.  The only place that I can vaguely comprehend a likeness to is what I believe heaven to be like.  Perhaps you call it Nevada, infinity or some other perfect place word.  Although I believe I will one day dwell in heaven full time I don't want that day to be today but it is wonderful to have a glimpse of it, a reminder of my destination after this journey of life.

A sunset can remind us of what a wonderful universe we live in despite terrorism, politics, poverty and injustice - it is still a beautiful world.

The music of meditations aids me to my heaven place too.  It evokes a 'calling' to my soul - God is with me and it is wonderful to be back in His presence.  (For those who don't believe in God read Higher Power or whatever name you give your deity).  I offer no resistance and welcome the contact again, being aware how it has been far too long since I was in this place last (not the building or the room but the out of body place if you like).   It is not a Sunday morning in church sort of feeling; its not a five minute time of peace and quite at home or in a special place; its deeper, a sacred space.

My tears wash away the grime of negative thoughts; they cleanse my soul for the next part of my journey; they renew strength in me.  I realise how stressed/anxious I was before the session and how much lighter and happier I feel and I bid myself not to leave it so long before I do that again.  I make a mental note to find a Thai Chi class, a Mindfulness course and take time each day to practice discipline in this way.

The experience reminded me of Skyros last year (blogs available - scroll down) and especially of the Five Rhymn Dancing Yolande Anastasi taught us, but search for a class for that was unfruitful.  Hopefully, Thai Chi and Mindfulness will be easier to access nearer to home. 

We all wanted to capture the sunrise leaving the Greek Island of Skyros,
August 2015

Following the success of the above experience I attended the second Unwind Your Mind group and we engaged in a Mindful walk - taking in all the movements of the body in a slow motion walk that John Cleese would be proud of (it wasn't a funny walk but felt funny).  I like slow.  I think if there was another me in the animal kingdom I would be a snail, although I usually liken myself to a butterfly but that's another story. 

During the meditation we were asked to think of a colour and to call that colour Compassion.  The blue of the above droplet of water was fresh on my mind and so now I will be compassionate to myself whenever blue comes to me.  I will be kind to myself.  I cannot tell you how my internal organs have received that compassion only to say the pain is less, my anxiety and focus has changed.

Today was an extra class, not in the programme, but Zana did a powerpoint presentation to help us understand Mindfulness further.  There were some experiential exercises too, which unless you were there might sound a little strange if I put it into words.  Needless to say I further relaxed myself, so much so I had to have a nap afterwards. I have downloaded the Mindfulness Bell app for use at home.  I will practice what I have learnt as it has been so wonderful. 

3 Hours on a Greek Island

It was booked 16 months ago and the ticket paid for in three instalments.  The coach arrived and started to fill up with 'Prime Time' members clutching their cool bags, crutches, walking sticks and husbands, the few that had them.  The party was mostly women over 70 years of age, some in their 90's.  I felt young and out of place as the guest of the group leader.

Arriving in the centre of Birmingham the coach driver re-fixed the electrical lift for those needing wheelchairs.  I was instructed to take the arm of Irene.  Her husband Frank had Dementia and followed behind us.  A very slow walk around the corner and into the foyer of the Hippodrome theatre, having negotiated avoiding tripping over the feet of a drunken man asleep on the pavement corner, was a sad reminder not only of those less fortunate without home or family but also that I am not one of the 'sandwich' generation with elderly parents and grandchildren to care for.

Packed lunches eaten and coffees fetched (and spilt) the theatre doors open and I guide the couple to their seats, help them off with their coats and sat in the row behind with my friend and other volunteer helpers.

Immediately the show began I was there on a Greek Island - Santorini, Cyprus, Rhodes, Cos - anywhere but in the centre of the second city of England. The scenery was simplistic but affective, the blue and white of buildings, sky and sea.  Having seen the film Mamma Mia several times I wondered how the stage version would be.  It was every bit as fantastic.  The actors were brilliant, the songs rousing and fun.  I noticed Frank's stick bobbing up and down to all the tunes. 

The colours of the costumes and props were vibrant.  Sophie and Sky were every bit as in love as in the film.  Sky's virile young friends strutted their stuff and bared tanned and oiled chests in the 'Lay all your love on me' scene which was superbly danced in flippers and open wet suits.  Donna and her three old flames and two girl friends made us laugh and clap and sing.  When Sam offered to show Donna a scar on his chest one of our older ladies shouted out "Yes Please!"  Naughty at Ninety!  It was so funny.

The finale had everyone on their feet, some having been helped up after the long spell of being seated, and we clapped and sang along with the well known Abba songs.  I looked around me and marvelled at the house full of happy souls enjoying this escapism and entertainment.  It was an awesome sight and an electric atmosphere.

WOW, that was some trip.  I thoroughly recommend the show and would rate it 12 out of 10!            



Life in a Tin Can

Bertha

 

My little two-berth caravan is a bolt hole.  A place to retreat to when times are tough or just to be away from the television, instant Internet access and 'phone connection and from the never ending housework and 'things to do' list.

 

 

Bertha is 20 years old.  She looks a little sad next to her more modern larger neighbours with their satellite dishes, awnings and barbecue equipment.  But appearance doesn't matter when the pleasure is priority.

 

 

Inside this little tin can, cosiness hugs me like a teddy bear.  It is a little home and reminds me of playing 'house' as a child.  It has a little kitchen sink and cooker, storage units to keep board games, radio, books, crafting equipment and other essentials.  Her rear end houses a toilet and shower, wardrobe and shelves.  The seats at the front double up as two single beds or, one double bed if I feel so inclined to unravel the base and make it up.  It's easier for getting out in the night to use the singles and a sleeping bag.

 

Plugging into the on-site electrics means I can be warm in winter and food can be kept cool in the fridge whatever the temperature outside.  I have been her owner for the last five years.  She was towed by the seller to Beehive Farm Woodlands Lakes, South Derbyshire where she sits for an annual storage fee.  Other caravans come and go for the weekend or longer being towed by their owners from near or far.  The field Bertha resides in is a no-children area, a separate field is allocated to families, so it is quieter for us oldies without little ones around.  Bertha is next to the short walk to the Lakes.  Hubby thinks this is paradise as he is a keen fisherman in the dry weather.  Whilst he pursues his hobby I erect the caravan table and write, make cards, sew knit or weather permitting relax on a sun-lounger with a good novel to read in the sunshine.  I recently made new curtains for Bertha, do you like them?

Everyone on-site is friendly and occasionally there is a party in the social room.  The staff at the Beehive Farm are helpful and a delight to chat to on each visit.  Caravans, camper vans, tents and pod campers are all well catered for with use of shower blocks, pan washing facilities, an animal petting farm, woodland walks, 3 fishing lakes, blackberry picking (when in season - a lost pastime) and nearby a café for an all day breakfast or coffee and cake.  Just a little walk away in the village is a pub, general store and fish and chip shop.  A little further away is a Chinese take-away who will deliver your meal to the caravan site.

 

 It has become quite a neat ritual sorting out what to take and when the car is loaded with a cool box of food stuffs and bags of clean towels, tea towels, pillow cases and suitable clothes, off we set leaving behind town life.  Instead of looking out on our garden and neighbouring houses across the road we can gaze on the greenery of trees and bushes and a big expanse of sky.  Instead of town wear, campers seem to wear shorts all year round; and instead of being worried and busy everyone is happy and relaxed.

 

Near to Beehive Farm Woodlands Lakes is Rosliston Forestry Centre, a garden centre, Swadlincote and Burton on Trent town centres and Barton Marina so there is always somewhere to visit at our leisure.

 

Barton Marina

 
One of the Lakes at Beehive Woodland Farm

 Rosliston Village Baby peacocks

                                                                                                        at Beehive Woodlands Farm

Rosliston Forestry Centre - on a forest walk

 

 



 Life at the Beehive Farm gives me rest and refreshment and reconnects me to nature.  The resident farm tame rabbits skip about and sometimes chase their wilder relatives.  I have often watched the huge white tame rabbit try to befriend his smaller brown cousin but they never quite connect.  Watching the farm peacocks strut about learning the ropes from their parents and seeing them grow has been lovely.  They walk between the caravans, hop onto benches, squawk and open their fan tails. 

 

Overhead the Canadian geese honk as they fly by in their 'V' formation and at night and owl can be heard hooting.  The noise of the sheep and cows in nearby fields is so much nicer than hearing neighbours drills or lawn mowers.  It is a nice change to see a wider variety of birds too.

 

'A Theme from A Summers Place' by Percy Faith is playing on the radio and it takes me back to Bournemouth 1960 where my parents took me on a family caravan holiday.  We visited Bournemouth swimming pool where there was a show of clowns doing tricks from diving boards and a team of synchronised swimmers dancing in the water to this tune.  May be my happy memory is why I like life in an old tin can so much.