I have been thinking about the phenomena of 'young adult' fiction. To be honest I am not sure I really understand what differentiates between young adult, crossover and adult fiction. Is it just the age of the protagonist or is it the style in which it is written? Are some young adult books just dumbed-down fiction aimed at older teenagers with poor literacy skills?
Don't get me wrong, I think there are many great children's/crossover books out there...Jacqueline Wilson, J K Rowling and Meg Rosoff spring to mind for starters as good contemporary authors who would encourage young people to read and I know there are many others I have not even read...Michael Morpurgo, Eoin Colfer etc. I would be very interested to learn more about what publishers consider to be young adult fiction, even though I don't think I am likely to write any myself.
What did I read as a teenager? Certainly there were 'coming of age' stories... the Anne of Green Gables series, I Capture the Castle, Bonjour Tristesse to name a few. But all of these were originally written for a wider general market and none of them were 'contemporary' when I was a teenager in the ...umm...1970's. Then of course there were American classics such as The Catcher in the Rye. I also remember reading The Go-Between, Love for Lydia, some Carson McCullers. The only novel I can actually recall which might have been truly written for the young adult market was called 'Fifteen' by Beverly Cleary, an American writer.
Of course we also read the commercial hits of the day. As a keen rider I enjoyed the Dick Francis racing mysteries. I lapped up Agatha Christie's gentle crime fiction and Dennis Wheatley's occult novels. I loved Anya Seton's wonderfully detailed historical novels. I ploughed through The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, devoured Watership Down and cried over Love Story. I tackled thick sagas by Susan Howatch and read some Catherine Cookson. I think I even read a fair number of the James Bond novels. By the end of my teens I was starting on feminist novels.
Perhaps the scope of my reading was limited by where I grew up...a small isolated town with only a tiny library and just a couple of shops selling paperback books. But I seem to remember that we got our 'teenage' information and entertainment from magazines...the classic Jackie magazine and later Cosmopolitan. We didn't need books written specially for us as well, because we were, on the whole, already mature and educated enough to read adult fiction.
Is the new trend for young adult fiction just a clever marketing trick or is it actually needed to get young people to read at all?
Three notable things:
1. It is warm and sunny today!
2. The garage has been cleaned and tidied, mats are laid on the floor to create the new 'gym' area.
3. A leisurely wander around town this afternoon, finishing with a cold drink in Starbucks.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Friday, August 24, 2007
Nice Matters
Graeme has nominated me for this Nice Matters blog award. I have to admit I had never seen this one before, so with the help of Google I discovered that it originated here and this is what the originator, Genevieve Olsen, has to say about it:
This award will be awarded to those that are just nice people , good blog friends and those that inspire good feelings and inspiration! Those that care about others that are there to lend support or those that are just a positive influence in our blogging world!
Wow, I'm flattered that Graeme thinks I deserve it! Now, who to pass it on to?
I can honestly say that the writers of all the blogs that I read regularly are equally deserving of this award. After a lot of thought, I have decided to nominate the lovely Sue at Tea, Friends and Chocolate, who runs a multi-sectioned blog for women which is just like meeting up with your best friends. She even welcomes other writers penning columns or entries for her blog and I'm sure it will continue to grow as a blogging community.
Step up to accept your well-deserved award, Sue!
Three notable things:
1. Surviving another week of the school holiday...
2. ... and there is only one more week to get through.
3. Being given another blog award!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Mind your language
I was commenting on Keris' blog earlier, when I was reminded of something amusing which happened recently.
Every Saturday morning during term time Son 2 goes to music therapy. Usually both Hubby and I take him together. Now to appreciate this, you have to realise that Son 2 is 13, severely autistic and nonverbal, except for the occasional utterance of 'Daddy'.
Anyway, this particular Saturday morning was very wet. We were in Hubby's car and Son 2 kept opening the window, a new habit of his. He is not supposed to for safety reasons of course, but especially not on a day like that when the wind was blowing the rain into the car through the glassless space.
He opened the window. Hubby pulled in and stopped the car until the window was shut. We set off and about 3 minutes later he opened the window again. We stopped. This pattern continued 4 or 5 times until we were not far from our destination. The window was finally closed yet again, son 2's fun spoilt. Hubby pulled out into the traffic, to the accompaniment of a barrage of 'jargon' ( not clear words) from Son 2, which sounded very much like a string of verbal abuse, ending in the clear word 'Daddy'!
How normal is that for a teenager?
Three notable things:
1. Not doing any paid accountancy work today, but having the excuse that I was chauffeuring the boys around for much of the day.
2. Shopping at Waitrose for a treat!
3. Getting a phone call to say Son 1's crosstrainer will arrive next week.
Every Saturday morning during term time Son 2 goes to music therapy. Usually both Hubby and I take him together. Now to appreciate this, you have to realise that Son 2 is 13, severely autistic and nonverbal, except for the occasional utterance of 'Daddy'.
Anyway, this particular Saturday morning was very wet. We were in Hubby's car and Son 2 kept opening the window, a new habit of his. He is not supposed to for safety reasons of course, but especially not on a day like that when the wind was blowing the rain into the car through the glassless space.
He opened the window. Hubby pulled in and stopped the car until the window was shut. We set off and about 3 minutes later he opened the window again. We stopped. This pattern continued 4 or 5 times until we were not far from our destination. The window was finally closed yet again, son 2's fun spoilt. Hubby pulled out into the traffic, to the accompaniment of a barrage of 'jargon' ( not clear words) from Son 2, which sounded very much like a string of verbal abuse, ending in the clear word 'Daddy'!
How normal is that for a teenager?
Three notable things:
1. Not doing any paid accountancy work today, but having the excuse that I was chauffeuring the boys around for much of the day.
2. Shopping at Waitrose for a treat!
3. Getting a phone call to say Son 1's crosstrainer will arrive next week.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Love it!
I was feeling rather serious this morning and had planned to write something completely different, but having had a friend around for a good gossip this afternoon, I thought I just had to show you this picture I took on my visit to Devon.
The name is so perfect for the sleepy retirement resort in which it is situated!
Three notable things:
1. Winning 115 kids videos and a tv/video combi for £20 on eBay, which Hubby collected yesterday. Son 2 is in his element...
2. Enjoying the company of a good friend and her daughter.
3. Graeme showing the OU A215 survivors yet another addictive computer game to act as a displacement activity when we should be writing...
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Male or female?
Still on the gender theme, here is a bit of fun.
I discovered the Gender Genie web page recently ( sorry, I can't remember who led me to it...) and having bookmarked it, I decided to have a go today. It claims to be able to deduce whether a piece of prose was written by a male or female from the language used.
So I entered in one of my blog entries: male. Hmm.
A small ( admittedly smaller than the recommended 500 word) passage from my novel in progress: androgynous...equally male and female!
A whole 2000 word short story, written with the women's magazine market in mind: female. Phew!
Three notable things:
1. Son 2 was well enough to go to playscheme despite having vomited all over the sofa last night! I knew we bought leather furniture for a reason...
2. Arranging for a friend to visit tomorrow so we can catch up on the gossip.
3. A home delivery arriving promptly for once, rather than 10 minutes before the end of the delivery window.
I discovered the Gender Genie web page recently ( sorry, I can't remember who led me to it...) and having bookmarked it, I decided to have a go today. It claims to be able to deduce whether a piece of prose was written by a male or female from the language used.
So I entered in one of my blog entries: male. Hmm.
A small ( admittedly smaller than the recommended 500 word) passage from my novel in progress: androgynous...equally male and female!
A whole 2000 word short story, written with the women's magazine market in mind: female. Phew!
Three notable things:
1. Son 2 was well enough to go to playscheme despite having vomited all over the sofa last night! I knew we bought leather furniture for a reason...
2. Arranging for a friend to visit tomorrow so we can catch up on the gossip.
3. A home delivery arriving promptly for once, rather than 10 minutes before the end of the delivery window.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Gender wars
I keep wondering why women aren't allowed to write, or read, what they want to.
First of all Muriel Gray, in her role as chair of the Orange Prize judges, criticized women for not writing a wide enough range of fiction and for concentrating on domestic themes.
Then Ian Rankin noted last year that women, especially lesbian women, wrote more graphically violent crime fiction than men. The reponse from Val McDermid at Edinburgh this month led to this uncharacteristically lurid headline in The Times this week.
I have always enjoyed crime fiction and apparently women are the largest group reading this genre. Women get criticized for reading and writing chick lit, but whilst I would defend anyone's right to do so, there are also many of us writing and reading more broadly. Science fiction, fantasy, crime all have many women authors and fans. In any case 'women's fiction' covers a much wider range than just chick lit. Romance, sagas, historical, family stories, gritty contemporary themes...they are all there too.
You can't have it both ways. Why shouldn't women write violent crime? After all some men write romances and sagas, they just tend to do so under a female pseudonym. And since when has a sexuality of a crime writer, whether male or female, had anything to do with anything?
Three notable things:
1. The X-Factor is back!
2. Hubby and son 1 started to tidy out the garage ready to house the crosstrainer I have just ordered.
3. They found a box of to-be-read books I had forgotten about!
First of all Muriel Gray, in her role as chair of the Orange Prize judges, criticized women for not writing a wide enough range of fiction and for concentrating on domestic themes.
Then Ian Rankin noted last year that women, especially lesbian women, wrote more graphically violent crime fiction than men. The reponse from Val McDermid at Edinburgh this month led to this uncharacteristically lurid headline in The Times this week.
I have always enjoyed crime fiction and apparently women are the largest group reading this genre. Women get criticized for reading and writing chick lit, but whilst I would defend anyone's right to do so, there are also many of us writing and reading more broadly. Science fiction, fantasy, crime all have many women authors and fans. In any case 'women's fiction' covers a much wider range than just chick lit. Romance, sagas, historical, family stories, gritty contemporary themes...they are all there too.
You can't have it both ways. Why shouldn't women write violent crime? After all some men write romances and sagas, they just tend to do so under a female pseudonym. And since when has a sexuality of a crime writer, whether male or female, had anything to do with anything?
Three notable things:
1. The X-Factor is back!
2. Hubby and son 1 started to tidy out the garage ready to house the crosstrainer I have just ordered.
3. They found a box of to-be-read books I had forgotten about!
Friday, August 17, 2007
The weaker sex?
This is going to be a serious post, because last night I heard some bad news. The husband of an acquaintance has had a breakdown, after suffering from depression for a long time.
This was particularly sad, because this couple have three young children, one of whom is autistic. It was also devastating because it was the second friend who has suffered that experience in just a few years, another having been left as a single mother to four children, one autistic.
Earlier this week I mentioned Charlotte Moore's book George and Sam which chronicles life with two autistic sons...and a third who doesn't have autism. Her ex-husband too, suffered serious mental health issues.
It is interesting that in each of these cases it is the father who has suffered the most and I wondered why. When you discover your child is not 'normal', whatever that means, there is always a period of grieving to go through, grief for the child you once expected. Denial is a normal and recognised part of that. Some parents get through the stage of denial and on to the all important acceptance of the child and the problem much faster than others. Some never quite make it.
Mothers still tend to be the primary providers of childcare. This has good and bad sides. They are more involved with the professionals working with their children and therefore tend to be more knowledgeable about what help is on offer and what needs to be done to get it, as sadly we have to fight for that help only too often. They probably have more opportunities to meet other parents in the same position. I am sure it is no coincidence that our support group coffee mornings are almost exclusively attended by mums. On the other hand, they probably have far more exposure to 'normally' developing children and the comparison with their own offspring can be very painful.
Fathers tend to suffer alone. They may be ashamed to tell friends and work colleagues about their child's problems. They just don't have the same external support networks as we do. They may feel inadequate because this, unlike a DIY task, is not something they can put right and they may be struggling to keep the family afloat financially on one salary. They may be embarrassed to be seen with their child and are perhaps more likely to be influenced by cultural attitudes to disability.
Part of motherhood, for most women, is putting your child's needs before your own. We tend to have a primeval instinct to look after our children and accept the compromises that can involve. If we feel we are not coping we are more likely to consult our GP. Many women with special needs children are, or have been, on anti-depressants and that is nothing to be ashamed of. Men, on the other hand, may just adopt what I call the 'head in the sand' approach, that if you don't acknowledge something it will go away. Perhaps they really are the weaker sex because they can't ease the burden by sharing as women do.
I'm clutching at straws here. I don't know the answer. I just know that in this respect I have so far been lucky, unlike my two friends who are now struggling to cope with their children effectively alone.
Three notable things will return next time!
This was particularly sad, because this couple have three young children, one of whom is autistic. It was also devastating because it was the second friend who has suffered that experience in just a few years, another having been left as a single mother to four children, one autistic.
Earlier this week I mentioned Charlotte Moore's book George and Sam which chronicles life with two autistic sons...and a third who doesn't have autism. Her ex-husband too, suffered serious mental health issues.
It is interesting that in each of these cases it is the father who has suffered the most and I wondered why. When you discover your child is not 'normal', whatever that means, there is always a period of grieving to go through, grief for the child you once expected. Denial is a normal and recognised part of that. Some parents get through the stage of denial and on to the all important acceptance of the child and the problem much faster than others. Some never quite make it.
Mothers still tend to be the primary providers of childcare. This has good and bad sides. They are more involved with the professionals working with their children and therefore tend to be more knowledgeable about what help is on offer and what needs to be done to get it, as sadly we have to fight for that help only too often. They probably have more opportunities to meet other parents in the same position. I am sure it is no coincidence that our support group coffee mornings are almost exclusively attended by mums. On the other hand, they probably have far more exposure to 'normally' developing children and the comparison with their own offspring can be very painful.
Fathers tend to suffer alone. They may be ashamed to tell friends and work colleagues about their child's problems. They just don't have the same external support networks as we do. They may feel inadequate because this, unlike a DIY task, is not something they can put right and they may be struggling to keep the family afloat financially on one salary. They may be embarrassed to be seen with their child and are perhaps more likely to be influenced by cultural attitudes to disability.
Part of motherhood, for most women, is putting your child's needs before your own. We tend to have a primeval instinct to look after our children and accept the compromises that can involve. If we feel we are not coping we are more likely to consult our GP. Many women with special needs children are, or have been, on anti-depressants and that is nothing to be ashamed of. Men, on the other hand, may just adopt what I call the 'head in the sand' approach, that if you don't acknowledge something it will go away. Perhaps they really are the weaker sex because they can't ease the burden by sharing as women do.
I'm clutching at straws here. I don't know the answer. I just know that in this respect I have so far been lucky, unlike my two friends who are now struggling to cope with their children effectively alone.
Three notable things will return next time!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Do you want to know a secret?
I've already written here about PostSecret, a blog I try to check every week. A community art project, consisting of weekly postings of postcards which anonymously disclose deep secrets, it is an amazing source of inspiration for writing. Especially if, like me, your writing tends to focus on gritty rather than light and fluffy subject matter.
This week I logged on, to find that the blog now has this YouTube video trailer:
A closer look at YouTube finds even more, presumably unofficial, videos based on former PostSecret blog entries. Enjoy.
(video removed)
Three notable things:
1. Son 1 has started to open up to professionals about the bullying that has ruined his life.
2. We have been looking online for gym equipment, as we hope to convert part of our garage into a home gym to help him get fit again.
3. Finding PostSecret based videos on YouTube. Now why didn't I think to look there before?
This week I logged on, to find that the blog now has this YouTube video trailer:
A closer look at YouTube finds even more, presumably unofficial, videos based on former PostSecret blog entries. Enjoy.
(video removed)
Three notable things:
1. Son 1 has started to open up to professionals about the bullying that has ruined his life.
2. We have been looking online for gym equipment, as we hope to convert part of our garage into a home gym to help him get fit again.
3. Finding PostSecret based videos on YouTube. Now why didn't I think to look there before?
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Quiet
Sorry, I don't have much of interest to write about at the moment. We are all feeling a little under the weather and very tired.
Yesterday son 2 had a longer day on playscheme, as they went out on a trip (shame about the rain!) After food shopping, I just couldn't face doing anything much and mainly lazed around until it was time to collect him again...
I have, however, taken delivery of a few more books from Amazon, including Electricity by Ray Robinson which looks interesting and The Complete Polysyllabic Spree by Nick Hornby. As you may know, Nick Hornby also has an autistic son, and I was interested to read his comments on why he rarely reads biographical books on autism (p39 if you have the Penguin paperback) as it so reflects my own feelings. So many books just look at the story of an autistic savant ( with special talents) or tell the story of a family who has discovered a 'miracle cure'. Real life for 99% of families is not like that. He did, however, enjoy 'George and Sam' by Charlotte Moore, as did I. Although I am not convinced by the ABA approach used by Charlotte Moore and indeed Nick Hornby with their children, the book is an entertaining and convincing picture of living with autism.
Three notable things:
1. Agreeing with Nick Hornby about many books on autism!
2. Son 1 sorting out his own appointments and starting to take charge of his life.
3. More wool arriving in the post yesterday...
Yesterday son 2 had a longer day on playscheme, as they went out on a trip (shame about the rain!) After food shopping, I just couldn't face doing anything much and mainly lazed around until it was time to collect him again...
I have, however, taken delivery of a few more books from Amazon, including Electricity by Ray Robinson which looks interesting and The Complete Polysyllabic Spree by Nick Hornby. As you may know, Nick Hornby also has an autistic son, and I was interested to read his comments on why he rarely reads biographical books on autism (p39 if you have the Penguin paperback) as it so reflects my own feelings. So many books just look at the story of an autistic savant ( with special talents) or tell the story of a family who has discovered a 'miracle cure'. Real life for 99% of families is not like that. He did, however, enjoy 'George and Sam' by Charlotte Moore, as did I. Although I am not convinced by the ABA approach used by Charlotte Moore and indeed Nick Hornby with their children, the book is an entertaining and convincing picture of living with autism.
Three notable things:
1. Agreeing with Nick Hornby about many books on autism!
2. Son 1 sorting out his own appointments and starting to take charge of his life.
3. More wool arriving in the post yesterday...
Monday, August 13, 2007
Weekend creativity
Just to prove that I can have some pretension to my new creative blogger award, here is a picture of the scarf I am knitting, which currently measures about 30 inches (75cm) long.
I found a free pattern for the feather and fan design on the web and although it looks complicated it is actually very easy to knit! For those who understand these things it is a simple pattern over four rows, knitted in hand-dyed BFL sock wool on 4.5mm needles.
Three notable things:
1. The speed at which the knitting is growing.
2. Finishing the Anita Shreve book I was reading on and off. One of her best, I thought.
3. Keeping both boys reasonably happy all day today (so far)!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Another poem
Some new work has recently been posted on WikidWords, including another of my poems which you can find here. That poem was inspired by the research I have done on mental health issues in young people, both for my recently ended Open University course and for family reasons, and also by a true story I was recently told.
Three notable things:
1.Surprisingly, Tesco was not too busy on a Saturday morning - so it was easy to park!
2. Enjoying walking round the shops in town without feeling the need to spend money on myself. Not even on a magazine.
3. I've started my knitting.
Three notable things:
1.Surprisingly, Tesco was not too busy on a Saturday morning - so it was easy to park!
2. Enjoying walking round the shops in town without feeling the need to spend money on myself. Not even on a magazine.
3. I've started my knitting.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
A new look
I was reading a post on the Open University writing forums earlier today about how writing on screen is more restful to read when it is not stark black on white. I immediately thought about this blog and whether it could do with a facelift.
The OU used to run a short course about writing for the internet, which I really wanted to take. I had planned to do it this year, but sadly it seems to have been discontinued. Just my luck. So I will have to carry on picking up tips from others and experimenting.
What do you think of the new look? I have actually only made two changes but I am pleased with the result, it does seem softer. Please let me know how you find it to read.
Three notable things:
1. Playing around with the colours on my blog.
2. Buying and reading a magazine when I should have been doing housework.
3. Reading Anita Shreve's 'A Wedding in December' and wondering what it would be like to have a reunion with some old university friends I haven't seen for many, many years.
The OU used to run a short course about writing for the internet, which I really wanted to take. I had planned to do it this year, but sadly it seems to have been discontinued. Just my luck. So I will have to carry on picking up tips from others and experimenting.
What do you think of the new look? I have actually only made two changes but I am pleased with the result, it does seem softer. Please let me know how you find it to read.
Three notable things:
1. Playing around with the colours on my blog.
2. Buying and reading a magazine when I should have been doing housework.
3. Reading Anita Shreve's 'A Wedding in December' and wondering what it would be like to have a reunion with some old university friends I haven't seen for many, many years.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Booker longlist
The longlist for this year's Booker Prize has just been announced. I've read only one of them, What was Lost, though I do also want to read the McEwan, as I have enjoyed what I have read of his work so far.
I was interested in this article, and in particular this quote:
Last night the chair of judges, Sir Howard Davies, said: "All the books chosen are well crafted and will appeal to a wide readership." Sir Howard is director of the London School of Economics.
I'm glad that the books chosen should appeal to a wide readership because being well written and being accessible to the general reader should not be mutually exclusive. That is one of my pet topics I'm afraid. I don't like overly dry or intellectual books but at the same time I do find that quite a lot of popular fiction can be simplistic and poorly written.
'What was Lost' was entertaining and definitely well crafted, yet also remarkably easy to read. It has received very good blog reviews, such as this one by dovegreyreader and has been described by some as a crossover novel with appeal to both the adult and young adult markets in the manner of Meg Rosoff and JK Rowling.
I am ashamed to say I haven't even heard of the rest of the longlist. Ho hum!
Three notable things:
1. Hearing the singer Jack Savoretti, a singer new to me, on TV yesterday and later downloading his album cheaply.
2. An interesting conversation with son 1's therapist yesterday.
3. Finding that the magnetic bracelet, recently bought to help my arthritis, actually seems to be having a beneficial effect on my mood and is making me feel calmer. Not an easy achievement during school holiday.
I was interested in this article, and in particular this quote:
Last night the chair of judges, Sir Howard Davies, said: "All the books chosen are well crafted and will appeal to a wide readership." Sir Howard is director of the London School of Economics.
I'm glad that the books chosen should appeal to a wide readership because being well written and being accessible to the general reader should not be mutually exclusive. That is one of my pet topics I'm afraid. I don't like overly dry or intellectual books but at the same time I do find that quite a lot of popular fiction can be simplistic and poorly written.
'What was Lost' was entertaining and definitely well crafted, yet also remarkably easy to read. It has received very good blog reviews, such as this one by dovegreyreader and has been described by some as a crossover novel with appeal to both the adult and young adult markets in the manner of Meg Rosoff and JK Rowling.
I am ashamed to say I haven't even heard of the rest of the longlist. Ho hum!
Three notable things:
1. Hearing the singer Jack Savoretti, a singer new to me, on TV yesterday and later downloading his album cheaply.
2. An interesting conversation with son 1's therapist yesterday.
3. Finding that the magnetic bracelet, recently bought to help my arthritis, actually seems to be having a beneficial effect on my mood and is making me feel calmer. Not an easy achievement during school holiday.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Oh my!
Hellojed has nominated me for a creative blogger award! How exciting is that?
So now it is my turn to award it to five people. After a really difficult decision-making process, because you, my favourite bloggers, are all so creative, I have come up with the following:
1. Anne Brooke, because Anne blogs with humour and brutal honesty about her life and the highs and lows of being a writer. It is a must-read for me every day and I think right now an award would cheer her up.
2.Three Beautiful Things. The concept of Clare's blog is so simple yet also profound. It has spawned many imitators (all welcomed) including my own three notable things. Now she has won a literary competition and the blog is going to become a loo book!
3.Nerd Bunny, who seems to be able to turn her hands to so many creative crafts and posts the results on her blog for us all to enjoy.
4.The fabulous Rilly Super at Strife in the North, whose blog never fails to make me laugh, simply because it is such a clever parody of the Wife in the North blog, which I also enjoy.
5.Last, but not least, I would like to nominate my wonderfully talented fellow OU A215 creative writing students of last year, many of whom also now blog. There are far too many to mention individually, so I shall give the award to WikidWords and hope that Jude will accept it on behalf of those writers represented there and those elsewhere.
Three notable things:
1. Winning a blog award. Thanks Hellojed!
2. Choosing five more creative blogs to receive the award.
3. Oh and did I already say winning a blog award?
Monday, August 06, 2007
The postman's knock
I needed a little treat today after son 2 decided to start my day at 5.30am. So I was pleased when my sari silk yarns from eBay arrived in the post. They are very pretty but unfortunately I think they are probably too thick for the purpose I had in mind. Still they will not go to waste. I will either think of somthing else to knit or crochet with them, something chunkier, or I will use them in my papercrafting.
Then mid-morning the doorbell rang and a parcel from The Book People was handed over. Some reference books and a pile of sale priced fiction. So if you'll excuse me I am off for a quick read...
Three notable things:
1. The beautiful weather over the weekend, though it was actually too hot whilst ironing yesterday.
2. A refreshing mango drink in Starbucks on Saturday afternoon.
3. Receiving our child tax credits notification and realising that they have got it wrong yet again, even though they have been informed of a change in circumstances twice already. Fortunately it is unlikely to make any difference to what we get paid, but the tax credits people must rival the Child Support Agency for incompetence!
Thursday, August 02, 2007
What have I done now...?
Yesterday I got a sudden urge to knit or crochet something. I'm not sure why, I have never been a good knitter and I haven't crocheted for years.
I was stuck in all day, so whilst surfing around eBay I started to look at some hand dyed yarns. Very pretty. But what could I do with them?
Years ago, whilst spending the year abroad of my degree in Germany, where knitting was more fashionable than it was in the UK, I knitted a couple of sweaters. They were very basic, but the wool was fluffy and soft-coloured. They were wearable, at least for a student.
Pregnant with son 1, I knitted a few baby items. Even my mother, who is not known for her needle skills, picked up her pins and produced some much needed premature-sized cardigans. But it was my clever sister who came up trumps with the most beautiful and complex knitted heirloom baby shawl.
When son 1 was small I knitted a few trendy jackets for him in primary-coloured baby aran, but by the time son 2 came along I had no time. I knitted nothing further until two years ago, when I picked up a kit for a very simple fluffy scarf. I started it during our family holiday in Devon, but son 2 kept pulling it back faster than I could knit. It was never finished as the wool became rather mangled.
I was up until 1am last night looking for patterns on the web. This morning I succumbed and ordered some of the hand dyed wools. This evening I have ordered some yarn created from recycled sari silk which I hope will blend in. Not large quantities of either, but hopefully enough to create a scarf.
But don't hold your breath.This wool may just end up clogging up the spare bedroom with the rest of my craft stash...
Three notable things:
1. Ordering some colourful yarns to indulge my creative urges and experiment with.
2. Working out why I could not get the symbol writing computer program to do what I wanted (I use it to produce communication cards for Son 2.)
3. Reading a lovely description of the challenges and joys of living with an autistic child on Crystal Jigsaw's blog.
I was stuck in all day, so whilst surfing around eBay I started to look at some hand dyed yarns. Very pretty. But what could I do with them?
Years ago, whilst spending the year abroad of my degree in Germany, where knitting was more fashionable than it was in the UK, I knitted a couple of sweaters. They were very basic, but the wool was fluffy and soft-coloured. They were wearable, at least for a student.
Pregnant with son 1, I knitted a few baby items. Even my mother, who is not known for her needle skills, picked up her pins and produced some much needed premature-sized cardigans. But it was my clever sister who came up trumps with the most beautiful and complex knitted heirloom baby shawl.
When son 1 was small I knitted a few trendy jackets for him in primary-coloured baby aran, but by the time son 2 came along I had no time. I knitted nothing further until two years ago, when I picked up a kit for a very simple fluffy scarf. I started it during our family holiday in Devon, but son 2 kept pulling it back faster than I could knit. It was never finished as the wool became rather mangled.
I was up until 1am last night looking for patterns on the web. This morning I succumbed and ordered some of the hand dyed wools. This evening I have ordered some yarn created from recycled sari silk which I hope will blend in. Not large quantities of either, but hopefully enough to create a scarf.
But don't hold your breath.This wool may just end up clogging up the spare bedroom with the rest of my craft stash...
Three notable things:
1. Ordering some colourful yarns to indulge my creative urges and experiment with.
2. Working out why I could not get the symbol writing computer program to do what I wanted (I use it to produce communication cards for Son 2.)
3. Reading a lovely description of the challenges and joys of living with an autistic child on Crystal Jigsaw's blog.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Summer fun?
It must be summer at last. The sun is shining and the blogs are quiet. Friends are away on their summer holidays. Our wi-fi has been playing up over the last few days as if to say you should be out enjoying yourself rather than stuck inside on the computer.
Son 1 and I have just been watching a piece on the BBC London news about why kids don't play outside in the park anymore.
'We would hang out in the parks if there weren't drug dealers in each one,' he said.
Three notable things:
1. Son 2 waking us up at 4.45 am yesterday! (Though he did go back to bed)
2. Son 1 and his mates having the sense to stay away from the drug pushers.
3. Not receiving any bills in the post for the last few days!
Son 1 and I have just been watching a piece on the BBC London news about why kids don't play outside in the park anymore.
'We would hang out in the parks if there weren't drug dealers in each one,' he said.
Three notable things:
1. Son 2 waking us up at 4.45 am yesterday! (Though he did go back to bed)
2. Son 1 and his mates having the sense to stay away from the drug pushers.
3. Not receiving any bills in the post for the last few days!
Monday, July 30, 2007
Psychic cats
A footnote to the story of Oscar the psychic cat which was one of my three notable things last Thursday. Nerd Bunny dropped in to tell me that there is a cat with a similar gift at the hospice where she works. There must be something in this. Does anyone else know a psychic animal? I wonder what these cats pick up on...smell or atmosphere, or are they really psychic?
I have decided to take a short Open University course in writing plays this autumn in preparation for the level three course due to launch next year, which will apparently feature scriptwriting as well as the more familiar fiction, poetry and life writing. The short courses are very enjoyable...I have already done the courses in fiction and poetry...and an excellent starting point for any aspect of writing.
Three notable things:
1. Contacting an old OU tutor via Facebook and getting a lovely note back.
2. Working on the blog which supports my fledgling work-in-progress novel.
3. Not losing my new titanium magnetic bracelet in a store on Saturday. I caught the catch and it fell off but I quickly realised it had gone and found it on the floor.
I have decided to take a short Open University course in writing plays this autumn in preparation for the level three course due to launch next year, which will apparently feature scriptwriting as well as the more familiar fiction, poetry and life writing. The short courses are very enjoyable...I have already done the courses in fiction and poetry...and an excellent starting point for any aspect of writing.
Three notable things:
1. Contacting an old OU tutor via Facebook and getting a lovely note back.
2. Working on the blog which supports my fledgling work-in-progress novel.
3. Not losing my new titanium magnetic bracelet in a store on Saturday. I caught the catch and it fell off but I quickly realised it had gone and found it on the floor.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Silly season
It's school holidays again. I shall be largely confined to home for the next five weeks with just odd days off for good behaviour when son 2 is at playscheme.
This may be a Good Thing.
I may get lots written. On the other hand, the house will be noisy, very noisy, and the kids will demanding. So I may not.
So I started the holiday as I mean to go on, by wasting time creating a WeeMee which will become my new face on the web, as I hate having my photo taken. What do you think of it?
To make matters worse I have just opened an account on Facebook, which I fear could become another big distraction. Over the Christmas holidays I joined MySpace and have made lots of mainly writer friends there. Some of those are already on Facebook and I am sure that, with all the publicity it is currently getting, more and more people will be signing up. I used to think that these sites were just for kids but actually they are quite a good way to network, in a similar manner to the blogging world. So I can add social networking sites to various forums and blogs on which I seem to spend half my day. No wonder the housework doesn't seem to get done very often...
But...I need some more Facebook friends as Anne is feeling lonely. If any of you are on there, please come and say hello.
Three notable things:
1. Yet more book browsing and buying in town yesterday, followed by two free cups of Earl Grey tea in the Debenhams Goldcard lounge.
2. Son 2 bringing home an excellent end of term report. He is really making progress in most areas except reading and writing. So he doesn't take after his Mum then!
3. Son 2's video and dvd players both packing up at the start of the holiday. Hubby will have to go on a replacement mission to Currys tomorrow!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
My day
I'm feeling rather tired this evening, so I think I will just sum up my day in three notable things:
1. Reading a couple of good short stories by Rose Tremain and James Lasdun whilst waiting at the clinic for son 1. Both stories were shortlisted for the National Short Story Prize 2006 and the Lasdun tale won.
2. Having a lunch of lovely home-cooked Indian vegetarian food with friends.
3. Watching a news report about Oscar the 'psychic' cat in Rhode Island.
1. Reading a couple of good short stories by Rose Tremain and James Lasdun whilst waiting at the clinic for son 1. Both stories were shortlisted for the National Short Story Prize 2006 and the Lasdun tale won.
2. Having a lunch of lovely home-cooked Indian vegetarian food with friends.
3. Watching a news report about Oscar the 'psychic' cat in Rhode Island.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
WikidWords
WikidWords is a new blog of poems and flash fiction by a group of writers, both previously published and not yet published elsewhere, who were part of the first Open University A215 Creative Writing course last year.
Do go and take a look at just some of the talent of the class of 2006...and I'm not only saying that because Jude, the editor, has kindly published one of my own poems on it! I hope that in due course I will be able to produce more pieces of work good enough for this group. In fact I may even submit the poem I wrote yesterday when I have finished polishing it up.
Three notable things:
1. Realising that I had missed an appointment yesterday but being able to arrange another with no hassle.
2. Book browsing in charity shops this morning and buying Birthday Letters by Ted Hughes.
3. Having a poem published on Wikidwords!
Do go and take a look at just some of the talent of the class of 2006...and I'm not only saying that because Jude, the editor, has kindly published one of my own poems on it! I hope that in due course I will be able to produce more pieces of work good enough for this group. In fact I may even submit the poem I wrote yesterday when I have finished polishing it up.
Three notable things:
1. Realising that I had missed an appointment yesterday but being able to arrange another with no hassle.
2. Book browsing in charity shops this morning and buying Birthday Letters by Ted Hughes.
3. Having a poem published on Wikidwords!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Thoughts on the floods
So I was inconvenienced by the floods on Friday. But at least I got back and had a dry home to return to. Watching pictures on the BBC news of the floods this summer, first those up in the north and now those in the west and south of the country, really started me thinking about how we, as a family, would cope in such a situation.
How would an autistic child, or adult, even to begin to understand what was going on? Son 2 would have no concept of the dangers of the flood water or the need to conserve power and drinking water. Son 1, being agoraphobic, would find evacuating the house very hard, even in an emergency. They would both be devastated to loose possessions.
It is a scary thought.
Three notable things:
1. Writing a poem today. I don't often get the urge to write a poem, but I was inspired by something I heard yesterday.
2. Sorting out a set of symbols for son 2 to use as a communication aid this summer.
3. It was a warm, dry day and I didn't go out at all. Why not?
How would an autistic child, or adult, even to begin to understand what was going on? Son 2 would have no concept of the dangers of the flood water or the need to conserve power and drinking water. Son 1, being agoraphobic, would find evacuating the house very hard, even in an emergency. They would both be devastated to loose possessions.
It is a scary thought.
Three notable things:
1. Writing a poem today. I don't often get the urge to write a poem, but I was inspired by something I heard yesterday.
2. Sorting out a set of symbols for son 2 to use as a communication aid this summer.
3. It was a warm, dry day and I didn't go out at all. Why not?
Monday, July 23, 2007
Shipwreck!
I don't think my parents could quite believe my fascination with the wrecked MSC Napoli. To the locals in East Devon it is a nuisance, a source of beach pollution and a hindrance to the vital tourist trade. It has to go, yet earlier attempts to refloat it had been unsuccessful due to damage sustained during the storm which resulted in it being beached. It has languished distantly on the horizon surrounded by tugs and other vessels belonging to the salvage company, whilst on the beaches locals and opportunists fought to salvage the contents of containers which washed ashore. The whole saga made the national news media which is unusual for the often sleepy and insular South West.
On the day I arrived in Devon the Napoli was to be blown into two parts which could be towed away separately for safety. That evening we piled into the car and drove up to a vantage point on the cliffs to observe the results of the operation. The ship was resolutely still in one piece.
The next day I, along with many others, watched it from the promenade and tried to take photos...sadly it was really too distant for the zoom lens on my old camera ( the above is from Wikipedia!) That afternoon more depth charges were used. Still the Napoli remained intact. It must have been better built than anyone had anticipated. About an hour after I left town two days later, a third attempt was successful. See the Napoli being dismantled here. I missed it all.
I think my interest arose from the fact that, back in the 1980's, I used to lead a team auditing a shipbroker. My client introduced me to the world of merchant shipping and took me to visit the old Baltic Exchange, where brokers still matched ships with cargo loads by bartering on an exchange floor. A piece of history which has disappeared since the Baltic Exchange was blown up by an IRA bomb and city trading became electronic. It is such a shame that the historic building was not restored.
Three notable things:
1. Visiting a friend I don't see often enough and catching up with lots of gossip.
2. Buying the new, and final, Harry Potter book.
3. Making the most of the fact that Son 2's school holiday starts a whole week later than most other children's!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Devon interlude
It was a quiet, relaxing time. My parents live in a wellknown retirement and tourist resort with a promenade and attractive little shops and, in the distance, the intiguing sight of the beached and wrecked MSC Napoli. More on that later, but if you look very carefully in this photo you might just spot its shape on the horizon.
The two whole days down there were largely spent pottering around the shops and being taken out for coffee by my mother. Going out for coffee is a big social event in that little town. On the second day we all went out for lunch in a nearby inland village and then on to walk for a while in another tiny resort.
My parents are not getting any younger, so evenings were spent quietly at home. I had taken several books to read, yet barely started them. Instead our time was spent looking at old photos and family trees, trying to piece together my heritage, and just chatting.
Three notable things:
1. Enjoying being beside the sea once again.
2. Exploring the local charity shops and buying books by Lorrie Moore and Mary Gordon. In fact I could have bought several more books if I had been able to carry them back to London, but I like to travel light!
3. A lovely lunch in a restaurant where, for most of the time, I was the youngest client by at least ten years!
Saturday, July 21, 2007
I'm back...but only just
It was warm and sunny in Devon. Honestly. You would never believe how the weather could change so suddenly causing terrible floods. I spent a few days relaxing with my family and sleeping a lot. I hadn't realised how tired I was until I actually got away.
The journey down on a First Great Western train should have been fine, but halfway there it was announced that the train was to be diverted via Bath and Bristol, due to a vehicle having hit a railway bridge, thus preventing trains using the normal route. This was to add 45 minutes to the journey. Bath and Bristol having been passed through, the train slowed almost to a halt and crawled along for miles in the Bridgewater area. This, apparently, was due to reports of people walking alongside the line. We finally arrived in Exeter about 75 minutes late, my parents having been waiting for me at the station for all that time. I was just glad that son 1 had decided not to travel with me, as he would have been very stressed out.
When it was time to travel home yesterday, I was relieved to see the train arrive dead on time at Exeter. I was disappointed to find my carriage noisy and dirty, crowded with teenagers returning from surfing holidays in North Cornwall. But that was just the start. About half an hour into the journey an announcement came over the tannoy that the train was to be diverted to Bristol, where it would terminate, due to flooding on the lines in the Newbury and Didcot areas. The train manager didn't know how anyone would be able to travel on to London.
At Bristol we all piled out with our luggage and sought information. There was already another London-bound train stranded there and nobody seemed to know what was happening. Eventually a rumour went around that there was one train due to go to London via a southern route, but it would take about four hours. It was a small train and by the time I got there all the seats were taken and people were fighting to get on. I managed to secure myself a standing space in the region of the door, with a piece of wall to lean against and my luggage at my feet. It was like the London Underground in rush hour as we all crammed in together and in typical British fashion we even managed to have a bit of a laugh about it, despite some fraying tempers.
It was a long way to London. I was glad that I had a bottle of water, some painkillers and a flapjack with me. By the time we reached London Waterloo station over four hours later, having taken the long scenic route through via Salisbury and Basingstoke, I was exhausted and feeling quite wobbly. I still had to cross London on the Underground and even that had delays due to the floods. I finally got home at about 8.30pm instead of about 4.30pm, just glad that I had been able to get back to London at all in the flood crisis.
I have travelled between London, Reading and Exeter many, many times over the last thirty years and these were by far the worst journeys I have ever had. To be fair the problems were the fault of freak occurrences rather than the train companies, though the level of communication provided to travellers, especially at Bristol Temple Mead station, was very bad.
More about my very short holiday next time, when three notable things will return!
Monday, July 16, 2007
School's out for summer...
K272 is done and dusted. I think the exam paper took most people by surprise as the questions seemed quite vague. Still, one of my favourite subjects did come up and I managed to waffle on for the whole three hours, so I did what I could, though I suspect it was quantity rather than quality. Now I am going to put the books away and hopefully never look at them again!
Anyway, to celebrate I am off to the seaside for a few days break. Back on Friday, though I might not be back on the blog until the weekend. Enjoy the rest of the week, everyone!
Three notable things:
1. Going back to old haunts...taking my exam at the Bishopsgate Institute where I took accountancy exams over 20 years ago.
2. Seeing how Liverpool Street station has been redeveloped and remembering standing outside it in the old days to catch the bus home to Hackney.
3. Looking forward to seeing my parents tomorrow, for the first time in almost a year.
Anyway, to celebrate I am off to the seaside for a few days break. Back on Friday, though I might not be back on the blog until the weekend. Enjoy the rest of the week, everyone!
Three notable things:
1. Going back to old haunts...taking my exam at the Bishopsgate Institute where I took accountancy exams over 20 years ago.
2. Seeing how Liverpool Street station has been redeveloped and remembering standing outside it in the old days to catch the bus home to Hackney.
3. Looking forward to seeing my parents tomorrow, for the first time in almost a year.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
It's tomorrow...
The time has come. By 1pm tomorrow the exam will all be over.
I have been revising. I do broadly understand most of the themes of the course but I can't retain the names of any of the theorists. I know I haven't put enough work into this course but circumstances and, if I am to be honest, laziness have been against me.
Three questions in three hours. I will just have to hope that some of the topics that I have practical experience of come up so that I can waffle my way through.
Good luck to anyone else sitting the Open University K272 exam tomorrow!
Three notable things:
1. No more studying after tomorrow (at least until the next course!)
2. No exam nerves yet, because I don't give a damn. I've learnt what I needed to, the result is immaterial.
3. Planning a visit to my parents later in the week.
I have been revising. I do broadly understand most of the themes of the course but I can't retain the names of any of the theorists. I know I haven't put enough work into this course but circumstances and, if I am to be honest, laziness have been against me.
Three questions in three hours. I will just have to hope that some of the topics that I have practical experience of come up so that I can waffle my way through.
Good luck to anyone else sitting the Open University K272 exam tomorrow!
Three notable things:
1. No more studying after tomorrow (at least until the next course!)
2. No exam nerves yet, because I don't give a damn. I've learnt what I needed to, the result is immaterial.
3. Planning a visit to my parents later in the week.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Bookarazzi
A fabulous new website called Bookarazzi has just been launched.
It is the public face of a group of nearly 50 bloggers belonging to the private BloggersWithBookDeals forum, all of whom have either published a book or currently have a book contract. The group includes a number of my own favourite bloggers, some of whom are also members of the Novel Racers group I recently joined, but for a full list and links to the individual blogs of the writers, see here.
The site contains articles, links and advice, a group blog and of course the opportunity for the members to promote their own work. I think it will be well worth keeping an eye on, so do go and take a look.
My new ambition is to be able to become a member of this elite group of bloggers, but I think I have some way to go yet!
Three notable things:
1. Looking forward to getting back to the writing next week.
2. Just avoiding most of the rain whilst doing a supermarket shop with son 1 this morning.
3. Son 2 coming home with two certificates from sports week, as he is the least sporty child you could imagine!
It is the public face of a group of nearly 50 bloggers belonging to the private BloggersWithBookDeals forum, all of whom have either published a book or currently have a book contract. The group includes a number of my own favourite bloggers, some of whom are also members of the Novel Racers group I recently joined, but for a full list and links to the individual blogs of the writers, see here.
The site contains articles, links and advice, a group blog and of course the opportunity for the members to promote their own work. I think it will be well worth keeping an eye on, so do go and take a look.
My new ambition is to be able to become a member of this elite group of bloggers, but I think I have some way to go yet!
Three notable things:
1. Looking forward to getting back to the writing next week.
2. Just avoiding most of the rain whilst doing a supermarket shop with son 1 this morning.
3. Son 2 coming home with two certificates from sports week, as he is the least sporty child you could imagine!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Writing dialogue
Today I was revising for most of the day. It actually went quite well, mainly because I was looking at topics I already know a bit about, namely mental health issues in childhood and old age and also in a dual diagnosis alongside disability.
So why was it that my mind kept straying to the totally unrelated topic of writing dialogue? I think it is because I spend quite a lot of time on various writers websites, where people post their work for criticism. Obviously some of this writing is very good, some less so. One of the things I have noticed recently from the work of others is how hard it is to write good dialogue and how hung up some people seem to get on supposed 'rules'.
Rules such as stick to 'say/said' as your speech tags rather than try to be clever, so as not to distract the reader. Don't use adverbs after your speech tags. Well to my mind there is nothing wrong with these suggestions, but they should not be prescriptive. I have seen passages of dialogue which were little more than short sentences with 'he said/she said' tagged on the end. Sometimes it just seems too choppy and infantile. Surely a little variation in structure and speech tags would be better? As for adverbs, yes in general it is not good to have too many -ly words. But I can't see anything wrong with writing '....he said quietly', for example.
Who has actually made these so-called rules and why do some novice writers feel they have to folllow them to the letter? Is this what agents/publishers are looking for in commercial fiction? I've done two university creative writing courses and the only 'dialogue rules' we were taught were in respect of the layout and punctuation of dialogue. It was recommended that remembering 'show not tell' will help avoidance of adverbs, but at no time was it said you should never ever use one in your writing.
Any writers out there got any views on this?
Three notable things:
1. Getting on well with the revision (as time is running out...)
2. Thinking about going away for a few days next week.
3. The sun has been shining!
So why was it that my mind kept straying to the totally unrelated topic of writing dialogue? I think it is because I spend quite a lot of time on various writers websites, where people post their work for criticism. Obviously some of this writing is very good, some less so. One of the things I have noticed recently from the work of others is how hard it is to write good dialogue and how hung up some people seem to get on supposed 'rules'.
Rules such as stick to 'say/said' as your speech tags rather than try to be clever, so as not to distract the reader. Don't use adverbs after your speech tags. Well to my mind there is nothing wrong with these suggestions, but they should not be prescriptive. I have seen passages of dialogue which were little more than short sentences with 'he said/she said' tagged on the end. Sometimes it just seems too choppy and infantile. Surely a little variation in structure and speech tags would be better? As for adverbs, yes in general it is not good to have too many -ly words. But I can't see anything wrong with writing '....he said quietly', for example.
Who has actually made these so-called rules and why do some novice writers feel they have to folllow them to the letter? Is this what agents/publishers are looking for in commercial fiction? I've done two university creative writing courses and the only 'dialogue rules' we were taught were in respect of the layout and punctuation of dialogue. It was recommended that remembering 'show not tell' will help avoidance of adverbs, but at no time was it said you should never ever use one in your writing.
Any writers out there got any views on this?
Three notable things:
1. Getting on well with the revision (as time is running out...)
2. Thinking about going away for a few days next week.
3. The sun has been shining!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
How weird is this?
I confess that I am seemingly untidy and disorganised. But most of the time I do actually know where to find anything important.
Not this week though. I remembered receiving an examination allocation letter from the Open University several weeks ago. I knew I had put it on the coffee table and then into a cardboard box which currently stands beside the coffee table and contains an eclectic mix of books, magazines, correspondence, study materials and other things to be read or dealt with.
At the weekend I decided to dig out the letter in preparation for my exam next Monday. It wasn't there. I went through the box thoroughly, looked on the coffee table shelf and under the sofa, checked any other places I might put such things for safety. No letter.
I decided it wasn't worth stressing over. On Monday morning I phoned the Open University and told a little white lie about it probably having been lost in the post, because it was just too embarrassing to explain it had been lost in my lounge. A very nice lady said she would put a copy in the post immediately. It arrived this morning.
So why, when I came to sit down on the sofa just a few minutes ago, did I find the original letter, still in its plastic packaging, lying on the floor right beside my feet? Is it my mind playing tricks on me or do we have a poltergeist in the house?
Three notable things:
1. Coffee with supportive friends this morning.
2. Spotting a tiny wren sitting on our garden fence.
3. Finding the exam letter!
Not this week though. I remembered receiving an examination allocation letter from the Open University several weeks ago. I knew I had put it on the coffee table and then into a cardboard box which currently stands beside the coffee table and contains an eclectic mix of books, magazines, correspondence, study materials and other things to be read or dealt with.
At the weekend I decided to dig out the letter in preparation for my exam next Monday. It wasn't there. I went through the box thoroughly, looked on the coffee table shelf and under the sofa, checked any other places I might put such things for safety. No letter.
I decided it wasn't worth stressing over. On Monday morning I phoned the Open University and told a little white lie about it probably having been lost in the post, because it was just too embarrassing to explain it had been lost in my lounge. A very nice lady said she would put a copy in the post immediately. It arrived this morning.
So why, when I came to sit down on the sofa just a few minutes ago, did I find the original letter, still in its plastic packaging, lying on the floor right beside my feet? Is it my mind playing tricks on me or do we have a poltergeist in the house?
Three notable things:
1. Coffee with supportive friends this morning.
2. Spotting a tiny wren sitting on our garden fence.
3. Finding the exam letter!
Monday, July 09, 2007
Wimbledon history
Wasn't the tennis great yesterday?
Apart from Tim Henman's matches in the opening week, yesterday was almost the first time I'd had time to watch much of the ball hitting. What a day to choose. A classic, nail-biting men's final between the record-equalling Federer and young Nadal, followed by a Brit actually winning something. How can that be?
Jamie Murray and his partner Jelena Jankovic did us proud in the mixed doubles final and looked as if they were enjoying it all. Almost too much. Which of course is how Wimbledon should be.
It reminded me of years ago when we had Centre Court tickets for Women's Final day and were privileged to watch Martina Navratilova win her final singles title. It was actually something of a one-sided match but we felt we were seeing history in the making. A wonderful experience, despite the painfully hard seats and the fact that I wasn't feeling too well, so couldn't indulge in any strawberries. It didn't even rain that day!
Three notable things:
1. Great tennis to watch on TV.
2. Managing to sort out what I am going to revise and actually do some revision today.
3. Receiving the correct payment for some teaching work done last month. It's not a lot but I do that particular work for experience rather than the money!
Apart from Tim Henman's matches in the opening week, yesterday was almost the first time I'd had time to watch much of the ball hitting. What a day to choose. A classic, nail-biting men's final between the record-equalling Federer and young Nadal, followed by a Brit actually winning something. How can that be?
Jamie Murray and his partner Jelena Jankovic did us proud in the mixed doubles final and looked as if they were enjoying it all. Almost too much. Which of course is how Wimbledon should be.
It reminded me of years ago when we had Centre Court tickets for Women's Final day and were privileged to watch Martina Navratilova win her final singles title. It was actually something of a one-sided match but we felt we were seeing history in the making. A wonderful experience, despite the painfully hard seats and the fact that I wasn't feeling too well, so couldn't indulge in any strawberries. It didn't even rain that day!
Three notable things:
1. Great tennis to watch on TV.
2. Managing to sort out what I am going to revise and actually do some revision today.
3. Receiving the correct payment for some teaching work done last month. It's not a lot but I do that particular work for experience rather than the money!
Sunday, July 08, 2007
A reminder
As every Saturday, Oxford Street was crowded with people out spending. I had come down to London for my final Open University tutorial but now I was joining the throng of consumers.
But this was no casual, aimless shopping trip. I had two goals...a white T shirt for son 2 who has sports week coming up and a waterproof coat for myself for a planned getaway. I managed to get what I wanted, stopped for a panini at about 2.30pm and then headed back to Bond Street station. The lure of Oxford Street had worn off. I did not want to be tempted by the enticing goods in the department stores, to waste money I don't really have.
Back at the tube station I was met by a huge crowd of people exiting up the Jubilee line escalator. There was no obvious reason for their numbers, except trains arriving from both directions at the same time, but my heart was in my mouth. Was there a problem on the underground? I had heard no announcements but there was a significant police presence in the ticket office. Something perhaps to be expected in view of the events of a week ago.
After a couple of minutes wait my train arrived. I was disconcerted, yet at the same time relieved, to see police in both my carriage and the ones on either side of it, yet I had never seen so many on a train before. Again I wondered what was going on. It wasn't until the train started to head northwards that I realised. The train would be passing through Wembley Park station and Wembley Stadium nearby was hosting the huge Live Earth concert that afternoon. That is probably where the police were headed.
I changed trains and got home without incident.We can't let the threat of terrorism stop us living our lives, yet at the same time I think that it is in the back of our minds at all times. Yesterday was the second anniversary of the bombings of 7/7 as well as the occasion of the Live Earth concert and some big sporting events. It was good to see the level of security around our city and transport.
Three notable things:
1. Our local town centre has a Starbucks. At last.
2. Controlling my spending!
3. An encouraging tutorial and meeting with a study-buddy friend I have made through this course.
But this was no casual, aimless shopping trip. I had two goals...a white T shirt for son 2 who has sports week coming up and a waterproof coat for myself for a planned getaway. I managed to get what I wanted, stopped for a panini at about 2.30pm and then headed back to Bond Street station. The lure of Oxford Street had worn off. I did not want to be tempted by the enticing goods in the department stores, to waste money I don't really have.
Back at the tube station I was met by a huge crowd of people exiting up the Jubilee line escalator. There was no obvious reason for their numbers, except trains arriving from both directions at the same time, but my heart was in my mouth. Was there a problem on the underground? I had heard no announcements but there was a significant police presence in the ticket office. Something perhaps to be expected in view of the events of a week ago.
After a couple of minutes wait my train arrived. I was disconcerted, yet at the same time relieved, to see police in both my carriage and the ones on either side of it, yet I had never seen so many on a train before. Again I wondered what was going on. It wasn't until the train started to head northwards that I realised. The train would be passing through Wembley Park station and Wembley Stadium nearby was hosting the huge Live Earth concert that afternoon. That is probably where the police were headed.
I changed trains and got home without incident.We can't let the threat of terrorism stop us living our lives, yet at the same time I think that it is in the back of our minds at all times. Yesterday was the second anniversary of the bombings of 7/7 as well as the occasion of the Live Earth concert and some big sporting events. It was good to see the level of security around our city and transport.
Three notable things:
1. Our local town centre has a Starbucks. At last.
2. Controlling my spending!
3. An encouraging tutorial and meeting with a study-buddy friend I have made through this course.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Shopaholic strikes again
I was only going to the bank, honestly. Not my usual bank, but the one used by the local charity group for which I am treasurer. I had cheques to pay in.
Next door to the bank is an Oxfam shop. Well I couldn't resist, could I? So I came away with Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris and The Magic Toyshop by Angela Carter for my bookshelf. I have never read any Angela Carter and I think it is about time I did.
I also bought this book, which I had never heard of before - Let the Crazy Child Write! by Clive Matson. My library of 'how to write' books is growing rapidly. Now all I need to do is apply the knowledge I am collecting!
Today's three notable things:
1. Finding good books in a small charity shop.
2. Laughing at son 2 covered in my make-up, just before his school bus arrived.
3. Doing no paid work or study and not feeling at all guilty about that.
Next door to the bank is an Oxfam shop. Well I couldn't resist, could I? So I came away with Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris and The Magic Toyshop by Angela Carter for my bookshelf. I have never read any Angela Carter and I think it is about time I did.
I also bought this book, which I had never heard of before - Let the Crazy Child Write! by Clive Matson. My library of 'how to write' books is growing rapidly. Now all I need to do is apply the knowledge I am collecting!
Today's three notable things:
1. Finding good books in a small charity shop.
2. Laughing at son 2 covered in my make-up, just before his school bus arrived.
3. Doing no paid work or study and not feeling at all guilty about that.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
A brave man
I woke up very early this morning and switched on BBC News 24, to be greeted by the information that the Corporation's abducted Gaza reporter, Alan Johnston, had been freed after 114 days in captivity. He had apparently spent this time in solitary confinement, unsure if he was going to be harmed. His spirits were raised by the realisation, through hearing BBC World service radio broadcasts, that he had not been forgotten, that people all over the world were demonstrating, campaigning and working for his freedom.
What was absolutely amazing was the composure he showed on his release, making live phone calls back to the BBC studio and speaking at televised press conferences. He had been through a terrible ordeal, yet seemed to have kept himself together remarkably well. I have always thought that to be a journalist one needs to be both brave and thick-skinned. To be a journalist in a place of conflict requires both in abundance. Alan Johnston today showed remarkable courage both as a man and a consummate professional.
Three notable things:
1. A squirrel running along the garden fence.
2. The jewel coloured floral sari worn by a friend.
3. The welcome release of Alan Johnston.
Monday, July 02, 2007
Exam stress
Two weeks today I am supposed to be sitting an Open University exam. I haven't done enough work for it. I haven't even started to revise. It will be nothing short of a miracle if I pass. So shall I even bother to turn up?
I keep telling myself that it doesn't matter if I fail to complete the course, after all I was taking it simply to increase my knowledge of mental health issues in view of our family circumstances. What I have learned has already proved useful in real life. The exam doesn't matter.
Yet it is a matter of pride that I have never yet flunked out of taking an exam or test. I've failed a few...driving test and a few of my accountancy papers...but at least I persevered and passed them in the end. So I expect two weeks today I will turn up at the exam hall, praying that at least one of the few topics of which I have some practical knowledge turns up on the exam paper. Who knows, if that happens I might just be able to get by.
Three notable things:
1. A young robin, barely able to fly, hopping around outside our front door and taking shelter under the cars from the rain.
2. Watching Take That on the TV coverage of the Concert for Diana, during which the rain miraculously kept away for six hours. (The only other segment I saw was Elton closing the show, though I would loved to have seen Roger Hodgson.)
3. Knowing that terrible tragedies were narrowly averted both here in London and in Glasgow over the last few days and wondering whether guardian angels do exist.
I keep telling myself that it doesn't matter if I fail to complete the course, after all I was taking it simply to increase my knowledge of mental health issues in view of our family circumstances. What I have learned has already proved useful in real life. The exam doesn't matter.
Yet it is a matter of pride that I have never yet flunked out of taking an exam or test. I've failed a few...driving test and a few of my accountancy papers...but at least I persevered and passed them in the end. So I expect two weeks today I will turn up at the exam hall, praying that at least one of the few topics of which I have some practical knowledge turns up on the exam paper. Who knows, if that happens I might just be able to get by.
Three notable things:
1. A young robin, barely able to fly, hopping around outside our front door and taking shelter under the cars from the rain.
2. Watching Take That on the TV coverage of the Concert for Diana, during which the rain miraculously kept away for six hours. (The only other segment I saw was Elton closing the show, though I would loved to have seen Roger Hodgson.)
3. Knowing that terrible tragedies were narrowly averted both here in London and in Glasgow over the last few days and wondering whether guardian angels do exist.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Competition angst
There have been strange goings on over at Susan Hill's Long Barn Books competitions. If you haven't been following the saga of the First Novel Competition on the blogs of Scott Pack, Dovegreyreader and Susan herself, then perhaps this will bring you up to speed. Now it appears that the publisher's 'Loo Book' competition has also hit a snag. Oh dear. I was hoping to be able to enter the First Novel competition one day!
So here are today's three beautiful things, as Sue and Anne have encouraged me to go ahead with the idea. Except that I am going to call them notable rather than beautiful, as a reference to the title of my blog!
1. Sunlight glittering in the leaves right at the top of tall trees, as the sun sets during a brief break from the rain.
2. Strawberry tarts from the local baker.
3. Making pretty bead bracelets.
So here are today's three beautiful things, as Sue and Anne have encouraged me to go ahead with the idea. Except that I am going to call them notable rather than beautiful, as a reference to the title of my blog!
1. Sunlight glittering in the leaves right at the top of tall trees, as the sun sets during a brief break from the rain.
2. Strawberry tarts from the local baker.
3. Making pretty bead bracelets.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Three Beautiful Things
I'm probably years behind everyone else, but I have only just discovered Clare Grant's wonderful blog, Three Beautiful Things. I probably wouldn't have found it at all if it hadn't been for this post on Susan Hill's blog. So congratulations to Clare.
I really like the idea behind Clare's blog, to list three things which make you happy each day. Surely it can't be too hard, even on the dullest or most difficult day, to find three positives, however insignificant . In today's aspirational society it is so easy to forget to celebrate the small pleasures of life. Just thinking about them must be very good therapy for those of us with more negative outlooks on life.
Anne Brooke already does something similar at the end of each of her fabulously honest blog posts and I am seriously thinking of starting to post three beautiful things on each of my posts too. What do you think?
I really like the idea behind Clare's blog, to list three things which make you happy each day. Surely it can't be too hard, even on the dullest or most difficult day, to find three positives, however insignificant . In today's aspirational society it is so easy to forget to celebrate the small pleasures of life. Just thinking about them must be very good therapy for those of us with more negative outlooks on life.
Anne Brooke already does something similar at the end of each of her fabulously honest blog posts and I am seriously thinking of starting to post three beautiful things on each of my posts too. What do you think?
Thursday, June 28, 2007
In the news this week
So what was I doing blogging yesterday about something as trivial as my personalised homepage, when there is so much going on in the country this week?
The floods, for example. I feel desperately sorry for everyone affected further up north. For anyone outside the UK who isn't aware of this news story, there are pictures here and here.
Some viewers of GMTV were upset earlier in the week when live news reports of the floods were broken into to go to Hollywood for live coverage of Paris Hilton being released from jail. So a so-called celebrity in America, (remind me, what is she famous for other than partying?), is considered more newsworthy than a natural disaster causing loss of life and massive disruption in our own country.
Then of course there is our new Prime Minister and all the resultant changes. Apparently in the 68 minutes between Tony Blair resigning and Gordon Brown emerging from Buckingham Palace as the new Prime Minister, a matter of national importance was announced. Preston and Chantelle, two British Z list celebrities, are ending their shortlived marriage. I wonder if Max Clifford had any hand in the timing of the announcement?
The floods, for example. I feel desperately sorry for everyone affected further up north. For anyone outside the UK who isn't aware of this news story, there are pictures here and here.
Some viewers of GMTV were upset earlier in the week when live news reports of the floods were broken into to go to Hollywood for live coverage of Paris Hilton being released from jail. So a so-called celebrity in America, (remind me, what is she famous for other than partying?), is considered more newsworthy than a natural disaster causing loss of life and massive disruption in our own country.
Then of course there is our new Prime Minister and all the resultant changes. Apparently in the 68 minutes between Tony Blair resigning and Gordon Brown emerging from Buckingham Palace as the new Prime Minister, a matter of national importance was announced. Preston and Chantelle, two British Z list celebrities, are ending their shortlived marriage. I wonder if Max Clifford had any hand in the timing of the announcement?
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Little things...
I've been having fun playing around with the computer over the last couple of days. I have had Google as my homepage for ever, but now you can personalise your Google homepage and add all sorts of gadgets.
So far I have a lovely cityscape template which changes colour in time with the daylight here (you tell it where you live when setting up). I have a calendar, a sticky note space for my 'to do' list, and Google notes, which I use to record odds and ends which catch my eye on the internet. I have local weather forecasts and a couple of news feeds. A Wikipedia search button and several inspirational 'quote of the day' widgets also find a home.
The quotes come from...wait for it...Oprah and Dr Phil. Today's quote from Dr Phil is one I can really relate to:
Sometimes you just got to give yourself what you wish someone else would give you.
Enough said.
And no, I am not going to comment on today's political changes in the UK except to say that Cherie's comment to the media as they left Downing Street was classy. Not.
So far I have a lovely cityscape template which changes colour in time with the daylight here (you tell it where you live when setting up). I have a calendar, a sticky note space for my 'to do' list, and Google notes, which I use to record odds and ends which catch my eye on the internet. I have local weather forecasts and a couple of news feeds. A Wikipedia search button and several inspirational 'quote of the day' widgets also find a home.
The quotes come from...wait for it...Oprah and Dr Phil. Today's quote from Dr Phil is one I can really relate to:
Sometimes you just got to give yourself what you wish someone else would give you.
Enough said.
And no, I am not going to comment on today's political changes in the UK except to say that Cherie's comment to the media as they left Downing Street was classy. Not.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Read it and weep
Sometimes it almost feels that we are alone in dealing with severe adolescent mental health issues.
But in The Times today is an important investigation into children , unhappiness and depression in what they call Generation Anxiety.
This should be required reading for all parents and teachers.
But in The Times today is an important investigation into children , unhappiness and depression in what they call Generation Anxiety.
This should be required reading for all parents and teachers.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Singing in the rain
I've been to Glastonbury itself, but I've never been to a music festival. Which probably makes me a boring old cow, but there you go.
Apart from the fact that I am now far too old (there's nothing worse for teenagers than parents trying to be cool), I don't do camping. I'm definitely a 4* hotel type of girl.
I did camp once, with the school when I was 11. We pitched up in a big field near the Cornwall/Devon border and it rained. Just like it has at the Glastonbury Festival this weekend. We all got soaked and covered in mud and to make things worse there were no proper toilets or washing facilities. Never again.
So I'll content myself with watching snatches of the festival music online or on TV. I have just been watching The Magic Numbers online because I think two of them may have been at a table next to me in a coffee bar in Islington recently. Or maybe it was just two lookalikes. I'll never know for sure, will I?
Apart from the fact that I am now far too old (there's nothing worse for teenagers than parents trying to be cool), I don't do camping. I'm definitely a 4* hotel type of girl.
I did camp once, with the school when I was 11. We pitched up in a big field near the Cornwall/Devon border and it rained. Just like it has at the Glastonbury Festival this weekend. We all got soaked and covered in mud and to make things worse there were no proper toilets or washing facilities. Never again.
So I'll content myself with watching snatches of the festival music online or on TV. I have just been watching The Magic Numbers online because I think two of them may have been at a table next to me in a coffee bar in Islington recently. Or maybe it was just two lookalikes. I'll never know for sure, will I?
Friday, June 22, 2007
The Novel Race revisited
Regular visitors might remember that back at the start of the year I considered joining the novel race being set up on Kate Harrison's blog.
I didn't then, because the time was not right. But now my Open University course is drawing to a close and I want to get back to my novel. Soon. But I need motivation and moral support.
Things are also changing for the novel racers, who are in the process of moving to a brand new blog home here. So I thought now would be a good time to get on board. It has not been the highly competitive race I thought it might be, so I think I will feel comfortable there. If you are writing a novel, why don't you join in too?
I didn't then, because the time was not right. But now my Open University course is drawing to a close and I want to get back to my novel. Soon. But I need motivation and moral support.
Things are also changing for the novel racers, who are in the process of moving to a brand new blog home here. So I thought now would be a good time to get on board. It has not been the highly competitive race I thought it might be, so I think I will feel comfortable there. If you are writing a novel, why don't you join in too?
Thursday, June 21, 2007
A serious subject
Over the last year I have learnt far more about mental health issues than I could ever have anticipated. It has been a long haul to discover that many of son 1's problems have resulted from actual and perceived bullying at school. Initially by a teacher. The truth is still being coaxed out, a tiny bit at a time, by skilled professionals.
It was for this reason that when I first heard about Caroline Smailes' book, 'In Search of Adam', I wasn't sure if I could read it. At least, not now. Because her book is about child abuse, in its many forms, and the consequences.
I have been an occasional visitor to Caroline's lovely blog (where her publishers actually discovered her) and I was more than happy to add a publicity button for the book in my sidebar, which you may have noticed over the last few weeks. But still I was not sure about actually reading it. Yet.
But then I read Dovegreyreader's astute review, followed by other bloggers reviews (links are on Caroline's blog). I realised that this book is both unusual and important. I ordered it. I started to read it yesterday and already I have been drawn into the dysfunctional world of young Jude Williams, who I desperately want to protect better than I did my own child. I can hardly bear to read on or to put it down.
Don't be put off by the subject matter. Caroline has, through her use of language and the young voice of Jude as her narrator, avoided falling into unnecessary sentimentality. We understand far more than Jude does.
I'll come back to it later, as it a multi-layered book which will take time to read and digest. It might not be for everyone, but why not try it and judge for yourself?
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Book blogs
I enjoy reading some of the book blogs. I use them in the same way as reviews in papers, magazines or even on TV, to guide me towards authors and books I might otherwise not have heard of. Yes, we have a local branch of Waterstones, but there are so many interesting books out there which don't get into their special promotions or even onto their shelves, especially those published by the small publishing houses.
Yet parts of the literary establishment seems to feel threatened by ordinary people who blog about books, as evidenced by this recent missive from Persephone books publisher Nicola Beauman (what you read there is apparently an edited version of the original). There are comments about this on several book blogs...take a look at this post on Eve's Alexandria for links to some other views. Whilst you are there, just read the intellectual quality of the book reviews on that particular blog.
Not everyone wants to just read dry, inaccessable reviews in a broadsheet newspaper, many of which are, in any event, often written by someone with a connection to the author or publishing house. Why can't 'ordinary' bloggers also have an outlet for their opinions? After all, most readers are discerning enough to just use reviews as a starting point in deciding whether to buy a book or not. Just as we do when looking at readers reviews on Amazon, or recommendations attached to the shelves in a book store.
I suspect that book blogs do generate quite a few sales and, in most cases, welcome publicity. I know that in the last year I have ordered a number of books, often directly from a small publisher, which I would never have heard of if it wasn't for book bloggers such as Dovegreyreader. Funnily enough, not one of those was published by Persephone books.
Yet parts of the literary establishment seems to feel threatened by ordinary people who blog about books, as evidenced by this recent missive from Persephone books publisher Nicola Beauman (what you read there is apparently an edited version of the original). There are comments about this on several book blogs...take a look at this post on Eve's Alexandria for links to some other views. Whilst you are there, just read the intellectual quality of the book reviews on that particular blog.
Not everyone wants to just read dry, inaccessable reviews in a broadsheet newspaper, many of which are, in any event, often written by someone with a connection to the author or publishing house. Why can't 'ordinary' bloggers also have an outlet for their opinions? After all, most readers are discerning enough to just use reviews as a starting point in deciding whether to buy a book or not. Just as we do when looking at readers reviews on Amazon, or recommendations attached to the shelves in a book store.
I suspect that book blogs do generate quite a few sales and, in most cases, welcome publicity. I know that in the last year I have ordered a number of books, often directly from a small publisher, which I would never have heard of if it wasn't for book bloggers such as Dovegreyreader. Funnily enough, not one of those was published by Persephone books.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Writing courses
As you already know if you have been reading this blog recently, I would love to do an MA in Creative Writing. Soon. But right now it is becoming even more clear that it would be silly to try to commit to such a major undertaking until things are a little more settled at home.
The Open University has a level three course planned for the autumn of 2008 which I might do instead. As it is anticipated that the syllabus will contain playwriting as well as prose and poetry, I have been thinking of perhaps doing the short level one course on playwriting this autumn as an introduction.
But that won't help with my currently stalled novel. So I was delighted to read on Susan Hill's blog today that she is intending to run a free, online course through her blog. Sounds like a fantastic opportunity to learn from an expert and I have already sent in my name. Anyone else up for this?
The Open University has a level three course planned for the autumn of 2008 which I might do instead. As it is anticipated that the syllabus will contain playwriting as well as prose and poetry, I have been thinking of perhaps doing the short level one course on playwriting this autumn as an introduction.
But that won't help with my currently stalled novel. So I was delighted to read on Susan Hill's blog today that she is intending to run a free, online course through her blog. Sounds like a fantastic opportunity to learn from an expert and I have already sent in my name. Anyone else up for this?
Friday, June 15, 2007
Today...
...I sat in a clinic for three hours while a social worker and a doctor decided whether to send son 1 to hospital. I'm not sure if it is called sectioning where a child is involved, but that is what it amounts to.
They concluded he could stay at home.
They concluded he could stay at home.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Celebrity
I turned on GMTV this morning and caught part of a piece on celebrity. I wish I had seen it all as it appeared fascinating. As part of a degree project (art or media studies degree?...missed that bit) a young, slim, attractive girl had set out to see if she could make her face famous in the space of 12 weeks. She succeeded in getting onto London billboards and a mural on a department store wall, she had invites to celebrity parties, etc etc.
Which all goes to once again prove how shallow modern celebrity can be. I have absolutely no problem with people being famous because they have a special talent or have achieved something exceptional in life and I will admit to enjoying a quick flick through Heat magazine. But last week I was standing in a shop and it suddenly hit me how many (mostly ghastly) celebrity magazines there are.
Nowadays celebrity seems to have become a goal in itself rather than something to be earned. It is the only reason many people go on reality TV shows. What is your ambition? To be a celebrity or a footballer's wife. Great. Why are people like Paris Hilton and Chantelle set up as role models for our children? No wonder so many girls have body image problems and fall into debt trying to emulate them.
I have more time for celebrities who use their wealth and fame to benefit others. The Beckhams may have their faults, but not everyone knows that they also run a childrens charity which funds badly needed equipment for children with disabilities.
Celebrity can be a millstone as well as a bonus in life. But surely it should be something that is earned for success rather than just notoriety, and those who have it should attempt to use their high profile to benefit others. Hopefully the current obsession with celebrity, where ghostwritten autobiographies of mediocre people outsell great writing, will soon be over.
Which all goes to once again prove how shallow modern celebrity can be. I have absolutely no problem with people being famous because they have a special talent or have achieved something exceptional in life and I will admit to enjoying a quick flick through Heat magazine. But last week I was standing in a shop and it suddenly hit me how many (mostly ghastly) celebrity magazines there are.
Nowadays celebrity seems to have become a goal in itself rather than something to be earned. It is the only reason many people go on reality TV shows. What is your ambition? To be a celebrity or a footballer's wife. Great. Why are people like Paris Hilton and Chantelle set up as role models for our children? No wonder so many girls have body image problems and fall into debt trying to emulate them.
I have more time for celebrities who use their wealth and fame to benefit others. The Beckhams may have their faults, but not everyone knows that they also run a childrens charity which funds badly needed equipment for children with disabilities.
Celebrity can be a millstone as well as a bonus in life. But surely it should be something that is earned for success rather than just notoriety, and those who have it should attempt to use their high profile to benefit others. Hopefully the current obsession with celebrity, where ghostwritten autobiographies of mediocre people outsell great writing, will soon be over.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Disobedience
I've just finished reading 'Disobedience' by Naomi Alderman, helped by the fact that I had a very long wait while son 1 was in an appointment yesterday, so I could read without feeling guilty.
The reviews for this book seem to have been mixed, but it did win the Orange Award for New Writers in 2006. The story is set within the close knit Orthodox Jewish community in Hendon, North West London. Now I am not Jewish, but I have many (not so Orthodox) Jewish friends and I did spend a year living in Golders Green, just up the road from Hendon, before I was married. Golders Greeen is also a very strongly Jewish area and after a while I became used to the fact that many of the shops were closed on Saturday and that lots of the local residents were very Orthodox in their appearance and habits...Kosher shops and restaurants being the norm.
Through her bisexual heroine Ronit, who managed to escape, Naomi Alderman is critical of the insularity of Hendon's Jews. Yet at the same time she manages to show sympathy towards other main characters still caught up in the strict traditions of the community in which she herself grew up.
I loved this book.
The reviews for this book seem to have been mixed, but it did win the Orange Award for New Writers in 2006. The story is set within the close knit Orthodox Jewish community in Hendon, North West London. Now I am not Jewish, but I have many (not so Orthodox) Jewish friends and I did spend a year living in Golders Green, just up the road from Hendon, before I was married. Golders Greeen is also a very strongly Jewish area and after a while I became used to the fact that many of the shops were closed on Saturday and that lots of the local residents were very Orthodox in their appearance and habits...Kosher shops and restaurants being the norm.
Through her bisexual heroine Ronit, who managed to escape, Naomi Alderman is critical of the insularity of Hendon's Jews. Yet at the same time she manages to show sympathy towards other main characters still caught up in the strict traditions of the community in which she herself grew up.
I loved this book.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Back to reality
Reality TV, that is.
Any Dream Will Do was won, rightly in my opinion, by the lovely Lee Mead. I loved his interpretation of Paint It, Black, but the duet where he more than held his own with the talented Josh Groban in an earlier programme also really shows his star potential.
Now for the final of The Apprentice tomorrow. Katie is still very much in the news after last week, but it appears that what goes around, comes around. She's been fired from her real job. Never mind, she's got the media interest she seemed to want, although it may prove to be shortlived. Just don't let her kid you that she stood down from the final to put her family first.
Any Dream Will Do was won, rightly in my opinion, by the lovely Lee Mead. I loved his interpretation of Paint It, Black, but the duet where he more than held his own with the talented Josh Groban in an earlier programme also really shows his star potential.
Now for the final of The Apprentice tomorrow. Katie is still very much in the news after last week, but it appears that what goes around, comes around. She's been fired from her real job. Never mind, she's got the media interest she seemed to want, although it may prove to be shortlived. Just don't let her kid you that she stood down from the final to put her family first.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Foxes
We think the foxes may have gone. Fascinating as they were, they are a nuisance and couldn't stay. Since horses and hounds, or guns, are not a practical solution in a London suburban garden, I sent off for one of these humane and rather clever little ultrasonic gadgets.
Soon after Hubby set it up in the garden, we watched the boldest fox emerge from the bushes. He sauntered up the grass (I hesitate to call it a lawn), then suddenly jumped in fright and ran back to the undergrowth. That was three days ago and we have had no sightings since. Sadly we haven't seen the squirrels either, so we think they have been scared away or worse still, eaten by the foxes.
Son 1 took some pictures, just to prove the foxes really had been there. Sorry about the fuzzy quality after I had cropped and zoomed in to give a closer view, but at least you can see them.
Friday, June 08, 2007
Eight things about me
As promised, since I have been tagged by both Marianne and Betamum....
1. As part of my degree course, I spent a year living and studying in Germany in historic Goettingen, though I did far more travelling than studying. I even crossed the Iron Curtain into East Berlin on my own, which was pretty scary.
2. My lovely grandmother, who had lived through two world wars, was afraid I might end up marrying a German. But that was never in question because I was madly in love with my boyfriend back in England......who dumped me on the day I returned for good.
3. I am the black sheep of my family because I do not believe in organised religion, especially the joylessness of the Methodist Church.
4. I don't believe in happy endings because I have realised over the years that every time things seem to be really going well for me, life will throw a major spanner in the works. Perhaps this is divine retribution (see above).
5. I used to love travelling, especially in the Far East, and my favourite place in the world (so far) is Bali. I really want to visit Mauritius one day, as everyone I have ever met who comes from there has been such a lovely person.
6. I never stop wanting to learn new things, which leads me to spend far too much time on the internet and to sign up for OU courses that I don't really have time to do properly. My next ambition is to get a place on a Creative Writing MA course and write a book before I am 50 (which sadly isn't too many years away).
7. I've always enjoyed being creative, even if I am not very talented at it, and spend a lot of money on beautiful craft materials which currently just clog up the spare bedroom because I don't have time to use them. I do, however, try to make hand crafted cards for family and special friends.
8. I am a chocaholic and a shopaholic with a serious eBay habit, but thankfully not an alcoholic, though I do enjoy a glass of wine (or two).
Well, that wasn't so hard, was it?
I've lost track of who has already been tagged on this meme, so I'll just leave it open. If you'd like to have a go yourself, I'd love to read your answers.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Take a day off...
...and suddenly there is a lot to write about!
I had a pleasant day in central London yesterday, despite hassles on the tube journey getting in. The main purpose of my visit was to be a guest speaker at a university, something I have done for the last three years and very much enjoy. My work was finished by 3pm so I wandered off to Borders for a long browse and a coffee in the Starbucks concession before heading homewards.
Although I wouldn't want to have to commute into London every day (been there, done that), I find that to go in every now and then for work or meetings, as well as pleasure, can be very energising.
So home for an evening in front of The Apprentice, with Sir Alan playing Katie perfectly. I then watched the follow-on show on BBC2 and was amazed how much younger and prettier Katie looked, having lost the dated blue eyeshadow and bright lipstick and got herself a sharper new haircut. A real improvement, just a shame the same couldn't be said for her personality!
Then there was the announcement of the Orange Broadband Prize last night. The hot favourite, Half a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was the winner. It sounds like a challenging yet rewarding read, but I'm not sure if it is for me, or at least not at the moment. I have, however, been fascinated by the reviews, such as this one by the always reliable dovegreyreader and this one on Eve's Alexandria.
Finally, I have been tagged by Marianne, but that will have to wait for another day.
I had a pleasant day in central London yesterday, despite hassles on the tube journey getting in. The main purpose of my visit was to be a guest speaker at a university, something I have done for the last three years and very much enjoy. My work was finished by 3pm so I wandered off to Borders for a long browse and a coffee in the Starbucks concession before heading homewards.
Although I wouldn't want to have to commute into London every day (been there, done that), I find that to go in every now and then for work or meetings, as well as pleasure, can be very energising.
So home for an evening in front of The Apprentice, with Sir Alan playing Katie perfectly. I then watched the follow-on show on BBC2 and was amazed how much younger and prettier Katie looked, having lost the dated blue eyeshadow and bright lipstick and got herself a sharper new haircut. A real improvement, just a shame the same couldn't be said for her personality!
Then there was the announcement of the Orange Broadband Prize last night. The hot favourite, Half a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was the winner. It sounds like a challenging yet rewarding read, but I'm not sure if it is for me, or at least not at the moment. I have, however, been fascinated by the reviews, such as this one by the always reliable dovegreyreader and this one on Eve's Alexandria.
Finally, I have been tagged by Marianne, but that will have to wait for another day.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Artful illusion
It is still half term here. Can you tell?
Have wasted too much time on the internet but on Sarah Salway's always inspiring blog I found this gem. Sarah, in turn, had found it on the blog of the wonderful hagsharlotsheroines website, so apologies if you have already seen it.
(video link removed)
Clever, fascinating, beautiful and yet somehow a little unsettling too?
Have wasted too much time on the internet but on Sarah Salway's always inspiring blog I found this gem. Sarah, in turn, had found it on the blog of the wonderful hagsharlotsheroines website, so apologies if you have already seen it.
(video link removed)
Clever, fascinating, beautiful and yet somehow a little unsettling too?
Monday, June 04, 2007
Watching the wildlife
For an ordinary suburban garden, we have always had a quite a few interesting visitors in addition to the predictable cats.
Years ago it was the occasional nocturnal hedgehog or frequent little frogs, who made their way under the fence from next door's pond and liked to hang out beneath our climbing frame.
For several years now we have regularly had a playing squirrel or two, which we believe live in one of the many trees at the bottom of the gardens, perhaps even in our own mutantly giant pear tree. One of them even knocked itself out on our patio once, probably by falling off the fence or house wall, but recovered and ran off before I could even get hold of the RSPCA.
Sometimes we have interesting birds...a colourful jay perhaps, or as today, a pair of woodpeckers tapping on one of the apple trees.
But last night was a first.I looked out of the kitchen window just before 9pm and saw three urban foxes at the end of the garden. It appeared to be a parent with two semi-grown cubs and eventually they all disappeared into the distant patch of garden which has recently become somewhat neglected and overgrown, being beyond easy reach of the strimmer. Maybe they had been disturbed by Hubby cutting the rest of the long grass earlier in the afternoon.
The garden is not picture perfect. It is low maintenance and intended to be an area where children can play comfortably with water or football, where wildlife can find shelter and where fruit grows on trees and bushes. Our next door neighbour takes great pride in his garden, he frequently hints that we should have the huge pear tree cut down. But the houses are about 80 years old and the trees possibly older, they are an integral part of the character of the area. A garden, like a house, needs to be adapted sympathetically. We are not living in the 1920's now, but it is good to retain some original features.
Years ago it was the occasional nocturnal hedgehog or frequent little frogs, who made their way under the fence from next door's pond and liked to hang out beneath our climbing frame.
For several years now we have regularly had a playing squirrel or two, which we believe live in one of the many trees at the bottom of the gardens, perhaps even in our own mutantly giant pear tree. One of them even knocked itself out on our patio once, probably by falling off the fence or house wall, but recovered and ran off before I could even get hold of the RSPCA.
Sometimes we have interesting birds...a colourful jay perhaps, or as today, a pair of woodpeckers tapping on one of the apple trees.
But last night was a first.I looked out of the kitchen window just before 9pm and saw three urban foxes at the end of the garden. It appeared to be a parent with two semi-grown cubs and eventually they all disappeared into the distant patch of garden which has recently become somewhat neglected and overgrown, being beyond easy reach of the strimmer. Maybe they had been disturbed by Hubby cutting the rest of the long grass earlier in the afternoon.
The garden is not picture perfect. It is low maintenance and intended to be an area where children can play comfortably with water or football, where wildlife can find shelter and where fruit grows on trees and bushes. Our next door neighbour takes great pride in his garden, he frequently hints that we should have the huge pear tree cut down. But the houses are about 80 years old and the trees possibly older, they are an integral part of the character of the area. A garden, like a house, needs to be adapted sympathetically. We are not living in the 1920's now, but it is good to retain some original features.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Tutorial
I went into central London yesterday to an Open University tutorial for my course on mental health.
The session wasn't well attended, though whether that was because of the heat and sunshine or because the students have dropped out, I don't know. Anyway we had a thought provoking discussion on the concept of 'recovery' in the mental health field.
I have to admit that I had never before really seriously considered the possibility that some mental health service users might not want to recover. That they might prefer to remain as they are because life is so much more comfortable when they are receiving professional support, services and financial benefits rather than having to look after themselves in the 'real world', where they will probably be marginalised anyway because of their history and diagnosis. That heroin users might go into rehab simply to get prescribed methadone whilst giving their collapsed veins some time to recover.
I'm sure, however, that this view does not apply to the majority of service users. I know son 1 really wants to get his life back and yet, in some ways, he too is using avoidance techniques for those aspects of life which will be the most difficult (in his case school and teachers). But judging how far he should be challenged against how much he should be allowed to control his own recovery, especially as he is still legally a minor, is a delicate balancing act and we have from the start received conflicting advice from different professionals.
I worry all the time that we are getting it wrong. Parenting is such a hard job.
The session wasn't well attended, though whether that was because of the heat and sunshine or because the students have dropped out, I don't know. Anyway we had a thought provoking discussion on the concept of 'recovery' in the mental health field.
I have to admit that I had never before really seriously considered the possibility that some mental health service users might not want to recover. That they might prefer to remain as they are because life is so much more comfortable when they are receiving professional support, services and financial benefits rather than having to look after themselves in the 'real world', where they will probably be marginalised anyway because of their history and diagnosis. That heroin users might go into rehab simply to get prescribed methadone whilst giving their collapsed veins some time to recover.
I'm sure, however, that this view does not apply to the majority of service users. I know son 1 really wants to get his life back and yet, in some ways, he too is using avoidance techniques for those aspects of life which will be the most difficult (in his case school and teachers). But judging how far he should be challenged against how much he should be allowed to control his own recovery, especially as he is still legally a minor, is a delicate balancing act and we have from the start received conflicting advice from different professionals.
I worry all the time that we are getting it wrong. Parenting is such a hard job.
Friday, June 01, 2007
Diamonds are forever?
The artist Damien Hirst is in the news once again, with a new exhibition about to open in London.
The centrepiece will be this.
I have just one question. Why?
The centrepiece will be this.
I have just one question. Why?
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