My life in black and white (2)

Sorry, this is a bit of a cop-out but my brother is due to arrive any minute now for the day and I have a meal to cook. Later I'm going with my son to see two rescue rats as potential companions for Rizzo. A full day! So here is another of my photos. Hopefully, I'll have time to chat tomorrow.

My life in black and white (1)

I've been playing this little game on Facebook that a friend started - to upload ten black and white photos (one a day) that represents your life. There are no people in the photos, no explanations and, unlike most of these games, no nominations. If others want to join in they can.

As I am very short on time today I thought I put one of these photos here. I may use the others if I run short of ideas during this month of blogging! Have a lovely day everyone. The sun is out and there's blue sky. Such a shame I'll be stuck inside most of the day.

#wpad July challenge - Where I write

WHERE I WRITE

The garden bench

I write mainly on the sofa where I feel comfortable, with or without the laptop, or at the table with the laptop.  Sometimes I will go off to a cafe and find a corner to write in for an hour (recently discovered the quietness of the B&Q cafe!)

When the weather is nice I go outdoors and I have two places in the garden where I mainly write. The first is the bench outside the back door  where it is good for days when it isn't quite warm enough to peel off the sweater.  It is sheltered so I can sit there on a sunny day in October or in early spring.  This is a recent addition to the garden and is also a nice place to sit in the evening but not in full sun light in the recent temperatures we've had.  When the sun is on the bench I need a blanket laid on it as the heat would strip the skin off!

The other favourite place in the garden is, my little grotto, or as my son calls it, my Zen zone.  It is a shady nook and ideal to escape to away from the glaring sun.  Not only do I write in these places but I also read and write letters and today I had a friend round and we sat in the Zen zone with our tea and biscuits.

Here are a few photos:

The grotto or Zen zone

....

In the Zen zone

Keeping up with with it all

If only I had time! (Chichester Cathedral clock)

Today I've sent off two poems to the Bridport Prize.  These are new poems written within the last week which I am particularly pleased with but hope I have not been to quick to send them out as normally I let them rest for  a period of time.

I don't know about you but I find it hard to keep up with the world of writing.  There are writing magazines I read which I glance through on receiving then realise the next one has arrived and I never read the previous one!  I like to read poetry books, poetry mags I subscribe to, keep up with whatever current course I am doing as well as using other exercises to get me writing, keep an eye on possible competitions (and submit within the deadline) and then I actually need to physically write something!  Of course there are always things to distract me, which is bad enough, but also have commitments in my life and hobbies to pursue (and we all need balance to our lives). I've actually spent a lot of time on my writing in the last week while also catching up on those outstanding magazines so I am feeling quite pleased with myself.  I know it won't last but hey, what would I find to write about if life was that straightforward and simple?

A Poem for Easter

Hampton Court Palace Gardens

Easter Day

Spring crocus in fine vestments, white and gold

Line the winding pathway to the church, where

Worshippers have come since days of old

To celebrate Christ’s resurrection there.

The rough wood crosses stand uncovered now

And all adornments beautify anew

Among the fragrant flowers which take a bow

And candle light in spreading, dazzling hue.

And while the ancient stones resound in praise

In hymns of ‘Alleluia’, for at last

The light has overcome the darker days

And sin and death are banished to the past.

A flock of Daffodils dance with the sun

Fine adoration of the victory won.

©2010

Photo poetry?!

'When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;' (William Wordsworth)