tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219568322024-03-13T20:12:08.511-07:00Haz's blogoriginally part of training/fundraising for the Hepatitis C Trust's Nepal trek.
Now, sporadic musings...Hazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099903024336295455noreply@blogger.comBlogger168125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21956832.post-27200994293986895212009-03-10T09:09:00.000-07:002009-03-10T10:32:21.573-07:00fordingbridge fantasia of march hares...I was hoping to upload a blog post in February... as my mum would say, <em>the way to hell is paved with good intentions... </em>It may be that I'm trotting happily along that particular yellow brick road (as if indeed I believe in the concept of hell, which I don't - though the jury's out on the yellow brick road...)<br />or maybe I'm allowed to be more forgiving of my 'non-achieving'; think of it instead as travelling towards a completed first novel draft - this time last year I had about 3,000 words, & now I have over 31,000. Another 9,000 and I'm around half-way...<br />It's tortuously slow - but the tortoise still beat the hare....<br /><br />My solitary life does have distinct disadvantages. You miss decent conversation, for a start... but I've been blessed with several house guests recently, and last weekend I was a houseguest myself, for my friend Fiona's 60th birthday bash. She filled the Granary at Fordingbridge with friends and family (link to check it out: <a href="http://www.newforestcottages.com/granary_barn.htm">http://www.newforestcottages.com/granary_barn.htm</a> - a real home-from-home for me, being a giant version of where I'm living). Four Pisceans celebrated birthdays over the course of a fantasic weekend... an abundance of excellent food, fine wine...<br />and wonderful conversation.<br />Now, work calls - invoices to prepare for services, MOT repairs, oil changes...<br />A very different world to my (temporary) weekend one!Hazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099903024336295455noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21956832.post-10873877483850545242009-02-05T03:58:00.000-08:002009-02-05T04:33:01.582-08:00belated catch up on the christmas break<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SYrVNuEo06I/AAAAAAAAAtU/7ooSpRZkmZw/s1600-h/xmas2008+039.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299282343237309346" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SYrVNuEo06I/AAAAAAAAAtU/7ooSpRZkmZw/s320/xmas2008+039.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Byron’s lines ‘All who joy would win/must share it, -/Happiness was born a Twin’ express a motivation as good as any for seeking the company of others, from soulmates to passing souls.<br /><br />After a dark, depressed December, my break at the cusp of the year restored my resilience in spades. (At least until after the first few days back at work!)<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SYrVOG3CbaI/AAAAAAAAAtk/3YZifU-zKMs/s1600-h/xmas2008+045.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299282349891153314" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SYrVOG3CbaI/AAAAAAAAAtk/3YZifU-zKMs/s320/xmas2008+045.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SYrVNzO4i5I/AAAAAAAAAtc/8WwXGmXvWLQ/s1600-h/xmas2008+041.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299282344622459794" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SYrVNzO4i5I/AAAAAAAAAtc/8WwXGmXvWLQ/s320/xmas2008+041.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><br />from my journal 23rd December 2008:<br /><em>I’m on the road, and a grin spreads. The day is dull, a dull December day, threatening drizzle most of the way up the M6 (which doesn’t actually kick in until the Lakes – and even then only very half-heartedly).<br />I feel free. Free and definitely up to this journey. In spite of a month of no exercise or fresh air, no resources for self-care – and ever diminishing spirits. I feared getting ill after my last day at work - schoolteacher syndrome - but I’m OK. </em></div><div><em>OK, and enjoying the drive. Four to five hours is manageable - just.<br />The day before Christmas Eve, and I’m heading via Cumbria to my metaphorical ‘home’, my birthplace, yet again. Drawing close to Keswick, The Beautiful South sing Rotterdam on Radio 2, and I agree with Aled - it doesn’t get much better than this.<br />Half an hour on, I catch sight of the red sun sliding through cloud towards the Solway Firth. Just when you think it won’t get better than this… It does.</em></div><div><br />Christmas Day. Mum and I drove to North Berwick to walk along the bay. Once the link of love and blood is made, it can never be fully broken.</div><div><br />29th December, Sheena & I went up Harlaw. </div><div>These pictures remind me of what a spectacular place the Pentlands can be....<br /></div><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SYrVOQ3dB_I/AAAAAAAAAts/6G9NUmCxESE/s1600-h/xmas2008+048.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299282352577251314" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SYrVOQ3dB_I/AAAAAAAAAts/6G9NUmCxESE/s320/xmas2008+048.jpg" border="0" /></a> I didn't fully appreciate the wondrous scenery when I lived there!</div><div><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SYrWQSNcKlI/AAAAAAAAAt0/JS5lJA-2eyE/s1600-h/xmas2008+056.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299283486809270866" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SYrWQSNcKlI/AAAAAAAAAt0/JS5lJA-2eyE/s320/xmas2008+056.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><br />3rd January 2009, I had my annual New Year coast pilgrimage – a meander along the Solway Firth, snapping happily at a sunwashed Criffel (above) – & I just missed a perfect photo of the flock’s mirror image in the sea… (below)<br /><div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SYrWQjTc5QI/AAAAAAAAAt8/buMUExeDhro/s1600-h/xmas2008+077.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299283491397887234" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SYrWQjTc5QI/AAAAAAAAAt8/buMUExeDhro/s320/xmas2008+077.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SYrWQ_MFyMI/AAAAAAAAAuM/k8FwlpnF-2Y/s1600-h/xmas2008+094.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299283498883205314" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SYrWQ_MFyMI/AAAAAAAAAuM/k8FwlpnF-2Y/s320/xmas2008+094.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SYrWQ1DP03I/AAAAAAAAAuE/mW_SyK66mM8/s1600-h/xmas2008+083.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299283496161760114" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SYrWQ1DP03I/AAAAAAAAAuE/mW_SyK66mM8/s320/xmas2008+083.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div>Lots of playing with arty beach photos... but I'll limit to these!<br /></div><div>This trip home, I meet another two people who have just been diagnosed hep C positive. And only one cleared of those I'd already met. Our numbers grow… and grow, unfortunately. </div><div><br />I came across Raymond Carver’s lines from ‘What the Doctor Said’, where the doctor asks ‘are you a religious man...’ delighting in natural joys and wisdom. Like Carver, I’m not quite living that – yet. But I, too, intend to start today. </div><div><br />5th January 2009, my return to the world of work, & I have a prang in the car. I drive 500 plus miles – and crash within walking distance of my work. At least nobody bled!<br /><br /></div></div></div></div>Hazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099903024336295455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21956832.post-19533558583049286192009-02-05T03:43:00.000-08:002009-02-05T03:58:52.103-08:00December Days...<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SYrR4yn3kLI/AAAAAAAAAtM/fvSLPMz_2WI/s1600-h/xmas2008+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299278685146681522" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SYrR4yn3kLI/AAAAAAAAAtM/fvSLPMz_2WI/s320/xmas2008+006.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SYrR4hZvGlI/AAAAAAAAAtE/pB5C3WJoYPY/s1600-h/xmas2008+026.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299278680524003922" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SYrR4hZvGlI/AAAAAAAAAtE/pB5C3WJoYPY/s320/xmas2008+026.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Seeds in the sun (the same day as the ice sculptures in the puddles) & the Malverns in the mist...<br />Just wanted to get the pix up... more to follow.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SYrR2k9MxrI/AAAAAAAAAs8/EvL2MCp-1Bw/s1600-h/xmas2008+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299278647118317234" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SYrR2k9MxrI/AAAAAAAAAs8/EvL2MCp-1Bw/s320/xmas2008+003.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SYrR2dc_tgI/AAAAAAAAAs0/G-S5bFdy-Q4/s1600-h/xmas2008+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299278645104195074" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SYrR2dc_tgI/AAAAAAAAAs0/G-S5bFdy-Q4/s320/xmas2008+001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Hazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099903024336295455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21956832.post-45638005348792776002008-10-11T03:48:00.000-07:002008-10-11T05:07:23.865-07:00October slides past in sunshineI missed a blog post in September... Looking back over previous posts, those with pix always look more interesting, so I've included some on this - however out of date they are, having been taken on our annual camping trip.<br /> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SPCISThhtJI/AAAAAAAAAd0/ID-wMzXoIPM/s1600-h/DURDLE+DOOR+2008+038.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255850613201286290" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SPCISThhtJI/AAAAAAAAAd0/ID-wMzXoIPM/s320/DURDLE+DOOR+2008+038.jpg" border="0" /></a> We had three sunny days - mostly, it was dull (as the pic of Corfe shows) or raining.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SPCIS2k9syI/AAAAAAAAAd8/fgyKxB7RbdM/s1600-h/DURDLE+DOOR+2008+050.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255850622610944802" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SPCIS2k9syI/AAAAAAAAAd8/fgyKxB7RbdM/s320/DURDLE+DOOR+2008+050.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SPCIS833G_I/AAAAAAAAAeE/3qt24-WHnuo/s1600-h/DURDLE+DOOR+2008+078.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255850624300817394" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SPCIS833G_I/AAAAAAAAAeE/3qt24-WHnuo/s320/DURDLE+DOOR+2008+078.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SPCITcMyJYI/AAAAAAAAAeM/o-ITkuMq4_M/s1600-h/DURDLE+DOOR+2008+074.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255850632710071682" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SPCITcMyJYI/AAAAAAAAAeM/o-ITkuMq4_M/s320/DURDLE+DOOR+2008+074.jpg" border="0" /></a>We did have some lovely days - just not enough for me to feel that sense of wellbeing I've come to expect at the end of a camping trip!<br />I didn't take any photos on the Coleridge trek at the start of September - the weather was changeable then, too (although it did stay largely dry for walking), but the physical challenge meant my concentration was focussed on getting through it... I (re)discovered that training in one activity is non-transferable... running is no preparation for trekking over rough terrain for miles!<br />Lucy came up for the weekend, and we ran together. I was thrilled to find out that if I slow my pace right down, I can easily run much longer... So I'm back to running, 3 or 4 times a week if I can. <br /><div>October is always a significant month for me. </div><div><div>21 years ago this month, I was the startled and dazed mother of a newborn... I remember that October as crisp and cold, but sunny - much like that we're having (so far) this year. My 21 year old son is due to be a father in March... So, in the month I gave birth, I discover I will be a grandma.</div><div>The novel is now 17000 words in... only another 52 weekends of a similar output to complete a first draft...</div><div>My blogging may be minimal these days, but maybe it has to be to allow that novel narrative to progress...</div></div>Hazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099903024336295455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21956832.post-40078834710836520752008-08-05T10:23:00.001-07:002008-08-05T10:32:13.881-07:00emulating literary herosI write in various notebooks right now, each with different functions - makes me think of Lessing’s The Golden Notebook…<br />No blog entry at all last month - I spiralled towards midsummer and beyond with no time for personal access on the internet… Looking at my scanty (or non-existent) blogging, I think what do I do with my life ? (apart from work horrendously long hours…).<br />Then I check back through my diary, and the mystery is solved. The current incarnation of my novel is now over 10,000, that takes time (one three hour session produced only 600 words, but it‘s not always as tortuous as that - especially as Mike managed to convert my floppy disc files so I could open them on the laptop; and I now also have print versions to work with!).<br />I may be writing less poetry these days - my choices for my slot in Rosie Finnegan’s Soap Box Poets (part of Frome Festival) were mostly from old material - but the connection is still there. The soapbox event was great fun to take part in as well as a fine addition to the literary programme - Crysse‘s blog covered the festival comprehensively weeks ago, so I won‘t attempt a paltry contribution here so long after the event. Suffice to say, I’ll be watching the festival space, to see what the committee come up with next…<br />Live n’ lippy had an outing at Bath Poetry Café in the Mission Theatre on 20th July - with, I might add, new material (in spite of saying I haven't written much new...) The evening’s line-up offered great diversity from poets on the MA in Creative Writing at Bath Spa and further afield; a pleasure and a privilege to be part of it - plus the feedback was our most encouraging yet.<br /><br />I’ve had two weekend visitors since the last post - and thoroughly enjoyed both events. Such a delight to enjoy hours of companionship with dearly loved friends. I’ve also gone to stay with friends - so much social activity a reminder of the dearth of social contact outside work I have here (unless I ’import’ them for the weekend!) Its rarity makes it so much more precious. The Race for Life in Cumbria was an amazing event to be part of - over 5,000 women apparently took part. Not something I’d dream of doing on my own, so rather special to take part with Karen and Denise. I didn’t run the whole 5k, but I tried to persuade the others that we should aim for it next year… Incentive for me to try to keep the training going, as I know it really helps me stay healthy in my crazy work lifestyle… <a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SJiM4g9xpCI/AAAAAAAAAdA/ZrwHlCV5MBI/s1600-h/P8020042.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231085869740434466" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SJiM4g9xpCI/AAAAAAAAAdA/ZrwHlCV5MBI/s320/P8020042.jpg" border="0" /></a> Though if you check out this fantastic panorama, it's hardly hardship to pound around these fields...<br />Crysse kindly forwarded these jpegs taken on her visit; a decadent supper on Friday night at the Oak was followed by walking the crinkles from our psyches in the Malverns on Saturday, sustained by Long Hop ale and excellent fish and chips afterwards…<br />The pic taken in the woods on the Malverns seems to characterize my life situation at the moment somehow. <a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SJiM4rjUdJI/AAAAAAAAAdI/0jXk5aGZYgw/s1600-h/P8020047.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231085872582259858" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SJiM4rjUdJI/AAAAAAAAAdI/0jXk5aGZYgw/s320/P8020047.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Coleridge walk is now all booked up for September, but in the meantime, I’m off camping for our annual pilgrimage to Durdledoor - let’s hope the rain showers are less torrential than of late - a bit of Saturday's clemency will do just fine…<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SJiNFHcnpDI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/eQINy26qfJw/s1600-h/MalvernHaz.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231086086228780082" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SJiNFHcnpDI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/eQINy26qfJw/s320/MalvernHaz.JPG" border="0" /></a>Hazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099903024336295455noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21956832.post-75247739222013828312008-06-11T09:59:00.000-07:002008-06-12T05:56:27.578-07:00a few more words than usual...Spiralling towards midsummer already… with weather to match - three days of it, at least.<br />Life goes on here at a very gentle pace at either end of the mayhem that is my working day, recently picking up the pace at weekends to include travelling to reconnect with friends and family.<br />I have at last joined Pershore library, which is open late on Fridays… unlimited supplies of fiction being a mixed blessing - I’m always at risk of succumbing to immersing myself in the fiction of others rather than my own. My last novel narrative session? The last Bank Holiday in May… my timetabled session to work up that rough draft into the main narrative scuppered by my borrowed laptop crashing on me, subsequently resisting all efforts to resurrect it.<br />Back to the drawing board (or the handwritten notebook); my fictional world is (temporarily) stalled again. As I’ve borrowed yet another laptop - this one with the facility for a memory stick - hopefully I’ll see an actual printed manuscript growing in the very near future… The typing has to begin from the very beginning, as I have no means of converting from floppy to CD/USB compatible memory stick… I’m looking forward to developing the existing narrative this time round, though.<br />We were left with no power following the strong winds last Bank Holiday; reminder of how reliant on electricity we are... I missed proper breakfast ( no cooker or microwave), my morning cuppa (no kettle), being able to phone/receive calls in the evening (no landline without the base station), and music. The fridge had a boost from my landlord’s spare generator - passed between me and my fellow tenants in the adjoining cottage. Such a boon to have a wind-up torch… unlimited reading without chewing through batteries!<br />My writing life mostly has a different configuration in Wych Avon to the Frome incarnation, but there are points of overlap. Crysse and I are still working together with ideas for our live n’ lippy poetry duo, including a performance at Fromeside as part of a Stepping Out Theatre Company/Dreamweavers collaborative project. We booked the media arts centre for Annabelle to give us direction and feedback; a very useful session (and great fun, which is what it’s all about anyway). Crysse is doing the bulk of the Dreamweavers project co-ordination and preparation with Steve - the Coleridge Walk dates are set for September, with a follow-up before the project’s conclusion in November.<br />A full day off for my six-monthly scrape and polish at the dentist allowed a day of dossing about drinking cappucino with other writers. David Johnson of Paralalia in Bristol came through to speak to the Frome Library group and perform at the Poetry Café; he joined Crysse and Ali and I at Diva’s Café between commitments. This is the bit I miss most about being so far from all familiar haunts and contacts; writerly conversations and contacts.<br />Driving home after the Poetry Café, full of fizzing ideas, I’d add <em>and performances</em>. The Garden Café is a lovely venue for poetry events, and the audience is always receptive and appreciative, but they seemed particularly so that night… Or maybe I just soaked it up more greedily than usual, given the scarcity of such opportunities in Wych Avon.<br />Last weekend, Atholl, Jemma and I were invited to Isla’s first communion. Two days in London, surrounded by a multicultural ambience… The music of French and Dida in the air, Russian, African and French accents… elegant woman, handsome men and energetic children of all ages - all collected together by a Catholic ceremony. In church, the bridal iconography a little unsettling - so many frills and fripperies decked with a ton of bling… An Irish priest to rival Father Ted’s finest… and no camera, battery flat as a pancake. Best just sup the champagne, then…<br />Which brings me to my referral to the Liver Clinic in Birmingham (I should be a radio 2 DJ with these suspect links); not sure quite what to expect… I’ll cross that one when I come to it. Better to approach it with no preconceptions…Hazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099903024336295455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21956832.post-85073093038611861922008-05-21T10:31:00.000-07:002008-05-21T11:08:38.350-07:00May - month of the blossom moon...My last blog entry was at the beginning of April. It's now nearly the end of May... My lifestyle here in Wych Avon is so completely different... my days are workaholically busy - reminiscent of my days with the retail company - and yet my time away from work is very 'stripped back' by comparison with my Frome incarnation... Much more solitary. Well, totally solitary - two weekend guests in a row have had to cancel!<br />I'm lucky to be able to connect so closely to nature - if I <em>don't </em>get out for a walk or (short!) run before work, it's unusual. And sometimes I manage a walk at sunset, too.<br />Time to notice things like...<br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SDRdw3duXnI/AAAAAAAAAb4/ffXxoRadNl0/s1600-h/DSCN0364.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202886563623493234" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SDRdw3duXnI/AAAAAAAAAb4/ffXxoRadNl0/s320/DSCN0364.JPG" border="0" /></a>the pointillist effects of blackthorn in bloom... I can tell the difference between hawthorn blossom and blackthorn now... <br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SDRdxXduXoI/AAAAAAAAAcA/Ote1BpcdWWo/s1600-h/DSCN0393.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202886572213427842" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SDRdxXduXoI/AAAAAAAAAcA/Ote1BpcdWWo/s320/DSCN0393.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SDRdx3duXpI/AAAAAAAAAcI/kI21lX8gvTw/s1600-h/DSCN0384+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202886580803362450" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SDRdx3duXpI/AAAAAAAAAcI/kI21lX8gvTw/s320/DSCN0384+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a>Of course, I know bluebells when I see them - my landlord told me there are wild orchids here too, and yesterday morning, I think I spotted them...<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SDRdyXduXqI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/KcDYVmSQiwU/s1600-h/DSCN0443.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202886589393297058" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SDRdyXduXqI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/KcDYVmSQiwU/s320/DSCN0443.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SDRez3duXuI/AAAAAAAAAcw/TokNs2mjs8M/s1600-h/DSCN0475.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202887714674728674" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SDRez3duXuI/AAAAAAAAAcw/TokNs2mjs8M/s320/DSCN0475.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The cars are stars, too, given the job I'm doing (with Kit on holiday this week, I'm in charge, however unlikely that feels - me, running a repair garage? Whatever next...)<br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SDRdynduXrI/AAAAAAAAAcY/ASRE82keMCU/s1600-h/DSCN0451.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202886593688264370" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SDRdynduXrI/AAAAAAAAAcY/ASRE82keMCU/s320/DSCN0451.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SDRezHduXsI/AAAAAAAAAcg/oH8Cb-4xXAQ/s1600-h/DSCN0455.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202887701789826754" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SDRezHduXsI/AAAAAAAAAcg/oH8Cb-4xXAQ/s320/DSCN0455.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SDReznduXtI/AAAAAAAAAco/8BZfzr-DvsA/s1600-h/DSCN0462.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202887710379761362" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/SDReznduXtI/AAAAAAAAAco/8BZfzr-DvsA/s320/DSCN0462.JPG" border="0" /></a>The towns nearby are wonderfully picturesque - quintessentially English. Not that I seek populated places much - these river scenes at Evesham were snapped on a foray to get proper running shoes (before I totally knackered my knees...)<br />I've found a fantastic massage therapist; so any damage the race for life training does, she offsets...<br />The first time I hit ten whole minutes of running, I was ecstatic... but progress is slow and erratic; plus I'm sporadically liverish at the moment. <br /><br />My screen is telling me saving and publishing may fail. Time to give up and go home...Hazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099903024336295455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21956832.post-66206087837427020092008-04-09T06:00:00.000-07:002008-04-09T08:32:33.116-07:00another month flown by...Life has been eventful since my last post (when is it ever anything else?)<br />- time spiralling away into spring…<br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R_y_7s_1NlI/AAAAAAAAAbY/OBl6eBOrZqU/s1600-h/DSCN0243.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187231903236044370" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R_y_7s_1NlI/AAAAAAAAAbY/OBl6eBOrZqU/s320/DSCN0243.JPG" border="0" /></a>At the start of March, I spent a week with Morph at Monkton Wyld Court (main house above) as a volunteer - a very interesting experience. It's always a treat to spend time with friends, and any new experiences are opportunities to learn - or be reminded of things you knew, but had forgotten! I was disappointed not to have more time to write; maybe I'm too conscientious. Next time I take a busman's holiday I'll remember it needs to be when there are enough daylight hours so that I can bookend the day with walking...<br />We managed a couple of visits to Lyme, though, which is always a treat. My day off was probably the ONLY sunny day that week... But it was spectacular.<br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R_y_78_1NmI/AAAAAAAAAbg/Ca5wLdI3LI0/s1600-h/DSCN0250.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187231907531011682" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R_y_78_1NmI/AAAAAAAAAbg/Ca5wLdI3LI0/s320/DSCN0250.JPG" border="0" /></a> Retreading a favourite training walk from the trek year - above, the approach to Golden Cap - was utterly fantastic. Bitter cold, but brilliant sun. Most of my photos have a skew-whiff horizon - either because it was so blustery, or because I still haven't adapted to using the digi-screen blind (i.e. in bright sun) instead of a viewfinder.<br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R_y_8M_1NnI/AAAAAAAAAbo/cw0QUNd4tMg/s1600-h/DSCN0275.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187231911825978994" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R_y_8M_1NnI/AAAAAAAAAbo/cw0QUNd4tMg/s320/DSCN0275.JPG" border="0" /></a> One of the best things about our Dorset/Devon trip was spending time with Ath on the way there and on the way back. Time to meet the new member of the family... big soppy softy.<br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R_y_8s_1NoI/AAAAAAAAAbw/Ezz8Q_aBrbg/s1600-h/DSCN0302.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187231920415913602" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R_y_8s_1NoI/AAAAAAAAAbw/Ezz8Q_aBrbg/s320/DSCN0302.JPG" border="0" /></a>Last weekend Ath's girlfriend Jemma let me ride her horse through the Longleat Estate. Here's Jon, standing beautifully for his picture - shame we cut his feet off, or it would be a perfect pic (aside from his scruffy rider, of course). I've only ever walked or driven through Longleat before, the extra elevation gave me a whole different perspective on the landscape. Amazing what a change in perspective can do. Such a thrill to be on horseback again... Next visit, I'll take my jodpurs and riding boots - just in case.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R_y-58_1NgI/AAAAAAAAAaw/PYcWUUAW3F0/s1600-h/DSCN0226.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187230773659645442" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R_y-58_1NgI/AAAAAAAAAaw/PYcWUUAW3F0/s320/DSCN0226.JPG" border="0" /></a> The woodland paths along from my house have been too waterlogged for my woods circuit walk for a week or two, but the bluebells are on their way - it'll be a riot of blue...<br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R_y-6c_1NhI/AAAAAAAAAa4/scKsuENcUGU/s1600-h/DSCN0227.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187230782249580050" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R_y-6c_1NhI/AAAAAAAAAa4/scKsuENcUGU/s320/DSCN0227.JPG" border="0" /></a> I would have expected that <em>frosty</em> morning walks (as above) belonged to memory by April... but not this year. The clocks going forward created a blip in my early rising pattern - as did picking up a virus in my joints just after I signed up to 'training' (aka trying to prepare for running with Karen in the Race for Life), but I'm adjusting again slowly. A couple of late night creative sessions threw a spanner in the waking works this week, but I think I'm rested again...<br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R_y-6s_1NiI/AAAAAAAAAbA/QWgIUN_inks/s1600-h/DSCN0350.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187230786544547362" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R_y-6s_1NiI/AAAAAAAAAbA/QWgIUN_inks/s320/DSCN0350.JPG" border="0" /></a>Stumbling downstairs on Sunday morning, half-asleep, the picture above shook me into full wakefulness - snow!!!<br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R_y-7M_1NjI/AAAAAAAAAbI/3isPFklxplw/s1600-h/DSCN0331.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187230795134481970" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R_y-7M_1NjI/AAAAAAAAAbI/3isPFklxplw/s320/DSCN0331.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R_y-7s_1NkI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/3ljpf1QZ2rQ/s1600-h/DSCN0336.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187230803724416578" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R_y-7s_1NkI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/3ljpf1QZ2rQ/s320/DSCN0336.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Too good a picture opportunity to miss...<br />The novel is 'rolling' again - 3,000 words at the weekend. I'm chuffed to bits. Twelve hours work, with another thirteen hours preparatory work to make those productive twelve possible.<br />Doing the numbers game;<br />168 hours in a week.<br />- 56 hours for sleep<br />- 50 hours for work<br />- 10 hours travelling to work<br />leaves 52 hours.<br />32 of those are at the weekend, leaving 4 hours a day for shopping, cooking, washing up, laundry, walking, admin, etc.<br />So to manage 25 hours out of those 52 for writing last week was miraculous. Sustainable? I wasn't walking much - still recovering from that virus, so we shall see...<br />My GP got my LFTs back, and didn't think they were mine - they were easily in the normal range. So I'm doing something right, at least - in spite of that 50 hour plus week - because my ALT levels were pretty high just before I moved here...<br />Lucy's 40th at the weekend will probably push them up again...Hazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099903024336295455noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21956832.post-54957976217843797202008-03-05T05:15:00.000-08:002008-03-05T10:31:46.830-08:00pic-fest after famineA few days away from my (ahem!)th birthday, it's lovely to have a CD with my pix to 29th Feb, access to a computer with internet connection and time to firkle around with a blog post all <em>at the same time...</em><br />Mad March catch-up coming up then...<br />These days my writing time is limited mainly to personal process/journal stuff. After a promising start on the novel early in the New Year, I've ground to a halt again - rewriting by hand is a real drag, and I discovered Mon-Thurs is the minimum commitment to keep it rolling. Which, at the moment, with work and other distractions, hasn't been realistic to sustain.<br />I have managed a little collaborative stuff with Crysse - live n' lippy will hopefully have new material next time we perform... and the Dreamweavers project is hopefully on track, albeit without much input from me. I am, however, as enamoured with digital image as ever... which I hope is good for the blog if nothing else.<br /><br />So, some of the best pix from the last couple of months:<br /><br />Wych Avon could become renowned for its water gardens if weather trends continue; I don't know what this garden was like before the rain, but I rather liked its underwater incarnation... <br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R87Fg2uqSVI/AAAAAAAAAaA/ukfHW_U1nGY/s1600-h/haz+083.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174290190132988242" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R87Fg2uqSVI/AAAAAAAAAaA/ukfHW_U1nGY/s320/haz+083.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R87FhWuqSWI/AAAAAAAAAaI/iMNQA20wbfo/s1600-h/haz+134.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174290198722922850" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R87FhWuqSWI/AAAAAAAAAaI/iMNQA20wbfo/s320/haz+134.JPG" border="0" /></a>Not all the cars I spend my days with are like these. I could have kicked myself for missing the Rolls Royce Wraith - but it was raining, so the images wouldn't have been as good as these of the 1950s Austin Devon and the 1930s Bentley. They just don't make them like that any more... I got some good engine shots, too - but I won't bore you with those.<br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R87FiGuqSYI/AAAAAAAAAaY/GCjOPSAMTwU/s1600-h/haz+201.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174290211607824770" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R87FiGuqSYI/AAAAAAAAAaY/GCjOPSAMTwU/s320/haz+201.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R86p3WuqSLI/AAAAAAAAAYw/syI8sEnQ-zw/s1600-h/haz+107.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174259790354466994" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R86p3WuqSLI/AAAAAAAAAYw/syI8sEnQ-zw/s320/haz+107.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R86p4GuqSMI/AAAAAAAAAY4/78UxDQsKanc/s1600-h/haz+116.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174259803239368898" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R86p4GuqSMI/AAAAAAAAAY4/78UxDQsKanc/s320/haz+116.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>Weston-super-Mud is not my usual choice for coastal photography - but a bit of sun does wonders for us all! After this Sunday afternoon on the front (in January - my reward for completing my tax return), I feel much more affection for the place - it looks rather more splendid than my previous experience of it.</div><div><br />The English-Welsh border offered even more opportunities for happy snapping. The last time I visited Llantony Priory, favourite haunt of a dear friend, I was in the throes of a tanking hangover following a writers' weekend in Wales; sunburned, sleep deprived, and improperly shod, I simply drove most of the way through the valley - with writing stops. </div><div>I wasn't hungover this time, and being properly equipped for hill-walking makes a massive difference. Fewer writing stops this time (none), but I did take my notebook from that period, and re-read my musings high on the hillside... a very interesting experience...<br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R86p42uqSNI/AAAAAAAAAZA/ozi3jXMDXFY/s1600-h/haz+140.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174259816124270802" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R86p42uqSNI/AAAAAAAAAZA/ozi3jXMDXFY/s320/haz+140.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R86p5GuqSOI/AAAAAAAAAZI/VLzXdRNjG3I/s1600-h/haz+144.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174259820419238114" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R86p5GuqSOI/AAAAAAAAAZI/VLzXdRNjG3I/s320/haz+144.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R86p5muqSPI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/mEEwRNP2OGg/s1600-h/haz+150.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174259829009172722" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R86p5muqSPI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/mEEwRNP2OGg/s320/haz+150.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R87CFmuqSSI/AAAAAAAAAZo/o8pgr0ngHPg/s1600-h/haz+170.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174286423446669602" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R87CFmuqSSI/AAAAAAAAAZo/o8pgr0ngHPg/s320/haz+170.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R87CGWuqSTI/AAAAAAAAAZw/I8QtCLG0lNk/s1600-h/haz+168.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174286436331571506" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R87CGWuqSTI/AAAAAAAAAZw/I8QtCLG0lNk/s320/haz+168.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R87CGmuqSUI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/-oVlpd3Mt2w/s1600-h/haz+165.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174286440626538818" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R87CGmuqSUI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/-oVlpd3Mt2w/s320/haz+165.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>I was somewhat less chipper ten hours after the photo above as we staggered down a long and winding road to the pub to cadge a lift back to Llantony (five minutes or so before closing - time enough for a swift half, though)... having managed (somehow - disorientated in the dark) to come down on the <em>wrong side of the valley</em>...</div><div></div><div>We wouldn't have <em>planned</em> to be wandering Welsh/English hills after dark - it was simply a miscalculation of time/our abilities. Equipped with a torch, extra provsions and plenty layers, it could have been much worse. The last time I was on a hill (mountain) close under the stars was in the Himalayas... so there were certainly pleasant associations to dispel any anxiety... A perfect sliver of a crescent moon appeared at dusk into dark; so romantic... The plummet in temperature about ten o'clock as the frost descended was rather less pleasant, though. Thank heavens for car heating systems! </div><div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R87CEWuqSQI/AAAAAAAAAZY/qjnjdwFfYHs/s1600-h/haz+173.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174286401971833090" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R87CEWuqSQI/AAAAAAAAAZY/qjnjdwFfYHs/s320/haz+173.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R87CFGuqSRI/AAAAAAAAAZg/HoW4tqS12eQ/s1600-h/haz+178.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174286414856734994" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R87CFGuqSRI/AAAAAAAAAZg/HoW4tqS12eQ/s320/haz+178.JPG" border="0" /></a>On the theme of frost, I can't quite assimilate some of the radical changes I've made in my life - like getting up at 6.30am (OK, it's nearer 7am most days) on cold February/March mornings to take advantage of the light mornings to slot in a quick walk before work - which is morphing into a combination walk/jog to let me cover more distance in less time, and lets me have a quick scribble over my coffee while I cool down before jumping in the shower. The motivation to drag my carcass out of bed before I absolutely <em>have</em> to would be much harder if I lived in a town. I'm even beginning to leap out of bed (can you believe it?), eager for my circuit round the fields - and there's a dear little copse about ten minutes away. Several times my footfalls have disturbed the heron that lives there... </div><div>I haven't had many guests, but my dear friends Karen and Mike stayed a couple of weekends ago. I think Mike's snap of Karen and I attacking chocolate mousse is a great deal more flattering than the video he shot of us the following day...</div><div> <a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R87FhmuqSXI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/Whx1rzmc6tE/s1600-h/haz+175.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174290203017890162" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R87FhmuqSXI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/Whx1rzmc6tE/s320/haz+175.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R87GaGuqSaI/AAAAAAAAAao/tH8E0yPzCWE/s1600-h/haz+209.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174291173680499106" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R87GaGuqSaI/AAAAAAAAAao/tH8E0yPzCWE/s320/haz+209.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>To conclude this pic-fest post, a glorious sunrise on the 29th of February - the picture doesn't quite do it justice, of course...<br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R87Fi2uqSZI/AAAAAAAAAag/cxdZ2r_i3Bs/s1600-h/haz+212.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174290224492726674" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R87Fi2uqSZI/AAAAAAAAAag/cxdZ2r_i3Bs/s320/haz+212.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div>Hazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099903024336295455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21956832.post-79636592777945038882008-02-10T05:14:00.000-08:002008-02-19T09:51:36.027-08:00continued frustrationsA couple of weekends ago, I had access to a computer for a couple of hours - but the mouse developed major behavioural problems I couldn't circumvent... At least I managed to get this draft post begun with <em>some </em>images, although I've lost all the immediacy that the process of snapping and blogging is intended to capture.<br /><br /><p>At home (unusually) for the weekend - after the rain that waterlogged fields and gardens and the snow that hit Winchcombe and the Malverns - I went for a stroll locally. Somehow, it became a three-hour hike - maybe I'm becoming slightly compulsive about this walking thing... There were lots of cracking photo opportunities, though.</p><p><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R67735Ice9I/AAAAAAAAAYg/u21_703j_aI/s1600-h/DSCN0081.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165342760288156626" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R67735Ice9I/AAAAAAAAAYg/u21_703j_aI/s320/DSCN0081.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R67725Ice7I/AAAAAAAAAYQ/K4Z5zYY1g30/s1600-h/DSCN0090.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165342743108287410" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R67725Ice7I/AAAAAAAAAYQ/K4Z5zYY1g30/s320/DSCN0090.jpg" border="0" /></a> On the Sunday, we "picnicked" in the Malverns (OK, it was more of a fuel stop in a sheltered gully - see below).<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R6773ZIce8I/AAAAAAAAAYY/6Z__LhRXhio/s1600-h/DSCN0097.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165342751698222018" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R6773ZIce8I/AAAAAAAAAYY/6Z__LhRXhio/s320/DSCN0097.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R6774JIce-I/AAAAAAAAAYo/rFyNnsTW9u4/s1600-h/DSCN0101.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165342764583123938" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R6774JIce-I/AAAAAAAAAYo/rFyNnsTW9u4/s320/DSCN0101.jpg" border="0" /></a>The following weekend, it was on to the coast and the Seaton-Lyme stretch - in the opposite direction from my usual. Which meant we caught the sunset from the Cobb (above); a glorious end to a fantastic walk and a beautiful day walking. Positively summery - until the sun went down, and then I was glad of my thermals!</p><p>Pix of Weston seafront & the marathon challenge in the Black Mountains to come (one day...) To finish this post, a last pic; pretty in pink - although photographing people isn't really my thing, some pix are irresisible. Besides which, Wilf asked me to post this one up! </p><p>News of the Dreamweavers project still to come...<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R6772ZIce6I/AAAAAAAAAYI/0tDmS7cfITQ/s1600-h/DSCN0047+(2).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165342734518352802" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R6772ZIce6I/AAAAAAAAAYI/0tDmS7cfITQ/s320/DSCN0047+(2).jpg" border="0" /></a></p>Hazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099903024336295455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21956832.post-55365506887020727862008-02-04T09:23:00.000-08:002008-02-04T10:03:36.461-08:00a parking lot in paradise?Joni sings so sweetly about not appreciating what you've got til it's gone...<br />Right now, for me it's the luxury of unpressured computer time (OK, unpressured time <em>generally)</em>.<br />Over the last few years, I have seldom been without unlimited computer and internet access.<br />I'm now facing my fourth month with no home computer or internet access, and now that the novelty of living in a totally different place, working in a new job, has become more of a commonplace, the upheaval of Christmas is over (yes, OK, I did sidestep that - but in a hugely exhiliarating way - thank you Crysse!) and the hangover from New Year has at last subsided (though my liver function tests might never be the same again), the inconvenience of being sans technology is beginning to bite - <em>hard.</em><br />I have pix from weekend walks right through January to load... and have begun the process several times; no less than three image CDs await computer access. Last weekend, I was sure I would be able to at least <em>begin</em> updating the blog - but even access to a borrowed computer failed; after my tax return was complete (thank goodness for <em>that</em> blessed relief at least!) my friend's computer decided work was over for the day...<br />It's enough to drive anyone to drink... <br />Normal service will probably never be resumed, so I'm making no such rash promises... Some kind of service should be available if I ever get another computer...<br />Being shackled to the office five days a week between the hours of 8.30am and 7pm isn't very conducive to writing anyway - I have an hour available between supper and bed...<br />However, keeping the walking commitment (albeit weekend only) is equally important, for maximising health and liver function - and for the Dreamweavers project. More of that later...Hazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099903024336295455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21956832.post-62472571759738468162007-12-31T07:46:00.000-08:002007-12-31T10:11:08.224-08:00City of Wonders<div>For me, one of the coolest things ever has to be a US immigration stamp in my passport, dated <em>25th December, 2007</em>. (a momentary flare of anxiety as they imprint our index fingers to run through the database - and then I think, hang on; I've never actually been fingerprinted at any time!) </div><div>I can't think of a better way to spent a Christmas day than sipping champagne on a long haul flight to New York with Crysse. Apologies to global warming campaigners etc. - but my carbon footprint is <em>otherwise </em>smaller than probably most people living in the west (not currently running a fridge has to count for some green brownie points) and after all, it was a once-in-a-lifetime special treat...</div><div>(Yes, I know I'd love to go back - but will I?)</div><div>Much of our journey from Newark to the New Yorker Hotel seems not a million miles away from London's Vauxhall Bridge underpass; at this level the scruffiness surprises us, used to airbrushed Hollywood New York. Likewise the hotel - the stately lobby (below) gives way to tatty corridors in want of a good clean, let alone several coats of paint, little touches like our richly tiled bathroom floor and art deco bathroom suite briefly reviving the sense of opulence that must have pervaded it once. It's like sitting with an ageing actress in her dressingroom after watching a mediocre performance with flashes of former brilliance - there's more compassion than contempt.</div><div>It's not until the following day that I step outside our hotel and get the buzz... the buzz I didn't pick up at all our first night, my senses too dulled by exhaustion.</div><div>It's as if we've stepped into the film set of New York, the glamour burned away by the reality of the sidewalks under our feet, leaving the real romance of the city to be ingested greedily...</div><div> <a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kXUmGYrrI/AAAAAAAAAXY/t8S4pQsExHc/s1600-h/DSCN0009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150173291467026098" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kXUmGYrrI/AAAAAAAAAXY/t8S4pQsExHc/s320/DSCN0009.jpg" border="0" /></a>This is our first writing trip where we both focus on digital image nearly as much as writing - Crysse always takes a camera, but pictures have been more a kind of holiday snaps backdrop. Now, blogging has upped the ante on images to complement writing. That doesn't stop me being as self-indulgent with pix as I am with writing (see below left - and actually, I don't care, I think I was right, it <em>is </em>an interesting image, snapped en route to the Poetry cafe in Greenwich village.)</div><br /><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kXXWGYrsI/AAAAAAAAAXg/ykRbceJ9QZ8/s1600-h/DSCN0013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150173338711666370" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kXXWGYrsI/AAAAAAAAAXg/ykRbceJ9QZ8/s320/DSCN0013.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kXX2GYrtI/AAAAAAAAAXo/egWkcAOePco/s1600-h/DSCN0024+(2).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150173347301600978" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kXX2GYrtI/AAAAAAAAAXo/egWkcAOePco/s320/DSCN0024+(2).jpg" border="0" /></a><br />On our last day, considering skating in Bryant Park (the only place in New York where skating is free) I catch a cop (above right) in Bryant Square without thinking to ask his permission - less posed for the tourists and more laconically bored than in Crysse's, I think... </div><div>Christmas trees everywhere - hotel lobbies, Bryant Park (below left), the square at the Rockefeller Center (below right), Macy's and Bloomingdales frothy decadence, with shoppers speedy as commuters chasing trains...<br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kXY2GYruI/AAAAAAAAAXw/8aFzEV56C2k/s1600-h/DSCN0025+(2).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150173364481470178" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kXY2GYruI/AAAAAAAAAXw/8aFzEV56C2k/s320/DSCN0025+(2).jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kmd2GYrwI/AAAAAAAAAYA/P5WZrkVU6nw/s1600-h/100_1956.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150189943055232770" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kmd2GYrwI/AAAAAAAAAYA/P5WZrkVU6nw/s320/100_1956.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kRZWGYrhI/AAAAAAAAAWI/ShCES9qE5uI/s1600-h/100_1868.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150166776001637906" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kRZWGYrhI/AAAAAAAAAWI/ShCES9qE5uI/s320/100_1868.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kSXmGYroI/AAAAAAAAAXA/wOl9Z4Mdfn0/s1600-h/100_1940.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150167845448494722" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kSXmGYroI/AAAAAAAAAXA/wOl9Z4Mdfn0/s320/100_1940.jpg" border="0" /></a> New York does Christmas in <em>style</em>. Sure, it's OTT and flamboyant, but there are no tacky plastic cartoon characters (OK, a Shrek above Macy's main entrance, which we didn't see until our last day) or competitions between inhabitants to see who can out-Christmas their neighbour. Maybe it's because New York, and Manhattan in particular, is less residential - in Queen's, returning to JFK airport in a luxury black Lincoln, I did see one plastic bonanza...</div><div>The hip-hop (body-popping?) troupe (below) we come across in search of a coffee bar seems to emphasise that the life of New York happens on the sidewalk as you go nowhere in particular, just as it does the world over. </div><div>The most precious thing we have is time - and the leisure to absorb these little gems...<br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kXZWGYrvI/AAAAAAAAAX4/ScYaTVHwpsc/s1600-h/DSCN0029+(2).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150173373071404786" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kXZWGYrvI/AAAAAAAAAX4/ScYaTVHwpsc/s320/DSCN0029+(2).jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div>We decide not to tour United Nations, but it was worth going there just for the pic below of the knotted gun.<br /></div><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kSW2GYrmI/AAAAAAAAAWw/dWUWLLwxnDE/s1600-h/100_1919.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150167832563592802" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kSW2GYrmI/AAAAAAAAAWw/dWUWLLwxnDE/s320/100_1919.jpg" border="0" /></a> Numerous pictures taken that I now have no idea where I took it, or what exactly it is - I'm pretty sure this one (left) isn't the Seagram Building, which doesn't exactly narrow it down hugely. The architecture of New York is absolutely amazing - and I don't mean just the sky-reaching towers of glass. Little (by comparison) gothic and art deco delights hunker down between the monoliths, even a Gaudi-esque surprise or two... <br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kSXWGYrnI/AAAAAAAAAW4/v1Cbhw5z690/s1600-h/100_1926.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150167841153527410" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kSXWGYrnI/AAAAAAAAAW4/v1Cbhw5z690/s320/100_1926.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kSYGGYrpI/AAAAAAAAAXI/wp6drDVbxcw/s1600-h/100_1946.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150167854038429330" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kSYGGYrpI/AAAAAAAAAXI/wp6drDVbxcw/s320/100_1946.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kSYWGYrqI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/cBgXgxySa4g/s1600-h/100_1959.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150167858333396642" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kSYWGYrqI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/cBgXgxySa4g/s320/100_1959.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kRZ2GYrjI/AAAAAAAAAWY/B7iYpisJ2Qo/s1600-h/100_1891.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150166784591572530" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kRZ2GYrjI/AAAAAAAAAWY/B7iYpisJ2Qo/s320/100_1891.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kRZmGYriI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/gN9j9NOhoG4/s1600-h/100_1879.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150166780296605218" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kRZmGYriI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/gN9j9NOhoG4/s320/100_1879.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kRaWGYrkI/AAAAAAAAAWg/fNyxz6YYV4I/s1600-h/100_1902.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150166793181507138" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kRaWGYrkI/AAAAAAAAAWg/fNyxz6YYV4I/s320/100_1902.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kRa2GYrlI/AAAAAAAAAWo/WGjR7MDCGmg/s1600-h/100_1909.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150166801771441746" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R3kRa2GYrlI/AAAAAAAAAWo/WGjR7MDCGmg/s320/100_1909.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /> Grand Central Station, Times Square, the Chrysler Building, the Rockefeller Centre, the Empire State Building... Madison Avenue, Broadway, Central Park, Fifth Avenue...</div><div>Being in New York is like visiting a place you've been in a vivid dream, a sense of almost deja vue as we cover familiar landmarks, sampling a culture so close to our our own - and yet so different...<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div>Hazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099903024336295455noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21956832.post-69107207278459091972007-12-23T10:14:00.000-08:002007-12-23T12:13:50.590-08:00festivity avoidanceThis may be my last posting of the year... and given that the weeks since I moved have had very scanty coverage, then a kind of year round-up is really not going to happen... A swift <div><div>precis of the last few weeks is the most I can manage!</div><br /><div>My new living space is gorgeous. A fantastic creative space....<br />Through the gap between buildings, you can see the Malverns from my spare room (below left). </div></div><div><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R2622WGYreI/AAAAAAAAAVw/E0WMjB5ASSA/s1600-h/100_1807.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147252468892610018" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R2622WGYreI/AAAAAAAAAVw/E0WMjB5ASSA/s320/100_1807.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R26222GYrfI/AAAAAAAAAV4/ovddcPQoYQM/s1600-h/100_1793.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147252477482544626" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R26222GYrfI/AAAAAAAAAV4/ovddcPQoYQM/s320/100_1793.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>My second foray to the top of Bredon Hill was accidentally extended to include sunset (above right) - a treat which meant reorienting to find the way down relied heavily on my sense of direction (not always a good move, but aside from a bit of stumbling about in the dark, on this occasion proved uneventful).<br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R26qGGGYrWI/AAAAAAAAAUw/W6hRJZ7yjEg/s1600-h/100_1834.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147238445824388450" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R26qGGGYrWI/AAAAAAAAAUw/W6hRJZ7yjEg/s320/100_1834.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R26qFmGYrUI/AAAAAAAAAUg/wG6-eDHLECo/s1600-h/100_1813.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147238437234453826" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R26qFmGYrUI/AAAAAAAAAUg/wG6-eDHLECo/s320/100_1813.jpg" border="0" /></a>Crysse came to stay and sample my hospitality - subsidised by the pub down the road (the food is excellent; lets me off the hook from catering - a bonus as I don't have a fridge yet, with only the very basics in my kitchen!) Shopping in Evesham, ostensibly for suitable thermal clothing for our New York trip, provided this cool jacket (above left) on time for our live n' lippy performance as part of Howard's 'resonate' evening. </div><div><div>Life is full of upheavals and reversals as life spirals around... I wrote a piece for Anita Mason's Frome Hundred anthology called 'Aversion to Sunrise'; it feels as though that is undergoing a reversal... Winter sunrises do help greatly - in that they don't happen <em>that </em>early in the morning... above right is the morning vista from Crysse's conservatory-cum-spare room, a view of Frome which was an unexpected delight when I stayed with her a couple of weeks ago. </div><div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R26qF2GYrVI/AAAAAAAAAUo/3jVVtMXWSDA/s1600-h/100_1831.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147238441529421138" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R26qF2GYrVI/AAAAAAAAAUo/3jVVtMXWSDA/s320/100_1831.jpg" border="0" /></a>The digital camera can't quite do justice to the subtleties of either a sunrise or a sunset, but maybe this shot taken as I pulled out of the Byre and headed down the lane to drive to work gives a flavour; such spectacular glory it inspired me to haul my carcass out of bed at 6.30 on a <em>Saturday</em> to go chase the sunrise from Bredon Hill...<br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R26r_2GYrZI/AAAAAAAAAVI/q4wh-jpaOYs/s1600-h/100_1840.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147240537473461650" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R26r_2GYrZI/AAAAAAAAAVI/q4wh-jpaOYs/s320/100_1840.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R26sAGGYraI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/gRzVMuRUF2c/s1600-h/100_1847.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147240541768428962" style="CURSOR: hand" height="214" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R26sAGGYraI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/gRzVMuRUF2c/s320/100_1847.jpg" width="319" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> Extensive cloud cover muted most of the effect... Except the sustenance for the soul. Tramping around in solitary splendour, I startled a herd of fifteen deer, the largest gathering I've seen anywhere other than Rum. I met a runner from Eckington who comes up every Saturday; maybe we'll meet again.<br />Definitely a day of celebration and thanks for the joy in my life. </div><div>Today, the trekking theme continued; not such an early start, but a similar distance. Up through woods on the ridge between Weston and Sand Bay and along the promontory. Such a gift to spend so much of a December weekend out of doors; funny the changes hep C has wrought in my life...<br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R26sAmGYrbI/AAAAAAAAAVY/rqWVftw3AAk/s1600-h/100_1848.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147240550358363570" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R26sAmGYrbI/AAAAAAAAAVY/rqWVftw3AAk/s320/100_1848.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R26sA2GYrcI/AAAAAAAAAVg/4bzSVb6ViTM/s1600-h/100_1850.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147240554653330882" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R26sA2GYrcI/AAAAAAAAAVg/4bzSVb6ViTM/s320/100_1850.jpg" border="0" /></a>The mist wreathing mutated and gyrated over sea and horizon, offering sometimes clear vistas and sometimes the murk of nothingness as if we stepped on the edge of the world...<br /> <a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R269CGGYrgI/AAAAAAAAAWA/C23r7UQlv94/s1600-h/100_1852.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147259267825839618" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R269CGGYrgI/AAAAAAAAAWA/C23r7UQlv94/s320/100_1852.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The theme of stepping through gateways to alternative realities continued; passing through a doorway at Woodspring Priory we passed from the bare (if impressive) fan vaulting into the elegant festive splendour of the reading room.</div><div>If this is an alternative Christmas, give me more!<br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R26qGWGYrXI/AAAAAAAAAU4/de9R4YAk61c/s1600-h/100_1834.jpg"></a></div></div>Hazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099903024336295455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21956832.post-64848358502811918002007-12-08T04:36:00.000-08:002007-12-11T11:10:11.966-08:00potential indefinite intermission<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R17ZjsJ0yrI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/VSK3Dhvwhf4/s1600-h/Autumn+2007+037.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142787031674702514" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R17ZjsJ0yrI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/VSK3Dhvwhf4/s320/Autumn+2007+037.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R17ZjcJ0yqI/AAAAAAAAAUI/pnsEl9M9Yhs/s1600-h/sunset+Nov+2007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142787027379735202" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R17ZjcJ0yqI/AAAAAAAAAUI/pnsEl9M9Yhs/s320/sunset+Nov+2007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I rather like the unexpected strangeness of these two images together... linking two very different hikes on Bredon Hill.<br /><br />Internet use at work takes intricate organisation, so I had decided to flag up an indefinite intermission. However, Crysse showed me how to begin and save posts to publish once they're crafted, so that could help solve the problem... as well as being reminded how to edit existing posts - I thought they couldn't be changed after a certain number of days...<br />Just getting the photos above posted was a saga and a half - we downloaded from my camera onto Crysse's computer and she emailed them to me... (blogger was having a funny five minutes, so I couldn't get logged on from her computer).<br /><br />On the plus side... well, I wrote in my notebook:<br /><br /><em>Every day on my way to work my heart takes flight... and every night on my return, I'm equally enchanted by the night landscape.</em><br /><em>I'm 'exploring in the margins' - in the margins of the working week, in the margins of the routes between home(s) and work, in the margins of solitude around working and mainly living in Kit's space...</em><br /><em>this period of adjustment feels as if I'm a constantly shaken kaliedescope.</em><br /><br />I live in Worcester and work in Gloucestershire (a little unnerving to see so much rain raising water levels again last week... being constantly 'between homes' means I'm well prepared for floods, with extra warm clothes etc. in my car at all times - and my riding boots have taken up residence there, too).<br />my own lovely (large!) haven is close by Bredon Hill... on the outskirts of a tiny village with no shops (but three pubs; hmmm! - which I can't take <em>full</em> advantage of; treatment hasn't cleared the virus).<br />I was in shock for several hours after that news, but there is so much magic in my life at the moment that I don't feel too down-in-the-mouth about such sore disappointment. Earlier the same day, I had news that a friend had died suddenly the night before; at the time, as well as a terrible shock, it felt like an ominous omen.<br />An omen perhaps, but also a reminder that worse things happen than a tough old virus refusing to let go of its haven in my bloodstream. David's life's work on mythologies across the globe is now forever incomplete after over twenty years work, and we will never hear his melodious voice relating his lovely stories in clipped, precise words from an incredibly neat typescript... except in our hearts and memories.<br />Like the stubborn virus that lurks in my bloodstream, I'm tough. Tougher than I ever <em>believed</em>... and it took finding out I <em>had</em> this surreptitious organism undermining my health to delve into the inner resources that have resculpted my inner and outer landscapes.<br />Maybe hello to an old friend is more appropriate than formulating new battle plans...<br /><br />Last, but by no means least, live n' lippy have another outing on Sunday, part of the media arts showcase organised by Howard.<br />A bit tricky to rehearse without access to the dvd... but it should be fun all the same.Hazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099903024336295455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21956832.post-57022854428278469242007-11-20T05:14:00.000-08:002007-11-20T05:19:24.698-08:00pre-written posting...<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R0LeHDbKWOI/AAAAAAAAATw/2Th2PrrKov8/s1600-h/Autumn+2007+022.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134910737915468002" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R0LeHDbKWOI/AAAAAAAAATw/2Th2PrrKov8/s320/Autumn+2007+022.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R0LeGzbKWNI/AAAAAAAAATo/uhW81-9DQdQ/s1600-h/Autumn+2007+021.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134910733620500690" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R0LeGzbKWNI/AAAAAAAAATo/uhW81-9DQdQ/s320/Autumn+2007+021.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R0LeHzbKWPI/AAAAAAAAAT4/OBMBm-1WkB0/s1600-h/Autumn+2007+028.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134910750800369906" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R0LeHzbKWPI/AAAAAAAAAT4/OBMBm-1WkB0/s320/Autumn+2007+028.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R0LeITbKWQI/AAAAAAAAAUA/9x0OoxrnQRw/s1600-h/Autumn+2007+034.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134910759390304514" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R0LeITbKWQI/AAAAAAAAAUA/9x0OoxrnQRw/s320/Autumn+2007+034.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />November 17th 2007<br /><br />Everything is in flux...<br />It's a strange but fascinating space to be...<br />I want to write about it, but I haven't had much opportunity yet - I'm still in that negotiating phase, being in someone else's space.<br />Having 'no fixed abode' is unsettling, but not half as much as I would have expected - considering I've spent such a lot of my life doing my utmost to avoid it... There's something liberating in having cut loose from one life in order to forge ahead with new projects... and of course, being Kit's guest equates far more to living the life of Riley than most semi-nomadic people experience!<br />I'm a slow typist on a laptop keyboard. Still, it's a delight to have the work laptop at home (?) at all (even if it is justified because I need the practice!)<br />Only having access to the internet at work is... well, actually, it's surprisingly OK. I thought I'd chafe at being unable to email or post on my blog in my free time, but instead it feels like an integral part of the life changes and reassessments I'm undergoing.<br />Today is my first day off in Wych Avon. Being Saturday, Trudi comes to do Kit's cleaning, so motivated by the desire to make myself scarce, I take myself off for a hike. (Not exactly a hardship...)<br />The top of Bredon Hill gives fabulous views of the surrounding countryside... and feels particularly apt as a metaphor; rising above my internal and external chaos to walk the landscape of my new life...Hazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099903024336295455noreply@blogger.com102tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21956832.post-1313583618860437412007-11-20T05:04:00.000-08:002007-11-20T05:12:22.983-08:00chilly beginnings<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R0LcjzbKWMI/AAAAAAAAATg/rImD-JPtgZA/s1600-h/Autumn+2007+018.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134909032813451458" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R0LcjzbKWMI/AAAAAAAAATg/rImD-JPtgZA/s320/Autumn+2007+018.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R0LcjjbKWLI/AAAAAAAAATY/HeaWFLvMIAM/s1600-h/Autumn+2007+016.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134909028518484146" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R0LcjjbKWLI/AAAAAAAAATY/HeaWFLvMIAM/s320/Autumn+2007+016.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /> <a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R0LciTbKWKI/AAAAAAAAATQ/sEjD8peHYoI/s1600-h/Autumn+2007+015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134909007043647650" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/R0LciTbKWKI/AAAAAAAAATQ/sEjD8peHYoI/s320/Autumn+2007+015.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />from my notebook:<br /><br /><em>driving away from Frome, I feel light, unfettered...<br />I wake to a frosted winter wonderland, the sun a white disc shining through mist... papery leaves rustling through twigs louder than even distant traffic noise...<br /></em>Hazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099903024336295455noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21956832.post-11605462311704747172007-11-03T05:45:00.000-07:002007-11-03T08:12:56.848-07:00elastic timeLife never goes quite according to plan... (something that maybe politicians would do well to remember?)<br />The change in some of the variables governing moving, intersecting with practicalities (always a weak point with yours truly, as certain of my friends will testify with vehemence), have extended my new start date from 1st Nov as it was originally, to 5th, 6th, and now 14/15th.<br />The impatient part of me wanted change as soon as the decision was made, and has lamented loud at my protracted notice period. But the ditzy impractical part is heaving sighs of relief!<br />Logistics stretched the time it took me just to clear the books culled from my collection - but yesterday, the last of sixteen boxes travelled to just outside Westbury...<br />Additional time has provided the luxury of unexpected pleasure with friends (Crysse took these <a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/RyxwJ8XZ1UI/AAAAAAAAAS4/mfQJr7HnHeQ/s1600-h/P1310005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128597391793575234" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/RyxwJ8XZ1UI/AAAAAAAAAS4/mfQJr7HnHeQ/s320/P1310005.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/RyxwK8XZ1VI/AAAAAAAAATA/H0NI2LcPrNU/s1600-h/P2010019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128597408973444434" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/RyxwK8XZ1VI/AAAAAAAAATA/H0NI2LcPrNU/s320/P2010019.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />pics yesterday at Longleat, a real gem of a writing/walking date - can't believe I forgot my camera!). I've also had some solitary writing time (an experimental piece for Frome fm) - and the opportunity to sift through my stacks of writing files methodically.<br />I've found lots of shite, lots of duplicated hard copies that I now have on cd - I do so like to work with the <em>physical </em>manifestation of writing... A couple of my published pieces were literally cut and pasted; I found the original typescripts (and duly dumped them).<br />I've also found some projects that I look forward to developing once the deadwood is cut away...<br />There have been some surprises, too - Ath's version of our Dublin trip, and the transcript of his fevered ramblings when he had tonsillitis!<br /><br /><br />Having frittered much of this sunsplashed autumnal 'shooting' time, I did take my camera out this morning...<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/RyxwIMXZ1SI/AAAAAAAAASo/HTZ-9_HC_gs/s1600-h/100_1738.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128597361728804130" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/RyxwIMXZ1SI/AAAAAAAAASo/HTZ-9_HC_gs/s320/100_1738.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/RyxwJsXZ1TI/AAAAAAAAASw/0PDa03wck2o/s1600-h/100_1744.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128597387498607922" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/RyxwJsXZ1TI/AAAAAAAAASw/0PDa03wck2o/s320/100_1744.JPG" border="0" /></a>Last year around the beginning of October, Crysse, Peter and I went walking round Longleat in autumnal colours - so the season <em>is</em> late this year. I thought perhaps I just hadn't been paying close enough attention to my surroundings - a dog is surprisingly distracting; a bit like a toddler, really.<br />Ath is taking over the dog's care until the owner's release date on Dec 15th, so I'll be leaving my fosterdog as well as my boy... They'll rub along together OK, I think.<br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/RyxzDsXZ1WI/AAAAAAAAATI/yyihwd4b4c8/s1600-h/100_1751.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128600582954276194" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/RyxzDsXZ1WI/AAAAAAAAATI/yyihwd4b4c8/s320/100_1751.JPG" border="0" /></a>When I stayed over in Bristol last week, I missed my canine companion at the foot of the bed...<br />Time I started on the 'to do' list again...Hazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099903024336295455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21956832.post-57275034329574205902007-10-31T05:45:00.000-07:002007-10-31T06:37:16.464-07:00another madabout words eventThe third 'madabout words' that Crysse has organised for the Merlin was held on Friday night -undoubtedly, the best yet (see Crysse's blog for her comments on <a href="http://crysse.blogspot.com/">http://crysse.blogspot.com/</a>). Live n' lippy (aka me and Crysse) opened and closed the evening's line-up, which consisted of songs from Howard (so good we bought the cd - well worth a listen), brilliant stories from Niamh and Rosie, a witty dialogue from Ali (read/performed byAli and Willow, with a cameo appearance from Van the Man, aka Howard), poetry from Tracey, Gordon and Dave, and a fantastic debut appearance from musical duo Jill and Mick. There were sample tracks from the dvd - poetry from live n' lippy and visuals from Howard. <a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/Ryh-L8XZ1OI/AAAAAAAAASI/yXPiUZK9BGA/s1600-h/100_1719.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127486919409259746" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/Ryh-L8XZ1OI/AAAAAAAAASI/yXPiUZK9BGA/s320/100_1719.JPG" border="0" /></a> This will be my last event as a Frome resident; a privilege to be part of such a great evening's entertainment.<br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/Ryh-MMXZ1PI/AAAAAAAAASQ/Qd4zJn1Nd3E/s1600-h/100_1727.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127486923704227058" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/Ryh-MMXZ1PI/AAAAAAAAASQ/Qd4zJn1Nd3E/s320/100_1727.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/Ryh-LcXZ1NI/AAAAAAAAASA/RGKrreQsBk0/s1600-h/100_1728.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127486910819325138" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/Ryh-LcXZ1NI/AAAAAAAAASA/RGKrreQsBk0/s320/100_1728.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Above, Ali, Willow, and Van...<br /><br />I hope I can maintain the connection to the buzz of creative energy in and around Frome...<br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/Ryh-MsXZ1QI/AAAAAAAAASY/en8noV08pWg/s1600-h/100_1732.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127486932294161666" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/Ryh-MsXZ1QI/AAAAAAAAASY/en8noV08pWg/s320/100_1732.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Above; Rosie - below; Jill.<br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/Ryh-M8XZ1RI/AAAAAAAAASg/2xHrsZJssvQ/s1600-h/100_1734.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127486936589128978" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/Ryh-M8XZ1RI/AAAAAAAAASg/2xHrsZJssvQ/s320/100_1734.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This may be my last post for a while - things have been chaotic for a few weeks, which is likely to intensify over the next few days - and then I won't have easy access to the internet (or a computer!) for a while...<br />But I hope to do more writing than I've managed to fit in recently - tonight, I've promised to record a session for Frome fm with Mike.<br />Best I get onto that now... or there won't be any words to record...Hazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099903024336295455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21956832.post-22879174497046083412007-10-30T04:06:00.001-07:002007-10-30T05:51:23.184-07:00endings and new beginnings<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/RycQVsXZ1JI/AAAAAAAAARg/hlKeCiH1Wj8/s1600-h/make+a+difference+day+031.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127084665657218194" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/RycQVsXZ1JI/AAAAAAAAARg/hlKeCiH1Wj8/s320/make+a+difference+day+031.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /> My last day coincides with our 'Make a Difference' day (another 'MAD' day) which falls during energy saving week...<br /><br /><br />My time is spent trying to be in three places at once (no change there, then) but I manage to plant a gooseberry bush and oversee the veggie prep for our rocket stove meal (which turns out to be edible, surprisingly enough).<br />As last days go, it's rather special... largely down to Laura (see above). After thirteen months of sharing office space (and shoring up my role as well as her own), that says volumes for her patience and tolerance (in her shoes, I might well feel somewhat differently... not sure I'd like me as a colleague...)<br /><br /><br />Thrilled with my pressies, not just their actuality, but the thought and care devoted to choosing them (Laura again) - beautiful spectrolite pendant and earrings set, two bags of continental chocs (yum!), a book on Cotswold walks (yippee!) and a BBC 'Nature's Calendar' book with spectacular photographs.<br /><br /><br />and then on for (er, rather a lot of) drinkies at the microbrewery...<br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/RyckZ8XZ1KI/AAAAAAAAARo/RQwZhJvmYfE/s1600-h/100_1691.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127106728904217762" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/RyckZ8XZ1KI/AAAAAAAAARo/RQwZhJvmYfE/s320/100_1691.JPG" border="0" /></a>I really enjoyed myself, and I hope everyone else did too! It may be goodbye to the 'team' as workmates, but as friends... I like to think I'll take on the gift of friendship from this phase in my life. I love Sarah's idea of meeting up twice a year (she's on the left, then Maggie, Gary and Laura). Fingers crossed we can organise it - synchronising even two diaries can be a toughie!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/RyckbMXZ1LI/AAAAAAAAARw/g7T5pDyT59g/s1600-h/100_1700.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/Ryckb8XZ1MI/AAAAAAAAAR4/o85IHRvmQ4M/s1600-h/100_1703.JPG"></a>Hazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099903024336295455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21956832.post-34418563886397565032007-10-19T11:10:00.000-07:002007-10-19T11:42:10.730-07:00rolling away inertiaMy first (and last) Frome writers session last night... A high standard of writing - and great to have feedback on the (current) beginning of the novel, part of my attempt to reconnect to my fictional world. It fired the curiosity of the group, so that (should) get rid of the fear that this incarnation is another exercise in self-indulgent tosh. It might still <em>be</em> self-indulgent tosh - but at least it's interesting enough to engage six writers... and the other snippet made them laugh; slightly pretentious ('show-off-y' Rosie's word) it might be, but with enough humour in, maybe I can carry it off...<br />every goodbye should have a new beginning, so Crysse and I were today trying to think of ways I can continue to be part of the group - at a distance.<br /><br />Fantastic to catch-up properly with Crysse - at LAST!!!! A bit of a blow-out seems to have broken my inertia; this morning I began sorting out stuff for the tip, and the books I'll be passing on, before meeting Crysse to sort our live n' lippy set for madaboutwords. Some interesting writing; on <em>not</em> writing... (after the flippant 'I killed too many brain cells with too much wine last night' - actually, it may have been flippant, but it's also <em>true, </em>if only for today!)<br /><br />What better way to alleviate the excesses of the night before than with walking and poetry... in the process keeping that scary inertia at bay!Hazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099903024336295455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21956832.post-41313973986788949432007-10-15T14:13:00.000-07:002007-10-15T14:30:56.094-07:00more sunshine and showers<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/RxPZCSolQXI/AAAAAAAAARQ/93ji5AVapc8/s1600-h/100_1683.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121675834635403634" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/RxPZCSolQXI/AAAAAAAAARQ/93ji5AVapc8/s320/100_1683.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/RxPZBSolQWI/AAAAAAAAARI/IGs_akVDhmM/s1600-h/100_1654.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121675817455534434" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/RxPZBSolQWI/AAAAAAAAARI/IGs_akVDhmM/s320/100_1654.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />On our last day on Rum, we manage a last wander around the loch side without getting <em>too</em> wet, and leave the dampest of our clothes to dry off a bit while we take the castle tour.<br />Stately home meets museum meets decaying mansion...<br />Definitely one not to be missed.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/RxPZGSolQYI/AAAAAAAAARY/vhizHonNjfM/s1600-h/100_1614.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121675903354880386" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/RxPZGSolQYI/AAAAAAAAARY/vhizHonNjfM/s320/100_1614.JPG" border="0" /></a> We sail for Mallaig once more.<br />In the morning, the mist has descended so that Eigg and Skye are the only clear outlines on the horizon, with just tantalising hints where the contours of Rum should be - as if we dreamt our visit...<br /><br />A few weeks on, and already it feels like a lucid dream in another lifetime...Hazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099903024336295455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21956832.post-24457311545833774512007-10-07T10:40:00.000-07:002007-10-07T12:16:53.444-07:00solitary splendour<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/Rwka0yolQTI/AAAAAAAAAQw/q2ceheXGs3c/s1600-h/100_1670.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118651945730785586" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/Rwka0yolQTI/AAAAAAAAAQw/q2ceheXGs3c/s320/100_1670.JPG" border="0" /></a> Our last full day; Lucy opts for the shores of Loch Scresort to spot more seals and possibly the elusive otters, while I decide to see if I can make it to Harris on the other side of Rum.<br />I think it's approximately 8 miles to Harris - it's certainly further than the 5 miles between Kinloch and Kilmory. In spite of 'writing in a get-out clause' - I'll turn back if I get too knackered, too wet, whatever - secretly, I'm determined to reach the bay (and if you'd read Magnus' description of the road to Harris, you'd have embraced the challenge too).<br />I have an <em>awesome</em> day.<br />And awful!<br />I get drenched in squall after squall; it's cold and dank... but it's also majestic and incredibly beautiful. The wind may have an uncomfortable chill factor, but it also dries me out as the rain moves on to adjacent mountains. For mile upon mile, hour upon hour, I tramp through this wild and wonderful landscape with not another living soul in sight.<br />Just me and the wildlife on God's own isle, thinking our thoughts together.<br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/Rwka1ColQUI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/IZr9z1Cvisg/s1600-h/100_1679.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118651950025752898" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/Rwka1ColQUI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/IZr9z1Cvisg/s320/100_1679.JPG" border="0" /></a> The intense peacefulness in these miles of uninhabited space is almost impossible to describe. It's too cold and wet for my notebook, so my mobile doubles as dictaphone - unfortunately inaccessible until I get a new charger, having lost mine on my travels!<br />Utterly elated at reaching my goal, I sit under the door lintel on the steps of the little cottage at Harris, out the vicious wind, to eat my packed lunch.<br />I've found a very unexpected paradise.<br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/Rwka1iolQVI/AAAAAAAAARA/Dpxwhg75lN8/s1600-h/100_1673.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118651958615687506" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/Rwka1iolQVI/AAAAAAAAARA/Dpxwhg75lN8/s320/100_1673.JPG" border="0" /></a>The last few miles I walk like a Chinese woman with bound feet. Each time my weary legs stumble on the rocky trail, fountains of pain cascade through my feet. My right knee thinks I've belted it with a 20-pound lumphammer, and my hips are harmonising quietly with the choir of complaint. I wish fervently for something to distract me from the pain... and the rain starts again. Icy water down the backs of my legs; the Cosmic Joker is always listening.<br />It may be a bit soon to risk alcohol - but I <em>deserve</em> a Black Cuillin beer!<br />And the Joker throws in an expert massage just to round off an amazing day, courtesy of Trish, the stand-in chef, who has a massage practice on the mainland.<br />Into another kind of paradise...Hazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099903024336295455noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21956832.post-70902502489577595642007-10-07T09:16:00.000-07:002007-10-07T12:21:22.774-07:00miscellaneous<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/RwkHpSolQOI/AAAAAAAAAQI/E1AHo3PRnWg/s1600-h/100_1649.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118630857441362146" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/RwkHpSolQOI/AAAAAAAAAQI/E1AHo3PRnWg/s320/100_1649.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Adverse weather rolls in over the hills very quickly - but can evaporate just as quickly.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/RwkHpiolQPI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/QVH12HJDxDU/s1600-h/100_1652.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118630861736329458" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/RwkHpiolQPI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/QVH12HJDxDU/s320/100_1652.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Smokers may be slightly chillier than elsewhere in the country, but the castle courtyard is a very convivial place to savour a post-prandial cigarette.<br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/RwkHqColQQI/AAAAAAAAAQY/lyBapOYot7M/s1600-h/100_1653.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118630870326264066" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/RwkHqColQQI/AAAAAAAAAQY/lyBapOYot7M/s320/100_1653.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And there's a charming replica bird-table outside the bistro window - giving diners something to occupy them while browsing the menu. The service is so good, you don't have much (if any) time to contemplate the bird-table and its visitors...<br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/RwkHqyolQRI/AAAAAAAAAQg/jqBvxwuLcbk/s1600-h/100_1656.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118630883211165970" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/RwkHqyolQRI/AAAAAAAAAQg/jqBvxwuLcbk/s320/100_1656.JPG" border="0" /></a>We intend to slot the castle tour in between two short walks today - tours are timed to coincide with the ferry timetables. As Lucy and I go in search of seals and <em>maybe</em> otters on the shores of Loch Scresort, a ferryload of geriatrics hobble along castle-ward - each clot with a self-appointed spokesperson echoing the plea 'How far is it to the castle now?' We can't quite stomach sharing our magical place with this flotilla of ageing toddlers (one of whom addresses us as 'boys' - questionable how much of the sights <em>she's</em> going to appreciate!), so we move to plan B.<br />After spotting just a solitary seal, we settle for a picnic in our room with Magnus Magnusson's authoritative little book on Rum, followed by another baby walk along the river. Bizarrely, there's a park bench on the other side - we're tempted to ford the shallowest bit, so we can read the plaque, but decide we'd rather not have sopping wet socks and boots for the rest of our stay. We opt for perambulating the perimeters of the castle - and posing on the rebuilt Japanese style bridge which once adorned the owner's ornamental gardens. <a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/RwkHriolQSI/AAAAAAAAAQo/4k2z_sCYRlE/s1600-h/100_1666.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118630896096067874" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/RwkHriolQSI/AAAAAAAAAQo/4k2z_sCYRlE/s320/100_1666.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />At supper, we sit beside the Central Administrator for the Western Isles, and discover that there's an admin job coming up on the island...<br />I make a point of NOT checking out the cottage that the contractors have come to decorate in readiness for the new employee...Hazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099903024336295455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21956832.post-89691854678613499682007-10-07T06:32:00.000-07:002007-10-07T09:14:09.134-07:00walking in wild landscapes<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/Rwjg7SolQLI/AAAAAAAAAPw/x9j2-tjROPs/s1600-h/100_1629.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118588285725524146" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/Rwjg7SolQLI/AAAAAAAAAPw/x9j2-tjROPs/s320/100_1629.JPG" border="0" /></a> Three full days of walking. Three days full of bliss...<br />The woods around Loch Scresort give way to heathered moorland and spectacular waterfalls as the rocky 'road' rises into the hills.<br />Given that Rum was once compulsorily vacated to make way for 8,000 sheep (we met a chap from Nova Scotia who'd traced his roots to one of those evicted families), I didn't pick up the same grim atmosphere which characterises some areas of the Highlands - Glencoe, for example. Though that, admittedly, was the scene of a massacre - displacement doesn't equal those echoes.<br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/Rwjg8ColQMI/AAAAAAAAAP4/QAtfXXY-4Ok/s1600-h/100_1633.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118588298610426050" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/Rwjg8ColQMI/AAAAAAAAAP4/QAtfXXY-4Ok/s320/100_1633.JPG" border="0" /></a> Obviously, ordinary life here has never exactly been a breeze, but maybe the spirituality of the early Christian hermits, or the fun enjoyed by Edwardian playboys balanced that legacy with a lighter energy. (At the start of the 20th century, the castle's owner had 3 racing cars - there were men working full-time on maintaining the roads then, though. The tracks now are, in some places, a challenge even for the 4x4s... )<br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/Rwjg8SolQNI/AAAAAAAAAQA/gTFiaFsCtFM/s1600-h/100_1638.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118588302905393362" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/Rwjg8SolQNI/AAAAAAAAAQA/gTFiaFsCtFM/s320/100_1638.JPG" border="0" /></a> On our first full day, as we approach Kilmory, we can see the Skye Cuillins across the sea. Kilmory used to be the site of the laundry for the castle - a mere five miles away! - but now has a deer research outpost. We meet several others; the young couple from Penrith spending some time on the Islands as part of their Scottish road trip, Mr Nova Scotia, the hikers who have been castle-bound for the last two days because of rain (? the walking equivalent of fair-weather bikers?) and the teachers accompanying the troupe of teenagers wild-camping their way to their gold Duke of Edinburgh awards. We pass the ghillie's white Toyota pick-up, mercifully minus deer carcases - even when it overtakes us later, a few miles from Kinloch.<br /><em></em><br /><em>from my journal</em><br />The hostel rooms are in the old servants quarters on the third floor. Lucy and I are squeezed into a tiny room under the eaves, with space for our beds and a wardrobe and very little else. We have a skylight window that doesn't shut properly, but an old radiator that does, pumping more than enough heat into the space to make it cosy - adequate to dry the clothes we can't shoehorn into the drying room with the other hostellers' gear.<br />From our window (if we stand up) we can see looming hills and waving treetops.<br />Our ten-mile hike is such delight. At Kilmory, we find a curve of rock close to the water which shelters us from the biting wind as we feast on our packed lunches.<br />I take picture after picture, and we breathe lungfuls of fresh island air as the clouds swathe the hills around us. We're lucky, only getting slightly damp in the changeable conditions - and that as much as from internal conditions as external; walking in this landscape is hot work!<br /><br />It's an artificial community, comprised of Scottish Natural Heritage employees. Although there are specific roles, everyone fulfills a multitude of tasks - the manager of the hostel and hotel took a crash course in hydroelectrics when the island mechanic left recently, and currently operates the islands generators. He and his wife and baby son have been on Rum for 18 months now; his previous post was in the Cairngorms.<br />'I don't do city jobs,' he tells me when I ask what motivates people to come and work here.<br /><br />I know what he means.<br /><br />It's wild out there now - blowing a gale and pouring with rain, the lullaby to sing me to sleep excess water rushing down drain pipes and overspilling other water channels... then the wind dies, and it's just the music of a channel somewhere runnelling off excess water.Hazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099903024336295455noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21956832.post-52354639606391316542007-09-29T14:27:00.000-07:002007-09-29T14:45:24.278-07:00hostelling in style<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/Rv7D8SolQJI/AAAAAAAAAPg/WqlYlmVdfsM/s1600-h/100_1617.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115741667301081234" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/Rv7D8SolQJI/AAAAAAAAAPg/WqlYlmVdfsM/s320/100_1617.JPG" border="0" /></a> Kinloch Castle surveys Loch Scresort, with (on clear days) views of Skye and the mainland.<br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/Rv7D8iolQKI/AAAAAAAAAPo/2HZy6M-BEM8/s1600-h/100_1622.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115741671596048546" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__QzCdbpyqa8/Rv7D8iolQKI/AAAAAAAAAPo/2HZy6M-BEM8/s320/100_1622.JPG" border="0" /></a>The castle manager loads our luggage in the Range Rover (the Americans in combats get a lift with their ghillie in a white Toyota pick-up), and we walk around the shore with our assorted ferrymates through woodland both imported and indigenous.<br /><div>It's idyllic.</div><div>And the castle has a bistro...</div><div>Arriving merits an easeful day. A quick recce round the castle, a toastie at the tea shop and a brief rest before supper...</div><div></div>Hazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099903024336295455noreply@blogger.com0