Time to be Aware

 I don't know where I've been over the past years, but obviously very absent from this blog. 

I haven't been lolling in bed in a haze of 'not wanting to do anything'. In fact I've been extremely busy being busy. Teaching and staying at home mostly because of the COVID-19 pandemic but I think that too has become my excuse for not 'going out' as I used to. 

I've kept a diary, done many courses and created a calligraphy piece a day for over a year. Written poetry, gained 2 new grandchildren and quite frankly simply enjoyed my new contained studio space upstairs.

My visual diary has over 400 calligraphy pieces in it and I have written a few poems and prose pieces which I have worked on from time to time. 

A walk along the sea shore

I also started a correspondence with my friend Paddy in the deepest days of the first Lockdown which kept both of us sane over a few weeks and I need to relook at the writing to see if it worth keeping, or whether it was just something to do' in a crazy world. 

I still continue writing with prompts and with a friend. This time Sam. She and I Zoom almost weekly to chat about a writing group we've joined and how our personal writing continues as well as books to read. So we are busy and focussed. 

I'm also writing words for a project which a young girl has managed the past year. Photographs taken from a similar spot for two years. She's requested that various authors and poets write about the images. Which is a beautiful way to write - from images not words.

Now that I have re-discovered this page. I shall certainly keep it going. 

Another Week

Last week was more discussion than writing. Old photographs were tenderly pulled out of envelopes and stories wove from lips to paper in intense interplay.

Our reference was the Cavafy poem on Ithaca. A poem of travel and journey. One that all of us encounter in one way or another.

'Have Ithaca always in your mind. Your arrival there is what you are destined for. But don't in the least hurry the journey. Better it last for years'..........

Write a few sentences about yourself: When you were age 12, 18, 30 and now. Write in the third person.

Taken from a hill in Dullstroom Mmpumalanga

May your journey be long and filled with adventure.

A Poetry Reading

It's all very well having a launch - and while I really don't mind talking to and interacting with people, in fact I really enjoy it, the very thought of presenting one's 'own work' is another story altogether.

Daunting is the word I use. But, the launch is set - for 1 December 2010. At Love Books [if you would like to join us please respond 'tout suite' as we need numbers for catering].

What wonderful support I've had from friends far and near. My overseas pals have sent such wonderful encouraging notes. Many of my 'here' friends are joining me for the launch. I have decided to have a small 'event' with candles, flowers, good 'finger food' [not fingers] and of course good wine - oh, not forgetting real lemonade for those who don't imbibe. Perhaps there will even be a surprise or two.

A great friend of mine - who is also a calligrapher and writer [much more famous than I] will sit with me as I read a few chosen poems. This I have been told is expected, the poetry reading that is. We will hopefully discuss them and the creative process as well.

So I leave now, to choose the poems and make sure I know what I'm trying to do. I add a photograph of myself on the dunes at De Hoop - the freedom of the air and sea is what I wish for you.

Interviews and New Ideas

Once again I sat in front of my notes tearing my finger nails, hoping that I 'wouldn't let the side down' in my interview with Jenny C-W of radio 702.

It's always interesting waiting to be interviewed - the radio station calls and you are put on hold and listen to the end of the interview before yours and then......you're ON!

Apparently all went well and once again CE was 'on the air' and advertised. While I cannot say that we've had any response - I did have fun.

Creative Escapes has connected with the Allaboutwriting team - Trish, Richard, Jo-Anne and Fred. We will be joining forces with them in some of our courses for 2011. The March, cosmos weekend will have Jo-Anne and Richard teaching a one-day writing course which will be a wonderful opportunity for would-be writers.

In April and May, David and Fred will present a two module Photographic and Travel writing course. Another new course for Creative Escapes.

In the mean time we leave for Kenya for two weeks and I will take my note books and sketch books and hope to gather new ideas for poems and short stories.