Looking to the Mountains

 It's been a day of reminiscing and remembering travels to Kashmir due to the fact that I have embarked on a journey to learn and write Sanskrit. 

I have a wonderful Sanskrit teacher who has been attempting to teach me to read and write in Sanskrit for a while. Gillian has a gift for teaching. She encourages, repeats and encourages again and I simply enjoy every moment of the time spent in lessons.

When we were visiting Leh in Kashmir we came upon some intriguing Gompas (monasteries) where we observed monks and participated in pujas and became immersed in the local culture. Such a privilege to experience the cracking silence of the Himalayas and the vast and never-ending icy crags. 

From the Bhagavad Gita

Carved stones in Kashmir

I am also working on poems for a journal of photographs which a woman has compiled over the past few years. We use her images as inspiration and it is another great initiative brought about by the pandemic. It is a wonderful creative initiative and I am in the process of working though some short poems, prose to describe some images. The photographs are taken along the Ou Kaapse Weg in Cape Town and are very beautiful.

Here are a few pieces written so far: 

So many blessings in the golden light of dawn.

Rainy day puddles dance differently in early morning light. No footprints to fill.

In the meantime I continue to work on calligraphy and Sanskrit and writing with a group from around the world every Wednesday evening. So satisfying as we are all so different in cultures and writing techniques. 

Just a little book, some palettes of paint a brush and a pen

Writers' Workshops

I've been fortunate enough to attend two weekends of writer's workshops. The first one with Dorian Haarhoff, long time friend and mentor. We met, a group of us to form the our portion of a book of short story memoirs which will be published in October.

Candles, Coffee and Creativity

Five of us met for two days to delve into our memory bank of childhood experiences and adult journeys. A wonderful way to share, remember and create. We meet twice and have personal mentoring from Dorian. I find that when 'pushed' for stories and date lines are set I write, write, write. A good thing indeed.

I was invited to participate in a writer's conference this weekend. Mixing with other authors, writers and young people is a great way to find inspiration and new thought patterns.
Teaching is also a wonderful way to become inspired by the people around you.

Reading from Sketch Your year in Poetry

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.

Of Books and Publishers

Well at last my book is at the printers. People always talk about a book being like giving birth. Well giving birth may well be what I've done over the last few years - more like having a baby elephant really.

The to-ing and fro-ing, from publisher to book designer, to book cover designer [both of those happened to be my children - Elizabeth and John respectively]. Oh and don't forget the editors [yes, more than one]. In fact once you hand your book over to 'the other side' [hear spooky music] it is no longer yours and you as author had better realise that very quickly!

I suppose it's a Good Thing, because the poems are no longer your own once they have been 'sent out there'. They become the readers very own. AND that is one thing that authors should realise very quickly. Once the book is out of your hands it is not longer your own and so I suppose that makes any criticisms that much easier to accept.

The launch of the book will be in the first week of December so please keep your eyes open for 'Sketch Your Year in Poetry' soon after that.