Yesterday, I took part in a local literary festival. Originally, I had been invited to read a short set of poetry during one of the sessions; then one of the speakers was ill so she dropped out, and, at the last minute, I was asked to step in and give a talk. And I do mean the last minute. I got a text message on Friday afternoon to give me advance warning that my help might be needed: maybe I could give a short talk on poetry or translation? I duly rustled up some old notes on the latter and thought about changes I’d need to make so it would suit the audience.
Continue reading “like a rock”
Tag: perspective
healthy habits
The last week has been Mental Health Awareness Week and I’ve seen a great deal of conversation online about the benefits of nature, with experts explaining how spending time in green spaces, or caring for plants or animals, can have a positive impact on our mental wellbeing.
Many business and life coaches have taken to the parks to hold their sessions in the great outdoors and inspire new healthy habits in their clients. My social media feeds are full of posts urging me to pause and take time out to look at buds on plants and the burgeoning leaves on trees.
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points of view
It’s by no means the first time I’ve noticed or commented on it, but, once again, I am reminded that, wherever you are, there are different ways of looking at things.
There is nothing in the least bit attractive about the local bus station, car park and parade of modern shops. And yet if you turn around, you get this lovely view of daffodils and an inaccessible little door in the old stone wall, which I believe is a remnant of the 14th century town fortifications.
It’s all about perspective – and often that’s a personal choice.
A big as your imagination
I commented yesterday that I hadn’t had room in my brain recently for all the thoughts I wanted to think. But it seems I must have disconnected enough this weekend to start more ideas moving, as I woke up early this morning wanting to get writing.
At the moment, I’m not sure there’s much clarity among the ideas, which are tumbling out fairly haphazardly – and almost simultaneously – into several documents, all open at the same time.
Continue reading “A big as your imagination”
figuring things out
Although there were a surprising number of people out in the park around sunrise this morning, I managed to avoid them appearing in all the photos I took except one.
And although I usually prefer pictures without any people in, now I’ve looked closer at this one, I reckon that the figure actually adds something to the composition.
Continue reading “figuring things out”
don't confuse the narrator 