This blog is now an archive because it has become to difficult to up date. From now on I will blog on my FACEBOOK Page.
15th January
I went to a funeral yesterday - a very dear man had passed on. His only daughter showed no respect for his wishes. Her selfishness was, I think, obvious to all. We thought that she was actually not very bright to behave in the way she does and that she doesn't think through ideas and options, but actually she does. She is just manipulative and without honour. It was a horrid day, but there were good points - the young people there were terrific under pressure and I now have permission to write about it - though no one will believe it, because fact is stranger than fiction.
11th January 2010
This problems updating site - I will do something about it. I'm going to the Philipines soon and it has taken some organisation - jabs, tablets, money. And all this on top of Christmas. It was a really lovely one this year. And we had a bostin' new year too.
I have just finished ' Second Coming' , a short one act play for the Manawatu Playwriting Competition in New Zealand. I came third last year so I'd like to do well this time, too. I got shortlist for a competition with Messy Jessie and longlisted with Knot Cottage with another. I would like to win a competition, because it tells you that you must be doing something right. happy Birthday to my dear friend Clare in New Zealand - today she is 30 twice. She is moving house today, too. Good luck to you and Warren. I love you Clare and if I win this time in the Manawatu, I'll come over using the winnings. Talking of New Zealand, my daughter's brother in law is flying to New Zealand today - lucky boy. I love New Zealand - it has the best coffee in the world amongst many other things. You just ask for a flat white - heaven.
I just want to note that Bill has passed away - the great granddad of two of my grandchildren - what a lovely man. He lives on in them - lovely. And congratulations to Aunty Mary who celebrated her 90 this last weekend - we were very cross we couldn't make the party, because of the weather.
18th December
Again very busy - making blog writing difficult. And again the technology seems to be harder on this computer - next year, eg in the next month I must do something about how I'm working. I am going to be involved in three schemes next year that mean I will have to get use my time efficiently.
1. I am the lead in the ICWP Scheme with Birmingham REP to promote women playwrights.
2. I am running a SWAN Day weekend in Birmingham in March.
3. Pens of Erdington are going solo. We are losing the yoke of Adult Education and managing our own programme. There will be two sessions per month - one with the usual Pens format and another for working on specific writing projects that individuals are working on.
Glossary
ICWP - International Centre for Women Playwrights - I'm the Secretary to the Board of Trustees.
SWAN - Support Women Playwrights Now.
Pens of Erdington - A creative writing group in run at Erdington Library/
30th November
I have been very lax with the blog recently. I have been busy, but I seem to have had trouble updating the wretched thing as well.
So there is lots of news. Went to the Mid-Point Theatre Conference at the Crescent Theatre on Thursday and Friday last week. It was run for Alison Gagen from Arts West Midlands by Theatre Bristol - very good indeed. Met Alex Jones, playwright and good egg - very interesting to hear him talk about making a career out of writing.
Daughter number 5 has moved back in with us and so far it has been lovely having her around.I'm hoping she feels the same.
Last Friday night we had the first Espresso sized Theatre Evening at the Margarett Rose Abri Cafe in Digbeth. It went well, considering it was the first time Theatre has taken place at the venue. We had a full house and mumbled my way through the links. 'Espresso sized Coffee, oops Theatre!"
First on we had 'Lovely Lady Liberty' by Rachel Taylor. Two young women talk about going to New York to live.Then my 'Providence Cafe", set in the Deep South of the States. It's about roadkill, fresh roadkill - funny but a bit dark. The Stuart Zola with a very dark piece 'Jimmy Ligthening' about a faded rock star - grizzly! Rachel Sambrooks did 'The Rev. Angel....' - very funny - a priests advice on keeping a marriage going and then finally, my 'Long Engagement" about two American tourists in Birmingham's Museum and Art Gallery.
Have booked tickets for the Phillipines - no there's a story! But you'll have to wait for that!
9th November
I am very busy, but yesterday, I made the family Christmas card. I do it every year and even though my IT skills are zilch, i still do something on the computer. This is a picture of us all - a bit like the Alton Towers one below, but this time outside the cottage. And, yes, I'm bragging again. It's of the family, because I am so proud of them all. What beautiful people inside and out. I had a lonely childhood, being the only child of older parents - I seem to have acquired an enormous family over the years. It makes me very happy.
I whipped this photo off this website some months ago. My grandson wanted it back on and after several months I've managed to do it!
8th Novembe
r (But now I can't get the 'r' next to the rest of the month.)
I am starting a personal campaign - please sign up for the Wall of Life. It's to encourage people to sign up for the transplant donor website. We know how wonderful a heart transplant can be in this family - look at the website - www.walloflife.org.uk sign up, get your family and friends to sign up - it's a beautiful thing!
5th November
I haven't written anything for weeks - that's not just this blog, but also writing in general. I have been to the States and caught up with family life.
Whilst away, we could up with a family member who is 90 - she ROCKS! Had a lovely time talking about the past, but also about the future. there are ways of growing old and being bitter and regretful is not one of them to be considered.
Also we saw my nephew in friendship. After being very seriously ill he has had a heart transplant - what a joy to have a hug from this trully amazing young man with the courage of a lion and thank you to all at Boston Children's Hospital for this miracle.
The dog has had 14 teeth removed - no wonder he had bad breath. He is much more frisky. I asked the nurse at the vets, who many teeth does a dog have. She didn't know, but found out that it's 46. She said he would cope with the loss of teeth and I said that that was good that he didn't need dentures. She said very seriously that dogs don't get dentures. I have this vision of him going to sleep in his basket with false nashers in a glass of water and a tablet of steredent.
11th October
Life's busy, so I'll slow in updating this. When it comes to blogs - go and see 'Julie and Julia' - the film. Someone said it got slated by the critics, but we loved it, but we are fond of the fifties, because that's our childhood and anything about cooking rocks.
Anyway, an amazing story has been unfolding over the past couple of months. My ex-sister-in-law ( we married two brother in the seventies and are now happily divorced and married to lovely men) has a son with a terrible heart condition. This gorgeous son got pneumonia (caused by swine flu), had a cardiac arrest that lasted for 4 minutes and was airlifted to Boston Children's Hospital. He has been very very ill. About three weeks ago, he was well enough to be put on the heart transplant list. They were told that it was a waiting game and the wait would probably be between 3 and 6 months.
In less than a week, they found a heart. A family donated a great gift to this young man. he now has a new heart and is doing very well. In the week, I rang his mum at his hospital bed and had the thrill of my life. I spoke to him. A weak voice, but a voice. I spoke to him. Well, this is a remarkable thing. Thank you to those people who chose to give this boy the chance of life on the death of their loved one and thank you to the surgeons and staff of Boston Children's Hospital for their skill and creativity in making this happen.
And all the very best to this young man, his dear brother and wonderful parents. We love you all.
2nd October
I am having a barmy time. i haven't written up my blog for ages. The new computer is, yes, OK a iMac. This is both wonderful and a challenge to all my acquired computer knowledge. I am having to start again and at a time when time has been at a premium.
I cried and cried and cried the day before yesterday - my friend's 14 year old son had a heart transplant. The emotional response to this amazing news dazzled me. He has been so ill and now he has the opportunity to hopefully enjoying a good life. Fantastic - and thank you to the donar's loved ones for giving such a precious gift at time of grief.
19th September
I HAVE MY NEW COMPUTER! I should have put that picture up on this website, but I'm still figuring out what I have to do to make it stick! I am actually away from the new computer today. I am in Eastbourne visiting my step-son and family. They have gone off to visit greatgrandmother and there is no room for me in the car so I am catching up on communications, but not on my computer, but this one in Eastbourne that has the biggest screen in the world. It is likle writing on the side of a building.
We have the dog with us in Eastbourne. He was really ill inn the week, so he has come down with us and stayed in our favourite hotel on the seafront - The Royal Hotel - it takes dogs and budgies it seems. Sandy has lots of walkies and met the grandchildren. He's visited the sea, but it was quite interesting walking him through the Saturday shopping crowds. I'm not sure he has been through large numbers of people before. He was very nervous - though it didn't stop him having a good sniff and a pee on every post.
Saw and old friend from college days in London the week before last. It was lovely, but there just wasn't enough time to catch up properly. That's contact with two people from the past in the last month. It's rally spooky - can they recognise my young self in the person I have become. I'm not sure I can. I know more now and I htink I know what is important now - I think that side of me was there then, but not fully tapped.
11th September
Yet, still no new computer. They have tried to deliver it twice, but I was out - I did tell them so. I have complained and the nice young man I spoke to asked me if £70 off the bill would make me feel better and yes, it would. I am in all day today, waiting for the damn thing - it had better come or I will demand another £70 off the bill.
I haven't got the attachment at Birmingham Rep.I will watch with interest to see who has. Are they young? Are they male? I rarely see good theatre now - and I see quite a lot. In the early seventies and in the late eighties, i saw some rubbish, but I also saw some amazing stuff. People took more risks then. Theatre was more challenging.
Anyway, I am now a free agent to write the new big thing play to my own requirements. I am writing it for my eldest daughter, because it was her who inspired it. She was disappointed that I didn't get the attachment because she wants to see the play performed. But, have no fear, I'm still writing it and if I can't get it performed, you will be able to read it, Al.
8th September
Still no new computer - I'm a bit fed up. My youngest daughter has gone off with my phone charger and I've ;ost my diary - THAT HAS EVERYTHING IN IT! It may have fallen out of my bag at the theatre last night. We went to see CABERET at Birmingham REP. It's not for the faint hearted - but extremely good. I would recommend it. The casting is great and the whole thing is, as it should be, very dark. Wayne Sleep was the Emmcee with lousey diction and accent. Careful Wayne - you are not playing the dame in panto.
An old friend from college days is coming to tea on Thursday. I haven't seen her for about 30 years. I see other friends from those days regularly and I think we have all aged pretty well. So what do i expect of this firend I haven't seen....mmmmm......I don't know. Her husband said on the phone that he had lost his hair - I don't expect he'll find it by Thursday.
Have been sent an adorable photo of one of my granddaughters in her new school uniform. She's 3 - she is so tidy! It has been captured on paper, so now it is true she is a neat girl. A grandson is starting this week too - hurry up with the photos of him please.
4th September
Knickers to the person who untied the front of our boat and then stole the rope. Double knickers to the one or more who cut off two of our fenders and stole them. Boaters? I don't think so - do you?
Ist September
Well, a new month and everybody's going back to school. Now to get back to work seriously hopefully.
My computer is corrupted and has whalloped everything off (though it is on the hard drive), so it's time for new technology. My old PC I've had for years and years - it doesn't owe me anything. So the dilemma is - what to buy? I have a very basic laptop, so I can be mobile, but I have never used it, preferring in those circumstances a pen and paper. I want a PC with a nice big screen. I want it to be fast. I want to have some wear out of it. I don't want a tower, because I want more room on my desk. I don't want touch screen, because I hate cleaning glass. I want to have a built in webcam, because my efforts with a portable webcam have not been good.
Guess what I've gone for?
24th August
$Help - having a large family is hard work sometimes - I'm knackered.
Thank you to Clare and Elaine for the lovely comments.
Do orgainisations respect writers?
Last week, went to a BBC Writers' Room Roadshow (?)
A women apologised for Paul Ashton ( the man who said it was unreasonable to let writers know the result of the CBBC Drama Competition) and a woman who usually do speil - they could do it for some reason. This women then read the information that is available on their website. In the Q & A spot - she told us that the Writers' Room is not a production company and that is why they produce nothing.
Does the BBC respect writers?
16th August
Computer crash - everything went and then Jonk found it loitering on the hard drive - panic over, but I need to sort out my technology.
Went to a Masterclass at the National Theatre last Wednesday. They admitted it wasn't really a Masterclass. It was suited for those starting to write plays. But during the workshop we had to write a scene. They picked out of a hat ones to perform. Mine was the fourth and last. Two things - first ,I can now say that I have had my words performed on the stage of the National Theatre's Cottesloe Theatre. Secondly, I could see there was consternation from the admin women when she was sent off to photocopy my scene. It was only afterwards that I realised that they were shocked by a character Midget. This was his name, not a label. My character was a 14 year old feral boy who lives by the canal. He calls himself Midget, but it's used in the Little John in Robin Hood way - he's very very tall for his age.
Mmmmm, I don't think I'll ever be produced at the National.
Mmmmm, I'm the wrong gender anyway - they only produce plays written by men.
7th August
I have just spent half and hour writing this blog and for some reason, it hasn't saved it. I am cross! What did I write? Can't remember!
Something about Debbie Isitt and Snarling Beasties - they were very good. The message being if you can't get anyone to produce your plays, then do it yourself. I'm thinking of doing just that. Whatever happened to Debbie Isitt? Maybe I'll google her.
That's it - can't remember anything else.
Does anyone know a good hairdresserr? My hair is a mess.
3rd August
Sandy the dog is our delight. Everyone has fallen in love with him. The children all want to hold his lead. One member of the family who hates ALL animals was seen lying on the sofa cuddled up to him. We now have different walkies routes worked out. He is sitting next to me now as I type. He follows me around and sit with me on the sofa. The rug I made he particularly likes and he makes himself a nest of it. We love him and he loves us.
25th July
I haven't updated this blog for 11 days - unforgiveable! A lot has happened. The Graduation was fun and it's good to be able to move on, really. We now have Sandy the dog as promised. I went to Wales to pick him up. He is a resounding success. The children adore him - one three year old refused to put his shoes on and go home yesterday.
On Friday, it was our wedding anniversary and we wnet to a concert at the Symphony Hall - it was extraordinary. Going home, a little dog went berserk - so pleased to see us. It was terrific. Our neighbour has called him Sandbag - which we quite like.
Spoke to a very old friend yesterday - haven't spoken to him for about 24 years - same voice, same voice, same voice - it was lovely to hear him again and to know that we could talk the same way we did years ago. He lives on the Outer Orkney Island of Eday - didn't know it existed before - wow! Anyway, our chat made my day.
14th July
So, it's all over officially tomorrow - I will get scrubbed up and gowned, handed a piece of paper and that's the end of my MPhil adventure.
I don't feel an emotional tie to the University of Birmingham, like I do to Wolverhampton where I did my BA (Hons) - that is probably due to the fact that we were always on the margins of the academic map. The course doesn't fit into the culture. It's uncomfortable because it doesn't tick the boxes. However, I enjoyed my time and most importantly I know I am a better writer for it - THANK YOU STEVE WATERS (the course convenor).
9th July
I have just had a look at the BBC Writers' Room website. It seems they had 700 entries for the CBBC drama competition. I watch CBBC's with various small people in the family - and yes, I'm delighted that Chris and Poy (is that how you spell your name Poy?) are back. They are doing a new programme - can't remember the name, but we enjoyed being a tree on Monday.
Anyway, I think the standard of children's TV is generally awful - particularly cartoons - and what's that awful quiz game thing with children cheering cartoon characters, but have no other input at all?
Again, anyway, I've entered the CBBC competition and now don't reckon I'll get through with 699 other entries to compete with. I think that 'Lucy's Allotment' with be confined to the bottom drawer of the filing cabinet. It's a shame, because I would have liked to have watched it and more importantly, I believe the small people in the family would have enjoyed it, because it was about real people and real lives.
4th July
We have a pretty poorly young woman in the family - but she's had an operation and the surgeon said that it had gone perfectly - thank God for the NHS. This year we have relied on the NHS - we have so much to be thankful for.
I'm writing spmething I haven't tried before - it's not the next BIG THING - it's a small detour around the houses. It's a children's book that is set in and around where I live in 2049. I have a first chapter - I'm pleased with it, but the acid test will be when I get a reaction from my eldest grandson. He is an avid reader and he knows what he likes.
28th June
I've seen two performances of the BFG at Birmingham Rep this week. The first was at Press Night - I went with Jonk and my 8 year old grandson - it was excellent
The second performance was at 10 o'clock in the morning. I went with eldest daughter, her two children and their cousin - these are often referred to as the babies, though the older two are both three. It was a schools' performance and it was a full house. The children were mostly very little, but there was a party from the local boys'secondary school. There was lots of noise, as children found their seats and the play started late, because there were so many children to seat, but when the performance started - you could have a pin drop! Well, done Rep for putting on such a delightful production and well done children for your concentration and delight. It was perfect.
22nd June
I'm becoming very bitter and twisted recently - this was not helped by going to a hairdresser that I have been to for a very long time. The woman said that what I wanted you couldn't have. She tried to remove my scalp, both with her hands while washing my hair and with her comb. She asked me how much I wanted off my fringe and I said I didn't care because I'd loss the plot.I have paid good money for a trim - it's OK. but... At one point she said that her mum had wanted the same as me and that she didn't understand either. I don't like to be treated with contempt. I should have said something, but you are sitting down and they do have a scissors in their hands.
19th June
I was banging on about money last time. Money is recognition or money is one way of being recognised for your work.
This morning I worked on my writing CV so that I could submit it with a proposal. When I look, I think - I've done a lot. But of course, it is the tip of the iceberg. I have written mountains, but most of it has just been for me to practise. Most of it is just there stagnating without an audience. I'm feeling sorry for myself.
I would like...oh, I don't know - yes, I do - want people to read my plays who have the power to put them on.
I know I'm blunt, but I do like good manners. I have been a bit upset recently. People don't say 'thank you' any more. I'm not talking kids here, I'm talking adults my age. Come to dinner, come and stay - common courtesy - a card or an email to say 'thank uou'.
I went to a conference this week and I said I'd pass on what happened to others, but I don't feel inclined too. The experts on the panel knew less about the subject than those sitting in the audience. Let's do research and have an an audit - with an audit you get transparency and change! Not in my experience, you don't.
Let's talk about how bad things are and do nothing about them - that seems to be the answer to everything.
I am fed up - must have an early night.
14th June
I have worked as a writer for about seven years now. I have made almost no money and I couldn't do it if my dear husband didn't support me. I had an irritating phone call from The University of Birmingham this week. I finished my MPhil in Playwriting there last October - I graduate next month. I loved the course, but the university administration was very poor for post-grad students and for the playwriting ones in particular. Playwriting does fit any of their academic boxes. Anyway, a young man on the phone asked me about my work since I left university. They had sent me the questionaire in the post and one line, but I had ignored both because they don't apply to my circumstances. Anyway, we plodded throught the questions - what am I doing now? The same as I was before. Then it came to earnings this year. I said £300 and he was speechless.
Lovely couple of weeks - two productions of CAKE!, The Providence Cafe on in Cambridge, poetry on the radio and being shortlisted for the Imaginousity Prize in Ireland - I feel I'm beginning to get closer to ...closer to.....closer to an income.
London tomorrow - the conference at the National about women in theatre. Seeing old friends and the Bryony Lavery play at the Young Vic too. Good.
11th June
No dog. We've delayed my going to Wales to pick Sandy up for various reasons, so I'm sad, but not too sad, because he'll be arriving soon.
I was on the radio last night. Community radio - Unity FM. It was real fun. The studio is like the ones you see on the telly - a proper studio - it was such fun. I want to do more. I want to be Jenni Murray when I grow up. Look out Woman's Hour - here I come!
7th June
Busy week - we have a Canadian and a Kentish lass on the boat - friends of our youngest, who she meet in New Zealand. Tomorrow, I'm going to fetch Sandy our new dog - I'm very excited. I'm on the radio on Wednesday and then the MPhil Showcases at the end of the week with another CAKE! at the weekend.
I'm a bit puzzled to hear that David Edgar is talking about women playwrights at the conference - Vamps. Vixens and Feminists (about women in theatre) - next week. It's at the National Theatre, but run by Sphinx Theatre. Yes, he is chair of the Writers' Guild, but......? I will go to the conference with added interest and a pad of paper and a pen to take notes. To be fair, I'll do that anyway, because I want to report back to the ICWP. Rebecca Nesvet is going too (we are running the SWAN Festival together next year). We are going to give out flyers about the Festival, but I'm sorry David, we won't be giving one to you - because you are a bloke!
1st June
It's been a special weekend for me - two performances to two different plays, both with actors and audiences.
Saturday night was at one of only two Georgian theatres in the country, The Little Theatre in Sleaford. It was a real sweet treat watching CAKE! The cast did so well and the team who produced the costumes must be congratulated - they were stunning. Well done Kei Bailey and his team and, of course, all the children in the cast - a great night.
Sunday night, it was The Providence Cafe at the Larkum Studio, ADC Theatre, in Cambridge. Rhonda Nicholl as Justine and Juliette Burton as Edna were well matched and took us to the Deep South. I had written the play as American, but not specified where - but Julia Bolden, with firm direction made an inspired decision - it was terrific. The audience seemed to enjoy it too - there was laughter, but also listening. The feedback was positive and we enjoyed all the contributions. Well done to Michelle Golder and the team at WriteON! I wish there was something like it in Birmingham.
29th May
We have been away for two weeks in Minorca. It's been a very stressful time (healthwise) in 2009, so we took a break.
I've never been to Minorca before and it is a delightful island. It has a fantastic collection of wide flowers this time of year and masses of soaring little birds. We loved it, but one of the things we particularly like was the cleanliness and the recycling. We have very poor recycling in Birmingham. Where we are there is no recycling at all. We take our glass to the bottle back, but there is no where for us to take our plastic. The local refuse centre is a private centre, but doesn't take plastic. Some people have a plastic collection, but we don't and plastic is the main part of our waste. In Minorca, there are large and small recycling bins everywhere and they collect the waste daily. In the past couple of years, we have seen recycling in Tunisia, Dubai, Paris, New Zealand and Bilboa - we have sent photographs of the bins to the bloke in charge of Birmingham's recycling, but still no recycling for us, except taking glass to the bottle bank - AND NO WHERE FOR OUR WASTE PLASTIC - It's not good enough.
7th May
I seem very busy - sending off plays, sending off ideas for plays and organising events. Everything takes so much time. Time that comes off my writing time. Recently, I am spending time writing, but not creative writing. It's frustrating.
But I am managing to think - in the car, over the sink, hoovering. No not hoovering - I don't do much of that. I am trying to work out my next BIG THING! I am thinking about three ideas - but which has the most potential? I want to share them with you - but no - you might steal them - no? So, not you, but what about the next person to visit my website. They might. My last BIG THING took nine years to write, though I fitted in many other things too - oh, I think I'll lie down - too much thinking.
Just sit down with a blank piece of paper - that might be the answer.
The man who works for British Waterways and cut down our willow tree was on the towpath this morning, spraying weeds. I miss the willow. Here's a poem I wrote about it.
Tricky Tree
The tree is tricky.
We knew it from the start.
Beautiful above,
but networking below.
Our tricky tree.
Our dear tricky tree.
Fingertips
dipping the water.
Shoulders
kissing the sky.
And roots…
And roots….
bruising everywhere.
Sounds like
the Yamaha
that wheelies
the towpath,
but it’s the chain
saw that brings
the deepest cut,
slice,
carving death
to the weeping willow
shedding its final tears.
Now logs stacked
For burning and turning.
Arms laid waste
on the boat to float
for mulch.
But clones
clipped and dipped
into earth
will make more trees.
More tricky.
Less tricky.
More or less
tricky trees,
Weeping
constantly.
The tree was tricky.
We knew it from the start.
Beautiful above,
but networking below.
We have the photos.
27th April
Lovely day in Cambridge - and yes, we went on the Cam in a punt. We hired an expert punter too and watch others try their hand - novices and exhibitionist.
Flop the goldfish does not look happy - the others are nudging him, but he looks ......
Helen and James are coming over to supper tomorrow night to talk plays - they love my Puccini play. James is bringing a copy of his newly completed adaptation 'Three Men In A Boat' - they book is a favourite of mine and I'm looking forward to reading it as a play.
24th April
It's quite a week. Met Rebecca Nesvet yesterday an academic and talented playwright - good to meet someone with energy who wants to promote women's writing. We have started the planning process for having a SWAN DAY in the UK in 2010. Rebecca - we can do business together.
Also went to a talk by the famous American playwright Janet Neipris - yes google her - it will be worth your while. She talked about writing plays and about the morality of it. It was terrific hearing your own views about being a playwright put so succinctly by another of such stature.
Tomorrow I am off to see my old chums from Furzedown days - in wonderful Cambridge too. It is almost 40 years since we first meet - GOD - WE ARE OLD! NO OLDER, BUT STILL GORGEOUS!
20th April
We have a dog! Not yet, but he is coming to us 'on approval' at the end of May - his name is Sandy and he is very beautiful and very calm. Long boring story about why end of May.
I hope Sandy likes goldfish. He sings - maybe, he will accompany the synchronised swimming - this has real potential.
More hospital tests for youngest daughter today. Hospitals are great in many ways - especially when you are ill, but I have seen enough of them this year.
15th April
We are in the middle of a tremendous thunderstorm - fork lightening - the WORKS! Lovely to be safely inside - the air is running fresher.
Something has really upset me and I'm going to write about it here. On Saturday, my husband, eldest daughter and her two children visited the Farmers' Market on the village green in Kings Norton. We were stopped by BNP members giving out leaflets. They had a stall, not with the food stalls, but on it's own on the grass. The BNP members had taken over the pub on the green as they had when there was a funeral recently at St Nicolas's Church.
I live in a multi-ethnic city, our family is multi-ethnic - we never think about non-acceptance of others. We don't mix with racists or if we do, they don't share their views with us. Saturday was shocking - we felt that we had our home invaded by ignorant people who want to deny Birmingham it's existance.
Maybe the storm is here to cleanse Kings Norton.
9th April
Three year old granddaughter is having her birthday here this afternoon. She has two good legs after her fall last month. The animal person is coming - I am looking forward to it all.
Tonight I am going to my first meeting of a playwright's group. I've been invited to go. I'm a bit nervous. I'm not sure it's right for me.
The baby fish are doing very well and entertaining me. They seem expert synchronised swimmers without my training or nose clips.
Have booked a holiday - was looking for a room somewhere near a fishing village, but have booked a Spa and Wellness Hotel with treatments, saunas, jaccussi ....... I am tempted to say arrogantly - 'because you're worth it'.
THE JUSTIFICATION -Jonk and I are both creaking at the moment. -
1st April
Trying to think of a joke - ??????
It was an important day yesterday. The big ball of water was cleaned and set up with lovely new plastic weed for a goldfish family. I went with two daughters and three grandchildren to the pet shop to pick out the lucky little swimmers to live canalside.
Four were chosen. Little critters, but with a surfeit of flashy fins.
I have decided to return to the names of Flip, Flop and Flap. This tradition was started when I was a mixed infant - my Aunty Paddy called her fish that, before I pinched it for my circus team. Anyway, it's Flip, Flop and Flap - and you will notice, I said four goldfish - well, the fourth is Drip - he is the one that comes through the weed last. Three swim in a line and then the independent Drip turns up.
Synchronised swimming lessons will start as soon as I can persume them that a nose clip is a good idea.
Before the pet shop, we'd been to playgroup - it was animal lady day. Excellent, except I couldn't fully join in, because he had two snakes. I don't do snakes - I MUST NOT TRANSFER MY HORROR TO CHILDREN. I watched the giant rabbit, the chinchilla, the baby rabbit, the lizard and the gorgeous tortoises from afar to avoid looking at a snake wrapped around the neck of a small child.
The good news is that the animal lady is coming to my house next week for my grandaughter's birthday party - oh, dear - I'll stick to goldfish.
27th March
Jesus is dead. Jesus, our goldfish. I've had Jesus for very many years - too long to remember - I was a slip of a girl and he was a sliver of baby carrot. At first, he was part of a team - Flip, Flap and Flop - circus goldfish. But Flip died whilst synchronised swimming, leaving Flap and Flop - a new name for a new team - I must have been watching Coronation Street at the time, because the fish became Dirk and Mavis. They must have had some martial difficulties, because Mavis disappeared. The only explanation was that Dirk had eaten her. Dirk lived happily on his own, getting bigger and bigger - he was promoted to a huge globe of a tank, just for him.
Then, one day, we came home to find Dirk floating on top of the water. I was about to flush him down the loo, when youngest daughter said -'don't do that! Goldfish often revive!'
And so did Dirk. The next morning he was swimming around happily again. Dirk seemed an inappropriate name now, so we went for a third option. Jesus, because he rose again from the dead. I bought an angel for the tank to keep him company. Not an angel fish, just a ceramic angel.
Anyway, earlier this week, unfortunately, he could rise again a second time.
I have cleaned out the globe for, maybe, a new family of fish.
When I was at school, I remember reading a poem called 'Fishes Heaven' - I've no idea who wrote it - it must have been at least 45 years ago, but I do remember the line
'Under God's Almighty Fin,
Even the littlest fish can enter in.'
23rd March
Daughter-in-law is back home and I have returned to Birmingham. We pray that after rest and recuperation, she will be fighting fit.
On Sunday night, I realised that I had left my washbag in the boot of the car, so I went up the towpath in the dark to the layby onthe road, where we sometimes park the car.
As I walked back by the side of the canal, a loud burrrrrrrrring sound started very close to me. A helicopter? Something mechanical - yes! I ran to the cottage terrified. Across on the other side of the canal, Lights were on in the flats - was someone training a weapon on me? A waepon with a loud burring sound? I had trouble with the key at the front door - I shouted for help. The sound followed me into the front room. Oh my God! Oh my God!
The electric toothbrush in my washbag had switched on. I survived its deadly intent!
20th March
It would have been my Mum and Dad's wedding anniversary today. I think they married 72 years ago. My Mum had me after 16 years of marriage at the age of 41. She thought I was the menopause. I wasn't. I was very blessed to have such loving parents who lived into their nineties. When I pass a phone, I remember there are a couple of people I need to ring and then I remember, they are not there anymore.
19th March
I'm writing this blog in Eastbourne on my stepson's computer. It is linked up to the most enormous screen in the whole world. It's like writing on a billboard.
One granddaughter is asleep in her swingy chair - her new baby brother and dad are at the hospital visiting mum. Hopefully, daughter-in-law will be out of hospital this weekend. It goes on and on. Everything has to planned around the care of these two babies who should be with their mum. The new baby does know that things should be different. He doesn't know that he shouldn't be passed around.
I seem to be involved in a SWAN - I will tell you that SWAN stands for Support Women Artists Now. I'll tell you more about it as it grows from a little cynget into a fully fledge bird with wings!
Feel disconnected to writing. Feel disconnected to everything.
11th March
Daughter-in-law back in hospital - hopefully just a hiccup and she'll be back home today.
A round of applause for CurvingRoad - they only accept plays from people over 40. Ageism is alive and well in the theatre - which is a bit rich because most people who go are over 40, well over 60.
We are grappling with technology. We have acquired a dongle and are spurning broadband to embrace wireless. Spent 3 hours in PC World on Monday sorting out stuff with Geoff, who seemed to know his stuff, but Jonk's new laptop - very flash- doesn't seem to be very accepting of the internet. As I'm going to use the same dongle - I'm a bit nervous - this may be last entry for sometime..
10th March
Granddaughter says that Barbie is fully recovered and wants her plaster off. Sadly, like small person, she has to keep the plaster on for three weeks. Small person does have a new pink plaster with butterfly stickers and a special little sandal which is about as pretty as a broken leg can get.
Anyway, both small girl person with pink leg and small grandson are coming with me to see 'The Ugly Duckling' at Birmingham REP on Thursday - WE WILL GO - BROKEN LEG OR WHAT!
9th March
Small, almost three years old granddaughter has broken her leg.
"What would you like as a treat?"
"Anything pink, Nanny."
So it was pink milk (for those who know, like Lola), pink cake, a pink plant, pink stickers, pink hair band and pink necklace. While buying these pink things, a Barbie whispered to me in the toy section of the supermarket - "I've broken my leg". Barbie is now along side her nurse with a matching plaster.
5th March
My Mum's birthday - she was quite a woman. She was born in Pembrokeshire and went to London to nurse at the age of 17. She'd never been on a train before that journey and was puzzled by the escalators in the city - she didn't know what they were. She nursed during the Blitz and married Dad, a police officer. She was 41 when she had me, their only child. She lived until she was 90, but never admitted to her age, always happy to behave younger than her years. She was an inspiration.
Escape at Seventeen
Mama decreed,
that third daughter
Gwenfil Mary Alexandra
should nurture her and Dada
as they croaked into fossildom.
Gwen would take up
an apprenticeship
with Miss Iris Prance,
dressmaker by the City Hall.
Any spare time
between cycling
to and fro
and fro and to,
Gwen could sit
on her little sister.
The real reason for
her sewing sentence.
Tacked and hemmed in,
Gwen plan to unravel
golden pavements
with vacancies for
girls with nursing possibilities.
Aunty ( her grandmother)
offered kindness and cash,
so she could join
Margaret and Stella
who enjoyed
maternal blessings and finance.
Leaving early,
Mair waved
from the step.
Pony and trap
to Haverfordwest.
Her first ever train
to Carmenthan.
Her second ever train
to Cardiff.
Her third ever train
to Paddington.
No Stella under the clock.
No Margaret under the clock.
Then make or break
with her first ever escalator
(What was it?)
Good training for
the Blitz to come.
1st March
Happy St David's Day!
We have no flowers in the house. No daffodils.
When I was a child staying with my grandmother, I went to the local school in near St David's in Pembrokeshire. It was the school my mother had been to. It had 15 children and two teachers. One was the headteacher, Ruthie James, who had been to school with my Mum. Everyone spoke Welsh and 7 of the children spoke Polish - they were brothers and sisters from one Polish family living in the village.
On St David's day, we went to the Cathedral in a mini-bus and the boys ate their decorative raw leeks on the way home.
Today we will have leeks with our roast pork, but they will be cooked. And I must get some daffs....
'N DDEDWYDD ST. DAFYDD DDIWRNOD!
I have been to the supermarket and bought loads of daffodils and yes, they are still in bud, but they are daffodils. I have put them around the house. I also bought a pot with an open dwarf daffodil and a real spider plant (see 27th Feb).
I like real fowers in the house, from the garden is good, but I love receiving flowers too.
7th February
The poorly family member is now back home - full recovery is still some way off, but improvement is steady. I have returned home and to my writing.
This is a secret. I promised the person concerned that I wouldn't tell anybody about this. Yes, I promised, but I am going to tell you, if you promise to keep it a secret. Things were very bleak in Intensive Care and me and the person who's name I will not reveal were waiting in the waiting room. The patient, our family member, has a collection of plants at home - all with names. At that point, we didn't know whether she would ever go home. I spotted a spider plant with little spider plants hanging from a planter from the ceiling. I suggested to the taller than me person I will not reveal the name of, that it would be nice to take some baby spider plants and pot them up, so that they could be added to the patient's collection in the hopeful event of her returning home fit and well. Anyway, the baby spider plants were cut off with some difficulty and wrapped in paper to take home. I took a closer look to find that they were, in fact, plastic and the person doing the cutting, hadn't realised. It proved to be a release for us and another couple waiting for news about another patient. We all laughed until we cried.
Anyway, I didn't tell you, did I? Our secret - OK?
20th February
We are shattered, upset, emotional wrecks having been full of positive energy last weekend, when doing what we could for a young member of our family in intensive care. She is much better now, but it was touch and go. Another of the family has had the all clear last Tuesday, but another has to wait and see whether she will need surgery. And then this morning, a friend on the other side of the world has had surgery for cancer. Where ever we look there is serious illness.
Thank God for the NHS. Last week, we were amazed at the level of professionalism in intensive care - the eye for detail, the balancing of all the considerations, the support for family and friends.
One of my daughters has suggested that I could have an NHS Loyalty Card for all the waiting, I've done over the last six months. Thank God for having something to wait for.
12th February
At Pens of Erdington meeting yesterday, we were talking about the importance of spelling and grammar. I think ( and I know) the content is the most important thing, when it comes to writing. I told the group about an experience I had many years ago in Angmering in Sussex. A teacher marked my classes English exam and gave a girl a great mark for some writing that was correctly spelt and had all the full stops and things in the right place, but was completely uninteresting. She gave a boy who's work was untidy and spelt incorrectly (but you could make it out) no mark at all - he got 0 out of whatever. His story was about going into space and he'd structured it by using a number countdown at the beginning of each paragraph. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Lift Off. It was great. The teacher marking the work was so misguided and wrong.
Spelling and grammar help understanding, but the content is what matters. William Shakespeare spelt his name 28 different ways, I think and both he and Dickens were not too hot on grammar.
If spelling and grammar are the most important, then who is the writer - the translator or the original wordsmith? - the person giving dictation or taking down the dictation?
The content is the most important - I rest my case.
11th February
So much has happened recently. The new granddaughter we were expecting turned out to be a boy - scans, it seems, don't always see the whole picture. So we have six grandchildren now, in three convenience lots of a boy and a girl, a boy and a girl and then a girl and a boy. All are well and happy.
The fires in Australia have preoccupied us. We know people in the area. One set have confirmed they are alright, but not the other. I've just had an email with local fire pictures attached. It is so awful. We have personal experience of house fires- outside was safe for us, but in Victoria, there was no place to run to. It is just so awful.
3rd February
We are about to leave the Midlands to go to Eastbourne. There is heavy snow and weather warnings. We will leave later than we anticipated, because we'd like to take advantage of any 'warm-up' factor.
I remember travelling in snow when I was a little girl. I know we were travelling to Burton-on-Trent and we must have been going from London. I remember the snow had been ploughed into giant merangues at the side of the road. The dollops of ice we were pure white with no sign of brown earth or tarmac. It was beautiful in its perfection.
The canalside looks perfect, too, this morning. It's magical. The canal has been frozen several times this year, but not at the moment. The ducks are still free to swim.
One of the pleasures of the snow here is that it covers the dog turds that splatter the towpath. I counted 20 new heaps last week.
2nd February
It's snowing and the radio is full of people saying how dreadful it is that everything stops with a little snow. Well, I got snowed in in a house in Merthyr Tydfil once and it can be dangerous stuff, also - isn't it good for people to just enjoy this natural phenomenon?Let's just build a snowman.
Of course we do have to make a long journey in the snow tomorrow, down South, for another family birth. I'm packing the car for the journey - a flask of homemade hot soup, warm clothing, emergency flares and inflatable huskies. I must admit that I am happy we are doing the journey in our new car. This is the same new car that broke down last week, but....at least it has a set of brand new tyres.
Can anyone explain to me graffitti? Someone has abused our garden fence again. It makes me mad as a hatter - I don't like feeling so angry. It is going to be painted out tomorrow morning before we do our big journey South - we could do without the aggro. PLEASE STOP DOING IT WHOEVER YOU ARE!
No email in reply to my email that I sent to a friend who wanted me to be honest. I think she is now an ex-friend.This really saddens me, but if you are asked me what you think, you have to be prepared to hear the answer. What do you do?
27th January
How honest should you be with people? If they say they want you to be honest - should you be? I was pushed and pushed once into saying what I really thought. The person didn't like what I had to say and it has made life tricky since, because they are a family (not close family) member.
I find myself in that situation again. Someone wants to know why something has happened to change the nature of our relationship. My Dad used to say - 'to your own self be true'. So, I think I'm going to hurt someone very much, by what I'm going to tell them. I know it's not what they want to hear - but what can I do? I have to be honest. For my own sake. White lies are easier.
26th January
The new car has broken down. We are upset. VERY UPSET! We have only had it nine days. They are pulling its innards out. Then they will put it all back together again.
It will work again.
All that research into reliabilty....
It will work beautifully!
'Oh yes,' said the AA man from under the bonnet, 'these cars are very good. Very reliable . Oops, I've never seen this before'.
25th January
One of my dearest and oldest friends told me on the phone last night that I hadn't updated my blog since the 18th - so I had better get a move on.
We have another granddaughter who arrive last week through the miracle of modern technology and biology. She is very beautiful and Mum is doing very well with a ceasarian incision that the Roman's who started this technique wouldn't believe - where is it? I don't know.
We have another granddaughter who will arrive by section next week, too. That will make six grandchildren. It's lovely, being a grandparent, because you are not the sensible parent. You can be subversive.
Anyway, the particular joy of last week, was seeing my three year old grandson sitting on the sofa at home with his three day old sister on his lap singing 'twinkle, twinkle little star'. He sat there for several hours, singing and talking to her. It was a delight.
18th January
As you get older, you have a longer history. You discover that you lived during a time of change and that for most of us the exciting things that happened, passed you by. I was a teenager in the 6o's and I can remember it. I understand that you can't remember it, if you truly took part.
Anyway, the older you get, the longer your history and the more chance there is of something that you thought was dead and buried, comes up from nowhere. You discover that some hurtful experience you have let go of, has been festering in another place, harboured by other people. Something has happened this week that has sent me back in time. I now realise that I am very lucky to have the ability to let go of the past and to move on. Life is now, not then.
16th January
When you are a writer and you haven't got an agent, you have to do your own marketing. This is very hard for me and for many writers. You have to be persistant and, maybe, a bit pushy. My aim last year was to get an agent, but no luck. I'm just been told that schools are always looking for youth theatre plays like ZIPLINE and CAKE!, but I don't know where they are. Then I realise - how much time do I put into marketing? Very little.
No one can put on a play that they don't know exists. I need to get my act together.
13th January
A poem from Tunisia
Fish Bone Boat
Curled fish bone
boat
fatally rocked and locked
here.
Only women have foot
stones
as well as head
stones.
Tidy graves
stretch
over the mound in formation
between beach and beach
and beach and lighthouse.
We walk.
Men top off a fresh plot.
It should smell of death,
but in the warm breeze
it’s sea and salt.
12th January, 2009
We have been to Tunisia over the New Year, our first visit. We had a great time. We walked miles. This was great, but in contrast with a research trip to Italy earlier in 2008. My husband's back problems made walking difficult after about 5 minutes,but treatment has really worked. We walked about 12 miles in one stint.
We stayed in Mahdia, in a hotel at the centre of town and a stone's throw from the beach. The weather was variable, but oh so much warmer than Birmingham.
27th December
I've just had a particularly good Christmas. Our Christmas Eve Tribal get together - 18 this year for the meal. I've been trying to work out why it went so well, and I think it's to do with lighting. Our conservatory where we eat has poor lighting. We though the side lights in there would be adequate and they are not, so we supplement them with candles - which is romantic, but gloomy. Anyway, we have aquired a festoon. It's like a string of lights that you get on a pier. Now you can see everyone. This year I could see everybody and it made talking to them much easier.
21st December
Two things
One
The signs are that we might have one of our new and expected grandchildren early - it could be a Christmas baby. Perhaps? Forget the turkey - this is really important.
Two
I've had a really lovely letter of thanks from one of my creative writing students. Praise is a powerful thing. I walked around yesterday a little taller. Thank you to her and let's make sure we praise talent, helpfulness and achievement. It encourages us to do even better.
Of course - praise has to be appropriate. When I taught in schools, I used to be a great believer in praise, though sometimes it did come down to ' your cardigan has fantastic buttons'.
17th December
Last weekend - PARIS! Eldest grandson asked if we would take him to Paris for the weekend, because he'd won a guide to Paris in a competition, so we went and had a very, very cold, but lovely time. Highlights:-
- The Eiffel Tower
- The Eiffel Tower with sparkly lights at night
- The Eiffel Tower with the top third covered by fog
- The string orchestra playing on the Metro
- The electro magnetic stand at the Palais de la Descouvetres
- Hot chocolate
- The Simpsons in French
- The hotel's petit dejeuner
Now today a trip to Wales visiting two of the oldest members of the family. Both give hope for a happy and fruitful old age. Then meeting up with an old and very dear friend who I don't see enough of. New Year Resolution - see more of those people who matter.
8th December
As I mentioned on 3rd, we always celebrated St Nicholas' Day, like in Holland, because it was my youngest's birthday on 6th December.
Last night we all got together for a birthday meal at the Big Wok in the centre of Birmingham. We didn't meet on her birthday, because she was in Germany with her boyfriend. I was delighted to hear that after 24 years of putting her shoes out for sweeties (yes, flat mates filled them for her too, as well as me), this year she actually got to meet St Nick. He was meeting and greeting people in Frankfurt, perfect timing.
3rd December
When my youngest was born on 6th December, we started the Dutch St Nicholas Eve thing of putting your shoes out for him to put sweeties in them (of course, you have to be good and it's only ONE pair per small person).
The other thing, I did to make her birthday special, was put up the Christmas tree for her birthday party, because it was the first tree her friends would have seen (unlikely now).
Well, this year, I've gone crackers. Yesterday, 2nd, I was in B&Q at 7.45pm, just before it closed buying wallpaper for the coalhole and there was a little real Christmas tree. It spoke to me.
As I'm sitting here at my computer, if I look to my right, I can see it on the sideboard in its naked perfection. It is so perfect without tinsel, lights and baubles. I expect I will make it gaudy after I make a trip upwards into the nether reaches of the loft, but I think I will enjoy my tree today, just as mother nature grew it. After all it is not Christmas yet.
1st December
It's International Aids Day. I meet a woman giving talks in schools about 15 years ago. She was delightful and it took me sometime to realise the reason that she was giving the talks was because she was HIV positive. I often wonder how she is now. I hope she is still with us. I hope she's still giving her courageous talks.
26th November
Close family member now out of hospital and seems fully recovered, but will need further tests to check body function. So, we are not out of the wood yet.
We have the builders in again. They are making the coalhole into an office and workshop for Jonk. They are perfectionists, but the best thing is that they are always cheerful. Everything is done with not just skill, but a smile, grace and good manners. We moved into our cottage 4 years ago and have had a huge amount of work done. It was very dated when we moved in and parts of it were very difficult to live with - no drains, being one thing. Most people have been cheerful, even though we don't live on a road (because we live next to the canal), but some have been really horrid. The fireplace man who made a lovely job, but who we wouldn't ask to do the stove in the kitchen, because of his belligerent manner.
I have finished cheering up the old stove in the coalhole, ooops, Jonk's office and workshop. The red stove paint arrived and I've sprayed it. The colour is a perfect match. It looks lovely. Of course, it won't work, because the chimney is filled in, but it looks great. I must stop myself from puttng a display of dried flowers in the grate.
22nd November
It's been a difficult week with a close family member being very ill and rushed into hospital. The NHS has been excellent most of the time, with some bizarre exceptions.
The hospital visits have reminded me that how awful you feel when you learn that a part of your body isn't working properly. Over 20 years ago, I learnt from the results of a blood test that my thyroid wasn't working properly. I was shocked that a test could tell so much and that my body had a hidden bit that was broken.
But every day since I take tiny tablets that make it all better - marvellous!
I pray that the close, very close family member rocks back to full health - NOW!
19th November
Another day with no writing. I've started to clean the old stove that's in the coalhole and discovered it's red, not black. I've never seen a red stove like this. My grandmother had a stove like it, but it was black. After a short debate with myself - to stay red or go black - I've ordered some red stove paint on line. This was not easy as the website that kept popping up is in Idaho and after the Cambodian Pepper episode, I'm a bit relunctant.
The Cambodian Pepper? This is not an euphemism. When I say, Cambodian Pepper, I mean Cambodian Pepper. Kezia brought us back some pepper from her travels in South East Asia. She told us that it was supposed to be the best papper in the World and she was right. It's fragrant and piquant at the same time. Anyway, we used it all and there was a website on the label and I ordered lots more and it arrived safely and we are thrilled. It wasn't that expensive either, but I got in a muddle with the postage and packing - we got the parcel very quickly- this was the expensive bit. We also had a phone call from Cambodian -'did I really want the order twice?' No, I didn't.
Anyway, I can really recommend Cambodian Pepper, but I don't want stove paint from Idaho, if I can get it the West Mids.
18th November
This is the only writing I have done today, except for some emails. I've been busy cooking, tidying and finishing off clearing out the coalhole, but I have not written anything creative. I'm cross with myself, until I remember that I have spent the whole time thinking about Cake! Some writers say that they have to do a 1,000 words a day or they do this and that to get the work done. Most have a regular routine, but I don't think I do. No, I know I don't. But I do know that thinking is the most important part of writing.
Maybe I should have written a few notes, so I can remember what I've been thinking about.
Happy Birthday to Gareth and happy 30th Birthday to Andy on Thursday.
13th November
I have emailed the opening of CAKE! to Kei in Sleaford and he likes it. So I am now very busy plotting and working on character development. It is taking on a life of its own - this is always good news.
Have just received five photos from the production of Icarus in New Zealand - terrific. I've also heard that it was videoed and a DVD will be on its way to me soon. This is good news, but I must admit to being quite nervous, because it was my writing, but....well, now I'll have an idea what happened to it.
It was Billy's Birthday on Tuesday and his birthday party last Sunday. On Wednesday morning, Billy asked his Mum, if it was still his birthday and she had to tell him no - I think he rather enjoyed being the birthday boy.
10th November
I'm full of cold - snuffles and sneezes. It pulls you right down - no energy.
I have started work on Cake! There is one particular TV chef, I hate. Actually, I'm not sure I'm keen on any of them, but we do watch mix of cookery programmes, mostly to shout at the screen. Anyway, there is one chef that I have wanted to use as a basis for a character for some time. Do you know the one I mean? He uses language in a very funny way. Too many adjectives and the words often in a strange order. Last night, I watched an hour of him with a notebook to write down some of his language. I wrote down 3 pages of A4. It's going to be the starting point for Pavlova, a character in Cake! I wonder if anyone will notice.
6th November
I am very pleased that the US has an articulate President.
3rd November
We rarely see the whole picture, when we cross swords with administrative departments. Today, I have been besides myself with anger, because a record about me was inaccurate. The organisation, a prestigous seat of learning, has repeatedly got information wrong about myself and others in a similar situation and passed on inaccurate data. I come away feeling that they don't care about others - they certainly don't value the importance of their own work.
2nd November
Have had an email from Kei Bailey, the freelance director. I hear the Sleaford Little Theatre Youth Drama Group that meet at the Playhouse in Sleaford are very talented. Can't wait to meet them this coming Tuesday.
Today is preparation day in our house. Jonk is a fantastic cook and tomorrow night Steve Waters, playwright is coming for supper. Steve is a veggie and we are very interested in vegetarian cuisine. Anyway, on the menu is homemade hummus and felafel, followed by pancake layer cake with lentil sludge and blue cheese sauce. It's all delicious - my mouth is watering.
Though my mouth is also watering, because it's his roast pork for lunch today, too.
30th October
Taking Jonk to work this morning (his car is in dock), we passed a bright yellow Morris Minor. I have a soft spot for Morris Minors, because my Aunty Paddy had a succession of them....but a custard yellow Morris Minor? Who hand painted, not even spray this classic car such a wrong colour. A Morris Minor should be grey, or slub green or black, but yellow? Jonk reckon a hippy in the 60's was responsible for the atrocity. Anyway, it made me think of Aunty Paddy and her reckless driving.
Paddy Motoring
First to learn
before the test
in Cliff’s convertible.
Then a succession
of graded variations of grey
Morris Minors
with little amber arms to blink.
At Pencraig
the wrong way
down a dual carriageway.
“There’s a road parallel on the left, Aunty.”
(Pause and think about the implication.)
Another journey,
parked between the hayricks,
eating cold pork chops,
with Aunty Mary and Liz.
Hiding from the passing funeral.
“Oh, dear! Oh, dear!”
Speeding.
Speeding always.
Speeding always and not looking at the road.
Speeding always and not looking at the road, but at me.
“Was I really going that fast, Officer?”
28th October
After a day of playing with the grandchildren yesterday - I have to write today.
I spend much of my time thinking about what I'm going to write. I know that sounds obvious, but... Today, I am determined to finish Knot Cottage. It's frivolous - an antedote to La Piccola Donne Di Puccini. It's about marriage and how it's changed. I'm writing it for radio - but I'm not good with radio, though I listen to a lot of it.
But I must finish Knot Cottage today. Finish it, rather than write a longer blog about driving in a blizzard with a sleeping child on the back seat. Oh and I must do something about my tax return - that's easy, because I haven't earnt any money.
27th October
Family meal for Jonk's birthday at the Jyoti last night - lovely. Tamar Ruth came up from London. She had pictures of her recent trip to Tanzania - SHE CLIMBED MOUNT KILIMANJARO! Have I spelt it correctly? She's trained hard for it and is glowing with health. The photo of her, with the guides on top of the mountain, is triumphal - well, done, Tamar Ruth, we are very proud of you.
25th October
Yesterday was a sad day, saying 'goodbye' to my Uncle Stan. As my daughter, Alice, pointed out, he was emotionally intelligent - a phrase he would have found inappropriate, I suspect. It was good to see family that I only meet at funerals and we all made promises to see each other in happier circumstances.
In the morning, I went to grandson Thomas's Diwali Assembly.
On our way to Peterborough, we stopped for a coffee at a teashop, following a sign off the main road. The teashop was at a Buddhist centre. We asked if we would like to join them for meditation - unfortunately we had to leave - no time.
So, three brushes with religion on one day, Hindu and Skh with Diwali, Buddhism at the centre and C o e at the funeral.
I've been thinking...but what...that's the problem - what? I don't know. My Uncle had a great faith and a love of his church. I envy it, but...
Maybe, I should just be delighted that little children are learning tolerance, respect and fun about each others' families' beliefs and that, maybe, meditation (or just stopping for a while to think about big things) would be a sensible and refreshing thing to do.
Yesterday was also Jonk's birthday and we were delighted, at the end of the day, with granddaughter,Lucy's joyous welcome and her delight with birthday cake and blowing candles out over and over again. Lucy doesn't mind that it's not her birthday, just as long as it's somebodies - anybodies - and that there is cake and candles.
24th October
Last night, it was time to say 'goodbye' to the Board of Birmingham Rep. I've been a board member for six years and it has been an extraordinary experience. Anyway last night, it was flowers and kind words, plus a photograph from the production of Agamemnon. This was produced a couple of years ago by Young Rep - it is my favourite Rep production, because of its vitality and the skill of the young actors, under the direction of Tim Ford. Look out for their productions - they are special.
23nd October
Greasy lights my cleaning job today - the kitchen work is near completion. Steve is making a meticulous job. I'm sheltering here to keep out of the way, while he puts up a blind that we bought 4 years ago - what's it like? I have no idea.
Jonk's birthday tomorrow and Uncle Stan's funeral - a difficult day. Thomas, first grandchild and superstar has his Diwali assembley at school first thing. I must go - it will give me strength for the rest of the day.
It's my last day on the Board of Birmingham Rep - we have a dinner tonight. The time has been interesting. My only lasting legacy is in the refurbished women's loos. If you go to the first cubicle on the left, you will see on a tiny brass plaque -
'You are sitting comfortably thanks to Jan Watts.'
This is true and on the one next door is says 'Pat Hughes', another Board member who likes her comfort.
20th October
End of the day and I have kitchen shelves and racks to clean, because we have the builder/decorator in. The grease is shameful. What does he think? He must know that I am a very poor housekeeper - I think others know that too. The rack looks as though it's been dipped in ghee and put out in the sun to bake - I have no idea how to remove it. It's making my fingers stick together.
Birthday yesterday. Two birthday cakes - can't remember when I've had two birthday cakes before. Lovely.
The Toolkit Conference was Ok, I think. What I mean to say is the day was excellent and I think my tiny contribution was OK. I don't think there were any playwrights looking for higher education in playwriting in the room, so I don't think what I was saying about the student's perspective at The University of Birmingham was relevant. David Edgar came and sat in front of me, which was daunting and a bit odd. He started the course - MPhil in Playwriting - almost 20 years ago. I asked him if he'd like to swop places and talk instead of me, but he said he couldn't - I think he needed to be impartial. Anyway, he wrote notes while I was speaking - oh, David what where you writing? How did I do? Was it OK?
Did you think - the MPhil - has come to this?
Oh yes and talking of birthday cakes - it was me, David, who made the chocolate birthday cake that you ate at the end of the lecture you gave on your 60th Birthday at the university.
And, OK, yes, the birthday cake was cooked in my greasy kitchen.
18th October
It's The Writers' Toolkit Conference today, part of the Birmingham Book Festival. I'm doing a five minute spot about the MPhil in Playwriting at the University of Birmingham. Bit nervous, I used to be fine speaking in public, but it's hard now - out of practice, I think.
We are all sad as a family, because of the death of our favourite Uncle. It's been a difficult week, haunted by death- the anniversary of the birthday of my daughter who died and Uncle's passing. And on top of that my cousin's and my birthdays. What's to celebrate? Well, we are still here and fighting.
16th October
I don't know if I'll keep this up - a blog? Why not?
My daughter Katy suggested we keep chickens. She likes the idea of fresh, free range, organic eggs (as I do). She likes the idea that my grandchildren would have the benefit of knowing where eggs come from and the opportunity to play with them - hens not eggs.
I am lonely at home with Jesus the goldfish all day, trying to write that play that is going to take the West End and Broadway by storm. I want a dog. Jonk would rather chickens. So, I said yes to turning the lawn into a fowl dust bowl. Then came the research - housing, feed, type of hens and do we want a cockerel? It seems are hens are happier with one to share - I can see the point.
But then, the truth hits me. I want big fluffy chickens to cuddle, because, in fact, I want a dog. A dog we can take on our narrowboat on holiday and Alice will look after in Wolverhampton if we fancy a break abroad. No one will look after chickens in our house, night and morning - will they? You can't take eight, yes, eight hens on a boat, not on a little boat like ours. So the poultry farm has bit the dust. We'll stick with the ducks, geese, moor hens and the occasional heron outside our front door on the canal.
Our goldfish was called Dirk, but now called Jesus, because he died. Jess said not to flush him to the fishes' heaven - and yes, he rose again from the dead.
