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Tuesday 24th August Koyaanisqatsi Decided that as I'd been good this morning I deserved a little treat. So sat and watched the Koyaanisqatsi dvd that I'd bought last Saturday. Had heard a lot about it. Hadn't realised how impressive the visuals were, or the music. Despite the underlying doom-laden message I feel quite uplifted and relaxed. Perhaps because I can identify with the director's message. I suggest everyone tries to watch this at some point, well worth while. Now to have a cup of tea, watch the rain (yes, it's raining yet again) and play for an hour or so... Posted 2.45pm BST
Tuesday 24th August A taster "A slight breeze stirred the thorny bushes and disturbed the soil, streaking her sandals, bare ankles and skirt hem with red dust. She looked across to the foothills where dark clouds were moving down from the Grey Peaks that they had hugged for the last sester. A lone eagle sent out it's piercing cry as it rose in the air above the ridge and for a moment she watched the bird as it delighted in the playful breeze. Halting, Azara's fingers fumbled onto the last of the water skins that hung from her belt. Slowly she uncurled the fingers of her other hand from around the black staff that she was using as a walking stick and leaned upon it as she drew out the stopper and lifted the skin to her parched lips. She trickled a few drops of the precious water onto her lips and into her mouth as the eagle dived into the valley below. It flew back up seconds later with a lizard struggling in its talons. At least one creature had found a meal, Azara thought as she re-stoppered the bottle and hung it back on her belt. Resuming her journey, she planted the staff firmly on the ground, noting the spray of dust that flew up as she walked. The scent of creeping rock-jasmine that had somehow managed to find enough moisture to flower did little to disguise the stronger smells of decaying corpses that littered the ridge. It appeared that many animals had made it this far, hoping for some food or water, only to be disappointed. Eagles and vultures had dined well during the last few sesters and insects buzzed around the gnawed carcass of what she guessed had been a wild dog. Specks of dust grazed her skin and Azara brushed back strands of long hair that blew across her eyes as she once more studied the clouds. Gathering in force, the grey moist-laden shapes were a welcome sight. It was a shame that she wouldn't live long enough to reap the benefits." From 'Staff of Yhazeem' © L Doughty As you can see, I have finally managed to do some writing, adding the above paragraphs near to the beginning of the novel in an attempt to better set the scene. Hopefully it works? For now, though, back to the novel whilst I am still in the mood!!! Posted 11am BST
 Monday 23rd August Blues, trees and games Saturday afternoon brought a pleasant surprise - a poorly advertised treat in the shape of a great local blues band playing outside Lyceum Theater in the centre of Sheffield. Apparently the event was part of Fun & Sun Summer Holiday Sheffield aimed to attract tourists. Unfortunately it wasn't heavily promoted, although no doubt if we'd bought a local paper we would have found out about it, rather than stumbling upon the band by accident. Still, it was pleasant, and an enjoyable way to spend an hour. My daughter, a teacher, has got bored during the holiday and has decided to embark on doing her family tree via the Internet. It seems that she's enjoying her research, and hasn't bombarded me, or my sister who has done a fair amount on our tree, too much. It's been rather fun supplying my daughter with what little I do know, as well as scanning in and sending her photos of her great grandparents. As for me, I've done no writing again, although I have still been reading the how to books. But mainly I've been playing Arcanum, an RPG game that came out in 2001 but that I only bought last week as it's now been re-issued and sold cheap. Fun game, but frustrating in parts. Not least because the manual is on disc in PDF format, and has taken me ages to copy and paste the bits I need into Word so as to reduce the number of pages dramatically. Also, most of the links for the game are now dead - so no help on how to play. If anyone out there knows how my character can get someone to mark Stillwater onto my world map, please email me!!! Posted 4.55pm BST
 Friday 20th August Book title For those of you who may be interested in checking out the book mentioned below, here are the details: Writing a novel: A Practical Guide by Rosemary Aitken. Well recommended. I've just re-read the section on memory, and was pleased that my brain had recalled the 4 cortices correctly: visual; audial; feelings; and cognitive. I've also printed out what I've so far written of my novel ( a mere 18 pages) and hope to read it later, jotting down any corrections that are needed as well as using it as a base to try out the concrete visualisation technique on that temple. Although I do that to a certain extent whenever I include a building or place in my writing, I've never gone into such a detailed mental walk-through as Aitken describes, and look forward to trying out the technique. Posted 11.40am BST
Friday 20th August Dreary morning Awful weather, dark, wet and bleak. Still, I don't have to go anywhere so not a problem, just that it isn't very uplifting. And I could do with some uplifting just now. Have written nothing this week, my brain has been fogged for the last few days and I'm struggling to even write this. Not all bad though. I did go into town yesterday and bought the rest of the present for my grandson (he'll be 2 in early September), including a top with the words 'I'm in charge' on it - as my son informs me that the lad is definitely trying to rule them, I thought it rather apt. I also managed to read one of the library books on writing a novel whilst watching the Games yesterday afternoon. A section on how we memorise things. Extremely interesting. Seems there are 4 main ways that people sort memories - visual, physical & emotional senses, aurally, cognitively (I think - can't be bothered to get the book and check!). I tried one of the exercises and it seems I tend to memorise by the 2nd method, plus some visual aids (apparently we tend to use 2 methods). The reason for the inclusion of this by the author was to inform us that when we write, we need to be aware that to reach all readers, we should try to include all forms of memory stimulants occasionally. Otherwise there will be a whole section of our intended audience that won't feel involved as their own memory store isn't touched at all. There was also a section on 'concrete visualisation' to help writers imagine places more vividly and to map them. Sounds a good idea to me and I intend to try this - there is a temple early in the novel, if I knew the layout of it better I'm sure that I could describe it in more detail and make it more 'real'. Unfortunately my brain wasn't working well enough to even attempt the exercise, but hopefully I'll be able to later today, or over the weekend. In the meantime, will have another coffee in the hope that the caffeine will aid in 'de-fogging'!!! Posted 9.50am BST Wednesday 18th August Disconnected I feel adrift again, disconnected from my novel. I write for pleasure. There are no deadlines to meet. No real need to earn money from my writing (although that would be heaven). Which means I'm extremely lucky and I appreciate that. So there shouldn't be any pressure on me to write. But there are my own little deadlines and aims. Like trying to write at least 3 times a week, preferably every weekday. Writing a minimum of 300 words when I do feel up to tackling my novel. Keeping in touch with the story so that even if I don't write anything, I think about the characters or the plot or some aspect of the tale. I've lost the connection. Hopefully it will return, and spark my writing back into being. For now, though, even doing my blog is a challenge. My brain doesn't seem to want to work. I feel as though I'm rambling. So I'm going to stop before I bore everyone to tears... Posted 10.10am BST
 Tuesday 17th August Floods Torrential rain in Cornwall caused a massive flash flood in the small village of Boscastle. No fatalities as yet reported but hundreds had to be evacuated as a 10-foot wall of water hit the pretty harbour holiday resort. Ironic that, 52 years ago to the day, the town of Lynmouth in Devon suffered a similar fate. Which shows how vulnerable such places are to the weather, and how there is still nothing that can be done to prevent such devastation. As for me, I've been extremely tired for the last few days and have still done no writing whatsoever. I've been watching some of the cricket (we won again - yeah!!!) and the Olympics. Somehow watching sport during the day doesn't seem as decadent as watching movies! Never worked that one out, probably just a perception, though I suspect that it's something to do with my upbringing and a rigid work ethic imposed upon me by my parents. One of the problems I have with the FM and not working for a living is that constant 'guilt complex' - it affects how I view myself, and it's very difficult to overcome the 'lazy, good-for-nothing' tag that a strict protestant background has landed me with. Despite my now being an atheist and a humanist. I enjoy working. I love to feel useful. I want to do things, even housework, just to show people that I'm not that lazy good-for-nothing person that my parents used to accuse me of being throughout childhood and beyond. Unfortunately, the FM has other ideas!!! So I sit around, trying to convince myself that there's nothing else I can do apart from going out occasionally, exercising and doing the occasional task around the house. And, of course, playing games on the PC, reading, watching tv and generally lounging about the place when other people are out there, busily working, getting stressed out but in their own way contributing to society. Difficult not to feel I should be doing more with my life at times. But at least I had time to phone my teacher daughter yesterday and chat to her. And to talk to my son the other day when he wanted advice on the web site he's designing for clients (his first professional design job). And, of course, I'm able to do enough to make life a lot easier for my very hard-working partner so that he has a meal cooked for him and his washing done and a reasonably clean house to relax in when he needs to. So suppose I should be grateful - it's not everyone who can be around to help their family when needed. As well as having the luxury of enjoying the Olympics and playing games during the day!!! Posted 10.45am BST
 Friday 13th August Disappointing Haven't done any writing this morning, had a poor night and my poor little brain is 'fogged'! Bit disappointed as I'd enjoyed yesterday's writing session, and was pleased with the 'appearance' of the cat-like people (note cat-like - makes a difference!!!). Was helped by my partner last night re the attributes of the Fellsha, and made several notes. Nice to have him show interest - he's always been very supportive of my writing, and think he's quite keen to advise - but he doesn't normally read fantasy fiction and says he doesn't know enough to help. However, when asked he often comes up with some good ideas. The bus drivers have now officially agreed to the new deal, according to First. So it means that our buses are now back to normal. Still no details of the final settlement but it sounds as though the drivers are happy, so presumably it was better than the previous offers. No doubt it will only be a short while before our fares go up... but never mind, the drivers deserved more money. Wet and dreary here again, has hardly stopped raining all morning. At least we don't have the hurricanes and typhoons to worry us like in Florida or China, just flash floods and thunder storms. That's it for today, I'm afraid, another reason for not writing is that my wrist is rather painful, and I prefer not to aggrevate it further. Hope you all have a good evening and weekend, and thanks for your continued support of my little blog. Posted 1.55pm BST
 Thursday 12th August Cat-people update Having read about the movie Cat People and checked around a bit on the web, I can definitely say that my cat people, the Fellsha, bear no resemblance to those of the movie. Honest. That said, I'm going to have a rest and possibly a play on Star Wars Galaxies... Posted 2.40pm BST
Thursday 12th August Cat people I've finally returned to the novel. After spending some considerable time editing and thinking about what I'd already written, I moved on to write a new section. And introduced, with a spark of insight, the cat people. Or at least, the first of them. I'm pleased. Not just that I've written some more and advanced the plot a tiny bit, but that I've also managed to decide what type of creature is to play a major role in the story. Already I can see the possibilities. They may not be entirely original. But they're not dwarves, or elves, or gnomes, or Amazons, or another common race within the fantasy genre. They're my creation, and will become unique. At least, I hope they will be. And with that done, I'm going to have a well deserved break. Posted 12.50pm BST
Thursday 12th August Writing... I did manage to do some writing exercises yesterday, using one of the 'how-to-write' books from the library as a guide, Not sure it sparked my imagination, motivation or inspiration though. In fact, I still seem to have no idea where to take my novel, or even any aspirations to continue. Depressing. I'd hoped by now that I'd be so full of ideas and enthusiasm that I'd be well on the way to chapter 3 or beyond. But no, I'm stuck in chapter 2... Aaargh. Perhaps today will see things improve. Perhaps not. Posted 9.15am BST
 Wednesday 11th August Library Have been into town this morning - so nice not to have to worry about whether I could get a bus there and back - but thought I'd go today, as the drivers still have to vote on the new offer and if they reject it, they'll be back out on Friday... I took the opportunity to visit the library, something I haven't done for a while as I'd become disillusioned with their selection of fantasy books (my favourite genre). However, since my last visit they've improved their fantasy/ sci fi section and I was even able to reserve a copy of an Alice Borchardt book that they previously didn't possess. Whilst there I decided to borrow some 'how-to-write' books in the hope that they'll revive my motivation and encourage me to continue with my novel - I seem to be in a bit of a 'writer's block' situation at the moment, unable to work out where the story is going next and finding it hard to even think about writing. One thing I've been considering in an attempt to revive my creativity is to change the general tone of this blog by adding short pieces of fiction and art on a regular basis - perhaps to even go as far as A London heart and make the blog completely fictional. Don't be surprised, therefore, if the blog becomes less focused on daily life in the near future... It finally stopped raining here about 5pm yesterday. In some areas of Sheffield there were minor floods that caused traffic chaos, not surprising when you consider that we had about 6 weeks worth of rainfall in less than 24 hours. Still, it's dry, sunny and warm at the moment - not sure it will last though. Posted 12.35pm BST
 Tuesday 10th August Creative  Well, I haven't completely lost my creative touch - I can build cities!!! Thanks to Weevil Stepmother I stumbled upon this site, City Creator and have spent the last hour (well, a bit less) creating a medieval city... OK so it's not brilliant but it is my first attempt!!! No doubt I'll be returning for another go at some point. For now though must go and do something a bit more useful... Posted 10.15am BST
Tuesday 10th AugustBuses and Rain Seems the bus strike is over although no details of the revised offer are yet available. It will be interesting to find out what has actually been agreed. As for the weather, we've had very heavy rain for most of the night. Although cooler, it still feels humid, but at least we don't have any floods here - one advantage of living on a hill rather than at the bottom of one :) Apparently there have been flash floods elsewhere in the country, and no doubt places like York, that normally get flooded when there is such heavy and persistent rain over a long period, will soon be under water if they aren't already - reports say that there has been as much as a months' worth of rain falling in an hour in certain areas. Pretty wet, that! Still not up to doing much this morning, but am hoping that I'll be able to at least look at my novel and make some changes, if nothing else. Try to get back in touch with the characters, and perhaps make a few notes. It's been over a week since I last wrote anything, so really do need to get back to the story if I can. For now, though, a bath and breakfast beckons... :) Posted 9am BST
 Monday 9th August Thunder and rain But still humid!!! Was woken at 6.45am by the thunder and heavy downpour. My hopes that the rain would cool things down were sadly misplaced, I'm still feeling hot and sticky and wishing for fans or some decent air conditioning - something we don't tend to have in our homes in the UK as normally central heating is far more important!  Anyway, I haven't done much at all, played around with a few photos including the balloons one to the left (taken at the kite festival), surfed and exchanged mails with relatives and friends. Not exactly productive. There are so many things that I want to do, like art, writing and reading, but all seem impossible to even contemplate in this weather. Perhaps tomorrow will be better - although it's supposed to be hot again then, although dry. As long as the humidity drops, I know that I'll feel more energetic and creative!!! Posted 3.35pm BST
 Time to chill Although it's rather too hot to chill out completely! At least I've managed to relax, nap and check out the photos that I collected on Friday. My partner's currently changing the water in the fish tank - poor fish have had to suffer the heatwave too - heaters in tropical tanks being geared to warm up water if it gets  too cold, not cool it down.It was great seeing my sister and brother-in-law, basically just chatting and generally enjoying each others' company. But I was extremely tired by the time they left yesterday, and haven't done much since. Have scanned in some of my photos though, and played around with some in Paint Shop Pro. Won't put any of the family ones online (I respect their rights to privacy - it's something that I sometimes find difficult: what to include and what not to include in my blog in case I upset or offend anyone close to me) but I will post one that I took at the kite festival of a small boy scoffing candy floss, as I think he's too young to complain!!! And rather cute. For now, that's it - I'm still trying to chill out and recover... and hoping for some rain to cool things down. Posted 5.45pm BST Friday 6th August Visitors My sister and brother-in-law are coming for a couple of days, so I suspect that means I won't get around to updating my blog whilst they're here. Sorry folks, but real life interruptions are part of a journal! I've no idea what we'll be doing, although I know that they want to go into town for lunch, and my sister wants to show her husband the Millennium Galleries and Winter Gardens as he hasn't seen them yet (sometimes she comes up on her own). I managed to get their room ready without too much of a problem by doing the process in stages. Even dusted a bit downstairs (this doesn't happen too often!!!) and my partner kept his promise to vac. Just need to do some more dusting and the house'll be ready. Why do I bother? I don't know. My sister knows and understands how much the FM affects me. She's not worried if the house doesn't look completely clean or tidy. It's me that she's come to see, not the house. SO, why do I fret so much? I think it's because I like the place to look nice, to let her know in a way that she's special and welcome, and because it was ingrained in me as a child/ teen/ young woman that not to keep a home 100% clean and tidy is a sin. Despite my attempts to lose that image of an untidy house letting me down, of somehow shaming me and leaving me enveloped in guilt if there's the slightest show of dust or, god-forbid, grease or dirt, I still kowtow. Not as much as I used to, mind. But there's still that little 'guilt demon' hovering over my shoulder to remind me that I haven't washed down the cupboards or the windows and that somehow he'll get me... Posted 8.55am BST
 Addicted recruits I couldn't resist sharing this with fellow bloggers - seems that some Finnish recruits are so addicted to the Internet that the armed services have decided the shock of being conscripted is too much for them. So, if you're Finnish and want to avoid the army for 3 years, stay up all night playing on the net!!! Posted 10.14am BST
Thursday 5th August Another day Well, I slept reasonably well after giving in and taking some Co-Codamol. The aches aren't as bad as I feared they would be this morning, considering how bad I felt after yesterday's housework. Today, I need to make up the bed for my sister and brother-in-law who are coming tomorrow morning and generally tidy up. My partner has promised to vac this evening, having sympathised and told me off for even trying to do any vaccing yesterday. Yeah, well, I know I was mad, but there you go - that's me! Promises to be another hot and humid day. Ugh. Warm and dry I love, but this weather is beginning to take it's toll on my health and my irritability levels are rising. I'd like to think that I'll get some serious writing done today, but somehow I doubt it. My wrists and neck are still protesting and it's probably not a good idea to make them worse. But then again, I'm not too good at doing what I should do - life's too short to give in and groan all the time!!! Much better to have fun and enjoy myself, even if I do then end up resorting to the tablets! Right, I'm off to check my fave blogs, have a bath and eat breakfast - not necessarily in that order! Posted 9.05am BST Wednesday 4th August Ancient women Found an interesting site earlier - Women in the Ancient World. As my fantasy novel is sort of exploring ideas of how women were (and in some cases still are) treated, it's a good research site for me as well. I love discovering sites like this one and learning about the lives of other women. Another site I stumbled upon this afternoon - 'Women in World History' - has some great links that I hope to follow up. So not quite a wasted day as far as writing goes. And I now have a very clean bathroom, even if I'm aching and tired. I'm looking forward to a fairly restful evening, but no idea what we're going to watch as couldn't see much on tv tonight. No doubt there'll be something... Posted 7.05pm BST
Wednesday 4th August Acceptance My site has now been accepted by WomenBloggers webring so at least that's sorted. I'm still shaky and achy since doing the vaccing, so am about to have a lie down and hope that I feel brighter after a nap. Annoying though. Frustrating. I should be used to this by now - after all, I've had fibromyalgia for years - but it doesn't mean that I can always successfully guage how an activity is going to affect me. And when I feel good there's always a tendency to overstep the mark. No writing done, of course. No reading either. Never mind, time to escape into the dream world!!! Posted 2.35pm BST
Wednesday 4th August Stupid Well, I know that I said vaccing was out of the question. Stupidly, I decided to vac the bathroom - after all, it's only a small room and surely I could manage that? No. It's vacced, but now my back is killing me, my neck and wrists are extremely painful, I feel shattered, and hot, and annoyed with me, my FM and everything. I feel like crying. People look at me and see nothing wrong. That's one of the problems with FM - I look normal. And because I appear to be normal, I sometimes forget myself that I'm not. Especially on days when the pain isn't too bad. It wasn't that bad first thing - just the normal aches. Now, of course, I'm probably going to suffer for the next couple of days. Ah well, means I'd best not do any more housework today. So, think I'll go play instead  Posted 11.25pn BST
Wednesday 4th August Humid Very wet and humid this morning. We had heavy rain yesterday afternoon and evening and I'd hoped that the air would feel fresher as a result. No. It's still warm, sticky and yuck. My FM does not approve, and nor do I. I'm just hoping that the humidity will soon evaporate and we can return to pleasant, dry heat!!! Have requested to join WomenBloggers, a web ring site. The code is installed and listed under my blogging links, so hopefully that will be enough. But I now have to wait until the site's been checked and approved before I'm officially accepted. You may also notice a slight change to the title bar - from Lin's Blog to Linda's Blog. This is what I initially wanted it to be - only one or two people ever call me Lin! But when I originally started the blog and tried to get Linda's Blog accepted by a professional blogging site, they wouldn't accept Linda. So I resorted to Lin. It's taken me this long to change it!!! Not sure whether or not I'll get any writing done. I don't particularly feel like writing. And I need to do some housework, an activity that usually results in a mini flare-up of my FM. Especially if I do too much (vaccing is out of the question, so I'm hoping my partner will be nice and do that this evening!). As I didn't do any writing yesterday, either, I know that I'm in danger of losing the plot. Hopefully, I can at least read through and make notes... Posted 9.50am BST
I'm a 64% freak!!! Thanks to Jenny for her link to 'Are you a Freak?' I discovered that I'm 64% freak!! I'm rather pleased, have always regarded myself as a bit of an outsider, so it seems that I wasn't far wrong. Have added their link to my list of Fun Sites to the left, in case you also fancy checking how much you do, or do not, conform! Posted 11.40am BST
Tuesday 3rd August Spybot Having read that spy/adware is on the increase, I've taken the advice of my ISP and installed Spybot. Ran it and learned that there were 56 'spies' on my system, that I've now removed. I dislike the fact that so many companies seem to operate such tactics, but I suppose it's inevitable with the growth of internet shopping - just wish they'd ask before they dump their unwanted cookies onto unsuspecting innocents (like me!). Just hope it hasn't messed up my PC, although I've been told that Spybot is reliable and safe. Feeling very tired this morning, and finding it very difficult to think straight, or concentrate on anything. Hence no writing so far, and doubt that I will do any. Disappointing, but at least I don't have to worry about deadlines - if only!!! Posted 11.05am BST
  Bus strikeThey're still on strike - in today's ballot the drivers voted to reject the latest (lousy) offer from First. First have requested they go to ACAS so arbitration looks like the next move. I'm still with the drivers, despite the fact that I had a half-hour wait to get into town (mixed support now from the others waiting with me, unfortunately the longer the strike goes on, the less people will support the drivers). It took the bus I did get twice as long as normal to get in to the city centre because of all the stopping it had to do, and the numbers of passengers getting on. I did what had to be done (visit the bank - vital!!! - drop my film off for developing and bought food to last until the weekend) only to see the bus I wanted to get home sail past the stop because it was already too full. So I got a taxi. It cost me £5 more than my bus fare would have done (I have a mobility pass so usually I only pay 40p). Money I can ill afford. But I'm still with the drivers. I wish them luck and hope they get a better deal than the one First has offered. And at least the taxi drivers are happy, even if no one else is!!! Posted 5.20pm BST
Monday 2nd August Writing I've managed about 600 words, and that will do for today as I'm beginning to feel very tired. I can see that I'll end up having a 'siesta' even though it's much cooler here today, and overcast. Azara (my main character) hasn't actually dreamt of the future. But she's discovered the Other, a female voice that spoke to her within what is for now called the 'Dream State'. I don't particularly like the name. But I can change it later, if I think of something better. It was hard work, but at least I've written something and kept up with the story. Better than nothing. And one idea came out of it that has a certain promise. So I'm pleased with this morning's efforts. If I don't sleep too long, I might go into town later. I need to go the bank, drop the film into Boots and get some food. If not today, I must go in tomorrow. For now, though, time to hang out the washing, then have lunch. Ah, what an exciting life I lead!!! Posted 12.10pm BST
Monday 2nd August Surfing Not a good start - I've spent the last 40 minutes or so surfing, mostly blogging sites. Of course, they all have various links so I've been aimlessly 'floating' from one to another. Must, however, add Carlton Hibbert's Illustration blog to my page. Love his drawings and his links. Go visit!!! And I must go and get dressed, feed the fish (ours plus our neighbours' - I look after him when they're away) then get back into my writing before I completely lose the thread of the story... Posted 10.15am BST
Monday 2nd August Kites Well, we made it up to Graves Park for the Kite Festival. Sadly there wasn't much wind so only the smaller kites seemed to be able to fly. Still, we had an enjoyable afternoon and I took some photos, finishing off my film from the wedding. Hopefully I'll get the film developed by the end of the week - if I have any decent pix I'll scan them in and publish them on my blog. This morning I think I'm suffering from my excursions. My legs are very stiff, my back and feet ache and I'm not feeling exactly on top of the world. Never mind. I can rest today, tomorrow though I'm going to have to do some housework, perhaps some shopping as well. My sister and brother-in-law are coming to stay on Friday - although they won't tut-tut at the fact that the house is untidy or unswept I think it does need some cleaning before they arrive. And as trying to do a 'grand clean' in one day will leave me exhausted, I'd best do the work gradually... Hoping to write later today. The friend I met on Saturday has read the first chapter and was very encouraging. She's a poet, but I've always found her criticisms of any work to be both thoughtful and helpful. So if she liked what she read, then it means that it's ok. I'm not exactly sure where the story is leading at the moment though. I have an overall plot, and an idea of what's likely to happen by the end but that's very different from knowing details of how the characters are going to develop and arrive at the final 'destination'. Still, that's how I now know that I write best - allowing the characters room to change and even alter the course of events as I write. Can make it difficult though, as I've no idea what's going to happen, and thus in a dream scene where the main character 'sees' the future (such as I'm writing now) I'm not sure what is to be revealed! Posted 9.20am BST  Fun page Found this link for TypoGenerator on 'Incurable hippie' blog (see previous post for link) and have been having fun - the pix below are 'city life', 'Sheffield' and 'Vikings'. Try it for yourself and enjoy!   
Posted 12.25pm BST
Sunday 1st August New link Added a new blogging link from Sheffield, found via Britblog. As I never made true hippydom due to the fact that I was too young in the 60's, but have since decided that I should have been one, this site has struck a chord within me. It has some good links and makes an interesting read. Check it out. Posted 9.30am
Sunday 1st August Titanic I had a lovely day yesterday in Manchester. The journey went well, having left in plenty of time to get to the station I chatted to a woman who lives near me, but to whom I've hardly spoken, whilst waiting hopefully for a bus. A touch of that 'companionship in adversity' was in evidence as everyone chatted cheerfully to each other about the strike and the problems it's causing. Although no one seemed to begrudge the drivers efforts to get a better deal and waited patiently. We didn't have too long a wait and so I got to the station in plenty of time. Train arrived on time, and I found my friend easily as arranged. We originally met on 'Opening Line', a writing workshop over several sessions and have kept in touch ever since, usually via email, but have only met up a few times since the workshops ended. She's now doing a PhD at Lancaster University and lives near Chorley, so it hasn't been easy to meet up often. Still, it makes our get togethers more special, and yesterday was no exception. We'd planned to visit the Titanic Artefact exhibition at the Manchester Science & Industry Museum. I wasn't overly sure what to expect. I've never seen the movie or taken a great deal of interest, although I have watched a couple of documentaries on the Titanic and the exploration of the wreck. It was a bit of a surprise to me that I found the experience extremely fascinating. Tales of individual passengers lined the walls adding a flavour of what life was like for them in 1912. Artefacts from the wreck included calling cards, china, jewellery, bags, bathroom tiles, taps and dollar notes. The class barriers were stark, even more so when you were able to see the differences between facilities provided and learned of the huge gap in cost for a Third Class passage (about £350 in today's money) and that for a First Class passenger (at least £27,000 rising to £50,000). The room where they displayed an 'iceberg' and showed how the Titanic sunk along with descriptive texts of the event and more artefacts was viewed almost reverentially by everyone (it was very busy). In the 'Memorial Room' we learned the fate of the people on our 'Boarding Pass' (handed out on entry) - mine died along with her cousin, my friend's survived but her husband died. A very atmospheric and moving experience and one that I would recommend. Afterwards we found a place for coffee, sat in the sun and enjoyed Manchester. It's been 3 years or more since I last visited the centre of the city and we were both interested in the new buildings that have gone up. One, Urbis, I intend to go back to as it looks very striking. All in all, a very enjoyable day out. I was shattered by the time I got back home, my back ached and my feet were sore, but it was well worth the effort. And after a good night, for once, I feel reasonably refreshed. Today, I can rest and recover. Although we may go out this afternoon to a local kite festival. I'll let you know if we do!!! Posted 8.45am BST |