tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89121566573829150122024-03-04T21:34:22.498-08:00obsQuraquestioning, queer, quixotic and, hopefully, quite interestingobsQurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07535399188704818936noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8912156657382915012.post-85770274578248536622017-10-28T10:29:00.000-07:002017-10-29T01:57:53.931-07:00Bilston Bloopers and Fluffypunk<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSl3eXXrZ5BpuuS52dEfntwAJgyFIULrs8lednzmNlIFPRq8nm1wzZcad7csPnnSATMXdVL9jVQRoJu5zqELvdc4G4bfz_Tojg2eplmMqpBI4oEgmmy8_R0lsmcSrU8TWtDe8xhdZO-vOO/s1600/22519473_10154880951400143_7595981723140657486_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSl3eXXrZ5BpuuS52dEfntwAJgyFIULrs8lednzmNlIFPRq8nm1wzZcad7csPnnSATMXdVL9jVQRoJu5zqELvdc4G4bfz_Tojg2eplmMqpBI4oEgmmy8_R0lsmcSrU8TWtDe8xhdZO-vOO/s200/22519473_10154880951400143_7595981723140657486_n.jpg" width="150" /></a>'They' say practice, practice practice until it becomes embedded in your brain. So I did. Reciting all three poems I planned to read today over the last three weeks in the bath, in bed while nodding off to sleep or waking in the small hours, on the field or along the river while walking the dog - who was my best critic and indicator of when I'd gone on too long! I even took to writing the words out (and included little illustrations) in a new specially selected notebook in an endeavour to rely on the visual layout to remember the sequence of sounds. I was ready. I knew my lines, even Flynn the dog knew my lines but still I doubted my memory and so practised again using the notebook as reference.<br />
<br />
And so it came to pass that I stood in front of a warm encouraging audience of fellow poets of varied experience and their supporters in Bilston Library at 1.40pm today to be the first to show how hard I'd worked at all the things we had been discussing over three sessions of performance workshops. The sessions had been organised by <a href="http://www.poetryonloan.org.uk/" target="_blank">'Poetry on Loan'</a> and kindly organised by <a href="http://janeseabourne.co.uk/about/" target="_blank">Jane Seabourne</a> with workshop leaders <a href="https://brendareadbrown.wordpress.com/blog/" target="_blank">Brenda Read-Brown</a>, <a href="https://stevepottinger.co.uk/" target="_blank">Steve Pottinger</a> and the wonderful <a href="http://jonnyfluffypunk.co.uk/" target="_blank">Jonny Fluffypunk </a>sharing their phenomenal experience and skills. I read Jon's two books while on holiday in Brighton and in one of those random co-incidences of life, I mentioned this to him a few weeks ago only to discover he knew Brighton well having lived there for some time. Makes me wonder if Brighton has a creative gravitational pull? Pity it is now becoming impossible for the very people who make the city what it is to live there through the London spillover, but that's another rant for another time...<br />
<br />
Which brings me back to the moment Jon finally read my intro line out..."Dawn Jutton, who comes from a world where ranting along the river is acceptable behaviour". Audience claps as promised and I feel remarkably more in control than I'd thought I would be walking into position and then reading this 'out there' poem for the first time, and to a mixed audience...<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<div class="WordSection1">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><b>Pride (but no prejudice)</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here it comes!</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">A carnival of camp<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKQcxbtYKhtgs2fNjeaH1UGtbwKaCbIKhdfEyYoiGCpB9zJYMPYaSZy2k0XlLWkWPTLr8eYzxe2M6HXKTD-EU8stCKGvlc5aTTEnbQtgqKMTxuB6hC65OPw0suA5KPj1PI90BSQ15zV37/s1600/IMG_9344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKQcxbtYKhtgs2fNjeaH1UGtbwKaCbIKhdfEyYoiGCpB9zJYMPYaSZy2k0XlLWkWPTLr8eYzxe2M6HXKTD-EU8stCKGvlc5aTTEnbQtgqKMTxuB6hC65OPw0suA5KPj1PI90BSQ15zV37/s200/IMG_9344.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">drumming flamboyance, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">freedom and golden muscled skin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">through smiling streets<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">high on expectation, rainbows and pride,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">(but no prejudice)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">See those banners! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">A riot of colour<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">marching diversity, defiance <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">and solidarity<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">between staccato waves <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">of throbbing anthems.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Oppression, hatred and fears<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">whistled away through tears of pride,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">(but no prejudice)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">There they go! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">A wake of dreams<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">littering memories, lost loves<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">and corporate lies <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">onto hate-stained streets <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">filled with fight and macho pride<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">(but no prejudice)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Drop your flag!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Silence the whistles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Return to reality, revolving closets<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">and eyes wide open.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Hope yet for carefree acceptance <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">and playground pride<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(but no prejudice)</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
All the practice had definitely made a difference to how confident I was in the reading but I referred to my notes for security. A pause...and into 'The Treat'. This one is a little ditty I wrote years ago and I have used it before to preface a rant about fast food and litter. It went down well last time I read it out and even my eldest granddaughter has written it down and learnt it so no need to put my thumb in the right page then...oops! First mistake! For some reason the nerves got to me just at that moment of full engagement with the smiling audience and the words went out of my head. Second mistake...not noticing earlier that I had failed to write the complete poem out in my notebook! The pregnant pause felt like the full nine months, but if you missed it, here is the full poem.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;"><b>The Treat</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She dragged me screaming into McDonalds</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Where for years I'd refused to eat</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She made me order a burger</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">stuffed into a soggy bun</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And then called it a treat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It fell apart while I was eating</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The lettuce sagged back to earth</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And when the coleslaw</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">fell </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">into my lap she could</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">barely hide her mirth.</span><br />
<br />
I returned to the security of the typed pages stuck in my notebook to finish my turn with a recent minor re-edit of 'River Rage' and sure enough my minimum confidence returned to end on a positive note.<br />
<div class="WordSection1">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 11.0pt;">River rage<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLiX4w9-9hoyVUOc19MMwW3868DpFIpu9kHMq8LWV2uE6CJJg8SBULWxZqJ-YMhigq27FBJLtcuZy-b6qsLF94NheXEFlRf1l_3OUpUsIm-MX46vkWgdWEbz3XeGRibeDxuWeDB1xowZz5/s1600/22519473_10154880951400143_7595981723140657486_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Was your fast food so finger-licking
good<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">you had to share the rest
with me?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Did you post about pizzas,
Maccy ds, Kentucky cs <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">then twitter about your
litter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 72.0pt; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">-and how I soaked it up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Were you half cut when your
trolley landed, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">stranded, like an upturned
animal <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">fresh frozen in Asda green algae,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">or were you re-uniting crisscrossed
lovers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 72.0pt; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">-across a concrete divide<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Could you not meet those
sad orange eyes, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">beacons of hope, stretched
white necks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">searching for sight of
light in those who walk past,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">run past, cycle past, ignoring
their past, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 72.0pt; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">-timing <i>their</i> future not
yours<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s game over too for the
floating balls <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">you kicked out to score own
goals, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">swollen with inflated
pride, to fall<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">in a defensive wall of
reed, passed from side to side<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 72.0pt; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">-until full time scores a full tide. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
I was followed over the next hour by an inspirational set of poets with themes ranging from the difficulty of cycling to lovely descriptive anecdotes of interactions with questionable neighbours and haikus with puns! A welcome soft end to the event over tea and chocolate biscuits gave everyone the opportunity to share our experience and me the chance to spend more time getting to know the sustainable nihilist.<br />
<br />
Well done everyone and here's to a future of performing with more confidence...or maybe deciding that writing for the page is safer!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />obsQurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07535399188704818936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8912156657382915012.post-86255674603850289682017-07-12T00:44:00.000-07:002017-07-12T00:44:33.161-07:00Boundaries? What boundaries?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjR39YZEQn4b24J2jKeQ5FYqlAvWr0D0VFuiV5IRHB0HAmDkMZqSJ5fXvz_LPEcZcNg2V6Oad8j-9FN7wR-xVhk40EtH_2w6hEg5-pRI2i92S_UTZbYzVrpXmtytsGZIEwEI7OGZrdWu7N/s1600/interuption.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="540" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjR39YZEQn4b24J2jKeQ5FYqlAvWr0D0VFuiV5IRHB0HAmDkMZqSJ5fXvz_LPEcZcNg2V6Oad8j-9FN7wR-xVhk40EtH_2w6hEg5-pRI2i92S_UTZbYzVrpXmtytsGZIEwEI7OGZrdWu7N/s320/interuption.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">From 'Walks Interrupted: Trentham Lake Series' </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">by Dawn Jutton</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Exhibited at 'Dust' earlier this year as part of the City of Culture bid.</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It seems that poetry and spoken word are dominating my life again. Not that I am complaining. Its been an interesting few months navigating the boundaries of my practice and discovering that the only boundaries there are the ones you place on yourself. I've met poets who make films and create theatre, poets who collaborate with artists from all disciplines and poets who share their thoughts and world views through highly entertaining and skilful performance and learnt much from them all. It quickly becomes clear however that many of their audiences are mainly poets and writers who appreciate others' writing and possibly, like me, want to learn from them and gain confidence. There is a spirit of generosity and comradeship in this arena that I have yet to experience amongst artists of other disciplines and I have had the privilege of the advice and support from some of the best over the last twelve months or so.<br />
<br />
It all started with meeting the amazing, funny and very talented <a href="http://www.emmapurshouse.co.uk/" target="_blank">Emma Purshouse</a> whose infectious enthusiasm for all things written and visual has been a guiding light. I blame her continued support and friendship for unleashing my current creative stream on the world! Emma has recently teamed up with two other brilliant performers <a href="https://stevepottinger.co.uk/" target="_blank">Steve Pottinger</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/davethepitt?lang=en" target="_blank">Dave Pitt</a> to form <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1701179846858093/" target="_blank">Poets, Prattlers and Pandemonialists</a> who, following their huge success at the Arena Theatre in Wolverhampton are about to hit the Edinburgh Free Fringe Festival, but have also formed a new night at the Pretty Bricks in Walsall. It was here that I made what I felt to be my 'debut' this month with a 5 minute open mic slot reading two new poems and a very old ditty. I enjoyed the experience immenseley and discovered a little nugget of confidence that has since spurred me on to revisit older poems and rework them.<br />
<br />
The seemingly endless willingness of poets and small publishers to put on affordable, and often free or 'pay as you feel' gigs like this is another indication of the underlying 'we are in this together' feeling you get. This is certainly my experience so far in the Midlands and specifically the Back Country, where poets of all abilities, reputations and confidence levels get to meet up and try out favourite and new words on appreciative audiences. One man who has done a huge amount to bring poetry to the consciousness of new audiences in this area is <a href="http://www.bert-flitcroft-poetry.com/" target="_blank">Bert Flitcroft</a>. Bert is the current Staffordshire Poet Laureate and his patience and commitment to the role has been another factor in my increasing confidence. His quiet Northern accent and friendly inclusive delivery often hints at his previous profession and many of his semi-autobiographical poems comment affectionately on his life experiences and acute observations of relationships.<br />
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And so back to those boundaries and the generosity of spirit...<br />
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When I first met writer and film-maker <a href="https://mdcreative.org/" target="_blank">Mal Dewhirst</a> (an ex Staffordshire Poet Laureate) I had the immediate impression of another artist willing to share his skills with anyone who might appreciate them. We have since worked together for several weeks on a project for South Staffordshire and Shropshire Health Trust involving a series of walks around the county with people who have varying levels of experiences with their mental health. 'A Place of Safety' has introduced me to truly collaborative working with another artist with whom I share both similar and different skills, yet fundamentally we shared the same ethos of trying to bring a sense of confidence and pride in others of their abilities to create images and words that could express many of their emotions.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-U0t1yIxRXVqVN2lGfh1dys54J_uUXA2ocZISUPAmNy_piPDaBDgQJXE4svqLUEf4rUn1B3CfinKlhHRZVkPX51FLP68Q8MsJBuXRJ6XJnMOEE2JRiHW1_j4Z__YVDwGq8mRKpLGB2Qu/s1600/IMG_9244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-U0t1yIxRXVqVN2lGfh1dys54J_uUXA2ocZISUPAmNy_piPDaBDgQJXE4svqLUEf4rUn1B3CfinKlhHRZVkPX51FLP68Q8MsJBuXRJ6XJnMOEE2JRiHW1_j4Z__YVDwGq8mRKpLGB2Qu/s320/IMG_9244.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><b>'Older Women Rock the Potteries' </b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">by Leah Thorn<br />High Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire</span></td></tr>
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And finally, but not so final...<br />
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I continue to collaborate with the wonderful <a href="http://www.leahthorn.com/" target="_blank">Leah Thorn</a> on her project 'Poetry [e]motion' and Older Women Rock the Potteries. Leah is a current Fellow at Keele University and has set up shop in Newcastle-under-Lyme where her fabulous collection of poetry emblazoned on retro clothing is on display, and from where she is currently running a peer listening project for women over 55years old. So far it has been a welcome return to consider the feminist and ageing themes I explored during my MA course and the tireless activism and support that Leah brings to the project is a true inspiration. I am sure the experience will spark off a whole new body of work for me. The project ends on 29th July and the shop will form part of the attractions in the Newcastle Midsummer Wakes Carnival and celebrations on Saturday 22nd July. You may even catch another little outing for my performing self- something of a privilege for me alongside such an established and wonderful performer.<br />
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<br />obsQurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07535399188704818936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8912156657382915012.post-11134256712650548132017-01-05T07:56:00.000-08:002017-01-05T08:28:19.552-08:00Blowing away the flu-blues in the Wirral.<div class="MsoNormal">
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And so it came to pass that a planned day
trip over the Christmas break to see the Picasso linocuts at <a href="http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/ladylever/visit/" target="_blank">Lady Lever Gallery</a>
in Port Sunlight became a three day convalescing break in the Wirral. New
Year’s Eve boredom led to internet searching for a B&B by the sea to blow
away lingering Christmas flu and soak up affordable positive coastal ions
before a return to the long slog of the freelance artist’s reality of looking
for paid work.</div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Great reviews on top booking sites are
initially useful but rarely state whether somewhere is ‘gay friendly’. You
would think that with the significant and important changes to the laws, and an
apparent shift in attitudes, that it shouldn’t matter, but I always have that
slight fear of turning up with my wife and our collie Flynn will open a can of
worms that I really don’t want to deal with on an unfamiliar doorstep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A quick phone call and a well-practised
conversational outing does much to gauge opinion, and after a friendly easy conversation
with Helen from <a href="https://www.dunsandles.com/#home" target="_blank">‘Dunsandles' Guesthouse</a> in New Brighton we confirmed our 2 night booking
with the top hit in the dog friendly, discounted offers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">New Years Day was spent in the usual Winter
break prep of ensuring favourite jeans and woolly jumpers are clean and packed
alongside lots of thermal under layers because, no matter how hard we try, it
seems that indecision and a lack of trust in weather forecast ensures we take
enough clothes for a fortnight. Add photography, reading, writing and drawing
equipment, dog paraphernalia and a bag of special dietary requirements for us
and suddenly the car boot is full!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">We arrive at Port Sunlight in cold sunny
weather that catches my breath and results in an exhausting extended coughing
fit while we stretch Flynn dog’s legs around the village. It’s years since I’ve
visited the beautiful Lady Lever Gallery, which houses the eclectic collection
of arts assembled by a wonderful philanthropist who recognized the possibility
of art as a positive experience for everyone. Perhaps those so keen to measure
the ‘value’ of art alongside other ‘more important’ services could take notice of
the gallery’s regularly quoted and inspirational words below from Lord Lever’s
gallery opening speech in December 1922:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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“Art has always been to me a stimulating
influence; it has always taught me without upbraiding me; elevated me without
humbling me; and appealed to me because of the fact that only the best and
truest in art survives…</div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Art can be to everyone an inspiration. It
is within the reach of all of us…”</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">You may not necessarily agree that art has
the same quality, place or values in modern Britain but it is interesting that so
many people still get so much from visiting these originally private
collections funded on the back of industrial activity. Just as they were
intended to benefit the cultural life of the workforce and the wider public in
the late 19<sup>th</sup> and early 20<sup>th</sup> Centuries we are still
reaping the rewards despite constant threats of closure. Even as a contemporary
photographic artist generally preferring post war modern art, I value the
importance and beauty of the Lady Lever Gallery’s collection and recognize it
as essential contextual referencing for my personal practice. As well as being
inspired by the Picasso linocuts and promising myself I will progress my
previous experiments with printmaking, I surprise myself with an emotional
response to a classic and moving painting of a poacher and a dog awaiting
sentencing, and the Wedgwood collection. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://pictify.saatchigallery.com/767720/art-addicts-anonymous-briton-rivire-fidelity-1869" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSfxe_-puM-qOflneEW9jBPOmPm-9Ohnyf4F-oE7uci7S43wW3WZ8CPB41-rYJ9IHfxvRyQtw3EUMSIDHtEDbjTMq4AL-Ww3y9HRxD6O26o3DH71TsBXGLlQvKihmoEjQSh7sirkeCZc0/s640/P1060497.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pictify.saatchigallery.com/767720/art-addicts-anonymous-briton-rivire-fidelity-1869" target="_blank">Detail from 'Fidelity' by Briton Riviere, 1869</a></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US">My early career as a photographer started
at the Josiah Wedgwood factory in Barlaston, and until recently attending
poetry workshop with Staffordshire poet laureate Bert Flitcroft in the museum
there, I had never been back. I’m not sure whether it is nostalgia, or an
improved sense of history that comes with age and distance from an experience,
but I do seem to be developing a new respect and understanding for Josiah who
shared some similarities with Lord Lever in understanding the value in bringing
arts and crafts into people’s lives. Not sure the gallery shop is upholding the principles of quality and value but i guess commercialism is the key? Another debate for another day though, as
we are keen to arrive in New Brighton in daylight and grab a late afternoon dog
walk on the beach before booking in…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">We immediately felt welcomed by Alan and
Helen and at home in our room at ‘Dunsandles’ and, after the longest day away
from the tv and front room at home in two weeks, I collapsed onto the very
comfortable bed for a rest before dinner. An hour or two later we ventured 5
minutes walk down the hill to our favourite main eating place in New Brighton,
<a href="http://thelounges.co.uk/lounges/marino-lounge/" target="_blank">The Marino Lounge</a>, not least because they are dog friendly. We first discovered
this great fact in the <a href="http://thelounges.co.uk/lounges/faro-lounge/" target="_blank">Faro Lounge</a> in Lichfield and were delighted to discover
that the service and food in both lounge bars<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>we’ve visited to date has been excellent. We love the décor too and have
now played many games of scrabble, drunk the excellent coffee and sampled
various dishes from the menu, my own favourites being the tapas and the
chicken, bacon and avocado burger. They even have gluten-free options, a range
of teas and dog treats making this the perfect venue for all three of us!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTGrKmCKB5QLCC_z7T_I_0ZdzjyvjX9hmWVm8xAK-5sOMoioo8Mu-XlM2LUkvf9khpyfhQlhGiTlNFhg-PdOilgfzX3OlGjNwXSiNPGqIrLlc5CqfgLjY8-C2M1nGMW_XQqsi1OW_BBIJ/s1600/IMG_8355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTGrKmCKB5QLCC_z7T_I_0ZdzjyvjX9hmWVm8xAK-5sOMoioo8Mu-XlM2LUkvf9khpyfhQlhGiTlNFhg-PdOilgfzX3OlGjNwXSiNPGqIrLlc5CqfgLjY8-C2M1nGMW_XQqsi1OW_BBIJ/s640/IMG_8355.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of the great reclaimed wood panelling in the snug at Marino Lounge in New Brighton. Thinking about playing with this idea at my studio or even in in the hall at home!</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US">An early night, a sound sleep on the very
comfy bed despite my cough and the alarm set to ensure that we had time to take
Flynn out before breakfast meant we could make the most of our only full day in
New Brighton. The seaside themed breakfast room with many personalized creative
touches from the multi skilled Helen, and quality pale blue and white Royal
Doulton tableware was a pleasant surprise. A choice of cereals and fruit
followed by perfectly cooked full English breakfast and copious tea and toast
ensured we were set up for the day; Alan had even cooked and wrapped Flynn a
sausage for a later treat!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Brighton Beach looking towards Wallasey Town Hall(?)</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US">The weather was dry but dull and I have to confess that so was I for much of the the two mile walk along the promenade towards Seacombe, </span>lost in the effort of dragging my tired, flu-dogged body one slow step in front of the other. The views of the Liver buildings and the docks, however, are wonderful from here, and the walk was full of surprises as we discovered parks, beaches, pirate ships and various other nativity themed community artworks whilst also dreaming of owning one of the huge old houses with their stepped gardens down to the promenade.</div>
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I finally refuse to move from the bench at Egremont Ferry, complaining of a full bladder and needing a bus timetable. At the very moment of me turning this into a domestic spoiler, the staff from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Egremont.theferry/?rf=102082226521164" target="_blank">The Ferry</a> pub rescued us by bringing out a large ‘dog friendly’ and ‘open’ sign, As we have now found in most places near here, we walked into a warm friendly welcome for us and Flynn from the staff, and best of all, clean toilets and hot drinks. We sat in the comfy armchairs and were entertained by the staff who raved about the quality of the food served in the pub, leaving half an hour later rested, warmed and with a dinner reservation! We returned that evening to eat in the restaurant and whilst we enjoyed the spectacular night views of the Liverpool skyline we were slightly under-whelmed by our meals having been full of expectation from the rave online reviews and burger eating boasts. I’m sure we must have been unlucky, and I seem to have hurt the staffs’ feelings with my polite honest feedback as they didn’t engage with us again or offer us any apology for my over-cooked chewy chicken, boring veg or curled sparse fish and cold chips. However, I am sure we will return to hopefully experience an improved service and food quality as per the reviews?</div>
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Back to the afternoon though and strolling back we stopped briefly in Vale Park to eat our tired left over ‘journey’ sandwiches and watched as a dog ran itself ragged round and round, the owner oblivious to its whereabouts as he never looked up from his mobile phone. We guessed that this was a usual routine as the dog returned several times to the same tree near us to check for squirrels- something Flynn would possibly have joined in with had he not been fixated on the potential of falling crusts.</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Cold and in need of further sustenance we eventually
fell into Driftwood Café on Victoria Road, only to discover another New
Brighton gem. The friendly welcome from the staff for both us and Flynn, was
only outdone by the huge pots of tea and fresh hand-baked scones accompanied by
generous pots of jam and cream. With
that scrumptiousness its hardly surprising that we returned the following day
for lunch and chose to share a cheese sandwich on beautiful soft thick bread
with chutney, coleslaw and salad on the side followed by fresh homemade lemon
drizzle and tiffin cake. It was hard to decide as we could have chosen from a
large menu that included home-made soup or quiche, but we were not disappointed
and were impressed by the quality and quantity of the food. We will definitely
make this a regular feature of our future trips to New Brighton.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Wednesday morning and we open the curtains onto a sea view with
promising skies for our last day in the Wirral. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After another fab breakfast, a lovely chat
with Helen before checking out, we decide to take a walk on our favourite
part of the beach before heading off to explore more of the coast towards West
Kirby. The light is in its Winter sun glory and I spend most of my day taking photos purely for
the pleasure of using the glorious light and, thinking that the lighthouse and
Fort Perch might translate into linoprints, focus on creating compositions that
might work for that purpose. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times";">I also become obsessed with recording clumps of seaweed where plastic waste and sea life have been washed up together, a reminder of a current series of photographs I’ve recently been creating nearer home.On my regular walks along the River Sow in Stafford I have been recording the sad and neglected by-product of the town’s new commercial area. The detritus of the town is ending up in river dams formed by neglected fallen trees and waste packaging less than a mile away. It makes me sad that we fail to recognize what we are doing to our precious waters and landscape, but I do realize that we are trapped in the imperfect balance between need, cost and packaging. Maybe I can do as many other photographers have done before me, and use these images to remind people of our responsibilities?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYf45XTmbwSqoP9XGFiSJVOQj7pvehlj9f6pqCy5Uur8_zkv7F3NFNPFhu1cQiUX5_a1zfTKLrtCS7p11aANHfq3665bfcFsHf1TDOKBOKMWD0Ri78XI7LhyVBL4CZl2OsZZV64obA3WMl/s1600/P1060613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYf45XTmbwSqoP9XGFiSJVOQj7pvehlj9f6pqCy5Uur8_zkv7F3NFNPFhu1cQiUX5_a1zfTKLrtCS7p11aANHfq3665bfcFsHf1TDOKBOKMWD0Ri78XI7LhyVBL4CZl2OsZZV64obA3WMl/s640/P1060613.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Whether they think about these things in
West Kirby too remains to be discovered, but as a haven for watersports on the
Marine Lake I would hope that they care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However my thoughts now turn to light again as I am captivated yet again
by the amazing view of the late afternoon Winter sun disappearing down to the
horizon through the clouds. The mist on the hills across the water is magical and
the act of taking photos becomes inexplicably addictive. It is only the numbing
cold that drags me away to the nearest dog friendly café, <a href="https://m.facebook.com/Hannahswkltd/" target="_blank">Hannah’s Cafe</a> in Acacia Grove is
obviously popular with families having plenty of room for pushchairs and an
area for pooches and their owners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
thaw out over tea and coffee before catching the last twenty minutes of opening
time in the town to wander around and get a sense of the place.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixcYu-vv3xbHE718gSzsIm1YhyWsLffuIWk36mF-gWbUHmDm8kYWJ2ho_Rula1sYUt-Hi0PCf0Esq47VCu5mxgPbAmdg4LlMwMe4E8hu2D5QaG23syTBJrjLSoX4op5zj_5Ld1FvUgET1_/s1600/P1060672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixcYu-vv3xbHE718gSzsIm1YhyWsLffuIWk36mF-gWbUHmDm8kYWJ2ho_Rula1sYUt-Hi0PCf0Esq47VCu5mxgPbAmdg4LlMwMe4E8hu2D5QaG23syTBJrjLSoX4op5zj_5Ld1FvUgET1_/s640/P1060672.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">After three days of discovering new places
in what we thought was a familiar area I am increasingly drawn to the welcome
we have had on the Wirral, and we have yet to venture over the Mersey! I know
we will be back here soon to revisit new favourites and explore more. Who
knows, we may even have found a possible seaside re-location. Off to write to
the TV programme for some help!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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obsQurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07535399188704818936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8912156657382915012.post-65950607944230059942016-05-19T02:12:00.001-07:002016-05-19T02:12:48.166-07:00Light and Dark<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Light and Dark <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">(for Jesper)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 12.0pt;">You
shone Northern light<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 12.0pt;">into
a darkened room,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lifting
flatness into <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 12.0pt;">sweet
and sharp relief.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Your
rich mono tones <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 12.0pt;">capturing
cultural notes,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 12.0pt;">fixing
detail and depth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 12.0pt;">with
loving belief.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 12.0pt;">You
etched memories<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
silver to create <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 12.0pt;">gold;
ingrained soft mid-tones<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 12.0pt;">to
highlight life shared.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Your
life half exposed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sets
the deepest shadow,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Leaves
stories still untold,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Your
print in our frame.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
obsQurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07535399188704818936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8912156657382915012.post-76625743818414931032016-02-28T13:23:00.000-08:002016-03-02T16:01:53.130-08:00Colouring Sunday<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Colouring
Sunday.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“I’ll fetch Mac,” she says<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“He doesn’t want to join in but he’ll
watch.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I ask if he’s new.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“He’s 99,” she says.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The door swings softly shut<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And I’m left to bring colour and activity <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">into the impersonal institutional room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We cover the bright splashes of garish <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Pretend paint on plastic <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">with blue paper to protect <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Delicate eyes and fragile minds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">She returns without Mac but with Constance <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">who stares at me with a half smile of
recognition,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">and sits with practised complicity <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">on the chair nearest me,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">accepting my offer of colouring book and
crayons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Mac arrives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A tall lath of smiling energy, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">he shakes my hand and aims for the <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Blue vinyl sofa, a safe distance from where
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We work on the small table.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Constance is lost in the concentration<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Of colouring petals first red then green.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Unable to resist the empty chair at the
table,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Mac joins us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“I’m 99” he says in the way that commands<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">respect for the numeric milestone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">He gets it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve been wearing glasses since I was 4yrs
old.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">They’re no good for playing rough games.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It sounds like an apology.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“I was Cumberland and Westmorland Swimming
Champion.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It’s not. It’s an explanation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“I played tennis” shares Constance without
looking up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">This is the first personal thing I know
about her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“It’s how I met my husband. He asked if he
could play with me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I had to laugh but he didn’t mean it in
that way!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">She looks up. Her open mischevious grin completes
a shared circle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“We got married in Cannock at the big
church.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“I met my wife when we started cycling club
the same night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We cycled 100 miles on a Sunday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We got married in 1939 in Kendal. Three
days later war broke out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I was conscripted. I wouldn’t have joined
up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“As you know, I was a shorthand typist. I
was in the WAAFs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I wasn’t really in the war but I did climb on a
tank once.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I didn’t know. Constance puts down her
crayons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“I started at English Electric then a
solicitors then BRC.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We compliment Constance on her delicately
shaded flowers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“I’m not much for flowers or gardening,”
says Mac,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">but a glimpse of an empty sunflower brightens<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">a shared memory of French fields.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“Yes, I’ve seen those. I’ve travelled all
over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I was an engineer stationed in Italy. We
went to Naples, Rome all over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Then I fixed anti-aircraft guns along the
South Coast from Dover…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">To I don’t remember where.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“I loved being a shorthand typist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I wrote a play. It didn’t go anywhere. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It was set on the South Coast.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It was a romance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I like to explore people, you know; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Think about their character.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Dawn Jutton, Feb
2016<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
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obsQurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07535399188704818936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8912156657382915012.post-84499040011607124412016-02-12T03:09:00.000-08:002016-02-13T02:13:22.431-08:00Why do we name a hurricane?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0eYfUDv2D-JMNhxb7CI66yDwG2VXZKowGKiLSI0m5qxUQ_XQzQkfpzBFzrezaYiEE4hXlhSYTRIszeKSU0mRJxhaypFcBoOb7jXIpWUr1wCM2Upmv_PHXKNHkmnahLPPBgyXIkI0ddTp/s1600/P1120419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0eYfUDv2D-JMNhxb7CI66yDwG2VXZKowGKiLSI0m5qxUQ_XQzQkfpzBFzrezaYiEE4hXlhSYTRIszeKSU0mRJxhaypFcBoOb7jXIpWUr1wCM2Upmv_PHXKNHkmnahLPPBgyXIkI0ddTp/s200/P1120419.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I initially got involved in <a href="http://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/there-is-no-planet-b" target="_blank">'There is No Planet B' </a>, Stafford Green Arts Festival 2016 to help organise the Art competition, believing I could support the hard-working volunteers to achieve their ambition to increase and improve the quality of submissions. As the week long event looms I realise that I have probably gained as much as I have given. I have been welcomed into a new network of people who are passionate about the issues that affect our very existence on the planet, I have been appreciated for my personal efforts and professional expertise, and I have </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ensured that <a href="http://www.gainsboroughartworks.co.uk/" target="_blank">Gainsborough [art]works </a>can be a worthwhile </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">partner in events planned and run by others.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWLul7Shs7Ed9wtdG124htIJ3PCsI0cyo4Ot4W2mG9aq3LqwHxrJrNMhvlsK9JGFSm_AtqnqUf4zDgauUnMTlZyPk99wLtN3lJ8G22rjg8qgS7_qpr8HDKOvTHxm8gjn3Yzz_DTYqBkee/s1600/storm+sky-mono.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWLul7Shs7Ed9wtdG124htIJ3PCsI0cyo4Ot4W2mG9aq3LqwHxrJrNMhvlsK9JGFSm_AtqnqUf4zDgauUnMTlZyPk99wLtN3lJ8G22rjg8qgS7_qpr8HDKOvTHxm8gjn3Yzz_DTYqBkee/s200/storm+sky-mono.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">If I'm honest however, I have been most excited by the opportunity to immerse a little more of myself into the poetry world. Since my 'Doxey Marshes' poem has been published in </span><a href="http://www.offaspress.co.uk/shop/" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;" target="_blank">'The Poetry of Staffordshire' by Offa's Press</a><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">, I have a new-found confidence in putting my random efforts out there. I have attended a few more events recently and remain in admiration of the wit and skill of performance poets. Their ability to not only weave words that make you think, read them out in a rhythm that draws you in, but </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">to have enough confidence to share them is also enviable. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZY4WZMhVVi5H7fH318JoWtmV13kWlWrafLreXs7cpV0m6aV0DcYRQBrPgw_quAex-keuOGGJ6fZZF-BxAKTgW0mnp7CE_wh7tkSrfgHHpFkew4ZP_4Ck85m9zRQJU4g-p-GQKSk5vZ3lN/s1600/P1120428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZY4WZMhVVi5H7fH318JoWtmV13kWlWrafLreXs7cpV0m6aV0DcYRQBrPgw_quAex-keuOGGJ6fZZF-BxAKTgW0mnp7CE_wh7tkSrfgHHpFkew4ZP_4Ck85m9zRQJU4g-p-GQKSk5vZ3lN/s200/P1120428.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">So, back to the Green Arts, and this time the poetry competition. As we have Bert Flitcroft- the current Staffordshire Poet Laureate- hosting our Life of Riley [word] Cafe at Gainsborough [art]works on Thursday 3rd March, I thought it would be appropriate to have written at least one poem myself on the Festival theme. As is often the case, I awoke with a phrase in my head, "why do we name a hurricane?" and an attempt at writing a poem that </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">concentrates on internal rhymes and a rhythm that might suit </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">performing it has therefore occupied me this morning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Off to send it to Carol Kirkwood now at the BBC!</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Why
do we name a Hurricane?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Why do we name a hurricane?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To comprehend it, befriend it,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and send it calmer on its way<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">‘cause we listened to its’ moans?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Why does Carol need to warn me<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">She’s left Henry and Imogen’s<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">On her way? She won’t stay.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like all the rest, at best,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">She’ll slap your face<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Cause floods of tears,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">pass through, forget you,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and leave you to pick up her mess,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and deny you should address <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">your fears for why she visited.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like Abigail, Barney, Desmond<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Frank and Eva before her,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">she’ll be the stranger at your door<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">you try to ignore.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You won’t listen, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">or see her eye glisten<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">when she tells you there’ll be more.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">That you called them all<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">with your wanting to progress,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">to fill the plains with concrete plans</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">instead of wilderness.</span></div>
obsQurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07535399188704818936noreply@blogger.com0Stafford, Stafford, UK52.806693 -2.120660000000043552.7299 -2.2820215000000434 52.883486000000005 -1.9592985000000436tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8912156657382915012.post-88133583619076388162015-08-24T08:51:00.000-07:002015-08-24T08:52:30.195-07:00Writing Doxey Marshes<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And so I finally submitted a poem! After the advice of the ever generous Emma P, I combined my love of prose with an as yet untried Haiku form-known in the poetry world as a Haibun. Her advice was spot on and very astute as usual and although I can't say I found it easy-but what craft is?- I found that the prose sections allowed me to splurge before using the Haiku form to be more succinct. hopefully I will finally be a published poet by the Winter with 'Doxey Marshes'. It has certainly given me the confidence to keep writing- and brings ever closer a project using my images, sketches and words together! The bare bones progress of this project will be published irregularly in my blog 'Maud 1921'.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDN5Zp8xDw6CZxFZ_ozEZZvf-sRmftGYMnHkVvD8Kh5O_oLpsfDlbilFzEKKJnvzatVZkZirlE8MGeYtGZzOS9dRs8p2Zb7oBtMzTIcWtxF54i0u5aRV28HGtqzUl2bkJ5tee8X-SNjk-A/s1600/IMG_5168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDN5Zp8xDw6CZxFZ_ozEZZvf-sRmftGYMnHkVvD8Kh5O_oLpsfDlbilFzEKKJnvzatVZkZirlE8MGeYtGZzOS9dRs8p2Zb7oBtMzTIcWtxF54i0u5aRV28HGtqzUl2bkJ5tee8X-SNjk-A/s320/IMG_5168.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Doxey Marshes</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Doxey Marshes</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">by Dawn Jutton</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Breath mingling
with morning mist we drift through weather pitted and unknown memorials,
outlived by their faded plastic tributes. Unconcerned with decoding Stafford’s
past, the dog drives us on through silver guiding gates, his excitement tapped
out in a random rhythm on the thin ice. White stalks of spent rushes pierce the
skyline and point to a trail of labouring wings and frantic calls slicing the
frozen air. The black geese, gathered on green-grassed mounds, survey potential
bankside building sites and warily track our progress through their solitude.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Skeletal silence<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Under exposed thin
white skin -<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In memoriam<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">II</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The sun rises
above the muted distant tower of St. Mary’s, persistent in its effort to bring pink
life to the grey sky. An icy breeze mocks still water into movement towards the
oblivious River Sow that’s rushing to an unknown rendevous. The riverbank is
punctuated by pairs of geese and ducks, trading safety in numbers for
precarious parenting amongst the protective green swords: hidden new life
marked only by lone sorties for fresh supplies. We leave the disappearing and
unpredictable depths of the watery path to tip toe across tufts of resilient
grasses avoiding ankle deep pockets of mud, a much easier feat for the dog than
us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Watery red carpet<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stillness threaded through soft noise-<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In memoriam.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">III</span></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From where we
stand the tonal stripes of the grasses appear to form a natural flag flying in
the light breeze, tentatively signaling Summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Encouraging ripples of sunlight dance joyfully on the water’s surface
whilst thin long reeds tirelessly sway below to the unheard tune of the flow. White
swans drift upstream, their sun-lined wings spread in confident celebration of
their beauty and a warning to keep our distance. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ahead of us soporific cattle swish flies from
their grass filled bellies and form a guard across the path, the leader fixing her
dark brown gaze on my attempt to communicate my lack of fear and danger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The engagement ends when I feel the pull of a
lead at full stretch as the dog fearfully attempts to make himself invisible
and skulk past.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lily leaf red scales<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fingers sift burnt
dry petals-<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In memoriam.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: -21.3pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">IV</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1E5NW_EDrMXdccp2fsmfccHdhwpVufeGrO4emjZNvZYlOhhsvPuzxBN_pQ3Hv6t9NM-Ys_vzmUFRK7NmcZe61UaOIUrz5vVUSosDQ2ORatRTnMO4MgPXO54xk12CbvfHoGZl5Z8xpWVvY/s1600/DoxeyMarch0082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1E5NW_EDrMXdccp2fsmfccHdhwpVufeGrO4emjZNvZYlOhhsvPuzxBN_pQ3Hv6t9NM-Ys_vzmUFRK7NmcZe61UaOIUrz5vVUSosDQ2ORatRTnMO4MgPXO54xk12CbvfHoGZl5Z8xpWVvY/s320/DoxeyMarch0082.jpg" width="214" /></a><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We follow the
egret on its’ stalk in protest of change. Unaware of their undecided future the
grasses contentedly rustle alongside us, and the river races itself to the
other side of the bridge. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Across the
pond, a shy heron sits motionless on an anglers’ platform before launching its
prehistoric form in awkward flight away from us as we approach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the pillar box hide that is not hidden,
but sits like an uncomfortable hard grey lump on soft skin, we watch the thin silver
ribbon on the blue haze of the horizon carry unconcerned travellers past this
place of precarious peace and watery graves that we are desperate to protect. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Worn sandstone
sentries <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Guardians of marsh
and life-<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In memoriam</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
obsQurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07535399188704818936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8912156657382915012.post-81362140773865765872015-08-13T11:04:00.004-07:002015-08-13T11:04:30.761-07:00The Benefits of Poetry WorkshopsSince my last post I have attended another two poetry writing workshops and discovered that whilst I enjoy the pressure of trying to compose in a short time, I am often phased by trying to bring a more formal structure into my writing. I accept the discipline is worthwhile and can add to the overall quality of writing but that the words flow less easily and it's difficult not to fall into contrived constructions.<br />
<br />
Here are my efforts from a workshop earlier this year where Emma Purshouse led us through various forms and challenged the group to create within their constraints. The first is a Triolet (originally a Medieaval French form) that requires a complex series of rhyming lines. I chose the window displays of sewing machines as I thought the repetitive nature of sewing suited the form.<br />
The second is an incomplete Sonnet inspired by an art exhibition in the local church at Audlem during the music and arts festival last May.<br />
<br />
Sewing.<br />
<br />
Thread through the needle's eye<br />
Spin the bobbin round<br />
Watch the stitches fly.<br />
Thread through the needle's eye<br />
Don't look up, ignore the sky<br />
in out, in out to the pound<br />
Thread through the needle's eye<br />
Spin the bobbin round<br />
<br />
Upcycled Fashionistas<br />
<br />
We stand in judgement in this sacred space<br />
We do not see the beauty in your art.<br />
Your vain display in this public place<br />
We share with blank white face and cold black heart.<br />
Can you not see we've created style and taste,<br />
We've bettered ourselves to show you how to dress?<br />
We stand for tradition and make a case<br />
For how less is more and much more is less.<br />
<br />
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<br />obsQurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07535399188704818936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8912156657382915012.post-57190981532009309592014-05-28T02:33:00.003-07:002014-05-28T02:47:41.953-07:00Out of the tunnel<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Poem ideas developed during 15minutes exercises from the workshop on 'Maps, Charts & Plans' with Emma Purshouse during the Audlem Festival on Sunday 25th May 2014.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Exercise 1. Describe yourself as a journey.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A walk on the pier</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Drawn in by loudness, laughter</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ice creams and screams.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Look down through separated planks,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">a glimpse of unknown depths.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Exercise 2. Develop a piece of writing from a list of found place names.</span></i></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They came from Little Shrewley</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Looking all the same.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Small, wizened, pointy faces</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">looking for others to take the blame.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They made us stand on Ugly Bridge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ugly in spirit, ugly in deed</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">different from them they said,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">following a different creed.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But now we are on Gallows Bridge</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">gazing into shallow depths.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our rainbow Cape of love and pride</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">blowing proudly in the breeze.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Exercise 3. Map out a well known personal route as a description for others to follow</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Out the door the wind will take your breath away</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">even before you see the sea.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Follow the noise of mixed tongues</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">strolling unawares, unconcerned</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">into the path of cyclists</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">in training, in a rush.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Down the ramp framed by peeling green ironwork</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">into the drift of smoking fish</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and discarded seafood seashells.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Past the incessant rise and fall</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">of circular song, and in the distance</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the skeletal remains rise out of the sea</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">creating art from disaster.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And finally a pause, below the Grand facade</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">seduced to sit and sip</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> the warm exotic scents</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and watch the world go by </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">wrapped in overheard conversations.</span></div>
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obsQurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07535399188704818936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8912156657382915012.post-41589704381637350932014-05-28T01:30:00.000-07:002014-05-28T01:37:06.366-07:00Out of a tunnel and into the light<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGw-6311Q7T6i-knoF3qP_d5GiYjSf9dN-nlqFk3YntKAIjHOVEecGj-Uxx_lpUvsqNdZ_8E7nelq6Ew97mWLQCmTpsNXKF4r0ew3WuLXa4SPeqvp6cSrBxKI0YPyHFhGKmBAXvGgWE-lS/s1600/P1070376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGw-6311Q7T6i-knoF3qP_d5GiYjSf9dN-nlqFk3YntKAIjHOVEecGj-Uxx_lpUvsqNdZ_8E7nelq6Ew97mWLQCmTpsNXKF4r0ew3WuLXa4SPeqvp6cSrBxKI0YPyHFhGKmBAXvGgWE-lS/s1600/P1070376.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheltering from a rainstorm under a canal bridge at Audlem</td></tr>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I can never believe the time that elapses between urges to write in my blog. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's not that I stop writing, I just often don't feel the need to share what I think or write.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">However, sometimes you meet people in life that encourage you to re-consider the potential of what you create sporadically, and this is where the happy accident of meeting the talented, generous spirit of Emma Purshouse comes in. A stroll along the canal at Norbury Junction during the festival there a few weeks ago led to me experiencing my first poetry slam (as a member of the audience-let's not get ahead of ourselves!) and subsequently participating in one of Emma's creative writing workshops a couple of days later.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I can't deny that walking down to The Mill in Audlem the stress of only just making it there on time was exchanged for reticent anticipation and a lurking fear of that I may not be able to write in company, or in response to someone else's themes or starting points. Emma knew most of the people in the workshop, some of whom were devotees of her performance poetry and others whom she had inspired in previous workshops and who now attended regular groups formed from relationships developed in those workshops. Emma's positivity and ability to make encouraging comments on each of the results form the exercises she developed created a supportive environment in which the majority felt able to share their attempts without fear of ridicule or negative reaction. Over a 2 hour period I learnt more about my own ability than I had recognised before and was pleasantly surprised by my response.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The next few posts will hopefully now come more often as I have a little more confidence in sharing the intermittent episodes of writing and hopefully develop a consistent creative text and image related output.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Watch this space...occasionally!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>obsQurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07535399188704818936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8912156657382915012.post-78314376457859375652012-08-13T03:31:00.001-07:002012-08-13T03:31:42.705-07:00Legacies. What legacies?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;">In the
rush to keep the party going, to harness the positive spirit and national pride
we are already witnessing the analysis so popular in the media and sport. Not
wanting to be seen sitting in another room, and desperate to be part of the
party, pundits and politicians are falling over themselves in a drunken stupor
of knee-jerk promises they can neither keep or have thought through. But I
can’t help feeling that somehow we may be too keen to stay in an euphoric
bubble of self-congratulation and delusion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;">There is no doubt that success by
a few can provide inspiration for many, and I am first in the queue for
celebrating the many and varied achievements of London 2012 and recognising the
commitment and sacrifices made by many people to be part of an amazing and
heart-warming spectacle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;">There is also no doubt that
confidence and self-esteem comes through success and achievement. But only through
sport for all? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;">There is no doubt that physical
exercise has great physical and mental health benefits. But, in reality, it is
not available to all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;">There is
no doubt that in many instances the competitive spirit is an important aspect
of striving for success. But only through sport?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Maybe we could take a broader view
of the London 2012 legacy and in our analyses consider the attitude and
commitment of the celebrated volunteers. This may be where the real party and
legacy is at. It’s easy to make wrong assumptions but I am guessing that their
involvement was;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Not competitive to the point of
selfishness, self-destruction and sacrifice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Not success at all personal,
financial and relationship costs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Not fear of failure, to point of
manipulating the outcome.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Not tears at failing to be the
best, and disregard for fellow competitors’ success.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;">But, joy at being involved in something
much bigger than the self and a commitment to ensuring that others shared their
enthusiasm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;">And before I forget the point of
all this (having just been to phone a complete stranger to let them know their
cat has strayed far from home and is playing alongside a busy main road), I
would like to reflect on the opening and closing ceremonies in which we
celebrated British history and culture. We demonstrated to the world we are
deeply rooted in our past. A past that sought to succeed at all costs in order
to dominate our fellow humans, often with a blatant disregard for their welfare
or opinions. In the spectacle that celebrated British culture we relied heavily
on that past for inspiration, fulfilled many stereotypes to please the
visitors, and focussed much less on the now and the future. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;">British creativity was at the
heart of both ceremonies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;">But are we to have 2 hours
compulsory art, 2 hours compulsory music, 2 hours compulsory literature in
which artists inspire so that we can be the best in these fields? Where is the
guaranteed arts funding?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The arts are competitive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The arts require sacrifice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The arts really can be for
everyone, whether as a participator or creator.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Who chooses? Who values?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
obsQurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07535399188704818936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8912156657382915012.post-66511806610800030682012-03-02T02:29:00.000-08:002012-03-02T02:29:29.459-08:00Calm & Chaos in CornwallWe arrived in Cornwall seven days ago, the van loaded with dogs, food and art materials and thanks to a generous artist friend we had no worries about where to stay as she was lending us her house while she went off to the far east.<br />
<br />
THE PLAN; rest, eat and be inspired by the quintessentially creative Cornish landscape.<br />
<br />
And so far I have achieved two out of three. On the third count of being inspired I am disappointed by my inability to get past the cliches. I have not tired of amazing views of the sea as we drop down into Watergate Bay or the quaint charm of old style fishing villages like Fowey and Mevagissey. I appreciate that their survival relies on tuning into the essential income from tourists and have enjoyed browsing the endless little windows of decorative nautical paraphernalia and local art before choosing a trendy cafe for tea or latte.<br />
I have yet to justify the cost of fish and chips or a cream tea (things I was looking forward to) or buy any trinkets, preferring to eat packed lunches and beachcomb for souvenirs and spend our limited budget on fuel exploring.<br />
<br />
But most of all I am still searching for the elusive emotional response....lets see what today brings!obsQurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07535399188704818936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8912156657382915012.post-88233426930440813242010-09-27T14:46:00.000-07:002010-09-27T14:46:59.812-07:00Brighton appeal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5_hXTI6kKUlyHVCxyb7JisNplVSuwK8FoZZMdKrfbqOBhJQRv-MLYnCSg0r-2BSPyn_sKk4zu2BYqiCP7jMvlMuHSLP42cj6DF2f4YvZRFlK8gbXXFTeDo6n6nSo_YrrSTZw0lvPR0qP/s1600/brighton+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5_hXTI6kKUlyHVCxyb7JisNplVSuwK8FoZZMdKrfbqOBhJQRv-MLYnCSg0r-2BSPyn_sKk4zu2BYqiCP7jMvlMuHSLP42cj6DF2f4YvZRFlK8gbXXFTeDo6n6nSo_YrrSTZw0lvPR0qP/s320/brighton+view.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>obsQurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07535399188704818936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8912156657382915012.post-73973814261176197332010-08-16T15:24:00.001-07:002014-05-28T01:48:05.727-07:00What has happened to our Pride?<br />
Washed away with innumerable litres of alcohol? <br />
Pissed away along hedges posing as al fresco latrines?<br />
Vomited up on pavements by people no longer sickened by the shame,<br />
But maybe still with a desire to numb their lives? <br />
<br />
Pride (but no prejudice) paraded with the expected flamboyance and camp.<br />
Cheers for those who strip to golden muscled skins or sing our adopted anthems.<br />
Cheers for the uniforms, real and not, more subdued applause for the quiet <br />
March of those who tirelessly work for our individual health and well-being.<br />
Are their messages lost in the text of their simple banners?<br />
<br />
What message does Pride (but no prejudice) carry? <br />
We celebrate our visibility for ourselves, and the thousands who are unaware we exist.<br />
We shed emotional tears of Pride for ourselves; for those of us who have swum against the tide to reach safe water, and encourage those who have yet to leap from the safety nets to be brave.<br />
We shed tears for those who cannot share our pride and feel what we feel.<br />
<br />
But what do the newly aware now believe?<br />
That the children waving their rainbow flags today will no longer return to school<br />
And call somebody in the playground gay when they do not fit in?<br />
That the thousands of gay and straight people at Pride (but no prejudice) <br />
will love each other when they are sober, and not choose to piss on them from the pier?<br />
<br />
Will Pride (but no prejudice) have given all of us the courage<br />
to challenge years of oppression and fear?<br />
Will we have been enriched by the cultural diversity within the gay community?<br />
Or will we have simply shown that, like our straight peers, we lack the courage <br />
To celebrate diversity and difference, to stand out from the crowd.<br />
<br />
Are we proud of our ability to throw the biggest alcohol and drug fuelled party? <br />
Are we happy that the only real beneficiaries of many Prides are the pubs and clubs?<br />
Or is the reality that we simply go along with it because that is what is on offer?<br />
Our chance to be in the majority, to be visible, to have protection in number,<br />
And that really we do not want to be different. We just want to forget?<br />
<br />
I want to celebrate. I want to be proud. <br />
I want to recognise myself within a diverse gay community.<br />
The emotion on the faces around me at the start of the parade suggests<br />
That others feel as I feel, each of us with our own story and expectation of Pride.<br />
The ability to ‘be’ with pride and without prejudice, and to share that emotion <br />
and togetherness for at least one day is what keeps many of us coming year after year.<br />
<br />
But the prejudice exists. From within. <br />
When gay friends feel uncomfortable holding hands,<br />
When there is no space left to sit and enjoy the atmosphere without being heavily fallen on by incapable drunks, or stepped on because there is no room left to pass.<br />
When all afternoon is spent queuing for a toilet only to find it is out of order from overuse.<br />
When you try to stave off the panic of being fenced in like cattle with little hope of escape.<br />
When the press suggest that the clean up bill is unacceptable for a ‘gay’ event that is not gay,<br />
Is it time to call time on Pride (but no prejudice) and re-evaluate?<br />
Shouldn’t we celebrate diversity by offering diversity?<br />
<br />
One of my lasting memories will be time spent in a small park on Sunday when we became<br />
the audience in a spontaneous concert by a snazzily dressed singer and watched children <br />
dance around a monument which currently has little significance for them.obsQurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07535399188704818936noreply@blogger.com0