In the last few years, I’ve become less and less inclined to update my social media accounts. I post over on Instagram sporadically, and occasionally see what other people are tweeting about, but this blog has become little more than a repository for old poems and notes.
Every once in a while, though, I realise that the short texts and formats allowed on other platforms are insufficient for what I want to say.
Continue reading “blue-sky thinking”
Yesterday, I took part in a local literary festival. Originally, I had been invited to read a short set of poetry during one of the sessions; then one of the speakers was ill so she dropped out, and, at the last minute, I was asked to step in and give a talk. And I do mean the last minute. I got a text message on Friday afternoon to give me advance warning that my help might be needed: maybe I could give a short talk on poetry or translation? I duly rustled up some old notes on the latter and thought about changes I’d need to make so it would suit the audience.
Continue reading “like a rock”
This time of year often sees me down on my knees in other people’s gardens, leaning agains walls and fences while out for a walk, or standing on low walls to gain extra height. And all to try and get that one perfect picture of an aquilegia flower.
Despite years of trying and probably hundreds of photos, I haven’t worked out yet what the best angle is, nor yet what setting offers the best background.
Continue reading “reason to celebrate”
Since I first heard the phrase “snapper-up of unconsidered trifles” I’ve thought the description suited me, as I pride myself on my curiosity and am always interested in learning new ideas and irrelevant facts.
But the trifles that interest me aren’t always intangible: I also tend to pick up things when I’m out walking and often have to unload the feathers, pebbles and other bits and bobs that accumulate in jacket pockets or at the bottom of my handbag.
Continue reading “what does the fox say?”
I’ve been looking at flowers this week.
In particular, I’ve been looking at white flowers. And even more specifically, I’ve been looking at small white flowers.
I haven’t identified them all but the photos here are examples of these small white flowers. Except for the duplicate of elder flowers that heads up the post, they are all different species.
Continue reading “take a closer look”
don't confuse the narrator 