And now for something different…

When I started this blog, my intention was of course to write, and also to explore other creative avenues and share them here.  This was my intention, and yet before today, apart from the odd photo, I had yet to try anything new…  So, today I decided to do something different.

I found some old art materials that I bought some time ago when I used to make birthday cards instead of buying them, and looked through some old photos for inspiration.  Here’s the result:

If you’ve been a regular reader of this blog for some time, and this image looks familiar, that’s because you may have seen it before. If you are new to this blog, then welcome!  I hope to see you back here again soon.

So, what do you think?  Shall I continue to explore other art forms or do you think I should stick to writing?  Feel free to comment honestly below!  I’d also be interested to know what your favourite way to create is, and whether you have tried anything different lately…

The Future Clover

I’m a guest writer over at Name Your Tale, a great microfiction site where members of the public submit random titles (some more random than others!), and a great team of dedicated writers create 100 word stories for these titles.  You can read some of my 100 word stories here.

This latest title came to me as a poem.  A poem about people, and poetry.  As I recently blogged about my strap line, and settled on ‘It’s about People.  It’s about Poetry,’ I thought it might be nice to share this 100 word poem here too.

The Future Clover

We lay back to back beneath the cherry tree
Blossom falling around us
As you read poetry to me
From a book you stole from the school library
That afternoon, you found a four-leaf clover
You picked it, told me it was our future
I didn’t understand
I just laughed and kissed you
25 years later, you gave me a gift
I unwrapped it carefully
To reveal a battered old book of poems
As I turned the pages, a four leaf clover dropped in my lap
That’s our future, you laughed
I smiled and kissed you
I get it now.

Hello Sunshine

A little while ago, I wrote a blog post about spring, but as we saw more snow in some parts of the UK in the following weeks, perhaps I was a little premature.

Now, having had two days of sunshine in London, I am optimistic that this time, spring really has sprung.  There is blossom on the trees, men are walking the streets with their tops off (yes really, and no, it’s not that warm), and a there is a sense of purpose in the air.  My neighbours have started spring cleaning their houses (I’ll get round to mine eventually), there are more people in the gym then there were in January, and if you’re thinking about going to any festivals this summer, it’s time to start booking now.

As for me, I am just sitting at my kitchen table, listening to the silence as the sunlight streams in through the patio windows, the clock ticking quietly behind me.  Should I be spring cleaning? Maybe. But right now, I am just enjoying the sensation of the sun warming the side of my face as I type this meandering blog post which has no real purpose other than to say Hello, Sunshine.

My Strap Line

I have just been over at Ann Hawkins’ blog, reading her latest post, ‘What’s Your Strap Line,’ with interest.  Ann points out that most famous brands have their own strapline (see Ann’s blog for a list of examples, including her own).

Ann invites readers to respond with their own strap lines; I liked Ian Aspin‘s ‘Think better. Feel better. Take an Aspin,’ and wanted to respond with my own.  Then I thought ‘Hold on, what is my strap line?’  I think I have tried a few on over the years, and I’m not sure I’ve found one that fits.

A little while ago, I wrote a blog post, ‘Just Be,’ about just being content with being me, to find fulfillment.  So now, the question is, ‘Who am I?’  Well, I am many things, but if I had to sum it up on just one strap line, what would that be?

Strap lines you might associate with me now include:

‘I write because that’s what I do, I write because that’s who I am.’  (Twitter)

‘I write as a tribute to those who inspire me, not those who know or have known fame, just… those who walk beside me.’ (Website)

But today, I thought I’d try something new, and came up with:

‘It’s about People. It’s about Poetry.’

So, dear readers, what do you think?  If you were to create a strap line for ‘brand’ Honest, what would it be?  One of the above?  Or something else entirely?  Please post any suggestions below and I’ll be sure to consider them!

If you would like to comment about what your own strap line might be, please post your comment over at Ann Hawkins’ blog, and then post the link here.