Before I Go

31st Dec 2016.

That will be the last time, unless by accident , I write 2016.
It's the end of another year.

I've not been writing much on my blog but I'm amazed that during the last month there have been over a thousand visits bringing the total to over 26,000. Now that's a wonderful thing to think that people are reading my words, such as they are , even when I'm not paying attention.
I would like to post more useful stuff, but I am what I am and what I post I post.
Thank you to those who follow me and write beautiful comments. Keep them coming because it encourages me a great deal to know that you have taken the trouble to write a few words for my benefit.

Have you got a wish for 2017  ?  Mine is that I get to write a lot more and get better at it .

So bring it on , 2017 !! Let's see what unfolds ...  And ...

Before I Go

Look back on the old year

Only to take the lessons and the good

Look forward to the new year

Hoping all works out best, as it should.

But live in this moment, be happy 

Now is your time to love, if you would 

A Year Ago, the Tears Flow

29th Dec 2016

Feeling a bit reflective about the past and how, no matter what we do, it stays with us.

Purple Pain

Although I try to keep away,
 to dwell only in today,
 my thoughts  go back to this time last year.
All  shadows, purple pain,
internal black rain,
often I'd look for a place to shed a  tear.
So much to endure,
it was heavy for sure,
with  so many  of my days  lost to fear.
But even looking back,
and following the track,
I'm left with the fact that things are still unclear.
But I need to let it go,
at least not let it show,
and welcome  the start of this brand new year.

Scaffolding/ Leaf

29th Nov 2016

This morning the rainwater that had collected in the garden tray had turned to ice. Yes, it is official it was freezing last night. But the clear blue sky, if you could ignore the cold seeping into your bones, was like a Tuscan summer sky, the morning light filling the garden helping to create the illusion.
With reds, yellows, oranges and browns set against the blue I could almost put up with the cold for the sheer beauty of it. But I will go out with scarf and winter coat and breathe out a foggy breath and it will not be pleasant. No, no matter how wonderful the scene outside , there is still ice in the tray.

Now for some words:

Scaffolding

This old building needs restoring after long grey years,

scarred with use and abuse, concrete slabs crumbling,

broken windows of shattered dreams, vacant eyes staring.

Shape a scaffold with forklift and crane...

and mascara  ...

Cover the cracks, the tracks, from every tear that smacks

of fear -

who hears anyway.

Fill in the holes of memory loss, though no one gives a toss,

that it's going that way.

Repaint the facade of this body, scrub white green slime-

disappointment and pain, stand tall again,

proud to be noticed.

Leaf

You were born in springtime, mama tree pushing you out as a brand new bud on your branch.

Delicate baby leaf, you unfurled to become a sweet, green promise. 

Fed by your tree with water and nutrients absorbed from the soil of ancestors, you grew 

And you, in turn, produced sugar sap - nourishment for your tree.

You opened up in the rays of the sun, played and danced through the summer 

of your life, veins giving you your particular leaf shape - individual to you.

You gave pleasure and hope to those who came by your wood in those fruitful long days, 

many who came went away refreshed and replenished by your colour, your light.

You, only being yourself, unaware how much you touched so many hearts.

This was your time, your season and with others you created a tapestry of wonder,

waving from your branch , giving your magic  to all who would see.

So when the temperature dropped and your green started to fade it was hard to take.

The first signs of yellowing took us by surprise, halted us in our tracks.

But with the shortening of days, orange specks appeared all over and a weakening began

with your edges getting brittle and other leaves falling to the ground all around you. 

Suddenly it was your turn, you let go and fluttered to the earth,

And you died in the autumn as it is right that you should, but it was hard.

Pork Chop/ Stir Up Sunday

24th Nov

More about food:

The Kidney

I just fancy one of those pork chops.  You know the ones,  

 thick meat on  bone-  juicy - with  kidney still attached. 

Of course, they don't sell them like that any more 

something to do with cross contamination.  

I loved that chop with kidney and generous helping of apple sauce.

 Didn't the meat taste better in those days? Or is it  the passing 

of years, as in "nothing is the same these days." Well, it isn't!

My mouth drools remembering -

 fat around fleshy pork-crispy, crunchy, crackling.

Served with mashed potatoes-

so full of butter - the taste as good as cream

        

Stir Up Sunday

It was that time of year again,

Lined up on kitchen worktop twenty pudding bowls,  empty, waiting.

 On the white, worn, pine table, holding years of family history, the tin bath,

the one passed down from mum’s grandma, that she had from her own grandmother,

the one that mum’s dad and  grandfather were  bathed in once a week -  father first, 

the one classed as vintage  now, which made mum laugh

Five eager, powdery, faces peered into the old bath filled with a mixture

of fruit, flour, tallow, eggs, breadcrumbs,  brandy and stout,

not forgetting the secret ingredient, which only mum knew and wouldn’t tell,

a delicious  treat for Christmas day - dad’s favourite.

A yeasty, musty, malt aroma filled the kitchen like a brewery.

Five little wooden spoons took turns to stir

always from east to west -  the way of the kings - each time making a wish.

Five little children asked questions - mum told them the story

of  Stir Up Sunday

Eternal Flame

21st Nov 2016

We had a moving service at church on Saturday to remember and pray for those loved ones who have died during the last year. Like an automaton I went along, not  feeling particularly happy about being there with all those others who also suffered a personal loss so recently.

 But that was, of course, the very thing that made it a moment of special Grace. A lady I knew there whose  son died just a few weeks ago was  with her daughter and grandson, being healed a little . Many of the others were friends who were also grieving and in some way the strength to be gained from us all remembering together was hugely powerful . Many of us shed a tear and comforted each other. 

Eternal Flame

Lit a candle for you both today,

And sat and had a little pray.

I miss you when I make the tea

I miss your jokes and revelry

I miss the stories that you told
Even if they were ones of old
I miss the way you knew all the news
The way you always shared your views.
I miss all our walks in beautiful places
The sea, and the hills, left smiles on our faces
I miss the way, mum, you made apple pie
I couldn't repeat it - how hard did I try.
And dad with your skill and intelligence
I was lucky if I'd got a bit of common sense.
One day we'll meet again I'm sure
When I find the way to the room next door

I

Slippery

19th Nov 2016

Prompt :
To use the word slippery in a five line story or poem

Slippery

You slide about on russet and gold,

An autumn evening turning cold

Leaves slippery with  fresh damp ice 

Your tread measured , slow , precise,

You head for home- he'll pay the price.

Story in Six Sentences / Light

19th Nov 2016

I'm going with a prompt today . It's to write a story in six sentences. The other constraint is to use the word light in each sentence . First time for everything. Here goes:

Light
That morning we woke in the early hours, had a light breakfast of a cereal bar and a few gulps of water  packed our tent away and set off in the dark.
Walking by the light of our torch to avoid tripping on the uneven terrain we hoped to get the eighteen miles completed before the heat of the day made it impossible to go on.
 After an hour or so, with  only the sound of our movement breaking the silence, we passed through olive groves and vineyards and spotted a mysterious light coming from the old hermitage of Cuevas .
We thought it was a trick of the eyes until we realised that the cloud cover was thinning and the light was coning from the early morning moon  hitting something, maybe metallic, in the ancient church.
Wanting a short rest and  to have a look around we lifted our rucksacks off our backs and immediately felt light and free.
We set off again, putting our torch away because the soft yellow light of dawn was creeping up over  horizon.

Liberty

16th Nov
Following the prompts on the Poets on the Page web page
This weeks was :
Picture's Worth A Thousand Words , with the picture of the Statue of Liberty.

So in response:

Liberty?

Pictures's Worth A Thousand Words:

Yes, but thankfully most've been said
A copper structure built by Gustave Eiffel
A gift from the people of France
She stands from ground to torch in her hand
Ninety three meters high
She stands for liberty, for strength , for freedom
The Goddess Libertas her icon
She stands tall - torch held skywards lighting
The way for all , or maybe just Americans
She stands bearing a tablet - no, not
The samsung variety- evoking the law
July 4th 1776 inscribed thereon.
She stands looking out across Manhatten
The broken chain at her feet unfettering
The people bound up
Where is the liberty now
Who will stand for the people
A choice between two - no choice

And the one from last week.
The prompt was music

8th Nov

The Music We Forgot   

It was not silent -their chatter was loud 

Like the rumble of thunder in a rain cloud.

But some thins was missing all was not right 

We'd forgotten the music, that extra delight.

Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole 

Romantic, moody, a bit of soul.

They didn't complain but it was made clear

That they would have liked to have more cheer

Music to lift the spirits up high

Music to lift our hearts to the sky,

Next time we'll remember 

That'll be December

The Brogue

15th November

The Brogue

Standing in the queue in St Paul’s bookshop I glanced at the watch of the young, bearded assistant. It was nearly four o’clock. I hurriedly paid for the books, packed them in my rucksack, careful not to damage the precious item at the bottom, which I’d wrapped so mindfully before leaving home and ran through twilight streets, down the steps to the Underground in Victoria.  I’d never heard of Boston Manor Tube station, but Google informed me it was on the Piccadilly line and is one of six Ealing tube stations.  Having no idea how long my journey would take, I wanted to leave enough time so I wouldn’t be late meeting my granddaughter.  She said her lectures finished at six and it would then take a few minutes to get to me.

Reaching my destination, I held back, walking behind the busy throng.   With more than an hour to spare I dawdled, stepping purposefully out into autumn darkness. What to do now? I could walk up and down for an hour - good practice for the Camino Way I hope to do next year. But, no, my rucksack was digging a valley into my shoulders, I was cold and I wasn’t wearing the right shoes.

Trudging through a crisp carpet of crimson and saffron, a beautiful mosaic tint of autumn, I searched for a cafe.   A faint scent of last week’s bonfire hung in the air, clung now to my coat with the evening mist, evoking memories of my father with hot potatoes and sparklers and my sister’s faces dancing in the shadowed flames rising from the bonfire.  I walked on, through the howling frenzy of red and gold, finding, not far away, a small row of shops. The cafe with its all - glass front, it’s brightly lit interior  and three suspicious looking youths, dressed in hoodies and huddled around the counter, didn’t encourage me in. On I walked.

Then, there it was. It’s not something I’d normally do and I had to dig deep for courage that day. Slowly, I walked outside the stone wall. It reminded me of that other stone wall opposite my grandmother’s cottage in Ireland, where I’d fallen into a patch of stinging nettles when I was ten.

Back and forth I strolled, outside this Irish pub, stretching up to peer through frosted windows. It’s name, The Brogue, gave me a warm feeling of family and ancestors.

Eventually, a man burst through the door and stood holding it open while he argued with someone on his phone, giving me chance to glimpse inside. The dim light and anonymous atmosphere went a little way to calm my nerves and when he went back in I followed close behind.  He was the only person, the barman nowhere to be seen.  I stood, shifting from foot to foot, wondering whether to speak, then blurted out,                                                                                                                                                 "Do you have to ring a bell or something?” he turned round suddenly and I tried to give him a warm smile.                                                                                                      “Ah, he’s probably outside, I’ll get him” he said and walked out leaving me stood still and alone, in the empty pub. The music played, but nothing moved and I was rooted to the spot.

They both rushed back in together                                                                                                “What can I do for you?” the barman placed his vape by the till.  When I asked him if I could get a coffee he was taken aback and wavered a bit saying there was a cafe down the road. I told him I didn’t like the look of it.  It was then I spied the small kettle hidden in the corner.

I took my coat off and sat, undisturbed on the sofa by a heater and warmed through for the first time that day. Another customer came in and I could hear the conversation get rather animated as they discussed the Trump victory and the bets they’d placed over it.

He charged me £1 for the coffee, serving it with milk he had to go to the cafe for and a chocolate biscuit from his own tin.  Bargain! Maybe I’ll pop in again sometime.

Refreshed I went back to Boston Manor station to meet my granddaughter and she took me to her halls of residence. Sitting on her bad, I unpacked my rucksack and carefully brought out the package. It took a while for her to unravel the material and bubble wrap to reveal the statue that was once chipped with its paint flaking, and was now beautifully restored to its former delight. She cried tears of thankfulness and joy, which I promised to relay to her granddad as he’d done such a good  job of making it new. 

                                          

November Cold

4th Nov 2016


                                               Cold

At church this morning, when doing the sign of peace my friend said -"ooo , your hands are freezing." And they were, although the rest of me didn't feel  it. 

Yes, it's cold here in England but the sun is shining and my little  robin was singing his heart out this morning as usual, puffing out his little red breast as he entertained us. I look for him now in the mornings and leave the door ajar so I can hear his familiar tune. He has the same ritual every day, starting on the fence nearest the kitchen window then hopping along until he alights on Our Lady's  statue from where he rises to the top of the tree and for a good five minutes is star of his own show.

I'm off in a little while to get a few weeds up in the garden before the weather turns and I won't get out there again till the spring.  We only have a very small garden to worry about since downsizing but it still needs keeping on top of. The people before us left a bit of a wilderness so we have a fight on our hands with the weeds and I am determined not to let them win. 

The pond could also do with some de-vegging. We would then be able to see the four goldfish that are growing bigger every day but are not easily visible at the moment with all the green growth in their way.

And there could be more than four - it is possible.

I can't say that I look forward to the winter coming  with its days getting shorter and the cold getting colder And then there's the heavy heating bills - oh well, maybe I'll hibernate till March xxx

Eternal

31st October 2016

Day 31: The last poem of the October challenge . Wow !!! I got there . Will probably have a short break from posting on my blog for a while now.

Eternal

To wake up with the dawn
On a morning in June
And hear nothing but birdsong
To undo the zip of the tent
Step out onto dewy grass
And feel the quiet of the wind
To look around the field
And see nothing but trees
And hills and sky
To sit and meditate and connect
With the present moment
Is to find the eternal

Simplicity

31st October 2016


Day 30:

Simplicity

Not having too much stuff 

Or too many wants turning

Into needs  to weigh you down,

Living a life of simplicity, 

Will bring peace and happiness

Red, Abandonment, Favourite Scent, Sea Shells, Upside Down

30th October 2016



Day 25: Enjoyed writing these words : 5 days for the price of one - nearly there with the challenge - only two more to do

Red

Evening comes sooner with clocks brought forward,
Bringing us home early - leaving the book signing
Carrying our treasure with authors scrawl inside cover.
Curtains close on autumnal sky , fiery red in the dusk,
Passionate with warm promises to look forward to .
But as we huddle together and step into a new adventure
Tomorrow dwells  as a hangman's  noose - waiting .
Not for us the joy of waking to a happy day,
Not for us the red sky's delight,
Not for us.
But for this short time we can be somewhere else
Push those pictures to another room in the mind
Forget for a while the scary memories as we make others.


Day 26:

Abandonment

The abandonment of her rich life brought some difficulties,
She didn't find it easy to stick to a budget,
Coffees out with friends were a thing of the past
Some days she dreamt of going home  to her parents
Like the prodigal son who thought better of his life.
But she had little Harry - he needed his dad
And she loved them both .
Maybe one day they would all be accepted.

Day 27:

Favourite Scent

She had been buried for over a year
I had hardly given her a thought for weeks
But that morning while hoovering her room,
Now used by the twins,
She came for a while in pictures of times past
I sat in the chair and closed my eyes
We were in her kitchen - making pastry,
Then in the garden collecting flowers
And off to the cinema to enjoy a film together
I open my eyes and the air is full of a sweet aroma,
Blue Grass by Elizabeth Arden was always her favourite scent


Day28:

Sea Shells

Pebbles stretch to left and right as far as you can see
Waves roll in with their lunar rhythm
You walk at the edge - a tightrope of of precision
Looking down - must not touch the water
Keeping sharp just on the knife, controlling,
Until-
You see-
Sea shells...
Sea shells clumped together in a pile on the pebbles
First you stop,
Then you look,
Then you sit
And cry

Day 29:

Upside Down

You thought you had everything under control,
All seemed well in your world
And you celebrated your birthday
With friends and cake and presents galore.
You didn't know it then but
That was the day
Your life was turned upside down

Fantastical

29th October 2016

Day 24 

Fantastical

The clocks go back tonight

You get an extra hour in bed
More time for fantastical dreams
To swim around your head

But if you've a baby in your house

The hour won't be for you

The little one will wake at the time

His body clock tells him to.

Undoubtedly

29th October 2016

Day 23... will I make it to the end of the challenge?? I don't know the answer to that , but today I went for my third park run so I'll just write a few words about that in a double acrostic

Undoubtedly 

Until my daughter came to visit - you know the one, she's
Not afraid to get off the sofa and run or cycle or swim , she is
Dead keen on exercise and is an inspiration to me - it had been
Over a week since I ran- too tired, lazy, achy and every other excuse.
Undoubtedly, I would not have gone out for a practice run without
Being encouraged by her and her brother, who said,
"Think positive ma, you can do it ."
Eager to prove to myself that I am a strong woman I went and
Did just under three miles - that was wednesday evening and wow, what a
Lovely feeling of achievement and it was then I decided that
Yes, I would do the 5k park run on Saturday

Up before the dawn, ready by eight , with new running gear and good trainers,
Now was my time - taking in view out to sea - a mist settled over the calm , two
Daughters egg me on as other runners are in fancy dress for halloween .
On to the start line - so many here today - getting a bit fearful now - maybe it was
Unwise to think that I could ever be good enough to
Be a runner, who was I kidding....
Then we begin - yes, I'll get round and someone has to come last - but,
Even after just a little way, I have to walk and I'm gasping for breath, but with
Determination I run a bit and walk a bit and push myself round, until I run the
Last few meters, collect my chip and almost collapse in a heap on the grass.
Yes, I'd done it, and what's more got a PB - can't be bad...

Dangerous

28th October 2016


Day 22 - OK , yes, I know I'm now way behind. But I have been so busy with family that It's been virtually impossible to get to any writing. Given that I'll probably not finish the challenge by the end of the month, I wonder whether to go on or not.
And:

Dangerous

Who knew it could be dangerous swinging on a swing in the park

By the river, next to the restaurant with pigs and ducks in the grounds.

The ducks who shared their home with rats who scurried freely eating the ducks grain

Dirty water didn't  seem to worry the ducks as they  drank and swam in it.

The pigs - black, smelly, snorting, snuffling.

But , I digress, OK the swing and how it was dangerous.

After our lunch and a walk along by the river, 

Seven excited grandchildren spotting  the park through the trees ran with renewed energy

Terrorizing the few children already their with their parents.

They egged each other on - who could slide the fastest, climb the highest, swing the highest...

Pushing each other they pushed their limits

A tall grandson pushed a grandaughter- the same age as himself- till she squealed with pleasure

And then, the final push - too hard - up she went and with a jolt 

Was thrown from her seat , unable to hold on - she flew up and landed six feet from the swing

Flat on her back , flat on her back!!

Unable to breathe for too long for us to be comfortable - not able to speak

Fear tells stories, invents problems - is her neck broken or her back...

Do we need an ambulance??? 

She calms down and her auntie, a doctor checks her spine and declares all is well.

She was left with some bruises - it could have been worse.

  

Nature's Calling

22nd October 2016

Nearly caught up now - Day 21 in the challenge.  Another acrostic:

Nature's Calling


Now is the time to think of the planet
Alter the way we use the goods of the earth
Take more care of the little things
Using up the leftovers, not throwing it away
Really making sure not to but too much
Even being a little frugal for the sake of the planet
Saving some money into the bargain for use on
Caring for people. There are
All sorts of ways that could make a difference
Leaving the car at home for instance and using those
Legs will make us all healthier and save on fuel
It's a small but effective change to make and say
Nature's calling us to help take more care- change toxic chemicals for eco friendly
Get more attentive - turn of the lights and use less water.

White Rose

           Day 20



           White Rose

One rose , left all alone in the late October cold
One rose, a white bud breaking open in the autumn sun
One rose, in the corner of the garden
The only remembrance of summer's happy colours
There , reminding us of a life lost  - six years ago
A pure delicate rose -  in Heaven now

Trees

Day 19 - Trees

When you can't see the wood for the trees,
And all about you is dark,
And the boughs weigh heavy
With despair, pulling you deep
Deep down, slowing your every move
Your legs as if in quick sand , ache
Ache , with the effort of having to

Stop, breathe, Know
Know that nothing is that bad,
You will get through , feel light again.
The mayhem will go on whether
You fret or not,
So why fret
Feel the eternity in the present moment ,
Find inside the space, the air,
Rest, untangle tight muscles,
Stay still, silent for a while,
Drink in the cosmos
Be light in the darkness
Glide on  wings of peace

Senseless

                                                                    18th October 2016

Senseless

As more senseless killings are reported 

From around the world 

As our old people are hidden away to sit 

Staring out of a window 

Alone, abandoned and feeling useless , 

Just biding time - or worse, 

Costing too much for us to care,

We may wonder if life has become devalued  and today

We are only acceptable 

If we can look after ourselves and 

Not bother anybody else.

Savory

17th October 2016

Managed to get out for a run this morning even though my body was trying to rebel. Did a 34 minute run  - out in the dark .

Me : "just to the next lamp post.... walk now... start again... to the bin... and the next one... and again... you can do it.... walk now... gasp gasp ... gasp.... shall I run a bit more ... yes, just to the end of the road, ok not that far .... etc etc etc xxx " And it was lovely running/walking /gasping. /sweating/ by the sea...
But I went out and did it...x

 — feeling proud.

An acrostic:

Savory

So hard to get out of bed, maybe I'll leave it till tomorrow, the sun's not even up.

Ah... come on , you can do it.. You'll be back before you know it.. and what a

Vast improvement you'll make if you keep it up... yes come on, out you get

Or, do you always want to come in last, in everything... no - well then, 

Run - for thirty minutes - it's not much , and so good for you,, the heart rate increased 

You'll be fit and healthy , have more energy ... OK, I'm off, ...

In- depth

                                                                                                 16th October 2016

I can't believe it's day 16 already. Abundant blessings on all you lovely readers who are sticking with my words. 

In-depth

You can't have an in-depth conversation when running,

In fact it's difficult to have any conversation at all

Well, it is for me - looking around on my 5k run , it seems it's not

Beyond others.

Others, can manage it - conversing, I mean, not sure it's in-depth, but

It's still one hundred percent better than me , I can't utter any sounds

That are not a gasp.

Gasping, because I can't breathe deeply,

Gasping, because I'm searching for air for my constricted lungs,

Gasping, because, apparently, I need to pace myself,

Not go too fast,

Gasping , because, actually, even when I go very slow

I still cannot breath.

One day, they say, I'll be able to run the 5k and not gasp

One day, they say, I'll be able to run the 5k and talk at the same time,

On that day,

Then, maybe, I'll be able to have an

In-depth conversation while running.

Blue

                                                                                15th October

Well it's the 15th day of the poetry challenge and almost half way there. I've been trying to figure a way to post poems while I'm away for a few days without my computer or access to one.
I might have to post three on Thursday all together. I hope that counts for the poem a day thing. If not , It can't be helped - more to do with technology difficulties than unwillingness to get creative .
Anyway for today then, the prompt being "Blue"

                            Blue

Some warming up, some bending and chatting - most standing , waiting, going blue with the cold.
Young, not so young, men, women , girls, boys, all shapes and sizes all gathered to do the 5K park run.
One youngish woman - well younger than me by quite a bit - befriended this older specimen
And as we ran, following the 35 minute pacer , we talked a bit, for a bit, until , and I knew it would come,
I couldn't breathe.
So, on we go together, even though she is faster than me- she kindly keeps me company.
In a way, running is like writing - a solitary activity - out in the evenings counting the lamp posts
In your own world.
Writing, the same, at your desk, dreaming and pondering what comes next,
In your own world,
Then get together with others to practice - either writing or running - but still it's down to just you
You share the experience but you can't share the doing of it and you're
In you're own world.
My new friend crossed the line after me so I would not be last -  friend for life now
My time - 42.01 minutes - her PB -  36.00- Thanks friend

Shameful

                                                                                 14th Oct 2016


The story of our walk today in a double acrostic.



                                            Shameful

   Stroll along bank of river on soft grasS, 

Hear birds sing in low branches and in the distance, fading, cars. Take PatH

Across orchard  - apples red, hanging heavy, ready , waiting -ah hA.

March freely on footpath- well worn- fallow fields on either side - and dreaM,

End at style - markers giving two choices , which one to takE

Follow  route that leads to historic church in village, through narrow lanes oF

Udulating clod , weaving your way until you spy the bridge over the river and yoU

Lean over and watch  fish trying to swim upstream, and there be stilL 

Flowing

                                                                                     13th Oct 2016

It's cold . I a few minutes when I finish this poem for today, the 13th day of the challenge, I will head out for a run. I'll only do half an hour or so and mostly I'll be walking, but heh, at least I'll be doing it, right?  Not feeling like it at all.
The day before yesterday my husband and I did another long walk along the coast. You remember - we are planning to walk the Way of St James to Santiago de Compostella , more than 500 miles, so we need to get some practice in.
Anyway because I walked with hubby I haven't done a run yet this week . Today will be the first and then I plan to do the park run again on Saturday.
If you're a runner or if you've walked the Camino Way, I'd love to hear your story.


                                               Flowing

Life, His essence , 

Wells up in abundance

Flowing through your soul like a river 

With harmony warming you. 

Let go, rest and be blessed ,

Flourish and thrive - Create-   in the 

Present moment , with His spirit,.

Feel the buzz,

Your energy source,

Let it permeate your soft inner self. 

Keep your special time with 

Your God

Strong

                                                                                    12th Oct 2016



                 Strong

                      Strategies, diet, energy drinks and excercise
                      To build strong  muscles
                      Rules, discipline, mental gymnasium to strenghten the brain
                          Or another way to focus the mind, but
                          Not forgetting all the others
                          Giving time to sit in silence - the nourishment and strenght for the soul



So stay strong and Take from life the good things and the bad . Row against the current On towards your goal, Never Giving up on your dreams.

Lively

                                                                                            11th Oct 2016

Again, thank you to everyone who is reading and commenting on my poems for the challenge. It's now day 11 and I don't feel my muse anywhere near. So I am just writing ...
I am a little disappointed as I was unsuccessful getting a place in the London Marathon. I will, hopefully continue with the training and try again next year.
Also, I can concentrate on preparing for Our Camino Pilgrimage . More about that later...

Lively

Didn't go for  run today.

Energy levels low - hadn't slept - could have curled up on sofa 

And gone off, but instead, at request of other half

Went for walk,

A brisk walk along the cliff, with sea air refreshing brain cells.

They don't say it's healthy living by the coast for nothing.

After an hour time to go home,

But me, I'm lively now and could continue for another hour.

Maybe I'll run tomorrow.

Unfolded

                                                                                      10th Oct 2016

It is the 10th day of the Octpowrimo challenge and so far, so good. Whether or not I make it to the end of the month is yet to be seen. 
A bit of a fun acrostic:

Unfolded

                                            Arrive at hotel, throw sUitcases on bed

 Kick off shoes aNd breathe deeply 

                        Take time to unFold the neat memos in your mind

                    And later as you unfOld your clothes and put them away

Take delight and  pLeasure in the peace

      That starts to Deepen in your soul

                These momEents are yours to own

                                             Be still as the now unfolDs  within. 

The Cows

                                                                                            9th Oct 2016

Yesterday I completed my first 5k park run in the morning and realised that if I get into the London Marathon, which I will hear on 18th, I have a long way to go before I am going to be fit to take part. But I will jolly well have a good try and if necessary walk it. I would , however, like to get a medal for taking part and to do that I have to complete it by six in the evening, which is about eight hours.

We also heard the very good news last night that we have a new grandson, which, as you can imagine is wonderful. I will , at some point, change my blog bio again to include this latest information.

And today we went for a walk through fields with another grandchild who has a birthday this weekend.

The Cows

Some with walking shoes, others with wellies,

Coats and scarves to keep form the cold

Children ,parents and old folk too 

Off on an adventure 

To see the cows.

Down narrow roads and muddy country lanes,

To footpaths overgrown with briars,

Children , parents and old folk too,

Trudge through  fields

And find the cows.

"Warning, bull in the field" said the sign by the style ,

But nowhere to be seen , the bull, so

Children, parents and old folk too,

All climb over to the field,

With the cows.

Keeping eyes wide open and walking close together,

Chatting to stop spiraling thoughts of the bull  

Children , parents and old folk too  

Reach the other side leaving

Behind the cows 

What Noise

                                                8th Oct 2016

Thank you to all my loyal readers. Today the visits to my blog exceeded 22000. That is just amazing . Also, I'm so grateful for all the comments, so encouraging to read what people think of my random words. 

Well I did the park run this morning . Five kilometers of gasping for breath as I ran for ten seconds and walked for ten minutes, but, I wasn't last and now feel energised. I recommend  it to everyone.  

So, the following poem came about after I had to get up this morning at five thirty - I have to tell you, that is in the dark - so that I could take my husband to the station. And the rain just came down like a tsunami had disturbed the heavens . 

What is That Noise

What's that noise?

In the dark the flask is filled 

With tea there's no time to drink

 Now,

What is that noise?

Soda bread buttered and 

wrapped for later, there's no time to eat 

Now

That noise...

Hurry, pack your rucksack 

You have a train to catch

Out the door

Ahh, the noise

It's a downpour

Run to the car

It's not that far

But soaked we are

Tasty

                                                                                 7th Oct 2016

My thoughts seem to revolve around food at the moment. Is it the prompts from #octpowrimo2016  do you think or am I thinking too much of my stomach now that the cold weather is upon us.
I ran this morning, not far, just over a mile in fact, wanting to get fit for my first park run this weekend. It's a 5k run, which will probably take me around 50 mins to complete - at least that's what I'm hoping. I'll let you know .

Anyway to continue with my poem for today:

I've tried an acrostic around based around the word tasty.


                                  Tasty

         When There is no butter

Crush some garlic And blend with olive oil.

                  Use thiS on bread or with salad

                      It's so Tasty that you will wonder

                              Why You have't discovered it before

A Tantalising Aroma

                                                                                      6th October 2016

We have started a monthly lunch club in our parish . A hard working team giving time to help the community grow. We had a great day on our trial shift - although exhausting , it was also hugely satisfying. As my brain is in a bit of a spin now I found that all I felt I could write about was that.



A Tantalising Aroma


Ooo, that's a tantalising aroma...
A cheery, red face peered around the door.
He was early -  we were late
We had arrived at nine and
Scrubbed and
Rubbed and
Disinfected every corner of the kitchen
Had to be done. That was before
Any food preparation
So, we were late, not very, but still...
Door of oven slammed shut at 11.40 am
Chicken pies on target for 12.30.
He came at 11.50, expecting a meal at
12.00 midday .
We looked after him, gave him coffee,
Then others came to join him.
The work went on.
Dicing carrots, shredding cabbage , boiling potatoes..
And for the dessert - sponge to make
To cover the apples that came
Free.
All sixteen diners eating by 12.40
Enough food to feed forty -
The amount there'll be next week
Words of appreciation and much
Chatting together -
Our practice run went well...
We learnt a lot....
Made a list for the replay
Yes, , with mind and hall cleared
 I sat back and appreciated
That comment
And agreed
Not just a tantalising aroma but
A delicious repast to boot.

Sharp Words

                                                                                                                                                                    5th Oct 2016


I'm going to be extremely busy today but wanted to get some words down.
Catch up later

Sharp Words.

Stopping to talk makes me late
Pick up your step, hurry along,
Good that I've worn my running trainers.
Can I make it in tow minutes
Would hate to slink in after the start.
Puffing, panting I'm here.
A seat by the window, more light coming in,
Not to near to the leader.
I'm not the last by far today,
Three more wander in and unperturbed
Take their places.
Creative writers gathered together
I feel a fraud .
The comments today seem sharp,
Sharp and unfair
Silencing inspiration.
When it's over , I amble off on my way
With subject for homework ringing round
Foggy corners of my mind,
Turning it maybe into possibilities
For  new words next week

Ruby

                                                                                                                                                                                           4th Oct 2016

                                           
So, it's day 4 and I have written some words. Found it hard to write anything but pondered on a meeting with a friend yesterday . Thinking about the prompt, purple, I was struck by her ring
                                              Ruby

One ring with ruby set in gold -  from Afganistan she said,

Worn on her finger, since her engagement

More than forty years before.

Her brother, mining in Kabul province - all those years ago,

Found the gem and had it taken  to 

A jeweller to cut and shine.

This stone, once precious for it's  beauty and value

Now is loved for a truer motive 

The years having set in the stone the permanence

of their bond.

This small purple gem containing love and hope 

In deep colour

Burying flecks of division within

Holding the promise of eternity

Before the Sun

3rd October
And now we come to the third day. Did you find some of the other poets that I told you about? If not, go look...
I would like to go running this morning but I'm nursing a blister so I need to be patient.

Before the Sun

You are up before dawn, ready to take on the world,
Stretching those muscles and toes that were curled
In sleep
Not sure how you plan to make use of the day
You sparkle and shine giving to all your ray
To keep
To wake with such energy surprises and thrills you
Bring on the light you say there's jobs to do
Let's get going.
The sun is deciding to pop up , look there
The darkness is sent and a a glimmer appears.
Let's start sowing

The Void

   2nd Nov

Am praying for mum and dad today , the Feast of All Souls.  I've put this on the post "The Void" as I felt it was a different way of looking at the same theme


One day we will meet again and one another understand,
With all the pain and suffering gone, reach for each other's hand.
Our joy will be that then we'll know why we acted the way we did,
Our knowing will be complete - nothing at all will be hid.

The love we had between us so hard to show sometimes ,
Will be evident -   no need for shady rhymes.
We'll spend our time getting to know the people we are, really,
Our deepest hopes and longings will be there for us to see.

I wait for that day when we with a happy heart,
And it won't matter how long we've been apart,
For you will be waiting on the other side for me
And when I get there, there you will be




 2nd October 2016

OK, so it's the second day of the challenge and I already feel that the way is too hard. But, the easy road isn't always the most beneficial. If you want to see the poems of all the other participants in the poem a day for October challenge go to poetsonthepage.blogspot.com .

The Void

Look at you taking the broad path, soft grass underfoot,
Lightness in your step,
Warmed by your friend from her place in the Heavens,
Accompanied by many along this pleasant way
Breathing ,with you, the fresh ,wholesome air.
But...
But in your soul, a void,
A void of hopelessness and misery,
A void of emptiness and wasted dreams
Crushed, buried.
Turn...
Turn and see the other path, the one less trodden, narrow, steep.
Stones falter your step, the wind, the rain, slow your progress.
Weakness pulls on your strong shoulders.
Yet...
Yet, on this path, in your soul,
Light, fullness of joy, a joy that bursts forth ,
And you smile,
You smile.

A Walk in Time

                                                                                                                                                                     1st October 2016
A few words for the Octpowrimo challenge:

It's the first of October and this morning

 I wentfor an early walk.

 I was hoping to start at 6.30,

 but it was dark and wet and I wasn't ready. 

At seven fifteen

 I left the house, but after five minutes it was clear that 

the trainers I'd chosen to wear 

were going to be a problem 

for the blister on my left heal - an injury that has more to do

 with fashion and pride than walking ,

 as it came about because I was trying to impress,

 knowing that I look my best in heels. 

After changing my trainers,

 I was back out the door in five minutes. 

Giving myself an hour,

 I was able to relax into a comfortable  rhythm and take in 

the freshness of the morning, 

walking sometimes along the coastal path and 

sometimes in the more built up roads nearer to my house.

The quiet only interupted  by the 

soft waves creeping in and out.

And thoughts came in...

The years we have 

 so few to 

live the dreams

 that we share together. 

How to fit them in

while legs are still working,

the mind still sharp - ish.

Time running out,

running short.

We must continue

 running

till the end.