Boiled Eggs and Foxgloves.

I am very pleased that the new Children`s Laureate is Chris Redell as he is an artist as well as a good writer. He recommends that everyone should do a drawing every day, keep a sketchbook handy and some well sharpened pencils.   I have been doing this. It makes you look at things more carefully and it is the process and not the result that is important. So far I have drawn:  some foxgloves, grasses and elderflowers picked on my morning walk with BW and also attempted to draw the squirrels outside my window, difficult as they are never still, and crows, which are easier. Also my breakfast egg and a jar of Marmite. I already do Morning Pages which is a sort of writing exercise when you just write for a couple of pages without taking your pen off the paper or correcting it in any way, a sort of stream of consciousness,and what with the early dog walk, it is quite a busy routine.

I have just finished Patrick Gale`s latest novel A Town called Winter which I got from the wonderful mobile library.  They get me all the new books.  It is loosely based on events in his own family: a great grandfather who mysteriously went off to Canada leaving his family behind.  Like all his books, it is thought provoking, sensitive and moving.  He is such a great story teller. 

I am doing my annual `poetry `project with the Year 2`s . Subjects range from the usual dogs, cats and gerbils to a snall boy saying he wanted to write about `demolition and blowing things up`  Many of them want to write about their tablets and other electronic devices. I am not sure whether they are good or bad, but they are inextricably part of their lives now.

I am getting ready for my trip to France with brother P. We are going on the channel tunnel this year but to the same place in Normandy as last time. I hope we both survive without having to experience a French A and E department but it is always a risk at our advanced ages. At least we will have the advantage of P`s excellent French to see us through.   The thing is, we do not have great expectations, we just love being in France with the good wine, bread and chesse and other delights and we enjoy each other`s company. 

Proper poorly

I came back from the Julia Darling fest up north with a nasty virus which has made feel feel very poorly ever since, though with B. Wiggins` reproachful looks there is little chance of having a proper illness and being able to lie on the sofa all day as we have to go for walks at regular intervals. Daughter J came and made me curative drinks with ginger and Manuka honey, but I have just remembered the Russian granny cures from the Meeting House days which involve garlic on toast, a sock tied round the neck, and hot hard boiled eggs (with shells on) massaged over the face, so I think I will try those.

Julia`s ten year memorial events in Newcastle were quite overwhelming.   There was a lovely evening of poetry at the University where she was a fellow, both hers and new ones dedicated to her, and there were workshops, plays and music at Live Theatre on the Quayside where she had been writer in residence. And I was able to see  the grand daughters and great grand little boys and great nieces too plus sister J and brother P. and many other family and old friends.  It was a good get together and I am so thankful for it.

B. Wiggins had to be left with a friend in Brighton and he did a runner to daughter J`s house, though fortunately not to Ditchling, but he was quickly rescued and he settled down     He has just had a complete makeover at Plumpton College Dog Grooming Department and now looks half the size.   Sadly his friend Jumble, daughter J`s dog, died on Friday aged twelve. He was a lovely quiet polite dog and his great accomplishment was singing tunefully whenever anyone played the mouth organ. We will all miss him .

I went to a film in the village hall called The Rocket, made in Laos. I spent much of the time with my eyes shut and my fingers in my ears as it involved two sweet children doing very dangerous things, and it was obvious that they have not yet heard of Health and Safety in Laos. It did end happily,  but it make me thankful for the comfort of life in Ditchling