I Encounter Sanity

When a tall, slight man with an air of purpose approached me near my front door on Tuesday, I stopped, adopted a guarded attitude. If I'd had time to pull my hat further down over my ears, I would have done.

He had the look of need about him, and I expected he would ask me for something I might not be prepared to give. It was late: I was tired to the point of resignation. It's getting to that stage of the autumn term which is more accurately known as winter. Compassion fatigue feels dormant in me, like a cold virus that won't show itself entirely.

Our brief exchange had a clarity which has stayed with me for the past three days:

Him [leaning in towards me] "What does Tuesday mean?"

Me [my anxiety increasing a little] "Today is Tuesday."

Him [leaning back] "You are right.  I am happy with that answer."

And off he went, and into my home I went, feeling that for the first time in my life, I had scored 100% in a test for which I was completely unprepared.

I Reinforce My Poems

I've been putting my files in order. It's taken a while, but a couple of months after beginning the organisation project, I now have an (almost) complete set of my published and publishable poems in alphabetical order. I haven't counted them, but there are three full ring binders. I've also made a separate folder of 'Early and Not for Circulation' poems. 

Of course, there are some poems on the boundary between what I consider 'publishable' and the ones 'not for circulation'. In the end, I can only be sure a poem is publishable when it's published. These days, I have a clearer sense of a poem of mine that is good, and a poem that is, well, slightly embarrassing; but there is still a margin of uncertainty. 

Whilst sorting the collection, some pages became unstable - so I popped into WH Smith's after work for reinforcements. Here (before the application of reinforcement and after the application of reinforcement) is my much used poem, 'The School Concert', which was published in Mslexia in 2011. 

When I received a cheque for £25 for this poem, I photographed it, in case it was the only one I ever received.

It's not possible for me to have an entirely clear judgement about the strengths and weaknesses of my own work, and so I appreciate the external validation that a publication brings.

This evening, I've been sticking small circles of paper onto poems which have become a bit worn, with a view to increasing their staying power. It's a surprisingly satisfying venture. 

I Share Good News

Class of 2019 -

Graduation!  

Another year group of students graduated last Wednesday in Wrexham. Watching them cross the stage to shake the Vice Chancellor's hand, their tutor Liz Lefroy recalled in a series of mini flashbacks and with a huge sense of pride much of what the past three years have involved - the learning, the triumphs, the setbacks, the personal losses and happiness, the determination and courage - all the challenges that are part of the BA Hons Social Work.  Here is the class of 2019 just before dropping their caps!

Gabriel wins Arts Society

Shrewsbury's 2019

Young Arts Bursary

Not strictly news - more like 'olds' but reported this month in an article in Shropshire Magazine Gabriel's major achievement in securing the Young Arts Bursary awarded after a competitive process by the Arts Society Shrewsbury.  "The panel were impressed by all 3 shortlisted candidates, but Gabriel was outstanding" said Deborah Yates, vice chair of Arts Society Shrewsbury. Here she is, pictured handing Gabriel the £2000 bursary, awarded to help talented young artists and designers educated in Shropshire further their careers.

Boudicca in Coalport
Intrepid Brompton Boudicca made it to Coalport and Ironbridge last Sunday after the frustrating days spent indoors because of torrential rain.Then out came the shiny October sunshine.

She travelled to Telford Central by Midlands Rail and used the Silkin Way to get down to the Severn, which was threatening to burst its banks. Here she is, accessorising the sky, on Coalport Bridge, shortly before making her way with companions Liz, Bertie and Mike to the Maws Craft Centre, where they met Steve by happy chance, and shared an excellent brownie with their coffee. Perfect!

Mini Pumpkin Pride
Halloween can be avoided completely in a top floor flat, says Liz of Shrewsbury. However, the lack of any tricks doesn't preclude the treat of a mini pumpkin display. "My son Jonty sent me a picture of a mini pumpkin he'd bought for his student room, and I knew I had to go one better," confessed Liz. "Two better,  in fact.

I got them from Des at Pomona. I wish I could say that I grew them myself but that would be a lie, and this is journalism."