tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19888855089088686682024-03-25T21:20:33.308+00:00Judith's Well WordsPromoting mental health and well being through mindful writing.Judith Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833449231978366546noreply@blogger.comBlogger360125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988885508908868668.post-77399456970624296012024-03-25T21:17:00.003+00:002024-03-25T21:20:32.851+00:00Be Astonished<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinULKGx75XFQzMTYL9jPcKpn2mOUrRiRSggdYsXG2M8Lxdq_ulGlVTxEtVfJDcaBMdGM9DJsas2YfeA2tuHZQFh8CJVvRSOnA-yS_n-3CTLO9qKo52_b0CS3w6AAzK5AfneBxHsz_tBW3q6l3dFxS_Rsn9WAWjYNO1r9jybRtWEkU5I5Hqnb4Eicun-_I/s3264/IMG_20240319_133455300.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="3264" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinULKGx75XFQzMTYL9jPcKpn2mOUrRiRSggdYsXG2M8Lxdq_ulGlVTxEtVfJDcaBMdGM9DJsas2YfeA2tuHZQFh8CJVvRSOnA-yS_n-3CTLO9qKo52_b0CS3w6AAzK5AfneBxHsz_tBW3q6l3dFxS_Rsn9WAWjYNO1r9jybRtWEkU5I5Hqnb4Eicun-_I/w640-h360/IMG_20240319_133455300.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Cullernose Point near Howick. </b><br /></span></span></p><h1 style="color: #313335; font-size: 22px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">"Instructions for living a life:</span></h1><h1 style="color: #313335; font-size: 22px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.."</span></h1>
<p style="color: #767676; margin-bottom: 32px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><i>Mary Oliver</i></span><span style="color: black;"></span></span></p><p style="color: #767676; margin-bottom: 32px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">I have a fascination with rocks and that's one of the many reasons I love the Northumberland coast. Walk along the coastal path near Craster or Seahouses and you can see rocks that were laid down in the early part of the Carboniferous Period, between about 360 and 328 million years ago. I find it mind-boggling to discover the many fossils of sea creatures who lived at that time when this part of the country had clear, warm, shallow seas.</span></span></p><p style="color: #767676; margin-bottom: 32px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">It was easy last week, while on holiday in Northumberland, to 'pay attention' on our walks and cycle rides and see something 'astonishing'. We were out in nature, by the sea, wind blowing, waves crashing on to the rocks, and with nothing much to concern us except 'living a life.'</span></span></p><p style="color: #767676; margin-bottom: 32px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Click <a href="https://readalittlepoetry.com/2014/09/10/sometimes-by-mary-oliver/#poem" target="_blank">here </a>to read the rest of Mary Oliver's poem 'Sometimes'.' Click <a href="https://www.northumberlandcoast-nl.org.uk/files/Downloads/Howick_North.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> to read more about the geology of this part of the world. </span></span></p><p style="color: #767676; margin-bottom: 32px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Writing prompts:</b></span></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">What have you paid attention to today? What has astonished you? Tell about it in your writing.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><b> </b></span><span style="color: black;">Write, using all your senses, about a time when you enjoyed being at the coast. </span></span></li></ul>Judith Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833449231978366546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988885508908868668.post-8224438624849765182024-03-14T20:44:00.002+00:002024-03-15T14:12:32.515+00:00Clean It Up!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MydZRiYwIzVOXUjIOu0k7AfV7gdoktRZ1Ubi8lCjVRdRNEE0PUy5cOH-ELT_S9SJWv0ol_X7yOiI1Nx881x1IjcG43PmNJLUukKZGQCTVfCaEWRk0_wRL649gYjOxKsBqDZdXwlXXyJ31NVkpFUbC_ThI_VedfeHo8tr_ANrnuyHUaHPBHEoEtiBYjA/s2988/austrian-national-library-t5qnrCVkUz8-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2988" data-original-width="2004" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MydZRiYwIzVOXUjIOu0k7AfV7gdoktRZ1Ubi8lCjVRdRNEE0PUy5cOH-ELT_S9SJWv0ol_X7yOiI1Nx881x1IjcG43PmNJLUukKZGQCTVfCaEWRk0_wRL649gYjOxKsBqDZdXwlXXyJ31NVkpFUbC_ThI_VedfeHo8tr_ANrnuyHUaHPBHEoEtiBYjA/w269-h400/austrian-national-library-t5qnrCVkUz8-unsplash.jpg" width="269" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> https://unsplash.com/@austriannationallibrary</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>"We are all born happy. Life gets us dirty along the way, but we can clean it up."<br /><i>Isabel Allende </i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Have you done any Spring cleaning yet? We had some carpets cleaned this week, and we're about to repaint our hall and bedroom. The longer days and a bit more sunshine might have motivated you to fling open the windows, let in some fresh air and blow away the cobwebs. Psychologists tell us that Spring cleaning can be good for our mental health. Click <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/why-spring-cleaning-is-good-for-your-mental-health-7372064" target="_blank">here</a> to find out why. <br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Keep Britain Tidy is organising 'The Great British Spring Clean 2024'. Click <a href="https://www.keepbritaintidy.org/get-involved/support-our-campaigns/great-british-spring-clean" target="_blank">here</a> to find out more and learn how you can join in. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Writing prompts:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: large;">Write for a few minutes about how life has 'got you dirty along the way.' Have you been able to 'clean it up', as Isabel Allende suggests?</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Do you enjoy cleaning? Write about the effect is has on you - physically and mentally, good or bad.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Describe your feelings now that Spring is arriving and the days are getting longer. Are you motivated to try something new?</span><br /></li></ul></div><p></p>Judith Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833449231978366546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988885508908868668.post-17979731286590406782024-03-07T16:00:00.001+00:002024-03-07T16:06:51.626+00:00International Women's Day 2024<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLH08PptTtPqQMtAJZKOaXvW3wx2Xkv6j586mizKOau5eYe-N535oBSLZwddcMco99kHFZ8SkaTBYhnPjrzDmSgNxfsxLf6xynLlOmEq1fMW3C67ajX3_Ee3IbLVb2FOKFRE15bccb4925UnkRf7T4t5mrJ4HpNKPIRs2eG0VwJASGVJH2nUXQ7CLm9Q/s1080/IWD2024_HappyIWD.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLH08PptTtPqQMtAJZKOaXvW3wx2Xkv6j586mizKOau5eYe-N535oBSLZwddcMco99kHFZ8SkaTBYhnPjrzDmSgNxfsxLf6xynLlOmEq1fMW3C67ajX3_Ee3IbLVb2FOKFRE15bccb4925UnkRf7T4t5mrJ4HpNKPIRs2eG0VwJASGVJH2nUXQ7CLm9Q/w400-h400/IWD2024_HappyIWD.png" width="400" /></a></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Let's Fly Together</b><br /><br />Let's flap our wings and fly together,<br /><br />Break the chains of patriarchy forever. <br /><br />We stand united, hand in hand,<br /><br />No longer silent, we take a stand.<br /><br /> We need more women in leadership roles,<br /><br />Their ideas, their vision, and their goals.<br /><br />We own our bodies, we own our minds,<br /><br />We leave oppression far behind.<br /><br />We lift each other up, we amplify our voice,<br /><br />We fight for our rights and our choice,<br /><br />Together we'll reach the highest of heights,<br /><br />And achieve our goals with all our might.<br /><br /> Let's build a world where love conquers hate,<br /><br />And create a future we'll all celebrate.<br /><br />Not just a dream, but a reality to see,<br /><br />Where women are truly, completely, free.<br /> <br /><i>Ayesha Islam</i></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Based in Sahiwal in Pakistan, poet Ayesha Islam uses the power of poetry to encourage her readers to #EmbraceEquity, penning an inspiring poem for IWD.<br /><br />Titled Let's Fly Together, Ayesha's poem explores themes of women's solidarity, empowerment, leadership, and equality - all of which align with the values and mission of IWD. </span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Click <a href="https://www.internationalwomensday.com/" target="_blank">here </a>to read more about International Women's Day March 8th, 2024.</span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Writing prompts:</b></span></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever felt discriminated against because of your gender? Set a timer and write about the experience for six minutes. </span></span></li><li style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Imagine if men and women switched for a day. Click <a href="https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Missions/17458/Now-here-s-a-video-to-watch-What-if-different-genders-switched-for-a-day" target="_blank">here</a> to watch a video that explores gender equality, then write about how it would be if you switched with someone for a day.<br /></span></span></li><li style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Is there a woman who has inspired you ? Write about her. <br /></span></span></li></ul><br />Judith Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833449231978366546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988885508908868668.post-26057219609114963392024-02-29T21:33:00.000+00:002024-02-29T21:33:45.037+00:00Dance to the Music<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82ZnWE1EEkk6bkuP6fnS-v1GgT_Rl2ZF4bI4_nmy9tLySn_H8l5Bb7RXcCGPxz2EIxGvVlxQH7Sr16-DlnMEw5weOBXTMCMmBSMnfhkqOYweRWdfrv91HFNd9WlgAHOUaEsCE4ynXcCUBpcYP052eiRQcGy2c5wEBzAWyOahLScd4LhjaEbIEtGtqYk0/s1408/Usdancing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="940" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82ZnWE1EEkk6bkuP6fnS-v1GgT_Rl2ZF4bI4_nmy9tLySn_H8l5Bb7RXcCGPxz2EIxGvVlxQH7Sr16-DlnMEw5weOBXTMCMmBSMnfhkqOYweRWdfrv91HFNd9WlgAHOUaEsCE4ynXcCUBpcYP052eiRQcGy2c5wEBzAWyOahLScd4LhjaEbIEtGtqYk0/w268-h400/Usdancing.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="t0" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b> The Dance</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>By Paul Laurence Dunbar</i></span></span><br /></div><div><p></p><div style="float: right; padding: 8px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="t3a" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Heel and toe, heel and toe,</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span class="t3a">
That is the song we sing;</span><br /><span class="t3a">
Turn to your partner and curtsey low,</span><br /><span class="t3a">
Balance and forward and swing.</span><br /><span class="t3a">
Corners are draughty and meadows are white,</span><br /><span class="t3a">
This is the game for a winter's night.</span><br /><span class="t3a">
</span><br /><span class="t3a">
Hands around, hands around,</span><br /><span class="t3a">
Trip it, and not too slow;</span><br /><span class="t3a">
Clear is the fiddle and sweet its sound,</span><br /><span class="t3a">
Keep the girls' cheeks aglow.</span><br /><span class="t3a">
Still let your movements be dainty and light,</span><br /><span class="t3a">
This is the game for a winter's night.</span><br /><span class="t3a">
</span><br /><span class="t3a">
Back to back, back to back,</span><br /><span class="t3a">
Turn to your place again;</span><br /><span class="t3a">
Never let lightness nor nimbleness lack,</span><br /><span class="t3a">
Either in maidens or men.</span><br /><span class="t3a">
Time hasteth ever, beware of its flight,</span><br /><span class="t3a">
Oh, what a game for a winter's night!</span><br /><span class="t3a">
</span><br /><span class="t3a">
Slower now, slower now,</span><br /><span class="t3a">
Softer the music sighs;</span><br /><span class="t3a">
Look, there are beads on your partner's brow</span><br /><span class="t3a">
Though there be light in her eyes.</span><br /><span class="t3a">
Lead her away and her grace requite,</span><br /><span class="t3a">
So goes the game on a winter's night.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="t3a"> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="t3a"> *****</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><h1 style="color: #313335; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">"Whatever music you beat on your drum there is somebody who can dance to it."<br /></span></span></h1>
<p style="margin-bottom: 32px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Chinua Achebe</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 32px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love to dance with my husband. In the past we've bopped along to many a great soul classic, but more recently have enjoyed a more sedate waltz, or slow foxtrot. We've been having ballroom dancing lessons some quite some time, I'm not sure we are any better now than we were at the beginning. However, we enjoy it and there's something very special and intimate about dancing with the person you love. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 32px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Click<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0Iu8mVupgY" target="_blank"> here</a> for some great Motown dance tracks.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 32px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Writing prompts:</b></span></p><ul><li style="margin-bottom: 32px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Dance around your living room (alone or with a friend) then describe how it felt.</span></li><li style="margin-bottom: 32px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">What music do you 'beat on your drum'? Write about it. </span></li><li style="margin-bottom: 32px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Who is the person that dances, or has danced, to your music? Set a timer for six minutes and write about them. </span></li><li style="margin-bottom: 32px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">What's your favourite kind of music? Write about how it makes you feel - emotionally and physically. <br /></span></li></ul><span style="font-size: large;"> <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><p style="margin-bottom: 32px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="t3a"> </span></span></span></div></div>Judith Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833449231978366546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988885508908868668.post-28138442050925576782024-02-25T21:06:00.002+00:002024-02-25T21:06:52.247+00:00Signs of Spring<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> </b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixttdNxLbqdzAmJe3rJFMjLnsptfI1GnTXmoKs_xPWmy4xrlCr-dufnn9jR7-XRXAV4gxjOqZVkokLOC9nsO6jUlqSddGTetrBTxBvWdb8zcLb6VXg45PnDlBEQ3wEltnoydn3UP_guPfhM7qq4uATB7mpqtLH6MCXCK-99uUFAjdIH4zUVJ4gnJfiN3U/s2270/IMG_20240212_161030034.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1621" data-original-width="2270" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixttdNxLbqdzAmJe3rJFMjLnsptfI1GnTXmoKs_xPWmy4xrlCr-dufnn9jR7-XRXAV4gxjOqZVkokLOC9nsO6jUlqSddGTetrBTxBvWdb8zcLb6VXg45PnDlBEQ3wEltnoydn3UP_guPfhM7qq4uATB7mpqtLH6MCXCK-99uUFAjdIH4zUVJ4gnJfiN3U/w400-h286/IMG_20240212_161030034.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>“Snowdrops (Consolation)”</b></span></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A small bird twitters on a leafless spray,<br />Across the snow-waste breaks a gleam of gold:<br />What token can I give my friend to-day<br />But February blossoms, pure and cold?<br />Frail gifts from Nature’s half-reluctant hand…<br />I see the signs of spring about the land…<br />These chill snowdrops, fresh from wintry bowers,<br />Are the forerunners of a world of flowers.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>~<a href="https://englishverse.com/poets/doudney_sarah" target="_blank">Sarah Doudney</a>, c.1881</i></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The snowdrops outside our house were limp and forlorn today in the early morning frost, but soon perked up as the sun broke through. Click <a href="https://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/elisabeth-winkler/snowdrops-winter-superstars" target="_blank">here</a> to read more about these resilient winter superstars. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Type 'snowdrops' into the search box on this blog to find more poems and writing prompts about these delicate, but tough little flowers.<br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Like them, we all need a little bit of sunshine to warm our hearts and revive us when we're bending under the weight of anxiety or sadness. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Writing prompts:</b></span></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Write about a time when you have felt 'limp and forlorn'. What has helped to revive you?</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Go for a walk and notice the signs of forthcoming Spring all around. How do these make you feel? Write about your walk using all your senses. </span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you look forward to 'a world of flowers' in the coming months? Write about your favourite flower. <br /></span></span></li></ul>Judith Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833449231978366546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988885508908868668.post-48164345491490675692024-02-24T21:23:00.000+00:002024-02-24T21:23:41.496+00:00Calling All Senophiles<p> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBamRMos3VNfKkBrtcFqi-QmFQzQSrB33Lp2sTztgqg4ruqR_exJoXj6ghGlTHA-nIUh5DDso_VyXpv-LKSfZM2sFoYiyumrNDDSDiKpU6LXi0j4MkwInvEoLfVGacS8YMOxZgCKduYFdonL3_xtesHO6ktf2mwbshP8_nROS2LTPup6wHyw9t3to_/s4096/yunfengq-KmreAGIArKg-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2730" data-original-width="4096" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBamRMos3VNfKkBrtcFqi-QmFQzQSrB33Lp2sTztgqg4ruqR_exJoXj6ghGlTHA-nIUh5DDso_VyXpv-LKSfZM2sFoYiyumrNDDSDiKpU6LXi0j4MkwInvEoLfVGacS8YMOxZgCKduYFdonL3_xtesHO6ktf2mwbshP8_nROS2LTPup6wHyw9t3to_/w400-h266/yunfengq-KmreAGIArKg-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> https://unsplash.com/@qiuyunfeng</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://articles.adsabs.harvard.edu/full/seri/PA.../0034//0000259.000.html" target="_blank">Winter</a><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/64543460" target="_blank"> Moon</a><br /></b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Brightly the moon like a jewel is beaming,<br />White in the east, o’er a lone landscape gleaming,<br />Over the meadows and over the snow,<br />Glimmering, shimmering, silvery glow.<br /><br />Low in the east, when the gloaming is ending,<br />Slowly this white winter moon is ascending.<br />Looming so large and appearing so nigh,<br />Satellite framed by a star-spangled sky.<br /><br />High in the sky with soft radiance teeming,<br />Nigh to the time when men, women are dreaming,<br />Weird is her splendour on valley and hill,<br />Cold is her gleam upon river and rill.<br /><br />Brightly the moon like a jewel is shining,<br />White in the west she is slowly declining,<br />Beautiful moon! Which beams gorgeous and grand<br />Over the homes of our own Native Land.</span></span></p><p><a href="https://articles.adsabs.harvard.edu/full/1926PA.....34..259H" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />– Charles Nevers Holmes</span></span></i></a></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The moon is at its fullest and most beautiful tonight. Known as the Snow Moon because February was (and still is in some places) a time of heavy snow, it also has several other names. Click <a href="https://www.almanac.com/full-moon-names" target="_blank">here</a> to find out more.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Folklore and myths about full moons abound, but there does seem to be evidence that the current Snow Moon can affect your sleep pattern. Click <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43960958" target="_blank">here</a> to read more.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Click <a href="https://www.surfertoday.com/environment/the-best-quotes-about-the-moon" target="_blank">here</a> for quotes about the moon.<br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Writing prompts:</b></span></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;">If you can, go outside this evening and observe the Snow Moon, then return to the warmth, sit down and write for six minutes about whatever comes into your head.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">It's been a long time since we had really deep snow. Write about a memory you have of snow, using all your senses to describe that time.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Are you a good sleeper? Do you think your sleeping pattern may have been altered by the moon's phases? Write about your experience of sleep. </span></li></ul>Judith Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833449231978366546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988885508908868668.post-59423929267738133772024-02-05T21:39:00.005+00:002024-02-05T21:48:36.935+00:0029 Miles in February<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbM1oI5fGxiy4pDCtrZQ74piH886T214sbsD0j_vzO8LaaH470lVHunLiTkQN6WTo7GrF6s4THrGiZhNzjZK_JWpCc6qL1DbSxV6cHlXKGbGoTl5VaIwyMHLdpCmcJ3JNpfPU2WXhsnpRSpqsUREDwBqW64qhqeQGgJNAXy4fU1-t2J9urzNQxLPTfYrg/s800/Alzheimers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbM1oI5fGxiy4pDCtrZQ74piH886T214sbsD0j_vzO8LaaH470lVHunLiTkQN6WTo7GrF6s4THrGiZhNzjZK_JWpCc6qL1DbSxV6cHlXKGbGoTl5VaIwyMHLdpCmcJ3JNpfPU2WXhsnpRSpqsUREDwBqW64qhqeQGgJNAXy4fU1-t2J9urzNQxLPTfYrg/w640-h320/Alzheimers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmLbAHSz5Bk_0OgdJTvkLss-i8uhWe7s8WKfDLUF7lD5chwtIt7qu6P-IjfZutSnujFDgOpe0-swkrmaO23OlfzW1tLGdBfhri3LjbpDDGrBPBX3nnyrt0alMt_vnN1UPUVcQNQlB-RofnH96s8pfglEYTZM2zWJRCJ7W47u7bbq5QI-wXr0nsNUnhXU/s856/Dad4.jpg" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="776" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmLbAHSz5Bk_0OgdJTvkLss-i8uhWe7s8WKfDLUF7lD5chwtIt7qu6P-IjfZutSnujFDgOpe0-swkrmaO23OlfzW1tLGdBfhri3LjbpDDGrBPBX3nnyrt0alMt_vnN1UPUVcQNQlB-RofnH96s8pfglEYTZM2zWJRCJ7W47u7bbq5QI-wXr0nsNUnhXU/s320/Dad4.jpg" width="290" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> My dad, Raymond Edward Nolson </span></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">"<i>I know three people who have got better after a brain tumour. I haven't heard of anyone who's got better from Alzheimer's</i>." Terry Pratchett<br /><br />"<i>I don't have Alzheimer's. I have part-timer's</i>." Glen Campbell<br /><br />"<i>Dementia is often regarded as an embarrassing condition that should be hushed up and not spoken about. But I feel passionately that more needs to be done to raise awareness, which is why I became an ambassador for the Alzheimer's Society</i>." Kevin Whately<br /> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">"<i>Everyone's dream is to take a pill - take a pill every day so you won't have Alzheimer's</i>." Paul Allen</span><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">My dad had Alzheimer's towards the end of his long life, so this month I'm fundraising for Alzheimer's Research. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I started out trying to raise £100 by completing 29 miles in the 29 days of February. I've already reached my target, so have increased the amount I hope to raise to £350 and the miles I hope to complete to 129. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Lots of generous people have already donated. Please give a little if you can so that we can try to find a cure for this awful disease. Here's a link to my JustGiving page:</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.justgiving.com/page/judith-boardman-1704910629974">https://www.justgiving.com/page/judith-boardman-1704910629974<br /></a></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Click <a href="https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/" target="_blank">here</a> to learn more about Alzheimer's.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Click <a href="https://www.thememorytree.org.uk/" target="_blank">here</a> to read about Memory Tree which offers dementia support in Bradford.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Writing prompts:</b></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Set a timer for six minutes and write about someone you know who has, or had dementia. </span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Getting Alzheimer's disease is one of my greatest fears. What is yours? Write about it for a few minutes.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Have you ever raised funds for charity? If so, write about the experience. <br /></span></li></ul>Judith Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833449231978366546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988885508908868668.post-83599081445829664432024-01-31T17:18:00.002+00:002024-01-31T17:18:37.764+00:00Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOxDGum26mymO7pyAiSuL6Jqz6uGEur89hM3Ec94gMxaVuSLXikYrgoHqZxp6jde17ej_zLvN8b7iu7zUPgUckUjkbai0MDu_eH9J_PCfnFLDizFLeyywPUCeRQoTAhYDYSNdyUNWK3KLK45oFoOSCko9UW-7Nr4jfAZD5VeTY2YOwQvSzvhMU5-DZaU/s4320/joy-stamp-pGQbWXBC1dA-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2432" data-original-width="4320" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOxDGum26mymO7pyAiSuL6Jqz6uGEur89hM3Ec94gMxaVuSLXikYrgoHqZxp6jde17ej_zLvN8b7iu7zUPgUckUjkbai0MDu_eH9J_PCfnFLDizFLeyywPUCeRQoTAhYDYSNdyUNWK3KLK45oFoOSCko9UW-7Nr4jfAZD5VeTY2YOwQvSzvhMU5-DZaU/w400-h225/joy-stamp-pGQbWXBC1dA-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOxDGum26mymO7pyAiSuL6Jqz6uGEur89hM3Ec94gMxaVuSLXikYrgoHqZxp6jde17ej_zLvN8b7iu7zUPgUckUjkbai0MDu_eH9J_PCfnFLDizFLeyywPUCeRQoTAhYDYSNdyUNWK3KLK45oFoOSCko9UW-7Nr4jfAZD5VeTY2YOwQvSzvhMU5-DZaU/s4320/joy-stamp-pGQbWXBC1dA-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">https://unsplash.com/@joyfulphotos</a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The Rainy Day</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. <br /></i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> The day is cold, and dark, and dreary;<br />
It rains, and the wind is never weary;<br />
The vine still clings to the mouldering wall,<br />
But at every gust the dead leaves fall,<br />
And the day is dark and dreary.</span></span></p><div class="code-block code-block-1" style="clear: both; margin: 8px 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My life is cold, and dark, and dreary;<br />
It rains, and the wind is never weary;<br />
My thoughts still cling to the mouldering Past,<br />
But the hopes of youth fall thick in the blast,<br />
And the days are dark and dreary.<span id="more-13409"></span></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Be still, sad heart! and cease repining;<br />
Behind the clouds is the sun still shining;<br />
Thy fate is the common fate of all,<br />
Into each life some rain must fall,<br />
Some days must be dark and dreary.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am sitting at my laptop, looking out on to a very wet, grey, January afternoon. Squally rain showers are keeping me indoors where I'm safe and warm and enjoying being lulled by the music on BBC Radio 3. My heart goes out to any poor creature who it trying to survive outdoors right now.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some may be glad of the <a href="https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/specialist-forecasts/coast-and-sea/shipping-forecast" target="_blank">Shipping Forecast</a>. As someone who often keeps late hours, listening to Radio 4, I know that when I hear 'Sailing By' and the Shipping Forecast, it's time I went to sleep!</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Click <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qfvv" target="_blank">here </a>to find out more about the Shipping Forecast.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Click <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sailing_By" target="_blank">here </a>to find out more about 'Sailing By'.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Writing prompts:</b></span></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Is your life 'cold and dark and dreary'? Do you feel that the 'wind is never weary'? Set a timer for six minutes and write about it.</span></span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you believe, like Longfellow, that 'behind the clouds is the sun still shining'? Write about how to see the sunshine, rather than the rain.</span></span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you agree that 'into each life some rain must fall'? Does it fall more often and for longer for some?<br /></span></span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What do you do when you cannot sleep? Write down your strategies and perhaps share them as a comment below. <br /></span></span></li></ul><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></p>Judith Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833449231978366546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988885508908868668.post-42417897761571698372024-01-25T14:52:00.000+00:002024-01-25T14:52:14.390+00:00Wolf Moon<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPjIrJlx10wcIpGxjdawkmxSruKO23hX9ULT6h2JEn29CpzTAio8Y9DXtx947fG71k_kJkrFSOSPVY1-U-L4EG5AjlMNpHAif9e7Ekk2Iix-E1Y6oHDfFYc4w3Q4N9g2RpE9iHNn6H6m8Z6Tj3-KEbvdjQdBINC-d3LvGcB4zNZTjAKqyzoT25MZHVr4/s3122/david-dibert-Na0BbqKbfAo-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2081" data-original-width="3122" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPjIrJlx10wcIpGxjdawkmxSruKO23hX9ULT6h2JEn29CpzTAio8Y9DXtx947fG71k_kJkrFSOSPVY1-U-L4EG5AjlMNpHAif9e7Ekk2Iix-E1Y6oHDfFYc4w3Q4N9g2RpE9iHNn6H6m8Z6Tj3-KEbvdjQdBINC-d3LvGcB4zNZTjAKqyzoT25MZHVr4/w400-h266/david-dibert-Na0BbqKbfAo-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> https://unsplash.com/@dibert</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Now is the season</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">of hungry mice,</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">cold rabbits,</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">lean owls</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">hunkering with their lamp-eyes</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">in the leafless lanes</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">in the needled dark;"</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>from 'Wolf Moon' by Mary Oliver</i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>taken from her volume '</i><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Twelve-Moons-Mary-Oliver/dp/0316650005" target="_blank">Twelve Moons</a><i>' </i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The full Wolf Moon can be seen in UK skies this afternoon. It will reach full brightness at around 6pm.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Click <a href="https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/moon/wolf.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/what-are-names-full-moons-throughout-year" target="_blank">here</a> to read more about the Wolf and other full moons. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTDjD_UdJYs" target="_blank">here</a> to listen to Howling Wolf.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WL1nYAO5D6E" target="_blank">here</a> to listen to wolves howling at the moon. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Writing prompts:</b></span></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You are a hungry mouse, a cold rabbit or a lean owl. Write about your night spent beneath the full moon.</span></span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now you are a howling wolf. What are you trying to communicate to your fellow wolves? How does it feel to howl?!</span></span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Look up at the moon this evening. Bathe in the light, then come inside and write down your thoughts.<br /></span></span></li></ul><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></p><div class="sqs-block quote-block sqs-block-quote null" data-block-type="31" id="block-yui_3_17_2_1_1494249944128_35956" style="text-align: left;"><div class="sqs-block-content">
<div style="text-align: center;"><figure class="block-animation-none"><br />
</figure></div>
</div></div>Judith Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833449231978366546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988885508908868668.post-25671003156344566902024-01-24T19:37:00.000+00:002024-01-24T19:37:16.527+00:00This Is Home<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbr4ro6Osv6dlN0Q6RNiFrEeWtRScKXH3ANFRNuHUyq-lVR90TFS-TvYzSKL0QGDScM56lYtlRRZPUGvkp_EK17wuOcBP8sVOL2Rjn2RbMpkMaHAq273Sa2m7w8A6u4L8-h0jidLrh9xtR2Ob3Kf7aC3jkx7bpEv1NIC3n_QVKYKD18sohR0mPOdrDaG0/s5472/priscilla-du-preez-nF8xhLMmg0c-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbr4ro6Osv6dlN0Q6RNiFrEeWtRScKXH3ANFRNuHUyq-lVR90TFS-TvYzSKL0QGDScM56lYtlRRZPUGvkp_EK17wuOcBP8sVOL2Rjn2RbMpkMaHAq273Sa2m7w8A6u4L8-h0jidLrh9xtR2Ob3Kf7aC3jkx7bpEv1NIC3n_QVKYKD18sohR0mPOdrDaG0/w400-h266/priscilla-du-preez-nF8xhLMmg0c-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">https://unsplash.com/@priscilladupreez</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">This is home, where I belong,<br />In this breath, in this heart.<br />This is home, where I belong,<br />In this voice, in this song. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Sophia Efthimiou</i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In my wonderful Monday morning singing group, <a href="https://shinewestbowling.org.uk/activities/" target="_blank">Sing Shine</a>, we have been practising 'This I Home', a beautiful song by Sophia Efthimiou. Click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-Nsc-g-Py8" target="_blank">here</a> to listen to her virtual choir's rendition.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sing Shine feels like home to me. We're a small group, and could do with a few more singers, but we always manage three and sometimes four-part harmony. It's a place where I feel safe and accepted. No matter what is going on in my life, whatever the stresses and anxieties, this lovely group, led so expertly by Fiona, keeps me mindfully in the moment and drives cares away for a while. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I invite others to come along to Sing Shine the usual reply is, "Oh no, I can't sing!" That probably isn't true, but even if it is, who cares? It doesn't matter what kind of voice you have, s</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">inging is guaranteed to lift the spirits. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Writing prompts:</b></span></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> </b>Write about where 'home' is for you. Describe a place where you feel you belong.<br /></span></span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Describe your experience of singing, whether good or bad. How did it make you feel in our body and in your mind? </span></span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Is there something you are too scared to do now because you feel you are not good enough? Perhaps someone in the past has destroyed your confidence by putting you down and saying you are no good. Write about that time and those feelings.<br /></span></span></li></ul><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></i></p><br />Judith Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833449231978366546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988885508908868668.post-35706036723595588442024-01-16T17:26:00.001+00:002024-01-16T17:26:58.371+00:00Faltering Resolutions?<div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gP43BO-ptUXtghsbfHpxHLqLI494yG5LKXoxMPkdI3c78bMlBbirSHS1qrl6uLIqU1YA5ku8JkRI65gQ-7FWf1NIvPHxbUyyvtUJiz8tw_UGLqzDadzZJ2F2Sd_36GqO-4ExXg5J-AtR_N6AqaIu7Br2AeE7qQqPhhWt22rIzlSOjKlKnPf1e8MY0MA/s2448/nik-bCXQkRZ-LsQ-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gP43BO-ptUXtghsbfHpxHLqLI494yG5LKXoxMPkdI3c78bMlBbirSHS1qrl6uLIqU1YA5ku8JkRI65gQ-7FWf1NIvPHxbUyyvtUJiz8tw_UGLqzDadzZJ2F2Sd_36GqO-4ExXg5J-AtR_N6AqaIu7Br2AeE7qQqPhhWt22rIzlSOjKlKnPf1e8MY0MA/w400-h400/nik-bCXQkRZ-LsQ-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="preFlex flexIn" style="text-align: center; transition-duration: 0.8s; transition-timing-function: cubic-bezier(0.19, 1, 0.22, 1); white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="sqsrte-text-color--black" style="font-family: inherit;"> https://unsplash.com/@helloimnik</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"I am resolved—that vows like these, </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /> Though lightly made, are hard to keep;<br />Wherefore I'll take them by degrees,<br /> Lest my backslidings make me weep. <br />One vow a year will see me through; <br />And I'll begin with Number Two."</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> (from <a href="https://www.kiplingsociety.co.uk/poem/poems_resolutions.htm" target="_blank">'New Year Resolutions'</a> by Rudyard Kipling) </span></span></i><br /></div><div><p class="preFlex flexIn" style="text-align: left; transition-duration: 0.8s; transition-timing-function: cubic-bezier(0.19, 1, 0.22, 1); white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Did you make any new year resolutions? If so, how are they going now that we are half way through January? Are you sticking to that new diet, keeping going </span><span style="font-size: large;">with<span class="sqsrte-text-color--black" style="font-family: inherit;"> the daily exercise regime, managing to cut down on sugar, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol?! The chances are that you're already faltering. Click <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/why-new-years-resolutions-fail-6823972" target="_blank">here</a> to read about the psychology of why resolutions often fail. </span></span></p><p class="preFlex flexIn" style="text-align: left; transition-duration: 0.8s; transition-timing-function: cubic-bezier(0.19, 1, 0.22, 1); white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="sqsrte-text-color--black" style="font-family: inherit;">Instead of making resolutions, based on everything you think you failed at in 2023, why not use what you did last year as base to make your life better in the months ahead?</span></span></p><p class="preFlex flexIn" style="transition-duration: 0.8s; transition-timing-function: cubic-bezier(0.19, 1, 0.22, 1); white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="sqsrte-text-color--black" style="font-family: inherit;">So, if you want to have a better year in 2024 than you did in 2023 try these writing prompts:</span></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="sqsrte-text-color--black" style="font-family: inherit;">What would you do more? </span></span></b></li><li><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="sqsrte-text-color--black" style="font-family: inherit;">What would you do less? </span></span></b></li><li><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="sqsrte-text-color--black" style="font-family: inherit;">What would you do differently? </span></span></b></li></ul><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="sqsrte-text-color--black" style="font-family: inherit;">Share any thoughts by clicking on 'no comments' below. <br /></span></span></div>Judith Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833449231978366546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988885508908868668.post-36001342365996225952024-01-08T21:43:00.000+00:002024-01-08T21:43:43.670+00:00No Going Back<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsaqF32If7E9GyTl4vs2tiOIzGEG-0dl0fpE_z9uoK0P9HXViDSOtH_YvLeqhQqbiBeDWiTF6SPvW2j8VzB4MySFdHjvLPf1s0EDY_ESWyQg0k5uX2KCgek9cA_nwuzjTgN15i4De6jdyUTqHTMdiCt35IvoIZ-f-rpA0OdiptdvJmE4-QnbHE3sp3Png/s4000/joshua-gaunt-lc1m2gP72iQ-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsaqF32If7E9GyTl4vs2tiOIzGEG-0dl0fpE_z9uoK0P9HXViDSOtH_YvLeqhQqbiBeDWiTF6SPvW2j8VzB4MySFdHjvLPf1s0EDY_ESWyQg0k5uX2KCgek9cA_nwuzjTgN15i4De6jdyUTqHTMdiCt35IvoIZ-f-rpA0OdiptdvJmE4-QnbHE3sp3Png/w400-h225/joshua-gaunt-lc1m2gP72iQ-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">https://unsplash.com/@ndingujosh</span><br /></div><div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>The River Cannot Go Back</b><br /><br />It is said that before entering the sea<br />a river trembles with fear.<br />She looks back at the path she has travelled,<br />from the peaks of the mountains,<br />the long winding road crossing forests and villages.<br />And in front of her,<br />she sees an ocean so vast,<br />that to enter<br />there seems nothing more than to disappear forever.<br />But there is no other way.<br />The river can not go back.<br />Nobody can go back.<br />To go back is impossible in existence.<br />The river needs to take the risk<br />of entering the ocean<br />because only then will fear disappear,<br />because that’s where the river will know<br />it’s not about disappearing into the ocean,<br />but of becoming the ocean.<br /><i> <br />By Kahlil Gibran</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The start of a new year is a time for reflection when we look back at what we have left behind and forward to what is yet to come. Both can be scary. Last year may have brought you some turbulent times. Perhaps you have had to endure many difficulties and feel relieved to have survived. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Now you may be anxious and full of trepidation about what lies ahead. You may feel lost and somewhat overwhelmed by the prospect of moving forward. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Take a few minutes now to explore these feelings in your writing, using the prompts below.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Writing Prompts:</b></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Set a timer for six minutes and write about the path you have travelled in 2023. </span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The poets says that nobody can go back, but do you sometimes wish you could return to a particular time or place? If so, write about why and what good it would do, if any. Would you change anything?</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">What lies ahead for you in 2024? Do you feel afraid even to contemplate it? Are you ready to take the risk of leaving your comfort zone and 'entering the ocean'? Explore the answers to these questions in your writing.<br /></span></li></ul><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i> </i></span><br /></p></div>Judith Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833449231978366546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988885508908868668.post-4240683357803360912023-12-30T16:16:00.001+00:002023-12-30T16:25:52.004+00:00Ring Out the Old, Ring In the New<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> </b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLa2IOZ4JhiEw4EiWoja3f5xWVJgWNaTpwUM8f18sE9t2YJ6Mc8_InK1eP_cR124ysOyktPm-OzT0o4gntlYqZoB_rghZSSqiSYarKRFNRowbJQ0OtnKgEPVWsRMOnE7pThj6n6Warwo-YCzqLde54Amxp6pZ8TJemFEGUxcijiFDgoDehbOPGxLY6Yo/s5568/kelly-sikkema-PXl_S152jNM-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLa2IOZ4JhiEw4EiWoja3f5xWVJgWNaTpwUM8f18sE9t2YJ6Mc8_InK1eP_cR124ysOyktPm-OzT0o4gntlYqZoB_rghZSSqiSYarKRFNRowbJQ0OtnKgEPVWsRMOnE7pThj6n6Warwo-YCzqLde54Amxp6pZ8TJemFEGUxcijiFDgoDehbOPGxLY6Yo/w400-h266/kelly-sikkema-PXl_S152jNM-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">https://unsplash.com/@kellysikkema</span></span></span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>In Memoriam, [Ring out, wild bells]</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Alfred, Lord Tennyson 1809 –1892</span></span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,<br /> The flying cloud, the frosty light:<br /> The year is dying in the night;<br />Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.<br /><br />Ring out the old, ring in the new,<br /> Ring, happy bells, across the snow:<br /> The year is going, let him go;<br />Ring out the false, ring in the true.<br /><br />Ring out the grief that saps the mind<br /> For those that here we see no more;<br /> Ring out the feud of rich and poor,<br />Ring in redress to all mankind.<br /><br />Ring out a slowly dying cause,<br /> And ancient forms of party strife;<br /> Ring in the nobler modes of life,<br />With sweeter manners, purer laws.<br /><br />Ring out the want, the care, the sin,<br /> The faithless coldness of the times;<br /> Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes<br />But ring the fuller minstrel in.<br /><br />Ring out false pride in place and blood,<br /> The civic slander and the spite;<br /> Ring in the love of truth and right,<br />Ring in the common love of good.<br /><br />Ring out old shapes of foul disease;<br /> Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;<br /> Ring out the thousand wars of old,<br />Ring in the thousand years of peace.<br /><br />Ring in the valiant man and free,<br /> The larger heart, the kindlier hand;<br /> Ring out the darkness of the land,<br />Ring in the Christ that is to be.<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>This poem is in the public domain.</i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span>The new year, 2024, is almost here, presenting new opportunities and a fresh start. Some people will be glad to see the back of 2023, especially if it's been a time of illness, hardship or grief. Whatever you are leaving behind, I hope this new year sees you fulfilling your hopes and dreams. <br /><br />As we turn to a fresh page, try to make your writing habit a daily one. Even if you set aside only a few minutes each day you will reap the benefits and see an improvement in your mental health. Clink <a href="https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentID=4552&ContentTypeID=1" target="_blank">here</a> to find out why.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span><b>Writing prompts:</b></span></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span><b> </b>Whether or not the last line of 'In Memoriam' means anything to you, I'm sure you can agree with Tennyson's overall sentiment in this poem. Write about what you will ring out that is 'false' and ring in that is 'true'.</span></span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span>Have you experienced 'grief that saps the mind' in 2023? Set a timer and write about the experience for six minutes.</span></span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span>Do you think it is possible to 'ring out the thousand wars of old'? Write about how the world could ring in peace.</span></span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span>Make two lists - one of all you want to ring out and another of all you want to ring in. If you keep the lists, perhaps you could reflect on them at this time in 2024.<br /></span></span></li></ul><span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span><b>I've had 3,000 views of my blog in the 2023. Please do share your writing or make a comment. It would be good to hear from you. <br /></b></span></span>Judith Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833449231978366546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988885508908868668.post-21111853006412646592023-12-23T19:58:00.002+00:002023-12-23T19:58:41.747+00:00Heartbreak and Hope<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div><p></p><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBElySq0ZCdfi3JW3Y9LSGvtxPmp8RpkZmvYF09MSzv7wTUpQrcm8o0xXYuMMhGRuiC_WPWsH3CRJYxZ5mEuUq8aohd5DgH-UiK_XHxmKlOhCuxXFTKum1FHvTP6-N3wvxkA2uwg4-2nZNDFXKZsf_-PMhuR3qOsl7ihOyo3p7S609hVX5zcCfjdy1Do/s6000/rodion-kutsaiev-ySNkCkdKyTY-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBElySq0ZCdfi3JW3Y9LSGvtxPmp8RpkZmvYF09MSzv7wTUpQrcm8o0xXYuMMhGRuiC_WPWsH3CRJYxZ5mEuUq8aohd5DgH-UiK_XHxmKlOhCuxXFTKum1FHvTP6-N3wvxkA2uwg4-2nZNDFXKZsf_-PMhuR3qOsl7ihOyo3p7S609hVX5zcCfjdy1Do/w400-h266/rodion-kutsaiev-ySNkCkdKyTY-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">https://unsplash.com/@frostroomhead<br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> "<i>Heartbreak and hope are not mutually exclusive. We can be angry and sad and filled with longing for something we cannot have, and simultaneously we can be grateful for what we’ve got — aware, for reasons we’d never choose, of what really matters and what doesn’t.</i>"<br /><i><a href="https://encore.org/lennon-flowers/" target="_blank">Lennon Flowers</a></i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Christmas can be a time of mixed emotions, especially for those who are lonely, grieving or suffering hardship<i>. </i>In this troubled time of conflict in the world, where there is hunger, poverty and homelessness, it seems inhumane to celebrate. It is all the more important, therefore, to count our blessings and express our gratitude. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Writing prompts:</b></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: large;">Write about what makes you angry or sad at the moment. Set a timer for six minutes and write without stopping.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">What do you long for that you know you cannot have? Write about it. </span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Make a list of all the things you've got this Christmas time that you are grateful for - the big and the small.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Note down the things that really matter to you. Choose one and explore it in more detail in your writing.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Now make a note of the things that you realise do not really matter. Write about why you can let them go. </span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>May I wish all my blog readers and followers the best Christmas you can possibly have and a happy, healthy and peaceful 2024.</b></span> <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></span></p>Judith Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833449231978366546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988885508908868668.post-86867762557982742592023-11-27T20:05:00.002+00:002023-11-27T20:07:08.836+00:00Christmas Mushrooms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj606sSjZS6SrHvMQdiyYU5RhQbYTfIB4HeI3Zw5wkBqYlo79lYV6nxNiLOwvMo8KoOGZHcJJUClCPYMPynM9X7a0nieGr605KYewFAH83OL7pDZ4-BCgKqSyQaVcVZnrNZVV85KoCSCuSH_d7JEesTLEdfO6BMFKy9iHb8lVBGRl-SPBHDZ590pJEk6Bo/s1138/IMG_20231022_140107684_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1115" data-original-width="1138" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj606sSjZS6SrHvMQdiyYU5RhQbYTfIB4HeI3Zw5wkBqYlo79lYV6nxNiLOwvMo8KoOGZHcJJUClCPYMPynM9X7a0nieGr605KYewFAH83OL7pDZ4-BCgKqSyQaVcVZnrNZVV85KoCSCuSH_d7JEesTLEdfO6BMFKy9iHb8lVBGRl-SPBHDZ590pJEk6Bo/w320-h315/IMG_20231022_140107684_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBYYErktqiOhkjy84V-fukOBw75w4ws5HvZrw0c-N6eqQisQousG_oI1M5qTnSTWg_EE0i-ClOmUlWJvLuWWtjGXnCGjlnggGZ9J1kWkWlPf_Baw-bcMd-B8R-A4OhCg6oPSCaZLha54JtmrxROvTm4ObOZUfmoYlSHHR3YY5NBfg2vs0B2D99ZxoLH0/s2774/original_4f37b9e2-d618-4d9e-ab0b-b203892c662b_IMG_20231127_194540444.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2774" data-original-width="1417" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBYYErktqiOhkjy84V-fukOBw75w4ws5HvZrw0c-N6eqQisQousG_oI1M5qTnSTWg_EE0i-ClOmUlWJvLuWWtjGXnCGjlnggGZ9J1kWkWlPf_Baw-bcMd-B8R-A4OhCg6oPSCaZLha54JtmrxROvTm4ObOZUfmoYlSHHR3YY5NBfg2vs0B2D99ZxoLH0/w163-h320/original_4f37b9e2-d618-4d9e-ab0b-b203892c662b_IMG_20231127_194540444.jpg" width="163" /></a></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 'Lo! the mushrooms which kill people—</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">they are beautiful, as I thought.'</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Kobayashi Issa</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have you noticed that there are a lot of mushrooms around this Christmas? I mean mushroom decorations to hang from your tree, dangle across your mantelpiece - wooden, felt, glass, knitted, crocheted - take your pick! I wondered why, so did a bit of investigating and discovered a connection between the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amanita_muscaria" target="_blank">amanita muscaria mushroom</a> and Santa Claus. Click <a href="https://www.ffungi.org/blog/the-influence-of-hallucinogenic-mushrooms-on-christmas" target="_blank">here</a> to find out more.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Writing Prompts:</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Look at the image of the mushroom and use it as a prompt for some free writing. Set your timer for six minutes and write without stopping. Don't plan, edit, or worry about grammar or spelling. Just let the words flow. If you get stuck, just write "<i>Mushrooms are </i>..." and start again.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you agree with the sentiment in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haiku" target="_blank">haiku</a> that sometimes the things that are the most attractive to us, are also the most destructive? Write about it.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Write a haiku about mushrooms or Christmas. <a href="https://www.creative-writing-now.com/how-to-write-a-haiku.html" target="_blank">This website</a> might help.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Don't forget to click on the hyperlinks in my blog posts. They always tell you more!</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Please do share your writing, or any thoughts, by clicking on 'comments' below. It would be good to know you are out there. <br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><p><br /></p></div>Judith Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833449231978366546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988885508908868668.post-90628557216674285742023-11-25T21:52:00.003+00:002023-11-25T22:03:03.888+00:00Castle by the Sea<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtNVPjuUn98YWNczVoNbW9dL8uUejhkrPMoONCxwtDKMmSFSgnJ-uLhRlF_4P9XDRw5azffVxhpujfDv2ENtJRUEmSBRC71Z7K6hfRGLThUy-tgunt9KmljtoXtsEPmD50K5ZjBwVoMfNmqOm3KP9Oa6UKuEvqYMh05B4N8NOe_5KpFk0ANkeiVy9hk0/s3264/IMG_20231124_110852302.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="3264" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtNVPjuUn98YWNczVoNbW9dL8uUejhkrPMoONCxwtDKMmSFSgnJ-uLhRlF_4P9XDRw5azffVxhpujfDv2ENtJRUEmSBRC71Z7K6hfRGLThUy-tgunt9KmljtoXtsEPmD50K5ZjBwVoMfNmqOm3KP9Oa6UKuEvqYMh05B4N8NOe_5KpFk0ANkeiVy9hk0/w640-h360/IMG_20231124_110852302.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/dunstanburgh-castle/" target="_blank">Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland</a></span></span><br /></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Instead of building castles against your enemies, build bridges for them to come to you!"- Mehmet Murat Ildan <br /><br />"Huge knots of sea-weed hung upon the jagged and pointed stones, trembling in every breath of wind; and the green ivy clung mournfully round the dark and ruined battlements. Behind it rose the ancient castle, its towers roofless, and its massive walls crumbling away, but telling us proudly of its own might and strength, as when, seven hundred years ago, it rang with the clash of arms, or resounded with the noise of feasting and revelry." - Charles Dickens (The Pickwick Papers)<br /> </span></span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"All British castles and old country homes are supposed to be haunted. It's in the lease." -Bob Hope <br /></span></span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Click <a href="https://alicejonesmusic.bandcamp.com/track/the-castle-by-the-sea" target="_blank">here</a> to listen to folk singer Alice Jones, from Ripponden, singing her arrangement of a traditional song about a castle by the sea. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Writing prompts:</b></span></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dunstanburgh is one of <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/familydaysout/top-10-castles/" target="_blank">English Heritage's top ten English castles</a>. Do you have a favourite? If so, write about it for a few minutes.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Look at the top quote again. Who will come to you over the bridge that you build?</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You are a castle. Describe yourself, and write about what it is you are trying to protect from enemies and invaders. </span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Think about what is happening in your life and in the world right now. Write about the possibility of building bridges, not walls.<br /></span></span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p></p>Judith Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833449231978366546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988885508908868668.post-64033489630745401922023-11-11T20:00:00.000+00:002023-11-11T20:00:48.441+00:00Cats and Boxes<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOJJSPzU5bJjTOBhs6vqGE7sna4DT5bq741WdVP9zkFZJaXknSnUPlxX1-5fij4TTsScVMzVmRcOPDnT37o3z2WmJKhMqK7LO1Zq6R4dvkQ6SoJOxRjkCFpL70EI3lgytt3AsxisCjDn1CpgrpLTe9KYCSXMgR8lkIJqR-2IV6V6V9QJVOr-2p7jxpW0/s2091/IMG_20231104_162445916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2091" data-original-width="1525" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOJJSPzU5bJjTOBhs6vqGE7sna4DT5bq741WdVP9zkFZJaXknSnUPlxX1-5fij4TTsScVMzVmRcOPDnT37o3z2WmJKhMqK7LO1Zq6R4dvkQ6SoJOxRjkCFpL70EI3lgytt3AsxisCjDn1CpgrpLTe9KYCSXMgR8lkIJqR-2IV6V6V9QJVOr-2p7jxpW0/w291-h400/IMG_20231104_162445916.jpg" width="291" /></a></b></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Boxes</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b> I just love to sit in boxes, any kind will do.<br />The bigger ones are wonderful, but little ones are too.<br />I never will discriminate in brand, or make, or name.<br />I’ll squeeze myself inside each one, I treat them all the same.<br />The posh ones are more padded, so comfort is assured.<br />Little ones offer more challenges, which mustn’t be ignored.<br />To resist a box and not squeeze in, is impossible for a cat.<br />The temptation of a cardboard lure must put paid to that.<br />So next time you get a hamper from a famous London store,<br />Or even a box from Postie left by the pantry door,<br />don’t throw it in the rubbish bin, or chuck it on the fire.<br />Leave it for your local cats, of it they will not tire.<br /><br /><i>By Teresa Harrison-Best<br />reproduced with kind permission from the poet<br />https://www.facebook.com/Catawall/</i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">My cat, Brio, just can't resist a box, and the smaller the better. She collects everything together -four legs, bottom, tail - and fits them neatly into the smallest space. She never misses an opportunity.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Writing prompts:</b></span></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Write about an opportunity you seized recently. How did it feel?<br /></span></span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">What small thing has made a big difference in your life? Write about it.</span></span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Describe something you simply cannot resist. </span></span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Is there anything we can learn from cats? Explore the answer to this question for a few minutes in your writing.<br /></span></span></li></ul>Judith Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833449231978366546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988885508908868668.post-39781349334549755692023-11-06T20:29:00.003+00:002023-11-06T20:29:42.181+00:00'The Elf of Plants'<div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGWxQ0DY1m_P7UzEeVdKmDb9FrrSxvJlmZoYEepQIHyqF2UHE4p4fatS2Xlb2DH80KYxPAiIXryjAQ6HD6wwx1jn41Rltz6d4YJ1g-JhWM5Tmwt9x6MULcHQPis7reSWl57WVNHVa9gv1JwE6znyPO-szNPurkxH28uSi_r9qVZ-uvLThPrNN0TUG4AWM/s1542/IMG_20231105_123423411_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1469" data-original-width="1542" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGWxQ0DY1m_P7UzEeVdKmDb9FrrSxvJlmZoYEepQIHyqF2UHE4p4fatS2Xlb2DH80KYxPAiIXryjAQ6HD6wwx1jn41Rltz6d4YJ1g-JhWM5Tmwt9x6MULcHQPis7reSWl57WVNHVa9gv1JwE6znyPO-szNPurkxH28uSi_r9qVZ-uvLThPrNN0TUG4AWM/w400-h383/IMG_20231105_123423411_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div></div><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em;"><span style="font-size: large;">"The Mushroom is the Elf of Plants -<br /></span></div><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em;"><span style="font-size: large;">
At Evening, it is not<br /></span></div><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em;"><span style="font-size: large;">
At Morning, in a Truffled Hut<br /></span></div><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em;"><span style="font-size: large;">
It stop opon a Spot"</span></div><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>from <a href="https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/emily-dickinson" target="_blank">Emily Dickinson</a>'s <a href="https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/56458/the-mushroom-is-the-elf-of-plants-1350" target="_blank">'The Mushroom'</a></i></span></div><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">A recent walk in the autumn sunshine, along a familiar route near my home, revealed these mushrooms at the edge of the path, beneath the trees. They were not there the last time I took this route, so it was a pleasant surprise to encounter something a bit unusual. Click on the link above to read the rest of Emily Dickinson's poem. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">These are <a href="https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/psathyrella-multipedata.php" target="_blank">Clustered Brittlestem </a>mushrooms I believe, and although not poisonous, are generally thought to be not worth eating. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Writing prompt:</b></span></span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Write about something that has surprised you recently. </span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Choose your favourite walk and describe it in detail- the sights, the sounds, the smells. </span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">When my son was little, he hated eating mushrooms, likening them to slugs (although I never gave him those for tea!). What foods did/do you dislike eating? Write about them. </span></span></li></ul></div><p></p>Judith Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833449231978366546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988885508908868668.post-59031208549711417772023-10-24T11:46:00.004+00:002023-10-24T15:13:50.284+00:00Old Keys, New Doors<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGNY4TTeOanL7IaBfl3EpQw24ycmLS5m138-yYAe2Ec_QUTROZNUKnwhc0PCHYMobS5lXqYtsC92XrAmvHwh5gP3tLWR7oLF1deLoYIKWnb2eTPs2e7H5nwhMJAqqCLTDXE8NqS_-xBro03pksJQN8ENYjjuRJnbNBr5SreiTogEfIAb-cbF-pCXC_jc/s3872/jorien-loman-nAZUJFrDlaY-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="3872" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGNY4TTeOanL7IaBfl3EpQw24ycmLS5m138-yYAe2Ec_QUTROZNUKnwhc0PCHYMobS5lXqYtsC92XrAmvHwh5gP3tLWR7oLF1deLoYIKWnb2eTPs2e7H5nwhMJAqqCLTDXE8NqS_-xBro03pksJQN8ENYjjuRJnbNBr5SreiTogEfIAb-cbF-pCXC_jc/w400-h268/jorien-loman-nAZUJFrDlaY-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">https://unsplash.com/@jorienloman<span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Old keys won't open new doors."</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Change is the law of life, and those who look only to the past and present are certain to miss the future” -John F. Kennedy</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change” -Albert Einstein <br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's easy to get stuck in the same old way of thinking and doing things. Sometimes it's easier not to pursue something new because we fear failure, or feel we have not got the confidence or capacity to make something happen. We can talk ourselves out of doing something and stay within our comfort zone. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are things we have learned, beliefs we have held, perhaps since childhood, that we never question. We assume our beliefs and true and use them to interpret the world around us. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Yet maybe we need to question our old ways of thinking and being? Maybe we need to unlearn some of those old ways in order to see things differently, or open up new possibilities and fresh ways forward.<br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Writing prompts:</b></span></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Write down some of the old ways you have of doing things. Now think about whether or not these are the best ways, and how you could change them to serve you better.</span></span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">What beliefs do you have about yourself that are perhaps holding you back from doing something new? How can you let go of them? Write about this for a few minutes.</span></span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Looking at the wider world, do you think there are countries, governments, groups of people who are stuck in the old ways and would benefit from changing? Set a timer for six minutes and write your response.<br /></span></span></li></ul><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span></p>Judith Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833449231978366546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988885508908868668.post-65134358409292920142023-10-17T16:28:00.003+00:002023-10-17T16:30:15.188+00:00Carefully Taught<p> </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6oTfGB9-okm_wOnQG6jC4t9dL1Zsicg0Io-DNlpHxTDdYRZuVo8ywDmppijelRgFIZJv5lKLxRb1yja_1LGrZPIveU-xQOHQOf5r7-bSWhIOnR_kw1o3iQzlH5SOpk43BKJg7COQnfZjRvXwLKzR3EYC-jONb0FBm-nVfUL_9anE2oztEtEp4H7LztY/s6720/humphrey-muleba-L4jb3ubqsmM-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6oTfGB9-okm_wOnQG6jC4t9dL1Zsicg0Io-DNlpHxTDdYRZuVo8ywDmppijelRgFIZJv5lKLxRb1yja_1LGrZPIveU-xQOHQOf5r7-bSWhIOnR_kw1o3iQzlH5SOpk43BKJg7COQnfZjRvXwLKzR3EYC-jONb0FBm-nVfUL_9anE2oztEtEp4H7LztY/w640-h426/humphrey-muleba-L4jb3ubqsmM-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">https://unsplash.com/@good_citizen</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">"It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences." <i>Audre Lorde</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><p style="color: #767676; margin-bottom: 32px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I have a new grandson, Otis. He is beautiful, unique and special. He sleeps peacefully, knowing nothing of difference, religion, hatred, disrespect, aggression, resentment or jealousy. He is totally innocent. Such things have to be taught and learnt. I know, however, that his parents will bring him up to be tolerant, accepting, fair, open-minded and loving. </span></p><p style="color: #767676; margin-bottom: 32px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehNu_rzzsRw" target="_blank">here</a> to hear James Taylor singing "You've Got To Be Carefully Taught', from the musical 'South Pacific.'</span></p><p style="color: #767676; margin-bottom: 32px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Click <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-e&q=Teach+your+children+well#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:4c0ee94d,vid:zj8FlXGPcOQ,st:0" target="_blank">here</a> to hear Crosby Stills Nash and Young's 'Teach Your Children Well'. <br /></span></p><p style="color: #767676; margin-bottom: 32px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Writing prompts:</b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">What qualities and values did your parents try to instil in you? Do you still have them? Write about this for six minutes.</span></li><li><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">We are living through particularly turbulent and worrying times. Do you watch, or listen to the daily news? If so, how does it make you feel? Set a timer and write for six minutes.</span></li><li><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Write about a new-born baby you know, or have seen in the past.</span></li></ul></div></div>Judith Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833449231978366546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988885508908868668.post-76687124131149658792023-10-10T17:07:00.000+00:002023-10-10T17:07:07.399+00:00In Praise of Fountain Pens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHkA4Wt2Nz5OP9sAFqXDah43ibEyue0hnAtV_bbAuLYrzZ8h9cvZFIX4ddIRI2dwk5tAr463awbuuQCUWPc2YsWoS1drILGtmlp3rP_yAHd2axQ1BrxjRkJlYYa4FrlvdRtdD8rUytROJOefte2L5yBcNKd_Er499Dd6r7sVhvv2lk94ebFeIwKEgoWg/s1372/IMG_20231010_162852358.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1221" data-original-width="1372" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHkA4Wt2Nz5OP9sAFqXDah43ibEyue0hnAtV_bbAuLYrzZ8h9cvZFIX4ddIRI2dwk5tAr463awbuuQCUWPc2YsWoS1drILGtmlp3rP_yAHd2axQ1BrxjRkJlYYa4FrlvdRtdD8rUytROJOefte2L5yBcNKd_Er499Dd6r7sVhvv2lk94ebFeIwKEgoWg/w640-h570/IMG_20231010_162852358.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i> "My two fingers on a typewriter have never connected with my brain. My hand on a pen does. A fountain pen, of course. Ball-point pens are only good for filling out forms on a plane." (Graham Greene)<br /><br />"There's something special about writing by hand, writing with a fountain pen, and there's something special about writing into a book, to take a blank book and turn it into an actual book." (Joe Haldeman)<br /><br />"I have to write a first draft with a fountain pen before I type it up as a second." (Colm Toibin)<br /><br />"None of us can have as many virtues as the fountain-pen, or half its cussedness; but we can try." (Mark Twain)</i> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I was writing my journal in a local supermarket cafe, a woman on the next table leaned across and said, "It's good to see someone writing with a <a href="https://www.lamy.com/en/fountain-pens/" target="_blank">Lamy</a>." </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">She had spotted and recognised my fountain pen, so we enjoyed an interesting conversation about the beauty of our favoured writing tool. She collects fountain pens of all kinds - indeed it is something of an addiction. I know the feeling. I couldn't resist buying this sumptuous, maple wood and diamante pen. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My new 'pen friend' and I are in good company, as you can see from the above quotes. <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've always written in fountain pen - a habit that started at grammar school. Newly-arrived from junior school, where we wrote in blobby, sucked-and-chewed, plastic ballpoint, we were instructed to buy a fountain pen for daily use to improve our handwriting. I chose a black Parker lady, which saw me through school and university, (though I can't honestly say my handwriting improved). I filled it from a bottle of blue ink, which I often spilled in the process, and for which I was chastised. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now I choose my ink according to my mood or the season; it's currently 'Antique Copper', reflecting Autumn's colours. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Writing prompts:</b></span></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you write by hand and if so, what is your favoured writing tool? Write about it for a few minutes.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Did you ever get onto trouble when you were younger for something you did over and over again? Set a timer and write for six minutes about how it made you feel.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have you made a new friend recently? Write about how you met and what you have in common.<br /></span></span></li></ul><p> </p><div style="left: -99999px; position: absolute;"> My two fingers on a
typewriter have never connected with my brain. My hand on a pen does. A
fountain pen, of course. Ball-point pens are only good for filling out
forms on a plane. Share this Quote
Graham Greene<br /> Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/fountain-pen-quotes</div><div style="left: -99999px; position: absolute;"> My two fingers on a
typewriter have never connected with my brain. My hand on a pen does. A
fountain pen, of course. Ball-point pens are only good for filling out
forms on a plane. Share this Quote
Graham Greene<br /> Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/fountain-pen-quotes</div>Judith Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833449231978366546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988885508908868668.post-90340945172335768722023-10-05T19:58:00.004+00:002023-10-10T17:25:11.829+00:00Bonkers About Conkers<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmWqJgWtImD6PZ5kwvj_yiGQ_34DJp9nNhkYMPd1t2R4ZUXo9XvRMpyHLJXvqK0rxMrNHdwmi-XexF-3Xg3BlpwarpJLjolpgfQkuBj1fgWtncEWKU-1JdeYnAC7MiRnfnONRVb4PMRdwFqRHmROIYOtgkz3Mys8WySY2Atzl5InPJ28dpexe-fAJgUs/s1613/IMG_20231005_105551221.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1344" data-original-width="1613" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmWqJgWtImD6PZ5kwvj_yiGQ_34DJp9nNhkYMPd1t2R4ZUXo9XvRMpyHLJXvqK0rxMrNHdwmi-XexF-3Xg3BlpwarpJLjolpgfQkuBj1fgWtncEWKU-1JdeYnAC7MiRnfnONRVb4PMRdwFqRHmROIYOtgkz3Mys8WySY2Atzl5InPJ28dpexe-fAJgUs/w400-h334/IMG_20231005_105551221.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">"I wish I was a chestnut tree, nourished by the sun, with leaves and twigs and branches, and conkers by the ton." - <i>Tony Hancock</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">I can't resist collecting conkers (and acorns), and a recent walk yielded quite a haul. There are plenty of conkers about, as children don't seem to play with them any more. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Howard Jacobson bemoans the fact that thousands of conkers lie on the ground unnoticed and uncherished.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">"<i>You can’t play with them on your smart phone – is that why they are forgotten? Here, then, is a suggestion: drop your phone in vinegar, drive a nail into it, attach it to a piece of string and see how many other phones you can destroy. Then, when they’re all gone, go looking for a conker on a bright autumnal morning." </i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wonderful! Click <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/oct/07/howard-jacobson-on-conkers" target="_blank">here</a> to read Jacobson's full piece, "A conker is a rite of passage."</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's probably an old wives' tale that placing conkers in corners of your house will keep spiders away. There's some evidence, however, to suggest that aescin, found in conkers, can help treat sprains and bruises. Click <a href="https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2019/08/conkers-spiders-and-facts/" target="_blank">here</a> to find out more.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's not only the fruits of the horse chesnut tree that are attractive, the blossoms are beautiful too. Click <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-e&q=video+of+the+life+cycle+of+a+horse+chesnut+tree#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:406b24d9,vid:sobEaRpag6Y,st:0" target="_blank">here</a> to learn more and watch a lovely, short video on the life cycle of the tree. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm off to find some vinegar!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Writing prompts:</b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have a favourite tree? Write about it for a few minutes.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Make a list of the games you played as a child (including perhaps conkers), then choose one of them to write about in more detail.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Is Howard Jacobson right? Are children nowadays missing out on traditional games in favour of technology? Write down your thoughts.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Write a poem about conkers. </span><br /></li></ul></div><p></p><p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Judith Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833449231978366546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988885508908868668.post-25194880728314858882023-10-02T20:38:00.002+00:002023-10-02T20:39:52.469+00:00Be Kind to Yourself<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5a0MTGfNr8qAsHkwvXV3VefDTybtdEA9nUBg4_ghNV1JNVn63a4lE3jNeH6z9FjqWxUxHUIw7R0haF3NeB98FRtrV0X4m0C_T4DSRY0w8zNkvCFER-lUbNXGJvUcx0N87sdRuvMt9_X1HgjysHuxjx8ZX8aBk0k9GDSctya6X1U21H_ciwB4QXaxcaVs/s8256/annie-spratt-WQC8HvAU2SY-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5504" data-original-width="8256" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5a0MTGfNr8qAsHkwvXV3VefDTybtdEA9nUBg4_ghNV1JNVn63a4lE3jNeH6z9FjqWxUxHUIw7R0haF3NeB98FRtrV0X4m0C_T4DSRY0w8zNkvCFER-lUbNXGJvUcx0N87sdRuvMt9_X1HgjysHuxjx8ZX8aBk0k9GDSctya6X1U21H_ciwB4QXaxcaVs/w400-h266/annie-spratt-WQC8HvAU2SY-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> https://unsplash.com/@anniespratt</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Release the harsh and pointed inner<br />
voice. It's just a throwback to the past,<br />
and holds no truth about this moment.</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let go of self-judgment, the old,<br />
learned ways of beating yourself up<br />
for each imagined inadequacy.</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Allow the dialogue within the mind<br />
to grow friendlier, and quiet. Shift<br />
out of inner criticism and life<br />
suddenly looks very different.</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I can say this only because I make<br />
the choice a hundred times a day to release the voice that refuses to<br />
acknowledge the real me.</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What's needed here isn't more prodding toward perfection, but<br />
intimacy - seeing clearly, and<br />
embracing what I see.</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Love, not judgment, sows the<br />
seeds of tranquility and change.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://dannafaulds.com/" target="_blank"><i>by Danna Faulds </i></a></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today, my singing group raised the rafters with a rendition of Penny Stone's 'Give a Little Kindness'. The lyrics are wonderful, and remind us that we need to be kind to ourselves and one another. Click <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://singlouderthanguns.com/singalong-songs/#Kindness" target="_blank">here</a></span> to listen to Penny's sing-along.<br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Afterwards, we talked about the things we did to be kind to ourselves, whether it be relaxing in a warm bath, meditating, walking in the fresh air, or wild swimming. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We agreed that it was all too easy to criticise ourselves, or feel shame for what we considered our inadequacies. We reminded ourselves that, if responding to a friend who might be expressing doubts about their own worth, we would automatically offer kindness, encouragement and love. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">t's certainly harder to put our own self-worth centre stage and to really like and love ourselves. It was wonderful, therefore, to hear one group member,</span> when asked if he liked himself, respond with confidence, "What's not to like?!" </span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Writing prompts:</b></span></span></span></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> </b>Make a list of all the things you could do this week to be kind to yourself. Choose one of them to write about in more detail. Make sure you put your plan into action.</span></span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> What have you done recently to offer kindness to someone else? Write about it.</span></span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you love yourself? Explore the answer to this question in your writing. </span></span><br /></span></span></li></ul><p style="text-align: center;"></p>Judith Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833449231978366546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988885508908868668.post-90875806863771767152023-09-25T18:34:00.002+00:002023-09-26T07:37:41.544+00:00Shine on Harvest Moon<p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: center;"></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: center;"></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQ8hFOiwWmhTNmmywzpsSjqUPipvbtszCPhIBzYHfvjOdiPvOVPxGCMMghp8LUSz37mm6cwgciKxRfsnzqQqeSZ36tTYVTVsdpmprJw-6dHJGLKJYCTrr_mk1hyphenhypheneA2Txlw_Y0YfSsVcs/w400-h266/luca-vFrhuBvI-hI-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@lucahuter?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Luca</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/harvest-moon?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">"Because I'm still in love with you on this Harvest Moon." (<i>Neil Young)</i> </span></span></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Look up to the skies on Friday (September 29th) and you will see, clouds permitting, a beautiful full moon - a <a href="https://www.treehugger.com/what-is-a-harvest-moon-5198533" target="_blank">Harvest Moon</a>, or Corn Moon. It will reach its peak at at 10.57am here in the UK. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(Click <a href="https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/full-moon-calendar" target="_blank">here</a> to find out more on the fascinating Royal Museums Greenwich website.)</span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At
this time, for several evenings, the Moon appears particularly big and
bright and rises early, letting farmers continue harvesting their crops
into the night. This moon is also sometimes named the Barley Moon, and
is often the nearest full moon to the <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/43474501" target="_blank">autumnal equinox</a>.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the past it's inspired poets and songwriters. Click <a href="https://allpoetry.com/poem/8495327-The-Harvest-Moon-by-Ted-Hughes" target="_blank">here</a> for a poem by Ted Hughes and <a href="https://poets.org/poem/harvest-moon" target="_blank">here</a> for one by Longfellow. Click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7Mu9fh23dY" target="_blank">here</a> for Ruth Etting's 1931 'Shine on Harvest Moon' and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDzHhqWZMD0" target="_blank">here</a> for Neil Young's 'Harvest Moon.'</span></span><b></b></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There's a lot of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Full_moon" target="_blank">folklore</a> associated with full moons and the Harvest Moon is traditionally associated with new beginnings. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are also some interesting facts about Autumn generally. Click <a href="http://ww.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/2rTCtvcxJbMcsq6Yh5JzdWC/autumn-oddities-22-facts-about-the-fall" target="_blank">here </a>to find them. <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Writing prompts:</b></span></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What seeds have you sown this year that have come to fruition? Are you ready to harvest your crop? Explore this in your writing.<br /></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Write about the 'new beginnings' you are currently planning.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you're still in love with someone on this Harvest Moon (see above) write about them, and why they are special and wonderful. </span></span></li></ul>Judith Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833449231978366546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988885508908868668.post-79742287406134750912023-09-11T20:03:00.004+00:002023-09-11T20:05:28.731+00:00World Mindfulness Day<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9Qf1nsjeUGq-JmIdGqz9noKoZAbODt9VtkHhdf5Al6OYI4TaBOuUtuM5f4XmNC8qNIcO6KqMg0e--vX8YC1DCsjFSMPyKWlJgGoSQtFLnbmn4YDB-9iH8CGXIpBspzfqFtgOdCRJ1s9pQ2lrDWAipcUZwHGeCxdzTn8pzi0tI7WolTRcEGyC0AgzyAE/s5956/lesly-juarez-DFtjXYd5Pto-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3971" data-original-width="5956" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9Qf1nsjeUGq-JmIdGqz9noKoZAbODt9VtkHhdf5Al6OYI4TaBOuUtuM5f4XmNC8qNIcO6KqMg0e--vX8YC1DCsjFSMPyKWlJgGoSQtFLnbmn4YDB-9iH8CGXIpBspzfqFtgOdCRJ1s9pQ2lrDWAipcUZwHGeCxdzTn8pzi0tI7WolTRcEGyC0AgzyAE/w400-h266/lesly-juarez-DFtjXYd5Pto-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> https://unsplash.com/@jblesly</div><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tomorrow, September 12, is World Mindfulness Day. Click <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/oct/22/mindfulness-jon-kabat-zinn-depression-trump-grenfell" target="_blank">here</a> to read more about Jon Kabat-Zinn 'the father of secular mindfulness', and <a href="https://www.mindful.org/meditation/mindfulness-getting-started/" target="_blank">here </a>to learn more about getting started with Mindfulness. </span></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.kindmind.co.uk/" target="_blank">Here </a>you will find some guided mindfulness meditations from 'Kindmind'. </span></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Click <a href="https://mindfulzen.co/mindfulness-poems/" target="_blank">here</a> for some mindfulness poems. <br /></span></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you are interested in joining my fortnightly guided mindfulness meditation on Zoom, please contact me via the comments box below. </span></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Writing prompts:</b></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: large;">Write for six minutes on what you can see, hear, feel, smell and taste right now, in this moment.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever meditated? If so, write about the experience for a few minutes. </span></li></ul>Judith Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09833449231978366546noreply@blogger.com0