Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Jan 2012’s last small stone

At the end of 2011 it seemed that autumn had passed the baton straight to spring, leaving winter on the margin, leaving us to wonder if it was just biding its time or would it be a 2012 wallflower, leaving crocuses, daffodils, the first leaves of the tulips in the old cracked pot to the drape of tonight;s frost.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

small stone No 29, Jan 2012


There were three bells for inviting, a candle, incense, matches, match holder, red and white flowers (for life), the wheel of life embroidered on two square cloths spaced evenly on a brown silk runner across the centre of the quiet room. Then there were circles –people, walls and windows inside, branches in winter dress outside.

Friday, January 27, 2012

small stone No 27, Jan 2012


I watch as the sky changes from a well tended to neglected fire, settles with colours like the morning's ashes and finally, it’s like the inside of a coal hole –unremitting dark.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

small stone No. 26, Jan 2012

I arrive for the close of school day rush, children, parents, teachers performing a collecting dance  -I watch a small girl have a plaster put on her knee

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Found: a yoga teacher close to home

After lots of web browsing and phone calls I think I’ve found a yoga teacher near to where I live. She has a quiet studio in her garden, teaches the sort of yoga i like and has a class on a morning I’m free. I had an hour’s lesson with her this afternoon –getting to know her way and having some great feedback on my posture and poses. Wonderful savasana to close –a quiet voice guiding me through relaxation under a cosy blanket.

Its the week to be creative in the on-line poetry course with another challenging task and tight deadline. This one is all about writing in a register or voice that is at odds with the subject … a sort of idea is floating at the moment. More positively lots of good feedback on my last effort from the tutor and the group including really good suggestions for stanza breaks. Best of all I showed my first long poem (70 lines) to a friend and now have some very nice praise, which prompted me to start a praise record for those days when I feel like never writing a poem again.

I’ve been busy with lots of school governor work this week and there’s more to come tomorrow and Friday when I’m going to an INSET day with the staff –should be good.

small stone: deep feelings No 25, Jan 2012


The power of music never ceases to amaze me –the ability of melody to catch in my throat, to unnerve my heart –yesterday a choral version of Nimrod, earlier today Paul Simon and now,  listening to Leonard Cohen Live in London with some almost unbearably poignant word-tune combinations,  I weep.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

small stone No 24, Jan 2012

An early morning blessing of freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey and hot water – sharp, clear, unadorned; a way into the day, leading me forward into creativity with confidence.

Monday, January 23, 2012

small stone No 23, Jan 2012


Today at Bridge, Quilting, and my Poetry Workshop I count points, measure inches, seek out sounds of surprise  -all demand the same focus of eye, mind and memory, all aim for accuracy and enjoyment, all compose different, new neural connections. Time for dreams to sort and settle ready for tomorrow.