I'm Late! I'm Late, for a Very Important Date!

I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date! Crimes! Christmas is upon us and I'm running out of time to do all those things that make the 24th December so wonderful: clean the kitchen floor, the skirting boards, the bit behind the sofa that only gets done once in a slip of the magnetic north pole, etc. Oh well, what doesn't get done, doesn't get done. 
David and I are back home after a little break in posh Penge. We saw our daughter, Jo, and grandson, Jack, had a Friday night out with friends (a Weatherspoon bash), a Saturday evening of serving mulled wine and mince pies at the carol service given by The London Singers, in St Georges Church, Bromley, a Sunday playing for Sunday service at Clockhouse Church, we had coffee in Nero's with the organ mistress, and I had a lovely afternoon of poeting with my fellow poets (Shortland's Poetry Circle). On top of all that I managed to see Father Christmas to put my request in for a camper van, and I enjoyed scooping up a few bargains in Bromley high street. Phew! Breathe! It was a lovely trip South though.
Back in Barnsley, today we have done the Morrisons thing, and I am looking forward to my Friday night tipple, though it won't be in the shed tonight. The garden is totally waterlogged due to all the rain, and it's really not so warm out there. (I know, the South has made me soft).
Anyway, here's a few pics of the week: 

Dear Father Christmas I would like a camper van please.

Bromley High Street loud and jolly

The Santa Express in Bromley

There he is, Santa himself

With presents, I see.

At the back of the church ready with the mince pies.

Lovely St George Church, Beckenham

The London Singers

Sunday service at Clockhouse Chapel

Watched over by the organ mistress.

St Georges from Delnene Restaurant, Backenham

Celebrating our son's 50th birthday

Look left, front row, this girl has to be related to me, she has a family resemblence

Kings Cross station on the way home

Look, a new Christmas scarf

I'm going to dash off now because not only is it tea time, but we haven't had lunch today and both David and I are blooming starving.
I might not be back before Christmas, so Best Wishes to everyone, thank you for taking the time to read my blog and showing an interest in my writing as a whole, (have you ordered a copy of my book/books yet?) Have yourselves a Very Merry Chistmas - Christmas Time, Mistletoe and Wine and all that, and may your lives be full of joy and jingling bells.
See you on the other side,
Byee for now,
Love and hugs,
Jane x

Lovely Leafy London

May Bank Holiday saw two happy travellers hand in hand through the streets of London, well Greenwich to be precise. And what a glorious weekend it was. Armed with a bottle of water, and suncream, we headed for Hampstead Heath by bus from Beckenham. Of course we sat on the front seat at the top of the double decker so as to get a real tourist eye view, tree top level. And after a quick jacket potato at a very agreeable pavement cafe we strolled over the heath towards the entrance to Greenwich Park. Our mission was to locate the memorial bench of John Fisher, who was my sister's brother in law. He was an artist/designer who worked and lived in Hampstead.

 As you see, we found the bench and stayed a while in quiet contemplation.

The commemorative bench is situated in a lovely position overlooking a small pond, and surrounded by mature trees. It was easy to locate just before the entrance to the park.






The view of the Thames and the City of London from the top of Greenwich Park was spectacular, and the park was crowded with tourists enjoying the sunshine and the historical surroundings. But we did not linger as our second mission was to visit the multiple markets of Greenwich. This we did, and we were not disappointed. There were crafts, antiques, vintage, and a wonderful variety of vegetarian food, home made cakes, and other local produce. I could have shopped till I dropped, but I didn't. Instead, like true Yorkshire people, we kept our purses firmly closed. I almost treated myself to a £3.00 ride on the Carousel, but thought better of it. We did splash out on a glass of cider and a red wine in the Gypsy Moth pub just by way of strolling down memory lane, as that is where we celebrated after Joanne (our daughter) graduated from Greenwich University. It hadn't changed; still as busy, still as expensive - but that's London.

The Cutty Sark, still as resplendent as ever, towered above us as we looked on the riverboats that were coming and going up and down the Thames.
















And the fun didn't stop there! Jo and I had a trip to the Tate Modern to see the Picasso Exhibition. It was fantastic, very inspirational, very mind blowing, and we both came away ready to create our own masterpieces.

 Hm! Make of it what you will, but I think I know what was on her mind.

 I got that loving feeling! There seemed to be a lot of armchairs and reclining nudes but every one shouted passion.

And we took in some other artists, Mark Rothsco, Marina Abromovich, among the thought provoking 'modern art.' It seems anything goes. I like her quote, I kind of know what she means.















And so to prove that anything goes, prepare to be amazed (or frightened to death). Yes it's Shed Woman.

And if you are still on your feet, thank you for scrolling down my blog to this point. I'm off now to do some more scary art. I have done my wife-y bit for the day, a scrumptious looking mushroom pie, which of course I can't eat, but I have a man who will.

It doesn't look too pretty but I bet it tastes good. Meanwhile I have roasted a load of vegetables pour moi.

June is not bursting out all over in Birdwell today, but it's very pleasant, and I've got the Bee Gees serenading me.

I hope you had an action packed Bank Holiday weekend and are able to relax, like me, this weekend. Home is a wonderful place to be.

Love and hugs till next time,
Jane x

Day Out in Barnsley

SUNSHINE ALL THE WAY!

Last week we had record high temperatures in England. Here in Birdwell and around we enjoyed 28/30 degrees, and our little garden came into it's own. We sat in the shade of our tree (unknown variety), sipped cool beer, and watched the world go by. At one side of us, neighbours were busy getting ready to go to Skegness for their annual holiday. At the other side, our neighbour was rushing here and there with his two young girls, as mum had just given birth to their son. It was all happening around us, while we lazed through the hot sunny days.

We did manage a trip to Barnsley, to do a bit of shopping, and had a lovely day. While we were out and about we called into the Oak Star Cafe at the Civic Theatre. It was brilliant! Even though it was 3 p.m. we were able to choose from the lunch menu. David had Thai curry, and I had Cod and mashed potatoes. It was inexpensive, and very good. We will definitely be back.

On our second trip into Barnsley, to the market, I bought a new dress for our production, next week. Yes, it is getting very close now, rehearsals have hotted up a pace.

I'm really looking forward to a good laugh, on the night. Especially as I'm celebrating my birthday at the weekend, too.

On the day that Princess Charlotte has been Christened, and the Chancellor has been working on his budget benefit cuts, the Greek people have been voting in their referendum to either accept the stringent austerity measures that have been imposed on them by the European union, or to say NO, and try to renegotiate a new deal. It is all very tense as to what is going to happen next. All I can say is that I am glad I don't have any euros, as the euro may not be worth much in Greece after today. As I write the likelihood of a NO vote is forecast.

So, July romps on in quite a dramatic way. (Excuse the pun)

I'm going back to learning my lines now. It would be fantastic if you could get along to share in our Summer Frolic. Just turn up at the door.

Bye for now,
Love and hugs, Jane x

This is a poem I wrote about the suffering of the Greek people.

Greek Voices

Yianni, out of work, hunched in a doorway,

sucks the last smoke from his precious roll-up,

feels the thin cloth of his empty pockets,

and stamps his dead-man’s shoes on the pavement.

He doesn’t want to queue for potatoes

in the open streets of Athens, or take

his wife a bundle of clothes from the church.

He doesn’t want to sit at a table

like a monk from Athos waiting for bells.

So he goes to his mother, who welcomes

him, open arms, to her bare house, and shares

a pot of boiled greens she picked on the hill.

He returns home blasting the sweet Virgin.

His wife shouts back, not because there is no

meat on her plate (or hope of any), but

because the sound of their voices creates

paradise in a vacuum of silence.

They want their voices to be heard: they want

to rattle the glass of a thousand panes.

The South Yorkshire Adventure Begins

Homing is the inherent ability of an animal to navigate towards an original location through unfamiliar areas.

My mother was born at Monk Bretton near Barnsley, my father was born in Rotherham. I have certainly navigated through unfamiliar areas on my journey back to the gene pool, almost 20 years in Greece, and 3 years in London. 

Birdwell, there isn't much to it, a couple of pubs, a post office, hairdressers, a village school and a little Methodist Chapel, oh, and a Pharmacy and doctors surgery. What more does one need? Well, whatever more there is, can be found within a bus ride. (And I think there is a Chinese take-away, a little village shop and a classic car restoration garage).

This is our new home, and we love it.

 We decided to come to live in Yorkshire when it was quite obvious that the small pension we get was not going to be enough to sustain us in Bromley, where the rent on our one bedroom flat was just too much for our purse to stand.

Now we have a two bedroom little house, with a south facing garden big enough for a decent size man-shed. How good is that. And the rent is half the price.

OK, Barnsley is not Bromley, but Meadow Hall Shopping Centre is not far away, and Sheffield is only a short train journey. I am sure we are going to have fun checking out the many antique sale rooms, and garden centres in the area.

We are in the countryside and have already had our boots on and stamped our footprints along a fabulous bridleway. There are lots of horses and ponies in the fields. It's a far cry from the coal mines and coke works that used to fill the landscape around Barnsley.

I won't deny that it was a wrench to leave our daughter, Jo, and grandson, Jack, in the South, and I can't wait for them to visit. But now we are near to our son, David, our two lovely granddaughters, Star and Jade, and mum Tracy.

I shall continue to trip down to London every month, Beckenham isn't getting rid of me. I have church organ to play, and poetry to write, not to mention friends to meet for lunch, and plenty of mum-daughter days to enjoy.

So, the South Yorkshire Adventure begins! In fact it has already begun. Life is good!

Talk again soon, have a brilliant weekend dear reader.

Love Jane x

Move Over Margo!!!!!!

Sometimes you've just got to go for it! - sorry about the blurred photo, I think the photographer had a fit of the giggles.

What fun! From beginning to end a laugh a minute. I knew there was a ballet dancer lurking inside me. Well, we proved ourselves to be entertainers, so if you have, or know of an organisation who would benefit from an evening of poetical fun,  with the odd sketch thrown in, do get in touch with me.

It's Show Time!

A Breeze Above Our Heads

An evening of poetical fun

with

Jane Sharp, Christine Pope and Mary Sawyer

Saturday 7 Feb at 7.30 p.m.

Beckenham Methodist Church

Bromley Road

Beckenham

Tickets £5.00 (includes refreshment) on the door.

Please come and support us, we promise a unique evening of words and music. I am so looking forward to this event. It's a first for Beckenham, and a first for, 'A Breeze Above Our Heads.'

Now, as you can imagine I have been very busy over the past few weeks, preparing for our debut show. Since Christmas I have not had a free day. One thing though, I have been able to cosy up in the flat and learn my lines (well, sort of). I've also done a bit of baking. I've made love heart biscuits for our audience on the 7th Feb. And today I tried out a new recipe which I got out of a magazine. It was for apple cookies. Unfortunately they didn't turn out anything like a cookie, more sort of soft, spongy, eggy type, scone type, unsweet, cocoa-nutty, keep you alive stodge. David and I will probably eat them, they are not too bad with a spoon of jam on the top, but I won't make them again. Oh, well, nothing new there then.

We had a slight shower of snow today, it started just after I had stepped out of the front door for a short constitutional, managed to wet me through as I determinately strode out, and cleared up the minute I got back to the flat. Cold air is very refreshing in the lungs after a day inside.

I hope you are keeping warm, dear reader, and I look forward to seeing you on Saturday 7 Feb.

And now for a bit of telly, it's nearly time for 'Death in Paradise' a little programme which amuses me.

Take care on the icy roads,

Love and hugs,

Jane x

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2015

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2015

This is it! The beginning of another year, whoopee! of we go again!

I'm happily unemployed, free to create, free to use my days as I wish, and free to eat my meals at the time of day I want.

So, with my poet's head on I have spent the day revising some of my more silly poems ready for a public airing on the 7th February, when I shall be part of the entertainment at Beckenham Methodist Church. (More about that later) Suffice it to say that Aunt Martha is to come out of hiding.

And, what have I cooked today. Well, so far nothing. David made the porridge this morning, we had lunch at withering spoons in Bromley (extremely good value) and now it's 6.30 p.m so I think a snack is about to appear. I dare say I could rustle up a couple of pieces of toast.

Actually, watching the news has put me off my food. The emotional gatherings of people all over the world, solidarity against the outrage of the cold blooded murder by terrorists of writers and cartoonists in their offices in Paris. I feel so sorry for all those people of the Islamic faith, who are decent, respectable citizens. 

Oops! What? It's not burnt, it's just caught. It'll scrape off!

There was an old lady from Penge,

Who went on a trip to Stone Henge,

She put on her mac

And went there and back

In her brand new Mercedes Benz 

Love and hugs

Jane x

The London Loop

Help, I'm turning into a LOOPY!

Give me a mission, and I can't put it down. Tomorrow David and I will embark on stage 6 (and maybe even stage 7) of the London Loop. In posh terms that is the London Outer Orbital Path. Sounds good doesn't it?

Well, it's great fun. We head out, once or even twice a week, with our packed lunch, and our pack-a-macs, usually on the bus, but sometimes on the train, or even the tram from Beckenham. David is armed with the official map, taken from the Loop web site, and the directions (which are not always correct). And I have my sturdy stick (to ward off man or beast should that ever be necessary). Here are a few pics to give you an idea of how lovely the green belt surrounding London really is.

 We set off from Erith and followed the Thames estuary ending our first 9/10 miles at Bexley, and a welcome pint.

 From Bexley (stage 2) we headed for Petts Wood, and quickly located Wetherspoons, where we downed a well earned beer. About 7 miles.

 Stage 3 began at Jubilee Park, Petts Wood, and followed the river Cray, a beautiful spot, to West Wickham. 9 miles (a good 9 miles because we walked on to Hays).

Stage 3, in search of a pub at Coney Hall, and great disappointment, we even continued walking to Hays for our 'pat on the back' pint. But no luck there either, and we ended up so tired that all we really wanted was to get home, boots off, shower and sleep.

 Stage 4 was West Wickham to Hamsey Green, with fabulous views of London in the distance.
Another 9 miles.

And guess what? The pub we expected to find at Hamsey Green has been pulled down. Not good! Not good at all! We ended up in the Bricklayers on Beckenham High Street.

From Hampsey Green we completed stage 5, which took us to Coulsden across the downs. This was, for me, the most beautiful walk so far because it crossed open countryside, lovely flower filled meadows, and a very pleasant woodland area.

So, that brings us to tomorrow and stage 6. Coulsden to Bamstead Downs, a mere 4.5 miles. Bring it on!


And in between all that walking about the English countryside I have done hours of cello practice, and even spent a very rainy afternoon at a family barbecue.

Oh, and I wrote and entered a poem in the Proms Poetry Competion, and wrote a poem for another competition. If there was any bad news during the last few weeks, it was the first rejection of my novel from the publisher I sent it to. It's not the end of the world, I'll just have to try again with another publisher.

And now to get an early night so that I'm bright and breezy in the morning.

Watch this space to see how we get on with the LOOP. If you fancy doing it yourself take a look at the web site for all the details. CLICK HERE if you want to become a little LOOPY!

I'M BACK!

Hello dear reader,

I have finally come out of the blog blues, and feel ready to resume normal life again, (whatever that is).

See these lovely flowers? They were given to me by a very good friend, on the occasion of my 46th wedding anniversary.

Now, last year, things were quite 'lumpy' in the flow of married bliss. I don't mind to admit it. But then, it wasn't surprising, considering the alignment of the planets, or was it something to do with moon?

Anyway, year 46, I am assured, (by a healthy reading of the Tarot) is going to be more than fabulously wonderful. And, it has got off to a great start.

As a special treat, we hived off after church, to the Globe Theatre on the South Bank. The 'we' being my lifelong partner, David, my bunch of pink roses, and me. And, for £5 each, no expense spared, we took up a position where we could lean against the wooden barrier, between those who had a seat (with a cushion) and those who had to stand, in the area near the stage, from where we watched the new play, Holy Warriors, by David Eldridge. It was a wonderful experience, our first time at the Globe, and a very thought provoking play about Saladin and Richard the Lionheart v. present day players in Middle Eastern politics. It seems we have a replay of history.

Anyway, off to our new start, we have also decided to take our health in hand. And that means... yes you have it...exercise. Now I have a little problem with exercise, in that I have to be careful about lifting, and stretching. It's only a little hernia, but my goodness it has caused me some trouble. But walking is great. In fact, I am better on my feet than sitting down. And for someone who spends hours playing piano and cello, not to mention writing, walking is a necessity. Who was it said we have two good doctors, our right leg, and our left leg? Well actually, I have three good doctors, I must not forget my lovely doctor at the Cator Medical Centre in Beckenham.

So, it is out with the boots, and, 'Legs. Get walking'. David and I have embarked on a quest which should keep us putting one foot in front of the other for the foreseeable future. We are walking the London Loop, which is a signed footpath circling the outskirts of London. In total it covers 152 miles, which is in 24 stages. Tomorrow we will set off by train to Petts Wood, where we shall start walk number 3, a tidy 9 miler. NINE MILES! Some of you will think that's a long way, others may be used to walking further in a day. This being walk number 3, I already know that it will take about 5 hours, with a short break for lunch, as walk number 1 from Erith to Bexley, was about the same distance. We did that a couple of weeks ago, completing walk 2, Bexley to Petts Wood, last week, a mere 7 miler. And it is such good fun. We are discovering the area we live in, and walking by rivers, and through park land and woods. I'm looking forward to tomorrow. It may rain, but hey, what respectable walker doesn't have a pack-a-mac? For pensioners it's a cheap day out. We have our freedom pass, and we take a packed lunch. Our little treat at the end of the walk is a pint of Doom Bar, or other such ale, at the first pub we come to.

I'm glad I'm back on track with my life, and my blog. The golden adventures of Crete are history, and new adventures await in England. I'm looking forward to sharing them.

I think there is a music festival in Beckenham this coming weekend - bring it on!

Love Jane x

Happy Valentine's Day from Beckenham

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

I don't know what you are up to today, but I hope you are making a special effort to think about that special person in your life. I know I am.

Over the years there have been flowers, chocolates, the odd bottle of wine. But today David and I have decided to abandon all of that. Is it a sign of age, or are we just plain miserable?

Well, I hope it is neither. Yesterday we walked to Penge and back, so I think we are pretty fit, and as for miserable, we don't allow that in the house.

What we have decided to do is work through the day, we have things to do, and then have a special meal tonight with a drop of bubbly. And over that meal we shall discuss an adventurous day out on Sunday, when, hopefully the weather will be a little brighter.

So, to work. I am in the (hopefully) latter stages of my second novel, so that will take up a couple of hours. Then I have a couple of poems to write for the Shortlands Poetry Circle meeting, which will take place on Tuesday. This is very exciting as it will be my first attendance at the 'writers' meeting. I had to apply to join, then be accepted by the committee (no pretend poets wanted) and finally try out a meeting to see whether I want to be a regular member. It is very exciting! As it usually takes me a few days to perfect a poem, if not longer, I had better make a start today.

Also on Tuesday I will attend my first meeting of Stanza, another poets' gathering, this time in Bromley. Both meets are chaired by Anne Stewart.

I should add that I have been a member of the Shortlands Poetry Circle - Readers group for almost about a year, and I enjoy that very much. It also widens my knowledge of poetry generally.

So, that is my writing schedule for today. And when that is all done, I shall relax with my lovely man, who is, as we speak, ordering me a copy of Steven Fry's The Ode Less Traveled, his little present to me for Valentine's Day. And my present to him? Oh, I think I shall find something to put a smile on his face.

Have a lovely day readers, make it special.
Love Jane x

Getting to Know Princess Royal Hospital

So, normal life has not resumed!

Just a quick catch up in between hospital visits. My lovely daughter was in so much pain that she was admitted yesterday. We had a full day of it, first one hospital, then the next, and finally, after several doctors had seen her, and after blood tests and an x ray, they kept her in. 

David and I are cat sitting, and looking after our grandson in between hospital visits. We will, hopefully, know more about Jo's condition, later in the day. It's a worrying time, but, as they say, she is in the right place.

On a brighter note, we were treat to a wonderful firework display on Saturday night, as we arrived back at the flat. We watched from the comfort of our lounge as sparkling cascades of florescent mushrooms, broke into droplets of white and silver flashes in the sky, amid booms and rips, and the whoosh of rockets. I think the display came from the park, but there were some private garden displays also lighting up the dark November evening. It was quite something. Of course, I did think about the money that was just going up in smoke, but isn't it worth it to put a smile on your face?
The Round Table organised this display, maybe next year we will attend the event and join in the fun.

We did have an hour or two to ourselves on Saturday, so we went to the cinema. We could not get a seat to see the Tom Hanks film, Captain Philips, so we opted to see 'Philomena' staring Judy Dench and Steve Coogan. We enjoyed the film, good script, good human interest story, and of course, well acted, but probably not as thrilling as Captain Philips. If you haven't time to see the film, then here's a brilliant short cut, Philomena the Official Trailer.



Maybe I should write a film script of my book, I recon it could raise a few eyebrows. Look it up on Amazon, Tears from the Sun - A Cretan Journey It will make a great Christmas present too!

And before you go to bed tonight, think nice thoughts. There are enough evil bastards out there, let's make sure there is more positive energy released then negative.

I wish you a happy Monday, wherever you are, and whatever you are doing today.

Love and hugs,
Jane x

Country Crafts Market Beckenham 0ctober 2013

Ah, shopping as it used to be! We were on our way to the supermarket, but couldn't resist the goodies at this special market which was being held on the green behind St George's Church, Beckenham.

It was all so jolly, especially with the music and the fair ground. I'm looking forward to the next craft market, especially as Christmas is just around the corner.

Not to rush things though, we have Halloween and Bonfire Night to celebrate before we start thinking about Christmas. I have to say that it is impossible to forget these two events as the shops are full of pumpkins, and spooky stuff to decorate the house with, and there are lots of firework displays being advertised, as well as fireworks being sold.

I hadn't realized until I read the info at the market on Saturday, that all of that green area behind the Parish Church, was bombed during the war. It apparently used to be full of banks and shops etc. After the war the area was cleared, and left as a park for the town.

I hope you all had a good weekend. I am gearing up for choir practice tonight, so I will go now and do a bit of tonsil flapping. Have a mighty melodious Monday!

Love and hugs,
Jane x

Beckenham Ladies Choir Perform at Penge Congregational Church

It was indeed a grand night for singing, last night, at the Penge Congregational Church, where I joined the other ladies of the Beckenham Ladies Choir, to perform an Autumn Charity Concert.

The highlight of the evening, for me, and I am sure for most people, was the absolutely stunning performance of Chloe Meade, a seventeen year old violinist who played Slavonic Dance No2 in E minor - Dvorak in the first half of the programme, and treated us to It Ain't Necessarily So - Gerswin, in the second half.

Our conductor, Dorothy Webster Thomas, brought out the best in us, and Pam Robertson and Christian Strover were our accompanists on the piano.

All the profits from the concert will go to Beckenham Rotary chosen charities: Young Carers of Bromley, CASPA, Demeiza, Petts Wood Play Group, Phoenix, BAT, Maypole.

The next charity concert will be on Friday 13 December 2013 at 12.30 in St George's Church, High Street, Beckenham, and will be in aid of a local children't charity.

If you would like to join the Beckenham Ladies Choir, you will get further information by visiting this site:

www.beckenhamladieschoir.org 

And following that up, this morning, I played cello during the service at church. There was also a christening, so afterwards there was lots of cake and goodies. That lined our tums for a lunchtime pint in the Jolly Woodman, and then it was back to the luxury of central heating and a relaxing 'feet up' hour in front of the TV before both David and I buckled down to our writing again.

All in all, it has been a very pleasant weekend.

Now, I did promise a hint of what I got up to in Crete, so I hope this little video will give you a taster. I will put more photos up in the next few days.




Oh, I almost forgot, I went to Bromley market last Thursday and want to share some pictures that I took there. That's a job for tomorrow.

Have a good week readers, bye for now,
Love and Hugs,
Jane x

Want to Know How it Feels to Give Away a £10 note?

Want to know how it feels to give away a £10 note? Just wonderful!

To some of you reading this, £10 will be small fry, others will be saying, she's mad giving money away, when she has so little, and others might just follow my lead and do the same. Which one are you?

The streets of Beckenham are not lined with gold, but there is a fair bit of it passing around. It's a wonderful place to live.

Not much has happened today, though I have been busy every minute, writing my blogs, cello, piano, a bit of cleaning. Anyway, I just fancied a bit of mashed potato, so I peeled a few spuds, put them on to boil, and opened a tin of chunky steak. Now I haven't eaten tinned beef for a number of years, but I saw this chunky steak in Marks and Spencer's, and, maybe it was nostalgia, or maybe the picture on the tin, but I thought, that looks good, so I bought it. I opened it today, heated it up in a pan (easy) and poured half of it over my mashed (or is it creamed in Beckenham) potatoes. Just delicious!

And now, after I've written this, I shall write a list of what I need to take on my holidays. Only 6 sleeps to go, and I'll be off on another adventure.

Have a good evening dear reader,

Talk some more soon,
Love, Jane x

Money in the Post!

Oh the joy of receiving! And the Joy of Giving!

How wonderful, I received payment for playing the organ in church. I get £15 every time I play. Now, my instinct is to say, no, keep the money, but the truth is I think the church already has a pot of money, in fact, I know it has, as meeting after meeting is called to discuss how to use their pot to benefit the community.

So, I have decided to donate a part of my music making money, to someone who is homeless, and I know there are plenty of those people. I remember when I failed miserably in business and ended up with no house, no car, no job and very little self respect. It's a bad place to be in, believe me. But what I did have, was a wonderful partner who loved me, two brilliant children who supported themselves, and most of all, a fantastic, (in the face of all our problems) positive attitude. So what! You know, there is one thing much worse than not having a roof over your head - death!

My mother died when she was 43 years old, I was then 21. There is nothing, more devastating than to lose someone you love, nothing. But you know what? Down, is down, but it's not out! David and I may not have had a home, we may not have had a job, but we had love, and were loved in return, and most of all, we were alive and knew we could build again. The last 20 years have been a bit like one of those electrical wire games, where you have to cautiously move a loop over a zig-zag of wire, and if you touch it the alarm goes off, and you have to start again. We have progressed three steps forward, two steps back. But after 20 years we have emerged, having achieved so much.


Now we live in a cozy flat, we can travel the world, we take holidays, I have taken up my music studies again, we have lots of friends and our family has increased by three grandchildren. We are alive, and for every breath we are grateful. I never want to have to live in a tent again, but I know there are lots of people, right now, who find themselves in that position. I've been there, and I know how it feels.

I believe that everyone can improve themselves, but only they can do it. And it may take time to get where you really want to be. The secret is to know where you want to be, and to never give up until you get there. And, you know what? The journey can be so much fun. There is always a positive side to any situation. You know how the song goes, 'Always look on the bright side of live.'

My immediate goal is to increase my confidence as a speaker, as for possessions, I want a modern flat, with a lovely fitted kitchen, a luxurious bathroom, and a balcony overlooking the lake. One big enough to have a piano. Of course, by then I will be traveling all over the world telling people how I achieved it all.
Anyway, I have decided to seek out someone at the beginning of their journey and share my good fortune.
I'll let you know how I go on, in my next blog post.

Now, did you know that Beckenham High Street is getting two new town signs and new street furniture, all thanks to the Town Centre Workiing Party chaired by Copers Cope Councillor, Michael Tickner. Not only that, but a Beckenham Heritage Trail will be launched with points of interest marked with special paving slabs. It is all being funded by a special capital grant from Conservative run Bromley Council. Hooray! Well done! That's action. I'm going to join a committee at Clock House Church to discuss, and if I have my way, ACT on their findings, as to how to make use of the building at Clock House, to benefit the community.

And if you want to improve your lot, take a look at how I'm improving mine. I've found a little secret that I'd love to share with you. It's working for me, and it's worked for thousands of other people all over the world. Take a look. Make things happen. I do.

Plan to Prosper

Out for a Spin in West Wicomb

Last week passed quietly, in glorious sunshine. I took a walk in Kelsey park, treated myself to an ice cream from the little van in the park, and walked up as far as the Chinese garage. I hadn't realized that there is a butcher's shop in the little shopping precinct in Wickham Road. And a couple of nice looking cafe bars. I shall have to investigate them further. My exercise over, I settled to my cello practice, and relaxed with a good book, or two.

Poetry is one of my passions, and when I am not writing (which has been most of the summer) I am reading. At the moment it is Carol Anne Duffy's book, The Bees, and Rainer Maria Rilke's sonnets to Orpheus, translated by Martyn Crucefix. Two totally different books, both brilliant in their own ways.

Today I have been out and about with Joanne, a mother and daughter day, lovely. She took me to look at a car, which she took out for a spin, and decided to buy. It was all very exciting, she had been talking about buying a new car for ages. And I recon she deserves it because she works so hard, and in such a worthwhile job. Anyway, we had to celebrated of course, so we went to La Racasse (I think that is how you spell it) in Beckenham. We had a glass of bubbly, and lunch, and chatted for about an hour.

I have spent the rest of my day doing my cello practice, and making videos for Empower Network. We have high expectations for our little enterprise, it is certainly keeping me busy, and we get to meet such lovely people.

And now I am going to watch the last night of the proms, before bed. It's church in the morning, but I'm not playing the organ this week, so it isn't so stressful. And then I shall meet up with Jo again.

So, only a little adventure today, but I am tired so will say 'goodnight.' I hope your weekend is full of smiles.

Love and hugs,
Jane x

It's a lovely car, isn't it?