Poetry Reading at the Rutland Alms, Sheffield

Well, here it is. Sorry about the quality but the room was very dimly lit, and the camera man could have been better positioned. It was a good evening though, and the audience was appreciative. I am now looking forward to Saturday's Stanza meeting in the library in Sheffield, where I have a new poem to present to the group. 

The sun is shining in Birdwell, today, very pleasant. I have my lesson plan to sort out for class this afternoon, other than that it will be an easy day. And it is Friday, so maybe hubby and I will push the boat out and see what's going on at the Cock, this evening.

Have a lovely weekend, dear reader,
Love and hugs,
Jane x

ALLO ALLO IT IS UP THE RESISTANCE!

IF YOU WANT A GOOD LAUGH GET YOURSELF TO THE THEATRE IN BIRDWELL ON 6TH OR 7TH OF APRIL. 

Yes, I am the one with the feather duster, I'm keeping it clean, as they say. We're a motley crew, but I'm sure we will make you laugh. Set in a French brothel during WW2, the plot involves, German Officers, escaping Englishmen, and a cow. Spot the cow, it is in fact hovering above my head in the above photo, that is it's open mouth, imagination needed.

I have been busy learning my lines, so not had time for any big walks lately. I am sure that will be rectified soon. I have had a trip to London, and even a day out in Scarborough, so have not been idle. I had never been to Scarborough and was surprised to see that there was a castle there. It is a very impressive site, well worth a visit.

I have also joined the Poetry Society Stanza group at Sheffield which meets every 3rd Monday in the month. It has only just been formed so is feeling its way as to a programme for each month. This month we all read one of our own poems to introduce ourselves. I'm not sure humorous poems would go down too well, we'll see.

I am to be part of the Sheffield Poet-a-Thon on the 2nd April, where I will read for 8 minutes. I think my slot is about 12.15pm. It is to be held at the new Arts Centre in the middle of Sheffield. About 50 poets are reading in a day long event which has been organised to raise money for the refugees. Please donate if you can: Jane Sharp Poet Click the link to go to my Just Giving page.

My dear hubby, David, has been busy in the garden. He has planted several strawberry plants, and prepared beds ready for summer plants that are, at the moment, germinating on our kitchen window ledges. The daffodil bulbs he planted just after Christmas have sent up a lovely display of yellow trumpets, or misshapen smilies, as I like to think they are.

As I write this blog the news is full of the bombing in Brussels that killed about 30 people, yesterday. It was a terrorist attack, suicide bombers at the airport, and also on the underground railway. Earlier this week there was an attack in Turkey, and there have been others. Now the whole of Europe is on high alert. I say my prayers every night for a peaceful world, knowing that a solution to all this violence will not come overnight.

On a brighter note, the Queen is coming up to her 90th birthday, and I am looking forward to some wonderful celebrations. So, April 21st is a date in my diary.

Before that, of course, it is Easter. This coming weekend, in fact. So, I wish you all a very Happy Easter break, whatever your religion. And if you don't believe in God, then enjoy the holiday and lots of chocolate. And above all, spread the love.

Jane x

FIRST MEETING OF STANZA SHEFFIELD

The First Meeting of The Poetry Society Stanza Sheffield Group was held on Monday evening, 1st February at the Bath Hotel, Sheffield.

David and I caught the bus to Sheffield, a journey of about 45 minutes. Once in the centre we located the tram stop, and took a short ride to West Street, and then walked from there to the Bath Hotel. The Bath Hotel is a little pub not far from the University. There I met with other people who are interested in poetry, and Stanza Sheffield was formed. I am so happy to be in touch with other poets in this area. I know this will be a very active group. Watch this space!

Don't we look a happy crowd?

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