Writing

I’ve always enjoyed writing – I think because the stories have a way of transporting you from this world to any other.  Stories can draw you in, wrap you in an alternative reality and leave you happy, disturbed, afraid, sentimental.

I have written short stories, a full length sci-fi novel (never published, it was way too awful for that!) and blog posts.  I’ve kept a diary, written long, long letters to friends, and I keep a journal which is a cross between a scrapbook, sketchpad, diary, to do list and photo album. 

When my daughter was born 11 years ago, I started a Word document, and I wrote about everything about her – how I felt, how confused I was when she cried for no apparent reason, how tired I felt, how useless I felt.  I would add a new paragraph or two every day, then every week, then each month, and so it grew.

As she grew I wrote about her first word, her first laugh, her favourite foods, her favourite TV programme, and her favourite toys.  Then about the things that became important to her, school, friendships, sports, talents, aspirations.

I only stopped writing it last year, because she’s began to keep a diary of her own.  She’s old enough to remember her milestone moments herself now.

I love writing.  I love the idea that someone, somewhere, could be reading this and getting a fresh idea for a project of their own – that I might be reaching across countless miles and touching, albeit briefly, another life out there.

When I began this blog, I had the fanciful notion that it would be read all over the world – that I would attract followers keen to read the next insightful, quippy observation.  I dreamed of people leaving me comments, feedback, encouragement – I thought a community would develop and grow.  Sadly nothing of that sort has happened.  I was excited when I saw a post had 22 views.  Now I’m lucky if I get 3! 

So, help me out here, casual visitor to this page – please leave me a comment or two and answer this – is my writing boring?  What is it lacking? Where am I going wrong?   Don’t get me wrong – this isn’t some self-pity plea.  I still want that dream to come true – but as with most things, you need some critique to develop skills past their infancy.    Thank you!

The Turning World

Hello!

It's a chilly May 5th here in Cornwall - we have had a mixture of warm sunny days and windy chill days lately - not quite summer yet, but the promise is just around the corner.
I last wrote this back in February - I was recovering from my radiotherapy then, so my desire to write was quite low.  I am now in remission, slowly getting my voice back to normal, and not quite so tired every day, so here I am!

I have been thinking about how time passes - the turning of the planet - how a day starts, opens up as you pass through it, and closes down at night.  The days become weeks, and for me it's been a pathway - walking along from one test, appointment, consultation, procedure - to the next.  I started the journey over a year ago, and I am finally realising that my path is no longer dictated by these mile markers any more.  Sure I still have appointments, but they're not the centre of the universe any more.

So the weeks and months pass by, each segment filled with tasks completed, new things to do, forms to submit, reviews to attend, and always, always, there's the future to contemplate.  Where will it take me?  What do I need to do now to make the journey easier?  More successful?  What are the likely outcomes?

As I sit here, writing this, I am aware that the world has turned a bit more - another 5 degrees through it's circle of time - another few thousand miles along it's seasonal trip around the Sun, and I am warmed by the knowledge that my life is unfolding as it should.   I am happy.