This was my first time entertaining the disabled residents at Holehird, a Leonard Cheshire home for 28 adults, set in stunning gardens on the outskirts of Windermere. I was delighted to be invited along and chose a selection of poems, plus a real-life short story. Hope to return soon.
Hi all! We had a great spoken word evening yesterday at the Mortal Man hotel, Troutbeck near Windermere. Two of us took turns to entertain hotel guests with poems and stories. The audience was most appreciative which is always very encouraging. If you are in the Lake District, The Mortal Man on a Thursday evening is the place to be.
My favourite poem to start an evening is OH FOR SKINNY JEANS as this usually brings a smile to faces. I have a small collection of humerous verses which are great for breaking the ice before I change to short stories with a twist in the tail. I'm afraid a number of my short stories have a gruesome edge, too, so these have to be quickly followed up by something lighter
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I have so much material, I could entertain for a whole evening. An overview of my work was featured in Writing Magazine (above) in May. Now, I'm planning to visit A Cheshire Home to read some poems and stories to residents who are receiving care. My poems are very accessible so I am hoping there will be something in my repetoire to please. Enjoy the Spring weather everyone, til next time. Juie
First let me wish you all a happy Easter. Good Friday today, so enjoy the break ahead.
My next novel starts with a hospital scene, as follows:
Nurse Williams fussed round Anne's bedside, felt her pulse, watched for signs of life , scrutinised every twitch of her eyelids. After a minute or two of professional observation, she consulted with ward Sister.
'Her husband's on his way over,' said Sister. 'He knows she's in a coma.'
'Can we tell him how long she'll be like this? He's bound to ask.'
Ward Sister frowned. 'There's no way of knowing. She might not even survive. Best not to give any firm prognosis.'
'What happened to her?'
'Not sure,' said ward Sister in a low voice, 'Slipped and fell, I think.'
'What a shame.'
And guess what? I've started thinking about the cover already, at least the front cover. That's optimism for you. This is a story with a big twist at the end!
