The Little Thursday Shop

Up bright and early this morning and in the shop by 9 am.  We wasn't expecting to be that busy due to everyone being exhausted from Christmas shopping but we had a really good morning.  Not only on the selling side but also we had a lot of donations.  There were no cakes this week which suited me just fine, after filling my face for the last few days the last thing I want is a cake/chocolate biscuit or sweet !

I sat down last night and drafted a plan for my writing for 2012, I have everything I need apart from a few more hours in the day.  Once the children are back at school it will be a lot easier to get a good few hours in at a time.  There are so many things I want to do and with some careful planning I hope to get them done.  As always I will keep you up to date.

I still have 2 stories out there which I am waiting for a verdict on, hopefully the new year will start with a sale

Holiday Tuesday

After the hustle and bustle of Christmas Day which included catering for 9 people hubby and |I decided to have a few lazy days.  Day 2 of lazy has been bliss.  I have been incredibly idle but refuse to feel guilty about it !  I had a bit of an emotional day yesterday, Carl bought me 'The Lion King' on DVD (which I asked for) but I'd forgotten it made me cry.  I used to watch it with my son and daughter no 1 when they were very small and just after my Gran died.  The part where Simba sees his father in the clouds gets me everytime.  I had just about got over that and pulled myself together when 'Becoming Jane' was on.  Now this is daft, I knew it would make me cry, because it always does, but I sat and watched it anyway - Doh !

No sad films today, but we did watch 'Rise of the Planet of The Apes' which was very, very thought provoking and a brilliant film with a lesson which SHOUDd be heeded, for us all.

Off out to look at Sofas tomorrow, not sure if I am looking forward to it or not but the fresh air will be good at least.

Christmas Countdown Pt 2

I have been so busy and sadly have neglected my blog.  Realistically I expect my posts will be patchy over the Christmas period but I hope to be back on track before the new year.  I hope you can bear with me until then.

Christmas Countdown

I thought I had planned things reasonably well this year BUT I am still running around chasing my tail and tomorrow looks no better.  The shops are packed, the roads are busy and my feet are killing me.  I have not managed any meaningful writing but hope to bag some time towards the end of the week.

Some good news, my son is coming home for Christmas.  He arrives tonight with his girlfriend and I am really looking forward to having him stay.  Daughter no. 2 is back tonight as well so it will be a real full house !!

Last night I went out to the Watford Writers Christmas meal and had a really good time.  They really are such a great group and I am so glad they allowed me to join them.

Tomorrow I am going to see my friends week old baby, I am hoping for a really big cuddle.

Friendship Friday

Last day of term for both the girls today and, neither of them were well enough to go in.  Nothing serious but they were both so tired (and moody) I think it did them both good.

I had a lovely surprise.  My friend Linda phoned me and we had a great chat.  I met Linda at Swanwick Writers Summer School and liked her immediately, which isn't often the case with me.  We have kept in touch via email but this was the first time we have spoken to each other since August.  Over that time we have discovered we have a lot more in common that writing, she is an inspiration is so many ways.  I am looking forward to many more phone calls in the coming year.

Not as much work done today as I would have liked but I did manage to develop a few ideas which had been on the back burner.  Well, you know the old saying, big things grow from small acorns.

This & That Thursday

Such a busy day today.  I was in the shop this morning and we were one man down for a few hours, but of course that meant that more people came through the door.  Once we were back on board and fully staffed it got quieter, typical.  Don't get me wrong I love my Thursday's but this one was manic. 

On the way home from the shop I needed to pop into the post office for a few bits and it was packed in there too.  It is only a sub-post office so as you can imagine there is just the one queue.  I couldn't go and come back later because I only had half an hour before school run time.  Made it to the school with 10 minutes to spare.

I am hoping for a less busy day tomorrow so I can sit and make up time on my writing. 

Writing Wednesday

Today has been a good day.  I have been working on a pen portrait for Mslexia magazine and today I stopped dragging my heels and actually sent it off.  Of course, I won't be notified if they will use it or not for the Spring issue until Feb/March time.  So I have pushed it to the back of my mind for now.

There is still no word from Woman's Weekly or The Weekly News regarding the short stories I submitted but then as the stories are not seasonal they are probably lingering in somebodies pending tray.  Everything comes to he who waits and in this writing game there is an awful lot of waiting.  That is why it is a good thing to have several projects in the mix at once.  I tend to have ideas for stories stomping around in my head for a while before I actually draft anything.  I find it easier to scrawl it down on paper rather than stare at a blank computer screen, paper allows you to ramble more.

'I Told You S0 ' Tuesday

During my mothers meeting on Friday I told my friend Lesley (whose baby is overdue) that she would go into labour on the 12/12 and the baby would either be born on that day or in the early hours of 13/12.  Well, her beautiful baby boy arrived this morning after going into labour yesterday !  I cannot wait to say 'I told you so'.  No, seriously, I am looking forward to my cuddle with the new arrival.

Spent the morning looking around on-line for exciting writing competitions for next year.  Surprisingly there are quite a few out there with closing dates as far away as March.  Still I shouldn't use that as an excuse to leave it to the last minute as I have done in the past.  Too much time and all that, I have been known to leave it until the week before the closing date then spend the next five days pulling my hair out.  Perhaps that could be a new year's resolution, well one that I can keep.

Muddled Monday

I thought I would gibe myself a day off from writing because my competition entry (Peter Barry Estate Agents) was emailed at the weekend.  So, because the house was in such a mess as I was poorly last week, I thought I should tidy up.  We put the Christmas Tree up yesterday and there were discarded baubles and bits of tinsel strewn all over the place.  For some strange reason I decided to do the porch as well.  Three and a half hours later I was knackered, the lounge was fully decorated for Christmas and the porch was clean and tidy.

I gave myself the afternoon off !  Went off to Watford Writers which was panto night.  Members had written short panto's (which were read not acted out) they were all very funny and included some odd characters such as Tarzan, King Kong, Ripperella (a lady of the night) and of course a few ugly sisters.  You know, there is some real talent in the group.

Tomorrow, I intend to take things a little easier and work on some ideas I have for future stories, to put your mind at rest, I don't intend to include any of the characters named above.

Friday's Finale

At last.  Armed with the advice and encouragement from my very good friend I eventually made the final amendments to my story for the 'Peter Barry Estate Agents' short story competition.  So, fingers crossed that it is well received as parts of it are rather tongue in cheek.

I received my critique from the NAWG short story competition which I had been waiting for with bated breath.  It wasn't as bad as I thought and I could identify with all the comments, suggestions and was appreciative of the advice.  As a writer, just starting out, any feedback is welcome especially when it comes from a writer so much more experienced than myself.

I am still waiting for decisions on two stories I sent out - one to 'The Weekly News' and the other to 'Womans Weekly'.  I am not expecting them to be accepted reflecting on what I have learnt in the past few weeks, but the experience of approaching editors with my work is good practise.

Any results on competitions entered or work sent out to magazines I will let you know.  

Tender Thursday

My poor nose is so sore.

I did something very naughty today.  When Carl finds out he is going to be wild. 

As you will know he has looked after me all week, dosing me up with meds and cooking me nice breakfasts to help me get my strength back.  Anyway, he had to go out early this morning so I decided to go into the shop.  Yes, I know I shouldn't have but as luck would have it I did get a lift, so it wasn't like I had to stand around waiting for a bus.  My friend Lesley was going into town so she dropped me off.  She told me she was going to walk around to try and bring the baby on - her little bundle of joy is a few days late.  It didn't work though.

I so enjoy my Thursdays in the shop and the ladies I work with we have such fun and it really is a great little shop which helps to raise money for the local hospice.  We have a big range of evening wear at the moment what with it being the party season and all.  We have some NEW designer gear, black, burgundy, blue all very glam.

No writing done today so tomorrow I am really going to have to pull my finger out to make up for all the time I have lost this week.  I'm ready - bring it on.

Tissue Tuesday

Had a rough day yesterday.  I felt very sorry for myself indeed and hardly got any work done, I had lot's of thoughts but pen to paper, fingers to keyboard was a no-go. 

I had a lovely surprise though, Hubby, (who is ok with me using his name now) Carl, came home although he wasn't due back until Friday.  I was so pleased to see him I got a bit tearful BUT did manage to pull myself together just in time.  Carl dosed me up, slapped Vicks on my back and sent me off to bed - and there I stayed until 07:30 wednesday morning.  

Moaning Monday

I am writing this post early today because I know that by this evening I will not have the strength.  Nothing serious, just a head cold but one of those which makes you want to close your eyes all the time.

Despite stopping every two minutes to blow my nose I have actually got some work done.  Not a lot, but some is better that none !

I have finished the short story (after some sound advice from a friend of mine) for the competition I am entering and have to say I am pleased with it.  I expect I may fiddle with it a bit more but as the deadline is still a week away, it gives me a little time.

I think the postman is avoiding me again.  I bet he knows I am waiting for my critique from the NAWG short story competition and a decision on two stories submitted to two different magazines, not even a Christmas card today.

Here's hoping for a better day tomorrow.

Flitting Friday

Hubby's car had to go into the garage today it's a possible problem with the fuel pipe or the accelerator pedal, not sure which.  Anyway, he drove the car there and told me he would get the bus back.  In the meantime the company had delivered a hire car and left the keys in the porch - which I had no idea about.  So there I am having my morning mothers meeting when I hear my phone ringing.  It was Hubby ringing me to pick him up and asking me where I had been.  He knew the car was being delivered but forgot to tell me.  So after about 10 minutes of trying to move the seat so I could reach the pedals I eventually picked him up from the middle of nowhere !

After doing a few chores it was time to make lunch then go off to school to help set up for the Bazaar.  The good news is that the grotto had arrived.  It was a mad two hours but a lot of fun too.  I hadn't realised just how many people could be jammed into a small primary school hall.

All in all I have managed about an hours work today but tomorrow is another day.

Treadmill Thursday

I was so busy in the shop today, having said that I enjoyed myself humping boxes around and tidying the shop floor.  As usual we had a good laugh while we were working and still managed to get an awful lot done.  We have a lovely spice rack, brand new, and a customer decided she wanted it to face the other way and knocked all the spices out !!  She made a very quick exit leaving us to clear up after her.  I know we are a charity shop but that it just taking liberties, you wouldn't go into John Lewis and start re-arranging their display would you ?

After school I was involved in setting up some of the things for tomorrows Christmas Bazaar unfortunately the grotto we were expecting wasn't ready so we will have twice as much to do tomorrow before allowing the hoards into the bazaar.

Got home about 4:30 and started dinner so I have only just sat down and my feet are killing me.  Those of you who know me personally will remember that I am not known to be a lady who wears 'sensible' shoes.  The busiest day I have had in a long time but such an enjoyable one.  I need to see if I can manage a few hours of writing before bed.

Windy Wednesday

No school run this morning as the teachers are on strike which is just as well because it was so windy we might have been blown away.

Took daughter no. 2 out to buy some new clothes I hadn't realised just how selective she had become regarding what she wore.  Eventually we left with 2 pairs leggings, 3 tops and a pair of boots, its like shopping with my friend, she is definitely going to be a 'Shop till you Drop' kind of girl.

I bagged an hour for my writing this afternoon after I'd watched 'The Muppets Christmas Carol' with daughter no.2.  Actually I have to admit I like it.

Writing went well and I am feeling more positive than I was at the start of the week, its very odd what writing can do to you but I wouldn't change it from time to time a challenge does us good.

Tottering Tuesday

So tired this morning again.  As Hubby was away the space in my bed was taken up by daughter no. 2 and when I say the space was taken up, I mean it.  It is amazing just how much space a 9 year old can occupy in a kingsize bed. 

Had a few errands to run in the morning but was back by 11:30 so I sat down with a cup of tea and got writing and loved it.  I didn't realise how just how much I had missed it until then.  I did quite well and packed up about 2:45 in preparation for the school run.  Daughter no. 2 was having a friend home for tea so that put pay to getting anymore meaningful writing done - not that I am complaining.

A good friend of mine, also a writer (but with heaps more experience and success) has offered to read my story which is for a competition.  I very much appreciate her using her time to help me and hope I can repay her one day.  Competition deadline is 12.12.11 - fingers crossed !

Mini Monday

I was up very early this morning, when I say early I mean 0.00.  I couldn't sleep for one reason or another and was cleaning my kitchen at 1 in the morning !!

I eventually went back to bed about 3 ish which was very short lived as Hubby was up at 5 am getting ready to drive up north.  I stayed awake to make sure nobody would be late for school.  I thought I might have a nap in the morning but I didn't feel tired at all so I cleaned the fridge, two machine loads of washing and hoovered downstairs.  My friends Louise informed me that, no, I wasn't mad just doing the nesting bit for our mutual friend Lesley whose baby is due anytime now.

I have no writing since Thursday and I am missing it terribly after daughter no. 2 is in bed tonight I might put in a few hours IF I can keep my eyes open.  Watford Writers is cancelled tonight due to a fault with the alarms but I probably wouldn't have gone anyway.  Let's hope for a much better night tonight

Faffing Friday

Oh what a faff today has been. 

On the plus side Hubby cooked a wonderful breakfast which was a great start to the day and I went to the hairdressers and now look more human.  I went to three different large newsagents trying to hunt down a copy of 'Writers Forum' but couldn't find a single copy.  By the time I got home it was 2:10 and I only had 50 minutes until I had to go on the school run.

Once daughter no.2 was home there was no way I was getting any writing done at all.  She is practising hard for their Christmas play and asked me to watch her rehearse which of course I did and have to say she is fabulous.

Daughter no.1 went out on a date so I was also a taxi service.  I don't mind but I missed my writing.  I'm sure I will find some time over the weekend to get stuck in.

Tame Thursday

Woke up with a very sore throat and swollen glands which wasn't a great start to the day.  I decided not to go into the shop a) because I didn't want to spread my germs around and b) I felt so tired and a bit dazed.  But how I missed it and my lovely colleagues but I will have to wait another week now.

Hubby was sweet and looked after me very well considering he was trying to work as well, he even made me an extra special lunch.

From my vantage point on the sofa I managed a few hours work, not all in one go mind.  I am hoping that tomorrow I will be back to my normal self especially as we are going out for dinner with  my son and his girlfriend on Saturday night.  I don't want anything to spoil that.

I'm not feeling so bad about my rejection from TABFF today I just need to pick myself up and get out there.

Woe-is- me Wednesday

I was helping out in the school this morning wrapping presents ready for the Christmas Bazaar.  The heating wasn't working and it was really cold.  By the time we finished my feet were like blocks of ice, I was glad to get back home into the warm.

I received my first rejection today.  A story I sent out to  (TABFF) Take a Break Fiction Feast in September.  At first I was quite up set and felt like having a weep so I indulged in self pity for about half an hour before I remembered some wise words from a friend of mine.  She says 'You are not a real writer until you have had a rejection' and that's true in many ways.  Then she told me to pick myself up and get back out there - very wise lady is my good friend Linda.

I am in the shop tomorrow so won't have time to do any real writing but on Friday I intend to re-work the story and pick another market to send it to.  A lesson learnt today.

Mothers Monday

So, I went into the school and spoke to the headteacher regarding what happened on Friday.  Sadly I am not convinced by her assurances it will not happen again so I am considering writing to the governors.

Eventually I made it to my first 'Friends Meeting'  (new title for PTA) and have offered to help out at the Christmas bazaar next Friday, not sure whether I am going to regret it or not.

Started on a new story for a competition I found on the web.  It's being run by Peter Barry estate agents but sadly first prize is not a house! The story, so far, is coming along quite well and I have applied a few of the guidelines I read in my new 'Writers Guide' book by Linda Lewis.  It's a really helpful book and written so well if you are a short story writer give it a go - it's excellent.

Watford Writers was quiet tonight but we went ahead with the 250 word flash fiction competition and had 13 entries.  Next week is manuscript nigh again so I am going to be very brave and sort out a piece of writing to read aloud and be critiqued by fellow scribblers.

Fuming Friday

Daughter no.2 (age 9)  has an after school club on a Friday but today it was cancelled.  She asked the school to ring home and let me know but they told her there was no need because they had sent a text.  Needless to say I still have no text from them.  Luckily for me, two friends Lisa and Lesley took charge of daughter no.2 and phoned me to let me know.  How angry was I?  So relieved that Lesley had called me and Lisa walked said daughter home for me.  I will have more than a few words to say to the headteacher on Monday morning. 

On a brighter note I have got heaps of writing done and made a short list of which competitions I might try my luck with. 

Just about to settle down and watch 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' with daughter no.2 as we often do on a Friday.

Tickity Boo Thursday

I DROVE daughter no. 1 to school today the first time in over a year.  Apart from the fact that I almost forgot the way it was alright, not having driven for the past 11 months had left me feeling a bit nervous.

Daughter no.2 decided she wanted me to drive her to school as well, I had to say no,  daughter no. 2 goes to school 3 miles away and daughter no. 2 just 3 minutes away.

Was in the shop today and again we were quite busy especially when a customer knocked against our window display and it all fell over.  Poor woman went as red as a cherry.  It took us half an hour to set it all up again because it's the Christmas window complete with Christmas Tree, train sets, rocking horses an so forth.  But once it was done it looked even more eye catching that it had been before.

Not much progress made in the writing area today but tomorrow is Friday, my quiet day when I usually get quite a lot done and treat myself to something sweet with a nice cup of tea.

Whoopeee Wednesday

RESULT !!  I rang the DVLA this morning to chase up what was happening with my license.  The very nice man told me that they were waiting for my consultant to get back to them but in the meantime they would send me a cover note which allows me to drive whilst my license is pending.  I am so happy it's hard to put into words, yes I still need to watch the post for my cover note but I CAN DRIVE.

Hubby was really pleased for me too until he remembered that when I drive I need the seat much further forward than him so he will need to get used to adjusting it again.  But really he is happy for me.

Dusted off another old story today and played around with it.  It is quite a heart wrenching theme so may be difficult to sell but there are so many competitions around it's bound to be suitable for one of those.

Broom, Broom until tomorrow.

Tearful Tuesday

Last night daughter no.2 was very upset about something that had happened at school.  She told me that a boy in her class was being bullied.  She was in tears as she told me that lots of the other kids had been pushing and shoving him, calling him smelly and wouldn't play with him.  Then she told me one of the saddest things ever, the boy concerned had told her that he hated break times and he saw them as a punishment.  He didn't understand why he couldn't come to school and be happy like the others.  Tear jerker or what?

What did I do?  I had a sleepless night thinking about it all and thinking of my own experiences at primary school.  I spoke to the school secretary after the kids had gone into class this morning and told her exactly what I had been told also the name of the boy concerned.  We both looked at each other with tears in our eyes and agreed that bullying of any kind needs to be stamped out completely.  I left it with her and she assured me she would speak to the head about the matter.  Watch this space because I don't want to hear anymore about this little lad feeling so sad.

On a happier note I managed to bang out 250 words flash fiction for next weeks competition at Watford Writers, who knows there may be another certificate on offer!

What an Educational Weekend

On Saturday we took daughter no. 1 to an open day at one of the local colleges.  I have to admit that other than when we took our son a few years ago, this was only the second time I have stepped foot inside a college.  I wish, but only briefly, that I was a teenager again.  They really do not appreciate youth do they?  The college is a smart and quite new building and the facilities fantastic.  The staff were helpful and interested in what daughter no.1 had to say and her predictive grades.  I'd always imagined colleges to be old and smell musty, the staff to be old and everywhere was silent.  But not so, what a wonderful opportunity for all kids of her age to have the opportunity to have a resource such as this. We came away with so much information I'm sure it will take her hours to read through it all. 

We are doing it again in a few weeks time but this time looking at a more traditional 6th form college.  The third time I would have entered a college.

Funny Friday

Didn't get home from the school run this morning until 9:45 because I was standing on the corner having a mothers meeting - it was fun.  Pity it doesn't happen every morning there's a wealth of stories to be had.

Having made the decision to work on my (old) but not the 1st novel, I spent the morning laughing at my own mistakes.  Not to blow my own trumpet but I didn't realise I had learnt so much since writing what I thought would be a wonderful bestseller!!  There is a lot of work to be done but I am looking forward to getting stuck in.  I won't neglect my short stories though because I enjoy them too much.

Daughter no.1 had another exam today and she came home pleased with herself and feeling she had done very well.  It has been a tough few months for her and I am proud at how she has come through it.

I know I mentioned that I was going off EastEnders but I have to admit, not very PC I know, but watching Phil Mitchell get a smack in the face last night was quite funny.  So I will be watching tonight ready for some more action.

Thumping Good Thursday

Felt so much better today.  I really can't think what made me feel so bad yesterday, not that I am moaning but if it was a bug it didn't last very long.  I was in the shop today and although we wasn't that busy customer wise there was a lot of sorting to do in the back.

I had an appointment with daughter no.2's teacher after school this afternoon and I am pleased to tell you that she, according to her teacher, is an angel.  No, seriously she is doing very well, her maths has improved tenfold and there are no concerns at all.  How proud am I?

I have been flicking through some of my old (and I mean 5 years or more) writing.  I started a novel while I was studying with the Open University I finished chapter 3 and then stopped.  I don't remember why but I am now considering a rewrite, there could be something there.  I will need to consult my good friend Linda on that one.

Wipe Out Wednesday

Yuk, I felt really ropey this morning I kept thinking I was going to sick, most embarrassing on the way home from school.  As a result I didn't get much work done, maybe half an hour tops.  I am hoping for a better day tomorrow.

Too Much Tuesday

Last night after Watford Writers I went to the pub with a few of my fellow scribblers.  I only had 2 glasses of white wine (really just 2) and when I got up this morning my head was banging. 

After dawdling back from the school and standing on the corner in the rain chatting to a mate, I came in made myself a nice hot cup of tea and got straight down to work.  I have completed another womag story and I am really pleased with it - but it still has to be put aside for a few days ready for the final, final edit before starting on it's journey.

I am going to stop blogging the fact that 'there was no post' today.  I have decided I will blog when I have received something worthy of mentioning here. 

I think a lot of my friends must be on holiday as both my twitter and FB account have been void of messages, well actually I had one today.  Still tomorrow is another day.

Meringue Monday

What a miserable day, not me but the weather.  Finished another womag (woman's magazine) short story and have put it to one side for a few days before I decide where or if to send it out to the world of women's fiction.  I am determined to see my work and my name in print.

I am still considering the SWWJ competition.  I'm not sure which chapter of my life to put down on paper and because it's not fiction I wouldn't want to cause a family war or anything.  I'll think on that one.

I've been watching daughter no.2 play 'Just Dance' on the Wii it looks so much fun I might have to join in, if I can keep up with her that is.

Off to Watford Writers tonight for my weekly dose of writer's chat but first I am going to help myself to a meringue nest, I've got a real thing for them lately.

Need I say, yet again, No post from the DVLA or TABFF my fingers are still crossed.

Wet Weekend

I had a very quiet weekend but I must admit to enjoying being warm and cosy inside whilst watching the rain outside.  I did venture outside for half an hour on Saturday but that was all.  Both daughters wanted to watch X Factor on Saturday night and although I have enjoyed it in the past I am finding it quite boring this year.  Perhaps it has something to do with the changes in the judging panel.

Sunday morning - was supermarket shopping.  We tried a new tactic this week.  The store actually opens at 9:30 although the tills are not open until 10 am.  We were there at 9:30 and by 10 we were in the queue at the checkout.  Despite the fact that this means having a shorter lie in on a Sunday I think I prefer it as there are not quite so many people crammed in at that time.

Played badminton in the evening.  Both Hubby and me are feeling the pain this morning.  My legs are stiff and don't want to bend at all.  That just goes to show how having a few months rest can affect your fitness.

Need I say there was no post this weekend at all!!!

Finishing Friday

Today I sent out a new short story story.  I thought I would try my luck with Woman's Weekly Fiction Special.  It will be sometime before I hear whether it's a yes or no - but I will be sure to let you know. 

The postman ignored me again today so alas, still no news from the DVLA about my driving license or TABFF.  I admit it is wishful thinking for me to think I would hear from TABFF this quickly but if there is one thing I know how to do it's dream!

I am now considering entering the SWWJ (society of women writers & journalists) Life Writing Competition.  This is an area of writing which has always interested me so I think I will give it a go.  So the saying goes, nothing ventured nothing gained.

Tired Feet Thursday

Having problems with my feet again.  In January I had an operation on my right foot due to 'mortens neuroma' and now I am having pains and cramps in my left foot.  I really do not want another stay in hospital.  The op was the easy part but I contracted the classic sickness bug alive and well in our hospitals and was ill for another three days after being discharged.  Yuk!!

On a brighter note I was in the shop this morning and I am pleased to say that we were busy and did very well.  As usual we had fun whilst we were working and one of the lovely ladies bought in some eclairs - yum.

Still no post and indeed NO postman - so no news from either DVLA or TABFF.

Tired Tuesday

I think getting up before the crack of dawn yesterday and being out at the Watford Writers social evening last night took it's toll today.  My body feels like lead and my head is fuzzy.  So my creative juices were struggling to come to the surface.  You remember I talked about the NAWG competition I entered, well I had a good look around their website today and found some very interesting information.  Any budding writers out there - check it out, there may be something for you out there.

The postman was a no-show again today so I have no news to share with you about my driving license or Take a Break Fiction Feast.

Manic Monday

Such a disaster with the change in the clocks!!  For some reason (best known to Hubby) the alarm went off and we got up at 4:30 am and we didn't catch on until after we had both showered.  Needless to say we were not impressed but decided to stay up anyway.

Tonight is a social night at the amazing Watford Writers and I have given myself a flash fiction task - 500 words with a spooky theme.  Finished that by lunchtime so I am ready for tonight.  I am not saying it's a masterpeice but I do want to enter into the spirit of things.

The postman has proved he is not an endangered species by posting something through the letterbox today - BUT it was just a pizza menu.  Come on DVLA and TABFF the suspense is killing me.

Frantic Friday

Went swimming with daughter no. 2 as planned and then rushed home to give my NAWG entry the final tweaks.  Really I should have done all this at the start of the week but somehow my week didn't pan out quite as I expected.  Anyway, my NAWG entry is now sat in a big white sack at the post office waiting to be delivered.  Let's hope the postman who delivers that isn't the same postman who blatanty refuses to put anything through my letter box.  Yes, you guessed it NO post again.

I am off out tonight with a friend of mine.  Nothing wild just all girls together, I mean what could possibly happen?  Could be a story there?

I am planning to take things easy on the writing front this weekend after my heavy week.  I fancy curling up with a cup of hot chocolate, daughter no. 2 (as no.1) is away and watching a good old Christmas film.

Thoughtful Thursday

I was in the shop today and we were really busy we even sold two wedding dresses!  Okay, they were for fancy dress Halloween parties but a sale is a sale - and it all helps the hospice.

Minimal amount of work done on the creative front today. By the time I got back from the shop and had a wrap for my luch I just couldn't muster up any enthusiasm to be creative.

As Im sure you have guessed already there was NO post again today.  I think I might lay in wait for Postie in the morning just to see if he is ignoring our house!

Hubby got paid today so I will be off swimming tomorrow with daughter 2 (9 yrs) and she is really excited about it.  I will do my best to squeeze myself into my costume and quickly submerge myself into the pool before panic takes hold.

Wicked Wednesday

Worked most of the day on my entry for the NAWG competition and I am really pleased with it.  I am hoping it will stand out from the other entries as the subject matter is unusual.

Alas. (I should find another word), NO post for me again today.  I am telling myself that no news is good news but it is so frustrating waiting to hear from the DVLA.  I know it will be a while before I hear back from TABFF but that doesn't stop me dreaming about seeing my name in print.

I have started a small pad of ideas for short stories so I don't forget the idea's because sometimes they pop into my head at the strangest of times.  Like today, I was sitting in the doctors waiting room reading a gardening magazine which was about three years old when a brilliant idea for a story popped into my head.  Thankfully I had my little pink notepad with me and jotted it down before it could slip away.  Im sure the elderly lady opposite me thought I was making notes on her hat which had seen better days.

Typing Tuesday

Today has been a really good day for me.  I have finished my short story (at last) I will now put it to one side until the end of the week before I review it once more then I can decided where to send it.


I started work on my entry for the NAWG competiton and managed just over 2000 words.  It is not my usual style but then I think it's good to dip your toe into different waters occasionally.  I need to finish it and have it sent off for Thursday.  This will be the first competition (apart from watford writers) I have entered in quite some time.  Hence leaving things to the last minute.

And what news from the postman?  Nothing, not even a bill or any junk mail.  Fingers crossed for tomorrow.

Mighty Monday pt 2

Alas - no post today.  The postman walked straight past without a glance.

A pretty slow day today as the children are on half term and I am still feeling below parr.  Had a mooch around the net and found a few competitions I might enter.  It's good practice to meet deadlines and a challenege in itself.  As soon as I haved decided which one(s) to enter I will be sure to let you know.

I have decided to miss Watford Writers tonight as my head feels like it is stuffed with cotton wool and it is such an effort to think clearly.


I think an early night could be a good idea to get me back on my feet.  I may have to record 'Young Apprentice' I love Alan Sugar.

Wobbly Weekend

A quick catch up for those of you (if any) thought I had dropped of the planet at the weekend.  Was I away on a romantic weekend in Paris or Rome?  A weekend at a top Spa?  Retails Therapy?  No such luck.  I will spare you all the details but I was under the weather - I spent most of Saturday in bed.  Enough detail.  I will be back later to give you a full account of 'Mighty Monday'.

Fank Goodness for Friday

A pretty slow day workwise - worked on my story and I would say it is 99% done now.  This story has been a long slog but I wasn't going to let it get away from me.  Let's hope all the work pays off.

Didn't feel that bright today really but then there are a lot of bugs around.  I have been invited out next Friday night which I am looking forward to.  After being in Watford a year I still only have a handful of friends so if I don't make any next week perhaps there will be a story in it.

Still no news for me from the post, I had hoped to hear something from the DVLA by now but that's the way the cookie crumbles I suppose.  Anyhow, I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend and spending some time with my family.

Tough Thursday

I was up with the lark this morning see hubby off to Bristol and I must tell you it was really, really cold.  But then hubby won't suffer because he has heated seats in the car.

I was in the shop today,  Thurday is the day I help out in the Peace Hospice shop in town.  As usual there was lots of sorting to do and we managed a laugh or two over a cup of tea and biscuits.

Very tired today so took the lazy route and we had fish & chips for tea although I didn't hear any complaints about it.  I am getting those pains in my feet again so I intend to put them up tonight.

No writing done today but lots of thinking.  Will I or won't I finish my short story by the weekend?

Working Wednesday

Today was much better work-wise.  I refuse to let the short story I have been working on beat me.  I spent a couple of hours on it this morning and now I am a lot happier with it.  It might even be ready by the end of the week.

I bumped into the PTA chairperson this morning and she was fine about me missing the meeting.  I am sure she was genuine so I don't feel bad about it now.

Alas, there was no post again today.  So no news on the driving license front or any news from TABFF but then some would say 'no news is good news'.  Only time will tell.

Felt like some comfort food for dinner so me and hubby decided on cornish pasty, chips and beans, very fattening I know but a little of what you fancy and all that...

Chilly Tuesday

The walk to school this morning certainly blew the cobwebs away, very cold and blustery here in Watford.  Yesterday didn't go as planned at all.  An old school friend of mine came to visit and we spent all day chatting and drinking coffee.  I forgot about the PTA meeting so I will have some grovelling when I next see the chairperson.  But I have to say, being with my friends was important to me and I enjoyed the company.

The postman still hasn't delivered any good news and actually, today he didn't deliver anything at all.  So I am still on tenterhooks.

My 95% completed short story is still just that.  As hard as I tried today I just couldn't get into my stride so I did some more research on other writer's blogs and interesting websites and found some very interesting ones.  A few of them look a bit dodgy but then that's what research is for isn't it.

Short Story Complete

Happy Monday.

I have just completed a short story I have been working o for Take a Breaks Fiction feast.  Well I say completed, lets say 95% done.  What happens now is I let my hubby read it. Usually this results in quite an animated discussion - but we love each other so no grudges are held.

This afternoon I am off to a PTA meeting at my daughters primary school.  They are short on numbers so I said I would go along.  These days PTA's are supposed to be fun.  Less of the Mac and headscarf brigade and more of the ankle boots and leather jacket girls.  I'll let you know how it went.

The postman hasn't been yet so Im still hanging on for news about my driving license - and a story I sent to TABFF (Take a Breaks Fiction Feast) a few weeks back.  So lrt's hope he hurries up.  Anything good in the post and I will let you all know.

This evening I am off to Watford Writer's.  I so enjoy my Monday nights now plus I am still basking in my delight and being placed 2nd in our flash fiction competition.

Sunday Afternoon

Spent a few hours watching television with my daughter (9) before she went off to do her homework and I sat down to design myself a new funky top from a plain grey long sleeved t-shirt.  Im a little nervous about tomorrow regarding the post, I am waiting to hear from the DVLA.  I was diagnosed with Epilepsy last year so I surrendered my license.  My last seizure was last October so I have filled in the appropriate forms and am now playing the waiting game.  Fingers crossed.

Hello and welcome to my blog

My hubby has helped, well actually, constructed this blog for me after weeks of nagging me to do it myself.  I am a writer, mainly of short stories despite a long life wish to write a novel.  I belong to a wonderful writing group Watford Writers who have made me feel very welcome and encouraged me to persevere. 

Since the summer when I was fortunate enough to attend the Swanwick Writer's Summer School my confidence has returned.  To date I am doing well and have come 2nd place in two competitions in two weeks.  Ok, so they have been local competitions but it has lifted my spirits considerably as well as fuelled my determination to get a story published in a magazine.