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.