The Trapped Butterfly – Poem

18 June 2015 / Waves and Pebbles - random thoughts and writing on life, memories and creativity / Leave a comment

Copyright 2009 Donald Duss, Flickr, CC-BY, via Wylio

The following poem was written in 2010. A woman I had met in Brighton had talked about being a trapped butterfly and other things she spoke about encouraged me to get on and write my book. Yes, even back then I had the intention to write a book – maybe 2015 will be the year! I have recently made a start on two books – one is a fiction story based in Brighton which I started writing a couple of weeks ago. The second is a book on Memories and Creativity which I started writing today. I have made many ‘starts’ over the years – I just have to keep the momentum up and see it through … Anyway, here is my poem.

The Trapped Butterfly

Thoughts of freedom fill her mind

not knowing what to do

She cannot leave it all behind

to find that something new

Life has done it once again

entrapped her in its web

Amongst it all it is the men

that cause a constant ebb

The journey has been happy

it has not been all bad

Such gifts there’ve been for all to see

yet now she feels so sad

The spiders web surrounds her

it’s not a pretty sight

And nothing feels the way things were

so taking all the might

Yet through her fragile being

comes wonder and such light

That lifts and is so healing

she’s not giving up the fight

To break through all the limits

and fly to reach the sky

To take a look to where he sits

with not a tearful eye

So from this day now forward

she knows what she must do

To lift her high as like a bird

and give a happy coo

A butterfly is special

it flutters here and there

But her wish is now to settle

with one that wants to share

And the choices that she makes

are hers and hers alone

And it will be for all their sakes

though some of them may moan

Time is slipping through her wings

the moment is now here

To feel the joys of all life brings

there’s nothing now to fear

River of Gold – poem on graduation

14 June 201514 June 2015 / Waves and Pebbles - random thoughts and writing on life, memories and creativity / Leave a comment

Copyright 2013 Kinshuk Kashyap, Flickr, CC-BY, via Wylio

I wrote this poem on the train en route to my son’s graduation back in 2011.

RIVER OF GOLD

A droplet in the ocean

no different than the rest

The world is filled with motion

yet there seems no special quest

There’s such a special journey

for one that is so small

A ripple, one of many

some are heading for a fall

Life gives them such a blessing

with gifts for all to seek

Within is where they’re hiding

and the secret is to peek

Search for true hidden talents

the playful ones count too

Don’t let them say it’s nonsense

deep inside you have the cue

To learn the many reasons

for this and that and how

Till knowledge is the river

leads to taking such a bow

The prize is yours forever

to take you far and wide

The river it is golden

rippling ever more with pride

Mini break at Ludlow, England 2014 – Photos

11 June 201511 June 2015 / Waves and Pebbles - random thoughts and writing on life, memories and creativity / 1 Comment

Ludlow - Copyright 2014 Kay/wavesandpebbles

Last year I had limited resources but still wanted to feel like I was having a holiday. So when I was in pensive mood, I set about exploring the options, letting my fingers flit from here to there on my iPad. I was travelling to Wales to visit family anyway and explored different train options to see where I could go from there. I discovered that I could travel to Wales, then sweep across to Cheshire to visit more family, and back home for little more than just a return to Wales. (It really is worth checking out the different train options in the UK – I tend to use the National Rail Journey Planner. There is a ridiculously wide difference in cost depending on what time of day you travel and the actual journey destinations, which affect the type of ticket that is available. You can sometimes get the other end of the country for less than it costs to travel somewhere that is less than 50 miles away.) I had been surprised to discover that it was possible to travel from the village in Wales directly to the town in Cheshire where family lived, so I thought if I could stop off on the way for just one night, it would enable me to explore somewhere different and I find that at such times, time tends to slow down and just one night away can seem a long time. I perused the map and checked out fares, settling on Ludlow. My next step was to find somewhere to stay. I used the online service ‘airbnb’and was drawn to an old Gothic style house within walking distance of the railway station. It was owned by a young family. They were in the process of renovating the house and gardens and rented out a couple of rooms. It was right beside the railway line with a large garden that sloped right down near the line. The story I think was that the house had been built by a man that worked on the railways but it has been difficult to establish the history of the house.

Well when I left Wales I was waved off at the unmanned station in the village by all the family, including my daughter who was staying for a couple of weeks. A short while later I was alighting at Ludlow Station. With my suitcase trolley in tow, I had a quick wander round the town to get my bearings and then headed for the B & B. I received a warm welcome and my room had a beautiful view (see one of the photos). I settled in, had a tour of the house and garden, then headed back into town. I spent the rest of the day exploring the unique shops and finding a nice restaurant to dine in. I had a taxi back, was invited to join the owners for a friend’s birthday celebration, which I did for a short while before returning to my room. I slept well, had a wonderful breakfast and sadly got ready to leave.

I was offered a lift by the owner into town and she suggested dropping off my case at the station. I was then free for a few hours before getting the train so I went for a walk, going down by the river. I love places where you can just wander and find different things. Ludlow in Shropshire is a beautiful place that isn’t on any major road routes so it seemed to have a different atmosphere about it – a fairly large place yet with none of the major traffic throughput so it was more peaceful. I would have loved to stay longer and thoroughly recommend it as a place to visit. I walked around the castle but did not go in it. Alongside the river there was a very upmarket restaurant – the name escapes me but if I come across it I will post it here. For a special treat, I would definitely like to go there. I took a picture of The Feathers Hotel and it would be good to have a look inside but I would be apprehensive staying there as it is supposedly haunted. It was built in 1619, a 17th Century coaching inn. It is now a Grade 1 listed building.

Feathers Hotel Ludlow - Copyright 2014 Kay/wavesandpebbles

I hope you enjoy this post that gives a flavour of a somewhat hidden part of England. I returned home feeling totally refreshed and feeling that I really had a long holiday.

Creative Blogger Award nomination – and my nominations

5 June 20155 June 2015 / Waves and Pebbles - random thoughts and writing on life, memories and creativity / Leave a comment

Once again I am thanking Danica Aquino, http://www.thedirtydiaries.wordpress.com for nominating me for the Creative Blogger Award. I am very pleased to accept this nomination. When I accepted the nomination for the Liebster Award yesterday I received my highest number of views in a day and I love that people in so many different countries view my blog.

The rules for this award are:

1. Thank person who nominated you with link to their blog.

2. Display award on blog.

3. Share 5 facts about self.

4. Nominate 10-15 blogs (some rules say 5 some say up to 20)

5. Pass on the rules.

The 5 facts about me are:

1. I love travelling by train, even just fairly short journeys from home. My longest trip was from Kent in England to Frankfurt in Germany. I travelled with my son to see the Grand Prix at Hochenheim. It was only five days but it was absolutely wonderful.

2. I think Street Pianos are great. It is such a great idea for anyone to be able to sit and play a piano. I always enjoy visiting St Pancras Station in London where they have a few pianos and some of the people who play them are absolutely amazing and so inspiring. I learnt the piano at school and achieved Grade IV. I can still play a little but only with music (and only for me!) but would like to get back to using my keyboard and perhaps have some lessons.

3. I am a mature student studying Social Sciences and am into my second year. It was a dream come true to be at university studying full-time after so many years of working. Sadly this is on hold at the moment as I was diagnosed with acute leukaemia in January this year and have spent quite a few weeks in hospital and having treatment. I am getting used to my ‘new normal’, taking advantage of the time to go through my old journal writing, do this blog, read light fiction and I am trying to start writing a story.

4. I believe in the value of creativity. Many people can benefit from art, no matter their ability. I organised a family day at university where parents and their children were able to enjoy different creative workshops during the day and it turned out to be such a special day. People discovered they were able to achieve much more than they thought they were capable of and they enjoyed spending quality time together as a family.

5. I am an accredited life coach and it is a goal of mine to have my own online business. I have used my life coaching skills within my career and have witnessed the benefits it can have. I used self-coaching myself for a few years before I trained and there are some great books out there. I aim to include some life coaching related posts on this blog in the future.

I am nominating the following blogs for the Creative Blogger award (apologies for not nominating the full number but am new to this and only just nominated blogs yesterday for the Liebster Award.

A Simple Note – bailday.wordpress.com

myfairvagabond.wordpress.com

O at the Edges – robertokaji.com

Ramblings of a College Introvert – conqueringanthropophobia.wordpress.com

Sincerely, James – sincerelyjames1.wordpress.com

jemverse.wordpress.com

motivatinggiraffe.com

Liebster Award nomination – and my own nominations

4 June 20155 June 2015 / Waves and Pebbles - random thoughts and writing on life, memories and creativity / 5 Comments

I would like to thank Danica Aquino for nominating me for this award in her blog www.thedirtydiaries.wordpress.com. Knowing nothing about the awards, I have checked out the rules which seem to vary across WordPress.

So the rules I am passing on for the bloggers I nominate are:

1. Thank person who nominated you with link to their blog.

2. Display award on blog.

3. Answer 11 questions about self, provided by person who nominated you.

4. Nominate 5-11 blogs for award with less than 1,000 followers.

5. Create new list of 11 questions for blog owners nominated.

6. Write and publish blog.

7. Inform people nominated and provide link to award blog.

8. Pass on the rules.

Answers to Danica’s questions (I’ll do my best!)

1. (Just for fun). If you were a character in the movie The Purge, who would you first kill and why?

Since I haven’t seen the movie, that’s my excuse for not answering what might be a difficult question!

2. If you are going to change something physically in you, which body part would it be and why?

Extend my spine by a couple of inches between my waist and shoulders – instantly slimming and a bit taller.

3. What is your all time favourite book and why?

Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Very inspirational and also later saw the film. Feel I was meant to read it. Had a very strange experience. I went into my local bookshop to ask if they had a specific book – non-fiction on life coaching. Instead of going to the non-fiction section, the shop assistant headed to the fiction section and took Eat Pray Love from the shelf. I had never heard of it but had to buy it as felt it was a sign. I was right. The timing was perfect for me and part of it was set in Italy where I really wanted to go. I have since watched Elizabeth Gilbert on Youtube, she herself is very inspirational – the book was about her but written like fiction.

4. Who is your favourite personality, dead or alive, and why?

difficult to name one person … Tends to change over time. Maybe it’s a bit controversial but I do like Simon Cowell on TV – X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent. He has played a part in enabling so many people to follow their dreams. Yes there is also heartache and disappointment but I think that more people benefit from his work than not. I do think his programmes have the feel good factor – but I know many people can’t stand his programmes and all the hype.

5. What or who is your greatest inspiration?

I discovered life coaching many years ago, eventually training to be a life coach. I have used the positive approach in my own life to help overcome difficult periods, including depression, and have been able to use it in my work. It has made a real difference to my life and enables me to inspire others when I don’t even realise I am doing it. Alongside this I am also inspired by creativity in its many different forms.

6. What genre do you prefer to read: romance, SciFi, satire, young adult, adult or classic?

I have acquired lots of books over the years, firstly loads of cookery books which I would sit for hours and read, and secondly, personal development, health and life coaching books. The fiction books I like to read are light-hearted romance, something that just takes me away to a different place and has some humour in it. I think it’s because of my interest in people and relationships, and I need something that I can just pick up and put down, and still remember what is going on – I’m a slow reader …

7. Given the chance to talk to your younger self, what would you want to say?

Don’t worry so much about what other people think.

8. What is your greatest dream?

I would like to spend time travelling through Europe by train, especially going to Italy and some of the special trains through amazing scenery in Switzerland. I would like to write and complete a book, I have made many starts. I would like to practice as a Life Coach, have my own business. Most especially for my family to have happy lives.

9. What are the top three countries you want to travel to and why?

Italy – I would love to visit Rome, Venice and Verona, and to explore the different regions including the coast. I am drawn to the culture.

Spain – to revisit after spending a wonderful weekend there on a hen party. The coast and weather was fantastic and it was much nicer than I had imagined.

Ireland – to visit Dublin and see other parts of the country. It looks beautiful and everyone I know who has gone there has loved it.

10. What is your one characteristic (not physical) that you think stands out among others?

hmmm, not an easy one to answer. I am quiet, perceptive and a ‘thinking’ person – mix the three together and that is my one characteristic!

My nominations for the Liebster Award are:

1. daringtolivefully.wordpress.com

2. Ramblings of a wandering mind – sjackson424.wordpress.com

3. lamochiladesol.wordpress.com

4. talesofoblivion.wordpress.com

5. magicalcorner.wordpress.com

6. caresafoundation.wordpress.com

7. nomaggsrush.wordpress.com

8. myfairvagabond.wordpress.com

My questions for nominees are:

1. Describe in 3 words what your blog is about.

2. What do you think is special about blogging?

3. What role do you think blogging plays in preserving and sharing memories?

4. What is your ideal outcome from blogging?

5. What 5 things do you value most in life?

6. How do you have fun and relax?

7. How important is creativity in your life?

8. Sometimes it is the simple things in life that give much pleasure. What simple things do you enjoy the most?

9. What are you most proud of?

10. If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be and what would you be doing?

11. Is there anything that you really want to do in life that you have not yet done?

Thanks Danica for this experience – I have enjoyed the process and hope that those I have nominated will consider accepting this award. Any questions, just send me a comment. Hope I have met all the rules – here goes – publication and the Liebster Award!

Reflecting on a poem written when a special friend was fighting cancer … It now seems so relevant to me

3 June 20153 June 2015 / Waves and Pebbles - random thoughts and writing on life, memories and creativity / Leave a comment

As I continue to sift through my journals, I have discovered my initial writing of this poem a few years ago.

Copyright 2011 Alice Popcorn, Flickr, CC-BY, via Wylio

Sometimes when we least expect

life brings us such a clout

It takes away the certainness

and leaves such rays of doubt

Why is all there is to say

then numbness takes its toll

Leaving not a thread of power

or strength to set a goal

We may not know the reason

we may not have a clue

Yet here it is before us now

we are one of the few

Chosen is not how we feel

and not a choice did make

And there’s a hint of loneliness

like lost within a lake

Then when it all seems hopeless

and dreams will slip away

Our precious jewels come to light

and rise above the hay

People that we love so much

those that really care

Treasured memories, special thoughts

arise as much they dare

Our life is such a journey

the ups, the twists, the downs

And we can choose to dance along

and sometimes be like clowns

The happiness, the sadness

our feelings are the best

And it’s OK to laugh and cry

to worry and to jest

Life is a timeless moment

that mindfulness can bring

Don’t worry what the future holds

for now is here to sing

Yet let your dreams stream onwards

with hope for what’s to come

Such wonder in creative play

and life is like the gum

There’s strength for when you need it

and friends will stick around

The treasure map will come to life

and joy will then be found

You have the tools to make it

you have the heart and soul

The special person that you are

will find and seek your goal

Enjoy the days that follow

take from them what you will

Let angels guide you on your path

to bring you up this hill

Let love and laughter join you

amidst some sadness too

Till once again the sun shines bright

upon your life so true

Words – what would we do without them? Random poetic writing

30 May 201530 May 2015 / Waves and Pebbles - random thoughts and writing on life, memories and creativity / 2 Comments

Copyright 2012 Denise Krebs, Flickr, CC-BY, via Wylio

I have just stumbled across these verses written early one morning in the summer of 2010 sitting by the river whilst holidaying at Statford upon Avon. The desire to write and getting stuck seems to have remained with me!

Aren’t words the wonder of all

they bring such treasures our way

Without them we’d fall with nothing to call

and life would be dull day on day.

We’d sing, no lyrics would come

we would hum, laa laa, dee dee

What would be the point, well ok for some

but for most so lost would be.

So writers what would they write

no way to convey their thoughts

However they tried, as hard as they might

they would drift and be out of sorts.

How would we share all our joys

that come bursting through our voice

Whatever we feel, whatever the noise

the message is not our choice.

With no words no wonder is

unless an artist could be

With colour and light, some pencil and vizz

would say all there is to see.

Words are the key to my life

without them what would I do

Be lost for a while, my thoughts would be rife

till vision could see them too.

A lesson it is for me

to be the best that I can

A story will write, for all it will be

for children, for women, for man.

A puzzle this has become

it didn’t set out to be

I will paint and draw, I will sing and hum

till the words they come to me.

Ward Wedding – a lasting memory of a brave young woman

20 May 201520 May 2015 / Waves and Pebbles - random thoughts and writing on life, memories and creativity / 1 Comment

Copyright 2007 Steve Jurvetson, Flickr, CC-BY, via Wylio

I was recently back on the cancer care ward for three weeks (home again now, thankfully). One day there was increased activity in the morning and it turned out a wedding was to take place for a patient. My first thoughts, how lovely that this was happening, followed by the sad realisation of why. So it was with mixed emotions that I witnessed the preparations, and the guests and bridesmaids going to and fro throughout the day. I caught a glimpse of the young bride in a wheelchair on her way to the ceremony that was taking place in the day room, where guests could spill out into the private enclosed garden.

The happy atmosphere filtered through the ward until the evening, yet it remained a private affair. It must have been such an emotional roller coaster for everyone involved. I thought how wonderful it was that the wedding had been possible, providing lasting happy memories particularly for her young family. I thought of the young woman being able to experience such a special occasion with her family and friends, knowing that she had little time left.

There is no doubt that my emotions were heightened on that day and It has stayed with me. It has since caused me to reflect on how people spend months and often tens of thousands of pounds planning a wedding, yet the most important and special part of a wedding are the people brought together for the occasion. A wedding is an occasion to be celebrated and enjoyed in the moment, with memories to last a lifetime for everyone involved.

The Impact of Place – Wellbeing, Inspiration and Creativity

20 April 201521 April 2015 / Waves and Pebbles - random thoughts and writing on life, memories and creativity / 2 Comments

A short while back I talked about my creativity being blocked and trying to overcome this. I’ve not yet overcome my inability to immerse myself in a creative zone but I will share my thoughts and progress. Having spent two months in hospital, and a further month at home, mainly but not exclusively in one room, I have had little chance to get out and about and when I do most visits are for appointments at the hospital. In the past few days I have realised what is perhaps the obvious, the effect of place on my ability to relax, switch off and become entwined in my creative quest. At a basic level, I have had to relocate my bedroom to a lower floor, losing the broad view of the sky and my cosy writing corner. Then there is the effect of being restricted, not going out to walk and explore different places. So I turn to my memories and love of water. Water in all it’s natural forms is inspiring, be it sea, river, waterfall, stream or lake. In pondering this blog I recalled a holiday at Lake Bled, a most magical place in Slovenia. When I visited many years ago I had not started writing but I recall how I felt when I surveyed the view from the hotel balcony on the night of arrival and the many hours enjoyed walking alongside the beautiful lake. Perhaps if I can allow my mind to drift and recapture the essence of the special places I have visited – with a notebook to hand – I will be able to move forward with my creative pursuits. Even on a rainy day, Lake Bled is a magical place.

Copyright Maurice, Flickr, CC-BY, via Wylio

Memory triggers – Clouds (and Blogging)

19 April 201519 April 2015 / Waves and Pebbles - random thoughts and writing on life, memories and creativity / 2 Comments

Copyright 2014 Patrick Emerson, CC-BY-ND, via Wylio

I am playing around with a blog I wrote a short while back. No-one appears to have seen it so I am changing the title and photo and see if this makes a difference. The text and poem remains unchanged. It would be good to get some feedback and to hear from others their own experiences of what draws people to read their blog.

Prompted by a friend to write a poem on clouds, I reflected on what they mean to me. It’s fascinating how thinking about something like this can evoke memories from the past.

I recall when I was at school we had acres of lush green grass, tiered with slopes that we could roly poly down. The clouds made me think of when I would lay flat on my back on the grass gazing up at the blue sky and fluffy white clouds on a beautiful summer’s day.

I also remember how I enjoyed flying above the clouds for the first time when I was a teenager, looking down on them and seeing fairytale mountains.

The following are the words that have spontaneously come to me.

Clouds

Stretched out on the emerald pillow

The light sapphire canvas blotched with stately mounds

Wishing I was up amongst the clouds

Gliding serenely o’er the world

Zooming beyond the realms of living land

The magical marshmallow mountains

Bestow a safe haven in my mind

Clouds are forever there, bumbling along

Swept by the whipping winds of fury

Today their blackened stains threaten