We enjoyed a couple of nights away in Fife last weekend and
although it ate into one of my busiest weeks, it was really good to relax and
let someone else do the cooking. The hotel had a lovely leisure pool so we also
went swimming for the first time in ages, something I’ve missed in recent years
as I was always such a water baby.
The nearest big park, Pittencrieff at Dunfermline, is a
favourite of mine and autumn is such a beautiful time to visit. Fortunately,
the rain briefly came and went and we had time to admire the colourful trees
and feed nuts to the wild squirrels. At the end of the short break, we visited
the pretty little village of Culross on the way home where the old Palace added
its own splash of colour.
On Wednesday evening, I was delivering the results of my
adjudication of a short story competition to a writing group in a nearby town.
It’s always a privilege to read other writers’ work and to be asked to write a
written critique for everyone. But it’s also a tough job, as my opinions might differ
from another judge. However, I do enjoy offering little pointers wherever I can
and all of the entries were a pleasure to read. Thankfully, the story I chose
as winner was always at the top of the pile.
I was pleased to hear that one of my previously published
poems, Coffee at the Café, was included on the Poetry Scotland Keep Poems Alive website (you have to scroll down). It’s a lovely idea to give published poems another airing and this is
one of the few I’ve written in Scots (but not too broad!).
This afternoon and evening (Tuesday), it’s our writing group
Annual Dinner and Awards at a local country club. I’m looking forward to it,
although I have to give back the amazing carved poetry award which I won last
year. The winner each year has to put a copy of their poem inside the carved
book as a record of the winning words – a lovely idea as I enjoyed reading all
the previous winning poems!
I've just heard that the interview with Victoria and me is now on the RNA blog today - Keeping it in the Family. Thanks to Elaine Everest who asked the questions!
I've just heard that the interview with Victoria and me is now on the RNA blog today - Keeping it in the Family. Thanks to Elaine Everest who asked the questions!
Rosemary
8 comments:
The autumn colour has been especcially good this year, I think. You've been busy - think you deserved your few days away to enjoy it.
Thanks, Patsy - though I think it made me even busier when I got home!
I'm glad you had a lovely time away, Rosemary, and those autumn colours are truly beautiful.
I loved your poem, especially the wumen with wrinkled haunds and the grannies guarding their purses. I have put a little smattering of Scots in my novel-in-progress, so this was very helpful!
The interview with Vikki is a joy to read. I loved the way she knew how you would answer the question about her previous novels. I hope you enjoyed the dinner. The carved book is such a brilliant idea for an award. xxx
Gorgeous colours, Rosemary. I'm glad you had a lovely break.
Those photos turned out great. Love the squirrel haha!
Thanks so much for your lovely comments, Joanna - I'm intrigued by the smattering of Scots in your next novel!
Thanks, Frances - we were lucky with the weather!
I haven't been swimming for ages either. I say it's because I'm so shortsighted that I'm likely to mistake the deep end for the shallow end, or, worse, stumble into the men's changing room in error. Actually, it's because I'm too flabby for my old cozzy, and can't bear to go out and buy a bigger size. Vanity, thy name is Julia.
Lovely autumn colours, Rosemary.:-)
Obviously a busy but equally enjoyable time. Congratulations on the RNA item.
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