tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-250791722024-03-07T04:55:20.045+00:00Jude's Writing CornerA far flung corner of the internet where you can read about writing for teens, children, adults and the educational market... and perhaps about me and life in general!Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14121286194338647357noreply@blogger.comBlogger261125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25079172.post-79034052796613119752021-01-03T13:34:00.007+00:002021-01-03T15:19:38.491+00:00PAIN IN THE NECK!<p>Hi everyone today I have been working on my manuscript for an educational publication which I am revamping with the intention of republishing it in a different and more up to date format.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja8a5aOzfiUakQw3lQu6iVQBLjvP72T9wgAmc5JyM5MA7LI0CkL9Kot4svppb2UyuApox7jIpHaRsjO8n83iom9MjOs-9ROVC9qRcZ-WUJYeU-RcBisx9n3gBf-bOErVuLjwvP/s318/neck+strauin.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja8a5aOzfiUakQw3lQu6iVQBLjvP72T9wgAmc5JyM5MA7LI0CkL9Kot4svppb2UyuApox7jIpHaRsjO8n83iom9MjOs-9ROVC9qRcZ-WUJYeU-RcBisx9n3gBf-bOErVuLjwvP/s0/neck+strauin.png" /></a></div><p>I am using a new software to do this and have been experimenting with layout and more over the past few days.</p><p>The many hours on the laptop have taken their toll on my neck (probably because I am not using an ergonomic chair or good posture or taking breaks properly!) so I am making use of this fabulous <i><a href="https://amzn.to/38ZGb5g" target="_blank">massage pillow </a> </i>seeing as I cannot get a massage, given the crazy times! It is not quite the same but is helping a little. </p><p>I really need to invest in a good ergonomic chair. I have been toying with the idea of buying something like <i><a href="https://amzn.to/38TTPac" target="_blank">this</a> </i>but I may end up looking like a teenage gamer so may just go for something more like <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3b0AWFi" target="_blank">this</a>. </i>Alternatively I may purchase a<i><a href="https://amzn.to/2X3d23R" target="_blank"> massage gun.</a></i></p><p>If you have any suggestions for purchases to relieve neck strain, drop me a comment. </p>Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14121286194338647357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25079172.post-87963839672459715022020-11-24T02:47:00.010+00:002021-01-03T22:39:55.998+00:00Is blogging old hat?<p><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Are blogs old hat?</span></i></b></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">With the emergence of social media's many platforms- <i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jude_ensaff/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Jude-Ensaff-100734185184617/?view_public_for=100734185184617">Facebook pages</a>, Tik Tok, <a href="https://twitter.com/JudeEnsaff">Twitter,</a> Snapchat</i> and more, it got me wondering if blogging is now old hat? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Has this trend of writing for the masses (well those who might visit your blog) gone out of fashion?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">With <i>Snapchat</i> now offering <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/nov/23/snapchat-1-million-dollars-a-day-for-most-entertaining-clips">a share of $1 million dollars a day </a>to posters of videos that go viral, is it any wonder that we have to wonder if blogging still has the old appeal it once had?</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjEAH1D1cov1nc69RqzFXD1HtmTlFk9I9zD2Ks9MCxmUiqfCYC4FYj1ZLsVmVMJX35VRO7aVG1MaI8zjgyLBSfisg5SqVeKH45Ed_o_ibLPYzwSFMu26pqh6vPm1RaxXShix2/s490/1T96.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjEAH1D1cov1nc69RqzFXD1HtmTlFk9I9zD2Ks9MCxmUiqfCYC4FYj1ZLsVmVMJX35VRO7aVG1MaI8zjgyLBSfisg5SqVeKH45Ed_o_ibLPYzwSFMu26pqh6vPm1RaxXShix2/s320/1T96.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">My latest bit of research showed that even though these newer social media platforms are all the rage there is still an audience for blogging and yes people do still post on their blogs. In fact today there were 1,647,000 blog posts according to <a href="https://www.internetlivestats.com/watch/blog-posts/" style="font-style: italic;">Internet Live Stats</a><i> </i>and it seems that 'u<span style="background-color: white;">sers produce about </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">70 million new posts</span><span style="background-color: white;"> and </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">77 million new comments</span><span style="background-color: white;"> each month' on <a href="https://wordpress.com/activity/" style="font-style: italic;">Wordpress blogs</a><i> </i>and it would seem that in October 2020 there were about 63 million visits to <i><a href="https://www.similarweb.com/website/blogger.com/">Blogger.com</a></i>.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">The average time readers spend on blogs, however, makes for interesting reading with statistics suggesting it is as low as 37 seconds, so although there are some stats to suggest blogging is still worth doing the increase in the use of visuals and video content on blogs suggests the way content has now to be produced reflects a change in audience habits. </span></span></p>Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14121286194338647357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25079172.post-87394576010514784472020-10-28T13:17:00.003+00:002021-01-03T15:20:44.552+00:00<p>I had the fortune of attending a few days' remote training recently during which I learnt some useful and interesting things which I hope in time to implement. </p><p>Today, I wanted to continue my theme from last post regarding blessings. I am truly thankful for all that I have and for this reason I am re-posting something I wrote in 2017 which seems fitting. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJZymwt8wCd2oAC-Xd5joABu6BlUQ-G8RZJ3s6IrtP7JUrzGqEVH_Xc6XldqO8ZvEZWpIXANhDjkWgHJnDtM83yPgRsWnenkYw00QkJRhjYUuHKmGiADUs1E9XcbbcFQc9D9m/s2048/gratitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJZymwt8wCd2oAC-Xd5joABu6BlUQ-G8RZJ3s6IrtP7JUrzGqEVH_Xc6XldqO8ZvEZWpIXANhDjkWgHJnDtM83yPgRsWnenkYw00QkJRhjYUuHKmGiADUs1E9XcbbcFQc9D9m/s320/gratitude.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Gratitude is something that comes with age and wisdom.</p>How can you be grateful for what you have until you have known its loss? Abundance and joy can only be appreciated once loss and sadness are known. So I am grateful for my health because I have been so ill I thought I would die. I am grateful for my closest and most trusted friendships because I have known their opposites. I am grateful for love because I have experienced its loss. I am grateful for all that is beautiful in mankind because I have seen its polar opposite: ugliness at its very core.<br /><br />I am grateful for my freedom because I have escaped captivity. I am grateful for my education because of the opportunities it has afforded me when so many do not have these. I am grateful that I can have a fulfilling life, with enough food, water and shelter to never question where my next meal will come from or where I will lay my head.<br /><br />Life is a gift which I unwrap each day grateful that my eyes still open, my legs still move, my heart still beats and my mind still works.<br /><br />Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14121286194338647357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25079172.post-64959303647184395672020-10-19T14:37:00.004+01:002021-01-03T15:21:20.871+00:00Blessings<p>It is true that things happen for a reason. </p><p>Oftentimes when things do not go as we had planned or hoped, we think it is the end when actually it is only the beginning of something better and more beautiful.</p><p>Today I pay homage to this as I reflect over past losses and the new opportunities these enabled for me. I am truly grateful for all that I have. </p><p>As I sit here in Turkey enjoying the sea and mountain view I am thankful for all that has been given to me and for what the future may hold for me. </p><p>I hope today is a bright day for all of you. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzo_Qu4kOVYzvbusWppjqTeLfYnQZV4Pm9CgThtHeCxAj1j-iRwCMduvMFcsDWIvezlLHPO-UTg2X3u0D-Hp_gtb-Cxx2m2bx4efp0nNMhhl-bFqz7Gyd3aWZ5qLWszDv2AAV/s660/hotel+pic+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="660" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzo_Qu4kOVYzvbusWppjqTeLfYnQZV4Pm9CgThtHeCxAj1j-iRwCMduvMFcsDWIvezlLHPO-UTg2X3u0D-Hp_gtb-Cxx2m2bx4efp0nNMhhl-bFqz7Gyd3aWZ5qLWszDv2AAV/s320/hotel+pic+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14121286194338647357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25079172.post-39014465076624543952020-10-15T00:17:00.003+01:002021-01-03T15:23:16.816+00:00Copyright and Intellectual Property<p>Tonight I would like to write an entry about the topic of copyright. </p><p>When an author or a poet creates a piece of work, it comes from that individual and is protected by way of copyright which forms part of intellectual property law.</p><p>The many hours that a person spends thinking about, planning, writing and editing a piece of work culminates in a final product which is protected in law, published and sold. </p><p>So why is it that people see fit to break copyright and publish entire pieces of work online or in the public domain, without paying for this right?</p><p>This is completely unacceptable and essentially removes income from authors. It is like me going into your bank account and taking your salary. </p><p>Yet this has happened to me not once, not twice but three times. Each time I have had to follow up with culprits or publishing companies to address. </p><p>If you like anyone's work that much then you need to buy it! And if you cannot source it you should contact the publisher or author his/ her self if the item if no longer published in order that you can purchase the right to hold or share the work. </p><p>That's it. </p><p><br /></p>Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14121286194338647357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25079172.post-44814945127980600182020-05-10T19:23:00.001+01:002021-01-03T15:23:35.982+00:00Deception<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Today I am feeling a bit reflective and thought I would post about the theme<i> deception</i>- a common theme found in literature across the ages. Appearance versus reality.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">We all fall prey to deception: I understand how easily we can be fooled into believing the appearance of something rather than its reality. I think we've all been there. What I find more difficult to comprehend is how easily people can deceive others with fake smiles and false words. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">In honour of the theme I wrote a haiku which as you may know is a Japanese poem made up of 17 syllables, in three lines, usually following the pattern of 5,7,5 syllables. So here it is:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b>Deception</b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b></b><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Your welcoming smile</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Creeps up silent lips, alert</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Like <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">snakes wait for prey</span></span></span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
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Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14121286194338647357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25079172.post-53936207751341939072020-03-18T17:03:00.001+00:002020-03-18T17:03:17.397+00:00When evil appears<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When evil appears, it creeps up on me like a slowly approaching enemy.<br />
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A stealthy dark-clad assailant on a path of slow destruction.<br />
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Masked in hatred, face covered and spewing anger from a poison tongue.<br />
<br />
It appears.<br />
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An alien face where once there was a familiar one.<br />
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Firing bullets and killer darts in my direction.<br />
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Tear gas in my throat draining life from within<br />
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An assassin with a mission to destroy.<br />
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Through force and fear evil blackens out the past<br />
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And removes the future<br />
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Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14121286194338647357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25079172.post-74252123217283154012018-12-17T19:01:00.000+00:002018-12-17T19:11:10.223+00:00Celebration<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i><b>Bonsoir tout le monde. </b></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEacdLrselcSv_hyHIkjEXxsKjUV5t9FtqPzuMipd6ML36ILTtjgGQY7-273LOEAvT1d_HNEiYoxFdvMvZFR-ckZUe-jUPV_cOgSM-jCCl3cLjZU7NVZgDSzvCeOjIfCLPBMbH/s1600/paper+mirrors+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="841" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEacdLrselcSv_hyHIkjEXxsKjUV5t9FtqPzuMipd6ML36ILTtjgGQY7-273LOEAvT1d_HNEiYoxFdvMvZFR-ckZUe-jUPV_cOgSM-jCCl3cLjZU7NVZgDSzvCeOjIfCLPBMbH/s200/paper+mirrors+2.jpg" width="140" /></a>I wish to update you all with a celebration of my publications and awards- now updated with the most recent addition:<br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/cultureword/status/1073554448125968384" target="_blank">PAPER MIRRORS</a><br />
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The full celebration of publications and awards can be found on slide-share - follow this <a href="https://www.slideshare.net/JudeNajoudEnsaff/publications-and-awards-jude-ensaff-updated-december-2018" target="_blank">link</a>!</div>
Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14121286194338647357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25079172.post-28270339883505567072018-11-27T21:25:00.003+00:002018-11-28T05:20:36.272+00:00The Lost Voice <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have laryngitis at the moment, following acute bronchitis, which is ongoing. Consequently I HAVE LOST MY VOICE.<br />
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My speaking voice that is. Not my writing voice!<br />
<br />
Now, that might be seen as a welcome gift to some (taking a break from chitter chatter) but it has proved to be extremely upsetting and exceptionally frustrating to me.<br />
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I have figured out that I quite like talking... to nice people that is. And anyone who comes to see me here, on my blog, must indeed be nice! Therefore, let me share more details about the news, referenced in my last post.<br />
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You may have noticed the rather large purple flyer dominating this post. Well, it advertises the upcoming publication PAPER MIRRORS, published by Crocus Books, part of Commonword, in which some of my writing features.<br />
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I am hoping this new publication will spur me on to revitalise my creative spirit and commitment to writing. To regain my voice so to speak. It's out December 12th. Read all about the launch on <a href="https://twitter.com/cultureword/status/1065974099086909440" target="_blank">COMMONWORD'S Twitter tweet</a>. And be sure and tell everyone about it - won't you?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUFsitoWZFCTv3h8-4WakG9-SFgyEGMok3D01NhJvx418b3lXm_hEPx9dEimRwUDbgLqKPiL6NZshLBx5TMrYC95oUlM8ANG7-PrwDUfQbn5M73xceoecFjkU9wDMVRCb-VeA/s1600/paper+mirrors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUFsitoWZFCTv3h8-4WakG9-SFgyEGMok3D01NhJvx418b3lXm_hEPx9dEimRwUDbgLqKPiL6NZshLBx5TMrYC95oUlM8ANG7-PrwDUfQbn5M73xceoecFjkU9wDMVRCb-VeA/s640/paper+mirrors.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14121286194338647357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25079172.post-19156283824835655112018-03-10T19:01:00.000+00:002018-03-10T19:01:06.868+00:00Code Red<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Another recent creation:<br />
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Codes in camouflage<br />
On operation last night.<br />
Cryptographic messages transmitted<br />
Not right.<br />
<br />
Murky grey delivery<br />
Uncertain why<br />
Reason for confusion<br />
Operation vie.<br />
<br />
Message ended<br />
Was it clear?<br />
Time running out<br />
We're nearly there.</div>
Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14121286194338647357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25079172.post-86944874878286124412018-03-09T13:47:00.002+00:002018-03-09T13:47:13.977+00:00STOLEN MEMORIES<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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While I have a moment I thought I would share a short piece of writing that I penned recently which may be the start of something new..... enjoy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJs-5Fk-Ap8rO7ZYrce21wpSPfvM3aKdk-ySspi4TeieTro19WwRdZJzdsct1oHjOlWdF9YerEVgc-zOjir4pBdXG620k0qXnDTZn3yaIWYGxy6Ib1fR0YBXsuercegO9HBSUG/s1600/10070760-square-gift-box-plaid-blue_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJs-5Fk-Ap8rO7ZYrce21wpSPfvM3aKdk-ySspi4TeieTro19WwRdZJzdsct1oHjOlWdF9YerEVgc-zOjir4pBdXG620k0qXnDTZn3yaIWYGxy6Ib1fR0YBXsuercegO9HBSUG/s200/10070760-square-gift-box-plaid-blue_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i>They were taken without my knowing. I discovered they were
gone in June when I returned. To my home. What used to be my home. Empty now. A
shell with walls built from lost hopes and dreams. Standing empty and alone.
Stripped bare and painted white now. Like a prison cell, closing in on me.
Hollowed out from within.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>At first I thought it was just the box. Dark blue with
envelopes. Private letters. Handwritten in blue ink. Paper thin, lovingly
created in yesterday moments. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A story of
loves now lost- of friendships grown old and of childhood events in a journal.
Light blue with pink flowers, a conflicting tale of teenage angst, ideals and
promises for the future. Recounts of a mother now gone, a father who slowly
fades into the distance as age takes hold of his mind. All of them gone.
Memories stolen. Snapshots of faces and places. Times never to be lived again.
Once crisp and clear now blurry with absence.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAy3nTlLKILtF-MgZS0E4RcFfcDklGnZUnYFlMCggBswyy_ZNR_Uz_ej4j0OvVk7m6QuyZmXl6c7TFr_hEsancgrAowWLF42bXiUQVNaHTBBszP9H_dEjqJqg7eP_4YwH6yt2p/s1600/letters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="252" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAy3nTlLKILtF-MgZS0E4RcFfcDklGnZUnYFlMCggBswyy_ZNR_Uz_ej4j0OvVk7m6QuyZmXl6c7TFr_hEsancgrAowWLF42bXiUQVNaHTBBszP9H_dEjqJqg7eP_4YwH6yt2p/s200/letters.jpg" width="200" /></a><i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Taken from my unknowing hands without a struggle. Without a
struggle because I was unaware. Unaware because I wasn’t there. Pushed aside
like a dead ant, while the vulture pecked at the carcass of my life, stripping
it bare- and I was unaware. Unaware that the thief was there. Someone I knew.
Someone once loved. A sweet love grown sour fed by an anger through veins from
a darkened heart- beating, alive but not living. A dead heart from a dead soul.
Fed by the bitterness and envy, of hatred pumping its blood. </i></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14121286194338647357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25079172.post-65155403708045344412017-09-02T10:58:00.001+01:002017-09-02T10:58:57.571+01:00The first day of the rest of my life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Today is the first day of the rest of my life. And I am grateful for it. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-ScHgnMMVUX5e5R-xm_a0L-DPUJKUJuMSw91Y1WURiePHR6uAXKiQnTRR5Yj1SVLvuj75nSZsfU68a_a5w2Ruh6VwgIcSRkH1-FUFoWEa6ZdTsw2SQFYBnWXA8uAcRZ1M2l6/s1600/sunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-ScHgnMMVUX5e5R-xm_a0L-DPUJKUJuMSw91Y1WURiePHR6uAXKiQnTRR5Yj1SVLvuj75nSZsfU68a_a5w2Ruh6VwgIcSRkH1-FUFoWEa6ZdTsw2SQFYBnWXA8uAcRZ1M2l6/s320/sunrise.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
I will share with you all something I wrote a couple of weeks ago as part of a writing exercise in my writing group which I hope you will all be able to enjoy:<br />
<br />
Gratitude is something that comes with age and wisdom.<br />
<br />
How can you be grateful for what you have until you have known its loss? Abundance and joy can only be appreciated once loss and sadness are known. So I am grateful for my health because I have been so ill I thought I would die. I am grateful for my closest and most trusted friendships because I have known their opposites. I am grateful for love because I have experienced its loss. I am grateful for all that is beautiful in mankind because I have seen its polar opposite: ugliness at its very core.<br />
<br />
I am grateful for my freedom because I have escaped captivity. I am grateful for my education because of the opportunities it has afforded me when so many do not have these. I am grateful that I can have a fulfilling life, with enough food, water and shelter to never question where my next meal will come from or where I will lay my head.<br />
<br />
Life is a gift which I unwrap each day grateful that my eyes still open, my legs still move, my heart still beats and my mind still works.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14121286194338647357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25079172.post-32312411812547236572017-01-13T16:26:00.000+00:002017-01-13T16:27:10.476+00:00Existentialist inspired writing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here is the writing piece which I wrote earlier in the week, inspired by the discussions I had about existentialist literature at my writing group and as part of a writing exercise there, linked to a song. I chose <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0fk6syQ7iY" target="_blank">Earthquake by Labyrinth</a> </i>as the song which formed the basis of the piece:<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>'Labyrinth, come in.'</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Flashlights blind him as he surges past the stop sign, red traffic light. Horns honk and brakes screech near misses with tyre on tarmac rubbery smoke filtering through the dusk night air, hanging like deathly emptiness. Neon flickers. On off. On off. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Nothing enters his mind. Only noise. Crazed beat after crazed beat. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>'A ground breaker.'</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>'I predict an earthquake.'</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Solitary emptiness rips through the silence of his thoughts. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>'We throw bombs on it. </i><i>Just smash something.</i><i>'</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>He plunges his car into the hollow ravine below. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>A distant shudder resounds. </i><i>Unheard.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>'Riot...chaos...people.' </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i> No one notices. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>'Labyrinth come in.' </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>The stop sign turns green. </i><br />
<br /></div>
Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14121286194338647357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25079172.post-83398087010215559572017-01-12T12:22:00.002+00:002017-01-13T16:04:08.520+00:00Weekend workings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The weekend is near and I am really looking forward to a hard earned rest.<br />
<br />
Work is busy but I am keeping my commitment to make 2017 great by continuing my juicing and reigniting the writing.<br />
<br />
I attended my writing group yesterday when we discussed existentialist literature in a restaurant called the <i>French Olive</i> and considered Kafka' s <i><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/485894.The_Metamorphosis" target="_blank">Metamorphosis</a></i>. I have not read this work but it certainly sounds like an interesting and important novella. Having read some of his short stories and visited a museum dedicated to his works in Prague many years ago, I am now encouraged to read this book.<br />
<br />
We also carried out a writing exercise which was enjoyable. I may type it up and post it tomorrow.<br />
<br />
With two whole days to myself, I hope to dedicate some time to my WIP ...and I plan to try out pilates as well as meet a friend for brunch. </div>
Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14121286194338647357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25079172.post-83690265496059445742017-01-02T23:04:00.000+00:002017-01-02T23:09:33.399+00:00Welcome to 2017<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The holiday is nearing an end and having spent the past week or so in the UK, I can safely say that it is absolutely freezing here!<br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8jG4IfeoV9_PasR3JyzaZiT4bI-o4jEK8W5xad_2Fy_ulU5zLuIO6YA01xs3ThzzO-8FqGcMsnI91G18Pn0p1JRelFo6IpYMRFrkwh4Wz3KuMunUSNXb3gtWbrF1_Ghp5YoC/s1600/ear+muffs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8jG4IfeoV9_PasR3JyzaZiT4bI-o4jEK8W5xad_2Fy_ulU5zLuIO6YA01xs3ThzzO-8FqGcMsnI91G18Pn0p1JRelFo6IpYMRFrkwh4Wz3KuMunUSNXb3gtWbrF1_Ghp5YoC/s200/ear+muffs.jpg" width="166" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking like Minnie Mouse with ear muffs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: justify;">I</span> must have become unused to the temperatures because I have had to buy ear muffs as you can see!!<br />
<br />
Whilst I have been here, <i> </i>I have had the opportunity to catch up with a number of friends and visited a few new places in London and elsewhere... places like a Salsa lounge, a Tapas place, a good old fashioned public house or two and one or two coffee houses along the way. I have also continued with my juicing extravaganza which has become my new modus operendum for staying healthy.<br />
<br />
I have bought a wonderful slow juicer which is ab fab and done my best to resist ye old chocolates and all the unhealthy consumables one finds at this time of year.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57Gc5E8uFfaCK61sw0PPGei6okf8stSq1BgMdXylEe_IQDdDXp5hyphenhyphenwz2nQA2NLn1s9XS1-umjgtoGk6voDQbVyQ_v1DJI9c5MK-a3g8Ya2_1TicsdDBytLFFm4jt3Sq4rfPNz/s1600/20161225_162507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57Gc5E8uFfaCK61sw0PPGei6okf8stSq1BgMdXylEe_IQDdDXp5hyphenhyphenwz2nQA2NLn1s9XS1-umjgtoGk6voDQbVyQ_v1DJI9c5MK-a3g8Ya2_1TicsdDBytLFFm4jt3Sq4rfPNz/s200/20161225_162507.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The slow juicer in action!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I have also been considering how best to proceed with my writing which has been on hold for some time. In fact I have made a number of mental commitments to myself....Why you may ask?<br />
<br />
Well, after a horrible 2016 full of enormous challenges, many of which were beyond my control, I welcome 2017. This is a new year and I intend to make it an amazing one.<br />
<br /></div>
Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14121286194338647357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25079172.post-38082960243143603592016-12-22T19:20:00.000+00:002016-12-22T19:20:39.907+00:00Holiday spirit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As the holiday season approaches, I thought I would share an update in terms of my writing, as I have not done so in a while.<br />
<br />
Not having had much time to do any writing, I have decided to dedicate some of my break to returning to my psychological thriller <i>The View From My Window</i>. Even if the novel never gets published I am enjoying the creative experience of writing it.<br />
<br />
Below you can see an excerpt from Chapter 2 to whet your taste buds:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It was a Friday, 23<sup>rd</sup> April, to be exact. My head had been pounding ever since the night
before. I’d had no sleep and the thoughts had come back like a flood. No amount of whisky would ease the pain, but then,
when I saw her that Friday morning, the thoughts vanished. Sarah was my dam- and
just for that moment, that solitary moment, I heard it. Silence. Absolute
silence.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">She calmed me. I just had to stand next to her and
every fibre of my being stilled itself like a gentle hush. I’d feel her warm
smile wash over me and my body would relax- and the voices, well that was the
best part, the voices would stop. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
</div>
Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14121286194338647357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25079172.post-84609170036231664062016-09-16T21:31:00.000+01:002016-09-16T20:50:23.559+01:00Relaxed<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well the temperature today is hot and I have been taking it easy as a result. I am mid way through the book I am reading for my reading club and earlier this week I read a fellow writer's short story that I found to be mystical and lyrical in its quality. It was set in the US and followed a mother's journey to heal her dying child. It was moving and beautiful at the same time.<br />
<br />
Carrying on with this theme of motherhood, I went to see <i>Bridget Jones' Baby</i> with a few friends today. The latest in this series of films proved to be a very funny addition- probably funnier than the first two, with some real laugh out loud moments, so that even though I had had a tooth removed at the dentist yesterday, and was in a bit of discomfort, I laughed through the pain. Colin Firth was charming and that man from Gray's anatomy was in it too, so this really was one for the ladies.<br />
<br />
With lots to do work wise, I have not dedicated much time to my writing but hopefully this coming week I will put aside a few hours to continue with my work in progress.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14121286194338647357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25079172.post-68271450549585514812016-08-24T09:44:00.000+01:002016-08-24T16:07:04.586+01:00Weekend<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well I thought I would try and upload a cheery post today. Temperatures in the UK have been good and where I am now they are rocket high. Fiery.<br />
<br />
It is coming up to the weekend and I hope to have a peaceful, restful and pleasant one.</div>
Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14121286194338647357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25079172.post-67250728241841470982016-08-23T15:31:00.001+01:002016-08-23T15:54:17.712+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today's poem is about how people project their own behaviour on to others, often accusing them of things which they have done themselves. Having been subjected to this sort of dangerous behaviour myself from certain people I felt inspired to write this poem. It's a sad feeling when this happens and even sadder when other people believe the deception that is spread about you particularly if it could result in your demise or worse. The poem is written from the perspective of the victim and the mirror symbolises the culprit who reflects his/ her own demons onto the victim but ultimately there is no escape for the mirror. They are stuck with their inner turmoil. It's just how they're made.<br />
<br />
<b><i>The cracked mirror</i></b><br />
Mirror mirror on the wall<br />
You do this but it's I who falls<br />
<br />
Mirror mirror on the wall<br />
You smile for them and make me small<br />
<br />
Mirror mirror on the wall<br />
You play the system like a bouncing ball<br />
<br />
Mirror mirror on the wall<br />
You're cracked and warped and full of gall<br />
<br />
I pity you. You're full of hate.<br />
You taunt and tease with your animal bait.<br />
<br />
There's something wrong with the way you see.<br />
At least in time I know I'll be free. <br />
<br />
But mirror you're stuck with your inner mind<br />
Your warped and cracked strangeness defined<br />
<br />
There's no escape for you I know<br />
There's no where else that you can go<br />
<br />
You're trapped inside your screwed up shell<br />
Your life's bound to be a living hell.<br />
<br />
So I pity you oh mirror true<br />
It's just the way you are. It's you.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14121286194338647357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25079172.post-67532811494342236612016-08-17T13:52:00.000+01:002016-08-21T20:29:12.854+01:00Deception<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today I felt inspired to write a poem about deception, how a woman is metaphorically stabbed in the back with a knife by someone who once loved her. This pierces through to her bleeding heart. The culprit gains in the short term but pays a heavy price. It is about how individuals trade their integrity or soul for gain! It is a work of fiction I hasten to add but one no doubt to which we can all relate!! See if you can figure out the play on words in the first line. Enjoy.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Deception</b><br />
He smiles and he lies<br />
His arms around me<br />
A coiling snake<br />
His tongue forked like a devil's<br />
In sin<br />
<br />
Sweet utterances<br />
Deceive<br />
While harsh words<br />
Stab in the back<br />
<br />
A knife bleeds through<br />
Back and heart<br />
Shattering the peace<br />
At a cost<br />
<br />
The price of a soul.</div>
Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14121286194338647357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25079172.post-30277260022637793842016-08-13T11:54:00.001+01:002016-08-13T12:28:11.600+01:00UK Summer 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well it is about time I posted again as I realise it has been an embarrassingly long time since my last update.<br />
<br />
After working on contract in school improvement overseas, I returned to the news that the work overseas was a great success. All three schools gained candidacy for an international body and two out of three gained three years accreditation by the local body. Much rejoicing is required!!<br />
<br />
So here I am enjoying all that British summers have to offer - the sun (yes I got sunburnt in the UK of all places), the greenery and the shops. Sunburn aside <i><a href="http://www.vision-rcl.org.uk/fairlop_home.html" target="_blank">Fairlop Waters</a></i> one of the places where I enjoyed the greenery and sun is well worth a visit. The other- part of the <i><a href="http://www.mbact.org.uk/" target="_blank">Monmouthshire canal</a>-</i> also is worth visiting.<br />
<br />
Since returning from overseas where I was working I have caught up with a number of friends in this post referendum UK and am determining how best this will impact us all here in the UK.<br />
<br />
I tried out a few new eateries on my travels: one was the <i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheFeelGoodCafeChingford/" target="_blank">Feel Good Cafe in Chingford </a></i>which while tucked away down a quiet walk way, had rave <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g186338-d8665366-Reviews-The_Feel_Good_Cafe-London_England.html" target="_blank">reviews</a> and is well worth visiting. I indulged in a vegan burger and an organic lemonade drink which were lovely. If ever you are in the area why not visit? Another place in that area is the local cafe called <i><a href="http://www.belgique.co.uk/locations/chingford/" target="_blank">Belgique</a> </i>which serves pastries and baked goods and sandwiches. Their cheese salad baguette was scrumptious.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOoxg2Q6pdgw6BVX5OerS4SjcLMxW1C24rE8c1VAAy3ZDPPoFP0On5jGYapWNyLySPH7pvB0A0yacULDFd5zHKBHM8WwwWcJPCUkQP6PJ0aczzOREWxn8f_zniZZ2rh71Du9YQ/s1600/Warehouse+cafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOoxg2Q6pdgw6BVX5OerS4SjcLMxW1C24rE8c1VAAy3ZDPPoFP0On5jGYapWNyLySPH7pvB0A0yacULDFd5zHKBHM8WwwWcJPCUkQP6PJ0aczzOREWxn8f_zniZZ2rh71Du9YQ/s320/Warehouse+cafe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The other vegetarian eatery I visited was the award winning <i><a href="http://www.thewarehousecafe.com/" target="_blank">Warehouse cafe </a> </i>which again served a range of lovely vegetarian and vegan cuisine which a friend had kindly looked up for us.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpHRZRiMLP_dc19dHHJLRu4M1ugmEv_msFHQ7OO824cTW6OSeDxJgdy8mcrG-m67ias_jNlvcHW7G-xKOhDK32SqawBlQB25kwfdfGY60E93f8ffmMH8dkXae36AjPMjWynxr/s1600/Druckers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpHRZRiMLP_dc19dHHJLRu4M1ugmEv_msFHQ7OO824cTW6OSeDxJgdy8mcrG-m67ias_jNlvcHW7G-xKOhDK32SqawBlQB25kwfdfGY60E93f8ffmMH8dkXae36AjPMjWynxr/s200/Druckers.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I also discovered the wonders of <i><a href="http://www.druckers.co.uk/" target="_blank">Druckers Vienna Patisserie.</a></i><br />
<br />
<br />
A bit of time in West Wales was spent in a quiet corner on a writing and relaxation retreat after a hectic and very stressful year. Writing projects which have been much neglected may be revived but this all depends on what the future holds!<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14121286194338647357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25079172.post-89234959522100578192016-03-22T18:06:00.001+00:002016-03-22T18:06:21.931+00:00Alive<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It has been longer than it should have been since I posted online so I thought that I would take some time out of my day to put pen to paper- or keys to screen.<br />
<br />
I write from a Sunny clime where, as has become customary, I have been rushed off my feet, and consequently, I have become ill. Today has been a day to recover- or half recover. Most of it spent sleeping but the next few minutes writing. Here are my efforts which I write whilst listening to the rain and wind fall in a distant land.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqK3-Zmq__1KOftUVMZ48M9UUtX3nuRXpfXfWZ0aXAyqh-AJDKU7MzzJGYrCloLQBHdtXB5CTDvgu_oYX-pGr-6tYER4hl0oMikTdDkR4Lu1ohb2UxeC_8JKn6uUCqYPsT0jqN/s1600/Oman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqK3-Zmq__1KOftUVMZ48M9UUtX3nuRXpfXfWZ0aXAyqh-AJDKU7MzzJGYrCloLQBHdtXB5CTDvgu_oYX-pGr-6tYER4hl0oMikTdDkR4Lu1ohb2UxeC_8JKn6uUCqYPsT0jqN/s320/Oman.jpg" width="177" /></a></div>
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<b>Alive</b></div>
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Adrift and carried by the wind<o:p></o:p></div>
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A silken feather floating by<o:p></o:p></div>
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Gentle breeze you touch me<o:p></o:p></div>
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Remind me I am alive.<span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14121286194338647357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25079172.post-57660636851729511102015-03-17T19:01:00.001+00:002015-03-17T19:01:06.181+00:00New ventures<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm happy to report that I am currently working with Scholastic Education on a number of titles, in a consultancy role preparing them for the UK market. I'm sure once they hit the shelves I'll be able to reveal all.<br />
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That (and travels overseas in April for work) means that there's a bit of flavour in my schedule for the next month or so. </div>
Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14121286194338647357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25079172.post-13564915700255037872015-02-22T08:30:00.000+00:002018-12-17T18:40:27.216+00:00A celebration of my achievements<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I decided that it was time to think back over the past seven or eight years and to share the successes I have had in writing and publishing. Sometimes it's easy to forget- and I have been told I don't promote myself enough and am sometimes too humble so here it is: <a href="https://www.slideshare.net/JudeNajoudEnsaff/publications-and-awards-jude-ensaff-updated-december-2018/secret/n7BQr76CnVfOQX" target="_blank">A celebration of my work!</a></div>
Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14121286194338647357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25079172.post-16882636462364410772015-02-19T20:25:00.000+00:002017-01-06T13:07:52.866+00:00A welcome change<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This half term week has been wonderfully insightful and a welcome break.<br />
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The weather has been changeable and I sense a change in the tide- in all ways. I spent a couple of days in a school on the Kent, London border, just before the half term break carrying out some review work, which I enjoyed- and having had a lovely few days away, I feel quite refreshed.<br />
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Some people prefer breaks overseas but you can't underestimate what the UK has to offer, particularly when the sun decides to shine- as it did for the few days we spent down in Devon. It wasn't the first time down that way but we did make our first visit to Dartmoor this past week- where much of one of my favourite Conan Doyle novels is set. In fact there are a number of tours built around <i>The Hound of the Baskervilles</i> story in that part of the country.<br />
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There were some beautiful sights on Dartmoor and once I set aside a few minutes I will upload some photos that I managed to snap.<br />
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The break away from work and a number of recent developments have breathed some fresh air into things and bode well for the future- a future to which I am most definitely looking forward!<br />
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As J.R.R. Tolkien once said 'The greatest adventure is what lies ahead.'</div>
Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14121286194338647357noreply@blogger.com