Monday, 5 May 2014
The Root of the Problem
Kids today are constantly accused of being disrespectful of their fellow humans and property that belongs to others. But whilst out shopping yesterday for new furniture in a well known store, it was obvious that it's too easy to point the finger at them.
Being a bank holiday weekend the store was buzzing with families and in the area that was dedicated to bedrooms, some of the youngsters who were bored with the mums and dads arguing over the furniture choice amused themselves opening drawers and sliding wardrobe doors along the overworked, squeaky metal runners.
However, as is normal with youngsters left to their own devices they can become a little high spirited and when the drawer, or a door slams they then find themselves being scolded by the now weary parents.
But when I saw one woman kicking the drawer of a chest shut with a thud, I wondered if their should be someone in the store in charge of teaching some parents respect. I concluded from my observation of this adult that before kids are blamed of being unruly we should examine the root of the problem, which in yesterday's situation was the adult.
Friday, 2 May 2014
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Cala San Vincente, Mallorca |
For those of you who regularly drop by my blog you'll know by now that I love large expanses of water. Whether it's a sea, ocean, canal, lake, or loch; I believe there is nothing more calming than the sound of the water as it laps gently onto the shore, or on the side of small boats as they bob about in a harbour. Watching its changing hues as it reflects the ever altering sky above, is fascinating and I appreciate the life it nurtures.
Marina Sur, Las Galletas, Tenerife |
Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera. |
Linlithgow Loch, Scotland |
Monday, 28 April 2014
A Penny for Them
Wall inside cottage of Robert Burns |
Anne's diary of her terrifying experiences whilst in hiding with her family from Hitler's army during World War ll, caught the world's attention because the atrocities recounted from her viewpoint could have been written by any one of the millions of children who lost their lives in the Holocaust.
School motivated me as a child to keep a diary with an exercise called, My Daily Diary. My first private one which I kept tucked away in my top drawer, actually belonged to my father. Using a pre-owned one comes with its problems though, especially if it's from the previous year and there are already entries written on the pages.
However, the pencil entries were easily erased and at the age of eight one date is as much as the next. Thankfully I didn't witness any horrific incidents to retell as many children do, I just wanted to get my thoughts down on the page.
Even if a child isn't living in a war torn country; it's unlikely they will grow up without encountering something that they find distressing, difficult to comprehend, or maybe even cope with. Writing certainly has a cathartic effect, it can also help put things into prospective, if it needs to be that is. Importantly though, it can help a child tell a story that needs to be told and someone needs to listen to, as Anne Frank did.
Thursday, 24 April 2014
Local Heroes
Ochil Hills, near Stirling |
The Scottish tennis player, Andy Murray, was honoured by his hometown this week; he was awarded the freedom of the city of Stirling and an honorary degree from the University of Stirling.
The Wallace Monument |
Stirling Bridge |
Stirling Castle |
Monday, 21 April 2014
Keeping Boys Reading
On April the 23rd, it will be World Book and Copyright Day, UNESCO International Day of the Book, a day assigned to celebrate the written word. Although it seems the female gender celebrates the written word much more than their male counterparts, according to a recent study carried out on behalf of the Reading Agency.
But should we be surprised by this? I personally don't think so, after all it is a well known fact that boys don't read as much as girls. Therefore it's unlikely when the boy becomes a man, he's going to start reaching for a book.
According to the survey, men would rather watch a film adaptation of a book, or turn on the computer when he has some free time. Why? The answer to this point of debate is as elusive as to how we can calculate book sales from Amazon's sales rank and I can only voice my own opinion.
Having been brought up in a household full of boys, I know that boys love nothing better than to be running around, playing games and sports, leading very active lives indeed. For that reason the material that they're given to read has to reflect their interests, if they're going to keep reading through into adulthood.
Whether it's football, tennis, cars, spaceships or warriors; if it grabs their attention for even five, or ten minutes at a time, boys will realise that reading can take them to any world they want to be part of. No ticket necessary.
That's my opinion. What do you think?
Thursday, 17 April 2014
Semana Santa
This week in Spain is known as, Semana Santa, translated as Holy Week. The week marks the end of Lent and the festivities that take place throughout the country are a solemn celebration of the Passion, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona |
Although the Spanish celebrate this week much more than the rest of Europe, many of us have traditions that we associate with this time of year. In the UK, schools and workplaces take a short break from their normal daily grind and as in Spain, it is an important part of the Christian faith calendar. Gifting Eggs made of candy and chocolate on Easter Sunday is a custom that has now become very commercialised, however it is one that is loved by all and is unlikely to die out.
La Seu, Cathedral of Palma, Mallorca |
Whatever you're doing I hope you have a great weekend.
Monday, 14 April 2014
One Year On
My book being published was like placing my foot on the first rung of a ladder. Ladders I've found can be rather tricky to ascend, especially if I'm not wearing the correct footwear, or try to hurry my steps.
However finally seeing my words in print meant that I had at least put on suitable shoes for the start of my ascent and the whole process to publication taught me that writing is something that cannot be hurried.
One year on, my knees aren't wobbling while I'm standing on the ladder. But there's only one way I believe as a writer I can keep moving forward and that is to continually write, edit, read and not rush my work. I want to keep my virtual shoes in good condition, like a regular visit to the cobblers. That way hopefully the heels and soles will be prepared for another step in the not so far future, without slipping about too much.
P.S It's not too late to win an ebook copy of Salvation No Kissing Required. Want to find out how? Click the following link:
http://lauraplusbooks.com/lgbt-month/prizes
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