Charming Gran Canaria
After a hectic year, we needed to re-energise. At short notice, we booked a holiday in Gran Canaria. We hadn’t been there before, and it seemed like a marvellous idea, so we headed off to...
Magical Mistletoe
Mistletoe might be my favourite word. It rolls off the tongue with a musical lilt and has connotations of mystique. Steeped in legend, it first came to my attention as a child, when there was...
Elf Encounters
“Come and see Elfie,” my grandson greeted me on arrival at my daughter’s flat a few Decembers ago. I was immediately taken to their lounge, fragranced with pine from the Christmas tree, and shown a...
Unlikely Companions
I attended eight nature poetry workshops, Wild Words Plymouth, over the last two months, and I’m delighted that one of my poems, inspired by a visit to the park, was published by International Times. Unlikely...
The Gift of Shells
I’ve always loved shells and have collected and photographed them, so it was inevitable that I would write a poem about them. It was published last year in a national magazine, and with summer beach...
Going to See Santa Claus
Hearing my grandson’s excited account of visiting Father Christmas at our local garden centre, reminded me of my childhood experiences of meeting the legendary gift bearer. In the 1960s, we queued for ages outside snow-decorated...
Patching Things Up
“It’s a shame it’s scratched and gouged,” I grumbled to Mr Word Loft, as I smoothed my palm over the surface of the sideboard storing my arts and crafts materials. “Give it a lick...
Special Day Out
Summer days reminded me of my poem inspired by St Ives and other coastal towns. It was printed in a national magazine last year and I thought now was the ideal time to share it...
Spectacular Istria
On the west coast of Croatia is the beautiful town of Vrsar. An ideal place to stay for exploring Istria. It is a short distance from Pula airport, and the views on the drive down...
Precious Pebbles
Pebbles fascinate me, and spotting special types along the shore is a favourite pastime. So one day at the beach, it was no surprise that I started jotting down a poem about them. Precious Pebbles...