Tuesday 20 May 2014

#One Week - Spring '14 - The Last One?


No swansong, no fanfare; spring appeared early this year, and simply kept on growing. I am tired though. It's nearly the end of May, and in some ways it feels like the end of the year. I should be smiling and tap dancing, full of bubbles and beans, instead I'm stock piling boxes of tissues and counting down the minutes to bedtime. The last two weeks have seen gastric flu, head colds, and now, the firm family favourite, chicken pox. I can really do with a holiday; so glad we're heading to Pembrokeshire in two weeks time; goodbye t'interweb, hello good reads. At least the weather held out, warm and pleasant and dry; life could be a lot worse than a puddle of stomach and a runny nose.

But always with spring comes the joy of longer days and lighter evenings, and if you're lucky, evenings spent in the garden with a glass of something crisp listening to birdsong and the neighbour's faint laughter escaping an open window. Spring opens up everything, and brings the quietest of dawns. Days roll into each other, and new plans are made. The storm-torn garden fence was replaced, soil turned over, plants moved and rehoused. Weeds were ripped from the driveway, wood chip thrown over flowerbeds; but still the straggly cats came. A trip to The Natural History Museum in Tring where she drew stuffed bears and stuffed ostriches, eerie and frozen in time. Birthday parties, so many at this time of year; two in a garden, two in a gym, sausages, jelly and iced rings. We grew butterflies, she collected wood lice from underneath mossy stones. We enjoyed the dappled sunshine with an ice cream under the silver birch; she flapped up and down the garden in her fairy wings, teaching the birds how to fly.


Life has taken an interesting turn. I self-published a booklet of prose, finished the first draft of my novel, and to my delight, received an email informing me I'd been picked as a mentee on the WoMentoring Project which pairs professional literary women with up and coming female talent. Exciting times indeed. To add to this, I've been asked to read a post, of which I cannot yet reveal, at the Bloggers Keynote at Britmums Live in June. I have new ideas for stories, and as well as full length fiction, I find myself drawn to penning shorter narratives too... So I've been having a think; that it might be time for a necessary break from #oneweek to focus on these other projects, but perhaps I could still be persuaded otherwise; I'm really rather addicted to my seasonal musings...


This is the third and final day of the seasonal linky One WeekI wanted to say a big, big thank you to all those lovely bloggers who joined in, and those who commented, and tweeted, in support of this project.



Badge Code ...

<a href="http://older-mum.blogspot.co.uk/p/one-week.html" title="One Week"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8436/7807711152_5f912c7903_m.jpg" width="225" height="169" alt="one week" /></a>





68 comments:

  1. Spring has certainly sprung in your direction! What fabulous news all round and I'm so sorry not to have joined in this time. It's my first time not to have but simply couldn't squeeze it in but I do enjoy your #oneweek very much. These seasons whizz round, don't they? Congratulations on all of your achievements lovely lady XXX

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's been a very very busy start to the year indeed, think I'm looking at a well earned break over the Summer :o). Don't worry about not joining in - there's always next time (I doubt I will be retiring #oneweek). Thank you very much! X

      Delete
  2. I can't tell you how uplifting it is to read your posts - just so beautifully crafted. What a wonderful spring you have had and so many new projects around the corner. I have finally joined in today and will look forward to reading many other contributions :) x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much lovely lady. It's been a very exciting spring so far. And thank you so much for joining in :o) X

      Delete
  3. Spring comes with colds and chicken pox it is known but with joys and sunshine too! Well done on your new project and that booklet is a wonderful read by the way!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well the chicken pox is pretty much over an done with now which is a relief.... and back to spring again :o). So glad you like the booklet!

      Delete
  4. Wow - what wonderful achievements on the writing front. It sounds like all your hard work over the past couple of years is paying off. So happy for you and so well deserved; you really are a very talented writer. I'm just catching up and reading through your (and other) #oneweek posts. I always enjoy reading them - I'd miss them if you stopped, but that said, my own post is (sadly) still unfinished in the drafts box (sorry). x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much.... I guess it has been hard work, and I hope that it is beginning to pay off too *fingers crossed*. Don't worry about not joining in #oneweek, I know how much you've had, still have on your plate; and I doubt I'll retire one week, I like it too much - now and again it just seems too much work though. X

      Delete
  5. Your posts this week have been so beautiful and you have certainly evoked the feeling of Spring in each of them. Your writing successes are very much deserved.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much for reading them all :o).... and thank you.

      Delete
  6. I love your One Week posts, each a total treat, but you've got plenty on now; all of it wonderful and exciting! Just made me smile reading that last paragraph, I'm really happy for you. It all sounds so right.
    Sorry little A is poorly, but good to get chicken pox out of the way, and gorgeous Pembrokeshire to look forward to :) x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much and for linking up again. I do have a lot on, and I wonder if I am putting myself under too much pressure, but I'll see how it goes over the summer, and then make a decision; knowing me, I probably will pull something out of the bag. Little A is getting much better now! :o) X.

      Delete
  7. Oh my goodness, a blog of extremes! Hope you are feeling 100% now. Fab news about being a mentee, and great to be picked out as an emerging talent (we knew that but it is still satisfying).
    Have a fab hols, we are off tomorrow- argghh must start to pack. Now where were my marbles?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think the whole 'emerging talent' is a little subjective so *I won't count my chickens until they're hatched* but still it has been very affirming... very much looking forward to my holidays, it's time for a break!

      Delete
  8. well done on your writing success - it sounds very well deserved. Spring has opened up some new and fab opportunities for you x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much - spring has been a very busy one this year and really has opened a few doors. I feel very blessed. X

      Delete
  9. This is such a lovely post, I can imagine the springtime evening so well, just as you've described it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much. Spring has been very good this year.

      Delete
  10. Forget Spring in this part of the world, Summer has arrived - although I am not sure how long it will last... So sorry to hear you have all been under the weather, I hope you get better in time for your well deserved break xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow... I take it that you are having some great weather then? It's been a ropey couple of weeks but Little A us on the mend now - all the spots are starting to clear up, and very much looking forward to my break. X

      Delete
  11. New opportunities and ideas will arise. Thanks for the linky, enjoy your holiday and the summer x.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am hoping so... watch this space, the linky may continue, and I'm very much looking forward to the summer. X

      Delete
  12. What accomplishments you have achieved....well done!
    Sorry to hear about the Gastric Flu and Chicken Pox. A bad dose of Sinusitis has hit our house.... the week before summer exams! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much! We are pretty much over it now, Little A is feeling a lot better which is a relief. Hope your boy feels a bit better before his exams! X

      Delete
  13. Sounds like Spring has brought forth challenges but also opportunities and that you are ready to start on new ideas and challenges. Spring isn't my favourite season but I do love the positivity of the new. Use your holiday to order your thoughts and come back ready and raring to go xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's been a very busy spring and a good one, and also inevitable with all the illness' going around too; she's over the worst now. Very much looking forward to the holiday to clear my head and catch some new ideas. X

      Delete
  14. oh I'm with you on the head colds - I also wish hayfever would do one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I had a horrid head cold.... every time I get one, it always lands on my chest which is never ever pleasant... might have been hayfever too!

      Delete
  15. Yep Spring has a habit of bringing in bugs and viruses, it's all part of the change, I have a nephew with Chicken Pox right now too and we're all off to Devon next week eek!
    Enjoy Pembrokeshire and enjoy being off the web with some good reading, see you when you get back

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You always think you are over them and then another virus comes along.... hope your nephew is over the worst by the time you head to Devon.... and I can't wait for Wales; a lovely relaxing break!

      Delete
  16. ah dont go :) i love it so much...but hey i am the biggest flakiest of bloggers so i have no right to ask anything of anyone. You are my writing hero and whatever you belt up here on your little blogola is cool by me xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I doubt I will end #oneweek or take a break, I'll give it some thought over the Summer break and then see, I do love it but at the same time it is a lot of work. Thank you. X

      Delete
  17. btw that picture totally looks like your little girl has a huge train with a ton of attendees holding it for her, im guessing its a parachute? But i love that i saw the princess first! x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it's a parachute :o) She was at her cousins birthday party in March, it was a lovely afternoon. X

      Delete
  18. This is beautiful writing as always, so sorry to hear you've been under the weather, but hoping you're all on the mend now. Crazy that you were at Tring Museum. We go there a lot. Who knows, maybe we even walked passed each other! Great place isn't it? xxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much... it was a tough couple of weeks but we are all over the worst of it now, especially Little A. Tring Museum is both very cool and very odd and situated in the quietest of Hertfordshire villages. X

      Delete
  19. Gorgeous post. I'm so excited that you've been selected for Womentoring - what a wonderful opportunity and I know you'll make the most of it. Your booklet is just lovely, one of a very small handful of books that I keep on my desk. It's perfect for picking up and dipping into for a quiet read when I need a break from the noisiness of other things. Enjoy a well earned rest in Pembrokeshire - say hello to Mr Darcy for me if you spot him! x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much lovely... I am also very excited about the Womentoring Project; I never expected to be picked and so was very surprised when I was. And I am so glad you like my little booklet, and feel honoured you keep it on your desk :o) I am very much looking forward to Wales! X

      Delete
  20. Hope you are feeling better my love. Looking forward to seeing you at BML in June and of course, to hearing you read again. Spring is my favourite season, closely followed by Autumn, and you have described it beautifully here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am feeling much better but the most important thing is that Little A is; her chicken pox has almost disappeared now. Very much looking forward to seeing you at BML :o).

      Delete
  21. Sounds like very exciting times ahead. I hope I get to Britmums to see your keynote.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, exciting times indeed. I hope you come to Britmums too - would be very nice to see you again.

      Delete
  22. Ooh so much happening! Exciting :-)

    ReplyDelete
  23. It is lovely as Spring unfolds into summer, isn't it? Congratulations on all your recent good news, and I'll look forward to hearing you read :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The weather is certainly getting a lot nicer now.... Thank you, and I look forward to seeing you at BML! :o).

      Delete
  24. Blimey, I almost can't catch my breath reading through all your news. Exciting times ahead. I always look forward to #oneweek but I can imagine it takes up a lot of your already busy time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exciting times indeed (I hope - don't want to jinx it). #oneweek does take up a lot of my time, but I'll see how it goes over the summer - I might just have to pull it out of the bag again.

      Delete
  25. Oh your WoMentoring program sounds really good and it seems as if you have lots of the horizon, I hope everyone is well soon and you can be focussed on what you need to be. Mich x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Womentoring Project is a great program, and I'm hoping to gain loads from it. We are all thank fully on the mend now, especially Little A who's her bouncy little self again. X

      Delete
  26. Wow! Despite all of the poorly you've been incredibly busy - and I'm really going to look forward to hearing your keynote at BritMums!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's mainly been Little A who has been poorly; I had a bad cold, but doesn't come close to chicken pox! Are you coming to Britmums? It will be lovely to meet you. :o).

      Delete
  27. I've just read all three of your Spring posts - a joy.
    Exciting times ahead for you: I hope you have great success with your future writing x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much; I'm really glad you liked them. Exciting times indeed fingers crossed. Thank you. X

      Delete
  28. Sounds like you've got lots on - exciting times!

    ReplyDelete
  29. What a wonderful mix of good and not so good news (i.e. that I've YET AGAIN missed your linky which I LOVE, and that your'e thinking of stopping it!). But the rest is brilliant, esp the WoMentoring thing, and your reading to us all again at BML. That was the first time I came across you - hearing you read your birthday party post and I thought, wow, she is good. Really good! Sx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much lovely lady.... yes, I am reading again this year BUT I won't be singing as part of the post (thank goodness). We are pretty much over the illnesses especially Little A whose pox is disappearing now.... and the linky will probably make a return! X

      Delete
  30. Oh pants I've missed #OneWeek, I love your seasonal Linky too. I hope you're all feeling better and Alice's chicken pox is on its way out (good to have it now although horrid - Poppy had it last year). Bet you can't wait to be in Pembrokeshire, it's a wonderful part of the World. We used to go to a place called Druidstone when I was a child. Fabulous beaches, lots of fresh air - just what you need! Always makes me smile that you can write beautifully about anything and keep the reader captivated regardless of the subject. So so chuffed you're reading again at BritMums but even more so that you're a BiB's finalist. Awesome news, well done xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Don't worry, no problem, they come around so fast, and I will see how Summer goes but I'm pretty sure #oneweek may make a return the end of summer. We are very much looking forward to our holiday; lots and lots of fresh air - I can't wait! And thank you very much; I am over the moon to be a finalist - very surprised and sad not to see you in the list though. X

      Delete
  31. Such happy news (bar the OneWeek potential respite of course), and so well deserved. You have a great talent and it makes all around you happy to see that recognised x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much (but I am pretty sure #oneweek will make a return)... and when I saw my name on the list I confess to having a tear in my eye. X

      Delete
  32. Hi Sadie. I've enjoyed reading yours and others posts for One Week and had mentally composed a contribution on Tuesday. Only wrote it up on the blog today - too late! Congratulations on your writing successes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you enjoyed reading all the posts.... and don't worry if you didn't make it in time, hope you published your post anyway - #oneweek will probably be back end of summer. And thank you very much!

      Delete
  33. So sorry to hear you have been poorly and your little one has had the dreaded pox! I hope she was ok with it and that it was mild?! Sorry I missed the series, you know I do so love it but have had a bit of an unintentional detox of the social media kind and blog. Huge congratulations on your writing success, well deserved xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well we are all on the mend now especially Little A who actually had a pretty decent smattering of the pox which hopefully means she won't get it again; it wasn't very nice for her though. Don't worry about missing #oneweek :o).... it'll probably be back again end of the summer. And thank you very much! X

      Delete
  34. Hope you are all feeling better now. I'm so sorry I missed OneWeek this time around. I make great plans in my mind to join in with things, but then time seems to speed up and things have whizzed by before I realise it. I'm so excited to hear your keynote lovely lady and really hope to meet you. You are a real inspiration to me xx Good luck with the BiBs - I'll be cheering for you xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, all feeling much better now, especially Little A. Don't worry about missing #oneweek, I am sure it'll be back late summer :o). Thank you very much, and I really hope to meet you too at Britmums. X

      Delete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...