Freezing!

Well my friends, it's been a few days since my last post. I've
been under the weather (cough and cold) but thought I would
write something, just to keep my mind occupied really.

Here in the UK we have had a lot of snow. Much much more than
a couple of weeks ago when I made a post about the snow forecast.
It is bitterly cold too. In fact freezing would be more apt. Right now it
is -6 degrees and falling quickly. Although I have my heating on my hands
are cold. I'm seriously thinking of wearing some gloves indoors.

I know I mustn't grumble. There are people out there in much more colder
conditions than those I find myself in. My thoughts are with them.

Take care of yourselves.

Graham.

Chipped Tooth

I hate this damned cold weather! The streets and roads were treacherous
today. People walking like puppets on strings in an effort to stay upright.
Unfortunately I didn't manage to stay upright and slipped not once but
twice. The second time causing me to chip a tooth.

I arrived home at 7pm, so too late to call the dentists, which means I will
have to call from the office tomorrow. Which in turn means I probably
wont get an appointment until near the weekend or even early next week.

Furthermore, the weather is forecast to get colder, icier, and more snowfall.
My dentist is based some six miles away from where I live. So, if the roads
are to get worse, then I have to consider if it is safe to travel on the roads to
attend the appointment.

Luckily the chipped tooth is the third from the left on the bottom row, so not
that noticeable. If it is icy where you are, please be careful out there.

Best Ever Christmas Gift

Christmas is fast approaching, which got me thinking, what is the best
ever Christmas gift you ever received?
Mine is a small wooden flute. Sometime ago I wrote on here about a
wonderful man named Josef. He was an amazing man, a real hero to
me. Anyway, for Christmas of 1979 he gave me the wooden flute for
a gift. Why is a flute so special? Because he lovingly made it himself,
he must have worked for some hours to carve it.

To be honest, it's more like a penny whistle than a flute, but Josef called
it a flute. All this fits in nicely with my previous post. Josef passed away
many years ago, but he lives on through my memories. For me, it's the
simplest things that are the greatest of treasures.

Always Here With Us

Hello Again,

I read something on another blog which made me think. The blog
concerned is written by Joice Maduaka, and is well worth reading
should you get the chance. She had posted a quote along the lines of
'It's sad when people we know become people we knew.'

It really stirred my emotions. Suddenly people I once knew came flooding
back into my memory. How would you define the phrase 'once knew?' To
me it means two things, people we have loved and who have passed away
and people we have loved and known who have simply moved away and we
have lost contact with them.

However, are they really gone? Yes, of course physically they are no longer
with us for either reason, but it made me think. If we remember people, all
the times we spent together, the good times, the sad times, the tears, the
laughter, then I believe in a way they are still with us.

As long as we remember them, they are never truly gone. They are always 
here with us. Who knows, perhaps the people we once knew are remembering
us too.

Thanks, Joice, your quotes often inspire me.

Where are you heading?

Ever get that feeling 'where is my life heading?' I've had one of
those days. In fact so much so, that I got very little work done.
I guess it's up to ourselves to determine how our lives develop.
We shouldn't rely on others, I'm sure they will help if they see
we are struggling. We need to look into our own hearts and minds,
for nobody knows us better than we know ourselves.

Don't take things for granted, if you're not happy, don't accept that
things can't change. For change does happen, if we seek it out, if we
allow it into our lives.

Some people are happy, settled and content. Good for them. They have
determined the course of their life, found love, perhaps, maybe have a
family, a loving home life.

Others, myself included, are more restless. They tend to ask questions,
yet often fail to find the answers. I believe those answers live within us,
if we a truly true to ourselves, then we will finally understand where our
lives are heading.

Take care.

Snow Is Coming

I have just read a weather forecast saying that parts of the UK will be hit by snow
the latter part of next week. Last year's snow and cold spell was the coldest weather
we had experienced for 30 years. Perhaps this year we can expect more of the
same, if snow will be falling in late November!

I don't mind snow, it can be very picturesque. Unfortunately, the councils in the UK
seem totally inept when it comes to wintry weather. Usually the UK comes to a
standstill! Makes me wonder why we pay out taxes!

If the forecasters are correct and snow does fall, please be careful. Enjoy it, but be
careful.

Thirty Three Years

Hello Again,

I can't believe that it is 33 years since my grandmother passed away.
How quickly time passes us by! From being a young boy to being
in my forties in what seems no time at all.

I have missed my grandmother everyday since she died. Looking
back at events, I can now see that she knew she had very little
time left. I was only young and didn't notice how ill she had become.

I remember visiting her on the Sunday before she died. When it became
time to say our goodbyes she just hugged me as usual and whispered
'don't worry, I'll always be your nana.' The last words I ever heard her
speak. She was correct, she always will be! :-)

R.I.P. Grandma.

A Villanelle Poem

Born free?

Can this kangaroo court judge me?
With their smirking, snarling, sneering
Is not a man born free?

No crime committed, can’t they see?
Will a witness be appearing?
Can this kangaroo court judge me?
No jury here to hear my plea

They’re the judge and jury I am fearing
Is not a man born free?
What law was broken, by what decree,
Is this hostile crowd jeering?

Can this kangaroo court judge me?
No mercy shown, so let it be
Hang him! They are cheering
Is not a man born free?

Led to the gallows, the hanging tree
My fate with God is nearing
Can this kangaroo court judge me?
Is not a man born free?

(c) Graham Andrews.

The repeating of the lines is to emphasise the drama, the
emotion of the piece.Hope you enjoyed reading it. If so,
please feel free to leave a comment. I would appreciate
your feedback. :-)

Nature

Isn't the power of Nature a wonder to behold? Yesterday here in the
UK we suffered some terrible gales. The wind was mighty, billowing
around my house, bending the trees, and more irritatingly, setting of
car alarms!

I know that here in the UK we escape relatively unscathed as far as the
weather goes. Yes, we get plenty of rain, occasional snowfall, but all-
in-all, considering we're an island, the weather is rarely severe. In saying
that, I have to sadly report that a lady died yesterday because of the gales.
It is reported that the car she was a passenger in, was struck by a falling
tree.

May she R.I.P.

Greer Garson

I have long been a great admirer of Greer Garson. She had such elegance and
grace, was a lovely person and a wonderful actress. For the majority of her movies
she starred alongside Walter Pidgeon, and they proved to be an enigmatic
on-screen couple. If any of you like to watch old movies, then I would recommend
you look for Greer Garson movies, Mrs.Miniver, Goodbye Mr. Chips are just
two of her movies which were well received at the time, and to this day are worth
watching.

Graham.

November 5th

REMEMBER REMEMBER

THE 5TH OF

NOVEMBER GUNPOWDER

TREASON AND PLOT,

I CAN THINK OF NO

REASON THAT GUNPOWDER TREASON SHOULD EVER BE FORGOT!!

Today is the 5th of November, also known as bonfire night here in the UK.

It is in remembrance of the plot by Guy Fawkes to blow up parliament

and kill the King. Of course he didn't succeed, unfortunately some may

say! Traditionally bonfires and fireworks displays are attended to by many

people. If you are one of them, please keep safe!

November

WOW! This year has really flown by. I cannot believe it is already November!
This is also a difficult month for me emotionally. I have lost three grandparents in
this previous Novembers over the years. So remembering them is utmost in my
mind at this time of year.

Wishing whosoever reads these words a happy fruitful November.

Graham.

Halloween

Hello,

Well now, I haven't mentioned this before simply because I
didn't deem it important, but I do some volunteer work for
a local charity who help disadvantaged children. I've been
helping out occasionally over the past 6 months.

The person who founder the charity decided that for the 1st
time there will be a Halloween fancy dress party for the children.
However, they cannot come dressed like ghosts or spooks of any
description, which kind of detracts from what Halloween is all about.

So from 3pm on Sunday October 31st I shall be ensuring that those
children have a fun time. I hope to post some pictures in due course.

Graham.

Autumn

Hello again! Well, the autumn is well and truly here folks! Nice crisp sunny
mornings and early dark frosty evenings are upon us. I think this has to be
my favourite time of year. The way the leaves on the trees change colour,
oranges, browns, yellows, and reds is truly a sight to behold. The berries
on the Holly tree beginning to grow, the sight of the red Robin in the garden
bobbing around looking for food, who can argue against such wonderful
gifts from nature?

Graham.

You've got to love Taiwan

Hello Again...

It's been a while since I last blogged. A lot of
stuff has happened over the last few months
which made me reassess my life, where it was
heading, and  what was I going to do about it.

Anyhow, I've been talking to some very good friends
in Taipei. I have known them for many years and love them
dearly. They are so kind and thoughtful, the best friends any
person could ever wish for. We discussed my 'previous' life in
Taiwan, when I worked there teaching English, how we all met
and formed a firm and lasting friendship.

These friends have helped me through a very difficult period in
my life, without them, I don't quite know how I would have found
the strength to believe in myself again.

So, people, if you ever want to visit somewhere delightful, welcoming,
modern, happy, friendly and life-changing, please go visit Taiwan!!

You've got to love Taiwan!!

Dream

Well, I had a very strange dream the other night. I
was alone in a church, when a friend who's been dead
for many years sat next to me and started talking
about my life.

Now, as a rule, dreams usually last no more than 5
minutes, before they merge into another altogether
different dream. This one, however, seemed to last
for quite a while longer than 5 minutes.

This friend during the course of our conversation,
also told me of 3 things that are yet to happen. It
will be interesting to see if these things come to pass.
I not one for being mystical, but this dream was very
vivid, and as such I felt compelled to share it.

PrestonPoet.

Assignment

I have just received my score for my final assignment. I was
awarded 80%. Not quite a first, but a very good grade two
score. Now I only have one final project to complete. I
have already begun writing this. So far I have written
3,800 words and need to write at least 5,000 for the project,
so well and truly into the final stages.

My plan is to continue to write and develop this piece of writing.
I have a feeling I can produce a novel from the idea I have used
for my final project. Time will tell.

PrestonPoet.

Looking Forward

It's been a little while since my last post. My life isn't running
as smoothly as I would wish at the moment. However, I
strive to remain optimistic. I need to believe that the present
difficulties I am encountering will be resolved. I post quite often
on Twitter, but these past few days I haven't felt like sharing or
chatting to the nice people that I know on there. I'm sure I will
return soon enough.

On a more positive note, I have discovered a pair of birds have
made their home in a tree in my garden. I have watched them
gathering grass and twigs and so on. Their nest is looking very
homely and I hope to report that they are proud parents in the
weeks ahead.

Have fun, people.

Prestonpoet.

Hope

I am guilty at times of thinking too much. By that, I mean I tend
to think about things and circumstances over which I have no
control. When these thinking 'moods' occur, I find myself sinking
into deep thinking mode and can become oblivious to the world
around me, i.e. family and friends.

Despite these episodes of thinking, which can lead to self doubt,
I never ever lose HOPE. I am here to tell those of you, who like
me, mull over things far too much, never to lose hope. Please try
to remain positive. Believe in yourself. :-)

PrestonPoet.

Memories

I cannot believe it is 21 years since my friend, Josef died.
He was a refugee who fled Ukraine during WW2 I was only a
child when he came to live in the house across the road from us,
in 1974. For some reason folks used to call him the Polish man,
I never did know the reason for that.

He was the kindest and most gentle person I have ever met.
I remember him telling stories, and being totally enthralled
by his accent and the glint in his eye and smile on his face while
he told me and the other children far-fetched tales of when he
was a boy.

Before I travelled to Taiwan, we had a chat. He told me to
grasp the opportunity that fate had offered me. 'Better to
venture out and see the world' he said, 'Don't live your life
asking 'what if' live your life.' He gave me a pocket watch,
a really handsome time piece, telling me everytime I checked
the time I would remember what he had told me.

Sadly when I returned from my time in Taiwan, I found out that
Josef had passed away. I still have the pocket watch, and it's true
what he said. When I use it to check the time, his voice echoes in
my mind, 'Don't live your life asking 'what if' live your life'............

PrestonPoet.

Searching.....

I had to burn some bridges
I had to learn to walk
I had to burn some bridges
Say goodbye to all my folks

I was always in the shadows
I had never known the sun
But I had to leave those shadows
So I had to learn to run

Don't quite know where I'm going
Not sure when I will stop
But I have to keep on going
Until I think I've reached the top

I have so many fears
I am too afraid to shine
Got to shake off all these fears
And fulfil this life of mine

I know that I shall get there
Shed these years of lost frustration
I know that I will get there
To my final destination.

(C) PrestonPoet

Teaching English Abroad

If you have read my previous blogs you will know that I lived
in Taiwan for a while. I would say that this experience was second
to no other, and certainly the best decision I ever made in my life.
Teaching English abroad is not quite as daunting as one may think.
Sure you have to commit to living in a foreign country for at least
8 months, probably up to 12 months.

Getting used to the culture and customs is part and parcel of the
experience. Let me tell you that generally speaking, people are
people are people, wherever you may go. Of course you will have
to change your lifestyle from that you are accustomed too back
home, but hey, when in Rome........

I chose Taiwan because of the attitude toward education in that
country. It seems that everyone takes it seriously, and rightly so.
All of the kids I encountered have respect and treat their teachers
with impeccable manners. They are in the main very bright and
keen to learn.

If any of you have ever considered this vocation, I can highly
recommend that you do not hesitate, and do some research into
the subject.

PrestonPoet.

Creative Writing

I have previously mentioned that I am studying for a Ba in Creative Writing. Yesterday I received my score for my fifth assignment. I scored 83%, and I am so pleased with my efforts thus far. I am now averaging 79% for the course, with one more assignment and my final end of course project to complete.

This is a level 3 course, which is equal to year three study at a University. I obtained a Grade 2 for my level 2 course which I completed last year. Upon successful completion of this course I will be awarded a University Diploma in Creative Writing and Literature, and will require a further 6o credits of study to obtain my degree.

I feel that as a writer I am growing everyday. My poetry is definitely my strongest genre, although I am feeling more and more confident across all genres.

PrestonPoet.

A Villanelle Poem

Born Free?

Can this kangaroo court judge me?
With their smirking, snarling, sneering
Is not a man born free?

No crime committed can't they see?
Will a witness be appearing?
Can this kangaroo court judge me?

No jury here to hear my plea
They're the judge and jury I am fearing
Is not a man born free?

What law was broken, by what decree,
Is this hostile crowd jeering?
Can this kangaroo court judge me?

No mercy show, so let it be
Hang him! They are cheering
Is not a man born free?

Led to the Gallows, the hanging tree
My fate with God is nearing,
Can this kangaroo court judge me?
Is not a man born free?

(c) PrestonPoet.

Summertime

The clock's were adjusted at the weekend by 1 hour to welcome British Summertime (BST). Since then we have had nothing but wild wind and wet weather! Of course this is nothing unusual in Britain, indeed we are accustomed to such weather, but I felt the need to moan about today.

I am due to play golf on Thursday (1st April) so I'm hoping there will be some improvement and that, at least, the rain will have stopped. I am playing at Duxbury Gold Club, which is a public course. I have played there twice before, my best score being 90.

I have also applied for three jobs over the past 7 days. I am currently on reduced hours where I work, so I need to find a job with more hours, which in turn means more money. If anyone reads this, please wish me luck. :-)

PrestonPoet..

Taiwan

I used to live and work in Taiwan. I taught English as a second language and I lived there for over two years. I really enjoyed my time there. It was refreshing to learn about another culture and learn a new language. The people are very friendly. Some of the friends I met there I am still in contact with, and from time to time we meet up. Take last year for example, three of my friends from Taiwan wanted to visit Italy and so I arranged to fly out to Italy and spend 10 days with them.

Who knows, maybe I will return to work there in the future. Until then, I will have to tolerate the cold wet winters of Britain. By the way, the picture is of a golden Buddha, which is situated at a temple in the mountain region close to Haulien, Taiwan.

PrestonPoet.

Nature

About 10 minutes drive from my home there is some wonderful open countryside. Farmer's fields stretch out for several miles, and away is the distance you can see the Pennines the boundary between Lancashire and Yorkshire.

I drove out there earlier this morning. I always surprised by the lack of people, you would have thought that such stunning scenery would attract many more folk. Still there were a few people dotted about, taking in the early morning air.

It's good to get out and enjoy nature. It gives me inspiration, and thus I am able to sit down and write. I am in the process of writing a novel, bases upon some characters I know from a forum. The idea is that instead of the forum, we live in a large manor house. It is intended to be a light hearted piece of fiction. Hopefully I will post some short excerpts here for you to read.

Wishing you all a happy weekend.

PrestonPoet.

A Pantoum Poem

This form of poetry finds its origins in Malaysia. The idea is repetition, hope you like it...

My Car...

My car if gleaming shining red
She is my pride and joy
Indeed it has to be said
I wish she wasn't just a toy

She is my pride and joy
Chrome bumpers, lovely alloy wheels
I wish she wasn't just a toy
If only she was real

Chrome bumpers, lovely alloy wheels
Sitting on my coffee table
If only she was real
I'd make it so if I were able

Sitting on my coffee table
Indeed it has to be said
I'd make it so if I were able
My car of gleaming shining red

(c) PrestonPoet

My First Blog!

Hello world!

Well I'm dipping my toes into the waters of blogging!
I am a very keen writer. I am currently studying for a degree
in Creative Writing, the course is very interesting and covers
most aspects of writing, from poetry to screen plays, short
stories to life writing.

I hope to share some of my writing, and hope in turn that
someone will read it and like it....time will tell.

Wish me luck!

PrestonPoet.