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.