Another Day

Dear Diary,

It's been a while. I lost the appetite for writing
after my dear little Scruff passed away. He had
been ill, and we thought he had made a full recovery
but alas he faded quickly and died in my arms several
weeks ago.

Perhaps soon, I will feel like sharing more of my days
with you.

Graham.

Day 22

Dear Diary,

Back to work today. It's always a wrench returning to the office
after taking a week or so off. To be honest, I was pretty bored,
and felt there should be more to life than ticking boxes and
being like a robot everyday.

At least Scruff was waiting for me at the door when I returned home,
tail wagging, eyes full of love. It's certainly true what they say.. A
dog is a man's best friend.

Perhaps I'll share a poem with you soon.

Graham.

Day 21

Dear Diary,

I've had a wonderful day. Went out for lunch with my parents,
and my sister and her husband. We had a good old natter and
some very nice food. Oh, and a couple of beers too!

Afterwards, I sat in my garden reading a book. Hardball by
Sara Parestsky. Excellent crime writer, long live VI. !!!

In other news I won £10 on the lottery! I matched 3 numbers
so got a small prize. Beggars can't be choosers, right?

Graham.

Day 20

Dear Diary,

Off to the theatre this evening. Should be a good show. I
always try and make mental notes  during the play, some
pointers to help improve my own writing.

Getting tired of the news! Overkill on the royal wedding. It's
as though there is not other news in the world. Rather than see
the images of pampered and rich people playing to the crowds
I want to know what's happening of real importance!

Scruff barked his displeasure when I showed him his box of
biscuits was empty! Poor pooch.

Graham.

Day 19

Dear Diary,

So that's it. Will's and Kate are now man and wife. May they
live happily ever after!

Scruff slept all the way through the ceremony. He isn't one for
the big occasion isn't Scruff. Indeed he was in such a deep sleep
he began to snore! He did at one stage briefly wake up gave a
little whine and promptly returned to his dream world.

My fruit trees are looking good. They are starting to flower, so
they make my garden look rather handsome, if I do say so myself.

Graham.

Day 18

Dear Diary,

Much, much better today. So much so that I booked a tee-
time for Sunday morning. I wish I was better at golf than I
am. Never mind, that's the beauty of sport, it's a challenge to
overcome...just like in life, I guess.

So the Royal Wedding is tomorrow. The news channels are
going into overdrive at the moment, or should that be over-
kill? Too much of the same thing, reporters stating the same
words over and over again!

Ordered some Chinese food. My favourite!

Graham.

Day 17

Dear Diary,

Feeling a little better today. The meds have now kicked in
so don't feel stuffed, although my nose is rather red!

I have applied for two jobs. I need something new in my life,
I'm tired of the same old same old. Variety is the spice of life,
afterall! In saying that, my writing helps to keep me focused.

There is a couple of birds building their home in a tree in my
garden. Isn't nature wonderful?

Graham.

Day 16

Dear Diary,

I've got a cold! The sudden change in weather and the
damp conditions have knocked me for six! It's never
a good feeling to be stuffed up. Taking medication, hope
it clears up soon.

So just lazed around today, not really got the energy to
be creative and write anything. No sympathy from Scruff
who still expected me to take him walkies!

Graham.

Day 15

Dear Diary,

I've been catching up with some TV programmes today. I
have watched Vampire Diaries, Doctor Who, and a very
good series called Crimson and the Petal White. Very well
adapted for TV from the book of the same name. Amanda
Hale's performance is nothing short of outstanding.

Spoke with a dear friend in Taiwan as well. She is changing
her job soon. Got a promotion....lucky her.

Scruff is rather keen on some new dog biscuits I bought for
him. He's been sniffing around the cupboard where they are
stored with a hopeful look in his eyes.. :-)

Graham.

Day 14

Dear Diary,

Very productive day. My pen was going into overdrive today.
So much writing, so many good ideas...plots and the like came
flowing through. Very pleased indeed.

Going to Preston Playhouse tomorrow evening. I like my theatre,
especially the amateur theatre, which Preston Playhouse is. Some
very good productions are held there. I'm amazed there aren't more
people wanting to see local theatre at its very best.

I think Scruff  is overwhelmed with the warm weather. He's decided to
stay indoors and laze around on his bed. Oh to live a dog's life!

Graham.

Day 13

Dear Diary,

I've had a nice day with my parents. They are quite elderly and so
time spent with then is precious, one doesn't know how much time
we spend in this world, so it's important to make the most of the
time we have with people we love.

I sometimes wonder why I bother following politics. It seems all
the politicians are concerned with is how they look on the big stage,
strutting around full of their own self importance. Shameful! Why do
I say this? One look at this awful world and the death and destruction
it there in, speaks volumes about our 'leaders'.

Time for a nice tipple of malt whisky.

Graham.

Day 12

Dear Diary,

Good Friday. I always use this day to contemplate. I'm
not a very religious person, but on this day I think about
what happened to Jesus, and why he let it happen.

Lovely weather once again. The birds seem very content,
singing their merry songs and dashing around my garden
trying to catch dinner, no doubt.

Scruff is tired out. He too has been dashing around the garden
at a frantic pace. Now he's dozing on his bed. To be honest I
think he'll be staying there until tomorrow!

Graham.

Day 11

Dear Diary,

Maunday Thursday. The day of the last supper. I wonder what
Jesus would make of the modern world? He'd probably be
horrified, right?

I bought some mini fruit trees for my garden. One apple, pear and
peach tree. I have placed them in a suitable position in the garden
so hopefully they will thrive and provide me with tasty fruit.

Scruff got very excited when he saw the trees. He's been sniffing
around them all afternoon! He'd better be careful, in a few months
time he'll have fruit dropping onto his head.

Graham.

Day 10

Dear Diary,

Enjoying the lovely weather. 24 degrees today. I decided
to work on my garden. It looks delightful..well apart from
the small hole Scruff decided to dig with hos paws. Goodness
knows what he thought he had found. Silly old pooch!

Now I'm going to concentrate on some writing. I have a few
ideas for poems. I much prefer poetry to any other genre.

I am also due to speak to a couple of my friends in Taiwan via
MSN later in the evening. Always good to chat with them, and to
use my Chinese language skills.

Graham.

Day 9

Dear Diary,

Arrived home at 3pm. Showered and changed and went to
collect Scruff. Arrived at my parent's home to find him sprawled
out in the garden sunning himself. He looked up when he heard my
voice and reluctantly dragged himself upright and walked towards
me wagging his tail.

Guess my suspicions of him being spoiled rotten were well founded!

I now plan to concentrate more fully on my writing. I have a few days
away from work, so I'm sure I can complete on of my short stories by
then. Perhaps I will share the story with you. What do you say?

Graham.

Day 8

Dear Diary,

Had a great time at the theatre. I recommend 'Precious little
talent' to anyone who likes good acting and a good script. I
found I was interested from the beginning and the acting was
as good as it gets.

Earlier I had a tour around London's best attractions. Tower
Bridge, London Eye and Oxford Street just to name a few. I
will be heading home tomorrow, perhaps I will return here again
in the not so distant future.

I'm sure Scruff will be pleased to see me. I hope so! I've missed
the little rascal!

Graham.

Day 7

Dear Diary,

A wonderful warm day in London. Spent the best part of
the day cheering on the runners in the London Marathon.
Enjoyed an ice cream in St. James' Park. Strolled around
the park, taking in the views and the sounds of the birds.

Looking forward to tommorow. I 'm going to the theatre in
the evening to watch a show. I have read some good reviews
about it.

I brought my notebook to London with me. I've been jotting
down a few paragraphs and a couple of poems. I always have
a notebook with me, you never know when you will be inspired
to write.

Graham.

Day 6

Dear Diary,

London! I'm here! It's been a while since I was last in London.
Four days to chill out and recharge my batteries, I need it. Got
tickets for a play on Monday..looking forward to that.

I wonder how Scruff is getting on? He is with my parents, so no
doubt he will be being spoiled rotten. He won't want to go home
when I return to collect him. That dog is more human than some
people I know!

Trafalgar Square is the first place on my list. I will locate the
theatre where the splay is showing. Then grab something to eat.
I'm staying near Charing Cross Station so it's just a short stroll
away.

Graham.

Day 5

Dear Diary,

The weather is really picking up. Sunnier days are heading this
way. I had hoped to head out to the golf range, but my thumb is
still a little sore. Maybe next week, fingers crossed.

I caught Scruff having a sly scratch this morning. He wasn't too
pleased when he saw me making up his little bath. Nevertheless he
got a thoroughly good scrubbing. Now he's laying on his bed giving
me a mournful look with his sorrowful doggy eyes.

I won't give him any sympathy though. Oh no, he'll thank me later
when he isn't scratching away at himself. Oh do stop that whimpering
Scruff....oh go on then, just a little treat, and only one doggy biscuit
mind you. He sure knows how to play me that mutt!

London, here I come!

Graham.

Day 4

Dear Diary,

I have been busy writing. My mind filled with ideas, and
those ideas flowed through my pen and onto the paper.
I like writing, I mean the physicality of writing. The feel
of a pen, the words appearing upon crisp white paper.

I saw one of my new neighbours a little earlier. A lady in
her forties. I nodded as if to say hello. She nodded in return
and climbed into her car. I suppose I should introduce myself
at the next opportunity.

I've been feeling a bit low recently. What with scruff being under
the weather, and uncertainty with my job. So confiding in you, dear
diary, is a good way to put my thoughts into writing, and to begin to
see things more clearly.

Graham.

Day 3

Dear Diary,

Scruff is bounding around like he is a pup again! I guess the
medicine the Vet gave him worked wonders.

I've begun work on my short story. I did a little research about
various kinds of optical cancers. I told you this story was going to
be bittersweet. I'm sure it will all end happily ever after...or should it?

I'm heading down to London at the weekend. I've booked a ticket to
see the play 'Precious Little Talent' at the Trafalgar Studio on Monday
18th April.  I think I deserve a short break. The rest will do me good.

Graham.

Day 2

Dear Diary,

Little Scruff appears to be showing some signs of
improvement since I applied those drops to his ears.
Good news, because he is my little companion and he
offers me love despite his ailment.

I have developed those characters I mentioned previously,
and have decided to write a story. The narrative will explore
the potential blossoming relationship between an optician and
his patient. Alas, their tale will be bittersweet.

My new neighbours are due to move in next door by the end of
the week. I must admit I'm a little apprehensive. I wonder what
they will be like. Hmm, I wonder if they are thinking the same about
me?

Graham.

I'm going to start writing in the form of a diary for one month.

DAY 1

Dear diary, my confidant, my friend. I am going to confide in
you the secrets of my day.

I took little Scruff (my dog) to see the vet. He look miserable
all weekend, poor little mite. It transpires he's got an ear infection
which the vet prescribed some drops for. Hope he feels better soon.

I've been busy working on two short stories, I have the characters and
a narrative scribbled down in my own short hand. I will work on
developing the storyline over the next few days.

I've got tickets for a show at Preston Playhouse. I love visiting that little
theatre. I'm thinking of doing some volunteer work there.

Graham.

Laughter

Hello!

After a bit of a gloomy weekend I was in need of some
laughter, or at least a smile, just to cheer me up a bit.
They say laughter is the best medicine. I suppose it's true
to some extent. Laughter leads to a sense of happiness and
we all want to be happy, right?

I found the laughter! Over on another blog. I have mentioned
this lady's blog before. Always a good read. Today she made
me laugh with a response to a comment I left.

Joice Maduaka, you are a star!

Graham.

Lonesome

Hello!

Well, here I am again, a few weeks older and a few weeks
wiser. I spent some time with a couple of friends, they are
a married couple and very much in love.

With me being single (for more than 8 years now) it was nice
to see two people so obviously in love with each other. I have
to admit though, for the first time in quite some time it made me
feel lonesome.

Not a sad lonesome, just a kind of lonesome where you think to
yourself, where is that special person? Are they out there?
I wonder...............

Graham.

Yani Tseng

I have been deliberating whether or not to write a short

piece about one of my favourite sport stars. I really do
not have the talent to do the person any justice, but I thought
I would write a line or two and then let you do your own research.

Having lived and worked in Taiwan for a number of years, I have
grown accustomed to all things Taiwanese. Over the last six or
seven years, I have been following the progress of a
                            golfer named Yani Tseng.

She was a truly amazing talent as a youngster. She won several important
junior and amateur events and I was pleased to see she was making
progress. Now, of course, she is a major international star, already winning
3 majors, two of those last season.

By all reports she is also one of the nicest people you could ever wish to
meet. I have never had that pleasure. Perhaps on day when she plays the
Women's British Open (2012) I will finally obtain her autograph.

I urge any of you interested in golf to do some research on this wonderfully
talented young lady. She also has a Facebook page where she regularly
updates her status and interacts with her followers. So what are you waiting
for.........

True Friends

Hello again!

Please forgive my lack of posts. I shall endeavour to
address this in the coming weeks.
Recently I have had to re-evaluate my friendship with
a person whom I thought I could trust. It turns out that
trust was not deserved. I can't go into specifics here,
as I am sure you will appreciate.

True friends are so very hard to come by. It's always a
blow when someone badly lets you down. I was upset
and learned a valuable lesson.

I have so few true friends and this has been diminished this
past week. I shall nevertheless cherish those I hold dear.

Graham.

2011

Hello Again!

Yes, I know, it's been a while since I last wrote
something. Life has been a little irregular of late,
so I've been otherwise engaged.

Anyway, it's now 2011 and hopefully this will be
a great year, not only for me, but for those few of
you who read this blog from time to time.

Let's all remain positive and upbeat!

Graham.