David L. Atkinson's Blog, page 40

Poetry Thursday 222 - The Golden Telephone

Once again Thursday has come round as always and there have been a variety of stimuli out there in the world. This week two of those came together quite surprisingly.

[image error]Oscar Wilde
From the point of view of value to the reader I will once again divulge some of my secrets! I study the formats poets have used throughout the ages and sometimes I 'borrow' their styles - not their words. This week it is the man above and his poem The Ballad of Reading Gaol. It is a long poem with verses of six lines where only the 2nd, 4th and 6th lines rhyme. It is the story of his incarceration.


I was in church last Sunday at a service lead by a former congregation member turned priest. He told an old joke of the golden phone and his sermon went on to focus on prayer.The poem that I've written is not intended to be funny but I thought it a useful vehicle to attach to Wilde's style.
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The Golden Phone
The golden phone on the narthex wallwas there for all to see and use.An opportunity to converse with God,to ask for forgiveness or discuss His rules,on life, death and other matters,but in Truro the cost did not amuse.
And there again in Coventry’s seethe golden phone is hanging in wait,for the grieving or ailing to pick upand talk to God about their fate.The price is once again too highthey turn and decide – already too late.
In Yorkshire the golden phone is just 10 pencea nominal price for this locality.His own county and therefore the local rate,to grant instant accessibility.Pick up the handset make your prayer,and don’t worry about audibility.© David L Atkinson July 2016

God Bless

Writing - Something trending

It is sometimes difficult to always find a subject that can be considered of value by readers but things can pop up unexpectedly. I occasionally watch commercial TV and have recently been bombarded with advertisements for a TV show that researches lost relatives then reunites the broken families. Then today it was a BBC series called Unsolved. You may ask where is the value to writers in those two shows?

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I hope the value is in pointing fellow writers towards aspects of stories that may need stronger emotional features. 
The reuniting relatives programme, by its nature, is obviously designed to culminate as a sob fest of mammoth proportions. Sure there will be the establishment of tension in the descriptive dialogue that leads to the grande reunion but the purpose is to finish giving the audience that 'feel good' factor. A fairly simple format that is intended to increase the ratings.It is an example of a relatively low budget programme intended to increase the popularity of the station by the tactical use of the emotions.
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The second programme featuring a single unsolved situation stretched over six episodes is a clever piece of work that again uses the emotions. The clever bit is that it builds in different types of emotion and could actually make a fairly decent story writing template.
1. Establish the situation and facts of the case.
2. Find an informant that may be able to shed light on the case.
3. Establish who the suspect might be by gathering and sifting the evidence.
4. Introduce a mysterious new witness that supplies startling evidence - in this case he was nick-named the weatherman.
5. By using the 'weatherman's' new evidence the story is levered on to a possible conclusion.
6. Finally, the evidence is compelling and one of the suspects 'comes clean'.
Not bad I think, as a framework.
The emotions in the actual programme begin with a sense of horror at a loss, grief and outpourings thereof; they then work through drama and suspense until it is all resolved in a place where grief can be focused.
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So if you are writing and wondering about how a story is going consider the emotional aspects.
God Bless

Tuesday food blog - Corned beef and onion pie

In warm weather there is little incentive to cook or eat hot meals and so last weekend I was looking for something that could be eaten cold with salad.


This is a cheap and cheerful alternative to quiche or pork pie. It is versatile and pretty easy to prepare particularly if you cheat as I did and use ready made frozen pastry!
The only part of this recipe to consider then is the pie filling.
12oz tin of corned beef1 boiled beetroot2 tomatoes, skinned1 onion, choppedoil for cookingoreganogarlicsalt and pepper
There are versions of this with carrot, celery and diced potato. I have always thought that tomato goes well with corned beef and experimented with a little beetroot which neither added to or detracted from the dish. This is a very cheap recipe that would feed 4 - 6 people at a cost of around £3.50 for the whole lot - about 85p/head.
In my effort to bring more value to the blogs this is one of the easiest. Providing food ideas, cooking techniques and recipe alternatives really speak for themselves and I have received quite a slice of feedback on this blog.
God Bless

Writing - Art anywhere

I wrote about trying to bring more value to these blog posts and so far have brought something of value to these pages. Today I discovered a writing and art project associated with Reading Gaol and Oscar Wilde.The dates are below. By supplying this information I hope to have tweaked your curiosity.


[image error]Reading Gaol
"The Ballad of Reading Gaol" is a poem by Oscar Wilde, written in exile either in Berneval-le-Grand or in Dieppe, France, after his release from Reading Gaol (pronounced "redding jail") on 19 May 1897. Wilde had been incarcerated in Reading after being convicted of homosexual offences in 1895 and sentenced to two years' hard labour in prison.
It couldn't happen these days.
[image error]Oscar Wilde

He did not wear his scarlet coat,

For blood and wine are red,

And blood and wine were on his hands

When they found him with the dead,

And murdered in her bed.

The poor dead woman whom he loved,

To whet your appetite for more!

HMP Reading is to open to the public for the first time for an arts project celebrating former inmate Oscar Wilde.
Actors Ralph Fiennes and Maxine Peake and singer Patti Smith are among those who will take part in readings at the former prison's chapel.
Wilde was a prisoner between 1895 and 1897 and wrote about his experience in his poem, The Ballad of Reading Gaol.
The Inside: Artists and Writers in Reading Prison project runs from 4 September to 30 October. 

So that you can choose some of my work,


Read on





December 2015






Steele   My hero was created post recession and so has no concept of how 'good' things were pre-2008. In 'I Have To Get It Right' when he began to flex his muscles he was working in an accountant's office. Then after the Gurentai took him under their wing and removed all of his financial worries, it was justice that was his major concern. He did become involved in international relations in 'The 51st State' but it was for the maintenance of a respectful distance between countries, rather than economic reasons. His trips into the USA had repercussions which can be read about in 'The Biter Bit' but then by the time things began to change in 2011 and the recession was really biting, Steele was trying to make sense of the state of the nation in 'A Changed Reality' and coming up against some really nasty people taking advantage of the shortage of money. By the time the USA are out of their recession Steele's steps are still being dogged by an unknown enemy from the same country. In 'Inceptus' we also find out more about what makes the man tick. The most recent Steele book 'Castled' where Steele is once again at risk from unseen enemies. It would seem that he has become quite recession proof!The most recent addition to the Steele family is Earth plc in which our hero is concerned with political and emotional issues in this crime fighting adventure.
All books are available in paperback or ebook through Amazon, Smashwords and all good book shop websites.


Cessation 


This is a dystopian story that hinges directly on the state of the nation as a result of fiscal mismanagement. Having said that it is more a story of human relations, privations, love and loss.


Poetry - there are also two thoughtful collections of poetry available solely through Amazon.


The Musings of a Confused Mind 


and


Words from the Raindrops 

God Bless

Writing - 10 things we didn't know

On this fine and warm weekend we have everything from repellent hens to grieving whales.


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1. Mosquitoes carrying malaria are repelled by chickens.

Should have always taken one to France with me!


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2. The original Bramley apple tree is still alive at the age of 207… but is suffering from a fungal infection.

Well we all get a little more fungal as we get older.
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3. Protestors at the Republican convention were banned from carrying tennis balls but were allowed to carry guns.

Can be deadly those tennis balls.


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4. In some remote areas of Malawi, parents pay a man to have sex with their daughters at the age of 12 or 13.


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5. In the run-up to the 2015 general election, Nick Clegg spent weeks recreating a Carly Rae Jepson music video.

Why?


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6. Whales grieve for friends and relatives and hold vigils.

Fair enough.


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7. People are selling their mobile phone videos of shootings to licensing companies - for a profit share.

Good to be speculative.


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8. Bees spit water at each other in hot weather.

Neighbourly!


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9. It's possible to serve draught beer on a plane - but the physics are tricky.

Cabin pressure, smooth flow, autovac would mess with the ale.


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10. You can't be nominated for a guest actor Emmy if you've been in a show for half of the season or more.

Oh wow!


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God Bless

Writing - The strangest gift

Buying or making gifts for another person can be a bit of a minefield. I can remember my first shopping spree for my first girlfriend and the rising panic in my chest when I realised I hadn't a clue about buying a present for a girl. Looking back I received advice from my mother which was gratefully acted upon and saved the day.
Thank goodness I didn't do what Vincent van Gogh resorted to as a gift!
[image error]van Gogh
Apart from his paintings Vincent was almost as famous for cutting off part of his ear. There has been intense speculation about the incident and the reasoning behind the self-inflicted mutilation.
There have been questions about the artist's state of mind; the possibility of a chemically enhanced state; and, mental illness. All of these could provide the explanation but none the amount of the ear that was severed.
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The above self-portrait would suggest that he severed the right ear, but there have been several suggestions as to how much. Popular opinion, until now, is that it was just the lobe that was hacked off. Gruesome enough, but then there is the question of what happened to the horrible hunk of flesh.
The facts of the case were that Vincent severed his ear as a result of a mental breakdown in 1888. He was found the day after the incident by the police. Two years later the artist took his own life.
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However, it would seem that there may have been a woman involved. Van Gogh's Ear: The True Story is a book by Bernadette Murphy which claims to have the facts.
It seems that a farmer's daughter, Gabrielle Berlatier, was the recipient of the offensive article. Gabrielle was working as a maid in a brothel when she was given the strange gift, according to the new research.
Van Gogh is said to have handed over the ear to her with the words "keep this object carefully". 
Martin Bailey of the Art Newspaper followed up Murphy's research and discovered that Gabrielle may have worked as a cleaner at the Cafe de la Gare, which was run by two friends of the artist. This in turn opens the possibility of a romantic element to the tragic life of Vincent van Gogh.
God Bless

Writing - Holidays and adding value

I read an 'expert's' blog the other day about how to have your blog read by more people. One of the things he suggested, and I agree, is that for others to want to read your blog now and in the future is to give the reader something of value.

One of the things I am offering is writing that has been recognised, albeit in East Texas, but for which I am very grateful. This may not be quite what the 'expert' intended.
So how about some positive suggestions for holidaying in London?
Westminster
Load up the Moovit  app on to your mobile - seriously!
I am in the fortunate position of being over the age of 60 and therefore carry a free bus pass that is usable throughout England. It means free travel on buses. This reduces the cost of travelling around the capital for the over sixties but even for those who pay, travelling above ground is so much easier and satisfying than the tube. Using the Moovit app aids progress around the sights.
Victoria and Albert Museum
I hesitate to recommend particular places to visit but do suggest that to avoid crowds and school parties that you aim to be there by 10:00 - most facilities open at this time.
Churchill's Bunker
Most of the well known museums are free to enter and often ask for a donation of around £5. I think that is reasonable enough when you consider that some admission fees are as high as £30.
The Churchill War Rooms cost around £15 - £20 to enter but are well worth a visit if you have interest in either the man himself or the period of history covering his life.
It is my sincere hope that today's blog is of value to some people out there who may be considering a visit to London, beginning to write their own blog or writing a book.
God Bless

Poetry Thursday 221 - Vacations

So I'm back from my jollies (holiday) and have had a good break. I have seen and experienced a number of different events, sights etc that could be described as inspirational. In many ways too many to use all at once. I have begun with a couple of general offerings, the first being holidays in general.

My chariot
Holidays
Having travelled away from homefor the purpose of holidaying awhile,one reflects on the people we meet,the places and the style.
We tend to travel south for the weather,although God makes no guarantee,hoping to return with skin of leatherhaving laid out a considerable fee.
It can be boring exploring the sand,so attractions are a required bonus,educating the mind a break from the sun,and gentle reflection, rather than beery fuss.
In other places things are different,a reason to try somewhere new.Sometimes revisiting is a temptation,in retrospect one should really eschew.
The outcome – rest and relaxation,perhaps an alternative view on life,undoubtedly fiscally poorer,hopefully as sharp as a rehoned knife.© David L Atkinson July 2016

The second poem is an attempt to capture the atmosphere of a museum in summer.

Victoria and Albert
The Museum
Temperature outside is soaringinside the air-conditioning thunders,school parties careen about yelling,teachers perspire and carp.
Exhibits stand stationary, stoicmysterious, obsidian sculpted formsin creation and thought,remain cool and aloof.
The shop with its fridge magnets,tea towels, maps and books.Expensive trash to mark a visitsouvenirs of why there.© David L Atkinson July 2016

Writing - We're all going on a ...

I'm quite excited because I am going to tick a few things off my 'bucket' list, so this is my last blog for over a week.
In the meantime I have found an excerpt from a speech made by an ancestor of mine over 400 years ago! I will leave it with you as it has relevance to today.

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Thomas Hedley
Speech in Parliament
28 June 1610  Excerpts
I affirm that the parliament hath power over all arts, sciences, mysteries and professions, practiced in the commonwealth, and may make laws for reformation of any abuse in the practices therein. …
For as  the rules and maxims of all arts are agreeable to

He was seemingly a lawyer with a tendency to use Latin. I am impressed with the first sentence in particular. The full text is available in a history of parliament but goes to 27 pages!
Durham Big Meeting Day
I will leave you with something a little less dour. When I was a child my father was a mechanical engineer working in Silksworth Pit. There was an annual parade in the city of Durham every July, when brass bands marched and the banners of all the pits in the Durham Coalfield were paraded. There were speeches by leaders of the Labour Party and union leaders, and there was a fair and picnic for the families. It was officially entitled Durham Miners' Gala but all the attendees referred to it as Durham Big Meeting Day.The above banner was the image related to the pit where Dad worked for thirty years.
Read on




December 2015






Steele   My hero was created post recession and so has no concept of how 'good' things were pre-2008. In 'I Have To Get It Right' when he began to flex his muscles he was working in an accountant's office. Then after the Gurentai took him under their wing and removed all of his financial worries, it was justice that was his major concern. He did become involved in international relations in 'The 51st State' but it was for the maintenance of a respectful distance between countries, rather than economic reasons. His trips into the USA had repercussions which can be read about in 'The Biter Bit' but then by the time things began to change in 2011 and the recession was really biting, Steele was trying to make sense of the state of the nation in 'A Changed Reality' and coming up against some really nasty people taking advantage of the shortage of money. By the time the USA are out of their recession Steele's steps are still being dogged by an unknown enemy from the same country. In 'Inceptus' we also find out more about what makes the man tick. The most recent Steele book 'Castled' where Steele is once again at risk from unseen enemies. It would seem that he has become quite recession proof!The most recent addition to the Steele family is Earth plc in which our hero is concerned with political and emotional issues in this crime fighting adventure.
All books are available in paperback or ebook through Amazon, Smashwords and all good book shop websites.


Cessation 


This is a dystopian story that hinges directly on the state of the nation as a result of fiscal mismanagement. Having said that it is more a story of human relations, privations, love and loss.


Poetry - there are also two thoughtful collections of poetry available solely through Amazon.


The Musings of a Confused Mind 


and


Words from the Raindrops 

God Bless

Writing - To know where you're going

... you have to know where you have been.
It sounds like a famous quote. Some say it an old English quote others attribute it to an American but the bottom line is that it strikes a chord that should be attended to. I have even said those oft repeated words - what's the point of history? In my opinion knowing your history adds depth to your personality and character, which in turn is reflected in all you say and do.
Sir Thomas Hedley


In attempting to trace my ancestry I came across a link, a direct ancestor link to Sir Thomas Hedley born 1571. The coat of arms of his family, and I suppose mine, is above although I would have no right to use it. There is also a quote from my venerable ancestor discussing treason in the Houses of Parliament in 1609 and it sounds as if he was of the legal profession.
The above doesn't mean I am entitled to any kind of benefit but it does rather give a feeling of depth and belonging. The family seat at Hedley on the Hill is near Stocksbridge which is west of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
[image error]Sir John Thomas Hedley?
This could be my knighted ancestor. I've looked carefully and can't see a family resemblance! 
Some would say that in the realm of writing this sort of history is of little importance but in fact if you follow the advice and write from where you're at then there is value in knowing your background.Of course the amount of influence is infinitesimally small and you don't know which parts are doing what but it is the depth that counts. 
Read on





December 2015






Steele   My hero was created post recession and so has no concept of how 'good' things were pre-2008. In 'I Have To Get It Right' when he began to flex his muscles he was working in an accountant's office. Then after the Gurentai took him under their wing and removed all of his financial worries, it was justice that was his major concern. He did become involved in international relations in 'The 51st State' but it was for the maintenance of a respectful distance between countries, rather than economic reasons. His trips into the USA had repercussions which can be read about in 'The Biter Bit' but then by the time things began to change in 2011 and the recession was really biting, Steele was trying to make sense of the state of the nation in 'A Changed Reality' and coming up against some really nasty people taking advantage of the shortage of money. By the time the USA are out of their recession Steele's steps are still being dogged by an unknown enemy from the same country. In 'Inceptus' we also find out more about what makes the man tick. The most recent Steele book 'Castled' where Steele is once again at risk from unseen enemies. It would seem that he has become quite recession proof!The most recent addition to the Steele family is Earth plc in which our hero is concerned with political and emotional issues in this crime fighting adventure.
All books are available in paperback or ebook through Amazon, Smashwords and all good book shop websites.


Cessation 


This is a dystopian story that hinges directly on the state of the nation as a result of fiscal mismanagement. Having said that it is more a story of human relations, privations, love and loss.


Poetry - there are also two thoughtful collections of poetry available solely through Amazon.


The Musings of a Confused Mind 


and


Words from the Raindrops 

God Bless