Margaret Lynette Sharp's Blog, page 14
September 10, 2012
In The Rain: And Loving It: In Sydney, Australia
Hands up who thinks one need to stay indoors in the rain.
Certainly not me: and not little Chicki, either! What's the problem, if http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
Certainly not me: and not little Chicki, either! What's the problem, if http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
September 5, 2012
Down by the River....Chicki and me
Here we are, Chicki and me, down by the river. It's a beautiful day: the cockatoos are rejoicing, the swallows are swooping, the http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
August 27, 2012
Review: The Getting of Wisdom
The Getting of Wisdom by Henry Handel RichardsonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Despite its being published more than a hundred years ago, the central theme of this book: that of the effects of peer pressure: is still very relevant in today's society.
Essentially, this is a compelling volume about an intelligent, sensitive girl's initiation into a society populated by self-seeking, egotistic individuals.
Laura, a country girl, is sent to a boarding where (social) class consciousness is of paramount significance. Her own temperament and upbringing make her a target. Ultimately, she is released from this unpleasantness on the day she leaves; not surprisingly, her experience is indelibly etched into her psyche.
It is a powerful book that has earned its reputation as a classic.
View all my reviews
August 19, 2012
Review: Mary Poppins
Mary Poppins by P.L. TraversMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Published in 1934, this is the first in the classic, evergreen series, written by P.L.Travers.
Totally unforgettable, and a delight to young and old alike, it is written in easy to follow, evocative language that effortlessly lifts the reader into another realm: a place where all sorts of magical happenings take place.
Highlights include the incredible tea party on the ceiling, with the equally unforgettable Mister Wiggs, and the encounter with the bird woman.
In this volume, Mary Poppins is brought to the Banks family by the wind, which ultimately transports her off again, much to the family's sorrow. In between. the delight she brings, especially to the elder children Michael and Jane, more than makes up for her bouts of ill temper and conceit.
A charming book, and its popularity is well deserved.
View all my reviews
August 15, 2012
I'm Still at it!
I guess writing is like so many things: leave it for a while, and it's hard to break the ice.
Progress on my current volume has been painfully slow. Now and then, I'd sit down and write an entire story, but overall, I've been composing it in dribs and drabs.
Oh well, they say all things come to those who wait. I guess that, even if my efforts are spasmodic, I will, one day, get there.
At least my Wordpress blog has a respectable tally of posts.
Here's the link:
http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
Progress on my current volume has been painfully slow. Now and then, I'd sit down and write an entire story, but overall, I've been composing it in dribs and drabs.
Oh well, they say all things come to those who wait. I guess that, even if my efforts are spasmodic, I will, one day, get there.
At least my Wordpress blog has a respectable tally of posts.
Here's the link:
http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
August 2, 2012
Guest Post and Review at Book'd out
Last week, I was privileged to be featured on Shelleyrae's respected blog, Book'd out.
Not only was I given a wonderful opportunity to speak directly to my readers, and show a glimpse of my life via a photo of my husband Ron, my Maltese: Chicki Rose, and me at home, Shelleyrae posted a charming and well-considered review of my second book, 'A Taste of Life and Love in Australia.'
Without the support of reviewers like Shelleyrae, where would we be? Certainly, we authors and particularly self published authors would be much the poorer.
The road to success in writing seems hard, uphill and winding. Isn't encouragement the most critical factor in maintaining morale?
A Taste of Life and Love in Australia
Not only was I given a wonderful opportunity to speak directly to my readers, and show a glimpse of my life via a photo of my husband Ron, my Maltese: Chicki Rose, and me at home, Shelleyrae posted a charming and well-considered review of my second book, 'A Taste of Life and Love in Australia.'
Without the support of reviewers like Shelleyrae, where would we be? Certainly, we authors and particularly self published authors would be much the poorer.
The road to success in writing seems hard, uphill and winding. Isn't encouragement the most critical factor in maintaining morale?
A Taste of Life and Love in Australia
June 18, 2012
What Do I Love About Writing?
What do I love about writing?
It's the feeling of accomplishment that comes at the end of each section, compounded when the book somehow merges into an entity, and becomes itself.
It's the glow of achievement when I hold each new edition in my hands, and peruse the brand new pages. The recognition that it's mine: my words, my ideas; a part of me that, through the mysterious process of writing, has, almost by magic, materialized into something tangible.
It's the cherished hope that, some day, many people throughout the universe may read and relate to my concepts, and decide that they want to seek out more.
It's the potential for fulfillment of all my early promise that somehow was swept away by fate.
It's the chance for acceptance: of me.
It's the feeling of accomplishment that comes at the end of each section, compounded when the book somehow merges into an entity, and becomes itself.
It's the glow of achievement when I hold each new edition in my hands, and peruse the brand new pages. The recognition that it's mine: my words, my ideas; a part of me that, through the mysterious process of writing, has, almost by magic, materialized into something tangible.
It's the cherished hope that, some day, many people throughout the universe may read and relate to my concepts, and decide that they want to seek out more.
It's the potential for fulfillment of all my early promise that somehow was swept away by fate.
It's the chance for acceptance: of me.
June 9, 2012
Of Praise and Criticism
If, as some suggest, praise has the power to heal, then what then of criticism?
There are two main types of criticism; constructive, where perceived faults are gently pointed out and suggestions for improvements are offered; and destructive criticism, whereby negative connotations, innuendos or remarks are made, and are followed by a general aura of hopelessness.
The beauty of constructive criticism lies in its underlying thread of positivity and the hope, even likelihood, of ultimate success; perhaps even success at a level one never even dared to imagine. If well applied, and accepted in the spirit of genuine helpfulness, this sort of criticism can in fact be energising. The vibes are good: you are capable of success, and all you need is a little fine tuning. In all likelihood, this is attainable.
On the other hand, destructive criticism can be crippling. The seeds of insecurity can grow and spread like wildfire, destroying your self-belief and enthusiasm. What once seemed possible, even if it involved hard work, now often seems absolutely out of the question. At its worst, destructive criticism can crush an individual, and destroy what may well have been their motivation for a marvellous outcome.
Of course, the value of criticism is totally linked to the credentials of the person delivering it. Negative criticism may stem entirely from the critic’s inability to perceive the meaning or qualities of what they are analysing. There can also be other factors in play.
There will always be critics, and there will always be criticism. The art of the onlooker is to be able to discern the value of the critic’s opinion.
Copyright ©
There are two main types of criticism; constructive, where perceived faults are gently pointed out and suggestions for improvements are offered; and destructive criticism, whereby negative connotations, innuendos or remarks are made, and are followed by a general aura of hopelessness.
The beauty of constructive criticism lies in its underlying thread of positivity and the hope, even likelihood, of ultimate success; perhaps even success at a level one never even dared to imagine. If well applied, and accepted in the spirit of genuine helpfulness, this sort of criticism can in fact be energising. The vibes are good: you are capable of success, and all you need is a little fine tuning. In all likelihood, this is attainable.
On the other hand, destructive criticism can be crippling. The seeds of insecurity can grow and spread like wildfire, destroying your self-belief and enthusiasm. What once seemed possible, even if it involved hard work, now often seems absolutely out of the question. At its worst, destructive criticism can crush an individual, and destroy what may well have been their motivation for a marvellous outcome.
Of course, the value of criticism is totally linked to the credentials of the person delivering it. Negative criticism may stem entirely from the critic’s inability to perceive the meaning or qualities of what they are analysing. There can also be other factors in play.
There will always be critics, and there will always be criticism. The art of the onlooker is to be able to discern the value of the critic’s opinion.
Copyright ©
June 2, 2012
'A Song for Ellie' from 'A Taste of Life and Love in Australia'
'Did she notice me in the crowd? Was I just another face, beaming my approval, my adulation? Or was her smile, in my direction, truly meant for me?'
Thus begins 'A Song for Ellie', one of the twenty-eight stories in 'A Taste of Life and Love in Australia': my one and only book to receive a professional review by Australian writer Jenny Schwartz. To say the truth: my one and only book to be seriously appraised.
'A Song for Ellie' tells the story of a smitten, genuine young man who uses his initiative in an attempt at wooing a young, naive singer. It's one of my favourite stories in the 'Life and Love' series.
I don't know what Jenny thought of it: she didn't specify any particular likes: but I'm delighted to say she seems to have strongly approved of the book in its entirety. She rated it 5 Stars!
Copyright ©
A Taste of Life and Love in Australia
Thus begins 'A Song for Ellie', one of the twenty-eight stories in 'A Taste of Life and Love in Australia': my one and only book to receive a professional review by Australian writer Jenny Schwartz. To say the truth: my one and only book to be seriously appraised.
'A Song for Ellie' tells the story of a smitten, genuine young man who uses his initiative in an attempt at wooing a young, naive singer. It's one of my favourite stories in the 'Life and Love' series.
I don't know what Jenny thought of it: she didn't specify any particular likes: but I'm delighted to say she seems to have strongly approved of the book in its entirety. She rated it 5 Stars!
Copyright ©
A Taste of Life and Love in Australia
May 31, 2012
My Most-Loved Music: A Schubert Impromptu
Schubert Impromptu Opus 90 #3 in G flat
Do you have a special piece that never fails to move you?
For me, it's the sublime Schubert Impromptu Opus 90 #3 in G flat.
I'm ashamed to admit that I'd never heard this piece until Ron, my husband, introduced it to me more than a decade ago. So taken by its absolute beauty, its incredibly powerful evocation that touched me very deeply, I decided to learn to play it on my piano.
It's not an easy piece, at least for someone of my limited ability, but I stuck at it and managed to be able to get through it in its entirety, though slowly. Even this level of performance gave me pleasure.
But how much greater is my enjoyment when I hear it played by a master! Then, I'm free to concentrate on the music and the moods its builds so effortlessly. At this very moment, I can hear it. It is truly the most beautiful thing on this earth.
Copyright ©
Do you have a special piece that never fails to move you?
For me, it's the sublime Schubert Impromptu Opus 90 #3 in G flat.
I'm ashamed to admit that I'd never heard this piece until Ron, my husband, introduced it to me more than a decade ago. So taken by its absolute beauty, its incredibly powerful evocation that touched me very deeply, I decided to learn to play it on my piano.
It's not an easy piece, at least for someone of my limited ability, but I stuck at it and managed to be able to get through it in its entirety, though slowly. Even this level of performance gave me pleasure.
But how much greater is my enjoyment when I hear it played by a master! Then, I'm free to concentrate on the music and the moods its builds so effortlessly. At this very moment, I can hear it. It is truly the most beautiful thing on this earth.
Copyright ©
