Please find below some blog entries that Junying has selected to share with you.

 

Sunday 23rd August

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Hello ladies.

First of all, I'm really sorry that I said I'd pop in to return books to Yvonne, a promise yet to be realised. The week I was going to do it, I found myself getting last minute work, or being called to the new flat waiting for furniture deliveries. Then last Saturday we went to the Peak District - John booked a cottage in a very peaceful village Curbar, and we spent a week there doing a bit of leisure walks, sightseeing a bit, and meeting family members for lunches, and we even mananged to watch a movie in Sheffield. If you don't mind blood and fancy a bit of typical Tarrentino, go and watch Inglourous Basterds. John and I quite like his films so we enjoyed it, even though critics don't seem that positive in their comments.

I assume you've all been to the Peak District before. We like it, especially John, as he used to do a lot of rock climbing there. We were also blessed with fine weather. We basically just chilled, and I finished two books. I especially enjoyed a book called Steal You Away, written by an Italian author Niccolo Armmaniti, translated into English. I've been reading books translated from other languages in recent months and absolutely enjoyed reading them all.

Thanks for asking, Anahita. I shall write something about the Norway visit, or my recent hide-away in the Peak District, when I get myself in the mood. You know the more I read, the less I want to write my own now, seeing how fgood these writers are. Still, we've got to try, don't we?!

Yvonne, I shall certainly try again this week, perhaps one afternoon in the middle of the week. I shall read your entry in the next couple of days and give you my feedback then.

Now time for bed - another week is waiting and I wish I am still on holiday! I enjoy Yvonne's quote - sometimes we have to stop, sit still. I did so and felt great. Sometimes we try to do too much.

 

Another Weekend here and almost gone - 9 August

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Hello ladies.

Yvonne, I hope you are enjoying your country walk in Oxfordshire - you've certainly picked a decent weekend to do that. Make the best of it.

I read Lovely Bones a few years back when it came out, and I must say that I found it compelling although no easy read in terms of the subject matter. She is a fine writer.

I have not read any Harry Potter books and only watched one of its many films when it came on TV. I don't know how JK Rowling would feel when watching her creations on the big screen, but it must be wonderful to be her - I am not talking the billions of dollars in her bank.

Anahita, I still have your DVD which I have watched and enjoyed. I also have the book I said I wanted to lend to you. I shall pop in to Yvonne's sometime this week to give your two novels back.

Apart from work, we are busy setting up my son in his new place - more than a year after his graduation, we are hoping to 'get rid of' ' him at last. We are true empty nestors now and time to celebrate!

Enjoy the rest of the summer!

Award-winning short film etc.

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First of all, check out this wonderful short film on YouTube

Our Senses - 15th July 2009

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I've heard from Anahita that she is off the Japan today, although I was wondering if it was for business or pleasure. From Yvonne's message, it's obviously a holiday break. I hope you have a pleasant flight and enjoy your time in that exotic country! Coincidentally, my brother-in-law is there at the moment, having been offered one year teaching post in Nogaya. Where about in Japan are you going to visit? Do share, and enjoy the sushi and other delicasies!

I totally agree with Yvonne' comments on Michael Jackson's sudden departure. It did come as a shock to many, and it must have made a lot of people reflect on life. Once again, it dismisses the myth that fame and fortune will make us happy and content, and Jackson's life is testimony of the opposite. I was saddened by his death, and moaned the loss of such a huge talent in music. However, as Yvonne so aptly put, there is so much that we should appreciate in our simple ways of life.

All the wonderful things you listed which touch our senses bring me joys too, and for me, the fresh smell of newly-mowned grass (despite the bad hayfever), the heavenly scent of the first bloom of Spring flowers (in fact, flowers of all seasons), the authentic hot and spicy taste of Sichuan food on the streets of my home town, the sound of my favourite music, and voices of my loved ones, the sight of friendly faces and smiles, and the touch of another human being in times of hardship and in need of comfort, these are the beauty of life, and ordinanry, small things in every day life which make our limited time on earth worthwhile.

Enjoy every minute and embrace life!

Worrying Times

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Don't worry about not writing your review, Anahita. I think the events happening in Iran must occupy your thoughts more than anything right now, especially when you have your family right in the middle of it. I can imagine how hard it must be for you, wondering what is really happening from day to day. Are you going to attend your brother's wedding? When is it? I guess it's not really safe to travel there now, is it?

As you know, there are also riots in China, and these are indeed turbulent times. People fight for power and control, for differences in religion and for all kinds of reasons, some of which are difficult to understand. In the mist of it, ordinary and innocent people got caught and killed, for no good reason at all. It makes me very sad when I think about this and see what's going on.

Your design looks wonderful. Good job, as always.

Thinking of you and praying for the safety of your family.

Contrasting Pictures

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Hello ladies

Love both your pictures, for different reasons. Anahita's shows what's happening in Iran right now and as you said, it's very symbolic, reminding me the famous picture of a man standing in front of the tank in Tiananmen Sqaure back in 1989. I really feel for you, Aanhita, as I remember how I felt back then when the regime opened fire on its innocent people, just like what's now happening in your mother country.

Yvonne's photo gives us a complete different story, the typical peace and quiet of the English countryside and romance. I guess it's a fitting picture to have taken on your anniversary celebration. 29 years is a long time and many congratulations!

I went to the World Food Fair on Saturday and tried some seafood (my weakness). I ended up having the worst Diarrhoea, which knocked me out completely yesterday, and today. Thankfully I am on the mend now. next time when John told me to stay off seafood, I might just heed his advice.

Pleased to hear that Yvonne sent off another piece - I saw your other entry 'The English Rose' on the web the other day, and your picture. Well done!

On my part, not much writing, but plenty of reading. I'm ready to return your Jodi Picould books, and may pop in sometime when you are around. Thanks.

We must organise another DVD watching session sometime soon. One weekend in my house will be fine.

Anahita, over to you!

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Just finished the review and did it in 30 minutes without a break, so rather pleased with myself.

Hope I did justice to David. If not, I am sure Anahita will make up for that.

Enjoy the weekend, ladies.

Nights In - Wine & DVD

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Anahita,

I can bring a bottle of wine - do you prefer red or white?

I don't expect any work, but if I do get a last minute police call tomorrow, I'll let you know.

See you tomorrow.

Ladies Day In

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Anahita,

I think it would be nice to meet up in your home. The weather is going to be crap anyway tomorrow, so I think having a cosy time watching a DVD with a drink or two would be great. I wonder if Yvonne has any plans tomorrow? If so, what time do you want us in your place?

Enjoy your weekend!

Sunshine, Butterflies & Roses in the Garden

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Hello Ladies

Yes, the butterfly picture was amazing, such details and colours, just perfect. They are cute creatures, lucky you to have one in your garden, Anahita. I remember I used to chase dragon flies in the fields when I was a child. We caught them and then let them fly again. They were so beautiful to watch. I think they are similar to butterflies, but less fragile.

Yvonne, getting lost in Edinburgh was quite an experience, which you still remember after many years. I've lost count how many times I've been there. When I lived in Glasgow (for 4 years) and when it was raining in the west coast of Scotland, as it always did, if it happened to be a weekend or a free day for me, I would travel to Edinburgh, and the sun always shined over there. It lifted my spirits walking along garden between the Castle and the Princess street.

After days away, when we got home, the roses in our garden have been blooming, the red, the yollow, the pink, and various other flowers bursting into life, filling the air with sweet frangrances. Such a lovely welcome to home, sweet home.

Anahita, I hope you are OK with your hubby being away in the States. If you wish, we can meet up for a drink somewhere this weekend (Yvonne as well). We can probably go for a leisurely walk in Sutton Park, if the weather is good. How does that sound?

Hope to read Yvonne's new novel at some stage. Good luck with that.

Beautiful Scotland - flowers, sunshine & more

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Hi everyone.

Sorry that I have not been writing anything for a while and I have a good reason for this - Yes, I had a lovely road trip with John and drove all the way to the top of Scottish highlands and back, and spent just over a week on various beauty spots along the way. Wonderful!

Our first stop was historical York where we stayed with a friend. Then we drank coffee by the Princess Street in Edinburgh in the sun taking in the sights and sounds of the Scottish capital, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, in my view.

Along the way, we visited Perth and Brankley Garden, which offered a great selection of plants and flowers from all over the globe; we camped near Inverness but failed to spot the Nessie, only managed glimpses of him in the Nessie gift shops :-). Further up north, we stopped in a little town Dornock on the east coast (Madanna got married there), and it's such a quaint place that we went back there again the following day, after we drove all the way up north to a place called Tongue - we saw the most amazing sunset, when the Kyle of Tongue is shimmering and Ben Loyal basking in the sun.

We had a bit of rain, which spoilt our intention to take the ferry to the North-western tip of Scotland, the Cape of Wrath, aptly named for its storming waters. Typical Scotland though, without rain we would not have the lush green landscape and the beautiful lochs dotted all around, decorating this amazing country. We gave a lift to an elderly Scot, who was walking all over Scotland and his sun-baked red-face told many stories, most of all, how much natural beauty this country has been blessed with and how God scuptured her to such perfection.

It had all been a perfect trip, with many wonderful pictures which captured the wonders we witnessed along the way. We were at the Queen View, one last stop before leaving for Stirling and then back to England. I am not sure who named that spot the Queen's View or which Queen it was referring to, but the view was indeed majestic and stunning, and we could not have picked a better moment, when the sun reflect on the Loch of Tummel for miles ahead, stretching towards as far as eyes could reach. It's simply too great a vew to be missed. I asked John to record it in our camera with a video clip.

Click, something was wrong, when the camera would not record, nor open now close, all function, nil! Guess what? It seemed that we have lost all the photos we had taken on this unforgatable trip. Shock horror of the year!

Now back home, with the sun still shining, but no pictures to share with friends and family.

Anahita, you are the expert. Do you know a way to recover a faulty photo card? If so, please let me know. You'd be our savior and worshipped from now on :-).

Anyway, hope you busy bees have been working hard, on your various projects and writing.

Many thanks for the lovely photos Yvonne uploaded - like you, I love the Greek islands, and its simple beauty and relaxing attitudes to life. Thanks also to Anahita for the lovely picture of Little Messenger, such a lovely image and great message about friendship.

Hope the sun continues to shine and the summer warmth stay with us a bit longer. Have fun while it lasts. 

Your Raise Me Up - Russell Watson

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Yvonne and I had the previlege to listen to The Voice on Thursday night, and this is the song he sang at the end. Anahita, hope you enjoy this, as I know Yvonne and I would. I so totally agree with him that we should enjoy life and take each day as it comes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5S5diz-EbXA

On Feedback and other matters - 23rd April

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I thought I'd pick upon something Yvonne said at the last meeting regarding feedback. It was great that your son Simon read your stuff and made helpful comments. Has he done an MBA or considering doing one? I am asking this because when you mentioned about him listing your strengths and weaknesses in your writing, it reminded me of what I've learnt from my MBA course. It's called SWOT analysis (Strengths, Wearknesses, Opportunities and Threats). Managers and potential managers are encouraged to do this SWOT analysis, and its a very important marketing tool too. Although it is supposed to apply in the business world, I think as writers we can make use of it too. When we read a piece of writing, we can use our common sense and evaluate the writing in terms of its strong parts, weak spots, opportunies to improve and maybe threaten to get rid of some uncessary sections? No matter how we look at it, there are aspects we like more than others, so by using SWOT as a kind of critical exercise, we may see something we otherwise would not be able to specify. Just a thought.

I have read Anahita's new entry - did you base your writing on those two lovely photos? It's very enjoyable read - arn't the baby just adorable? It also brought homw the happiness and pride in new parents. I remember when I became a new mum, we took a lot of photos of my son, and one of them was very similar to your first photo.

Not sure that I get the significance of yellow cryon at the end though - I'll have another read and see what I can get out of it, or I guess it's your intension to make readers ponder a bit at the end. Good job!

I have had no reply for the Jodi Picould talk - I wrote to ask for three tickets for us. Maybe Yvonne won't be around then? Besides I have not read any of her books, although I've heard of her.

Anyway, enjoy your sunny holiday in Rhodes and don't forget to share with us some of your photos (don't mind if you are by the pool or on the beach half naked :-)). Have a relaxing and sun-tanning time!

See you at the concert this evening, Yvonne.

Britain's Got Talent - Check this one Out

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Hi again

Thought I'd share this, if you have not seen it already. It made me smile - it proves that you cannot judge a person by her/his appearances. Dream the dream, girls!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

Sunny Sunday & Feedback

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It's another beautiful day and I hope you are enjoying your time, in the garden, in the park, or whatever weekend chores you have to do.

Anahita, you really like strange and complicated films, don't you? I remember after I watched the Mulholland Drive on the DVD, I was completely confused as to what happened to the characters and wondering what it was all about - I did realise that it had something to do with identity, desire, lesbian love, jealousy, and so on, but the plot was such that I was left feeling unable to grasp exactly what was going on.

Sometime ago, I happened to catch the last part of the film on Sky movies and this time around, although an incomplete viewing, I seemed to get a  better idea. Now that I have a comprehensive review from Anahita, from both an artisitic and analytical point of views, I must go back and watch it again, and see if I can make a full sense of it. Wish me luck.

It is the case that with some films or books, you get it straight away, with others, you get lost along the way, and they make you think of different passibilities and are intellectually challenging. I guess it is also the case that some genres appeal to only a limited number of viewers, while others are more popular. Mullholland Drive definitely can be classifed as Arty and thought- provoking.

Yvonne, have you seen it? I have yet to devote time to read your last couple of installments, and will give you feedback afterwards.

TV, Music and Movies

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I so enjoyed Anahita's music video you uploaded, very romantic and moving to watch, a beautiful song about love, with these elderly couples from vastly different backgrounds whose love have kept them all these years. I can imagine what they have gone through together and it's wonderful to watch them dancing and kissing and still loving each other.

I must admit that I never watched Appredice before but last night, after I read Anahita's blog on one of the contestants, I watched it and totally enjoyed it. Gosh, I was so shocked to see how little these people know about making simple things like sandwishes and canapes. I can do so much better without any proper training! I can also do better with the business side of it and make some money - the guy deserved to be fired! I wish the other guy (James, I believe, deserved the sacking too! 'Every day I wake up I can taste success in my spit" and put that in your CV - that's so corny. Hugely entertaining though.

I must admit that I don't watch that much TV myself, so I have not watched any full episode of Lost - I can understand how you can get hooked by it though. It's one of those programmes which you started watching and you become addicted to it. because of erratic work schedule, it's kind of diificult to watch at certain times. I have watched some of 24 and love it. I used to watch a lot of CSI, until they became too formular. Also because of my job, I try to watch a bit of Chinese TV most days, to make sure I don't forget to speak my mother tongue :-).

Apart from watching news regularly, we do watch a lot of DVDs and films on Sky. I like watching action films, thrillers crime dramas, or films with a serious theme, about part of the history, about different cultures, about human nature, love and loss, and so on. I like movies which have good scripts, fine acting and convincing plot, which would reflect real life. I like stories which have morales, inform and teach me things, and make me think and inspire me to be a better human being.

Music is a great part of my life too. Great love songs stay with you. I also like songs which have a passion for life and catchy in tones. In fact, I like all kinds of music and good music moves me, like a good book or a film. I sometimes wonder how people live without such things and how blessed we are who do. I love classical music, as well as modern pop, preferring Latin music, African beats and some good indie bands. The list is too long, but I'll stop here this time.

Films & Books - 1st April

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I'm pleased to hear that my review has got Yvonne interested in watching the film and read the book. Likewise, after you mentioned The Boy with Striped Pajamas, I am making an order from Amazon and I look forward to reading it soon.

I don't know if you have watched a film called A Beautiful Life - an Italian film which won best foreign picture some years ago. The DVD has Englilsh subtitles. If you have not, please do watch it - personally I found it one of the most moving stories, and I watched it at least twice (I don't usually watch films more than once). I had it on video which has been given away since we now watch DVDs instead. I don't think I've got it on DVD, otherwise I'll be happy to lend it to you.

I think this film/book review is a great way of sharing what we've been reading/watching, and we should do it on a regular basis.

Lucky you, Yvonne, to have been to a Lionel Richie concert. I love his songs, and wish I had known about it and gone with you. Maybe next time. Bet it was massive fun!

Spring on the Way - 28 March 2009

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Hello fellow writers

I love Anahita's picture of snowdrops (that's what I think they are?), and your accompanying prose, very beautiful with images of the sun, the nature and how that make us feel body and soul. Yes, Spring is a wonderful season, which brings colour, hope and great beauty into our somewhat groomy wintry hearts. After months of cold and chill, and blandness  and barrenness of the landscape, we see our surroundings change, trees bursting with new leaves, flowers blooming competitively, like a fashion show, or a peacock opening its feathers, all shouting out: look at me, arin't I glorously beautiful?!

Tomorrow will be offcially the British summer time, and I can see a very promising Spring and Summer on its way, marching towards us. We mere mortals can only open our arms and welcome its approach, trying to enjoy its warmth and bathing in its bright sunshine. Our hearts will sing with happiness and our souls cleansed of the darkness and sadness. Let's celebrate spring and its wonders, let's hope for renewal and revitalisation in our creative pursuits.

I shall write my review this weekend, as well as reading the new entries to this site. Good luck with your children's story, Anahita. I think I won't try that genre - I know my limitations. I did do a small piece before - I'll dig it out and post it on this site,

Happy writing, everyone, and enjoy the weekend whatever you do!

Romance isn't dead - 23 March

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I just read Yvonne's story entry - what a beautiful story, told in such a concise and compact way. Well done!

Isn't it great that Spring is at last here, and sun has been shining for over a week. Hope you all had a lovely Mother's day over the weekend! I had a meal out with my son, which was very enjoyable.

Magnolia and other thoughts - 28 Feb

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I read Anahita's blogs on coincidences and watched the YouTube with interest. I remember when JOhn and I went to cinema watching Magnolia when it came out, it was quite weird, a very strange film to watch, as itseemed to go on and on without making much point. On serveral ocassions, John was going to walk out, but I make him stay, thinking that it would make sense sonner or later. It never did, and the only memorable part was Tom Cruise's performance, as a councillor to give men sexual confidence. When we learnt later that it won Academy award, we were surpirsed.

Now after I read Anahita's take on it, it seems to make more sense why it appeals to some audiences. It takes a very special mind to understand where the director was going.

Anyway, I'm chatting on-line with a friend now, Have a good weekend, ladies.

Writing Romance - 22 Feb 2009

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I have read Anahita's take on romantic fiction and really enjoyed it. You've done well exploring coincidences and it's very interesting to read. I can tell where you get your inspiration from.

I've made a feeble attempt to write something myself this weekend, and have uploaded it on this site. I quite agree with Yvonne that we should stick to what we are good at. Personally I find romantic fiction quite beyond my capabilities, but it's a good idea to have a try.

Anyway, let's keep trying different ways of writing styles, and enjoy the process at the same time.

I'll end this blog with a quote on Romance: Fishing is like romance; the next best thing to experiencing it is talking about it.

In our case, writing about it :-).

Good work, Anahita!

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It's a great idea to update the site the way you did, and thanks for the tips on blogging - like you, I've been blogging on this site for some months now and it's a good way to share our thoughts, experiences and spur each other on in our different pursuits.

I have done a draft on my bio information today but will have a look at it again tomorrow before I submit it to you. I think it's important to make sure what we do put it out here is what we want people to read, and hopefully to inspire others too.

Following Yvonne's news regarding the competition on China, I've edited my story on the earthquake and sent it off - it's fun trying to rewrite the story somehow and make it within the word limit (1500 words), quite a skill trying to be concise. I'll let you know if it is published by the site or not - I certainly would like it to reach a wider audience/readership.

Keep blogging, girls! 

Book Club - My Personal Recommendations Stieg Larsson's "The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo"

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I just finished reading the above book, and was totally absorbed. It’s one of those books which I would refer to as a ‘must-read’ and un-put-downable. It’s Swedish (translated into English) and it’s a top-class crime fiction. The author died shortly after he submitted this Millennium trilogy (the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo being the first one) to his Swedish publisher, so he did not live to see the phenomenal success his book has generated. I can only say that it’s a great pity that we won’t be able to read any more of his wonderful writing, but I am keen to start his next book.

 

If you like crime novels, do read this book. It has wonderful plot, characters are superbly drawn, with a great writing style, and it’s engaging on every level. They story will stay with you long after you finish the book, I can promise you that. I certainly will remember this book for a very long time.

 

Another Swedish author I would highly recommend is Henning Mankell, whose novels are fascinating read too. I think I am in a phase to explore the Swedish writing – it all happened by chance when I came by Mankell’s ‘The Return of the Dancing Master’, and now I am unstoppable, totally addicted to this genre, for the time being anyway.

 

What I really like about these books are not just the intriguing plot, it has so much more. It has strong social conscience and ultimately a moral tale too. It touches the readers and makes us think.

 

All in all, I cannot recommend this book strong enough – I’m ‘making’ John to read it next. Once he’s finished it, I can lend it out. As for me, I’m ordering the next book “The Girl Who Played with Fire’.

 

One warning: It’s a long book with about 500 pages, but it’s worth the effort.

 

 

Budda Temple - 10 Feb

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Yvonne, many thanks for updating the news section with more competitions. I'll surely check it out and see if I can enter anything on China.

The statue in the picture is a Budda - I am no expert in Buddism, but such Budidst temples are very common in China, and extremely popular with tourists as well as believers. People often go there to pray for good fortune for their family. They pray for both the living and for the dead, being looked after in the OTHER WORLD, and they burn incense. They also give the Budda food and fruit for worship, or some sacrifice. I think I might do a bit of research on this, as my knowledge is quite limited (being brought up as an atheist). Anyway, I hope this helps.

I picked the picture because we are obviously on the theme of faith and religion and science recently, and I thought it might be a good idea to go a litle further to explore spirituality. Happy writing, everyone!

Picture for Writing

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I thought that we might want to write something from this picture - it's one of many lovely pictures from my home region in China. I think I'll have a go at it sometime.

Housework, Being a Mum & Other Thoughts - 4th Jan

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Hello Ladies,

Great to read what you have both contributed to this site. It's a great idea to write something from the picture - I shall make an attempt to do so later. I loved both your pieces, and they really do make you think and reflect about our lives.

Like Anahita, I firmly believe in sharing the responsibilities of housework between both genders, especially in this day and age, when women contribute to our society in many ways, sometimes no less than men. Why should somemen expect their women to do all the housework is beyond me. Sadly some men are like that, even educated males. I married one and then divorced him :-). Then he married another woman who is quite happy with that kind of arrangment, so I guess it's not only some men who want to leave the housework to their wives, some wives do too.

Yvonne, thanks for your comments about being a mum, and I know you have two wonderful children who have made you very proud, It was indeed a great feeling when you attended a ceremony and felt a surge of pride - not only for your child who did their part, but also for yourself, not not doing too bad a job as a parent. I think it is very hard to imagine what one's parents have done for you unless you become a parent yourself. I'll forever feel grateful for my parents.

To answer your question about my own graduations - I attended two ceremonies, one in Glasgow and one in Leeds, both I very much enjoyed, but it will always a pity on my part that my parents weren't present to celebrate the occasions with me, because I know I would have made them so proud. I also regret the fact that my parents were never able to visit me in the UK, and see with their own eyes what my life is like here, especially my dad - he carried his regret with him to his grave. I just wish now that he's in a better place, he'll be able to watch over me and see how much I enjoy life in a different part of the world.

Hope you are both enjoying the snowy season - loved your pictures and poems about the snow.

A Day to Remember - 29th Jan 2009

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It's great to read poems and short pieces from Anahita - I agree with you that  imagination can be far more important than knowledge, especially when it comes to creative writing. I don't think anyone can be a great writer if he or she has no vivid imaginations.

Pleased to hear that Yvonne has finished your first draft. Well done indeed! It's a great idea to share some happy thoughts or good news, in this gloomy time and cold days. Here is something in my life which makes me very happy and proud today - My son had his graduation ceremony today at Symphony Hall, and it was such a lovely ocassion in a wonderful setting.

Just over 8 years ago, he came to the UK without any English at all, and not interested in learning it either. Now he has come so far, and achieved a degree in an English university. It goes to show that if we put our minds and hearts into something, we can reach our goals. I'm sure all mums will share my joy and pride at seeing our children doing well academically and eventually make something of themselves.

Here is a quote for the day: There are two elements of success: aspiration and perspiration.

24th Jan 2009

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Many thanks for your beautiful poems, wonderful quotes and info about the world population. I have not been able to get to the relevant website as it seemed to have problems when I tried logging into that. Never mind.

The last few weeks have been very busy for me and I have had no time to do any writing at all. I am hoping that next month will be easier workwise, so I can turn more of my energy into creative writing.

The Year of Ox is lurking around the corner, and I hope to make the best of the new year. May you all enjoy this weekend!

Sorry, Amanda - mistaken identity!

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I didn't realise that I've mistaken Amanda's writing to Anahita's, and I appologise for it. Thanks for Anahita to point it out, and welcome to Amanda for the contribution to this site for the first time. My feedback remains the same though. 'Rain' is a beautifully crafted story and I find it compeletely absorbing from beginning to end. Excellent job, Amanda, and I look forward to reading more of yours.

Thanks for Anahita's feedback - I'm glad to learn that Sheffield is your fav city, and it's one of mine too. I do go there sometimes, but not to the football as John does.

I love Anahita's poem, so romantic with wonderful images. Do write more. I cannot write poetry, and I do enjoy reading them.

 

Sunday 18th Jan

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I hope you all had a lovely break this weekend. I certainly have. Yesterday I went to a game to Sheffield to watch John beloved team, the Owls. Perhaps I was their lucky charm (?), they won, 4:1 against Charlton. It was nearly ten years ago when I used to go with John while still living there, and I forgot how good it is to watch a live game. Plus the sun was shinning which is always a bonus.

Wow, Anahita. Your story is so engaging and interesting, full of imagination and vivid images. I was never a fan of Sci-fi books but your story kept me interested from beginning to end. I can't imagine myself ever come up with something like that - you've got something special, girl. Keep up with the good work and share with us more.

The sun is shining again today, and hopefully it will get warmer and the days longer too.

Here is a poem I quote:

Clouds appear free of care

And carefree drift away.

But the carefree mind is not to be 'found' -

To find it, first stop looking around.

Wang An Shi - A Chinese poet

Another year of writing!

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Lovely photos by both Anahita and Yvonne. Thanks for sharing!

Yes, it was great to see everyone, although my visit was short. I do hope that everyone will make use of this wonderful site this year.

Thanks for Yvonne's comments on my instalment - I really need to get back into it again soon, as the time is passing by so quickly. Interesting you talk about happy endings, as I have not really thought about how the novel will end. It is a grim reality out there for these people in my book, and perhaps I should think ahead and plan the rest of the plot in more detail.

What is planned for the next meeting?

Happy writing, everyone!

 

Feedback on Yvonne's writing - 8th Jan 09

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I have finished reading The Chosen Ones a few days ago, but I have been so busy with a trial right now that I am totally out of it when I got home each day. Anyway I have a breather today when I got released at noon, so I'd better write something. Anahita, you won't spoil anything for me, and I totally agree with what you had commented. The second instalment makes better sense of all the characters, and I get a much clearer picture of what is going on - the characters are well drawn, with each of their backgrounds and special skills, and with your good writing, it makes very interesting read, and I am keen to read on what's coming next. Like Anahita, I can only complete on your writing, you're a very good story-teller, Yvonne. Well Done!

I also enjoyed the your entry on homelessness, very insightful and with compassion, and easy for any reader to identify with. I often saw those Big Issure sellers on Boldmere Road, and it always made me feel sad. Lily is an adorable little girl. I really hope that you can get something out of this competition, and hopefully we'll all see it in print on the paper.

Anahita, I shall take sometime to work on my texts today and will send you more info for the website. Thanks again for your hard work and dedication. Better get onto that now.

Achievements 2008 & New Challenges 2009

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I was half way through reading Yvonne's story when Anahita dropped by to discuss my website. Many thanks for your time, Anahita, and I look forward to seeing my new website in due course. I shall comment on Yvonne's second instalment in my next entry.

Yvonne, very interesting to read your recent blogs about your highlights of last year, and many congrats on your achievements and good fortune. Anahita made a good start for us to publicise and share our positive attainments as well as things we'd like to work on. Here is the list of resolutions I made last year:

* To see family in China and join the reunion of former classamtes: Yes!

* My career goes smoothly and enjoy a good work life balance; Yes!

* Our holidays overseas and in the UK enjoyable and relaxing: Yes!

* Finishes the financial support to Yanli and she is able to go to university or make something out of herself: Yes!

* Start writing again and rejoin Boldwriters;  Yes!

* Shop less, limit TK Maxx shopping to no more than twice a month; don't think I quite mananged that every month

* Give to charity regularly: Yes!

*Keep fit and go to gym and for walks regularly; Yes!

* TT finds work after graduation and becomes financially independant; The good news is that he did graduate with a 2.1, but still looking for a job right now - I guess that is partly due to the financial crisis we all now face, and it's not really up to me to achieve that.

Well, that's more or less what I put in my old list, and the new list seems similar in contents with some variations. Writing more regularly is high on agenda, with a view to finish my novel this year. I need to have more specific tasks for each month, as Anahita suggested, and I'm still working on it!

Here is my quote:

There is only one good thing about can be said of bad habits. If it weren't for them we couldn't make New Year's resolutions.

I don't know which wise man or woman said that, but I hope that we will focus on positive aspects rather than negativities. May 2009 bring us hope, joy and a great deal of excellent writing! let's spur one another on, and together we'll reach new heights.

New Year Resolutions - 3rd January 2009

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Yes, it's time again to make resolutions, and I agree with Anahita that we do become reflective of what the past year has been for us, and look forward to what's in store in the future. As Yvonne's quotes remind us, there are opportunities and potentials for each of us to explore and make use of. As always, I write a list of resolutions in the beiginning of each year, and then tick them off a year later, ready to make a fresh list. One of these in recent years has always been about writing, and hopefully in 2009, I'll stick to it and produce more and good writings.

Anahita, I'd like you to do something for my website and update it. As you know, I have a very basic website which John did for me a few years ago and we have done nothing since. If you are happy to do it, I'll give you the necessary information, and naturally I'll pay for your services. I can be your first client for your new business as a web designer, unless you already have some (I don't mean those you have from your company).

May I take this opportunity to wish everyone a wonderful New Year, full of happiness and prosperity!