Capital punishment, smoking, marmite, and from recently, Brexit, can nearly always be relied upon to provoke debate and varying opinions!
In my own, very small in comparison, humble little way so it would seem now, so can I ?
Really? Little ol’ me? ????
Well yes, as from a (quite ) few chats and discussions with people, (not all sadly able to be face to face, I E emails, P M ‘s, phone, Facebook and other communications etc ) I seem to have figured in some conjecture (GREAT ) and that "I’m" (YEAH) being talked about and mentioned as to my "Poetry world", re progress, future plans, number of books published and "concerns v wants" of any more in (immediate? ) future ? ????
Fantastic that I am now interesting enough (or loud lol ), for such thoughts and opinions, however small in number, to warrant such attention. THANKS, as all I aimed for on setting out just over 3 years ago was to "enjoy my poetry writing (STILL do !!!), raise money and profile of/for Help for Heroes, and the hope I could demonstrate that a simple "down to earth" style of poems could be popular and marketable" Answer = It has been, continues to be, and IS !!!
The/my future as of above conjecture is my "problem", and WHAT a Fantastic concern to have, and is on my mind and being seriously considered !!! ????
FEAR NOT !!! And many thanks for SO much support, I will DEFINITELY continue to write prolifically, support Help for Heroes and promote both them and myself too….
MORE just a matter of how I go about it really ??? MMMMmmmmm
To dispel ANY concerns…..
Future ?
Some people come, others may go
And for reasons I don’t know,
Guess it was something I did or said,
That didn’t settle well in their head.
But meanwhile I trek my poetic road
So all are welcome in this mode,
While I continue with my life
Mostly wondrous, with little strife.
Thus I will offer a smile or joke,
Though on this some seem to choke.
For I am not always like a saint,
And a colourful life I love and paint.
But do not worry if you can’t agree,
For I am always, and will be me!
–
So my "considerations" are quite simple really as I just need to think through my future plans as before they just seemed obvious. Just do another book for example? Which I have done 4 times now after the first one, but a sixth?
Will it be the same? When will I do it? (not too soon I don’t think ????). Shall I change it?
These are just some questions I’m thinking on now and "considering".
MMmmm Well a little secret now, as "I" always seem to have an "awake, alert & guiding" Guardian Angel, (GREAT lead in Laurie Boy !!! ????) who seems to "show / lead me the right way, so yeah I just think I will wait and see….
OH, RIGHT "Guardian Angel"
Guardian Angel
To keep me out of trouble
I have a guardian angel bold,
Who makes sure I toe the line
And do exactly as I’m told.
So I should stay completely safe
And on the straight and narrow track,
For with my lookout and adviser
Someone always has my back,
To ensure that from any problems
I am always free, and safely steered,
As my angel will redirect me
If any wrecking rocks are neared.
Thus I had set out in life
Confident I would commit no crime,
Like falling foul of Albatross
Or talking loudly all the time!
So my conscience would be clear
My character wouldn’t have a stain,
And if invited out for dinner
I’d have an invitation back again.
But oh, I did get in some mischief
And into major problems I did leap,
So why didn’t my angel protect me?
Because the bugger had fell asleep!
–
My little secret then is, lol, I often just "go with the flow, or my (very reliable) gut reactions" and especially with my "Poetry World", as you will see in a minute, it has worked out pretty well !!!
When I worked in psychiatry I always used to say to the people I worked with that they should "rejoice and herald" any successes however small, as I have always believed.
We are often too quick to moan, when we should count our blessings, and buck the temptation to just "accept" things we have done well! I’m not saying we should be "Big-Headed" but just recognise what we have done.
HAhahahahahaaaaaa, and YES I can hear my Q A G’s (Quality Assurance Gels) shouting at me "we told YOU that, AND to be more confident with your work" (thanks D M, D B, A M, H P, S P, L R & newly E M etc).
SO a little look at my three and a half years "Journey" so far, which is also part of my "problem" of "where do I go, or do now? "….
Five books published and approaching 1,000 total sales, 6 poems in Forward Poetry national finals & published in 6 of their books, 2 poems in Daily Mail!
"Guest Interviews" on BBC twice, same as Hailsham F M, Recorded slots etc on East London Radio, multi times on local DGH Radio & for nearly a year a weekly recorded poem slot, and for 2 years now a monthly columnist for The Sussex Newspaper online & also Bonjour France and (PHEW ) quite recently a 1-2 week poem inclusion in south coast magazine!
OH, and also multi local newspaper articles & Eastbourne "Resident of the Month" in Dec 2015 (for literary & charity achievements), plus 3 videos, (two by the excellent Carbury Films on here with us!).
Add to the "mix" various prizes, Gig & guest appearances, and probably most important of all, raising a fair bit of money & awareness for the charity Help for Heroes…. MMMMmm so where/what "DO" I go/do now ???
Yes a "very nice" conundrum and especially as I’m having the proverbial "ball", Cheers, ..
So very aptly then a"nice" poem from earlier days, about 1999, to recognise more "formative" days….
Unknown Journey
The very beauty of the gift
Was that it was not seen or showing,
We did not know or notice
That something great was growing.
You sailed in your ship, I in mine,
No other course was charted.
We journeyed on across our seas
Unaware just what had started.
I did not know but I looked for you,
Your way, your eyes, your smile.
A touch can take our breath away
And be felt from near a mile.
But the greatest star was yet to shine
Beaming light from sky to sea.
I was manic, laughing , flying
When you said you cared for me!
–
Yes written about 18 years ago and returns me to my positive mood that I mostly have!
So after my evaluating etc I think my next aims and plans will be to try for more "reading gigs" & presentations where hopefully I will sell more books, and I may even have a "pop" at a few competitions, (by coincidence an email for one came yesterday), AND of course see where my G A takes me?
After a slightly unusual, but useful for me, Blog I will close and leave a romantic poem at the end, (from my latest book) so "love, thanks & goodbye" for this Blog from me, and of course "Ted n Beth" who also send their love too, (They want to tell you about Fish & Chips but it will have to wait !!! ).
Photos with this article are "self explanatory" except for the "book" that "I" might/SHOULD ??? have written !!! ????
Cheers, Laurie
Love Cruise
I’ve often heard it said by people
You easily fall in love when afloat,
So maybe we should take the hint
And get ourselves on a boat,
A ship or perhaps cruise liner,
That can bring on amorous fun
For most would probably enjoy it
After all is said and done.
The sailors smart in their uniforms
Ladies gorgeous with flowing hair,
And the rocking motion of the ship
Can lead the willing to a lair.
But best be warned in advance
That all voyages have to end,
So whispered promises on board
On land may cease to blend.
Of course there are many waters
With some shallow, others deep,
And unless you are compliant
No love harvest will you reap.
Thus best to set off and away
To cruise across those seas,
With open mind, and hopeful soul
And a warm heart that agrees.
–
AND of course as ever THE JOURNEY CONTINUES
Remarkable achievements Laurie! I’m still amazed as to where it has all come from…
Keep up the great work!
Thanks very much, and yes quite a successful journey in a short time, but hold on as I feel I have much more in me !!!!