Rhyme and No Reason!

Blogger, author and rhymester who likes to find the humour in life.

Dear Self-Confidence….An Open Letter to My New Friend — September 17, 2015

Dear Self-Confidence….An Open Letter to My New Friend

Dear Self-Confidence,

I am so proud that we have finally forged a friendship after a life-time of avoiding each other. Of course, I knew of your existence when I was a little girl. but you were always in the distance, hanging around with Outgoing, Popular and Fearless, whilst I played in the shadows with Shy, Timid and Awkward. Actually these three were to remain loyal companions for many, many years.

During my school years, you were still just a little out of reach, and I coasted along with my usual crowd, and  joined up with Average, and Unremarkable. I always wanted to get to know you, but you became more elusive when I got caught smoking, and ended up in the Deputy Head’s office.  She rather firmly introduced me to Failure, Shame and Embarrassment. That was it for the rest of my school days, I knew my place, amongst these friends and Failure in particular, was by my side during my battle with academia.

I nearly met you whilst I was in the Army, but Reckless and Drunken came into my life, which I mistook you for. Luckily, they didn’t stay for too long, and no real damage was done, despite a lot of fun being had!

For the next 10 years during my first marriage, you deserted me completely. What little I knew of you was literally beaten down by Violence, Fear and Worthlessness.I did meet a mate of yours, Courage, who helped me to leave this situation, and stayed with me for a while to help me out during my divorce.

I met up again with Failure, Drunken and Reckless for a couple of years, carousing, having fun and a bit of release, before realising that they were just going to bring me down, so I ditched them.

I did meet Achievement briefly, when I finally passed my driving test after the 6th attempt! Nerves and Failure kept getting to me, and it was only when I brushed them off for good that I was able to find Success.

Romance came into my life for a while when I met husband number 2, but unfortunately, so did Cold and Empty. Thank God when my daughter was born, Unconditional Love came to stay and has never left!

After a couple of years an old flame was rekindled, and now I have Joy and Contentment as my friends. This is also where I finally became casually acquainted with Self-Confidence.

You were a guest at my wedding, and we mingled with Happiness, Companionship, Warmth, and Belonging alongside my family and friends. It was a wonderful day….but the best was still to come.

After decided to undertake some more studying as part of my career, you suddenly started turning up more. You were there for presentations I had to do in front of the rest of the class, you came with me to work as I gained more knowledge, and of course you were there silently urging me on as I walked up on that stage in front of a couple of hundred people as I graduated

We have become closer than ever now, you and I, and I would just like to thank you for deciding that I am worthy of your friendship after all!

With love and gratitude.

You Best Friend.

Episode 500: Expanding Comments. — September 16, 2015

Episode 500: Expanding Comments.

Once I have commented on a post and interacted a bit with the blogger responsible for it, I tend not to think anymore about it. However, today for Writing 101, I am going to write my post expanding on a comment that I left on another blog.

The lovely Daffy  very often combines two different challenges into one post, and makes a damn good job of it too! I was impressed that she entitled the post ‘Yellow’ as that covered everything perfectly. I commented as much too,

Now, as many of you know, yellow is my favourite colour, and I have a lovely (well at least I think so) yellow car which I wrote about here. Anyway, yesterday I went to pick my sister up after work and was a little early (as usual)! I sat in my car daydreaming when I heard a thump.

I looked up and thee was this cat sitting on my bonnet,  looking straight at me. I nearly jumped out of my skin, but grabbed my phone and got a picture. He hopped up onto the roof, jumped down onto the boot and then disappeared!

How odd, Anyway, I forgot about it and two minutes later he was back, only this time he jumped on my side of the bonnet and was mewing at me (as you can see in the picture). I didn’t know what he wanted but off he flounced again but not before I got another picture of him. He is after all, very pretty with his yellowish fur and blue eyes.

When my sister arrived, I told her about him; she already knows him as he belongs to the people she works for, and is called ‘Cloud.’ Apparently he is a big wimp and normally shies away from people, so I must have been honoured to have had him come to see me.

Must have been my pretty yellow car!

Episode 498: Be Yourself! — September 15, 2015

Episode 498: Be Yourself!

Today the requirement from the Writing 101 Team is to start our post with a block quote; something that speaks to us. Although I have used quotes in my post before I have never tried out this block quote button so that will be a first, neither have I written a post around a quote. Well, here I go, I am sure you will love this quote as much as I do.

Be yourself; everyone else is already taken

-Oscar Wilde

Good old Oscar, he has that knack of stating the obvious but in a witty way. It is surprising really, that for some people, being themselves is not enough and they aspire to change into someone completely different.

Now, there are quite a few things I would love to change about myself, but I have kind of got used to being me after nearly fifty years, and I realise that I am not that bad really! Even if I was, I wouldn’t want to be a clone of someone else; identity is very important to me, it is what makes me unique.

As far as writing is concerned, I suppose I am a bit of a one-trick pony! Yes, I write poems, and Haiku as well as other little anecdotes, but I always use the same style of writing, which is the only one I know!

I am not a professional, so when I write, I just get it all down as I think it, or as I would tell it to someone else.This may result in a bit of rambling, or perhaps the odd random thought thrown into the mix which may have gone off topic, or something that I have suddenly found really funny that I might try to weave into the story.

In a nutshell, my writing is me recounting a story or an event that happened and telling you as I remember it. That means it might not be in a logical sequence as I might have forgotten something at the beginning, so have slotted it when it comes to me.

This is me though, as clichéd as it may be, what you see (or read) is what you get! Luckily, it seems to serve me well in blogging, as I think bloggers appreciate each other’s personalities, and it helps us to get to know the person behind the blog.

So, as wonderful as it would be to have the wit and intelligence of dear Oscar, or Stephen Fry; the beauty of Marilyn Monroe, and the riches of the Sultan of Brunei, I am stuck with being Judy, and I can live with that!

Episode 495: My Writing Space. — September 14, 2015

Episode 495: My Writing Space.

We have been given a couple of tasks today by the Writing 101 team. The first is which is to describe our writing place, what equipment we might need to have nearby, and what kind of surroundings we like to be in. If we do not currently have our ideal writing space then what would it be like.

My writing space is my dining table which is in the living room. I have quite a small house so there is nowhere for me to have a dedicated writing area. Although we do have a family PC, I prefer to use my laptop. Funnily enough though, I always like to use it at the table, I am no good with typing on it, balanced on my knees on my bed, or sitting on the settee.

I have got a permanent hot drink just to the side of my laptop, which is absolutely vital in order for me to produce anything that makes some sort of sense! I also have my headphones plugged in so that if Mt Grump is watching a loud film or something I can try and block it out!  I also have a notebook and pen handy, just in case I need to make any notes to remind myself about something (my memory is a bit erratic and not to be trusted)!

In the corner of the photo, you might just be able to see the back door. My chair is right next to it so I can benefit from some fresh air, and see a bit of sunshine (or rain as the case may be)!

I prefer to write in silence, which works out well for an hour or so, as I get up very early normally, long before anyone else is up. The rest of the time, I just try and filter out the noise (especially when my neighbour is singing at the top of his voice), shut the door, put my headphones on and get on with it! Ideally, I would love to have my own little writing ‘room’ which I can keep nice and quiet!

The second task for today was to insert a poll (ooh sounds painful), in order to get some ideas of what blog posts you, the lovely reader, would like me to write about (I have a feeling they will be used pretty soonish). That is tricky as I am not sure what to offer for you to choose from, as I usually just write about whatever comes to mind! If I have not covered something you would like me to cover, then please write it in the comments and I will include it.

Episode 491: Tweets to Inspire — September 11, 2015

Episode 491: Tweets to Inspire

Social media seems to be so popular now, that if you are not using it then you are seriously missing out on a whole new audience.

For today’s Writing 101 task, we are taking our inspiration from quotes that have been posted on Twitter.There were five inspirational quotes, each on a different topic that we could choose from. The quote above regarding education is the one that resonated most with me.

I love to learn new things, whether it be something work related, like administering intravenous drugs, or showing off a dress or skirt that I had made from scratch (actually I am not at this stage yet, even though I have made a few items of clothing)! Life is full or new and interesting things for us to try.

For me, learning fulfils my thirst for knowledge, but it is one that will never be fully quenched as I find something else that I need to learn about! This is why this quote is so apt, no matter how much I have studied and think I know,in the grand scheme of things, I am still pretty ignorant!

I am going to be embarking on a new job soon, which will involve yet more learning, plus I am going to undertake a huge project soon which is going to be my biggest challenge yet. All of this is going to involve intense learning, There will no doubt be tears, frustration, a good dose of swearing, and stomping about, but I can’t wait to get started!

Episode 490: No Sense of Direction! — September 10, 2015

Episode 490: No Sense of Direction!

Given four photos to choose from today for Writing 101, I was to choose one photo that I could write a story, a poem or a post about. I am not ready yet to try and tackle a story, so I will write a post about my (limited) experience with maps!

As many of you know, I had joined the Army just after my 18th birthday and was a naive and shy young woman. I was filled with dread when one of the first things we did was to be rounded up, piled into the back of a 4 tonner and dumped in the middle of nowhere with a map and a compass!

We were then given a few hours to make our way to a designated spot marked out on our maps. Great! I didn’t have a bloody clue. Luckily, though, this was a group exercise and there some people actually knew how to map read, so the rest of us dunces that couldn’t, made it safely to our destination.

A few months later, we had a day when we had various activities to participate in (compulsory of course). One of these was weapons training, (I was surprisingly good at hitting the target), and one of these was orienteering. I was dreading it as this time we were sent off one by one with time delays and various checkpoints to get to. We had to clip a card from each of the checkpoints, which of course, had different markings.

I headed off in the right direction when it was my go, but I kind of dawdled a bit as I thought I might be able to wait for the next person and team up with them (providing of course that they could read a map)! My gamble paid off, and again, I reached my destination in good time!

I did actually learn how to read a map eventually but thank God for Sat Nav, which I think is going to be my best friend when I start my new job!

Episode 489: Home — September 9, 2015

Episode 489: Home

Today for writing 101,  our prompt was to choose one word from a selection of six prompt words and write about the one that ‘spoke’ to us the most. I chose ‘home’ as this word has the most meaning for me in so many ways…

When I was six years old my parents divorced and I moved from one end of the country to the other. Then, due to my Mum’s job we moved around some more until finally coming to the county where I have lived for most of the time since.

When I married my first husband, I moved around yet again as he changed jobs, and we always lived with other people. I used to spend at least 18 hours a day in one room due to his long hours, and other issues (I will write about them one day)! This went on for about 8 years until our eventual divorce. Although for the last 2 years I did at least see people as I worked with him for 18 hours per day!

My second marriage, sadly didn’t last long but for the first time we had our own place, albeit only for 6 months before I ended up moving back in with my parents and stayed there throughout my pregnancy, and for the first 10 weeks of Miss Hap’s life.

Then I got this house, which is finally my home. Myself and my baby daughter (at the time) moved in with no carpets, very little furniture (most of it donated to us), mismatched curtains and a small tv. It didn’t matter though as it was home. Our home. Over the 12 years I have been here, I have added carpets, matching curtains and a nice settee as well as some new furniture. More importantly I have planted the garden with the beautiful, fragrant roses that I love so much,

For once in my entire life, I was able to put down some roots, and settle down. I could decorate how I wanted and put up whichever pictures I liked. We have made so many memories here, which it why it is our home.

Episode 488: Things I like — September 8, 2015

Episode 488: Things I like

For today’s Writing 101 prompt, we are to write a list. I decided that  mine would be about things that I like:

Having long and beautifully shaped nails. Unfortunately, as you can see, mine are neither! This is about as long as I dare let them get for work. (It was weird looking at my hands as they are so bloody ugly, which I had never realised before)!

Nails

The beautiful scent of roses and sweet peas. These can just lift the spirits of anyone who is feeling down. Not only with their beautiful smell, but they look so pretty too.

Roses

1950s style fashions: I love the full-skirted dresses that were popular in this era, the makeup, the shoes, and the hair (that’s basically everything then)! If only I had an hour-glass figure to suit the style then all would be well in my little world!

50s dress

A witty and dry put-down or come back I can never think of a reply quick enough when anyone says something cutting to me, so I admire those that are a master of clever quips!

Nasty Look

A clean & tidy bay full of patients. I love it when all of my patients are washed and dressed, with their hair brushed. Looking and feeling comfortable and relaxed.(Please note I used an old picture of a hospital ward in the 1970s as it looked better in those days)!!!

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/cabinetpapers/images/cabinetpapers/nhs-politics.jpg
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk

Being told I look young for my age. It used to be a real pain when I was younger being constantly asked for ID, but now it is a bonus being taken for a few years younger (As I was in this pic)!

A Younger me
Playing games with family, we are all so competitive, and it can get a bit heated. the banter is particularly funny between Mr Grump and my brother-in-law (Mr Musician)!

Daybreak in the summer when it is around 4am The beautiful sunrise is a sight to behold.

http://www.robertcanis.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/sunrise_oare_kent-001.jpg
http://www.robertcanis.com

Having a good cry over a film/song/book! I am a big softie and cry at anything sad (shhh, so does Mr Grump)!

http://www.tourismnewwestminster.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Up-2009.jpg
http://www.tourismnewwestminster.com

Learning something new. I always like to try to stretch myself, and love trying new things. Actually just yesterday as well as starting the Writing 101 course, I also started one on Open University for 6 weeks all about identifying a dead body! (We get our own case to solve and everything, using the forensics that we are going to be learning).

https://ugc.futurelearn.com/uploads/images/4e/4a/regular_4e4ac3f2-f3f0-424e-ae8f-340453f4c4d1.jpg

https://ugc.futurelearn.com

Episode 486: I Write Because…. — September 7, 2015

Episode 486: I Write Because….

As I may have mentioned, I am looking to expand my mind, and I thought I would sign up for the Writing 101 Course. We have been given the task of writing for between 15-30 minutes freestyle on why we have decided to write. I have decided to set the timer for 15 minutes.

The reason I originally started to write this blog was at my sister’s suggestion. She thought that I came out with some funny things at times and thought that I might be good at blogging. I had never even really heard of blogging at that time and wasn’t sure about what I would write either, but thought I would give it a go as I had nothing to lose (I certainly had no audience at that point)!

I had heard, that writing things down could sometimes be good for people who suffer from depression, so this also spurred me on to have a go, and Edwina’s Episodes was born. Well, it kind of evolved really. I was shy and not very certain of the reaction I would get so decided on going anonymously. At first I posted no pictures and used my middle name.

People slowly started appearing, and reading my blog after a while. Eventually, some of them even commented on it! I was beyond thrilled, as I never really thought I would have any interest other from my family, and that even they would get sick of it after a while!

Then I had more and more people visiting, and I had a go at NaBloPoMo during November which gave me a whole new set of challenges as well as a new set of friends.

Actually, this is now the reason I carry on writing! I love this community and the great people who are around me. Where else would I be able to have so many talented writers, bloggers, artists, poets, designers, crafters, and everything else in between all in one place? I have learned more than I ever thought I would, just by talking to many of you, I have seen so much generosity in so many forms by so many people on here, which is both humbling and heartwarming.

Although I have written many little poems and ditties and had them published. as well as a journal article I wrote whilst at university which was also published, I am not a writer per se, as I have never written a book, and rarely even a story, as I have a distinct lack of imagination unfortunately!

However, I am determined to have a go at some sort of writing (probably in the humour line, as don’t want to go too far out of my comfort zone) and that is why I have taken up the Writing 101 course. If I can’t do it, at least I have my blog and that I will not give up!

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