I find it hard to write as flowing
as other poets do.
I find it hard to paint a picture
as many artists do.
I find it hard to write good music
as many musicians do.
I love to write it clears my mind.
I enjoy good art it gives me calmness and peace.
I love good music, it lifts my spirits.
You don't have to be good at something to enjoy it.
Enjoy, appreciate, love, live.

Comes to us all.
You are born to live, then you live to die.
Enjoy your journey, feel the ride. Preferably with someone you love by your side.

There was a fly who only had one eye.
He lived a simple life on the River wry.

One day the fly with only one eye began to cry.
I'm very lonely he said to himself, I feel as though I've been left on the shelf.

From out of nowhere an Elf appeared, an Elf who had only one ear.

Your not alone the Elf did shout, come on over let's hang out.

The Fly with one eye flapped his wings and said loudly so the Elf with one ear could hear,  I'm going to try to fly to the other side of the river wry.

The Elf with one ear said do not fear I'll be your eyes and you'll be my ears.

But half way across the Fly with one eye gave a big sigh and said  to the Elf with only one ear, I do fear that I will not finish the ride to the other side of the river wry.

Do not fear said the Elf with only one ear.  With my perfect eyes I can see that half way across in the middle of a bog on a log are a frog and bee, surely they will help me.

The Elf with only one ear shouted loudly to the frog and bee, can you please help me?

The frog and the bee shouted back "gladly".  But the Elf who only had one ear could not hear the reply from the middle of the river wry.

The Fly with one eye heard the reply and shouted as loudly as he could muster "the frog and bee have agreed gladly to help you and me"

The Elf with one ear was relieved to hear this and set about outlining his plan.

The Fly with one eye would flap his wings and start his trip across the river.

The frog would jump up and down on his lily pad and make a noise which sounded like ribbit, ribbit, the Fly with one eye and the Elf with one ear would use the frog for direction, tuning into it.

Once the Fly with one eye had passed the frog by the bee would set about buzzing loudly, the fly with one eye and the Elf with one ear would follow the buzzing to the edge of the river.

The plan worked the Fly with one eye gave a shout hip hip hip hooray.

The Elf with one ear gave three cheers and the frog and the bee clapped merrily.

Hooray said the Fly with only one Eye and the Elf with only one Ear, let's get all our friends together and bake a cake to celebrate.

The Fly with one eye looked at his friends and knew that life would never be quite the same now he could count on his new found friends, the Elf with one ear and the frog and the bee were like one big family.

The Americans like it with macaroni.

The Welsh like it rarebit, that's on toast to you and me.

The Italians like it Quattro Formagio Pizza topping.

The French like camembert with poached pears of course.

The Brits  like it on cauliflower served with a Sunday roast.

How do you like yours?

There was a little mouse and he had a little house.

The little mouse lived in the little house in the little village on the river louse.

In the little village on the river louse with the little mouse, lived a little frog.

The little frog lived on a little log in the middle of a bog on the river louse and was friends with the little mouse.

The little frog who lived on the little log in the middle of a bog  on the river louse had another little friend, a bee.

The little bee buzzed from tree to tree, floating merrily from flower to flower, flowers that surrounded the little house occupied by the little mouse on the river louse.

One day the mouse, the frog and the bee got together for afternoon tea.

They met at the house of the little mouse on the river louse at a quarter to three.

The mouse brought some cheese, the frog brought the tea's and the bee brought the honey and they all Sat around a table in the mouse's little house on the river louse.

The Mouse, the frog and the bee declared themselves friends for all eternity in the mouses little house on the river louse.

At a quarter to four, they all went to the door and the Mouse said goodbye to his friends.  

The frog went back to sit on his log in the middle of the bog and the bee continued floating from tree to tree.

The mouse did the dishes and then rested his little head on his little bed, in his little house on the river louse.

Water does it for me, there's nothing I like more than living by the sea.

You live in Exeter I here you cry, that's not by the sea and I agree but it has a river and canal and that's good enough for me.

Water relaxes me, I can watch it roll and tumble all day, watching it go on its merry way.

Water chills me, I solve issue by gazing at the water, suddenly ideas abound as the water makes its way round.

Water brings back happy memories of days spent by the sea.
Learning how to surf and eating ice lollies.  

When your an island your inclined to think that we'll never run out of the drink.

However let's not take water for granted, let's not dare, I want my children and grandchildren to be able to stand and stare.

Prince Simon, Prince Jason and Princess Sophie lived a regal life.

Slaying dragons and battling witches by day, monsters and zombies by night.

Each day brought adventures new, trips on boats and to the zoo.

One particular day when feeling bored, Prince Simon decided to explore.

Down to the basement, he slowly sneaked, quietly to take a peek.  New adventures he did seek.

A rickety old wardrobe he did find and suddenly an adventure sprang to mind.

Running as fast as his legs would go, bellowing with his lungs as hard as they would allow.

"Prince Jason, Princess Sophie please come soon, I have a rocket to take us to the Moon". "Roll up, roll up tickets please, pull your dress right in Princess Sophie it's going to be a squeeze".

All three were so excited they could hardly say a sound.

Prince Simon reached around them both and pulled the door shut tight, buckle up fellow explorers you're in for the ride of your life.

The Wardrobe began to rock and shake, the Wardrobe began to lift and quake.

Destination the Moon, hold on tight we'll get there soon

The rocket started rising faster and faster, higher and higher.

All three children were delighted, the rocket ship made them so excited.

Higher and higher, faster and faster, they rose into the sky.

Higher and higher, faster and faster, leaving the earth behind.

Prince Simon, Prince Jason and Princess Sophie, all declared. "I hope we'll get there soon, I can't wait to walk on the Moon"

"Walk on the Moon", let me think Prince Jason declared, "I'm not sure that we can breathe without any air".

"No air," said Sophie that's no good!, "I need air, what about a hood?"
"A hood is a good idea," said Prince Simon "an oxygen tank and heavy shoes too". "Let's search around the Wardrobe and see what we can find".

Together they searched high and low, finding items as they go.

"A hood" shouted Sophie "just what we need at least now we can all breathe".

"Heavy shoes" shouted Jason, "thank goodness for that, now we can go walking, I heard the moons flat".

"An oxygen tank", Simon declared "together with the hood and boots we are fully equipped for our trip, whoop, whoop, whoop!".

The items they came in three sizes, small for Princess Sophie, medium for Prince Jason and large for Prince Simon and quickly they all dressed up, it wouldn't be long now before the wardrobe came to a stop.

The rocket started descending, slowly it did fall and the children curled together on the floor in a tight knit ball.

Once the rocket had landed the children all ascended to their feet,
clearly excited not one of them could speak.

Prince Simon was the eldest and took the superior role, he looked out the window and said I will be the first to go.

Prince Simon conjured up his nerve to open wide the door, stepped outside, turned around with a smile a mile wide and set off to explore.

Thirty seconds later he shouted out to Prince Jason and Princess Sophie to join him by his side, "I have an idea" he said to them both that the moon is made of cheese.

Prince Jason and Princess Sophie laughed so much they began to cough and wheeze.

"Made of cheese" they both declared "you really must be mad", but we must be sure they all said, so let's all set off to explore.

One by one they found a spot and pulled a chunk off in their hands, looking at each other daring to be first, "altogether" Prince Simon shouted with an enthusiastic burst.

"Cheddar" shouted Prince Simon, "Edam" shouted Princess Sophie, "Red Leicester" shouted Prince Jason, they looked at each other in disbelieve.

They could not fathom how they had all got their favourite cheese, so they moved around the moon, trying different spots, leaving behind them crater pots but that did not make them stop.

Half an hour later their tummies were full, having eaten every type of cheese you can name from Brie to Camembert, Wensleydale to Stilton.

Looking back the 3 space cadets could see what they'd done to the moon, "I think" said Prince Simon "we need to return soon to try to mend the moon".

But now it's time to go they all 3 agreed, we've been gone a long time and mummy will be worried.

They climbed into the rocket and took off all the clothes, set their destination to their home a million miles below.

As they approached their home, the roof opened and the rocket landed safely just in time for tea.

The children all stumbled out of the wardrobe and running through the doors found their mummy in the kitchen serving up their tea.

"Where have you been?" mummy asked, "I've been calling you 3, now you're here just in time for your very favourite tea - Macaroni Cheese!"

The children usually would have been delighted now all moaned and grumbled "Mummy" they sighed "we all have belly aches, can we please be denied our tea and just go straight to bed".  

We are sure that by the morning break we will no longer have our belly aches and tomorrow for our tea we would love Macaroni Cheese :)

Ouch that hurt, I heard someone shout before darkness descends and I hit the floor.

As I began to regain I heard someone screaming in pain.
Trying to push myself up off the floor  but my wrists they f*ing hurt!
The screamer becoming clearer now as I began to shout.

Before long police and paramedics attending roadside.
Gas and air my hero dealing with pain, not my pride.
Laughing with the paramedics enjoying the ride.

Straight to hospital, blue lights on the way.
Not the worse thing, says the paramedic, to happen today.  

June 14th Grenfell Tower fallen, families lost and all of their treasures.
Perspective gently given and received,my pain is real but in small measure.  

Angels at the hospital attending my every need.
Cleaning my skin and stemming any further bleeds.

Drs order the x rays 1,2 and 3 both wrists and my elbow to be sure.
Cast on my right arm, thank goodness for that, just one break, no more.

Morphine for pain relief, tiredness over comes me, please just let me sleep.
I'm feeling so sore and tired I could weep.

All those services all that care tenderly given and gratefully received.
How do I know, why do I care, we'll of course it's because I was there.

Pete, you were like a second dad.
When you took your last breath it made me sad.
You came into my life when I was just sixteen.
You welcomed me like another daughter, and took me under your wing.
You watched from the side as I fell in love with your son.
Gave your blessing the day we said "I Do"
The next 35 years went in the blink of an eye, 6 Grandchildren and 3 Great Grandchildren filled you with pride.
It was nice to have known you, thank you for letting me join your ride.

People often stand and stare at nothing in particular.
Lost deep in thought, emotions bare.
Does anyone really care?

I stand and stare by your side, I will happily join you for the ride.
Let me help you find your way, together towards another day.

Together is stronger, a love so deep, a love that allows you to weep but picks you up when you are down.
Changing a smile from a frown.

Have faith in love to be your friend, take a chance and see.
That if you truly love someone you can truly be.

A man of mystery
A man of talent
A man who makes you think,
A man who makes you wonder what's right, what's wrong, when you thought you knew all along.
Is Banksy man or myth?

We know so little of this man who can paint with brush or spray can.
He remains hidden, unseen, unknown, a mystery.

Signing his Tag on bridges and walls,
Mocking figures of justice, highlighting the worthy cause.

His paintings are worth thousands of pounds, not all remain in tact, some get recovered and that's a fact.
Councils who do not like the message displayed, white them out in a matter of days.

None the less his fame has grown, his pictures displayed and shown in museums around the world.

Yet no one can put their hand on their heart and say I've known this man from the start.

That's why Banksy remains an enigma.
A man of mystery
A man of talent
A man who makes you think,
A man who makes you wonder what's right, what's wrong, when you thought you knew all along.
Is Banksy man or myth?

Anyone know?

It kicks off tonight, super excited.  
All of the wives are clearly delighted.
First game of the season Arsenal vs Leicester, for 90 minutes the heroes will battle.
The first three point to the winner  and top of the table.
And so it will go every weekend from Friday to Monday right through to next May.
We'll be accompanied on Saturdays  with MOTD, Gary, Alan and Gaby.
They'll discuss and advise on the game of the day, was the ref right did he give the game away.
Of course everyone has their favourite team, Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea. Man City, Liverpool, Everton to name but a few, West Ham and West Bromwich Albion too.
Bets will be made, dream teams created, limbs tattooed, all appetites sated.
Old heroes bemoaned and overrated, records broken new heroes created.
At the end of the season about the 19th May Champions crowned, memories filed, holidays booked, we can all breathe a while.

Eyes to the left
Eyes to the right
Looking to read you with all their might
Looking deep under your skin
Studying to work out where you begin

Eyes to the left
Eyes to the right
Learning your inner secrets and keeping them tight
Learning how you think; with the slightest nod, wink, and blink.

Eyes to the left
Eyes to the right
Looking deep through to your soul
Reflecting the feelings of your inner portal

Eyes to the left
Eyes to the right
Never letting you out of their sight
With you to the very end, keeping your secrets like your very best friend

Still not running, 4 weeks later
I miss it with all my heart
Still not running, 4 weeks later
I cannot wait to restart.

Dog walkers come from far and wide, to walk their dogs by their side.
They come by car, with dog, lead, and toys; dogs barking for joy as they arrive.
The door is opened, the dogs jump out, barking getting louder, as their owners shout!
Wait a minute boy, don't pull on the lead, not long now you can soon run free.
Not a care in the world, the dog runs and runs fetching the ball for its owner with pride, dropping it neatly at their side, looking up with big wide eyes; waiting and longing for another surprise.
Where will it get thrown next they look wonderingly, trusting their owner dutifully.
The owner pats their loyal dog on its head and rewards it with a treat.
The dog pays the owner back by falling at its feet.
Dog tired and ready to return back home, it climbs back in the car.
Settles down, no barking now, it's time to get some sleep.
A dog's life is a free life and one without care.
A simple life, no thrills or flare, a good life I do declare.

My dad Joe, was a gift from heaven, put on this earth to love only one woman.

To have their children and love them true, each day with my dad was one in which you grew.

He loved and cherished each one of us three, Philip, Jacqueline & Christopher - with Hilda, his love, by his side the family was complete.

Riding a bike, driving a car, hiking up cliffs, hitting a ball, roller skating, skate boarding, travelling far, our Dad was always there to catch us lest we should fall.

Sunday trips to the beach or river, climbing Kit Hill, trips to Morwelham Quay, treks on Dartmoor, ice cream treats, and Callard & Bowser toffee
.
Swimming, body surfing, Phil learning to drive on the beach, French cricket played on the shore, all of these outings gave us fond memories we still adore.

Traveling with Chris and Mum on sunny days, staying in B&B's while they were away, Chris long jumping into the pit with Dad by his side was as good as it could get.

Dad gave us each the tools to live our lives, independently, confident and worldly wise.

He gave to me a love of the three P's -  people, politics, and poetry.

To my brothers, he gave a love of all sports but mostly his beloved Cricket along with Rugby and Athletics.

When each of us married he was there by our sides, smiling with pride, accepting our partners into the fold.
To us all he advised don't do as I say or as you are told; seek out what or who makes you happy until you grow old.

As our families expanded and grew he became a Grandad, first Michael came then Simon, Jason, Robert, Sophie, Danny, Sammy, Lola, and Jonah, he encouraged them in all that they did whether sports, drawing, dancing, work choices - 9 Grandchildren kept him busy as you can imagine.

Then later in life as  Great Grandchildren were added Tansy, Alfie & Roman, life remained busy.

My Dad was one in a million of that I am sure, I feel his presence every day, when out walking I feel he's not far away.

When I'm playing with the grandchildren I know he's there too, smiling with pride in everything they do.

When the family get together he's never forgotten and all of his grandchildren have their own stories to share; of Grandad and his sense of humour, his love, support, and care.

We miss you, Joe ***

Where does the sunshine on a sunny day?  
Where do people come out to play?
Where can you ride your bike, skate on your board, have a pint at the pub and watch the world go by?
Where can you picnic or barbeque, learn to kayak or canoe?
Where can you be all alone or part of the crowd if you please?
Where can you play Rugby, Football, Basketball or Frisbee , young or old, small or tall?
Where can you run, let time stand still and be free?
Where can you see children playing in the park, splashing in puddles, people barbequing after dark?
Where can you cross Millennium Bridge overlooking the weir?
Where can you climb a wall, indoors or out, play music on a radio, dance and laugh and shout?
Where can you express yourself in Grafitti on a wall, play with your mates, run and kick a ball?
Where can you see flowers growing free, ducks and swans swimming with their families.
All of this you can see for free any day of the year down by the Quay.

Today is a wonderful day
Curtains wide open, the sun out to play
Today is such a wonderful day

Today is a wonderful day
Full of vitality and life
Today is such a wonderful day

Today is a wonderful day
Children singing, out to play
Today is such a wonderful day

Today is a wonderful day
Birds flying, high in the sky
Today is such a wonderful day

Today is a wonderful day
Walking in the park, hearing dogs bark
Today is such a wonderful day

Today is a wonderful day
The sun is out and families play
Today is such a wonderful day

Today is a wonderful day
Everyone wants another day
Today is such a wonderful day

Today is a wonderful day
I am thankful for another day
Today is such a wonderful day

I run because I can
I run because that's who I am

I run when it is late
I run to decide my fate

I run through wind and rain
I run no pain no gain

I run to set me free
I run because it is me

I run.

Eyes Wide Open, I stand and stare
Looking around, being there
What is that I do declare
It's a big wide world for all to share

Eyes Wide Open, I stand and stare
I am present whilst you are there
Do you see me when I see thee?
Do you stand and stare because I am there?

Eyes Wide Open, I stand and stare
You look like someone I used to know
Do I move forward or shall I go?
Shall I turn and say hello?

Eyes Wide Open, I stand and stare
Do I belong with you there?
Do I have a future here?
Shall I stay or should I fear?

Eyes Wide Open, I stand and stare
Looking around at all that's here
I'm glad I stayed and worked it out
I no longer fear what's about

Eyes Wide Open, I stand and stare
Looking around, being there
What is that I do declare
It's a big wide world I no longer fear

Don't know whether you are up or down, life is spinning you round and round.
Nothing makes any sense and you begin to feel quite tense.
When you feel life has dealt you a ***** hand look to your journal and start to plan.
You  need a plan to turn around and help your feet back to the ground.
Don't wait too long for you will see when you begin to plan you begin to BE.
So grab that journal, start to write, let all your thoughts roam free.
Let  your dreams and desires run over the page and you will start to see; a plan emerge, a plan to set you free.
A plan of hope, emerging from the page, a plan to take you forward into a different age.
A plan of joy as you evolve into the person you always wanted to be.
A plan that changes and evolves with your thoughts and ideas.
Planning costs you nothing, planning is for free.
Use your journal wisely my friend and live life happily.

Happy journaling.

04 July 2017
16:06

Frustration is a curious thing.
Really it is absurd.
Underneath the layers, it lurks
Striking when your at your lowest
Taking over when your not paying attention
Reaching past your barriers and invading your emotions
Attacking from within
Torturing you in everything you do.
Insisting that you keep failing but yet that you keep trying
Owning your actions
Needing the frustration to progress past the obstacle

As I say Frustration is a curious thing, you can't live without you can only get better with.

Always look up and all around never just focus on the ground.
For if you do you will see, much much more than only thee.
When you look only in your hand or at the ground you miss all the more that is around.
You miss the sun shining in the sky, you miss the birds flying by.
You miss the busker on the street, who plays the cello with his feet.
You miss the street artist who sculpts from sand.
You miss the 3piece dance band.
You miss eye contact with another soul who feels the same as you but you'll never know.
You miss the words exchanged with a cashier at their till, which will brighten your day but they never say.
You miss the person who cannot stand and needs a seat to rest their weary feet.
You miss the flowers beginning to grow, brightening the city with their colour.
Looking only in your hand or at the ground instead of looking all around,you miss the more to your day.
So next time your rushing from A to B try looking up and maybe you'll see me as well as thee.
Have a nice day! Have a more day!