Bookshop Day

 Yesterday on #Bookshop Day I made a trip to my local bookshop.

I could spend hours browsing the shelves in The Secret Bookshelf, but due to a busy day I had to limit myself. As well as catching up for a chat, advice was sought on a book choice from the very knowledgeable bookstore owners Jo and Chris. I left with two lovely books - one a gift and one a treat to myself on the run up to Christmas.

And because it was Bookshop Day, I also left with a lovely goodie bag. I love the cheery design on the tote bag by Irish writer and illustrator Ashwin Chacko for #IrishBookWeek.

And the contents of my goodie bag are amazing!  - pencil, stickers, bookmark, three books, literary seeds, Christmas catalogue. I was also one of the very lucky people to receive a Secret Bookshelf groat.

Could it have been a better morning? With a wool shop next door, the answer is definitely No!!

Rascals, Radicals and Reformers

Our writing group met up again this morning, but it was quite a different meeting than usual. We're very fortunate that our group, apart from writing, have many varied talents.  One of our group is a trained tour guide and today we were treated to a personal tour of Old Belfast called 'Rascals, Radicals and Reformers'. 

What a lovely morning we had, spent in good company learning about parts of history we'd never been taught at school - 

and parts of history that should be taught in school. We saw historic buildings that are treasured and preserved and many that should be treasured and preserved given their historical significance.

We were entertained on a relaxed and informative tour. I learned so much and saw parts of Belfast that were new to me, despite it being my home city. We heard about and saw some of old Belfast's street names and work being done to preserve old entries.

Being a chapter of writers, a stop at Writers Square for encouragement and inspiration had to be part of the tour.

But there was no shortage of that on our tour with many hidden spots revealing inspiring lines and reminders of our wee part of the world's rich literary history.

This city has seen the worst of days, some in my lifetime, and yet it bounces back, resilient.  We should be proud of it's rich heritage filled with rascals, radicals and reformers in every century.

Poetry prompt

I was delighted to be asked to contribute to a 'People's Poem' by the SWRI branch where my dear late aunt had spent many happy hours. She had been secretary and member for many years and frequently told me about the craft challenges she was taking part in (and often winning). I know she would have enjoyed taking part in creating the branch's People's Poem. It was therefore an honour to be asked to take part.

The branch had been inspired by a recent visit and talk from local poet and Scots Makar Kathleen Jamie. My aunt had introduced me to Kathleen Jamie's writing many years ago when she bought me a copy of one of her poetry books. 

Given the topical theme of 'autumn', I sat down to write a couple of lines which I could contribute. Therein lay the challenge. As I started to write it was difficult to contain my thoughts and to only use two lines. Before I knew it I had written a short poem. But the initial lines I'd thought of were extracted and sent off for the People's Poem. 

I'd love to have been with the ladies to hear them share this poem when they met on the evening of #NationalPoetry Day. While they were meeting, I sat at home a couple of hundred miles away and read today's poem from 'A Poem for Every Day of the Year' with my niece. Coincidentally, it had the same theme.

And the other poem found its way on to The Dirigible Balloon's website just in time for their #NationalPoetryDay flight.

https://dirigibleballoon.org/poem/Special-Season

Isn't it amazing where a few words can take you?