Earlier this year I submitted a piece of work for consideration for a new poetry anthology being facilitated by the Creative Ireland programme. Some time afterwards I heard my poem, 'Eau de Phosphorose' had been selected. And this week a copy of the anthology, 'Chasing Shadows' arrived in the post.
I'm enjoying delving into this gorgeous anthology finding pieces written by writing friends from across Ireland.
It's been a wee while since I posted on the blog. I've been really busy these last couple of months. We had a big family celebration last month and I was chief party planner, so unfortunately my writing had to take a back seat in the run up to the event.
It was a privilege to be able to plan and organise my auntie's 100th birthday celebrations in Scotland. And I'm really pleased all went according to plan. She is an amazing lady who has inspired me and I'm pleased she inspired my nieces to write a poem to celebrate this milestone event.
I was looking forward to getting back to Coney to see my writing pals when I returned home. But it was not to be.
After avoiding the plague for the last two years, covid caught up with me and floored me for a few days. The fatigue lingered longer. I dread to think how I might have been without vaccinations. Thankfully it's behind me now and my former energy has eventually returned.
I was however able to join the Coney writers by Zoom - they were all there in person and I chatted with them. It was good to see them to relieve the monotony of self isolation but I soon tired and had to go and lie down!
To help build up my energy and strength, we ventured out to a local park one evening for a walk. I'd heard from a friend that my poem 'Land of Linen' was on display here so we set off in search of it. After checking almost every tree in the park we were about to give up when we found it, in a very obvious place 🤣
Seeing my work on display, alongside writing by Lord Carson and David Lloyd George (prime minister when my Auntie was born) helped remind me why I write and how much I've missed it recently.
So last week I sat down and wrote something new. Inspired by my new writing nook in the garden, I took the opportunity to enjoy the good weather when a couple of ideas nudged me to pick up my pen again.
