It is a few weeks since I have written due to busyness, tiredness and dare I confess a lack of inspiration. It has seemed a long time since the sun has shone but the winter hibernation is almost over. Never fear, I am back now and still laughing at the comment on my last post, seemingly from an osteopath with poor English. This has highlighted how important it is that my writing reaches my target audience. Try harder Suze!
The half term holiday was much needed, I was so exhausted and felt ill for a couple of days but just needed to rest and recover. When I had relaxed I enjoyed meeting up with some special friends at various places: local pub quiz, lunch at our house and Jodrell Bank. A week's holiday is never long enough and neither is any time spent with my favourite friends, in both real life and the virtual domain.
For World book Day I decided to dress up as Little Red Riding Hood's Grandmother, as my lovely, young teacher was going to become Tall Glamorous Red Riding Hood. When I appeared in my outfit for breakfast and Romeo said, 'Why do you look like an old Grandma?' I knew I'd nailed it.
He then went on to ask, 'Is this what you'll look like when you're eighty?'
'If you're lucky,' I replied.
I had to boldly go and buy a new swimsuit for work as my other was wearing a bit thin. I miss swimming in the sea but have not yet been daring enough to swim in one of the local indoor pools. Maybe when it gets warmer? Cycling has recommenced though thanks to the recent national rail strike. It happened to be a beautiful day so I valiantly cycled to and from work and felt more like myself again. Exercise helps my creativity too and I often plan what I want to write about when I'm pedalling up and down, while singing of course.
The Huddersfield Literature festival has also been very inspiring for me. The first event I attended was a comedy evening with James Bran & Kate Fox, who are performance poets. They both had their own unique styles and were funny. I went with a friend to the event held in an ex mental hospital which is now posh student accommodation. We reminisced about the sixth form parties we used to go to there, which we agreed, were brilliant. The second event I attended was about memoir writing with Ian Clayton, Diana Darke and Clover Stroud, in one of the lecture theatres at the University. I wrapped my most beautiful and brightest scarf (a gift) around my purple jacket and set off solo looking like a walking human rainbow. The theme of the festival this year is courage in all it's forms and I felt like being plucky. Travelling by train I arrived early, so there was time to undauntedly buy a hot chocolate and some biscuits and give them to a homeless man sat on the street. Crouching down to try and chat with him on his level I felt far too bright and cheery in his presence, as though I would annoy or upset him. He was OK though and gratefully accepted the drink and snack. This is part of how I am tackling Lent; not giving something up but attempting 40 acts of kindness during this season of self reflection. It could seem a bit contrived if I think about it so I try not to think too much and just be fearlessly spontaneous. However, I confess I cried when I left him and walked on to the University. Would you believe me if I said the hardest place for me to be patient, kind, loving and forgiving is in my own home?
The memoir writing session was especially inspiring for me, in particular Diana Darke's book, My House in Damascus, giving a unique and personal perspective of the ongoing Syrian crisis. Underneath my rainbow layers I wore my gold necklace saying Susie in Arabic, a gift from a lovely Muslim friend when we left Qatar. Being brave enough to chat with Diana afterwards I showed her my necklace then asked her how she had found the courage to pursue publishing her memoir. She gave me this encouraging advice which I try to tell myself: 'Don't give up. Most people do, but don't.'
Just recovering after attending two local gigs: Friday night in the village pub with ThunderBridge starring Romeo as lead vocalist. Followed by Saturday night at the Picturedrome in Holmfirth with Howard Jones. Both were brilliant. Yeah they was dancin' and singin' and movin' to the groovin' at both intimate venues.
With Love xx
Lyrics from Play That Funky Music by Wild Cherry (1976)
Reading: Proxima by Stephen Baxter
Listening to: New Song by Howard Jones (1984) and New Song by Warpaint (2016)
Singing: Sowing The Seeds of Love by Tears For Fears (1989)
Dancing to this: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkaEpUBUQDw
Watched: About Time (2013), Ghost (1990), Little Fockers (2010) The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013), The Iron Lady (2011) and Argo (2012)
PS Happy International Happiness Day
