under another sun

Up in the dark under the light of a full moon. Lorraine up early, and off. Me up early and off to London. Not before having an explosively upset stomach, so bad I wondered if I should stay at home. But I went anyway, nervous that I was going to soil myself on the crowded train. Especially when it was being delayed for an extra half an hour crawling towards Clapham. Arrived at the agency where I was greeted very warmly, with Suzie, Jo and Yas all leaping up to kiss me, and Matt and Steve giving me a friendly shakes of the hand. Working with Dave briefly trying to salvage something from the time we had. Then to the Charity to receive ten pages of feedback on a clutch of material I'd written for them. Feedback included the fact they don't like the world 'For', and my word choice in one case was a bit wussy, in another place it was patronising, there it was old-fashioned and in two places cheesy. The cheesy phrase was particularly singled out for praise by another part o...

Friday, and no work to be done. Lorraine lost her car keys so all up and tearing the place apart for half an hour before we found them. Then I pottered about tidying up before getting ready and walking off to a prearranged spot on the edge of Brighton to be collected by Lorraine. A gorgeous blue-skied day, and we drove off to Staplefield. We parked near the village green, past the Victory pub, where we'd had a drink with Jo and Dave to celebrate their wedding last year, to the village hall. In this little room with its plaque mentioning it had been used by the red-cross during the war was a gathering in the village hall in remembrance of Jo. Jo's mother and sister gave eloquent and touching speeches. Jo's son Sam had someone else read his speech, but it certainly brought a lump to my throat. Also speeches from three friends including Lorraine's chum Penny. I'd only met Jo three times, but I liked her, and she was a kind and generous person without a shred of self-...

Up and writing this morning. Breaking off for a pancake breakfast cooked by Beth. She made some with slightly crazed blueberry smiles. Lorraine, John and I scarfing them, and plain ones with bacon and maple syrup, which was all rather delicious. After breakfast noticed a large fox, possibly a pregnant female relaxing in our garden. It seemed to appreciate the newly dug earth, and employed it as a lavatory. Managed also to work on a poem, which if I say so myself, is one of the best I have written. So quite chuffed with that. Also spoke to Mum. Lorraine and Beth off shopping, but I met up with them and John, his mum Krys and sister Jo who were down in Brighton today in Côte for a lunchtime bite, which was cheery. I went back home, and Beth and Lorraine arrived later, armed with a new coat for Beth. From Côte to coat. Below a Blueberry smile, the fox in question, and light through the side gate of the Pavilion Gardens.