under another sun

So a cool and sunny Saturday. Lorraine absolutely exhausted by managing the events of the week. Next week she will have only a skeleton school with a handful of children in it. But new rotas and responsibilities have to be worked out. The children have been sent home with work to do, but there will be no examinations this year. We however got up fairly early for us, on a Saturday. Had breakfast with Beth and then Lorraine spent much of the afternoon dozing. She and I went out for a walk in Preston Park this afternoon. Quite busy, although we kept as far apart from people as was possible. Lots of messaging today. This connected world comes into its own, at times like this. Heard from Richard in Guernsey, with a poem saying that weirdness was normality now. I hate the idea of Guernsey becoming infected, as it now is, as to me it was a place of safety in my imagination. I can't wait to get back there when all this has passed. Richard sent me a pdf of Shakespeare's Sonnets Ab...

Slightly unfocused this morning, and spent some time working on the wrong file. However, eventually made some progress on the book during the day. Lorraine working at home this morning too before heading off to a meeting. I made off to the gym, then to Starbucks where I worked for another couple of hours, despite the attentions of an infernal hell-child banging the back of my chair. Also wrote to Helen in Germany. She and her daughter Katy have translated my Heidegger poem, to be exhibited at the Heidegger Archive to help celebrate the 125th anniversary of the great man's birth. Amazingly kind. Another gorgeous day however. Home for a light salad supper, before Lorraine and I went off to The Eddy, which has now reverting to an earlier name of The Edinburgh (it will always be the Eddy to me), to watch the latest incarnation of The Shakespeare Trio: The Shakespeare Heptet. This evening's configuration included Richard of course, plus Steve Cartwright plucking a banjo, Claudiu...

Another dreadful night's sleep, strange devil trains dragging along the viaduct in the small hours, cleaning the lines and shining bright lights through the Velux windows. Lorraine up early so I was too being cat-plagued and keen to make progress. Calliope especially sees it as her mission to wake me still. I got to Sainsburys at opening time to buy some muesli for me and prawns for Calliope, and started work at 8:30. Got cracking on the business book again, which I enjoyed. This stage is all about metaphor and the darker arts of advertising. Found that my hardback copy of Aristotle's Poetics seems to have vanished, but downloaded one for my kindle (albeit an old translation). At noon I was called by the Tavistock posse and asked to work in the afternoon on some copy for them, however, which added some cash to the day's equation which is always welcome. Claudius came around for a business discussion, related to The Shakespeare 'Heptet' as they are now known. ...

Vile night. Woke at two o'clock and had no sleep till shortly before I was due to get up. Not helped by Calliope continually purring into my face, and making odd crunching noises on the carpet on what turned out to be a grizzly wood pigeon's wing. To work, and because I felt so tired I did a relaxation/meditation tape on the train. Afterwards felt repaired in body and soul, and rather cheery, thinking about all the creative projects I have ready to unleash, now that the running sore of not having enough money is being rapidly rectified.  On that note, I was offered another week's work next week, at a place I've not worked at before in Farringdon. Once those invoices start being paid, the Kenny coffers will be spilling with doubloons. I am lucky to be able to earn money quickly. After work, zoomed back to Brighton, where Lorraine met me at the station, and we sped in the car off to Hove to the Blue Note, where we met Matt. An interesting night organised by Claudius. ...

Back up to the splendors of North Acton. A beautiful day, though naturally I didn't see too much of it other than through train windows. A curiously tranquil day where I simply went to work, worked and came home again without incident. I even managed to arrive home at a reasonable time. Stole away for ten minutes at lunchtime and discovered near the railway banks of blackberry bushes. I ate two or three sweet berries, a fleeting moment of freedom. I finished The Count of Monte Cristo at last too on the journey home. Completing a 49 hour audiobook feels an achievement. A jolly fine yarn. Home and Lorraine and I getting ready to stay away tomorrow night. Lorraine is off on a work conference, and I am going to stay with Mum and Mas. Sam around this evening too before returning to Leeds. It had been good to see him over the last few days. Was called by Claudius this evening,in his capacity of The Shakespeare Trio manager. He invited me to perform at somewhere called the Blue Not...

Back to the gym for the second time this week, and I had my best workout for ages, suddenly there seems to be some gas in the tank. Leaving the gym I realised how balanced and clearer headed I felt. I think most of the benefits of exercise are psychological. A productive day on The New Idea. Sonia had yesterday wondered what the 100 years war with France was all about. I have now mentally rebranded The New Idea as The 100 year idea, as it was supposed to be a quick win, but is in fact a long slog.   Had a squint at some Shakespeare Trio admin for them, as my good deed of the day. Then after an other deluge, Lorraine emerged home. We skipped up to the Shahi for a fast feed. Lorraine is visibly happier at the prospect of a holiday.  

Into town this morning with Toby and Romy, a last cup of coffee, Romy telling me about some of the weird situations she's faced working for a Canadian bank last year. She deserves her holiday. Then a walk through some Twittens towards home, a quick pack, for Toby and Romy travel light. Fond farewells at Brighton station. Sorry to see them go, but happy in the knowledge I will see them again soon. After cooked a salad based repast for this evening for Lorraine, then off to  The London Unity where I met Steve, Dipak and Richard. It was busy as it was Pemma's last night.  The Shakespeare Trio on first, unusually, and there were loads of acts some rather good. I also did a poem, which I read abysmally. It happens in this venue all the time and feels like a jinx. Good to catch up with the boys though, and the Shakeys played well -- and, Dipak told me, are about to take over the running of these Wednesday night open mic sessions.

More torrential rain today. I woke up at 5AM and was wide awake, so got up and began work by 6.00. Funny to be working for hours, and to realise that it is only 8:45. Ventured out to go to the gym, and buy Oskar some belated Lego-based birthday presents. Home again and generally faffed about in an unfocused way. Was pleasingly booked for some days work up in London. This splendid news for the beleaguered Kenny coffers. After cooking for Lorraine and chatting when she got home, I sauntered up to Anton's place for an hour or so, before taxiing to the London Unity pub where Richard and Dipak were open-micing some new sonnets. Dipak's birthday today too. All three Shakeys songs excellent, though hot off the press. Had a nice chat with Steve Cartwright who was there too. He said that the lyrics I sent him for The Sumerian Kyngs, (called I think, The Dance of Horses ) some time ago are now about to transform into a song, which may be unleashed on an unsuspecting world on Saturday n...

Matt and Pete's Big Night Out So the day of the Pollard & Kenny Clameur launch. Betty back this morning full of pep, armed with gifts of an unusual beer, and for me a large letter P made of chocolate from her trip to the low countries. After breakfast, Betty and I popped around to Masquerade where I hired a smart grey jacket with tails (although Betty and I assessed several others including gold and red sequined affairs. I was rather drawn to these until I looked at Betty's face). A little later Lorraine and I drove off to collect Mum from the station. Mason still getting over his chesty cough and it was thought best not to brave the ice and long journey. The next few hours given over to preparation, shoe cleaning, shirt ironing, a strategic nap and so on. Off then to the Unitarian Church and rehearsals began. Thank God we had lots of people to help us. Lorraine and as usual helping everything happen. She is so unbelievably supportive of me, it makes me feel very lucky. Bet...

Shakey in the evening A pleasant day. Felt cheery just walking off to Arkwrights this morning to buy some bacon and eggs. Meditating on how happiness can be found in small things, such as a walk to nearby shops on a Sunday morning. Nothing happened of any consequence, and the short walk is not a lovely one. Breakfast with Betty. She makes Lorraine laugh lots, which is nice to see. Beth trying to think of a new stage name, and saying that she didn't like Beth much. Lorraine disagreed, naturally, having chosen it for her. The three of us out shopping and then Betty went off to see her dad, and Lorraine and I did some deskwork, before she cooking a delicious Sunday roast. In the evening off to support The Shakespeare Trio who were playing a few hundred yards away in The World's End pub. Betty came too for a while before having to scoot off back to college. A long set from Dipak and Richard, but in a poorly lit corner of the pub where it was hard to see them without craning your ne...

Unified Found myself having to write a CV for the first time in ages to send off to my new potential client. Also chatted to mum who had had a medical test on her bones, but all was well. In the afternoon off to the Unitarian Church to meet Matt and have a squint around as we are going to launch our CD there. It is bang in the centre of Brighton near the theatre royal, and across the road from the Dome, so it feels like a prestigious enough venue. Dipak joined us for the tour by Alison who works there. Alison returned to her office and Richard walked in from the street stamping and whistling to get the acoustic and sitting down at the piano to play The Goldberg Variations surprisingly well on the piano. Richard asked why the Unitarians as they have no crosses, and Alison told us that Unitarians welcomed people of all faiths. Matt and I left the Shakeys outside and went to the cheery Basketmakers to have a planning session over a beer. Nice to have some time to talk business and brainst...

The yin and yang of brownie points The sense of lots to be done. I spent a little time helping Lorraine with some ghastly protracted written statements she needs to make for her headteacher course. Accumulated a fair few brownie points. My afternoon hijacked by The Shakespeare Trio, with whom I ended up doing a protracted photo shoot, wandering about in the dim winter afternoon around the seafront and pier. Managed some good shots of them, one or two of which I will post here shortly. Richard and I sloped off to The Basketmakers for a quick beer afterwards, before I repaired home, where I discovered I had lost brownie points. I had left the lid unfastened on the fabric conditioner. Fastening lids on things like Marmite jars is something I cannot do, and have never been able to do since I was a child. Anyway on this occasion the fabric conditioner was knocked by Lorraine, and it emptied out over a rug, necessitating the rug being washed. Lorraine and Beth working at putting up the Chris...

What torpedoes? At last decided on the CD producers we are going to use: Brighton's own Modo . So full steam ahead now, and damn the torpedoes hissing through the water. Conversations and email with Matt and Dipak and Richard about the launch concert in February. The Shakespeare Trio will be on the bill too. Next step this week is to finalise the cover, deliver the master CD to Modo, revamp relevant websites and, contact The Beacon charity to whom I want to give some of the proceeds. Went to see Janet and Ken this afternoon, popping in for a chat after vising the Real Patisserie and arming myself with pieces of patisserie, guts sufficiently recovered to snap down one wee tarte tatin with them accompanied by a cup of Earl Grey tea. All rather civilised. Generally put the world to rights for some time. Janet managing with her arm, and looking far perkier than when I last saw her. Janet suggesting I might find someone to offer occasional admin support, and knows just the person. S...

Party time So today zooming about getting ready for a large party to celebrate Betty's 20th birthday and me and Lorraine living together. Lorraine off to get an astonishingly red hair cut n' colour which everyone agreed was rather smart. Then Betty, Lorraine and I going off to buy quantities of boozes and food in supermarkets, blow up ballons, prepare food and move furniture about. Very tired all day but a shower and a stiff drink worked wonders. Max, The French Bloke and their cherubic children Tahlia, Zemirah and Elijah arrived an hour and a half early, which effectively started the party with the children zooming about. Betty upstairs glamming herself up with two of her pals, watched awe-struck by young Tahlia and Zemirah. Another pal Linda arrived somewhat before the party started already drunk and slightly chaotic. Then lots of guests, First Matie and Matty Boy, The Shakespeare Trio who gave us a bit of a tune accompanied by Steve Cartwright on banjo, Claudius, Matt and Wa...

Happy Monday Damburst of ideas, and the best part of a poem written first thing this morning, and the outline of another project down this afternoon. Slipped off to Sainsbury's to buy ingredients for supper, as Lorraine would be home quite early. Cooked sausages and a mash made from butternut squash, carrots and potatoes with a little parmesan grated into it, plus a gravy thick with leeks, onion and a smidge of chilli, served with peas. It was good comfort food for Lorraine who was feeling the Monday morning glums. Off this evening to The Coopers Cask pub where The Shakespeare Trio were doing a full set. As well as Dipak and Richard, were Richard's wife Maria Grazia and Steve Cartwright. There was a good guitarist in support. They asked me to do a turn, so I read Revolution of the Eagles , and The Trojan , which were both heard attentively. Richard and Dipak were excellent, playing lots of new material. Beautiful fluent stuff, and particularly enjoying Dipak's languidly ...

Gold sofa time Another stunningly beautiful day, the rays even peeping through the Cloud Of Things That Must Be Done. Sloped off in the hot sun to talk to helpful carpet people in the laines. I explained it was carpet for rented accommodation, and was instantly shown durable biscuit coloured ranges. Lorraine working hard at home since lunchtime, both of us sat companionably up in the mezzanine level office. I meanwhile kept running into maddening glitch with the website I am building. Richard and Dipak, aka The Shakespeare Trio, have uploaded some of their lovely tunes, and are about to launch their CD. You'd be mad not to listen to The Shakespeare Trio here. Reworking the words for Matt and my CD. Suddenly realised that the three compositions actually all had something in common thematically. This Concert concerns itself with a speaking voice trapped in a piece of music, Clameur starts with the choir singing about being trapped in a tube train, and Minotaur is about being in a l...

Bardic business Another day in what feels like limbo. Lorraine having long, long hours today, which makes me feel a real slacker. Out shopping in the morning for glue called liquid nails, and a little food. Went for a walk in the park in the late afternoon with Cath who called up. In the evening off to The London Unity to see The Shakespeare Trio , who arrived with a charming Kiwi called Terry with them, who used to live in Brighton in the 70s. Fingers also there. I arrived early and spent time chatting with Pemma who runs the evening, and is a singer songwriter. She gave me a slot to read poetry, which I rather enjoyed, desite being interrupted half way through my first poem by my own phone ringing, but this easily laughed off. Nice to be doing readings again even if it is just in a little pub in the backstreets of Brighton. Richard and Dipak performing two new sonnets, and both of them absolutely excellent. Generally a beautiful performance, and for once a very attentive audience. S...

Beeping Toby on the street A new day and more to sort out. The new cat flap admits cats by assessing the chips on their shoulders. Calliope's won't register. Lorraine and I pushed the unwilling cat into its travelling basket and it complained all the way to the vets and back again. Her chip registers so she may have to have a different chip added giving her two chips. Otherwise Calliope leaping up to the tabbies full of fun and mischief, batting the end of Brian's tail and creeping up on Basil and touching her with the lightest of touches while asleep. She appears to be alpha feline which is pretty fast work. This cat business done I sat down to catch up with my blogs only to find that there was some French work to be written. Happily working on this the sumptuous tastes of Southern France for a couple of hours while Lorraine was had her back cracked at the chiropractors. Off to the gym this afternoon, and as we were picking some things up from my old house we we...

Saturday of interludes Fantastic not to have to get up at an ungodly hour. Instead Lorraine and I saw Dawn at 12:30. For Dawn is going to paint my house for me, and we walked about with Dawn suggesting all the things that needed doing, and me agreeing. Although she repeated her earlier rudeness about the orange yellow highlight I have in my downstairs. I left Dawny and Lorraine to it, for I had business in the Battle of Trafalgar where I met Richard and Dipak, the Shakeseare Trio, to discuss their CD launch. I offered a degree of unwanted marketing advice and other suggestions. But mainly it was quite pleasant to be sat outside in the hot suntrap of the Batty's back garden for an hour or so. Lorraine joined us after a while too, although sat at another table for a while making phonecalls. Dipak talking about mastering of the tracks and other technical matters. Richard keen to keep gigging but resistant to thinking laterally about the venues they are involved in. After t...

An old revolution Off to Lorraine's place to wait for a glazier to arrive. He was two hours late, despite repeated phone calls. However this was good as, sans computer, I made a series of strategic mindmaps plotting timelines for the CD/record label launch, house move, literary next steps, poetic next steps, business next steps, banking next steps and so on. Sam arrived later to play on his powerful gaming computer, and we had a nice chat. After the glass man came, was berated, and left, I legged off to the computer mending people. These say they can't fix my hard drive and that it is making a funny noise and you can't access the data, which is exactly what I told them a week ago. Also phoned by the agency who, unbelievably, cancelled the work for next week a second time, but offered me a day's work this week. Spent the afternoon feeling like I had lost a pound and found a sixpence, as the old folks used to say. Even more incredibly, on what is now the fifth decision, w...