At the end of last week I sent copies of ‘Zen Words’ and ‘Umbrian Images’ through to Gerald England in Stockport. He runs a website which has heaps of information about poetry and a reviews section. I wanted him to review my first two poetry booklets – he replied today with a positive. They will … Read more
Latest obsession is the music of Joni Mitchell. I’m revisiting some albums I haven’t heard for probably 20 years. And I am listening to some for the first time. As it says in the biography which I am reading (Joni Mitchell: Shadows and Light, by Karen O’Brien) she is “renaissance woman, painter and poet, one … Read more
Funny how starting a log again gets the musical interests moving again. It has been a great day for listening to music. I have been at home all day working hard, and accompanied by a soundtrack of: – King Crimson: Lizard – King Crimson: Lark’s Tongues in Aspic – King Crimson: Starless and Bible Black … Read more
Neil Diamond wrote ‘I’m a Believer’ – which was a huge hit for The Monkees in the 60s. This song then became a hit all over again for Robert Wyatt in what must be one of the weirdest examples of Top of the Pops missing the point. I saw a clip of Robert Wyatt, in … Read more
Not sure why I’m finding it difficult to focus – I have managed to find ways of being productive. But as ever, there are more things to do with average day than an average fortnight would require. A two week break for Christmas is a short breath away – so it will just be a … Read more
Does Creativity get in the way of productivity? It can do. How do you ensure that spinning around various creative spirals doesn’t detract from the job that needs doing? At the moment I am producing lots of creative ideas, and my thoughts are developing fast. But my actual productivity levels are quite low. I suppose … Read more
I have had a pack of playing cards for a few years now that was created by Roger von Oech (www.creativethink.com). It is called a ‘Creative Whack Pack’ and I use it when I am a bit stuck in moving things forwards. For the last two days I have started the day by choosing a … Read more
A gap for a little while, but it’s not because I’ve been doing nothing. The last few days for example, I have been listening to a stack of CDs from 1968 to 1970 which document the work of Miles Davis during that period. The music comes from: 1. The Complete ‘In a Silent Way’ Sessions … Read more
Always good for a laugh – a Murder Mystery Party. I’m going to one this coming weekend. My part is supposed to be a 1960s style Austin Powers character. Instead of being a spy I’m supposed to be a photographer. I have a wig to wear, but it makes look more like Shaggy from ‘Scooby … Read more