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Janette posted an update 1 month, 1 week ago
Apologies again that I have been to busy and distracted to participate in the comps just yet. You may have seen on FB that I have now announced the imminent launch of my book The Indiculous Grace Dunn, along with a cover preview and blurb. I’m hoping to launch by the end of May or early June, depending on how smoothly the readthrough of the proof…[Read more]
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Bella replied to the topic A bit "poorly" in the forum Blogs 1 month, 1 week ago
Bloody Norah! (Sorry, Norah.) I have also just happened upon this. How ghastly and scary. Some aspects are all too familiar to me after a 2 week stint in hospital with evil pneumonia a couple of years ago. It’s surprising what a state we can innocently get into with no idea we are quite so ill until suddenly the ambulance has to be called. I’m…[Read more]
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Athelstone replied to the topic A bit "poorly" in the forum Blogs 1 month, 1 week ago
Thanks for the kind wishes, Jill. I know you’ve had your own burden lately, and I was so pleased to hear things were going well. At the moment, progress is good. I’m not using crutches or a frame now around the house and I can make it upstairs 2 or 3 times a week for a shower, all approved by the health visitors. I still have anaemia and run out…[Read more]
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Terrie replied to the topic Monthly Competition April 2026 in the forum Monthly Competition 1 month, 1 week ago
Jill – this story was woven with the muted grey overtones of something unpleasant being cast off. I enjoyed how you linked the idea of metamorphosis with the prompt word butterfly as well as showing the protagonist dealing with the stages of an abusive relationship and its outcome with quiet strength too. Perceptively written.
Sandra, I loved…[Read more]
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Terrie replied to the topic Monthly Competition April 2026 in the forum Monthly Competition 1 month, 2 weeks ago
Just to remind everyone there are only two days left until the end of the April competion and as there are only two entries so far, both equally as worthy of being chosen as the other, I may have to resort to flipping a coin or standing at midnight by candlelight and chanting one of those weird childhood choosing rhymes ….mid…[Read more]
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Athelstone replied to the topic A bit "poorly" in the forum Blogs 1 month, 2 weeks ago
Thanks for all the kind wishes. Please don’t think me rude that I haven’t responded individually. I still find messaging quite an effort. Your words are very much appreciated.
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RichardB replied to the topic A bit "poorly" in the forum Blogs 1 month, 2 weeks ago
So glad to see you back, Ath – I was beginning to be afraid we never would.
And as it turns out, we nearly didn’t. My God, what a time you’ve had. All my best wishes for your continued recovery, and I do hope that the issue still hanging over you turns out to be not too catastrophic.
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Libby replied to the topic A bit "poorly" in the forum Blogs 1 month, 2 weeks ago
Heavens, Ath! I’m glad you (and Mrs Ath) are now recovering. Thank you for telling us what you’ve been through. Take care and take it easy.
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Seagreen replied to the topic A bit "poorly" in the forum Blogs 1 month, 2 weeks ago
What an experience! I’m just glad you’re home and on the mend. Credit to you for maintaining a positive mindset and to Mrs Ath for being amazing!
Not sure if you know, Ath, but positive feedback for specific nurses ‘Natalie did this, Esme supported me with that’ can be used for their revalidation. Just saying. ☺️
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Thea replied to the topic A bit "poorly" in the forum Blogs 1 month, 2 weeks ago
Oh my goodness, Ath, what a time you’ve had! I am so glad to hear that you were well looked after in the hospital and are now home. Thank goodness for Mrs Ath’s quick thinking!
I hope you are taking things easy and making good progress. It’s great to see you back at the Den. Sending very best wishes for a speedy recovery 🙂
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Athelstone replied to the topic A bit "poorly" in the forum Blogs 1 month, 2 weeks ago
Honestly, nobody wants to get ill and go to hospital, but I don’t regret having met the staff. From the cleaner who I talked to a lot, to the nurses who tirelessly carried horrible pots away without a single complaint, to the consultant who (I now see) was joking/hinting about discharge when she said, ‘We must get this catheter out, unless you use…[Read more]
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Janette replied to the topic A bit "poorly" in the forum Blogs 1 month, 2 weeks ago
Hell, Ath, this is too much for one person to put up with, and must have been (and continues to be) very frightening. I really do hope that the ‘frightening bit’ is treatable, and that you get an upturn in health very soon. Thinking of you loads and sending positive vibes your way.
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Athelstone started the topic A bit "poorly" in the forum Blogs 1 month, 2 weeks ago
So many people have asked, ‘What’s wrong with you’ and ‘Why are you still in hospital?’, (I’m out now) that I thought a small blog might help. Don’t get me wrong, there are many people, including on this site, who have had worse problems, often for longer. But I’ve never been this ill, so I’ll press on.
In the beginning, at the very tail end…[Read more]
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Terrie started the topic Monthly Competition April 2026 in the forum Monthly Competition 2 months, 1 week ago
I decided not to go with the traditional kinds of prompts associated with April and simply picked four words at random that must be included in your comp entry about anything in any genre that inspires your creative preference in 450 words or less.
The four words are :- Portrait Ignite Butterfly & Granite
 …[Read more]
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Terrie replied to the topic Monthly ompetition March 2026 in the forum Monthly Competition 2 months, 1 week ago
Thank you for helping out here Janette, and thank for choosing my offereing as winner. I felt all the entries captured Ath’s remit for this March madness comp so well done Jill, Sandra,Libby and Sea.
The April comp challenge will be posted shortly .
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Libby replied to the topic Monthly ompetition March 2026 in the forum Monthly Competition 2 months, 1 week ago
Congratulations, Terrie! What a wonderful story. Loved it.
Thank you, Janette, for stepping in. Btw does Ath know he doesn’t have to worry about judging?
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Janette replied to the topic Monthly ompetition March 2026 in the forum Monthly Competition 2 months, 1 week ago
Simple, I thought – judge a few stories for the March competition while Ath is out of action (Ath, if you’re reading this, sending BIG healing vibes and willing a speedy recovery). But – what a dilemma to be handed. These are all excellent and worthy to be winners in their own right.
But judge I must, as promised, so here are my thoughts:
Jill -…[Read more]
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Libby replied to the topic Monthly ompetition March 2026 in the forum Monthly Competition 2 months, 1 week ago
Thank you, Janette!
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Libby replied to the topic Monthly ompetition March 2026 in the forum Monthly Competition 2 months, 1 week ago
That’s a great shame. All best wishes to Ath.
How about finding another judge?
Could anyone else reading this be willing to judge the comp? Five delightful entries. Then the winner can set the April comp.
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Seagreen replied to the topic Monthly ompetition March 2026 in the forum Monthly Competition 2 months, 1 week ago
Damn! It messed with my formatting 🙁
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