@jillsted
Active 3 days, 14 hours ago-
Jill replied to the topic Positivity in the forum Blogs 11 months ago
Athelstone ~ You have sent tingles through me by your kind words and considered and intelligent comments. I well remember all of your contributions of similar ilk. Thank you. There is so much to this subject and I may add more sometime later, but it is a lovely Sunday morning and not too hot as yet and so I will carry on at a gentle pace with w…[Read more]
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Jill posted a new activity comment 11 months ago
Hello, Athelstone. I was a member of Word Cloud from its inception; invited because I had just had a critique from Harry et al. Therefore I saw many writers come and go as well as forming good online relationships with those who stayed long term. It was so beneficial and inspiring and I learned a myriad of writing skills from both the…[Read more]
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Jill started the topic Positivity in the forum Blogs 11 months ago
I have mainly been a half glass full person for all of my lengthy years on this planet, although there have naturally been exceptions otherwise I would not be human. As cancer has struck for a second time in 35 years, I am finding positivity in attitude that the outcome of this treatable, if not curable form is going to be the good prognosis…[Read more]
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Jill, I admire your courage and agree positivity is the strongest medicine in most things. It has carried me through many challenges in life, though as you said, you also have to remember you are human. Keep on keeping on, and I send over positive vibes.
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Thank you, Janette. Lovely to speak with you again and hear that positivity has carried you through many life challenges. Another philosophy I have come across, to paraphrase, is that a crisis can be turned into an opportunity. Maybe a more difff
Thank you, janette for your kind words and positive vibes. Lovely to connect once more and hear…[Read more]
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Jill posted an update 11 months ago
Well! I happened upon this site again by chance after probably 5 years and it has been lovely to remember ‘old’ writing friends and, indeed, read some of my own stuff from so long ago. So I thought I would just pop by to say ‘Hello’ and wish you continued enjoyment on your writing journeys.
I am now 78! and still writing in one way or another…[Read more]
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Mention whatever you want. The Cloud brought many of us together and it was a fabulous start for many, and a nudge on the way for others.
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Hello, Athelstone. I was a member of Word Cloud from its inception; invited because I had just had a critique from Harry et al. Therefore I saw many writers come and go as well as forming good online relationships with those who stayed long term. It was so beneficial and inspiring and I learned a myriad of writing skills from both the…[Read more]
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Hello, Jill. It’s great to hear you are writing again, and I wish you well with your treatment. I agree, we have a lot to be thankful for in Den, that it is a place we can find each other after the closure of Cloud, and carry on with our writing challenges.
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Thank you, Janette. I never really stopped writing something or other for long! For instance, after four or five years of writing a weekly story and sharing it on FaceTime with younger grandson in America, I did have to admit that ideas had dried up! So we went over old ones, but then have found other literary ways of sharing the gift of…[Read more]
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Jill posted an update 5 years, 10 months ago
Congratulations, Squidge. Over to you for the July competition!
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Jill replied to the topic Monthly Competition: June 2020 in the forum Monthly Competition 5 years, 10 months ago
Six great entries and difficult to choose a winner, as although all but one use the theme of Midsummer Madness, each also encompasses Midsummer Magic in the quality of the writing. Diverse interpretations; equal merit.
First, Sandra’s contribution. This promised drama and menace from its opening and I loved the way Sandra’s unique descr…[Read more] -
Jill replied to the topic Monthly Competition: June 2020 in the forum Monthly Competition 5 years, 11 months ago
Gentle reminder – only one week left if you are thinking of entering the June competition. 🙂 Would love to read more of your creations on the theme of Midsummer Magic or Midsummer Madness.
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Jill started the topic Monthly Competition: June 2020 in the forum Monthly Competition 5 years, 11 months ago
It is June and we are approaching Midsummer, so I have chosen the lighthearted theme/title MIDSUMMER MAGIC for the competition to lift our spirits in these difficult times. I feel you should have a choice too and so you may use MIDSUMMER MADNESS as your theme/title instead. Interpret in any way you wish. What is important is to let your…[Read more]
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Jill replied to the topic Monthly comp – May 2020 in the forum Monthly Competition 5 years, 11 months ago
Thank you, Libby – what a lovely surprise to find I am the winner for the interesting topic you set us. Loved the other entries and enjoyed going back down memory lane myself. I have many memories from that happy childhood, but having to focus on the school journey was good writing discipline! Less is more and all that jazz…
Your…[Read more]
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Well done, Jill!
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Jill replied to the topic Monthly comp – May 2020 in the forum Monthly Competition 6 years ago
Down Memory Lane and Beyond
I am nine and today choose to leave for school by our front gate. I step down into Sandy Lane. The tall trees shielding the convent opposite rustle their leaves as though whispering the secrets of a cloistered life. If I walk up the lane to the top road I will pass the allotments with their topiary birds unable to…[Read more] -
Jill replied to the topic Monthly comp – April 2020 in the forum Monthly Competition 6 years ago
Congratulations, Libby. Well deserved – loved all the entries, but something about a mysterious ‘real life yet uncompleted sitter’ becoming a long lasting inspiration tugged at the heartstrings of fellow writers I think.
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Jill posted a new activity comment 6 years, 1 month ago
Very good description of the process, Libby.
And we must not forget the immense power of steam!-
Keep on chuffing 🙂
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Jill posted an update 6 years, 1 month ago
Cogs turning slowly, which is not surprising when we all have so much of concern on our minds. But those cogs are at least turning and not at a standstill, so must thank whoever/whatever for that. Thinking of everyone and hoping all safe and well.
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I know what you mean, Jill, about being glad the cogs are moving even if slowly. I find the whole writing process, and actually the reading one too, is an acceleration of thinking processes followed by a deceleration, often to a dead halt, and then getting going again slowly like an old steam train. And that’s without a pandemic.
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Very good description of the process, Libby.
And we must not forget the immense power of steam!-
Keep on chuffing 🙂
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Jill posted an update 6 years, 1 month ago
Pleased to report that I have actually got around to researching agents and publishers again in order to try my luck once more. I am reminded, though, what a difficult game it is … but, never say never!
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Good luck with it all!
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Thank you, Skylark. 😊
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Jill posted a new activity comment 6 years, 1 month ago
What a delightful picture you paint, Raine. No, I have not seen any swallows yet, but many other birds visit our garden, as we have countryside all around our home. We are a long way from the sea and beaches, but we do have terracotta bowls of such items as you describe in our home – many dating as far back as when we lived in Cyprus! Have a…[Read more]
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Looking out for swallows here. We only moved in in January, so not sure what the avian fauna are like, except there a rooks/ravens plucking twigs from trees and then flying off to build nests, and seagulls doing their squawking thing, and since we started putting food out the sparrows, tits and similar have been very enthusiastic, also the rats…[Read more]
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Yes @raine, What is a sea brick?
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😂 It’s a brick that’s been washed up by the sea so it’s all eroded and smooth. We get a fair few normal ones but a white one was special! Sea tiles are my fav – bits of broken and smoothed ceramic from all sorts of things. Old decorated plates are the best.
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Jill posted an update 6 years, 1 month ago
There is going to be a celestial treat tonight. Moonrise in this area will be 18.53 hours and the best time to see a beautiful Pink Supermoon. I think we can all do with a treat such as this in present circumstances. Enjoy!
From an online site:
‘Are you ready for 2020’s great big perigee-syzygy moon?
That’s the astronomical term for…[Read more]
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Jill posted a new activity comment 6 years, 1 month ago
Hello, Squidge and Jane. I was interested to read how present circumstances are affecting your writing. Like you two, I am keeping busy (and maybe distracted) with the simple things of life and enjoying the slower pace, actually. Not to say there isn’t the general underlying anxiety, but trying to keep hopeful and positive despite all the…[Read more]
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Jill replied to the topic Monthly comp – April 2020 in the forum Monthly Competition 6 years, 1 month ago
A Victorian Writing Box
Crafted in walnut with brass trimmings and lined with deep blue leather, the box is labelled discreetly as being made by Cawston, a portable case maker of 27 Burlington Arcade, Piccadilly. I can only imagine its complete history and wonder whether it might have journeyed with its original owner in fine carriages from…[Read more]
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Jill changed their profile picture 6 years, 1 month ago
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A few quotes I have come across~~ inspiring positivity?
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world”. Mahatma Gandhi
“Happiness is not something ready made, it comes from your own actions”. Dalai Lama
“Every day may not be good, but there’s something good in every day”. Alice Morse Earle
“When you have a dream, you’ve got to grab it an…[Read more]
Not sure where this will appear. Meant for my blog but think I have mis directed it! Hey ho!