writing stories

writing stories


fireside by which she's seated

and she's rocking in poppa's old chair 

with its comforting aroma of woodsmoke and whiskey

her fingers fret over nylon strings

and she hums a new melody that seems 

somehow familiar as she sings of love and of passion and things

riverside by which he's seated

and he's rocking on an old wooden chair

as woodsmoke drifts aimlessly in the breeze

his fingers strumming a vintage guitar

humming a new melody that seems

somehow familiar as he sings of love and passion and things

unexpectedly their two hearts collide in a crowded room

and somewhere, shrouded in mystery

ink flows upon the gloom of an empty page

forming ethereal patterns on an ancient parchment 

for the very first time they engage

their lips part with words

they converse 

each tells the other that less is said than is heard

and playful spirits tug of war somewhere outside this earth

slender fingers entwine as eyes grow tired 

and each feels a burning desire 

to know the other yet more

for surely this one day is not enough 

lest the other might another love

and heavenly languages continue to scribe

the joy of two dancing spirits 

time after time

turning page after page alive with yearning

as finally hearts and bodies converge

and marriage vows emerge upon yet another empty page 

and tempting me somewhere farther away 

so as not to unsettle the motion

of this most beautiful of days

their book is scarcely begun tho stories continue to unfold

one day to their childrens wide eyed children to be told 

late at night around a campfire with a familiar melody playing 

on old nylon strings as music fills the air and young love sings

and whilst woodsmoke keeps them warm out there

spirits write another chapter of this dear couples book

dare come and have a closer look 

unravel those beautiful mysteries within


For Ruth and Ian with love on their wedding day 23/07/2011


copyright lwm 2011

Where are you?

Where are you?

I could've said I'm sorry

Perhaps a preamble to soften the palette

Yet no sooner shall it be raised to my lips

than I stumble, stutter and trip

and in the end I never say it at all

I miss how things used to be

how easy it seemed when I loved you like no other

and despite the insistent whispering of all these unsaid words

I couldn't have known the dangers of leaving them unheard

I never uttered a single one yet you were like a brother to me

You are my best friend, and my worst enemy

Recklessly I impart the withheld words I’ve clung to so long!

Be still and behold the pain you're imbuing

just stop for a minute and look what you're doing

I don't want to do this but I can't help myself

and now I want to be alone

I wish I could understand

but the hourglass sand is emptied and unspoken

words now stronger, I let go and contain them no longer

God help me

I'm losing my grasp on the leash of my tongue

words spew out like poisoned darts and you're stung

SAY IT!

Now you’re gone

© LWM 2010

Inspired by 'Unsaid Words', 2010 by Sarah J Trigg

www.triggereditions.com

Phrases in italics are taken from the list of unsaid words from the unsaid words art project. 

Welsh 1000m Peaks Race - 2010

Having arrived at the Royal Victoria in Llanberis after a 6 hour drive, waited at the check in desk behind a mile long queue of wedding guests and bemoaned the fact that for once I couldn't wave my Holiday Inn platinum card for attention, I attempted to speed the proceedings by explaining the difference between 'booked in' and 'checked in' to the poor reception clerk who was in a fair muddle. By the time Fran and I finally got to our stifling single bedroom (the only one left at the time of booking) we were starting to wonder whether 'Royal' in the hotel name was somewhat misleading. A bit like the presumptuously named chain of hotels called 'Quality Hotel Such and Such' which you simply wouldn't dare set foot in for fear of contracting some hideous disease from the sticky carpets, nicotine stained walls and the processed sludge served up as a 'continental style breakfast'.

Having realised the only water options in the bathroom were hot or hotter, I popped down to the hotel bar to find some cold water to fill my camelback (the only time it's had a slice of lemon and ice in it) whilst Fran did a spot of bedtime reading of the race rules and regulations, a hefty tome of which I was already familiar from previous years. After a momentary scare when Fran discovered that the use of GPS was banned for the first time, I hastily brushed up on my rusting map reading skills, conducted a quick kit and radio check, and we settled down for the night in rather close proximity.

0600 felt like a lie in after the 0445 starts that Hugh normally demands on such a day to check and double check the contents of his 1st world war backpack and tape his feet with army issue duct tape, not knowing that compeeds have been around for some years now.  That said, Fran had already woken me up at 0300 by inadvertently pouring a jug of cold water and ice over my head from which she was apparently attempting to take a sip in the dark.  Nevertheless, she took pity, made up some peanut butter sarnies and followed our 0645 bus to the start at Aber in time to watch the sending off of the scores of military and early starters at 0730. I collected my dibber (an electronic doobery wotsit that clocks you at each checkpoint) and joined the 27 other Mountaineers for the start, getting a friendly wave off at 0800 from my support team slash wife as we set off for Aber Falls and the first of our four 1000m peaks.

Luckily, with the GPS ban tugging at my nerves, navigation was a piece of cake this year with blazing sunshine and any cloud well above the summits, unlike the biblical storms of 2009. It actually made a surprisingly refreshing change to be technologyless for the day and learn the names of all the peaks I'd been running over for the last few years because rather than being a numbered waypoint or a beep on a handheld gizmo, some kind topographer at ordnance survey had been generous enough to write them on the maps for me.

That said, a new checkpoint at Aryg seemed a little excessive since checkpoints did mean actually using a compass; a device I thought had been resigned to the 20th century and the only one I have being a hand me down from Grandad, most likely his standard army issue. However, this apparently unwelcome checkpoint actually broke up rather nicely the first wild and remote slog upwards between the Bera's and toward the Carnedds and I have to concede, made one feel a small sense of accomplishment fairly early on in the race.

I finally made the first two 1000m peaks of the day - Carnedds Llewelyn and Dafydd, with spectacular views offered to the north and Conwy bay by the fabulously clear weather conditions and started feeling rather pleased with the proceedings.

Onwards and downward toward Ogwen and halfway, I took on and won a brief fight with a deeper than expected patch of marshland part way just to keep things interesting although this did leave me with some nasty cramp... Made halfway a smudge inside 3hr40 and refilled my almost empty 3 litre camelback. Support teams no longer being allowed to park here, Fran instead met me at the campsite at Helyg and came a few hundred yards with me up the most tortuous leg of the race toward Pen y Pass. With the blazing heat and gradients better suited to skiing down than walking up, even the gazelle-like fell runners were slowing down on this stretch and by the time I hit Pen y Pass at 5 hours 52, the fire in my thighs was starting to make me wonder whether my legs would hold out for Snowdon.

As good fortune would have it, Fran was passing the time at Pen y Pass, chatting up an RAF Officer and was all geared up for a clamber up Pyg Track with me. She set a good pace up Snowdon, pushing her way through a colourful array of tourists and their craghopping pets. Despite Fran's wonderful moral support, I moaned, grumbled and stumbled continuously on the way up, cursing at the thought of Ugain presenting another most unwanted challenge to my poor legs before I could head to the finish at Snowdon's summit.

With Fran pausing at the junction between the two peaks, I managed to 'slog up' and 'jog down' Ugain and then back up toward Snowdon although any 'jogging' at this stage was later revealed by some unfortunate photographic evidence as the running motion of the upper body, with relevant heart rate and facial expression, but with the legs disobediently trailing behind at half the speed.

Finally collapsing over the finishing line in 6th position after 7 hours and 58 minutes, 23 gruelling miles, 6500 calories and 8000ft of climb, I was suddenly presented by the beaming face of a friend who couldn't possibly have been at the top of Snowdon at that precise day and hour - none other than the infinitely cheeky Scott and his lovely and significant other, Catherine – an absolutely wonderful surprise to round off an otherwise particularly excruciating day gallivanting around the Snowdonia National Park. Furthermore, somebody had finally gotten round to finishing the summit café refurbishment so we all popped in for a nice hot cuppa before making the 5 mile descent back to Llanberis and a mouthwatering stop at the local fish and chip shop.

Even the Royal Victoria redeemed itself with a right royal breakfast for two the following morning as the rain began to lash furiously down and Fran and I thanked our lucky stars it was all over for another year.

Elevation Profile:

Route Map:

View Welsh 1000m Peaks Race in a larger map

Race Website: http://www.welsh1000m.org/

2010 Results: http://www.welsh1000m.org/RepOverallResultsWithClub.pdf

Mundy Mountain Mayhem

Alpine Antics!

Skate '99

Only 10 years late, but finally, a skateboarding video from the tumblingtumbleweed studios. Featuring Ruth, Nathan, Ralph, Nick, Luke, Duncan. Check out Ruth's double skateboard trick! Enjoy!

Thank y'all - Birthday River Trip to Islip

All,

I'd just like to thank you for braving the dangers of the wild weather, raging river and Ralph's a la carte 'baked, on glowing embers to an unrecognisable black crisp, sweet potatoes', to make my twenty tenth birthday such a good one. Especially, I'd like to thank my lovely wife Fran, who, despite knowing I loathe the thought of surprises, somehow arranged you rowdy lot to secretly crash our supposed romantic riverside weekend.

A little rain Saturday night was no match for Paul's tent which appeared to have been designed as emergency housing for half of Oxfordshire. I don't know why he even bothered with a tent given that the only time he got out of the river all weekend was to get back on the rope swing. Ian, on an apparently sponsored sleepathon, didn't notice the weather either way, despite being camped in a tent half the size of himself from which his feet comically protruded. Ruth couldn't be bothered with a tent at all and instead took the opportunity for a nighttime swim during which she apparently got attacked by a submerged tree monster. Scott kept us all amused by pouring whiskey on the fire and generally playing the fool, although this year he DID refrain from pretending to fall in the river when we were all asleep - I think he was too busy trying to cuddle up to poor Louis who will no doubt be bringing his own tent in future. Rumour has it that Louis' tent resembles a nasa comms outpost but he couldn't bring it because the hydroelectric module is still under construction.

My birthday kayak, from Fran, mum and dad and in law's was duly christened 'Dragonfly'. Being an inflatable, smashing Pete's bottle of champagne against her hull for the occasion was out of the question, so sadly, we had to drink it instead. She was put through her paces by everyone from Fran who forgot the paddle was double ended and subsequently rowed herself around in perpetual circles, to Melissa who failed to grasp the basic exit criteria of maintaining the centre of gravity and promptly pitched herself into the river, to Heather and Ralph who narrowly avoided a domestic working out who was going in the driving seat. Hugh later disappeared on the craft for several hours and was reputedly spotted by the locals racing punts through central Oxford.

Heather and Fran spent the last 6 months baking yummy vegan cakes which was great as I got to blow out candles at least 5 times, but unfortunately, Pete had one slice too many causing the dramatic collapse of his borrowed tesco value camping chair. Carolyn made a cameo appearance to ensure everyone was up to date on the history of absolutely everything for the last 2 years while Esther played musical chairs / logs around the campfire trying to avoid taking up smoking. The too cool for school competition was decided when Joakim and Susy pitched up on Sunday with the most English looking picnic basket I've ever laid eyes on, replete with real cups and plates and wine and all sorts of other goodies. I understand Philip wowed you all with a wonderful poetry recital which lasted the exact half hour that Nick was feebly trying to row me back up the raging torrent of the Cherwell in the kayak, so sadly I missed it; he did bring mighty fine flapjack though so I'll let him off. Lorna took a few lessons in survival from Ralph, such as chopping wood, and went on to lead a successful navy seal style search and rescue mission for her glasses, deposited at the bottom of theriver after a particularly magnificent swing off the rope. Even Billy, Cob and Daisy showed up but promptly disappeared upon discovering what Ralph had cooked them for dinner.

Seriously though, beautiful people, lovely gifts, and much riverside fun, was more than I could have asked for. Thank you all very much for making it so special, to Fran for organising and Ralph and Heather for assisting. If you have any photo's, do email them through. Until next time...

Lxx

Welsh Million Metre Peaks Race: Results

Hoorah, the results are finally out, despite nearly two thirds of entrants dropping out, getting lost in the fog or being airlifted to safety! Apart from that and the mach2 gales and 6 feet of rainfall, we had a great time. The freezing mists of Avalon were out in force everywhere, and sadly my hands were too numb with cold to undo my rucksack, otherwise I would have delighted you all with a photo of D with frost and icicles on his face. Instead, I've attached a photo of me at the finishing line with red flannel shorts....

news: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8087297.stm
results (we're in mountaineers category): http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/crescentcccweb/races/09r1000f.pdf

Also some nice piccies of D being taken to safety ;)

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/TyeNoodle/ThousandMetreRace09#5344276155010734434
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/TyeNoodle/ThousandMetreRace09#5344279544113635314
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/TyeNoodle/ThousandMetreRace09#5344279917819820514
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/TyeNoodle/ThousandMetreRace09#5344279571780604898

After all the fun we had, Ralph's considering entering next year - any other takers?

Welsh Million Metre Peaks Race

Here we go again, weather is scheduled to be downright awful including gales, snow and fog so expect not to see either of us again for several days / weeks. You can see when we finish here: http://www.gorphwysfaclub.org.uk/ click 1000 metre peaks race, and follow links for live finishing. We are both class B / Mountaineers.

Weather details at the met office here: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/loutdoor/mountainsafety/snowdonia/snowdonia_latest_pressure.html although I'd suggest not clicking on it too frequently as there appears to be a direct relationship between clicking the link and worsening the results.

Hazards	Risk	Explanation
Blizzards	Low	Low risk on the mountain peaks above 900 metres during the afternoon and evening.
Heavy snow	Low	Low risk on the mountain peaks above 900 metres during the afternoon and evening.
Storm force winds	No Risk
Gales	Low	Easterly winds expected to gust to as high as 50 mph on exposed ridges and peaks.
Severe chill effect	Low	Significant wind chill expected at higher altitudes.
Persistent and extensive hill fog	Medium	For much of the day above 600 metres, especially across the north and east of the Park.
Thunderstorms	Low	Low risk of isolated lightning in association with heavy rain during the afternoon and evening.
Heavy persistent rain	High	Rain expected to turn increasingly heavy and persistent during the afternoon.

Hope your weekend is more enjoyable than ours! Much love.

Snowborating 2008

Best of our snowboarding 2008. Shot on location in La Plagne, France. Starring Louis, Luke & Scott and a 6 foot snowman. Produced and edited by Luke. Thanks to Fran for assisting with titles!

The George Witch Project

A 2008 boxing day short with Fran and George!

Ticket Refund Request: Response From First Great Western

From: FGW Customer Relations <fgw.feedback@firstgroup.com>
Date: Sun, Mar 9, 2008 at 10:43 AM
Subject: Case Ref: 3853903
To:


First Great Western
Customer Services Team
FREEPOST
SWB40576
Plymouth
PL4 6ZZ

Tel: 08457 000 125
Fax: 08456 008 363
fgwfeedback@firstgroup.com

www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

Ref: 3853903

Dear Mr

Thank you for your email of 6 March. I was very sorry to hear that you missed your train on your journey from Bristol Temple Meads to Henley on 23 February. I know how frustrating this can be but the train doors were locked because we had already started to dispatch the train. We lock the doors about 40 seconds before a train is due to leave, for passenger safety and to avoid delays.

Our Train Manager was following our very strict procedure, as normal. The doors are locked when the platform staff signal that the doors are clear, which they do when the track signal is green and the train has been cleared to leave the platform. Once the doors are locked the platform staff give a second signal to the Train Manager, who tells the driver it's safe to take the train out.

We never send out a train against a red signal, so the doors remain open until the signal goes green. However, once the signals are green the doors stay locked, as it would be dangerous to open them when the train could be sent out at any moment.

Although I am sorry that you could not board your train, I have to point out that it is up to passengers to make sure they are on board before the departure time.

I understand that you are disappointed that you had to purchase another ticket for travel on 23 February as you had missed the service your Advance tickets were valid for. These Advance Purchase tickets have very strict conditions, which allows us to offer them for such a reasonable price.

I regret that one of the conditions of the Advance ticket is that it is only valid on the time of service printed on the ticket and also carries no refund value after purchase and therefore I will be unable to offer you any reimbursement on your ticket. I appreciate that this will be a disappointment to you. I am sorry that you were not aware of this when you purchased your tickets but it is the customer's responsibility to ensure that they are fully aware of the restrictions of their tickets. I also cannot offer you a refund on your full price ticket as we can only offer refunds on unused tickets or if you had to abandon your journey.

I understand that despite planning ahead, buying in advance, choosing an off-peak train, buying a single ticket and being flexible, you were not happy with your journey but, as mentioned before, it is the customer's responsibility to leave enough time to pick up tickets and board the train and also that they are aware of the restrictions of their ticket.

I also note your comments regarding the number of Fast Ticket Machines at the station and I have passed these comments on to the Station Manager. I was very sorry to hear you had such an unusually long wait at Bristol Temple Meads booking office. I realise how frustrating and inconvenient it is to queue when your train is due.

Whilst we aim to avoid queues building up, there are times when we have more customers than usual and the waiting time goes up as well. We're constantly monitoring the number of staff in the booking office and if a queue forms we open extra windows whenever we can. I am sorry we couldn't do this while you were queuing but it isn't always possible, especially when there are no extra staff available.

On this occasion, the service we delivered was not up to our usual high standard, so I will be happy to send you £49.00 in Rail Travel Vouchers to cover the amount you had to pay on the later service. So that I can do this please send your original journey tickets and proof of the excess paid to the above address and quote reference number 3853903.

Once again, I am sorry you missed your train, but I hope I have managed to explain the background clearly for you, and that future journeys with us will be trouble-free.

Thank you for contacting First Great Western.

Yours sincerely


Helen Hall
Customer Services Advisor

FirstInfo Limited, registered in England and Wales
Registration number: 2180352
Registered address: 50 Eastbourne Terrace, Paddington, London, W2 6LX

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First Great Western: Ticket Refund Request

From:

Date: Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 4:10 PM
Subject: Ticket Refund: First Great Western
To: fgwfeedback@firstgroup.com

Re: Ticket Reservation 9CWXHB34

Dear Sir or Madam,

I recently ventured back on to the British railways following a lengthy abstinence after the debacles of 2000 - 2001 which cost all of us so much time, money and lost business. In the meantime, a two year assignment in Switzerland had not only restored my confidence in public transport, but positively won me over to it.

So when a recent opportunity arose for me to put the British system back to the test to attend a friends wedding, I jumped at the chance and purchased a single advance ticket from Bristol Temple Meads to Henley on Thames for 23rd February for a very reasonable £19 on your website. It was with disappointment to find that the system would not allow me to print the newly purchased ticket immediately, but instead that I would have to take my reservation details to the station to obtain a print of the ticket . This in mind, I duly arrived with 15 minutes to spare, but was less than pleased to discover that a mere four self service terminals were available and queues for these, and the main ticket office, extended right back to the doors of the station. Twelve minutes later, tickets finally in hand, I made a quick dash to the platform and with a full forty five seconds still to spare, approached the carriage door and turned the handle, musing that this was a rather novel method for door opening in a 21st century developed nation.

It was at this point that I noticed four or five station guards running at me from both the left and the right, arms flailing and yelling incomprehensibly. Looking around to discover the source of their excitement, it dawned on me that it was I to whom this cacophony was directed, in a somewhat uncivilised attempt to prevent me boarding. Checking the station clock, I pointed at that, with forty seconds to spare, there ought to be no problem allowing me to board but sadly, to no avail. I noticed several other would be passengers who had presumably suffered a similar fate bemoaning this appalling treatment.

One hour's wait later, aboard the next service, I thought that the troubles of the day were over, and in spite of missing my lunch appointment, would still be in time for the wedding. Alas, this illusion was shattered by the ticket collector kindly enlightening me to the fact that my ticket was not valid on this train, having only been valid on the 1030 train for which I had originally booked. Asking to whom I might enter mitigating circumstances, he informed me that I could do so to him, but in spite my best explanation, I was still refused permission to travel on my ticket and was thus relieved of a further £49 in order to be allowed to continue my journey and was not allowed to use my original unused ticket to offset the cost.

Perhaps you would be so kind as to compare the following five points on 'How to get the best value tickets' that you recommend on your website with my own travelling experience described above.

How to get the best value tickets

• Plan ahead.
• Buy in advance.
• Choose to travel on off-peak trains.
• Buy single tickets not returns.
• Try to be flexible as to when you can travel.

Despite planning ahead, buying in advance, choosing to travel on off-peak trains, buying a single ticket AND being flexible with my travel time, I still ended up incurring a total cost of £68 for a one way ticket to Henley on Thames and being an hour later than expected.

Therefore, I would be most greatful if you would refund the £49 costs incurred due to the lack of online ticket printing functionality, the failure of the station operator to provide an efficient ticket printing service, the failure of the guards to allow me on my intended train in spite of my arriving on time and your own lack of flexibility in terms of ticket charging and transfers. A copy of all tickets are attached.

Further Feedback:

Boarding Times:

Nowhere can I find in your website and passengers charter any reference to boarding rules, leaving me even more bemused as to why I was prevented from boarding with a plentiful forty seconds to spare. I kindly request that you would consider making such rules more clear on your website and charter. I am aware that other UK operators request boarding sixty seconds prior to departure and lock the doors thirty seconds prior to departure. A sensible measure which at least prevents guards exerting themselves as they did in my case, and instead allowing them to smugly watch as latecomers try in vain to open the doors.

Self Service:

Furthermore, you will have already noted my displeasure at the meagre assignment of self service machines to such a major station, and I believe it would be in everyone's interest if you took this up with the appropriate persons in an effort to have enough installed to properly service your customers.

Pricing Structure:

Finally, I find it ironic, that in spite of my own flexibility in travel, something you have recommended, you would refuse to be flexible in your own ticketing system regarding transfer to an alternative service. I am riled by the fact that the ticket pricing and booking structure is so complicated. Why should one be penalised by so heavily for failing to make an advance booking? I understand that early sales puts money in the coffers and allows you to plan train capacity, but do such enormously high prices for on the day tickets not suppress the spontaneity of travel by the British public and unfairly hit those without advance booking facilities the hardest?

I look forward to a swift refund of the outstanding sum and an acknowledgement of the feedback provided.

Best Regards,

A Gmail Gmix

A GMail GMix! Our entry for the GMail behind the scenes video.

Thanks to:

Fran: Initial Idea!
Ralph: Cool Acting!
Luke: Director / Camera / Producer.

Audio by Roni Size
Scene 1 Location, Montpelier Train Station, Bristol

Matthew & Katie-Jo's Wedding

Matthew & Katie-Jo's Wedding
Stowe School
17th July 2006

This is the internet cut (10 minutes). All footage is from the original wedding video (35 minutes). Photography and Production by tumblingtumbleweed.

Plym Lodge - B&B woes strike again

The service at this bed and breakfast was as abysmal as the bedroom was bizarre and, along with the appalling breakfast, simply made a mockery of the term B&B. It would be better called an ampersand because both the B's would fall foul of trade descriptions. Avoid.

Upon arrival, we were met, not with a smile or friendly welcome, but by the irritable question 'are you my guests?', as if we might simply have turned up on the doorstep to sell double glazing. This was followed by some story about why, being the last to arrive, and because last weeks guest had put their foot through the bath, we were to be consigned to the basement room with an unfinished bathroom. No apology, and no offer of a reduced board for taking the second rate sleeping quarters.

Although of grandiose proportions, this stark basement bar area turned bedroom lacked any of the usual refinements. Mirrored walls made a vain attempt to make up for the scarcity of natural light, cold white linoleum floor, the remains of a mirror ball on the ceiling and mirrored pillars in the centre of the room left the place looking more like a cheap karaoke bar than a bedroom. At least we didn't fight over the mirror in the morning. The only items of furniture to give an indication that this was actually a sleeping quarter was the musty smelling double bed at the far end of this enormous space and two unmade single beds down the side of the room.

Tea was provided, but no milk, so unless you like it black, you'll have to do without. The tiny television was so far from the bed that extension leads had to be procured to bring it within viewing range. Even then, it was still too far away for the remote control to work. Not that it mattered because it only received two channels and hence, little channel surfing was necessitated. Romantics among you, don't expect too much privacy as the freestanding blind in front of the glass door at the entrance to the basement was far too short, providing a front row seat for any peeping Tom that may be lurking amongst Plympton's locals. The en suite bathroom had a brand new but cheap white suite, and still managed to look tired with broken floor tiles, and unfinished bath tiling. The knobs on the electric shower had been installed incorrectly making it almost impossible to work out how to set properly. Toilet roll was in short supply and non-existent shower gel, shampoo or tissues, left us wishing we'd brought our own.

Vegetarians beware, for when we informed our hostess, she oddly asked if we wanted any breakfast at all. As though abstinence from meat somehow implied that we didn't eat at all. We provided our own veggie sausages for her to cook with our breakfast and let her know we'd be there at 0830. 0830 and she was knocking on our bedroom door to inform us that cooked breakfast was ready. Never mind the fact we might have liked a leisurely cup of tea and bowl of cereal first. We were shown to an untidy dining area and placed at a table pushed into the corner and sat facing the wall like naughty schoolchildren, in spite of the fact there would have been plenty of room to bring the table into the room. Breakfast arrived, lukewarm and covered in cat hair. Stale bread had been poorly disguised by a quick toasting, and what had been our veggie sausages were microwaved to sludge. A request for more orange juice was met by scowls and we left hurriedly.

Having decided to ask for a discount from the quoted £50, I was told upon paying, that it would actually be £60 because we'd only stayed one night and she could have had people in for three nights if it weren't for us. When I refused I was asked if I thought £60 was expensive and I promptly replied that yes, for a substandard accommodation it was expensive, at which our hostess took great offence. We eventually agreed on the originally quoted £50, but it felt like robbery after the nightmare of our one night stay. I've spent 7 years travelling with work, stayed in more B&B's and hotels than you can shake a stick at, and can honestly say, this is the worst....

Thinking in Ink

Thinking in Ink

Could someone write a verse, or could someone write a song,

would you conjure my imagination from hiding where lonesome hearts belong

you may use poetic defamation to invoke but don't provoke me to my face

just revoke these words of silence and I'll reveal my hiding place...

We will then together imagine all the words long gone!

Oh would you write for me a song?

or would you write for me verse?

Solitude sometimes simply

just reflects whatever it heard

And it seems ten thousand years have passed

since someone wrote for me

So I'm losing, its confusing and I can't really see

Blink before I ink my quill

Memories are so distant look so still

in desperation words flow not freely

but in condemnation drip from quill to floor

lost forever,

forever?

then surely will I write no more.

copyright lwm 2007

Mr and Mrs Wedding Ring

1st October 2006

Mr and Mrs Wedding Ring

c/o Mr Luke and Mrs Fran Mundy

Bristol

Dear Sir or Madam,

What an exciting day the twelfth of August was! We were delighted that so many came to show their support. The ceremony was incredibly special and it was such fun meeting all the family and friends afterwards.

That wonderful occasion marked the start of a new chapter for us. The build up to the wedding had been such hustle and bustle what with plans that had to be made, people coming and going and us trying to steady our nerves ready for the big advventure that lay ahead. All that and not to mention Mrs Ring going on and on about whether or not she looked beautiful enough for the day in spite of my continual reassurances that all would be just fine.

And then how quickly the big day flew by! We’d better not mention the night because it would be inappropriate, but let me tell you, it was quite something! Then, before we knew it we were off on honeymoon which we soon found out was to be a fabulous adventure. There was a bit of packing to do, comprising two mountain bikes, one large suitcase into which the wardrobe was hastily emptied and one small, neatly packed affair.

Twenty five minutes to get from Bristol to Folkestone was a tall order even for Master so we didn’t actually get the train to France till the following day. We’d never been to France or Germany before, but to be honest we didn’t see much of them except about four hundred miles of motorway and a lot of grumpy looking folk in toll booths who only let you pass upon production of a suitable plastic card.

Things got a lot more exciting when we realised we’d arrived at the Swiss border. Now for those of you who don’t know, we were born in Switzerland earlier this year after a young gentleman placed an order for a very special trio of rings at a little jeweller in Zurich. We were whisked off special delivery from the goldsmith to the jeweller and on to England as ‘somebody was getting a trifle impatient for a diamond on her finger’. Why that snooty little engagement ring couldn’t have gone ahead without us I’m not sure.

We briefly met this young gentleman at the jeweller who inspected us very closely with a magnifying glass and finally handed over the plastic in exchange for being allowed to take us away with him. He was a rather scruffy looking fellow, shirt hanging out, hair in a mess and I wondered what role he had to play in our future. Little did we know that he would soon be known to us as Master. Next thing we knew, we were under close inspection once again, this time by customs officials in England, whereupon our custodian begrudgingly handed over the plastic once again in order to secure our further passage. Apologies, I digress! So, here we were home in Switzerland again!

The honeymoon was a blur of champagne breakfasts, alpine views, and a good deal of complaining from Master when on his bike that he ‘didn’t do uphill’. These complaints were invariably followed by a gratifying hell for leather descent of some rocky mountain path and back to the chalet for chocolate and more champagne. Master was later to concede that all the hard work was worth it when Mistress took a grand second place on the women’s sport podium of the National Point Mountain Bike Series.

Two weeks on and we were moving in to our new home in Bristol just across the road from the flat where we had spent the last seven months in some dark crevice of Masters desk (regularly to be removed by Mistress when Master wasn’t around so she could try Mrs Ring on for size, again). Our new home was a fair bit bigger and needed a whole lot of work doing on it. Master got told off for spending too much time waving hammers and drills about so it still does need a lot of work for that matter, but we’re getting there.

One evening soon after our return, I helped Master load up the car with a huge pile of presents from his Aunties cottage and I wondered who on earth they could all be for. When we got back to Bristol, Mistress was terribly excited but decided that the wedding presents, as they had turned out to be, should be rationed to ‘a few each evening’. And oh what fun was had for the next week as we all sat amongst piles of wrapping paper and cards and the most wonderful presents you could possibly imagine. There was champagne, picture frames and all sorts of lovely things for the kitchen. Then there were towels, gift vouchers, games and to many more to mention. What a lucky pair Master and Mistress are!

Then along came the photos in the post but Master kept forgetting to bring his laptop computer home so they couldn’t be inspected for some while. Mistress soon saw to it that the laptop was returned and how splendid the pictures turned out to be! You can see for yourselves since we have included a copy of all the pictures which you can play from your DVD player or computer.

Well, you must surely be tired of hearing from us, but we want to thank you all very very much for your kind words, the cards you sent, the contributions you made and the help you gave, the wonderful presents and most importantly, for your presence in the lives of our Master and Mistress. We know that they will be delighted to have you for tea in their new home in Bristol once the house has taken a little more order.

Until then, may God bless you, and don’t forget that, as is inscribed on our insides, ‘His banner over you is love’

Mr (and Mrs) Ring

barefeet dance

barefeet dance

sunbeams scatter autumn leaves

and shadows fall shimmering down

softly humming among the trees

where dragonflies are found

walk with me, come play and dance

whisper wildly in the breeze

rustling carpet amber and green

sleep deep where just the forest sees

would you a passionate melody sing

where only birds have ever sung

would you a prayer of colour bring

before the sunset has begun....

*hugs close*

for you write a melody that no one else can play

would you sing the world a lullaby and please don't go away

your enchanted fingers cause ivories to dance

and i'm already falling before you pass a single glance

captivated this is sacred and does your heart

does it resonate with mine, am I blind or,

or do I see you just in time?

and for all the sadness, all the dances, all the colours

for all the sunsets, all the beauty,

all the melancholy madness

wont you find me in your sadness

tell me beautiful

tell me God

will the sunrise

will the sunrise

over you again?

who brought the cup

the cup of sadness to your table?

how come your pretty eyes shed so many tears?

is your heart not made of gold?

i can search till i am old

but will the rainbows run away...

refracting coloured sorrows

can i follow can i say

can i say just how beautiful you are

can i say just how wonderful you are

you are fearfully, wonderfully made...

your words are engraved so deeply on my soul

your picture painted so vivid on my heart

i feel lost when you are gone

like a verse without a song

and im sorry, i was wrong

can i tell you, dare i say but i'm afraid

and maybe its too late i ought not to contemplate

any longer ill just say that i long for you every day

you are where my treasure is, my desire

my heart can be found right there

and baby i love you

i love you

*plants a kiss on the prettiest lips*

your barefeet run on dewy grass

and pirouette on broken glass

barefeet walk and hold my hand

and barefeet tire in sinking sand

seduced by eyes of deepest green

surely what is seen has been

reflections speak of future peace

yet tears run rivers that shall not cease

and so you write a melody that noone else can play

i see you dancing freely of a lonesome autumn day

i see you pirouette, right there among the trees

singing, lovely, barefoot, upon a bed of fallen leaves

copyright lwm 2005

fine lines

fine lines

eyelids fall gently tired beautiful

and reopen slowly

smoky sorrows drift in reflective patterns

casting a mystery of shadows across your face

could there be a place

behind your eyes

a line somewhere in space

where the heart doesnt lie

and the spirit never cries

would it be possible to fathom

what might become of these cascading visions

cigarrette burns right down and one last breath remains

should i cross the line?

who can say or know for surely this has not been revealed

tripping turning stumbling

dancing free and tears wash away the smoke from my eyes

the line we tread is perfectly formed

and absolutely defined

but once breached is never returned

its burned into my mind

tread the smouldering end into the tar

yearning for something more

barefeet burn

eyesight flickers

and tired weary hands fall by my side

cannot cross over now

these obstacles won over me

had i won or lost

you'd never know the cost

and smoky ashes drift around the dying embers of my hearts desire

copyright lwm 2005

mother

mother 

where flowers dont have time

their petals do not fall

brush your hand over mine

and there the scent of roses

will close over us like a veil

can it ever be fathomed

a mothers love

will it ever be known

the sadness she bears

was there ever a love like this

and dont i know

just a little

and cant i see

just a little

a fragment borrowed

from a stained glasss picture

shattered by a thousand sorrows

do i shed tears

that dont belong to me?

do i weep and cry?

oh how i long for us to see

come and walk until

the mountains meet the clouds

and lakes are found so still

so desperate is my plea

that the silence of the earth

haunts my ears

how can it be

there is a place somewhere

and there will come an hour

where sorrows are laid to rest

and that beautiful picture once lost

is again restored to what is was

and for all the lonesome hours

where kisses and tears were lost

you'll find a thousand flowers

and love without a cost

copyright lwm 2005