tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14352476993628713312024-03-05T00:13:36.000-08:00readin,writin 'n ramenfotolithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707211993990153467noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435247699362871331.post-51152361337098089512018-10-27T20:19:00.000-07:002018-10-28T01:28:57.570-07:00Petite Pocket Post Books<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Sometimes when I need to take a break from writing or even thinking about writing, I get out the scissors and glue stick, some magazines and old wrapping paper, a packet of small envelopes, needle and thread and make some petite pocket post books.<br />
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I fold and sew two envelopes together into a little booklet, trim the flaps and set to work with scissors paper and glue.<br />
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Sometimes I tear the paper, sometimes I cut before I collage, sometimes I add text, sometimes I leave it blank, whatever it is I make sure I leave room for the flaps of the envelopes to open to roomy spaces where I can tuck tiny pieces of fine writing paper where you can leave messages to yourself or a dear one, things you perhaps wouldn't normally say.<br />
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I put a picture on my online store, just to show them off really and hey presto I got an order.<br />
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Then I made some more.<br />
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Here's some pictures of the latest lot fresh off the line... <br />
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$9 plus postage</div>
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Order yours now at the <a href="https://writersjourney.bigcartel.com/product/pocket-post-books">Writers Journey Shop </a></div>
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fotolithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707211993990153467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435247699362871331.post-10451392329954759552018-10-08T19:01:00.002-07:002018-10-08T19:53:19.822-07:00Scrap booking — a creative tool for writing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Whenever I start a new writing project the first thing I do is go out and by a large size plain page scrap book or visual diary.<br />
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Just like in primary school I make a frontispiece page with the title of the book and some ilustrations or cut out pics pasted in.<br />
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Then I start adding clippings, images, random ideas, jottings, around the topic and themes of my idea.<br />
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It is a great way to bring colour and texture in and to embrace the creative process especially in the early hunting and gathering stage. <br />
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It is a way also of setting up what I like to call <i>the image field of the story.</i><br />
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Art directors and designers working in film and theatre do it. Why don't we?<br />
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Author <a href="https://www.allenandunwin.com/authors/l/margo-lanagan">Margo Lanagan</a> who attended our Draft Buster workshops in Petersham has taken scrapbooking to another level. She even
set up a special scrap booking table in her writer's studio.<br />
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Have a look <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/margolanagan/sets/72157629280151455/">here</a> at how did this for her novel <a href="https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/books/childrens/young-adult-fiction/Sea-Hearts-Margo-Lanagan-9781742375052">Sea Hearts. </a><br />
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A scrap book is a place you can return to again and again when ever you get stuck or need some fresh ideas to get things moving.<br />
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It is also a fun activity to do with others.<br />
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Spend a few hours with fellow creatives messing around with fabrics, paper, magazine cuttings, images, scissors, glue and create an image field for your next book, short story, poem series, movie/theatre script, event exhibition or life project.<br />
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Use this technique to create settings, develop characters and uncover story subtext. Map a hero's journey or explore the unknown potential of your themes.<br />
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Getting mind out of the way, allow the imagery oyu collect on the pages of your scrapbook to lead you into surprising places and hidden narratives.<br />
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Enjoy a relaxing and effective way to brainstorm, troubleshoot and generate new energy for your work. <br />
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<strong class="markup--strong markup--p-strong">Heading out next</strong></div>
<div class="graf graf--p graf-after--p" id="e9e7" name="e9e7">
November 1–7, 2018. <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="http://www.writersjourney.com.au/journeys/backstage-bali/" href="http://www.writersjourney.com.au/journeys/backstage-bali/" rel="nofollow noopener nofollow noopener nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bali Residency.</a> Seven days just to write! At a beachside hacienda with inhouse mentors and feedback from fellow authors.</div>
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<div class="graf graf--p graf-after--p" id="8a9b" name="8a9b">
March 1–15, 2019. <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="http://www.writersjourney.com.au/journeys/moroccan-caravan/" href="http://www.writersjourney.com.au/journeys/moroccan-caravan/" rel="nofollow noopener nofollow noopener nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Moroccan Caravan</a>,A creative adventure into the heart of Moroccan culture. Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes, Tissardmine. For artists and writers.</div>
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<div class="graf graf--p graf-after--p" id="2793" name="2793">
Oct 6–12, 2019.<a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="http://www.writersjourney.com.au/journeys/haiku-walking-in-japan/" href="http://www.writersjourney.com.au/journeys/haiku-walking-in-japan/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Haiku Walking In Japan,</a>
A haiku walking tour for artists and writers along the sacred Kumano
Kodo Pilgrimage route following ancient trails though deep, forested
valleys in remote countryside.</div>
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<a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="http://www.writersjourney.com.au" href="http://www.writersjourney.com.au/" rel="nofollow noopener nofollow noopener nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.writersjourney.com.au</a></div>
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fotolithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707211993990153467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435247699362871331.post-45508733688180906402018-01-25T21:41:00.003-08:002018-01-25T21:42:19.937-08:00Catherine Rey's previous work.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
From Readings Review of Rey's previous novel Stepping Out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nNgG4kRHpZ6FzyZI0iKhNQB3Ifg8GRbMA4Ei5HRZOBiVKvnCXAJG9-MlpwAVpn00zXFPZVpEagzqRSlB_7ggiqG8v-gf4oxppU_Q1Pu-AxqT5KQgPS5IOvlIn8rPzbUQeA-_WBBQzeg/s1600/Stepping-Out_Catherine-Rey.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1253" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nNgG4kRHpZ6FzyZI0iKhNQB3Ifg8GRbMA4Ei5HRZOBiVKvnCXAJG9-MlpwAVpn00zXFPZVpEagzqRSlB_7ggiqG8v-gf4oxppU_Q1Pu-AxqT5KQgPS5IOvlIn8rPzbUQeA-_WBBQzeg/s320/Stepping-Out_Catherine-Rey.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>
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"The
difference between a novel and autobiography,’ muses the narrator of
this clearly autobiographical novel, ‘[is that] novels are closer to the
truth. They’re full of the confusion, the violence and the hue and cry
of truth.’ This intriguing reflection, in the midst of a ‘novel’ where
the French narrator’s name is the same as the author’s, captures the
elegant, intense, fiery and occasionally philosophical nature of
Stepping Out.<br />
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Catherine runs away just two months before she turns 18, giving up
everything for her married lover, a house painter. The two key
relationships in this novel are with Marco, the lover, and Catherine’s
brilliant, acerbic, deeply narcissistic mother, who left her with her
grandparents at three weeks old, and has flitted in and out of her life
ever since. But just as important is Catherine’s devotion to her
writing. Rey reminds me of her fellow European Sybille Bedford, who also
wrote evocative autobiographical novels about her eccentric family. She
explores class, literature, family and feminism; all woven into a
compelling story that interrogates the changing social mores of 1960s
France. "<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDh4o5Xdd1YXR0j7Ojc7OQ0Fp4MrxZ8QHyCifoAu3j3x_MWf4T3T4GD7-vknbjXqhDkmcPlBwzt1eqpzdP4XYfUq-JjRIv5N729rQnQc0ZHi_wFkFEwkWm1Ccc540xyEBQhrsdt9E5Kw/s1600/The-Spruikers-Tale_Catherine-Rey.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1253" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDh4o5Xdd1YXR0j7Ojc7OQ0Fp4MrxZ8QHyCifoAu3j3x_MWf4T3T4GD7-vknbjXqhDkmcPlBwzt1eqpzdP4XYfUq-JjRIv5N729rQnQc0ZHi_wFkFEwkWm1Ccc540xyEBQhrsdt9E5Kw/s320/The-Spruikers-Tale_Catherine-Rey.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>
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Abstract from <a href="http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14484528.2017.1364176">Life Writing Journal </a><br />
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In the Asia-Pacific region, literature is plurilingual. Even Australian
literature is not necessarily written in English. There are several
contemporary Australian authors who write in languages other than
English and many who write in various English<i>es</i>. This article
examines one such example by analysing the life writing of Catherine
Rey. It focuses upon the self-reinvention that this French author
performed by migrating to Australia in mid-life. Focusing on the
first-person narrative <i>Une femme en marche</i> (2007) and drawing
comparisons with self-reflexive essays by this author, the article
teases out the contrasts between Rey’s representation of France and
Australia as spaces for literary creation. It then interrogates how Rey
reinvents herself through linguistic play within her life writing. Using
theories of ‘translanguaging’, the article analyses the ways in which
this author blends French and English to probe the gaps in languages, to
nuance literary representation and to create new linguistic forms to
express her self-narrative.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTFsPxpZ56Rz_WiwWalC5argCU3WUgkhJXBd8JOZ-uhs2TlBLyC45RN0o7GXrMFA-ymEHCWXacboy38PmYnUL9X2Jc0rk7FBkBd2BjcHaLSexwQ9bbUd5ZU_c4aGW5PVf9QRHm1rXLZM/s1600/Catherine-Rey-Bio-800x1299-631x1024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="631" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTFsPxpZ56Rz_WiwWalC5argCU3WUgkhJXBd8JOZ-uhs2TlBLyC45RN0o7GXrMFA-ymEHCWXacboy38PmYnUL9X2Jc0rk7FBkBd2BjcHaLSexwQ9bbUd5ZU_c4aGW5PVf9QRHm1rXLZM/s320/Catherine-Rey-Bio-800x1299-631x1024.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
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fotolithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707211993990153467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435247699362871331.post-32426275605097758662018-01-21T02:32:00.000-08:002018-03-01T15:32:07.945-08:00New novel by French Australian writer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
French Australian author Catherine Rey launches her new novel in Feb 2018!<br />
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<br />
Catherine Rey was born near La Rochelle in France. At the age of 41 she
left her job as a schoolteacher and moved to Perth where the
grandparents who raised her had earlier lived for 20 years. <br />
<br />
In 2005 she received a PhD from the University of Western
Australia for her dissertation on the adoption of French as a literary
language by the Eastern European writers Emil Cioran, Milan Kundera and
Andrei Makine. She has taught at the University of Western Australia and
Edith Cowan University and was a fellow at Western Sydney University in the Writers and Society Research Centre.<br />
<br />
Rey's novels include include <i>L'ami intime</i>, <i>Les jours heureux</i>, <i>Eloge de l'oubli</i>, <i>Lucy comme les chiens</i>, and <i>Ce que racontait Jones</i>, which was shortlisted for the Prix Femina and the Prix Renaudot, and published in Australia as <i>The Spruiker's Tale</i> in 2005. <i>Une femme en marche</i>, was published in Australia by Giramondo as <i>Stepping Out</i>
in 2008.<br />
<br />
Her first English language novel <i>The Lovers</i> <i></i>will be launched on Feb 27 at Potts Point Bookshop.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<i>The Lovers</i> is an arresting tale, a mystery with a slow burn
tension, which revolves around the disappearance of Lucie Bruyère. The
novel unveils the truth about her charismatic yet subtly controlling
partner, the world-famous artist Ernest Renfield. The suspenseful story,
both police investigation and multi-voiced Rashomon, ends in a dramatic
and powerful illumination.<br />
<br />
Michelle de Kretser says: “I found <i>The Lovers</i> utterly compelling. This impeccably
crafted novel told from multiple perspectives offers the page-turning
suspense of a mystery while resisting easy resolution. It is ultimately a
meditation on making art: the cost it exacts and the solace it brings.”<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is my review:<br />
<br />
Catherine Rey's gripping mystery unfolds in true Durassienne style. Like the novel and play <i>L'Amante Anglaise,</i> written in the late sixties by the French writer Marguerite Duras, the action of<i> The Lovers</i> hinges on an interrogation, only in this instance we never see or hear the interrogator voice.<br />
<br />
After a party in a country house near Sydney, a French woman, Lucie Bruyère is missing. Over time as each character reveals themselves to the investigator Officer Lawson, the reader gets to play detective. But it's not just forensic evidence that is of interest in this case but potent themes of the hostile family, the migrant outsider, cultural landscapes, language, music, art, philosophy and more. So much so that clues to our own struggles and failings and the traps of our own lives are revealed.<br />
<br />
The inspiration for the novel, Rey told me, comes from the Magritte painting The Lovers, which
represents two heads embracing, each covered with a white
shroud, and the question of who is behind the curtain. <br />
<br />
Having lived in Australia for almost 20 years this is Rey's first novel to be written in English. To my mind the title <i>The Lovers,</i> also tips its hat to Marguerite Duras' famous novel <i>The Lover</i> reminding us of the rich French literary lineage Rey hails from and how fortunate we are to have an author of her calibre in our midst.<br />
<br />
Read more about Catherine Rey's other work <a href="http://ramenwriting.blogspot.com.au/2018/01/catherine-reys-prevoius-work.html">here. </a><br />
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fotolithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707211993990153467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435247699362871331.post-10174617341563202932017-05-29T20:18:00.002-07:002017-05-29T20:18:44.561-07:00To rent: Writer's House in Bali July - Oct 2017<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My friend Bob has a wonderful house in Bali perfect for a writer in need of peace and seclusion. </div>
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WRITER'S HOUSE</div>
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What: Rustic, secluded split level bungalow with ocean view at a cool 1,000ft altitude on the east coast of Bali. Suit writer or artist<br /><br />When: From end of June to end of October, 2017.</div>
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Rent: $280aud per week<br /><br />FEATURES:<br /><br />The two-bedroom house is completely furnished, fast Internet, sound system. All alone between villages and hidden by trees, facing southwest on 1600 m2 of tropical jungle, coconuts, clove trees and bananas, this is a place to escape into for months of relaxation and peace. <br /><br />Two fish ponds host highly competitive resident frog choirs as well as visiting kingfishers, herons, swamp hens and other unspecified wildlife. There is also a guest house with upper and lower bedrooms and bathroom. The main house has a study, fully equipped kitchen, three terraces, car port. It is tranquilly isolated but with bitumen road access. The descent to Klungkung Market takes 10 minutes and Sanur/Denpasar, Padangbai and Kintamani, are 30 minutes away. No traffic to speak of, it is the ideal place for anyone seeking a ‘real’ Bali living experience.<br /><br />CONDITIONS:</div>
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It is not to be used as a homestay or for any other commercial purpose and Hindu-Bali observances are to be respected at all times.<br /><br />This rental period of four months can be extended for at least a year (with a possibility of even longer should you fall in love with it!) <br /><br /><br />For information, inspection, additional photographs, contact: Bali: HP 081934359190. Email: <hobmanbob1@gmail.com></div>
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fotolithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707211993990153467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435247699362871331.post-32048167321743475522016-11-16T21:36:00.004-08:002016-12-13T13:12:44.501-08:00Japan Train Haibun<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Our country
train barrels along<span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif";">;</span> at the helm our train driver in his captain’s hat
and white cloves, sound<span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif";">s</span> the horn — waarp waaarp. It feels like a toy train,
like we are in the land of Noddy as we rock from side to side, charge along the
clickety<span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif";">-</span>clack tracks, pull into a toy station in a toy town<span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif";">;</span> neat toy houses
with green trimmed topiary in each tiny front yard.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">
</span><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">rush of steel</span></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">
</span><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">bowing as we
pass</span></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">
</span><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">persimmon tree</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">
</span><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Through a dark
tunnel then out into the light again, cutting a path through dry rice paddies
lying fallow since harvest <span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif";">time</span>. At the edge of the rice fields, houses,
buildings, habitation. A bell rings, an announcement comes over, the driver
waves his white-gloved hands<span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif";"> then</span> is still again. A fit looking Japanese couple
in pom pom hats rise from seats lin<span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif";">i<span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif";">ng</span></span> the carriage walls, clipping back
pack buckles, unfolding their hiking sticks, getting ready to alight. A
grey haired man in a lime green ski jacket stretches his legs, flexes his feet,
then saunters to the door. A smiling middle aged couple across from me share
some snacks from the convenience store — rice balls and seaweed<span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif";">-</span>wrapped misubi.
Our trains stops, doors open, people get off but no one gets on. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">
</span><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">at Chinoseki, a
long wait</span></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">
</span><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">haiku writers
all in a row</span></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif";">with</span> hot knees</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">
</span><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Air
rushes in, a train arrives at the next platform, people get off and scuttle
away, some cross the platform to our train, this must be the reason for the wait. An elderly
Japanese business man carrying his black business bag, a short Japanese lady in
a black quilted hat, girl in leopard skin boots. In the drivers cabin, a change
of drivers. A young woman in stewardess hat, white gloves, neat navy skirt
and jacket uniform, <span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif";">takes the reigns</span><span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif";">, sitting still as a mouse </span> await<span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif";">ing</span></span> the green signal. The
former driver, stand<span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif";">s at white att<span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif";">en<span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif";">tion</span></span> next to her</span>,<span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif";"> his</span> solemn expressio<span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif";">n</span>, star<span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif";">ing</span> ahead. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">passing his
gravestone every day </span></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">
</span><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the train
driver’s daughter</span></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: "" "times" "" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">keeps her promise </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">(c) Jan Cornall, Japan, Nov 2016.</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">
</span><br />
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
</div>
fotolithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707211993990153467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435247699362871331.post-62755803539849158752016-10-31T17:17:00.001-07:002016-12-12T19:44:51.726-08:00Haiku jottings, Japan, Autumn 2016.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Works in progress, Tokyo.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
spring behind<br />
<div>
autumn ahead</div>
<div>
Tokyo bound</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
out the airplane window</div>
<div>
cities of clouds</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
out the airplane window</div>
<div>
the Sistine Chapel</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
down below — </div>
<div>
the sea has</div>
<div>
stretchmarks</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
scary cloud monsters <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">on parade</span></div>
<div>
—all fluff</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
on the plane</div>
<div>
I rub noses with</div>
<div>
plumes of cloud</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
a lifetime of self doubt</div>
<div>
erased</div>
<div>
in a haiku moment</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
to be mid <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">haiku </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">in</span> the final moment—</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">ah...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">forgoing the movie</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">in favour of</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span>the view</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">the porch light turns off</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">setting sun</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
disembarking</div>
<div>
everyone on their screens</div>
<div>
my pen in a notebook</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
night train into Tokyo</div>
<div>
down side streets</div>
<div>
—Bladerunner</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
at the hotel</div>
<div>
the security guard and his </div>
<div>
samurai pose</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
silent streets</div>
<div>
thunder rolls</div>
<div>
my suitcase wheels</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
in the city centre</div>
<div>
a pin drops</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
a sudden brigade </div>
<div>
of see-through umbrellas</div>
<div>
Tokyo rain</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
late autumn moon </div>
<div>
businessmen with small black bags</div>
<div>
wind their way <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">home</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">practicing his golf swing</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">while</span> he waits</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">white</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> umbrella</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
muted tones of Tokyo fashion</div>
<div>
my red raincoat </div>
<div>
too red</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
at Zojoji temple</div>
<div>
red wool caps <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">warm the heads</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">of unborn babes</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">at the fish market</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">bright red </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">SUCKERS</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">just one anomaly in this squeaky clean city</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">what's that bad smell?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">oh, laughs Akira</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">the ginkgo tree is dropping its seeds</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">smell, not so good</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">but taste, </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">delicious</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">just one bad smell in this squeaky clean city</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">the ginkgo tree </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">dropping its seeds</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">night worries wake me</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">the ginko tree drops its seeds</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">anxious thoughts wake me from the dead</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">but what good fortune!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I am still alive</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">writing </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">something</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I exist</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">autumn rain</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Tokyo streets</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">sirens call</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">dog yelping in the rain</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">my squeaky shoes</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">silent streets</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">autumn rains</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">my squeaky shoes</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">in the subway</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Basho's skylark</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">from the speaker in the metro</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Basho's skylark</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">birdsong in the subway</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">the Emperor's nightingale</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">reading Murakami on the train </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">a sleeping man falls </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">into my lap</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">workmen sleep in their van</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">dream engine running</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Tokyo Tower </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">you could see Mt Fuji</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">except for the smog</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">travelling again</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">bringing too much</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">then buying more</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">stuff</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">on my way to the Emperor's Palace</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">pull a muscle in my glute</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">too busy jotting</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">a walking haiku</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">no jaywalking in Tokyo city</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">we wait and wait </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">finally green</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">in the business district</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">crows carry </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">small black bags</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">salary men and their black bags</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">what's inside?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">lunch?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">two men up a ladder </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">trim a giant</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">bonsai</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">approaching the Emperor's moat</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I'm in </span>Mandalay </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">her majesty on the<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> pal<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">ace</span></span> moat</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">a white swan</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
outside the closed palace gate</div>
<div>
so many tourists, yet somehow</div>
<div>
peace</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
at the Emperor's eastern gate</div>
<div>
a Chinese tourist<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> hums</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">a lively folk tune</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">at the eastern palace gate, a Japanese toddler sings:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">London Bridge is falling down</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">my fair lady</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
the chalk sign outside the Kukyomon gate says:</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">t</span>he guided tours of the Imperial Palace, </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">will not be held today</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">due to the other activities of the </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Imperial household</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">o</span>h</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">at the next table </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">eight Japanese beauties</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">unusually tall</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">in Harajuku street</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">how do you know<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> if</span> schoolgirls are really </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">schoolgirls?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">behind the clouds</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">a melon moon</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">the softness of </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Tokyo faces</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">two old school mates, </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">fresh from chemo </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">could be </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">two </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">wise monks</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">except for their </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">jaunty hats</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
to be continued...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
fotolithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707211993990153467noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435247699362871331.post-21170683296491634382016-05-07T20:17:00.002-07:002016-05-31T20:45:23.587-07:00Lonely Writer and other new songs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A new song, dedicated to all the lonely writers in the world!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgJ7DDIEDhzMhZ5VjY5BMFW6ZMB_cDW2OGRzAAEAfre9Yop9L7MZnly0rOZJuwcRwbHSilrFH6W_-qI2Q7i0iVYle4Kjp4Ub8-8KFYIKUJ1bCEKW-GxR7trq_cyYSK5DAC5Yvz2PjoTs/s1600/Ailsa+desert+writer+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgJ7DDIEDhzMhZ5VjY5BMFW6ZMB_cDW2OGRzAAEAfre9Yop9L7MZnly0rOZJuwcRwbHSilrFH6W_-qI2Q7i0iVYle4Kjp4Ub8-8KFYIKUJ1bCEKW-GxR7trq_cyYSK5DAC5Yvz2PjoTs/s320/Ailsa+desert+writer+crop.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US">Lonely Writer</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I don’t go out no more</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">No one comes to knock my door</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Can’t remember who last I saw</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Cos I’m a lonely writer</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I don’t frequent late night bars</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Don't get into stranger’s cars</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I may as well live on Mars</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Cos I’m a lonely writer</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I don’t have a social plan</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Try to catch me if you can</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Write to me if you’re a fan</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Cos I’m a lonely writer</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Lonely writers work on their books</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">They skulk about in quiet nooks</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Take lonely strolls and lonely walks</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Have no time for small talk</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Lonely Writer</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I don’t have no time to dance</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Or get in other peoples pants</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Time is precious, can’t take the chance</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Cos I’m a lonely writer</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I must think and ruminate</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">For inspiration cannot wait</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Must hit the desk at half past eight</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Cos I’m a lonely writer</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I don’t go for dinners out</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Or to the pub for a shout</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I’m a loner there’s no doubt</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Cos I’m a lonely writer</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">At the writer’s festival, you would never
know</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">See the lonely writers, all in a row</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Witty, charming, erudite</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We will party on all night</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Drinking, drugging, swapping beds </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Climbing in each other’s heads</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Take the opportunity</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Cos next week again, we’ll all be </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Lonely writers</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Lonely writers</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Lonely writers</span></div>
<br />
<br />
(c) Jan Cornall 2016<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_L97Hr9L8j1YXsCwb2iwpT0hpZaGWPyf9vu4_QOuGPhbqwZTmp5GnbTG2W_p1WN7vsyKUU3yBy40kKgcQgqLfbYFMnb7fY4Dg6TJ2dbZ_wFq1-r73Wv5JYCMgtb1DDrul5CW0a3hUP4/s1600/Jan+Mike+Stand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_L97Hr9L8j1YXsCwb2iwpT0hpZaGWPyf9vu4_QOuGPhbqwZTmp5GnbTG2W_p1WN7vsyKUU3yBy40kKgcQgqLfbYFMnb7fY4Dg6TJ2dbZ_wFq1-r73Wv5JYCMgtb1DDrul5CW0a3hUP4/s320/Jan+Mike+Stand.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Rock Star</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">When I was young, I had the notion</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">My life wouldn't be just a drop in the
ocean</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I would do something grand, I would do
something great</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">But now I wonder have I left it too late</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">To be a rockstar, have a fancy car</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Even tho’ I cannot drive, I would surely
feel alive </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">As a rockstar</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">As I got older I did a few things</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Got my name in the paper, did a few gigs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Got a few laughs, in clubs after dark</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Then I knew how I would make my mark</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I’d be a stand up / comedienne</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I would show the world</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">How to love a funny girl</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be a
stand up/ comedienne</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Well I did a few shows</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Went on the road</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">With Wendy and Gretel, we got our names
known</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Then I had babies, one, two, three</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Then I discovered the real me</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I’d be a writer, a famous novelist</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">At the writers festivals</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I’d be on the top ten list</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A famous author</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Now I’m retired from aspiration</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I’m wondering about the future I’m facing</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Thinkin’, thank god I ain’t known across
the nation</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Cos I’m free to enjoy my ruminating</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I don’t feel sad, don’t feel bereft</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Cos I know there is still something left</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I’m a singer, and I sing my songs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I invite my friends to sing along</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I’m free to sing the blues </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Or whatever the hell I choose</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">( Wild vocal improv)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Yeah I’m a rock star</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I don’t need a fancy car</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I’m happy not to drive </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Cos I have a happy life!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rockstar!</span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxntnyO_qIY2D_Yn_AUmwP0Jj90SNmwbJHITlLnqMq1GqZHmbkFmhq0q0zAepwUyTIR067d6GvHxBq7dtxt7YowSuLqkPYk1YDVtE7t-tYk1P5uNUq5KIIQTTEihWKogRmD0QqkOtcz0/s1600/20160423_173908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxntnyO_qIY2D_Yn_AUmwP0Jj90SNmwbJHITlLnqMq1GqZHmbkFmhq0q0zAepwUyTIR067d6GvHxBq7dtxt7YowSuLqkPYk1YDVtE7t-tYk1P5uNUq5KIIQTTEihWKogRmD0QqkOtcz0/s320/20160423_173908.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">Floozy</span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">I met a guy, he
caught my eye</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">I really couldn’t
pass him by</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">He liked me too,
we start talk</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">Upon the street,
we start to walk</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">I like his voice,
I like his style</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">We laugh a lot, I
like his smile</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">It feels so good
to find a man</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">Who listens well,
who understands</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">There’s something
tho’ I cannot place</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">There’s some look
upon his face</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">His glances all
about the room</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">I see the others
start to swoon</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">Then I get it, then
I know</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">I will have to let
him go</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">Cos he’s a floozy</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">A real doozy</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">He doesn’t mean to
hurt</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">He pushes through
me </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">To get to the
other floozy </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">And leaves me in
the dirt</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">He flirts with
boys, he flirts with girls</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">He loves old
ladies wearing pearls</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">He’ll charm your
dog, he’ll charm your cat</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">Won’t care if
you’re thin or fat</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">He does not
discriminate</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">There’s nobody
that he hates</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">Cos he’s a floozy etc.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">He loves the
waiter, loves the cook</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">The waitress in a
quiet nook</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">The bank teller,
supermarket chick</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">Loves anyone who
gives him schtick</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">Policeman,
landlord, boring friend</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">He’ll invite them
round again</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">Cos he’s a floozy etc.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">I met a guy, he
caught my eye</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">I really couldn’t
pass him by</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">He liked me too,
we start talk</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">Upon the street,
we start to walk</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">I like his voice,
I like his style</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">We laugh a lot, I
like his smile</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">It feels so good
to find a man</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">Who listens well,
who understands</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">and yet there's one thing that I know </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">I will have to let him go</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">Cos he’s a floozy,
a real floozy</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">He’s a charmer,
he’s a flirt</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">He doesn’t mean to
hurt</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">He gives you such
attention</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">In the moment that
you’re with him</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">When he’s gone all
is forgiven</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">Such a floozy! </span></span><br />
<br />
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> (c) Jan Cornall 2016</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
fotolithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707211993990153467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435247699362871331.post-41951045796208318442016-04-30T00:10:00.001-07:002016-04-30T00:57:29.822-07:00Cornball Comax<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A long, long time ago, when I lived in Eugene, Oregon, when I had lots of time on my hands, I started drawing comics. I kept them all in an artist diary and luckily I still have them today. Here is the beginning of one of them...<br />
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(Click on the pic for more detail, esp bottom frames which are a bit dim).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYRAiiTJLKG74stcVz7pVM2u-lCE5BDdj-ULD9yAE_fG0YpzcBrDV9FY2nAIa5Icc72Yds_l0PWo9iVGi5TSJ6pHfSj-RrfGYs4cE_dgwfn0jDXbMFd0DLiC8UR4DGwTdm6zbjAxjnBs/s1600/Comax+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYRAiiTJLKG74stcVz7pVM2u-lCE5BDdj-ULD9yAE_fG0YpzcBrDV9FY2nAIa5Icc72Yds_l0PWo9iVGi5TSJ6pHfSj-RrfGYs4cE_dgwfn0jDXbMFd0DLiC8UR4DGwTdm6zbjAxjnBs/s320/Comax+2.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQ5UGrAa1OB5U_UKEpdekfda_Z-qXUi7CdlZ1Sv45g2U7diN6OSuiPbOO1zVr4wSBklCJPXrciXxiehddzgTtPu52GuybY6papRBeRBi9Le4H1x96b6rLh1cpRcvpcCIvC0WJCD0RaVE/s1600/Jan+Comax+page+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQ5UGrAa1OB5U_UKEpdekfda_Z-qXUi7CdlZ1Sv45g2U7diN6OSuiPbOO1zVr4wSBklCJPXrciXxiehddzgTtPu52GuybY6papRBeRBi9Le4H1x96b6rLh1cpRcvpcCIvC0WJCD0RaVE/s320/Jan+Comax+page+3.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7mat5QT_0knzXwtXXvSTdowfczc5fmSuelRJzej-CZgWPNqmYNNJIXbR-r7Cg4F0bxtIelNkB77UM3wdvSA25gNKVr8Vqu0Jebs7w6bC4hJji6CNZ8VzPb_GhuauVm2Pixsjxe8TU4Q/s1600/Jan+Comax+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7mat5QT_0knzXwtXXvSTdowfczc5fmSuelRJzej-CZgWPNqmYNNJIXbR-r7Cg4F0bxtIelNkB77UM3wdvSA25gNKVr8Vqu0Jebs7w6bC4hJji6CNZ8VzPb_GhuauVm2Pixsjxe8TU4Q/s320/Jan+Comax+4.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYENW5Xw9QOYzF62HpTZEMnrx9u47AgJZd-BUnaNKGPpDEFOMUYRImst0RsYFaW0RuS1ZoluGtcu6ACp0TabcilVR0GU2gtz4DYWd_iYSKnWVj6IfdzRt6ir_I1S6__KrFy-7_oRyFLDo/s1600/Comax+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYENW5Xw9QOYzF62HpTZEMnrx9u47AgJZd-BUnaNKGPpDEFOMUYRImst0RsYFaW0RuS1ZoluGtcu6ACp0TabcilVR0GU2gtz4DYWd_iYSKnWVj6IfdzRt6ir_I1S6__KrFy-7_oRyFLDo/s320/Comax+5.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
to be continued...<br />
<br />
meanwhile, for the real thing, check out the comix of Louie Joyce, son of Cornball, <a href="http://www.louiejoyce.com/">here.</a><br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
(c) Jan Cornall 1975</div>
fotolithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707211993990153467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435247699362871331.post-20486700077169954362015-09-20T23:59:00.000-07:002015-09-27T19:40:29.745-07:00Meeting Bhutan Writers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On our 10 day Journey to Bhutan we we had the great privilege of meeting Bhutanese writers and teachers and hearing their work. Some of the writers we met: Pema Gyaltsen, Chador Wangmo, Karma Norbu, Namgay Wangmo, Karma Wangchuck, Ugyen Tshomo. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here are some pics from those happy meetings.<br />
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fotolithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707211993990153467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435247699362871331.post-9786139079370565822015-09-18T19:28:00.000-07:002015-10-11T21:47:59.869-07:00Taktsang moments<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table class="infobox vcard"><tbody>
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<span lang="EN-US">A pair of butterfly wings</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">pressed into the mud</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US">yellow on black</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US">a common speckling </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"> a hundred and eight passing feet</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"> will flatten
them further </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">'sinners' on the way up</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">'enlightened' on the way down</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"> all bodes well for an auspicious rebirth</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"> perhaps next life, a Bhutan Glory </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"></span></span>(Bhutan Glory<i>, Bhutanitis ludlowi </i>is the national butterfly of Bhutan<i>)</i></div>
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***<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Step by step</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">hand in hand</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">the lovers climb</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"> </span><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US">140 years </span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US">between them</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">their romance just three years new</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US">Beside the path</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US">a young fern </span><span lang="EN-US">uncoils</span><span lang="EN-US"> </span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US">tender-green fronds </span></div>
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***</div>
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<span lang="EN-US">At the dinner table </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">the bassoon player from Hong Kong town</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">plays a soulful tune</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">we recognize uncertain notes</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US">In his poems, questions of dharma</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">and great devotion to the master</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US">Before our Takstang hike, he says</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">"there’s nectar at the top</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">bring a plastic bottle"</span></div>
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***</div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Up here the air is thin</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">breathing laboured </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">the going is slow</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">But don’t despair,</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">there is a Gentleman Walter</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to
hold your hand over the rocks </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">and through the mud</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">It may take a while </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">but Guru Rinpoche can wait all day</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">and blessings for Gentleman Walters</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">are infinite.</span></div>
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***<br />
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<span lang="EN-US">Horses descend the muddy<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>track </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">embroidered saddle cloths flapping</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"> </span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"> free</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US"> (from western bottoms)</span></div>
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***<br />
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<span lang="EN-US">At dinner in our hotel</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">the American travel journalist couldn’t
believe his luck:</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">fourteen writers to tell his story to</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">(again and again and again)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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***</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Entering the Taktsang Gate</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">the chock, chock, chok </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">of an axe on wood</span><br />
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Excited voices from the teahouse</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I think of Japan</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">a place I have never been</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In the teahouse restroom queue</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">a Polish girl: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">flouro-pink singlet</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">flouro-pink nails </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The Japanese girl in front</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">fills a flouro-pink bucket</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">ready to flush</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A worker carrying steel rods </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">flies up the steep muddy track</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">bottle green board shorts and a jaunty hat</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">music playing on his phone</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I feel like dancing dangdut</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">(Dangdut, the popular music of Indonesia has Hindustani, Malay and Arabic influences)</span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Halfway up</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">my arms begin to tingle</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">the prick of a thousand tiny diamonds on my
skin</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Altitude sickness? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">No, a tinkling light rain</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">or perhaps a splash from the water fall </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">near Yeshe Tsogyal’s meditation cave.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***</div>
</th>
<td><br /></td>
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<td><br /></td>
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<th scope="row"><style>
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<span lang="EN-US">No gadgets allowed in Tigers Nest</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">no phones, cameras, I Pads, I Pods,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">even our notebooks and pens, we must leave
in the locker</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The policeman checks us before we enter</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Earlier, between frisks</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I heard him sing under his breath</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">a low sonorous mantra </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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***</div>
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<span lang="EN-US">In the small gonpa of Guru Rinpoche’s cave</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">thirteen monks and their lama </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">chant a long life puja for the Royal
Grandmother</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US">They will go all day, one of the monks
tells me in between breaths</span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Where are you from? How long will you stay?
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he wants to know</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Are you Kagyu? I ask </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">No, Nyingma, he replies</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Me too, I tell him with a grin</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Out come the long horns and cymbals to join
the low beating of the drums</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A wild primordial punctuation before they
speed their up chant double time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Butter lamps flicker wildly</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">the water offerings shimmer</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In front of the altar </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">a flock of flies air-circling</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in
a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>merry dance</span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<th scope="row">(C) Jan Cornall, September, Bhutan 2015</th>
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<tr>
<th scope="row"><br />
<a href="http://ramenwriting.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/writing-from-bhutan.html"><br /></a>
<a href="http://ramenwriting.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/writing-from-bhutan.html">Read more writing from westerners in Bhutan here</a></th>
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<th scope="row"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Jan Cornall leads international writer's workshops and retreats. Find out more at <a href="http://www.writersjourney.com.au/">www.writersjourney.com.au</a><a href="http://www.writersjourney.com.au/">http://www.writersjourney.com.au/</a><br />
<br />
Heading out next <br />
<span style="color: white;"></span><a href="http://www.writersjourney.com.au/journeys/moroccan-caravan/">Morocan Caravan, Feb 20 - Mar 5.</a><br />
</span></span><br />
<br />
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fotolithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707211993990153467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435247699362871331.post-83086780904969569812015-09-15T18:28:00.003-07:002015-10-10T16:55:58.302-07:00Writing from Bhutan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In Aug/Sept 2015, I led a group of writers on a ten day <a href="http://www.writersjourney.com.au/journeys/bookish-in-bhutan/">Creative in Bhutan </a>adventure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyoawm7K8gbO2YJ7Co67TXlQQM6eGW6VTGFFOiv9FxZQORmtSXq9mMaLRuQtENYVN055iGWXloE8beBIX7A9kfEwesTrTyLUP8WwWwjHll04gkZgIDt4szNDwKkFD_bbT-uH3w0RNysxA/s1600/IMG_2270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyoawm7K8gbO2YJ7Co67TXlQQM6eGW6VTGFFOiv9FxZQORmtSXq9mMaLRuQtENYVN055iGWXloE8beBIX7A9kfEwesTrTyLUP8WwWwjHll04gkZgIDt4szNDwKkFD_bbT-uH3w0RNysxA/s320/IMG_2270.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
They were a talented bunch including a number of pubished writers artists and professionals, and during our workshops they penned some wonderful pieces, either about Bhutan or for their current creative project. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZTwxeXz_OCleLXvoMQMT1aDBr1RTaG3LNKja6GQuT7JeDTAXfuflQzr5xgtx_r8GR5CtwDPuzzv88vYPrYQzYGiZxQ1LZH-wfYux1ebWMp2MDAkscudfNoRKRCi21b6Bsj8eMo6wiKQ/s1600/20150902_182312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZTwxeXz_OCleLXvoMQMT1aDBr1RTaG3LNKja6GQuT7JeDTAXfuflQzr5xgtx_r8GR5CtwDPuzzv88vYPrYQzYGiZxQ1LZH-wfYux1ebWMp2MDAkscudfNoRKRCi21b6Bsj8eMo6wiKQ/s320/20150902_182312.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We also met with Bhutanese writers in Thimphu, Punakha and Paro. This
was a great privilege for us and deepened our experience of Bhutan
immeasurably. Some of the writers we met: Pema Gyaltsen, Chador Wangmo, Karma Norbu, Namgay Wangmo, Karma Wangchuck, Ugyen Tshomo. <a href="http://ramenwriting.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/meeting-bhutan-writers.html">See pics here.</a><br />
<br />
Pema Gyaltsen and Chador Wangmo are children's authors. Chador has also written a moving novel: <i>La Ama, A Mother's Call.</i> Norbu Karma's powerful novel is called <i>Opening in the Wall</i>. Ugyen Thsomo's poems are published in an anthology called <i>Life's Tapestry.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNY20MFPc_BFSg-sKQpXGDSNWzO-6Rkyh4dt2FKWH5Lgkc3-A6wXIO7ADt43LHok33JAXJ4b8zzIbPosm2516cwDOO_8JDQ0Bj03hRsgsZAsSwD011lhsztAfhCm4wI87XFAPnpfBqWps/s1600/IMG_3170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNY20MFPc_BFSg-sKQpXGDSNWzO-6Rkyh4dt2FKWH5Lgkc3-A6wXIO7ADt43LHok33JAXJ4b8zzIbPosm2516cwDOO_8JDQ0Bj03hRsgsZAsSwD011lhsztAfhCm4wI87XFAPnpfBqWps/s320/IMG_3170.JPG" width="320" /></a></i></div>
<br />
<br />
Below are some writings from our group.<br />
<a href="http://www.carolinejosephs.com.au/index.html"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.carolinejosephs.com.au/index.html"><b>From Caroline Josephs</b></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Bhutan Smiles</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Smiling faces –</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">in the kinder-</span></span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">garten of a Thimpu School.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">a memory</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> cherished, of a boy -</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> five years old </span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">reminding me,</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> of my own</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> grandson.</span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Stocky,</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> confident.</span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Bending down</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> I ask him, “Can you say,</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> ‘hello’ in English?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Instantly, he</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> slaps his forehead</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> with his hand!</span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">It makes me laugh -</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> to see this gesture of perplexity. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">In another classroom</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> introduced by a teacher. </span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">“Hello grandpa!”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> a young boy calls, to </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Donald.</span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">We laugh, and</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> marvel at his courage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">This,</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> a family familiar</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> greeting.</span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The teenagers,</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> shy students. </span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Jan asks, ‘Who</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> likes to write?’</span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Just one boy</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> raises his hand. </span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">His face a map,</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> unperturbed beauty,</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> calm. </span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I search the</span></span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">untroubled countenance</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> for a clue -</span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">his story, yet</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> to be written. </span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">‘You will be</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> a writer,’ says Jan.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">At the teachings,</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, renowned.</span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I turn, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>catch</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> the eye of a young beauty</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> sitting behind. </span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">She smiles. I</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> wink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">And something</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> warms….between us</span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">a curiosity, a</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> wish to know each other’s</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> lives, </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">with her hand</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> needleworked,</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">on the sash- yellow, red</span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">around her</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> shoulders.</span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">In the Paro</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> market, </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I ask a young</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> man, ‘Do you speak English?’</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Shyly, he answers,</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">and before long </span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I know his favourite</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> subject -- ‘World History’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">“Wonderful,”</span></span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I say. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">“You
know Bhutan is unique</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> in all the world - Gross National</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> Happiness.”</span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">He is fifteen,</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> at school. </span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">His sister</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> comes to join in.</span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Her English</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> bubbles forth, together, they</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> laugh as I take their</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> picture. </span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Somehow, it</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> feels an unequal exchange,</span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I am</span></span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>regretful I can’t send it</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> to them. </span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Their</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> smiling faces, their laughter --</span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">as we buy</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> bananas from</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> them.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">(c) Caroline Josephs 2015. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Caroline Josephs is an artist, writer, storyteller and more.</b> <a href="http://www.carolinejosephs.com.au/index.html">See Carolines Blog here.</a></span></span> </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.peterbishopbooks.com/"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.peterbishopbooks.com/"><b>From Peter Bishop</b></a><br />
<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Road Up</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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The road up is worse</div>
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Than I remember it</div>
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On the way down.</div>
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Plumblines of string</div>
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Stretch over hundred foot drops,</div>
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Marking where a concrete retaining wall</div>
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Will be one day.</div>
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But for now there is just</div>
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The precipice.</div>
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And rolling along that crumbling edge</div>
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Is our bus.</div>
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And I am on the outside seat,</div>
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Drawn through the open window by the suck</div>
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Of that
vertiginous cliff.</div>
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We stop on a high bend,</div>
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Jungle dripping at the edge,</div>
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For a segregated comfort stop.</div>
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Beware of leeches, says Tensin,</div>
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They will measure you.</div>
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And I have visions of inchworms</div>
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Measuring
forbidden marigolds.</div>
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The pass is buried in cloud again,</div>
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The stupas blind as before.</div>
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But we are already gathering speed</div>
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Down the treacherous slope</div>
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That will snap the rope</div>
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Which binds us to each other,</div>
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And Bhutan.</div>
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I think the jolt of that parting will tear</div>
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more than my
flesh.</div>
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<br /></div>
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</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A single dove</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">A single dove</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">In the pines beyond my balcony</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Is offering
love</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">In the only way she knows.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I don’t know how to respond,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">But then I
never did.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">And she can’t wait</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Long enough for me</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>To
work it out.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">When I look up</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">She is gone.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">You’d think
I’d learn.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">And I am left with rice fields</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Choosing gold over green.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Even
the rice</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Has no time to wait.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">While the scarecrows and I</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Do
nothing.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">(c) Peter Bishop 2015</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Peter
Bishop</b> <b>(seventy-nine years old) is a wagyu farmer and an award winning
shortstory writer. Recently he has turned his pen to poetry. </b><a href="http://www.peterbishopbooks.com/">See his website here.</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.ellenmaling.blogspot.com.au/2015_09_01_archive.html"><br /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">
<a href="http://www.ellenmaling.blogspot.com.au/2015_09_01_archive.html">
</a></span></span><a href="http://www.ellenmaling.blogspot.com.au/2015_09_01_archive.html"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.ellenmaling.blogspot.com.au/2015_09_01_archive.html"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.ellenmaling.blogspot.com.au/2015_09_01_archive.html"><b>From Ellen Maling</b></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVyR2YxL50TSYcGIb32LPdrISWXlnjvVFPwdxS0KlqBbJOYuYIONZb39T6M9Jq9ODPzqVm57AeetuQI6SilDqcGggX5l2Ktn-8xZMDHkCLTloHA8Lt26McKLv7yr5b_Jw930JWZ8CB04/s1600/IMG_3026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVyR2YxL50TSYcGIb32LPdrISWXlnjvVFPwdxS0KlqBbJOYuYIONZb39T6M9Jq9ODPzqVm57AeetuQI6SilDqcGggX5l2Ktn-8xZMDHkCLTloHA8Lt26McKLv7yr5b_Jw930JWZ8CB04/s320/IMG_3026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Ellen Maling lives and works in Cambodia. She writes regularly on her blog Ball 'n' Chain.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Read her post about Bhutan <a href="http://www.ellenmaling.blogspot.com.au/2015_09_01_archive.html">here.</a></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<a href="http://jancornallportfolio.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/about-jan-cornall.html">From Jan Cornall</a><br />
<br />
Taktsang Moments<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">At the dinner table </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">the bassoon player from Hong Kong town</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">plays a soulful tune</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">we recognize uncertain notes</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In his poems, questions of dharma</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">and great devotion to the master</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Before our Takstang hike, he says</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">there’s nectar at the top,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">bring a plastic bottle</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Halfway up</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">my arms begin to tingle</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">the prick of a thousand tiny diamonds on my
skin</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Altitude sickness? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">No, a tinkling light rain</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">or perhaps a splash from the water fall </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">near Yeshe Tsogyal’s meditation cave.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Entering the Taktsang Gate</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">the chock, chock, chok </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">of an axe on wood</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Excited voices from the teahouse</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I think of Japan</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">a place I have never been</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US">*** </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In the teahouse restroom queue</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">a Polish girl: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">flouro-pink singlet</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">flouro-pink nails </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The Japanese girl in front</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">fills a flouro-pink bucket</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">ready to flush</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> ***</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">No gadgets allowed in Tigers Nest</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">no phones, cameras, I Pads, I Pods,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">even our notebooks and pens, we must leave
in the locker</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The policeman checks us before we enter</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Earlier, between frisks</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I heard him sing under his breath</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">a low sonorous mantra </span></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-US"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<a href="http://ramenwriting.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/taktsang-poems.html">Read more Taktsang moments from Jan here </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6ireiRpxkcYiipo-GJaElpvrK6gA3knbW4gIZP7cE67em2tVrn1o0W-Kre8ClA6_Qh6ol9l2poLWIxufD-g2Phzr0gLwWpq18H3ud5VEga47Idpf_Yf-aMdJ-kNl22CffGd1GH2-W6Q/s1600/IMG_2476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6ireiRpxkcYiipo-GJaElpvrK6gA3knbW4gIZP7cE67em2tVrn1o0W-Kre8ClA6_Qh6ol9l2poLWIxufD-g2Phzr0gLwWpq18H3ud5VEga47Idpf_Yf-aMdJ-kNl22CffGd1GH2-W6Q/s320/IMG_2476.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donald (right) and the gang trying out roadside cheese.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
From Donald Yates<br />
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<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thimpu – 29
August 2015</b><br />
<br />
We glimpse the Himalayas<br />
as we drop in to Bhutan<br />
at an elevation of Kosciusko<br />
<br />
Swaying dizzy on chains<br />
over energy of mountain stream<br />
all the way from the Himalayas<br />
Whiteness frothy fearfulness<br />
Dare I go across for the thrill of it?<br />
Could I put a canoe in it and survive?<br />
Remember the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb<br />
Don’t focus on the water<br />
<br />
Mica in schist<br />
glittering microcosm<br />
of the twenty one grand mountains<br />
three times higher than Kosciusko<br />
and almost as high as Everest<br />
I’m gasping<br />
The steepness sapping my energy<br />
even in the saunter around the strangeness<br />
of thick snouted animals with fur<br />
seemingly set with tight curlers<br />
Strangeness then familiarity<br />
as a domestic goat nuzzles my leg.<br />
<br />
The warmth of the rain; the feeling of Asia<br />
Amazement that buildings would perch on such steep slopes<br />
Anachronism amongst the squalor of the streets<br />
where dogs exhausted from night time barking<br />
sleep under the verandah out of the rain<br />
opposite the GPO<br />
Where the garuda gargoyle projects from the chorten roof<br />
where traditional buildings house phone and computer shops<br />
<br />
Pleasure of getting lost<br />
asking our way back to Phuntsho Pelri Hotel<br />
Boys willing to help<br />
Woman with no English (Carolina and I with three Dongcha words)<br />
guiding us back<br />
Warmth of her hand clasp<br />
joy in her eyes<br />
as we arrive safely.<br />
<br />
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<b>Punakha – 2 September
2015</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Window glimpse</div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
man in shorts</div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
tee shirt – no gho</div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
squishes by in
flip-flops</div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
carrying water
filled </div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
red plastic bucket </div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Mist hovering warm</div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
over river hurrying
brownly </div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
and orderly </div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
three metres below.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Such a flow </div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
in the Hunter River </div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
would break its
banks </div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
to fill the
floodplain</div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
and drown Singleton.</div>
<br />
<b>Retired engineer, Donald Yates has performed his poems in slams in
Chicago and NewYork. He is currently working on his mother's biography.</b><br />
<br />
From Jennifer Mackenzie<b></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>
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</b><br />
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<br /></div>
<b>
</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I CANNOT SING BUT </span></b></div>
<b>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
1.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I cannot sing but </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">that day at Rishikesh </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">spent among the sadhus</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">lined up on the roadway </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">standing on one leg </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">or wound by snakes </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">or matted, chalked, in</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">meditation </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">later as evening fell </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">on the banks of the river </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">the Ganga flowing wide & high</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">a wedding party on a</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">gaudy boat </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">sailed past in fairy-light </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">splendour </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">that day, sitting there </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">notes came to my throat </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">clear as a bell</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">singing into the rushing </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">water, into the </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">kettle of chai</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">resting on the table </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> 11.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">in the same year </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">walking through forest</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">in autumn </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">the Kroller-Muller museum </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">at its heart </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">the deliriously red leaves </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">were singing </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and I?</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.baliadvertiser.biz/articles/siapa/2012/jennifer_mackenzie.html"><br /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.baliadvertiser.biz/articles/siapa/2012/jennifer_mackenzie.html">Jennifer Mackenzie</a> is a renowned Australian poet. Her long poem, Borobodur, is first published by Lontar. <a href="http://mascarareview.com/stephen-atkinson-reviews-borobudur-by-jennifer-mackenzie/">Read about it here</a></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">More writing to come!</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/writersjourney/albums/72157658432577705">More pics here</a><br />
<br />
<br />
We will visit Bhutan again in August 2016 to attend the Mountain Echoes
Literary Festival and explore the valleys we didn't get to this time. <a href="http://www.writersjourney.com.au/journeys/bookish-in-bhutan/">All details here.</a><br />
<br />
Jan Cornall leads international writer's workshops and retreats. Find out more at <a href="http://www.writersjourney.com.au/">www.writersjourney.com.au</a><a href="http://www.writersjourney.com.au/">http://www.writersjourney.com.au/</a><br />
<br />
Heading out next <br />
<span style="color: white;"></span><a href="http://www.writersjourney.com.au/journeys/moroccan-caravan/">Morocan Caravan, Feb 20 - Mar 5.</a><br />
</span></span><br />
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<div class="Body">
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fotolithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707211993990153467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435247699362871331.post-71036938566591328962015-06-24T00:42:00.003-07:002015-06-29T01:32:54.510-07:00Room <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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</style><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">You
arrive in a room in a foreign country, the one that is next on your list. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">You
saw an ad, made an application, got some funding and hey presto,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">h</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">ere
you are, a writer on a writer's residency in Istanbul.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPv2oeyYYPJW8rGXGR_iams9HCUEY0T9vV0R6p6pZbH8GpdKZYRfkER6pEiVZoJBMbB-6Q-mXLtbDWkWmqNL9VJa_jzAFDlMj5lxvWiuJEE072pTXBHWxfNE1oL2HhojgbGz1Zp3I07a0/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPv2oeyYYPJW8rGXGR_iams9HCUEY0T9vV0R6p6pZbH8GpdKZYRfkER6pEiVZoJBMbB-6Q-mXLtbDWkWmqNL9VJa_jzAFDlMj5lxvWiuJEE072pTXBHWxfNE1oL2HhojgbGz1Zp3I07a0/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
</div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">You
sit in your room in a foreign country, you get out all your notebooks, your
electronic writing pad and make a start. You have an idea already, you made some
notes on the plane. You
sit in your room in a foreign country and all is going well.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">You
sit in a room in the foreign country of Turkey (it's obviously not foreign to
them), the sunlight shines in through the quaint wedding tulle curtains and you
listen to the sounds of the neighbourhood: cars revving, men yelling, children
shouting, music blaring...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">but you don't mind, you are a writer on a residency in a room in a foreign country
and you soak it all in.</span></div>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxmemYuu8mQx3ZeHYfjjEmhyt85f3LOlhVxAjAjMaGErsIu0VmcWsd7wY7XFiRmYqKnHomfdq5Rs_wa89V7oLLvrEvahQh6vYZiyzNoqBX94swjvRFIJcU838rX1qdc3ED90j_-pGmTQ/s1600/tulle+n+bed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxmemYuu8mQx3ZeHYfjjEmhyt85f3LOlhVxAjAjMaGErsIu0VmcWsd7wY7XFiRmYqKnHomfdq5Rs_wa89V7oLLvrEvahQh6vYZiyzNoqBX94swjvRFIJcU838rX1qdc3ED90j_-pGmTQ/s320/tulle+n+bed.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"> </span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">You've
done this before, you make a habit of landing in rooms in foreign countries
like Morocco, Indonesia, Vietnam, Burma, India, in foreign towns like Sefrou,
Essouira, Ubud, Jakarta, Jogja, Hoi An, Rangoon, Pondicherry (you are sure to
have forgotten a few).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">You
relish the fantasy of time to write; just you and the desk, no distractions,
except for afternoon sortees into the local culture to bring home some crackers
and laughing cow cheese.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEoEevAx3RSAMyebNZGoivKsUFJOaGs7ALGoFX0lmkKmskHp9yI3cBG_3IESk1DTGQGyxSXeENLlUKZ9KTdNCt0hx9xijrMN1YMxB0EFY4KUNraflICCMkvaVXH21eXxbTsyN41rNPDk/s1600/writers+desk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEoEevAx3RSAMyebNZGoivKsUFJOaGs7ALGoFX0lmkKmskHp9yI3cBG_3IESk1DTGQGyxSXeENLlUKZ9KTdNCt0hx9xijrMN1YMxB0EFY4KUNraflICCMkvaVXH21eXxbTsyN41rNPDk/s320/writers+desk.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"> </span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">You
sit in a room in a foreign country and you realise you are addicted to this
room landing, this culture hopping, and that it's probably because of all the
years you <i>didn't</i> travel when the kids were little and the complications of life
that followed, but now you are making up for it, and you want to arrive in all
the rooms in all the foreign countries of the world, before the seas start to
rise, before the jet fuel runs out, before the calamities of the world make it safer
to stay at home, or until you feel too old to do it anymore.</span></div>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJzrvc4tB1jdQmqpiV7r8gj06JwogUHRzAlIgwF_uPEKnm6wE8fhglrfUl6Z0KXTyX7nzonDyfBxOLdFEhPdhrEsz_CQVe5UREdNtt5t3kuw4zRHj0fxkvIeHpeu0_moKb_Fd6jUOPjs/s1600/building+g+vine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJzrvc4tB1jdQmqpiV7r8gj06JwogUHRzAlIgwF_uPEKnm6wE8fhglrfUl6Z0KXTyX7nzonDyfBxOLdFEhPdhrEsz_CQVe5UREdNtt5t3kuw4zRHj0fxkvIeHpeu0_moKb_Fd6jUOPjs/s320/building+g+vine.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">You
sit in a room in a foreign country and you are in a rush, because not only do
you want to see the sights of this new town, you also want to write. So
you make a plan: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">6am
yoga, 6.30 am meditate, 7 - 9 am write, 9am light breakfast, 9.15 am write
until 1pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(No internet or SMS except in
emergency) 1 - 1.30 pm lunch, 1.30 - 4.30 pm sightseeing, 5 pm back to the
desk, edits, rewrites, 7 pm light snack, 7.30 to 10 pm related reading, 10.30
sleep. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">You
announce your intentions on Facebook, get a few likes, a few admiring comments;
it's good for the ego, good for the spirit, good to have a cheering squad,
every writer needs one.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyebKrEVNRyBoLzJWRIomrMSpqQQNofFAS2pEEgwjXA1AWSvF-vScunYcCT0wYf2tZ2rMf4hyphenhyphen-7vpc4Fcm7pWxLgMzX7frAtnuN4Ad7IS_1FD5dYhaheKCnv9eGp5_HMPIyR2dzEKc_ME/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyebKrEVNRyBoLzJWRIomrMSpqQQNofFAS2pEEgwjXA1AWSvF-vScunYcCT0wYf2tZ2rMf4hyphenhyphen-7vpc4Fcm7pWxLgMzX7frAtnuN4Ad7IS_1FD5dYhaheKCnv9eGp5_HMPIyR2dzEKc_ME/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"> You
sit in a room in a foreign country called Turkey, in a city called Istanbul and
your chair is wobbly and too low for your desk, your back is beginning to ache
but it doesn't bother you because you are on a roll. You go at it like a
madwoman, typing everything you wrote on the plane and adding more, wortking late into the night. It's a new
novel or maybe a collection of linked stories, your Turkish story will be
Chapter One.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_wsLCorMElNKEVfIwAYT7bYOF5Uv2hyg9SOUxg8uAl0DSFghScl8AcJnKO5yMYai8hT5CLMxSQMXtdQeKFS2AyKhQYlhy92DvTAGD3_vuNW3FlyDwRG0VkF1BdEHdUwKzAWxICefqrg/s1600/night+bdg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_wsLCorMElNKEVfIwAYT7bYOF5Uv2hyg9SOUxg8uAl0DSFghScl8AcJnKO5yMYai8hT5CLMxSQMXtdQeKFS2AyKhQYlhy92DvTAGD3_vuNW3FlyDwRG0VkF1BdEHdUwKzAWxICefqrg/s320/night+bdg.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">You
sit in a room on a writer’s residency in a town called Istanbul and you are
very pleased with your progress, all is going well,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"> until... </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">You wake up in your room in a foreign country and decide everything you have written is
crap. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Overnight all your doubts and demons have come out to
play.Your fancy plan with your fancy writers goals and fancy writers routine
all goes to shit.</span></div>
</div>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZP5HOnOwrQtCrJqEg0Wm4EqB9WNEyVMAno3rYx6TJuoxI0k0C2VcIP96mjZrxeFLktnp9rC-S7qjV5r_CINLtT2nmgHW-9_DmvlAaGhliFhEZoamZI_wr1MG10vzjrxXJChQByVQN2o/s1600/adbc6323f639d4187e456f06654b640b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZP5HOnOwrQtCrJqEg0Wm4EqB9WNEyVMAno3rYx6TJuoxI0k0C2VcIP96mjZrxeFLktnp9rC-S7qjV5r_CINLtT2nmgHW-9_DmvlAaGhliFhEZoamZI_wr1MG10vzjrxXJChQByVQN2o/s320/adbc6323f639d4187e456f06654b640b.jpg" width="171" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">The room you loved with its views onto the nineteenth century
cobbled street, with its charming nineteenth century apartment buildings with their
fleur-de-lis motifs on the lintels, suddenly feels like a prison. The
noise on the street is not charming either. A man outside a cafe is yelling
into his phone, a group of men are in the middle of the street having an
argument, a truck is stuck in a small lane trying to back out, men are shouting
directions and banging on its metal sides, a loud doof-doof beat starts up in a
cafe down the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">You
leave your room in the district of </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Beyoğlu in the city of Istanbul in the
country of Turkey and you walk the streets trying to keep your cool, trying not
be upset, trying to pretend you are not an outsider,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>not a blow in, not one of those writers' in
residence who arrive in foreign countries all over the world to sit in a room
and write their great works.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEwdMVbk1GOMxTRZCBPdxjIHaTtwEZGZsyCeWN56VhV56a6n40bEGzPl8AW95appz9LSuelhFvYf3QB2CNpq5JbnypeZ9TjzjBJpCq9GtsEAhiC_AOld2-OEo4yZ1jddAvVdyBH1vXAE/s1600/IMG_7989-540x405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEwdMVbk1GOMxTRZCBPdxjIHaTtwEZGZsyCeWN56VhV56a6n40bEGzPl8AW95appz9LSuelhFvYf3QB2CNpq5JbnypeZ9TjzjBJpCq9GtsEAhiC_AOld2-OEo4yZ1jddAvVdyBH1vXAE/s320/IMG_7989-540x405.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">But
you can't pretend as you walk the streets of this too-cool-to-be-true district
of </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Beyoğlu with its vintage stores and antique shops and groovy hole-in-the
wall cafés and restos where boho chic creatives are having important meetings
about important projects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You want to
let them know you are a creative too, that you would be very interested to hear
all their ideas and do you mind if I sit nearby? But you don't have the hutzpah
and you walk on by and with the of scent of loneliness on your tail. You grab a
few groceries, a few litres of bottled water (a weeks supply at least) and
crawl back to your room. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQg7XUppmeDtain9MC3XpdFMRXrTv-S5uMn9GoVoNd1BU7HwIKFp3DLZbSj9YpEgocMuM4oSCH5AZtDqTPWcW46sbrK9fIyKFWMgoj57RzW8hOGoOb1rU8oPqJo51IZud4qaqjEG_Wlj8/s1600/Flower+st+view+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQg7XUppmeDtain9MC3XpdFMRXrTv-S5uMn9GoVoNd1BU7HwIKFp3DLZbSj9YpEgocMuM4oSCH5AZtDqTPWcW46sbrK9fIyKFWMgoj57RzW8hOGoOb1rU8oPqJo51IZud4qaqjEG_Wlj8/s320/Flower+st+view+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">You
sit in your room in a foreign country and feel so relieved that you are
not out on the street feeling like a self conscious teenager, a stranger in a
strange land, a foreigner abroad...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">and your room becomes your haven, your little
retreat, and when you go to the bathroom, you remember how you have always wanted to live in a house with such exquisite tessellations of tiles, like those you have seen in Laos and Morocco. You love </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">the wedding tulle curtains on the windows and the noise out on the
street, somehow now it feels like home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">You sit down at your desk in your room in a foreign country and pick up your
pen and think, maybe you can throw out everything you wrote so far and make a
fresh start, maybe you can just open up a fresh page and <i>really</i> settle down to
write. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">You
sit in your writer’s room in a faraway country and so far so good. The new
direction is much better than the old one, more immediate, more compelling and
more importantly, <i>more you</i>. The sun floods in through the wedding tulle
curtains and you feel at peace.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYIT04uVdqH6JFTb7aNw21g8ADzgmdM7Oc85nrIFsba1xP6AlPLmEUyIHWRoiEgrto8R3A0NvNP5RH1QVNo79JFmqhoTDzG1BwCKi5hZwTeTSAX8r6DlNU-ETbafyxjsG8ZeBiGW2G5U/s1600/Room+bed+n+desk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYIT04uVdqH6JFTb7aNw21g8ADzgmdM7Oc85nrIFsba1xP6AlPLmEUyIHWRoiEgrto8R3A0NvNP5RH1QVNo79JFmqhoTDzG1BwCKi5hZwTeTSAX8r6DlNU-ETbafyxjsG8ZeBiGW2G5U/s320/Room+bed+n+desk.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">You
sit in your room on a writer’s residency in a foreign country called Turkey, in
a city called Istanbul in the super cool district of </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Beyoğlu and REPEAT THIS ROUTINE several times until one morning it occurs to you: how can you write
about a city that carries on its dance of life without you? </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYcNm6sRlXUw-1gdeg8tn7BsoX5Zrrhcn0RQBiVIka4XbHAOE41xy404zy0o_GhhGcQUqKG5ai05yGCxvzmfzubrTtvY_OJOtUmUTjkOmtWxaqkihVfW6RhG5BlqtqAYX2xqG2bbagJw/s1600/flower+flaf+st+view2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYcNm6sRlXUw-1gdeg8tn7BsoX5Zrrhcn0RQBiVIka4XbHAOE41xy404zy0o_GhhGcQUqKG5ai05yGCxvzmfzubrTtvY_OJOtUmUTjkOmtWxaqkihVfW6RhG5BlqtqAYX2xqG2bbagJw/s320/flower+flaf+st+view2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">So
you decide to down pens and head out on the streets of Istanbul to breath in
its moody grey skies, its cobbled lanes, with its scrawny stray cats and large
stray dogs, its tiny cafés, Burek and kebab, roast chestnuts and corn... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">You
climb the steep windy streets leading to the Istiklal crowds, with its ding
donging trams, window dripping baklava, bell-ringing-spoon-clattering ice cream
sellers, broken accordion gypsy kids, red haired folk singers, fake South
American buskers, pepper spray police...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmnOHObcL5tqBLPx0IEz_URi7lW5HJGSjIaDtLNmMu58waZUA9chcY4Fsi33vthoDNs7tKPam0aLRPp5nxWszQBbGhuJ44NAqz-rzjLOhon89ZG9MFvu92BMnYi2QHyey3Bi5ByXAjww/s1600/Baklava.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmnOHObcL5tqBLPx0IEz_URi7lW5HJGSjIaDtLNmMu58waZUA9chcY4Fsi33vthoDNs7tKPam0aLRPp5nxWszQBbGhuJ44NAqz-rzjLOhon89ZG9MFvu92BMnYi2QHyey3Bi5ByXAjww/s320/Baklava.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">You
wind your way downhill to Galata tower, past music shops filled with ouds and
tambourines, hand drums and flutes and musos jamming on Anatolian riffs, past
orange juice vendors and trinket stalls and you arrive at the Bosphorous blue
water, with its dolphins leaping, its fishermen casting, its ferries
ferrying...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPLNVic2ijhyphenhyphenzv4qkgbpCClcHOsYD7DUqP3ePizzfacptKwIvaZOFNy2H3J3b11YyRW9b5kpJfXE3-NcNCEFIuxY3kE5eqY6Xxa9LZUf6vVkeEZDjopr3uflaDeiM6s0Ep2eeUixisXs/s1600/not+blue+mosque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPLNVic2ijhyphenhyphenzv4qkgbpCClcHOsYD7DUqP3ePizzfacptKwIvaZOFNy2H3J3b11YyRW9b5kpJfXE3-NcNCEFIuxY3kE5eqY6Xxa9LZUf6vVkeEZDjopr3uflaDeiM6s0Ep2eeUixisXs/s320/not+blue+mosque.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">You
cross to the other shore, to glimpse the mighty mosque domes, the skinny
minarets, the come-on-my-boat-trip touts, the umbrella hat men, the whining
beggars, the grumpy ticket collectors, the smelly-shoe-bag-carrying Blue Mosque
hordes, the loud pushy Topkapi Palace lines, the Hagia Sophia chandeliers and
giant calligraphy, its zebra marble walls and floors, the damp underground arches
of the Basilica Cistern, its giant carp circling an upside down Medusa's head. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJuiW4UGVmTftt5ed5Pf9RiuSl2hmzNo1_CqOzwHCJYwNtOtGy-YSLDC2VFkHTw_0krQYbDBQThByD9Dz1kvv733laszLrPLYU1iLWDyCpYTr2TMUfbITvDSI-VmjU1CtrJr8ecEy0QUY/s1600/Bosph+fishing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJuiW4UGVmTftt5ed5Pf9RiuSl2hmzNo1_CqOzwHCJYwNtOtGy-YSLDC2VFkHTw_0krQYbDBQThByD9Dz1kvv733laszLrPLYU1iLWDyCpYTr2TMUfbITvDSI-VmjU1CtrJr8ecEy0QUY/s320/Bosph+fishing.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">It's
a total visual feast and you are so glad you have come, but soon you begin to feel
tired, overwhelmed by the centuries of history; the Romans, the Byzantines, the
Ottomans; you wonder how to take it all in, what to do with this ancient knowledge. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDjFmOF_WNEnoA0ArrZnlBD6CgcYwknENHMHHoGJ12EBJ0Ypw58WklcBhzvopOjVf0IHx2hapVV8MIZNW63O5VM9TbYKOnyrKB6NlIm2o0FWiMxsIPSCS4QmtEn_ESdv__zIxfc9pbWM/s1600/Mosque+from+sea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDjFmOF_WNEnoA0ArrZnlBD6CgcYwknENHMHHoGJ12EBJ0Ypw58WklcBhzvopOjVf0IHx2hapVV8MIZNW63O5VM9TbYKOnyrKB6NlIm2o0FWiMxsIPSCS4QmtEn_ESdv__zIxfc9pbWM/s320/Mosque+from+sea.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">You
see a sign, Sixteenth Century Hammam,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>one a friend had recommended, you can't believe you have just stumbled
across it, and you go straight in. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcoOQeJY7SQaLR3EtxU_Str-GWTeQz13KQvd55ORz-587wgkkQnk3hJgnoRvDpDbnr7sSywByi5g2hCNvQDc5cRWFaEq88ZJ1_ZVPYsZrciLcgevToxMvotZjr3gcMi6_2yijpKH_YXE/s1600/cemberlitas-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcoOQeJY7SQaLR3EtxU_Str-GWTeQz13KQvd55ORz-587wgkkQnk3hJgnoRvDpDbnr7sSywByi5g2hCNvQDc5cRWFaEq88ZJ1_ZVPYsZrciLcgevToxMvotZjr3gcMi6_2yijpKH_YXE/s320/cemberlitas-2.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">You
lie half naked on a slab of heated stone, and gaze at the tall dome above. Should be
a cathedral, could be a church, but no, it's a bathhouse. Light streams in from
tiny moon and star windows high in the dome, the room so large you wonder how
can it possibly get hot in here, until you learn that the warmth comes from fires burning
beneath the circular marble; no wonder you feel so relaxed. A woman comes to lather
you up, to scrub you down, to order you about, she throws buckets of water over
your tired body, your overthinking mind. When she is finished she says you can stay lying on that
warm stone for as long as you like.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">You
might just take her at her word, maybe you won't go back to your room, maybe
you will set up here near the spring that rushes out of the wall. This will be
your spot. You won't need paper or pen, or a computer screen, you won't write
anything down, you'll just listen— to the gurgling of the past, the echoes of ancient walls, the stories of naked women and their strong handed scrubbers, their
voices low and watery. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBkAzqZ78YoEB04nq-4hDOCAaB-SiNDFc-hZP87ORR6WM_NES1MTvxd35qulx__DlNpgrzwPsQ-xhjt-x7Jg6FWijsV135wsElPMq5XiqBsM42VpyPK6y0hLn28MMEltfqox73ipmDK4/s1600/Lebarbier_Bagno_turco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBkAzqZ78YoEB04nq-4hDOCAaB-SiNDFc-hZP87ORR6WM_NES1MTvxd35qulx__DlNpgrzwPsQ-xhjt-x7Jg6FWijsV135wsElPMq5XiqBsM42VpyPK6y0hLn28MMEltfqox73ipmDK4/s320/Lebarbier_Bagno_turco.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://jancornallportfolio.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/about-jan-cornall.html"><br /></a>
<a href="http://jancornallportfolio.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/about-jan-cornall.html">Jan Cornall </a>was writer in residence for three weeks in June 2015 at <a href="http://www.maumauworks.com/">Maumauworks</a> in Istanbul.<br />
Her residency was funded by CAL, <a href="http://www.copyright.com.au/">The Copyright Agency.</a><br />
Many thanks to Naz and Sine from Maumau, and to CAL for a great residency!<br />
<br />
Jan leads international writer's workshops and retreats. Find out more at <a href="http://www.writersjourney.com.au/">www.writersjourney.com.au</a><a href="http://www.writersjourney.com.au/">http://www.writersjourney.com.au/</a><br />
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<span style="color: white;">Heading out next is</span> <a href="http://www.writersjourney.com.au/journeys/moroccan-caravan/">Morocan Caravan, Feb 20 - Mar 5.</a></div>
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fotolithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707211993990153467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435247699362871331.post-11025284403027136582015-01-21T21:34:00.005-08:002015-05-20T02:26:28.621-07:00Writing with pictures<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In the 1970s I went travelling to the USA and ended up living in Oregon. I had gotten a job planting trees out on the steep sloping graveyards where logging had decimated majestic conifer forests and the logging companies were obliged to replant. There I met an artist and poet called Paula Treacy. (She is now known as Simone Treacy- Croft. How she got the name Simone is another story). When we called it quits on the tree planting we moved in together into a house by the freeway in the counterculture capital of the world - Eugene, Oregon. We drank a lot of thick black coffee and spent our days documenting our lives, our hopes and dreams, our joy and pain, in artist diaries. This is when I learned to write with pictures.(Click on pics for close up).<br />
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(c) Jan Cornall 1975<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Have you ever wanted to bust free from just writing: to write in pictures
or paint with words, create a narrative with photographs or filmed
images? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">In March 2015 we were in Siem Reap, Cambodia for <a href="http://writingontuktuks.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/temple-dreaming-in-angkor-wat.html">Temple Dreaming in Angkor Wat.</a> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">It was a trip designed for creative artists of all modalities: painters, poets,
photographers, filmsters, performers, writers, doodlers, journalers, et
al. An invitation to journey into the heart and spirit of your creativity and explore
the ancient temples of Angkor Wat and its surrounds for the purpose
making a creative work — collection of poems, sketches, paintings, a
creative journal, a short story, notes for a novel, exhibition of
photos, short film. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Seven days of workshops and temple excursions with a
showing/presentation of your work on our final evening. A highlight was our workshop The Art of Visual Story Telling with guest tutor,
illustrator/comic artist <a href="http://www.louiejoyce.com/">Louie Joyce</a>. Check out his work and vids <a href="http://www.louiejoyce.com/">here.</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Sign up for our <a href="http://www.writersjourney.com.au/about/">Writers Journey Mailing List</a> to find out about the next Creative Journey. </span></div>
fotolithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707211993990153467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435247699362871331.post-3139041873084644892014-10-10T15:23:00.001-07:002014-10-10T15:23:48.200-07:00River boat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Banana loaded<br />pumpkin bearing<br />hammock lying<br />brazier burning<br />card playing <br />fish eating<br />red nosing<br />feet steering<br />chicken clucking<br />cigarette selling<br />petrol guzzling<br />plank corking<br />sanpan following<br />canal hopping<br />car ferrying...<br />
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<br />river boat<br /></div>
fotolithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707211993990153467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435247699362871331.post-58877641978140866592014-09-29T18:27:00.003-07:002014-10-01T02:36:12.311-07:00Always an Apprentice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>This month we welcome a guest post by the author, raconteur and spritual tourist, <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.waltermason.com/2010/02/about-walter-mason.html">Walter Mason.</a></span> Walter was a student of mine some years back at University of Western Sydney where I taught a number of writing subjects. In my creative non fiction class he wrote a brilliant personal essay about meeting a monk in Vietnam. I told him it was so good he should send it out immediately for publication. He found a publisher (Allen & Unwin) not only for that essay but for a whole book of them. (</i><i><i>I love it when students take my advice!) </i>His bestselling <a href="http://www.allenandunwin.com/default.aspx?page=94&book=9781741759495">Destination Saigon</a> was published in 2010 and was followed by <a href="http://www.allenandunwin.com/default.aspx?page=94&book=9781742376622">Destination Cambodia </a>in 2013. Walter is also a great authorpeneur and a generous promoter of other authors work. If you want an example of how to be an entertaining, living, loving, giving author, just follow Walter around for a month or two on his library events, festival appearances, classes, lectures, web chats, blogs, tweets and FB activity. His energy is boundless and infectious. Here is taste of it...</i><br />
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I’m afraid I am rather an anxious type, and one of the first
things I do when faced with a challenge is to read a book about it. And
normally not just one. I can lose several days in a whirlwind of research when
faced with preparing a coleslaw for a barbecue, or being asked what BB cream I
could recommend a personal trainer. I am under no illusion that these are
avoidance tactics, pure and simple. I would do almost anything not to put
forward a firm opinion, which is why I am a member of several research
libraries and am still not really sure what I think about the Macarena. These
things take time. Come back to me when I have really examined all sides of the
issue.<br />
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Worse, once I make a commitment and actually start doing something,
I can never really give up researching it and learning more about it. Perhaps
it’s a blessing, but I have the ability to remain constantly fascinated by
subjects it might be safely assumed I had exhausted. I will still read every
book, for example, on the New Romantic movement. I have been buying books about
mermaids since I was ten years old. And my library of books on controversies
surrounding the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist may be one of the
biggest in private hands. I don’t let go of my obsessions easily. </div>
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And so it is with books about writing. I adore them. I buy
every new one I hear about, and simply delight in the discussions – circular
and endless – that famous and not so famous writers have about their craft.
Certain writing books are like holy relics to me, and I read them over and over
again. My go-to books are Anne Lamott’s “Bird by Bird,” Natalie Goldberg’s “Writing
Down the Bones” and Julia Cameron’s “Your Right to Write.” Added to these are
the more belletristic books about writers that dwell on elements of their
subject’s professional writing habits and concerns. These I find even more
addictive.<br />
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The very best are Edmund White’s book about Proust, S. N. Behrman’s “Conversation
with Max” and the simply superb “The Quest for Corvo.” I could (and regularly
do) just devote two days to sitting down and reading these back-to-back and
coming away completely satisfied. And if I were ever stranded on a desert
island all I would need was Richard Ellmann’s enormous (and very writerly)
biography of Oscar Wilde and I could spend the rest of my years in complete
contentment. </div>
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But now there’s a new book which is the perfect combination
of these two strains of write-o-tainment. “Always Apprentices” is a collection
of interviews and interactions between working writers, all of them originally
appearing on the pages of the American literary magazine ‘The Believer’. It is
a wonderfully diverse collection, and filled with fascinating observations,
pearls of wisdom and insider information. I am on my second read, and bring
away something new from it each day.<br />
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It contains some big names: Michael Ondaatje, Pankaj Mishra,
Joan Didion and Don DeLillo talking to Bret Easton Ellis. These chats are, of
course, completely absorbing. But I have been inspired and charmed by some
lesser-known writers whose work I have been inspired to seek out because of
this book, people like Mary Gaitskall, Christine Schutt and Geoff Nicholson.<br />
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“A writer is never successful,” says Bruce Jay Friedman in
the book, echoing a sentiment I came across recently in Justin Heazlewood’s
brilliant book “Funemployed.” It’s a bitter truth but one I think is true. In a
landscape in which writers – and probably all creatives – are increasingly
devalued, it becomes harder and harder to earn a living. This is, of course,
bad news, but I think it is an essential fact to confront. Now, I think
Friedman is making a more esoteric reference, something along the lines that a
writer never fully succeeds in the project s/he undertakes. But the more prosaic
interpretation stands. We live in age in which we must constantly work and work
hard in order to carve some sort of career as a writing professional, and this
is why books like “Always Apprentices” are essential reading. We can never
afford to get lazy or rest on our laurels.<br />
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This brings me back to Zen Buddhism, which is essential to
the work of Natalie Goldberg, one of my aforementioned classic writers’
writers. Zen talks about the “beginners mind,” the state of being in which we
look at everything with fresh eyes and seek to empty our minds of preconceived
judgements and ideas. Such an approach is an exceptionally helpful one for
writers, and is, I think, the reason why writers often appear deceptively
youthful. To write is to cultivate surprise and to be constantly discovering.
It is an extremely healthy approach to life. </div>
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The wonderful eccentricity of the writing life is best
expressed in the book by Joy Williams, a novelist who doesn’t have an email
address and can’t use computers. Though such a position must be maddeningly
inefficient and even socially isolating, I can understand its charm. As someone
who currently has<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2,751 emails to attend
to (and possibly more since you started reading this) I am hyper-aware of the
fact that technology can be a writer’s enemy as much as her or his friend. Noy Holland
continues the creative luddite theme by conducting her interview with Stanley
Crawford through the medium of letters. It’s no surprise that letters are
making something of a comeback in this age of ephemeral communication (see the
success of Melbourne literary collective Women of Letters). Like handicrafts,
zines and waxed moustaches, letters represent a kinder, more tactile age in
which some painstaking effort of the hand produced an immeasurable reward. May
they continue to experience this resurgence, and may each of you reading this commit
to sending at least a few letters and postcards this year.<br />
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There is much in “Always Apprentices” that delights the
writer, and much that makes the writer despair, but anyone in love with
literary loveliness will be delighted by the stories in its pages of survival,
resilience and remaining committed to the acts of writing and creation. Reading
it I am reminded of the drive that lies behind all authorial efforts, what
Graham Greene called: “a desire to reduce a chaos of experience to some sort of
order.” Paula Fox talks about being “rediscovered” and of roaming across the
city looking for copies of her out-of-print novel (now rightly considered a
classic); and Aleksandar Hemon writes of the compulsion of writing, its psychic
necessity:</div>
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“I write and read with the assumption that literature
contains knowledge of human experience that is not available otherwise.”<br />
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Reading this book restores some of the romance of writing,
and a sense of its great wonder. I am put back in touch with the tremendous
glamour that accompanies all who choose to take seriously the call to write,
and even to write for a living. As ridiculous and constantly frustrating as
that path might be, it is undoubtedly still a noble one, and “Always
Apprentices” is a record of that patchy, varied and multi-hued nobility. Do get
a copy. </div>
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“Always Apprentices” is edited by Vendela Vida, Ross
Simonini and Sheila Heti. It is published by Believer Books. </div>
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<i>Walter Mason is an author, speaker, blogger and tour guide.
In November Walter is appearing at the Emerging Writers NSW Roadshow at the NSW
Writers’ Centre. </i><a href="http://www.emergingwritersfestival.org.au/event-detail/ewf-roadshow-nswwc/"><b>http://www.emergingwritersfestival.org.au/event-detail/ewf-roadshow-nswwc/</b></a><br />
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<i>Does no-one send you snail mail any more as Walter says? Want to receive some exotic postcards in your letter box? Sign up for <a href="http://writersjourney.bigcartel.com/product/scrapbooking">Postcard Prompts</a> and receive four writing prompts by post card over a designated period of weeks or months. <a href="http://pcardprompts.blogspot.com.au/2014/09/introducing-postcard-prompts.html">Find out more here.</a></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Postcard Prompts is brought to you by <a href="http://www.writersjourney.com.au/">Writer's Journey</a> - heading for <a href="http://www.writersjourney.com.au/journeys/moroccan-caravan/">Morocco </a>Nov 6-19, 2014.</i></div>
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fotolithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707211993990153467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435247699362871331.post-91320808313060630292014-08-07T15:57:00.003-07:002014-08-07T16:05:47.800-07:00Reading poetry in the U.S. of A<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In July 2014, I had the privilege of reading at a cafe event in West Massachussetts organised by Jacqueline Gens, poet extraordinaire and colleague of Allen Ginsberg. Cafe Mocha Maya in the picturesque town of Shelburne Falls was packed with an attentive audience. Pics below and story to come!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4G37YV1pRg2jKCtWNzexo7y7CFnxlTfxIWbg6XBPUPrEiH8wedjlIEXuV2wM0qxNOaDq5swgu2ZguUtfZ2FELJdPUh_vMGc91AiFM_p4uwMGk6pvZkm-0lEaHQqJRZcyJm-w2fJ1_DU/s1600/Mary+Gilliland.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4G37YV1pRg2jKCtWNzexo7y7CFnxlTfxIWbg6XBPUPrEiH8wedjlIEXuV2wM0qxNOaDq5swgu2ZguUtfZ2FELJdPUh_vMGc91AiFM_p4uwMGk6pvZkm-0lEaHQqJRZcyJm-w2fJ1_DU/s1600/Mary+Gilliland.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MC and poet Mary Gilliland</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkKScEWVHcd-J4TcZbE6F6dhhqdRNuLNA6BBeMbpoVjsB_NeF2w073dQcH0cFTd586FYUDHDD5sWkZbD0buwoLSfeMNHQY3lI3S5SFsHNaAkrI8urQnPUKOEU4nv0Pvt3W4a58TMjFGM/s1600/Poetry+R+Jime+B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkKScEWVHcd-J4TcZbE6F6dhhqdRNuLNA6BBeMbpoVjsB_NeF2w073dQcH0cFTd586FYUDHDD5sWkZbD0buwoLSfeMNHQY3lI3S5SFsHNaAkrI8urQnPUKOEU4nv0Pvt3W4a58TMjFGM/s1600/Poetry+R+Jime+B.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Jim Brauerlein</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jan Cornall</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter Fortunato</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Appreciative audience</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacqueline Gens</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louise Landes Levi</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suze Smith</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael Katz</td></tr>
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fotolithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707211993990153467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435247699362871331.post-86825831254127981422014-04-04T16:53:00.000-07:002014-04-13T17:37:16.506-07:00MD's 100th Birthday Party<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The scene was set at Cafe Parliament On King...<br />
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Host Ravi Prasad had taken care of all the fine detail including a flat screen with Duras' film, India Song playing. </div>
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The guests began to arrive...</div>
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They were invited to choose a snippet of text (cut ups from The Lover) and a pic of MD from the box.<br />
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Throughout the evening each guest read their snippet and shared their photo. Here, poet Jacqueline Buswell reads to Mujib Amid, Ravi Prasad and his daughter Miao.<br />
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Lisa Sharkey listens while browsing my latest Duras find full of fabulous pics I haven't seen before - <i>La Vie Comme Un Roman by</i> Jean Vallier. <br />
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Sonia Bible reads her snippet. Anna Tow and Katharine Rogers enjoying the text.<br />
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Hiroshima Mon Amour provides the ambiance for Annee Lawrence's reading.</div>
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Walter Mason reads a superb piece about an encounter on a Mekong ferry, from his book Destination Saigon. <br />
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I performed my Ode To Duras, penned on the day; a thank-you to Duras for her <i>inspirasi</i> and a promise to give up being her fan(atic) soon! I also read poems by Jennifer Mackenzie, Julie Thorndyke and Claine Keily.<br />
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Cipi Kat reads an except from her novel in progress which is set in Timor Leste.<br />
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Afghani student Mujib Abid reads a piece from his work in progress, a family memoir set in modern day Afghanistan. Listening to his right Bilquis Ghani, also from Afghanistan, who works with the Refugee Art Project.<br />
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Coconut sweets from the local Vietnamese grocery were quickly devoured.</div>
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The True Love rolls turned out to be just as delicious!<br />
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After most of the the guests departed Ravi draped himself about...</div>
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and I relaxed with a good book - Duras course! (Thanks for the pic Matt Jennings).<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Jan Cornall has been a self confessed Duras fan (atic) since she acted in her play L'amant Anglaise at <a href="http://www.pramfactory.com/pfhome.html">The Pram Factory</a> in Melbourne in 1979. Duras' writing was the subject of her Masters project at the Sydney Consortium, UWS in 2012.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Jan is currently working on a memoir about a trip she took following the
footsteps of Marguerite Duras in Vietnam and Cambodia in 2009. <a href="http://mymotherduras.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/who-is-md.html">Read more here.</a> She will lead a 15 day writing retreat, <a href="http://www.writersjourney.com.au/journeys/indochine-adventure-vietnam/">Indochine Journey,</a> to share her discoveries with writers in Vietnam Aug 16-30.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Jan is currently an <a href="http://www.australianpoetry.org/">Australian Poetry</a> Cafe Poet in Residence at <a href="http://www.parliamentonking.com/">Cafe Parliament on King</a> in Newtown, Sydney. </span></div>
fotolithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707211993990153467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435247699362871331.post-19303016241369005022014-03-07T17:36:00.001-08:002014-04-03T16:04:37.030-07:00Ode to Duras<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
April 4, 2014, is the centenary of the birth of the French writer Marguerite Duras.<br />
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Hailed as one of the leaders of the French avant garde, Duras wrote novels, plays, film scripts as well as directing her own film and theatre pieces. Her best known works are the screenplay for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiroshima_mon_amour"><i>Hiroshima Mon Amour </i></a>(directed by Alain Resnais) and her novella <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Lover-Marguerite-Duras/dp/0375700528"><i>The Lover</i></a> which won the Prix Goncourt in 1984. See full list of over 50 published and produced works<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marguerite_Duras"> here. </a><br />
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At <a href="http://www.parliamentonking.com/">Cafe Parliament on King</a> in Newtown, Sydney, from 5-9pm on Friday, April 4, we will celebrate Duras' birthday with an evening of poetry, called Ode To Duras.<br />
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Poets, non poets, Duras lovers and innocent bystanders will be invited to read, write or construct odes, laments, rants & raves, in the spirit of desire, longing and melancholy, to this iconic literary figure.<br />
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Dress will be black tie/formal à la India Song, or dress Vietnamese style in 'ao dai' in. Guests will be encouraged to drape themselves languidly about the furniture and stare avec ennui into the distance.<br />
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For inspiration watch clip<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5Tq3LF08JQ&list=PL4DE7485BD059DAA9"> here</a> <br />
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<b>More about Duras</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Marguerite
Duras was born Marguerite Donnadieu in a small village on the outskirts
of Saigon, Vietnam (then part of the French Protectorate known as
Indochine), to French school teacher parents. When she was
four, the family, along with her two brothers, moved to Hanoi where her
father worked as a mathematics teacher. Her mother, unable to secure a
teaching position, purchased a house and set up a school.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Despite
its Frenchification they didn't like Hanoi and after a couple of years
moved to Phnom Penh in Cambodia. (The French Indochina protectrate
included present day Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos). They hadn't been in
Phnom Penh long when Marguerite's father was struck down with a
recurring tropical illness and sent back to France. He was no stranger
to French hospitals where his wasting disease baffled the doctors. With
no hope of recovery he discharged himself and went home to die in his
village of Duras, from which Marguerite later took her name.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Left
a widow, but without a widow's pension due to the maner in which her
husband died, Duras' mother struggled to support her three children,
moving back to the Mekong towns of Vinh Long and Sadec in Vietnam, where
she taught by day and played piano at the local cinema by night.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">When
Marguerite was around ten years old her mother bought an acreage of
land 500 miles away in Cambodia and embarked on an ambitious plan to
farm rice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">The battle went on for many years and became the subject of one of MD's early novels, <i>Le Barrage Contre La Pacifique </i>(published
in 1950, made into a film by Cambodian director Rithy Pahn in 2007). Marguerite
left Indochina for France at the age of 17 never to return, but her
early Indochine years were to be a strong influence on her writing.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Marguerite's most famous novel, <i>The Lover ( L'Amant),</i>
wasn't written until much later in her life, when she was 70. It tells
the story of a 15 year old girl's affair with a rich Chinese man. Said
to be an autobiographical account of Marguerite's own romance, it began
its life as captions for a photo album and became an experimental discontinuous
narrative set around one single image that was never photographed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>So, I'm fifteen and a half.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i> It's on a ferry crossing the Mekong river.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i> The image lasts all the way across.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>
I'm fifteen and a half, there are no seasons in that part of the world,
we have just the one season, hot, monotonous, we're in the long hot
girdle of the earth, with no spring, no renewal. </i></span><br />
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Jan Cornall has been a self confessed Duras fan (fanatic) since she acted in her play L'amant Anglaise at <a href="http://www.pramfactory.com/pfhome.html">The Pram Factory</a> in Melbourne in 1979. Duras' writing was the subject of her Masters project at the Sydney Consortium, UWS in 2012.<br />
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Jan is currently working on a memoir about a trip she took following the footsteps of Marguerite Duras in Vietnam and Cambodia in 2009. <a href="http://mymotherduras.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/who-is-md.html">Read more here.</a> She will lead a 15 day writing retreat, <a href="http://www.writersjourney.com.au/journeys/indochine-adventure-vietnam/">Indochine Journey,</a> to share her discoveries with writers in Vietnam Aug 16-30.<br />
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Jan is currently an <a href="http://www.australianpoetry.org/">Australian Poetry</a> Cafe Poet in Residence at <a href="http://www.parliamentonking.com/">Cafe Parliament on King</a> in Newtown, Sydney.</div>
fotolithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707211993990153467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435247699362871331.post-43482488812764267832014-02-19T22:22:00.001-08:002018-10-08T17:45:49.034-07:00My secret (whispered) moment with Yoko Ono<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Back in November 2013 when Yoko Ono was in town with her show, War Is Over, I got a text from my friend Royden who was working as production manager for Ideas at The House (that's Sydney Opera House of course).<br />
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Yoko needs people for her performance on the 17th. Can you do it?<br />
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Sure, I replied, just tell me where and when...<br />
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On the following Sunday I arrived at the Opera House stage door a bit before 1pm. Royden appeared and took me up to the green room where I got myself some tea and settled down on a big couch in front of the harbour view. <br />
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I thought perhaps I was in for a bit of a wait, but suddenly there she was, so petite, dressed in child size jeans and black leather jacket, with a gaggle of people, including three big body guards, surrounding her. Royden signalled, I followed and bam — suddenly I was in the lift with Yoko Ono, sharing small talk, feeling slightly awkard and at the same time completely normal.<br />
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The lift doors opened onto the stage area and Yoko took charge, letting people know in her soft spoken commanding manner exactly what she wanted.<br />
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The set up was quite simple. Two low arm chairs were already in place— one for Yoko and one for MCA curator Rachel Kent who would lead Yoko into an hour long conversation. But before the conversation got going Yoko had a surprise —she would come on alone and perform.<br />
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This is where We Whisperers came in. I was one of four people who would be out in the audience somewhere, whispering into microphones.<br />
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Let's try it, she said, so we spread out into the empty auditorium armed with substantial radio mikes and found a random spot.<br />
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From the stage Yoko told us to whisper a phrase or a sentence into the mike — whatever comes to mind, then just keep repeating it. <br />
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Ok, so my phrase, the one that popped in, was — what I really want to tell you...<br />
what I really want to tell you... what I really want to tell you...<br />
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Yoko started vocalising and off we went. The whispers from our mikes were reverbed, looped and mixed as a kind of backing track to her improv.<br />
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We tried it for a couple of minutes, then tried it once more (with all the mikes turned on this time).<br />
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Then it was back to the green room to wait until show time at 3pm. The body guards hung about chatting and Yoko went for a nap in the board room.<br />
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At 2.40 pm I went to find my allotted seat. It wasn't where I had rehearsed, but was bang in the middle, not too far from the front. I squeezed past the knees of my fellow audience members with the microphone hidden in my bag and wondered how they would react when I burst into whispers.<br />
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When I spied Paul Capis, the fabulous cabaret diva, sitting in front of me, I had to lean over and show him what was in my purse. (Is that a microphone in your bag or are you just pleased to see me!) When I told him what I was up to, he was thrilled.<br />
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I do love a secret, he whispered to me behind his hand as the audience went quiet.<br />
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The house lights dimmed to darkness and tiny Yoko came out on stage alone as planned. The audience started clapping and wouldn't stop. So she just began her vocal and soon they were listening in awe as this wee famous figure with her signature sunglasses perched on her nose, began her moaning improv, and, one by one, we began our whispers.<br />
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Her moans rose and fell, gathered urgency then dropped away, began again, built to a screeching climax then ebbed away once more. Several times we faded away as she did, thinking this will be the end, but then she took off again, revelling in the reverb echo of her voice mixing and merging with our invisible soundscape. At times I could hear myself in the mix and it was tempting to break out of the whisper into moans and screams like her, as I have been known to do in my own vocal work, but like a good chorus member I kept to my part.<br />
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There was a moment in the middle that seemed made for us, when she was repeating: I wish........ I wish.......... I wish..........<br />
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and with my whisper it became:<br />
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what I really want to tell you ...... I wish.....what I really want to tell you.....I wish.....what I really want to tell you....<br />
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only nobody could decipher my whisper, and nobody knew but me. <br />
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And another moment as we were building to a crescendo, when I lost track of time and place, when it was just me and Yoko, Yoko and me — nobody else, no audience, no opera house, no other whisperers, just the purity of voice in empty space.<br />
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When it was finally over (it went on for a good ten minutes), I put the mike back in my bag, sat back in my seat and went back to being a regular audience member, delighting in hearing this eighty- something icon talk about her life and work.<br />
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At the end we clapped and cheered again and as she left the stage she asked us to wait until the alarm of an old fashioned tic-tock clock went off. I turned to the woman sitting to my right and showing her my mike, asked her if she knew what I had been doing.<br />
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No she replied, no idea. I thought it was just all her voice.<br />
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The secret was ours.<br />
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Later in the green room as I was working out how to get Royden to give Yoko a CD of my songs written and recorded a long time ago, he said, she'll be out in a tick — you can do it yourself.<br />
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Yoko emerged with Rachel Kent as we gathered around and gave compliments about the 'show'.<br />
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Do you think they liked it? Yoko asked with an innocent curiousity.<br />
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Oh yes, we reassured her, absolutely.<br />
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That was the moment I shook her tiny hand, thanking her for the pleasure of working with her and gave her my CD.<br />
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For Yoko, I had scrawled on it, Thank-you for your inspiration.<br />
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(Corny, but true).<br />
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Signed: one of your secret whisperers.<br />
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fotolithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707211993990153467noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435247699362871331.post-35260427937495692352014-02-14T17:48:00.000-08:002014-03-23T22:10:13.247-07:00Love Poets Pictorial<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Here are some pics from our Love Poem Love In.<br />
<span class="userContent">On Valentines Day a bunch of love poets got together at
our fave cafe, Parliament on King in Newtown, Sydney. I invited them to make cut up love
poems (from my shredded Bali novel, Take Me To Paradise) or bring a poem or two
to read. At around 7.30pm we hooked up on skype with poets gathered at <a href="http://www.iconklub.com/blog.html">The Icon Club in Luang Prabang, Laos,</a> and we read back and forth for a good hour or so. Such
a great event, thanks to all who took part and helped make it happen. </span><br />
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Our Love In was hosted by Ravi Prasad at Parliament on King where Jan Cornall is an Australian Poetry Cafe Poet in Residence.</div>
fotolithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707211993990153467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435247699362871331.post-39689009098972084072014-02-13T16:52:00.002-08:002014-02-13T17:14:49.924-08:00 happy V day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="userContent">Today the sweetest 'lil cafe in Newtown - <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=465877463502590&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/ParliamentOnKing">Parliament on King</a> (POK)</span><br />
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<span class="userContent"> is sending a bunch of poetic valentines to coolest wee bar in Luang Prabang, Laos - the <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=146273875478&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/Iconklub">Icon Klub</a> and host-poet Elizabeth Vongsaravanh and friends. </span><br />
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<span class="userContent">Poets will skype their <span class="text_exposed_show">love
offerings back and forth from both venues this Sydney arvo/evening. </span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">Also skyping in (technology, V day dates and time zone confusions
permitting) will be: </span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">from the Philipines, Luis Batchoy</span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">from Chennai, India, Sharanya Manivannan </span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">from Yangon, Burma, Thet Swe Win, Aung Myo Khant and members of YEP</span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">from the Irrawaddy Literary Festival in Mandalay, Jennifer McKenzie. </span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">from Siem Reap, Loven Ramos. </span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">Jan Cornall will read/sing poems sent by Darwin poet Claine Keily, Yangon conceptual poet, Nyein Way, Brisbane Poet Samuel Wagan Watson, and more. Taking part live at POK will be Chris Raja, Mujib, Abid, Ravi Prasad, Diana Plater, Ben Sutton, Kinga Bisits, Sonia Bible, Rachel Anne Abrahams, Shikha Sahay, Louie Joyce and many more. </span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">Others will leave poems on our FB page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lovepoetsanon">Love Poets Anon</a>. I hope you will too!</span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">Jan Cornall is cafe poet residence at POK until June. Cafe poets residency is run by <a href="http://www.australianpoetry.org/programs/">Australian Poetry</a>. </span></span><br />
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fotolithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707211993990153467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435247699362871331.post-11073714112608101632014-01-16T21:08:00.001-08:002014-01-30T17:32:52.130-08:00Cafe residency love poem/love in<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It is with great pleasure that I announce my cafe poet residency at my fave cafe, Parliament on King, in Newtown, Sydney, begins in February.<br />
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Thanks must go to POK Cafe Meister, Ravi Prasad for hosting me and Australian Poetry Cafe Poet Program for making it all possible.<br />
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For the next six months I plan to be running monthly events and workshops as well as just hanging in the cafe penning a few new poems.<br />
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Our inaugural event in Feb will be:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Parliament on King - Love Poem/Love In</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> Friday 14 Feb,<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Valentines Day</span></span></span> </span><br />
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Now this won't be just any old kind of love in, you might even call it a veritable cross border, cross gender, cross race, cross country, cross-yourself-and-say-a-few-hail-mary's, love in. From 6pm to 9pm Sydney time, we will be calling on dear friends and lovers of the poetic persuasion, to skype in from from far and near with a love poem or two. We hope to gather a crowd of poets and random poet-passers-by in Newtown, who will be waiting to love them back with a poetic love offering of their own. <br />
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The list of poets is just beginning to grow and we will add to it daily - so far poets Elizabeth Vongsaravanh (and friends) from Luang Prabang, Laos, Claine Keily ( Darwin) Samual Wagan Watson (Brisbane), have committed to a love slot.<br />
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Do get in touch asap to line up a love slot whether it is by skype or in real time at the cafe. You never know what cosmic matchmaking and love surprises the evening will bring! I think we will be very busy on Skype so Sydney siders please turn up in hard copy for your slot at the cafe. <br />
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fotolithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707211993990153467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435247699362871331.post-71212334058269787052013-08-14T17:49:00.004-07:002013-11-30T16:30:49.164-08:00 Hand Holding in Rangoon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">He’s holding my hand in Anawratha Rd</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">his long plaid longyi giving him that</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">thin waisted, big footed look of Burmese men.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I didn’t know quite what to do</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I didn’t pull my hand away</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">but left it there</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">to warm against his skin.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">We’d discussed handholding the night before</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">at a regular get together of local artists and the expat crowd</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">The evening was revving up with beer and chilli chips:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">the 5 o’clock early starters, quiet and intimate</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">the 7 o’clock shift, starting to get into it</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">the 10 o’clock crew, about to descend.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Asking my advice on open relationships</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">(was it so obvious how I’d lived my life?)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">he said he had more than one or two on the go</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">but it only amounted to handholding.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">‘How lovely’ I crowed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">‘such a simple pleasure</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> haven’t done it in such a long time.’</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Now I’m holding his hand in Sule Pagoda Rd</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">and it feels quite strange</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">to hold a strange hand</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">feels like</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I need to get to know it better</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">need time to</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">explore its cracks and crevasses</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">before I expose my fleshy mounds and naked valleys</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">before I crook his fingers into mine</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">feels like I’m having</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">an early morning</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">broad daylight</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">one night (one morning)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">handholding</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">stand</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Still, I’m holding his hand in Alan Pya Phaya Rd</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">and already </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">we are getting some strange looks</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Is it the age difference?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">race difference? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">(he could so easily pass for a local)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I want to reassure the passers by</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">say </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">don’t worry, it’s not what you think</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">we haven’t been tangling and wrangling in hotel sheets all night</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">we’re just having a completely innocent, full broad daylight, handholding moment</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">besides</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I could be his mother</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I could be his friend</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I could be his nurse leading him gently back to the asylum.</span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0WBcaFBm4uGTkzdDsN7r5n7d-gc1rnJ8koJ1pQOiMEqTDE1UQK4LviVrTQ3tW9-Dfaj8l3yrVCJeyE3wBbYcmOzHcnSGaEQH_WB8LQa2flfO3fNMMcIR9PLgQbiWY0XunxbGpYvnheU/s1600/5967404164_cae434a59c_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0WBcaFBm4uGTkzdDsN7r5n7d-gc1rnJ8koJ1pQOiMEqTDE1UQK4LviVrTQ3tW9-Dfaj8l3yrVCJeyE3wBbYcmOzHcnSGaEQH_WB8LQa2flfO3fNMMcIR9PLgQbiWY0XunxbGpYvnheU/s320/5967404164_cae434a59c_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">But no, now he’s holding my hand in a taxi on Chit Maung St</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">(turns out we were walking the wrong way)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">He’s taking me out to breakfast</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">at Morning Star Cafe</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">he’s stroking my fingers and tickling my palm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">and I feel like a shy schoolgirl</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">wishing my hand was more hungry for handholding </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">than my tummy is </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">for tasting sticky rice Shan noodles</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">for the very first time.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsk2pqge_RkjEktkqazDgKBdtxKMv1XKtj4rVPLE2JkUDDlv25-7lJFdOu4s82bZIGwx_cPQVqQta4Kd7aklROquOXYMxFelM3-xBxHEZOMuAf-LrItmaoVOcTrMa0UfyXVtCF6M7b1I4/s1600/74033299_44f38c1a63_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsk2pqge_RkjEktkqazDgKBdtxKMv1XKtj4rVPLE2JkUDDlv25-7lJFdOu4s82bZIGwx_cPQVqQta4Kd7aklROquOXYMxFelM3-xBxHEZOMuAf-LrItmaoVOcTrMa0UfyXVtCF6M7b1I4/s320/74033299_44f38c1a63_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
(c) Jan Cornall Yangon, Burma, Feb 2013.<br />
<br /></div>
fotolithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707211993990153467noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435247699362871331.post-72487670525652471882013-07-16T02:37:00.001-07:002013-07-16T03:59:47.531-07:00Angel Of The Breath<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Angel of the Breath from 'Sing until the cactus bleeds' by Claine Keily<br />
<br />
for Jan Cornall<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51IlXa0d2PD7CCioz2_iiG4C8gWFPM9DV3pHY5vhcKCPjsS7jS0tmzjIPeNLQQcMD5HbpCea1O8UjhE0hhMGUmr_RFufsYtCBmNVmIqc0KLmluBP-YkoG1bDbSGA2YqQc0K_B4leAXXk/s1600/IMG_1458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51IlXa0d2PD7CCioz2_iiG4C8gWFPM9DV3pHY5vhcKCPjsS7jS0tmzjIPeNLQQcMD5HbpCea1O8UjhE0hhMGUmr_RFufsYtCBmNVmIqc0KLmluBP-YkoG1bDbSGA2YqQc0K_B4leAXXk/s320/IMG_1458.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
She is telling me of breathing, and now I know how hungry I have been<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-OUh45NYV7JOYpt5GIcTJJhEH4q2FlWrFnZJZsg1nMwPIPqdEqanDnL_JFCBrE07ntcGvLG8g-ZuMEelrFFitNoQergj6e3ynSOCrDUUQrZZJ3-Kyq3egsLfLVTkcnT8aQ-vS9TIXAk/s1600/IMG_1456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-OUh45NYV7JOYpt5GIcTJJhEH4q2FlWrFnZJZsg1nMwPIPqdEqanDnL_JFCBrE07ntcGvLG8g-ZuMEelrFFitNoQergj6e3ynSOCrDUUQrZZJ3-Kyq3egsLfLVTkcnT8aQ-vS9TIXAk/s320/IMG_1456.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
for I have always wanted someone to speak to me this way<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxY7dWrFGK8c39Rq6iAqIN6DhUh3aIZ85it2lUhCVtz6j5lo4z7zr2h7PY3W_KHIZsj6nDVqTy7qPic5mXpm5_OD_Yd1RLJtRZbh8IxZrq3tbjOet6FaMM4ey2aQit8Zcl61YS_Y0CUY4/s1600/IMG_1469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxY7dWrFGK8c39Rq6iAqIN6DhUh3aIZ85it2lUhCVtz6j5lo4z7zr2h7PY3W_KHIZsj6nDVqTy7qPic5mXpm5_OD_Yd1RLJtRZbh8IxZrq3tbjOet6FaMM4ey2aQit8Zcl61YS_Y0CUY4/s320/IMG_1469.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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</div>
<br />
<br />
And then I heard her singing, and I wondered why it was, that she had
not always appeared to me, to have this voice in her<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRkswMOOfxIrgHtogLZRml3-L9ybi5qMPSdhOH735MgHseFQu1Np4O-lR3MViC4yUv31Zl2L3ymQCA30nQ02CSh8yvYI1XFqOTcARGoXUyBOiOyYryVIII4UyaXqsbdQdP5xthLRUnUE/s1600/IMG_1466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRkswMOOfxIrgHtogLZRml3-L9ybi5qMPSdhOH735MgHseFQu1Np4O-lR3MViC4yUv31Zl2L3ymQCA30nQ02CSh8yvYI1XFqOTcARGoXUyBOiOyYryVIII4UyaXqsbdQdP5xthLRUnUE/s320/IMG_1466.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
why I did not from
the first see her marked with that singing<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWx2j_S0O3j4cQpuNo3FgO3z0Wpz0gCoFaUhixiEIN4GY2yzFgWW4QH1CoZbvEEXWvPQdKGtxCIT40ymRgfJ5FYvWutx7jV2CHOClRIYs0rWUl07zYaPzl2sKEbZSB7uehL3Zq3Z7Yomo/s1600/IMG_1473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWx2j_S0O3j4cQpuNo3FgO3z0Wpz0gCoFaUhixiEIN4GY2yzFgWW4QH1CoZbvEEXWvPQdKGtxCIT40ymRgfJ5FYvWutx7jV2CHOClRIYs0rWUl07zYaPzl2sKEbZSB7uehL3Zq3Z7Yomo/s320/IMG_1473.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
for for she herself, had
always been this way.<br />
<br />
<br />
(c) Poem, Claine Keily Fes, Morocco, June, 2013 <br />
(c) Photos, Jan Cornall, Erg Chebbi, Morocco, 2013</div>
fotolithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15707211993990153467noreply@blogger.com0