Seeing people as a person... Do you?

Repeatedly, I see people treated as objects, numbers, spokes in a wheel or a means to an end.

Take the film, "Patch Adams", one scene has trainee doctors around a patient on a stretcher discussing her condition, then Patch simply enquires after her name - the patient then becomes a person and rightly so.

In the workplace... Those in higher authority walk into an area discussing negative outcomes of existing practise as well as forward plans not considering the feelings of the team of workers who go about their business, or that each worker is a person.

Only today it was announced that a "This is Me", 2-page document has been introduced for those diagnosed with Alzheimer's, inviting each person to list such things as: their food preferences, names of grandchildren, how they like to sleep, reveal a nickname they like to respond to, favourite music etc., prior to their anticipated memory loss. The aim is to help carers to retain each person's dignity and be better informed in order to treat the individual as a person. It is so readily forgotten, prior to such a diagnosis many held positions of responsibility, were an inspiration to others, shared humour, had an active life etc.

Conversations about a child do not involve the child even though they are present. A child is a person. Speaking and listening to children benefits mutual respect and positive relationships.

Those diagnosed with terminal illness suddenly find themselves hearing conversations concerning their welfare directed to a relative as if they are no longer able to supply information or to respond. Imagine how frustrating that must be? You'd want to shout from the rooftops, "I'm still alive", a person!

When observing others, it is so easy to see people at face value and not consider the person with a life.

What is your take on this?

A record of an observation... for the "melting pot" perhaps?

Like the motion of two whacking great musical symbols,the windscreen wipers on the bus repeatedly came together then opened wide again, only the sound they made was of the squeak and drag kind!

A flurry of snow continued to fall, whirling its way towards and around the bus making me feel considerably glad to be transported to work.

A guy swiftly claimed the seat immediately in front of mine. As my eyes dropped down so I couldn't help but to survey his hairline. I saw a scattering of grey, just as if a pocket of talc had settled between the peaks he'd created standing proud at the top of his head.

I caught a whiff of peppermint then saw his jaw working out on chewing gum. He explored his left ear with his finger, scratched briefly and by four bus stops, thankfully he seemed to settle.

Now a regular passenger, who I recognise as the chap that wears a khaki, cotton leisure jacket. The one with the huge hood, that makes his head look so tiny in comparison. It features a synthetic white fur ruff trim and a frustratingly BIG white label of fabric information,
He wears a collar & tie and shoes, so well polished they reflect his well spruced hair. It is so obvious that this gent takes his morning ablutions most seriously.

He departs at the University of the West of England, a mature student or a Tutor perhaps?

Author's Interview

When I heard during a TV interview that she had 15 highly acclaimed best selling novels, my attention was captured. I soon learned it was Joanna Trollope sat in the hot seat. She was speaking about her new bestseller,
"The Other Family".

Joanna regarded herself as a candid writer, who doesn't take sides, just presents the information for the reader to form their own opinion and arrive at their own conclusions. Joanna spoke about the depth and kind of research she did for this book. It includes issues surrounding legacy and inheritance. Joanna also spoke of how she determined the locations within her novel.

She spoke with authority and honesty. Joanna came across to me, as quite balanced, broad thinking, a reliable researcher and most credible.

Guess my choice of Author for this week?

As a result of reading more regularly and ensuring to explore varying Authors', my style of writing is developing for the better. Incidentally, my novel writing is so different from the way I approach this blog that you are reading!

Thought Provoking Postcards...

I open and turn on my laptop, impatiently wait for it to connect then addictively go to my blogspot. The anticipation of an indication that there is a comment brings my adrenaline to life. In the absence of one, so many other things claim my time instead.

Winter seems to have lengthened this year, Spring just can't arrive quick enough. When I see daylight, I breath.

I was sifting through a whole range of stored papers this dark Winter's evening and I came across three thought provoking postcards. Each one featured a question....
If you could bank a TASTE what would it be?
If you could bank a PRICELESS MOMENT what would it be?
If you could bank a SMELL what would it be?

How deep would you have to think to answer?

What would your answers be?

Thoughts on Valentine's Days...

What is it about boys in their late teens, that are so obviously attracted to a girl, experiencing that buzz at the very sight or mention of her, yet refuse to be tempted to send, albeit an anonymous, Valentines card?

It is such an ideal opportunity for harmless flirtation, at the very least.

Have the days disappeared, when it was simple fun to cut out letters or phrases from newspapers/magazines, to convey a message of interest on Valentine's Day?

That serge of adrenaline, arousal of the inner Spring, surely can only be good for you?

Run with youth, I say. These years of innocent bliss should be explored, a bit like walking before you can run!

When you have made a commitment to someone, Valentine's Day is a good time to exchange feelings, to acknowledge a chosen and positive relationship.

After marriage or living with a long-term partner, I believe Valentine's Day provides a chance to rekindle dimensions of romance, you could say some way towards a relationship "health-check". It's an occasion to show how much you know and consider the other. The value of the gift is not how big it is, it's the depth from which it was arrived. To source something spoken about many moons ago or a token that means alot to the other, can often be small in size, but huge in thought & gesture.

With family around, it is a positive move to mark Valentine's Day - demonstrate the wanting to make time for spontaneity and passion, "us" time, maintaining a life balance.

With effort, comes reward. What you want to do in life, you ultimately make time for. Do the same in a close relationship and innate contentment develops.

I once read,'Smile with your face, smile with your mind, then good energy comes to you'. Try it....

Keep romance, surprise and consideration between you and yours!

What has been your experience?

Writers' Journey

As I read so it informs my writing. I particularly note the words and phrases that capture my attention as well as the tone that persuades me to read on.

Likewise, the narration incorporated in certain films, can be so expressive.

I do believe I have become more observant and better at listening since writing from my life experiences.

"A Novel in a Year" by Louise Doughty based on a successful newspaper column, I have found both frank and practical. Whilst designed to be read one chapter per week, I read the entire book over 5 days as I found I just had to read on and on. Some exercises I had already completed, others I explored, whilst some remain to do. Of course I feel one year to write a book, is very ambitious for a new author, even if technique comes naturally.

I have just started to read, "eat, pray, love" an autobiography by Elizabeth Gilbert. A Bestseller of which 6 million copies have been sold worldwide.

I am intrigued as she writes about her efforts to find balance, through self-inquiry. My journeys next week will be shortened as I come to grips with her tales.

Each novel I have read since the summer of last year, has been structured so differently with this one as no exception. Elizabeth sets out to provide 108 tales which divides into 3 equal sections, each set in a different country and include 36 of the tales. The Author is in her 36th year!

Are you as curious as me?

A character...

I found myself thinking, 'bastard's got my seat!' as I had to take an alternative and much inferior position on the bus.

I put him in the mid to late 50's age bracket. The sullen look of Clement Freud and the wrinkles of a mastiff dog, came to mind!

As per usual, his black knitted hat was pulled well down against his weary, weathered face. He sat diagonally taking up a double seat. He took a slouched and indifferent pose whilst sitting cross-legged. It was then I saw his well worn suede lace-ups and dark grey woollen socks which made me suspect it was a man dressing himself, as opposed to those men with a good woman at the helm!

His clothing is always in shades of brown and black. As he rose to depart the bus, I could see the full extent of his close fitting black anorak that had a hood. He carried a black document bag.

Immediately off the bus, he swiftly lit his habitual cigarette and walked amongst pupils on route to the local secondary school, where he works.

What message do you suppose he is sending?

Turning a life experience into Literature...

Just a little way into the film (500) Days of Summer, came a quote from Henry Miller who apparently once said, "Best way to get over a woman is to turn her into literature"...

Perhaps this is one of the reasons I feel a passion and sense of purpose to pursue my writing - sub-conscious therapy perhaps?


At the moment my novel has a possible title, "Mourning After". The enormity of my husbands sudden death I am attempting to turn into literature.

Judy Delton, an American writer is quoted as saying, "Writing is an active occupation, not a passive one." She also advised, "You have to make things happen". Both statements,I agree with.

Besides enjoying the networking and benefits of writing courses, I have tried initial exercises suggested by Louise Doughty which included writing about myself succinctly and evocatively.

I have written about incidents and events from real life, then tried adding a fictional spin on them, to develop my writing skills further.

I wish to be a good and informative read for other widows, whilst providing a journey of acceptance, cheer with a dimension of hope.

I ultimately wish my first novel to generate smiles by including some comical instances along the way, celebrate life, even though the journey has been and remains undeniably tough and thought provoking.

Chief Look-out!

How is it, I am most eager to travel to work on damp, grey days?

No birds can be heard over the continuous noise of increasing traffic, travelling along the main road today.

The weather presents a bewitching dimension to my morning, playing tricks with my eyes. The trees that I saw as green against a blue sky yesterday, appear almost black on this damp day. Established paint companies would have a field day naming the colour sky before me; white-grey, smoked cloud, ghost-white etc. whatever, it's gloomy alright!

As I look across the street, a colourful Indian Chief statue stands so prominently, opposite the bus stop. He stays at his post every day for the entire year, the year after that, and so on. The numerous stories he must absorb from his look-out, that could be so intriguing to tap into.

The Chief draws attention to the nearby, innovative garden centre as he stands in excess of 6-feet tall. He neither reacts or responds to anything said or done... Just imagine where the Chief's observations could take all you writers' out there!

Unsettling Odour...

I heard him politely say, "excuse me" as he swiftly placed a discarded newspaper behind his back, on taking the seat next to me on the bus. He shook out another paper on settling, and actively scanned it.

An overwhelming and distasteful smell immediately wafted in my direction. I couldn't determine whether it was from his clothes or skin but whatever, it took precedence over my reading and remained in my nostrils.

I was so relieved as the bus emptied and he moved to an alternative seat, a couple of rows in front, just far enough to improve my creature comforts for the short distance that remained.

He had golden skin, jet black hair with sides styled into a ponytail, positioned just above the nape of his neck, where he'd left a layer combed straight. As he proceeded to remove his silver suit jacket, he revealed a purple cardigan over a matching purple pinstriped shirt. He wore spectacles and conducted himself in a very businesslike manner.

I found myself considering his place of origin and speculating as to the nature of his employ. I reached the conclusion that he had to be in sales. This was definitely a sleek negotiator!

What passenger experience can you share?