Outer Cape here I come!

Check out the link www.safeharborenv.com
I am so excited to be going to the Cape this week and spend a part of September there. It is one of my favourite places to be.
So Long for a while.

Soul Food

I was talking to my father on the phone this morning and he mentioned having received a copy of Soul Food,a book of poems to nourish you, an anthology I edited with Neil Astley of Bloodaxe Books. His friend Frank in Taunton had sent him a copy because he had seen the surname on the book cover that we have in common.
My father said the book moved him so much from the cover and into the pages.
It brought tears to my eyes as I had not expected that. That is why I had not sent him a copy. I felt a little ashamed that I knew him so little and yet is that not the way it goes sometimes? Family are the ones you know the least.
Perhaps my expectations were just low and I did not want to be disappointed. A form of self-protection.
In any case the phonecall ended with tender words of missing eachother. I feel so moved and grateful. Thank you Soul Food and thank you Frank.

Grace Paley

Grace Paley died on August 22nd this year from breast cancer at the age of 84.
I didn't think I ever thought she would die!
Grace Paley was an activist, a writer, a woman, Poet Laureate of Vermont, a teacher, a beacon, an amazing short story writer and a wonderful mensch.
I was surprised to hear today in reading the Saturday Guardian the obit by A M Homes, former student then friend, of Grace Paleys'.
Her books were great reading but I think most of her energy went into her political activism and teaching. She wrote as well with passion but she might have written more if she had not been so passionately engaged in so many other important things in life which is what I admire her for. I love the cardigans she wore, cardies are so cosy and comfy.
Grace Paley you are awesome!
A person of passion and integrity and the courage to be herself fully.
Read her work and read about her-it will inspire you!

Diana of Dance

Diana dancing with John Travolta at the White House in 1985.
I like to think of her really enjoying that dance. They were both great dancers and imagine swooshing around the floor with all the stuffy old fogies looking on!
I love dancing and I would love to dance with John! This is how I like to think of her.

Here's another picture of the man and

John Robert Parker Ravenscroft

aka John Peel!
Happy Birthday!Born today in 1939 and lives on forever in our musical hearts!

Full Harvest Moon and Full Lunar Eclipse

Today I am planting two Rosa Glauca because planting with the Full Moon is good for growth and because I really like single petalled species roses and in this case the smoky grey foliage is an added beauty!

Rosa Glauca rosehip