Posts Tagged ‘Frances Macaulay Forde’

“As Autumn Leaves”

Posted in Love, nature, Other blogs, Poetry, WA Writers, Writing, tagged ABC Tales, Frances Macaulay Forde, Love, other writers, Perth, Poem, poems, poetry, poetry in Western Australia, words, writer, writing on March 25, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Hyde Park in February… too hot to be out of the shade.

I’ve just found this beautiful poem on ABC Tales , so when you have a moment indulge yourself.

As a fan of the site for many years, I’ve benefited greatly from comments, encouragement and the sheer joy of reading wonderful words from writers I wouldn’t have read otherwise.

The very first item I posted was on the 15th March 2006 was a short story ‘Write to Romance’. (I’ve posted loads of poems and stories on ABC Tales since.)

That story has since been read by 874 people (blows my mind!) and earned a ‘Cherry’ from the editors – such a huge boost in confidence.

So I recommend, anyone with stories or poems to share, join this fabulous FREE site and see what others think of your words but importantly, receive some very constructive feedback from talented and experienced others.

Such a safe and nurturing environment is rare on the net. I’m often inspired by what I read on there so I’m about to post this poem posted on here in February, in response to ‘Bee’ and her poem ‘As Autumn Leaves’.

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Spring for Autumn

Posted in nature, Poetry, WA Writers, Writing, tagged autumn, Everlastings, Frances Macaulay Forde, Hardenburgia, jacarandas, Onion Weed, Poem, poetry in Western Australia, spring, WA Wildflowers, Western Australia on March 23, 2014| 3 Comments »

Although it’s Autumn here in Western Australia, so many of my readers in the Northern Hemisphere, are enjoying the first flush of Spring, enjoying the gorgeous flowerings of a new season.

Hopefully you’ll find lots of moments to be outside in the glorious sunshine.

Thought I’d share one of my ‘Spring’ poems and a couple of my photos of our WA Wildflowers

Western Australia is the only place you’ll find different species of Blue flowers growing in the wild.

Photo taken in Australian Spring,
our wildflower season, September. © 2014

Painting Spring

Fluffy yellow balls appear

near long thin leaves

signaling an Aussie spring.

Jacarandas show specks

of green – soon purple petals

will carpet my patio floor.

Orchid-like the humble

Onion Weed reveals its

stubborn beauty

Forest search for Harden

bergia – purple creeper

where blue wrens flit.

No wonder I’m drawn

to spiky leaf and wild

flowers Everlastings.

Frances Macaulay Forde ~ 2014

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Lesson No 65

Posted in Love, Poetry, Romance, WA Writers, Writing, tagged Frances Macaulay Forde, Love, Poem, poems, Professor Glen Phillips, Western Australia, words, writer, writing on March 21, 2014| 3 Comments »

Today, Friday, 21st March 2014 has officially been declared ‘World Poetry Day’.

So where does poetry ‘sit’ in your life and what is your idea of poetry?

Poetry is my way of ordering an idea or response, by moving it out of my head in as few words as possible, to clarify ~ writing the spine of what comes next.

It may stay as a poem, or become a short story, a script for a play or the screen or novel, perhaps even spawn more poems… but poetry is always the key.

Poetry is communicating clearly a strong emotion within me, which combined with the use of metaphor, I hope will find an echo when others read my efforts.

So I thought I’d share my reply to a fun poem Professor Glen Phillips sent and my responding poem (with permission, of course):

Glen Phillips reading a poem at Poets Corner, Perth Cultural Centre, 2005.

BUT BLONDES PREFER DIAMONDS

(or, Lesson No. 64)

If you think ‘a diamond is forever’,

as advertisements used to say,

(and you’re beautiful) grab whatever

lovely hot rocks come your way!

And why not? Centuries of avid men

seeking to turn the head of a cooling lover

resort to this old stratagem well-proven—

how to raise the stakes, get back in clover.

So down to the hockshop, make a grand

by selling heirlooms (or grandma’s wheelchair)

and then hare it to the gem store, with hand

on heart, plead a done deal for a big solitaire.

Gentlemen prefer blondes, but blondes prefer

rocks and preferably bigger and with more sparks

than those in the eyes of he who would woo her.

You good boys, listen, how to get top marks!

Glen Phillips © July, 2007.

and my response:

Frances Macaulay Forde reading a poem at Poets Corner, Perth Cultural Centre, 2005.

Lesson No 65

See, diamonds are hard

as everyone knows,

a girl must have metal

for this century’s woes.

Getting her rocks off

whether blond, red or brunette

no faking, no waiting – Helen,

woman hasn’t peaked yet.

While gentlemen play with image

cream blondes, brunettes achieve.

Red wears stainless steel bands

inscribed with ‘We must believe!’

Don’t strive for tabloid wants

look past the surface bling,

there’s more to a woman

tho’ the sparkle is tempting…

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Jesamine, Equals and Rolling Stones.

Posted in Africa, Love, Music, Sounds, tagged 1971, Charlie Watts, Ellington Jazz Club, Frances Macaulay Forde, L'Wren Scott, Mick Jagger, Perth, Rolling Stones, The Casuals, The Equals, Zambia on March 20, 2014| 3 Comments »

‘Sleepy’ Perth has been awoken by the presence of the mighty Rolling Stones although sadly their first Australian concert for many years has to be postponed.

My heart goes out to Mick and all who loved and knew his best friend, L’Wren Scott.

While the band members deal with the change in plans, they’ve been forced to keep their tongue logo parked on the tarmac at Perth Airport.

Last night, drummer Charlie Watts found an outlet for his musical talents at one of our best known secrets; the Ellington Jazz Club.

I’ve very sure the capacity crowd of 135 will dine out on their impromptu concert for many years to come.

My niece Aimee has long been a fan of the club and although many of the family have enjoyed the Jazz, we’ve not got there yet.

Muther’s Convention playing in Zambia, 1971 – Hubby on the left.

So ex-musician hubby and I were discussing our misfortune in not choosing to go, when he told me about his two claims to fame; acting as local tour guides and helping ferry instruments etc when ‘The Casuals’ visited Zambia in about 1971 and his band ‘Muther’s Convention’ playing as support for ‘The Equals’ on their Zambian tour a year later.

I didn’t recognize the names immediately so good old Google came to the rescue and ‘Voila!’ I’m instantly transported with the sound of one of my all-time favorite songs “Jesamine” by the Casuals.

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Thoughts on St Paddy’s…

Posted in Africa, Ireland, Love, Poetry, Sketching In Ireland, WA Writers, Writing, tagged Co Cork, Day, Frances Macaulay Forde, Ireland, Irish roots, Loss, Love, Poem, St Patgricks, Western Australia, words, writer, writing on March 17, 2014| Leave a Comment »

St Paddy’s Day in Cork, at the parade, 2003

Spending 14 glorious months in Co Cork and having the opportunity to attend a real Irish St Patrick’s Day Parade on Patrick Street in Cork City; my Irish Hubby and I always raise a glass to our Irish roots.

It turns out (after much family history research) both our families come from Co Cork, about 10 miles from each other ~ but we actually met in the middle of Africa!

My gorgeous Hubby and I celebrating in Oz. 2008.

Inevitably, I can’t help thinking of my dear old Dad who was so proud of his heritage who cannot have his usual Guinness today ~ we lost him 31 years ago.

My Dear Old Dad on holiday in South Africa 1966.

Unconditional

That moment

when I realized

you weren’t asleep,

I couldn’t cry.

I wanted to,

thought I should,

but I couldn’t shed tears

for all those years

when I was loved

unconditionally.

When I knew

no matter what I did

or said, you would always

love me – be there for me.

Put a plaster on my hurts,

fix me up with kisses, give

words to make me feel better.

I’ll never forget your strength.

How your arms encircled me,

the safeness of a oak tree,

dense, caring and complete.

I need that care now!

I need to feel safe again,

to sail into your harbour of care,

find you there, waiting

with open arms, accepting

all my faults, all my mistakes

and letting them go.

You always helped me

move on to new adventures,

strengthened by your love.

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Tall Trees

Posted in Perth City, Poetry, Theatre, Writing, tagged Frances Macaulay Forde, Len Buckeridge, Perth Arena, Perth City, Poem, poetry in Western Australia, Tanks, Western Australia, words, writing on March 13, 2014| 2 Comments »

Climbing The Gloucester Tree 2005© Sean McClean

A Facebook friend lost an ex-uncle in life’s battle recently, Len Buckeridge.

He was a tall poppy in this ‘small’ town where many of his courageous achievements for our capital city and state were judged by bigots.

But he left many a legacy thousands will wonder at and enjoy every day and probably never know who was responsible.

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Spectacular Perth Arena, built by Len Buckeridge’s BGC

Tall Tree Tanka

Unfortunately

too many enjoy trying

to fell tall trees

when they should be hugged.

We need to learn to look up.

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Floral fence

Posted in Art, nature, tagged Art as the Spark, Cottesloe Beach, Frances Macaulay Forde, Jessica McCallum, Perth Daily Photo, Sculptures by the Sea, Travel blog, Western Australia on March 11, 2014| 1 Comment »

My sister-in-law Grace does an amazing travel blog Perth Daily Photo voted the best last year by our West Australian newspapers.

Currently she’s profiling a unique show on Cottesloe beach ‘Sculptures by the Sea’ also showing the cloudy weather we’re having at the moment.

It’s such a refreshing change – such a contrast to our normal clear blue skies and heat. So I feel in need of some color:

Last year, she commissioned my artist daughter Jessica McCallum, to brighten up a plain and very common style of fence in Australia.

I’ve included one Mural photo to give you a taste, but there are more… enjoy!

Fence Mural by Jessica McCallum
Photo © Grace Forde

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Recycled

Posted in Africa, Animals, nature, Poetry, WA Writers, tagged Africa, Frances Macaulay Forde, Inspiration, new writing, Photo blog, Poem, poems, poetry in Western Australia, words, writer, writing on March 6, 2014| Leave a Comment »

I saw this photo by on the net and was immediately inspired: nature + telephone pole = home.

(http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2013/02/massive-bird-nests-built-on-telephone-poles-in-southern-africa/ )

RECYCLED

Sociable weaver

birds gather Kalahari

sticks, grass, cotton to

construct home-trees for hundreds.

Out-dated rest-points built to

carry distance wires become

capsules recycled for

mobile families.

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“Is this the point…”

Posted in Hidden Capacity, Love, Poetry, Romance, Writing, tagged Frances Macaulay Forde, Perth City Skyline, Poem, poems, poetry in Western Australia, South Per, WA, Western Australia, words, writer, writing on March 6, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Perth Skyline, taken from the Mend St Jetty across the fiver in South Perth.

Thought I’d share another poem from my first book written during my on-line courtship, specifically what a poetry editor in Ireland deemed a ‘quirky’ title, to see what you think.

“Is this the point where you tell me

you’ve been bulls*itting all along?”

This comment, at 12.33pm on messenger,

stopped me in my tracks – I had to

question you…

Why say that? Is this where you are?

Role research? Experimenting on me?

I have opened the door for you once more.

You are the love of my life returned

to my room…

‘cos of who you are, who you’ve been.

And who I’ve been – where I’ve been.

My labels are cheap, used and tattered.

Yours exciting, money new, and ‘out there’.

Can you ignore…

appreciate the journey, walk the same road

remembering why I react from memories.

How did this happen and why now?

The director knows the outcome,

my script done…

Nuances of assistance from higher hands…

mysterious determined effort for lasting love.

If the future wanes – dumping my heart…

When I prove not to be what you want…

If my love…

can’t match your carefully constructed,

mental and emotional picture of me today…

Rejection! A resounding slap in the face.

Eternal damnation of idealism – romance.

Proving …

my impossible dreams have no right

to insert themselves into my reality.

I will still love you – hate you first but

eventually settle back to loving you again,

sub-consciously….

I will treasure always you careful words,

your considered approach – all the ‘bulls*it’!

From my 1st book of poems ‘Hidden Capacity ~ a poet’s journey’ Published in Cork, Ireland, 2003.

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12 x 12

Posted in Books, Children's stories, Poetry, WA Writers, Writing, tagged 12 x 12 Challenge, Children's stories, Frances Macaulay Forde, Julie Hedlund, new writing, picture books, poems, SCWBI, writing, writing in WA on March 5, 2014| 4 Comments »

Official Participant in the Julie Hedlund 12 x 12 Picture Book Challenge

Soooo excited – I’ve signed up as a Golden Book Member of Julie Hedlund’s 12 month picture book challenge for 2014.

(I find I need deadlines to actually finish fiddling with manuscripts and let them go.)

There’s lots of support and encouragement from fellow participants – many who’re also members of SCWBI.

Julie offers the amazing chance to send a manuscript to an approved agent each month.

At the very least, I’ll have quite a few new picture book ideas to hawk to local publishers at the end of the year!

SUZETTE THE SNAKE

Suzette the snake was swish.

She slithered with style

and spoke with a lisp.

Her sensitive stomach

seeks special cuisine,

especially cleaned

in rivers and streams.

She swims in salt lakes

with sensuous ease,

sleeps under shade trees,

shivers out in the breeze.

Skin silvery bronze

sun-yellow striped along.

Speeding through leaves

she startles a feed.

Surely her sparkle

and shimmering shape,

proves beauty is found

in a slithering snake!

Frances Macaulay Forde @ 2001

From my 1st book of poems ‘Hidden Capacity ~ a poet’s journey’ Published in Cork, Ireland, 2003.

So the gauntlet has been thrown and I must rise to the challenge.

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Perth Words… exploring possibilities.

From a retired writer living on the Sunset Coast of Australia.

Posts Tagged ‘Frances Macaulay Forde’

“As Autumn Leaves”

Spring for Autumn

Lesson No 65

Jesamine, Equals and Rolling Stones.

Thoughts on St Paddy’s…

Tall Trees

Floral fence

Recycled

“Is this the point…”

“Is this the point where you tell me

you’ve been bulls*itting all along?”

12 x 12

SUZETTE THE SNAKE

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“Is this the point where you tell me

you’ve been bulls*itting all along?”

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SUZETTE THE SNAKE

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Copyright:

Follow Blog via Email

Pinterest

Top Posts & Pages

Jessica McCallum – Artist

FordeDOTPaddy

Perth Daily Photo – blog

Archives

Blogs I Follow

Find a blog post…

Tags