Is it being displeased or pleased with the way you look
Perhaps fancying a bit of a nip and tuck
Is it taking time with your appearance everyday
Does it show in the way you hold yourself upright, or is that you being uptight
Is it in the way you talk to others or in the way you present yourself
Is it hidden within you, left on the shelf
Is it the way you smile at the camera, turning the spotlight on you
Is it noticeable in all that you do
Is vanity simply the art of taking care of the way you look, like designing the jacket of a good book
Is it really bad to look in the mirror and  like what you see or is this purely vanity?

The Frog and The Bee and the Mouse with the House lived together in peace and harmony on the River Louse.

One day the Mouse with the house did declare it was time that he moved out of there.

The Frog and The Bee did not agree and set about convincing the Mouse with the House that he needed to stay on the River Louse.

They sent out invitations to all around to attend tea at half past three.

The tea party was in honour of the Mouse with the house to be held on the banks of the River Louse and hosted by his dear friends The Frog and The Bee.

One by one each creature replied and the guest list rose quickly to Twenty Five.

The Frog and The Bee decided the tea would be civil indeed and The Frog made some scones and The Bee made some honey.

At half past one The Frog and The Bee set up some tables to lay out the tea.

At half past two the tables were laid with the scones from The Frog and The honey The Bee had made.

The scene did look grand, pots of tea and saucers of milk all laid on a tablecloth made of silk.

At half past three the guests started to arrive.
The first of the guests to arrive were The Elf with one ear and The Fly with one eye. The Mouse was delighted to see his friends, the ones who helped get Horse around the river bend.

Next came the Horse and his Master of course to thank the Mouse with the House on the River Louse for his friendship and help on the day that the Horse could not get around the river bend and the Mouse with the House, The Elf with one ear, The Fly with one eye, The Frog and The Bee all pulled together and worked merrily to assist the Horse round the river course.

One by one others did attend, there was a duck who lost his cluck but the Mouse with the House helped him every day until he could at last say "cluck cluck"

Next came a ****** who had forgotten how to weave but the Mouse with the House lay out the sticks until the Beavers memory began to tick and the ****** remembered how to weave.

Then came a beautiful Butterfly with bright red wings.  She told the Frog and The Bee that one day the Mouse had found her crying and sighing her wings had faded and she did not look grand a thing of beauty.  The Mouse ran back to his House and in his shed found a can that had Paint in Red on the side.  He took a brush and painted her wings and now the Butterfly all shiny and bright flapped her wings with all her might.

Last but not least the Mayor arrived with his glorious wife by his side.

Mayor and Mayoress Swan did agree that the Mouse with the House should not leave his friends of  The River Louse and they would indeed miss him dearly if he relocated his house.

The Mouse smiled embarrassingly and said "I am sorry he did declare, there's been a mix up, when I said" I must get out of there" it was only to the shops I intended to go but The Frog and The Bee moved too fast or I moved to slow"

The Frog and The Bee and all the guests were all delighted with the news and brought in some music supplied by "Five in a Pen" which of course were all mother Hens and they danced all night until the Moon went in and the Sun came out.

Then the Frog and The Bee said to their friend the Mouse "let's do this again next year, and Mouse can bake cake for the tea, our friends can attend and we'll dance all night to Five in a Pen and we'll eat scones and honey and cake too and we'll do this in honour of all our friends and those who live and work on the River bend"

THE END

From NOLA to Charlotte and onto Heathrow
That was the journey we had chosen to go
Upon arrival and customs cleared
We see a board all destinations confirmed here
We find departure to Charlotte it's clear, delay is upon us, we may not make our connection we fear
Noone around to ask or confirm, no customer service to help find our way round
Were British so to the bar we go
Fill up our glasses, take it real slow
Just like we learned in NOLA this week life is short so make it sweet.

There was a handsome man named Elvis
Who had a wriggly pelvis
He shook, rattled and rolled and lo and behold
The man with loose hips became famous

Happy New Year to one and all as we wait to see how the cards fall
Our journey begins for 365 days, make sure you connect the dots along the way
Each day is a page for you to write your story
Let your dreams unfold in all their glory
So Poets I cannot wait to read what you Pen individually.
There remains only one thing left to say
Happy New Year, Happy 365 days.

Let's write **

Mince Pies and Clotted Cream go together like a dream.
Like  Jelly and Ice Cream
Like Green and Red are Christmas colours
Like Crackers go off with a bang
Like Christmas lights all shiny and bright
Like Carols sung at midnight
Like children waiting excitedly to see whether they've been good or bad
Like every special Christmas you have ever had
Like Christmas Pudding with pennies inside
Like a shiny new bike taken for its first ride
Like train sets set up for hours of play
Like joy and excitement on Christmas Day.

As we take a break before new year and congratulate ourselves for surviving Christmas and all the cheer.
We've wrapped all our presents, exchanged them with loved ones, sampled tons of food, drunk lots of wine and beer.

Onto New Years Eve at full speed, dressing up, partying all night, prosecco bottles popped, party games played, tables laid with tons of leftover food mince pies, crackers and cheese, roast potatoes with sunflower seeds.

Raising our glasses in a private moment to loved ones lost, trying not to cry, at least not for too long.

New Years Day we will stand on the scales take a deep breath and slowly exhale.

The numbers have climbed higher than we'd like, I'm trying to remember when I last rode my bike.

My New Years resolution list begins, nothing simple I will challenge myself with pride.

I'm going to lose a bucket of weight, maybe relearn how to skate, I'll join the gym and go every night, give up the drink and anything fun including cakes, biscuits and the odd bun.

I'll walk every day no matter how late, cook everything from scratch on our plate, learn a new language or maybe two, take the grandchildren to the zoo.

I'm going to swim the English Channel, roller skate with the grandkids, get a tattoo of fake eyelids.

I'm going to eat salad every day, give thanks for every day, write in my journal, learn to pray, meditate and salutate to the sun, go for a 10mile run.

If I get unscathed to the end of another year, I'm going to raise a glass of that local beer and drink in full the Christmas cheer.

Happy Christmas and New Year everyone ☓

Prince Simon, Prince Jason and Princess Sophie lived a regal life.

Slaying dragons and battling witches by day, monsters and zombies by night.

Each day brought adventures new, trips on boats and to the zoo.

One particular day when feeling bored, Prince Simon decided to explore.

Down to the basement, he slowly sneaked, quietly to take a peek.  New adventures he did seek.  
Simon decided to explore.
A rickety old wardrobe he did find and suddenly an adventure sprang to mind

Searching in the wardrobe what do you think he found…

“Come on Prince Jason, Princess Sophie too, come into the wardrobe and look what I have found
A snow globe, all beautiful and round”, “shake it Princess Sophie what do you see a festive setting with us three.”

Climb into the wardrobe pull your dress in tight, we are about to take flight.
Into the wardrobe all three did climb, and soon the wardrobe started to rock and shake, getting higher and higher and faster and faster it suddenly left the ground.

“Where are we going” shouted Princess Sophie, “destination unknown” said Prince Simon, “no change of clothes” Prince Jason asked, “not this time” said Prince Simon, “we are fine as we are, I’m not sure if were going that far”.

Soon enough the trip had ended, and the wardrobe landed on the floor, Prince Simon, Prince Jason & Princess Sophie opened the door and set off to explore.

This new land they had found, had lots of white snow all over the ground and white snow in all the trees.
Prince Simon, Prince Jason and Princess Sophie fell to their knees, delighted to see such a lot of snow they started to make snowballs and began to throw them at each other, laughing and wheezing with delight, they took aim and threw with all their might.
30mins later and wet through they weren’t sure where they had landed or what they had come to do.

They began to start looking around when on the floor Prince Jason found some footprints that looked quite small, not as big as horse or as small as a mouse, Prince Jason thought they belonged to a reindeer, all three of them began to cheer.

They set off following the small footprints until they found themselves on top of a small hill looking down the hill they could see a Fairyland Grotto, sparkling and white a sheer picture of pure delight.
They looked around to see if they could find a map, which would show where all the stalls were at.

Princess Sophie was the first to shout, “let’s take a tumble down the hill and check under the mat of the first Chalet to see if that is where the map is at”

All three agreed and tumbling to their bellies did roly poly down the hill, the first to come to a standstill was Prince Simon who looked under the mat and found the map was exactly where they'd thought it was at.

Prince Simon, Prince Jason and Princess Sophie looked excitedly, the very first stop was at the Toy Factory.

Situated to their left they entered the doors very slowly, then took a deep breath as they did see hundreds of Elves making toys in all their glory.
Working hard to make toys of wood and of metal too, from board games to cars, puzzles to bikes the Princes and Princess could not believe their eyes.
The Elves were working very fast and all the toys they made were sure to last.
The Elves were delighted to have company and agreed to stop and have a cup of tea, with all three.
Cups of tea and plates of cakes, mince pies and scones were soon assembled, and hurriedly eaten. The children were delighted to be having tea with the Elves, couldn’t help themselves but ask, do you know if we three are on the Good List or the Naughty?

Ha! Ha! Said the Elves wouldn’t you like to know but we still have several weeks to go.
It isn’t until the last minute the decision is made, so Santa asks that you are good all year round and not just today.

Once tea was over the Elves did say that they could move on to the next stop which was to groom the reindeers, feed them too and clean the stable of their smelly poo.

The children laughed and giggled they really were excited they exited the Toy Factory and went next door, the reindeers were in a stable and the children started to explore.
They were joined by the Head Groomsman a very elderly Elf who had a long white beard, moustache and hair and a pointed hat upon his head.

Prince Jason asked the Groomsman if they “could feed the reindeers please?” Princess Sophie was so excited she started to shout and wheeze “Please Mr Groomsman, Please?” “Can we feed the reindeer a carrot and some milk too? I don’t mind if I have to clean up his smelly poo”

Prince Jason and Prince Simon were not too sure and began to walk backwards towards the door, ready to make their escape should it occur that they had to clean the stables for the reindeers.

Mr Groomsman began to laugh, his belly began to shake, “it is OK young children please come in, you can feed the reindeers a carrot and milk, then brush them clean, you don’t need to clean up anything else, that is the work of the younger Elves”

The children were delighted and ran into the stables, first the Head Groomsman gave them a brush and showed them how to groom.
Next the children gave each of the reindeer a carrot and saucer of milk, smoothed the reindeer some more then the Head Groomsman said, “I hear that the three of you are expected next door, where Santa awaits to hear your list, don’t keep him waiting you do not want to miss the chance to speak” “Today will be the last day for a while, as he is working hard to bring a smile to every child’s face on Christmas Day”.

“A few rules before you go:
“Talk quietly and real slow, if you talk too fast or begin to shout you will not make sense and then you may miss out.
“Ask for Toys or Books or sweets, maybe socks for your feet but do not ask to solve world peace, Santa is always working on this, but it is very hard as you can imagine and takes more than one person.”
Ask for things for your mummy and daddy, your brother and sister, thinking of others is a good trait and will please Santa, now run along be good children and don't be late”
One last thing before you go Rudolph is looking forward to meeting you today, but his Red Nose is poorly and won’t come out to play, so please don’t tease or laugh or wheeze when Rudolph Nose does not come shiny and bright “

The children promised the Head Groomsman they would behave, said farewell and went on their way.

Next door to the Stable Hut resided Santa’s hut before they knocked on the door Prince Simon looked at Prince Jason and Princess Sophie and began to implore “let’s think about what we are going to ask, we don’t want to fail this task”

The three children stopped and put their heads together and slowly they began to say which each thought would be a nice surprise for their Parents to open on Christmas Day.

Prince Simon said, “for Mummy that’s easy she likes dressing up a new scarf and gloves to match her coat”
Prince Jason declared “for Daddy a book or cd for the car”
Princes Sophie sighed and said, “for Granny and Nanny a new duvet for their beds”

All three agreed it was a good list, Prince Simon stepped up to knock on the door.
Slowly the door opened and revealed the room inside. Santa was sat on a chair with Rudolph by his side.
“Welcome, welcome, children” Santa cried, “come in, come in don’t be shy, don't stand there  it’s awfully cold outside”.
The children entered and dutifully closed the door, waiting patiently for Santa to speak.
Santa called them by their names and asked if they had a special gift they would like on Christmas day.  
The children became quite shy and uncertain what to say.
Again, Prince Simon, Prince Jason and Princess Sophie put their heads together to agree what would be best when Santa laughed and said, “I was only putting you to the test”
Of course, I know what each of you would like but it depends on whether you’ve been Good or Bad
The children started to pull a face and looked very Sad, they weren’t sure if they had behaved well enough throughout the year.

Santa decided to put them out of their misery turned to each of them and said:

Prince Simon – you have attended school every day you could, you’ve completed your Maths Homework, made a book rack out of wood and in addition your Teacher has been pleased to say that you are cheerful every day.  

Prince Jason – you too have attended school every day that you could, you’ve excelled in English and Sports.
Your Teacher is delighted to have you in her class and you can easily cheer everyone up with one of your hearty laughs.

Princess Sophie – finally you have attended school every day excel in English and Ballet
Your Teacher is happy to have you in her class and trusts you to help new pupils orient their way around the school on their first day.

These are very good reports, but we give the final say to your Parents, so let’s see what they have to say:

Prince Simon – our eldest son makes us very proud he studies heartily and never is too loud.  
He looks after his brother and sister and includes them in his fun, he really is a very well-behaved number one son.

Prince Jason – our middle child is fun to be around, he never gets too angry, always makes his bed and doesn’t let his intelligence go to his head.
He takes his studies at school seriously and hands his work in on time, he really is a well-behaved middle child.

Princess Sophie – our youngest child, has a little bit of wild but not too much, just enough to keep us on our toes that is for sure, she makes friends easily and always has a smile for everyone to see. she really is a well behaved youngest child.


Santa sighed, “I wished all children had these same reports, for certain if you do nothing naughty in the next 10 days your names will be on the Good List come Christmas Day”.

The three children cheered and wanted to ask what presents Santa had in mind but decided to decline, the three children decided to wait and be surprised.

All this time Rudolph had sat quietly by Santa’s side not saying a word and trying not to look at the children he really didn’t want to be noticed or heard, he wasn’t feeling right, his usually very Red nose did not come shiny and bright.
Princess Sophie noticed him out of the corner of her eye, ran to kneel by his side and put her hand around his neck lovingly declared “You are our very favourite reindeer”  
The Two Princes joined Princess Sophie and sighed and said “Rudolph have no fear that your nose is not Red at this time of year, there’s ten days to go before your nose is required to light up the way for Santa on Christmas Day”
If you rest and hydrate it is not too late and your nose will be right and shiny and bright for Santa on Christmas Eve night”

Rudolph was delighted and gave the children a nudge and a sloppy kiss to their ears, all three children giggled sillily.

“Now, now”, Santa said, “you have been gone a long time, you really should return home, your Mummy will be worried about you and that will never do”

They climbed into the rocket and, set the destination to their home not quite a million miles below.
As they approached their home, the roof started to open wide and the rocket began to slow, the ride was nearly over they did not have far to go.
Very soon the wardrobe landed safely on the floor, the children were exhausted and ran to open the door; out they fell full of excitement and looking for their mummy, The Queen.
Princess Sophie ran out first excitedly shouting “Mummy you never guess where we have been, we’ve been to Lapland to See Santa’s Hut and Rudolphs Nose which did not light and a Head Groomsman who was a real delight, plus all the Elves took tea with us too, we really did have fun, can we go again next year”.
“Slow down” Mummy smiled and said, “it’s getting late, it’s almost time for bed”.
If you run along to your room, get dressed for bed and clean your teeth, I will be along in a while to read you a story and you can tell me all about your trip to Lapland today, I can’t wait to hear what you all have to say”
Mummy closed the door and said “Good Night sweet children, sleep tight, say your wishes with all of your might, may all your wishes and dreams come true for you on Christmas Day”

For some, of course, Christmas is not the same
Lonely nights and lots of pain
Walking the streets late at night, heads hung low, dog by their side
Searching for somewhere safe to lay their head, somewhere to be their bed
Maybe a park bench or under the bridge, shop storefronts keep them warm and dry
Until the morning comes and they move on by
Trying to keep from being seen, lest people who don't know them treat them mean
Some sit begging for a handout or a hand up
Hands wrapped around a Costa Coffee Cup
Trying to keep the last of the warmth in their bones
Some dull the pain by becoming ******
All they ask is do not judge if you don't know their story
Perhaps take the time to help out a bit, donate some clothes or gifts
Pay forward drinks in coffee shops, especially this time of year
And help in some small way to raise a bit of Christmas Cheer

My word I feel dizzy
I cannot stop the smile from spreading across my face, it must be half a mile
I'm finding it hard to breathe too
My legs feel funny and a little bit gooey
I'm beginning to get the shakes
My feet are twitching they won't stay still
I'm spinning round and round
My heart is in my mouth

Do I just turn around or leave everything to fate?

My hero The Boss is on twitter to me
I'm very emotional and feel a bit funny, it really can't be true
Whoever it is must think I'm dim, is it just a Brilliant Disguise, Is twitter feed full of lies?
Do I wish it to happen too much?
Others better than me would say why you why not me today
Oh well here goes I'm all in something good has got to start happening

Can't deny it feeling rather nervous, have spent some money I normally wouldn't but lifes about taking chances isn't that for sure
I hope I don't come out of this feeling sore
It would take the edge off the day, and I would just feel like crawling away

You make your own fate so let's see where this journey  will take me

Running, searching, seeking, looking for that sign
The one that says your welcome, please come inside
The sign that says your wanted
The sign that says your mine

Running, searching, seeking looking for that sign
A red rose resting on piano keys
A man who has fallen to his knees
A man with love in his eyes

Running, searching, seeking looking for that sign
A gentle kiss on your lips
A hug to say everything is OK
A smile to hold you for a while

Running, searching, seeking, looking for that sign
The one that says your welcome, please come inside
The sign that says your wanted
The sign that says your mine

Running, searching, seeking looking for that sign
I found my sign upon the door
It said look inside if your looking for more
Go on be brave take a peep and you will forever be mine to keep

But in fact I'm down
Should be smiling not wearing a frown
My book got published yesterday
And that should make me happy
Instead why does my brothers opinion matter so much
I guess it's cos I need his trust

Choose your friends and hold them tight
Squeeze them, hug them, with all your might
Appreciate them, confide in them, don't let them go, encourage them to stretch and grow
They will be there still when others have retreated, the best friends are those that remain seated.

One day you will truly see how good Friendships can truly be
When your feeling lost and down, searching for something to replace your frown
Reach for your closest of Friends, a bottle of wine and some chips and dips, let the gossip flow free from your lips

Diss the trends of today, Big up your assets and that of your friends, whilst eating chocolate and giggling silly, you will begin to see the world much differently

By the end of the evening, laughing and wheezing you will see how truly amazing Friendships can be.

Give your best friend a hug today

There once was a man from Pool
Who wanted the latest electronic tool
He searched high and low on new gadgets to go, his money got stole
He felt a right fool that man from Pool

There once was a woman from Cattedown
Who loved to act like a clown
She had really big feet, tripped down the stairs in her sleep
And now you don't see her around

There once was man from Plymouth
Who had a really big mouth
He opened it wide, a yacht slipped inside, he went out with the tide
Now he lives in Mclouth
The unfortunate man from Plymouth

I don't know why
Counting sheep,... 1, 2, 3
That doesn't work, try the Art of Zen
I can't draw with a Pen, not sure why I thought I could be an Artist of Zen
Back to counting Sheep,... 8,9,10
That doesn't work yet again
Got myself a new fangled watch that tracks your sleep
Tells me last night I slept 8hrs, 5 light and 3 deep
Tonight I'm going to turn out my phone at half past nine, run a bath, meditate maybe even drink some wine
I'll do anything legal to catch those zzzz's
They won't beat me He! He! He!

Sad to be leaving here
Happy to be going home

To my dearest darling Joe

I had to let you know of fun that we have had on our latest holiday, I know you would get such a kick out of the tales we have to tell.  

It was a last minute all inclusive deal, we set out with Sue and Steve for some late autumn sun to Zante the Greek island of fun.

Oh Joe I cannot tell you the colour of the seas,  so clear so blue I can't do them justice, if you could see a picture it may be a start but in theses seas you can see to the bottom and the sand is  white and dark.  

No seaweed in sight nor turtles too, it's too late this time of year but olive trees and lemon, lime, oranges and grapefruit are everywhere and handy for a bite, that's right I put my hand up and plucked an orange from the tree, oh Joe your mouth would explode, it tasted so divine.

The people are oh so friendly and they make it very clear that the sun in the sky is unusual at this time of year.

We hired a car and drove into the mountains and dropped down to a port, hired a boat and they took us to shipwreck cove, where some years ago a boat had shipwrecked and it's cargo cleared the sea, we swam and dived in the clear blue sea underneath clear blue sky, oh and some people were tightroping across the ravine, I'm afraid I didn't have the courage to join them in the sky but I lied down and watched them heroically cross from end to end.

We've eaten traditional food and drank traditional ***** and used the traditional loos, do you remember the ones in the south of France that mum and I refused to use, we'll these were exactly the same. We've laughed and cried recanting tales of days goneby.

It really has been delightful a holiday to remember, one I wish I could tell you all about, I know you would sit and laugh with me as I retell the fabulous holiday we have had to catch some sun on the Greek island of fun, Zante.

I love you Joe **

The day is turning to night
and the colours are fading away
the blue sky is turning to a dull grey
It's time for a holiday
That's all I have to say..

Prince Simon, Prince Jason and Princess Sophie lived a regal life.

Slaying dragons and battling witches by day, monsters and beasts by night.

Each day brought adventures new, trips on boats and to the zoo.

One particular day when feeling bored, Prince Simon decided to explore.

Down to the basement, he slowly sneaked, quietly to take a peek.  New adventures he did seek.

A rickety old wardrobe he did find and suddenly an adventure sprang to mind.

Prince Simon shouted excitedly, "come quickly Prince Jason, Princess Sophie the Wardrobe holds an adventure new, one for me and why don't you join me too?"

The three children didn't hesitate into the Wardrobe they climbed, "where are we going today? do you know the way? Prince Jason chimed.

"The way is West" Prince Simon declared "to the Wild Wild West in the days that were best, in the morning I have a history test."

Quickly buckle up, hold tight, the wardrobe will soon be taking flight.

No sooner had they entered the wardrobe and buckled up, then the wardrobe began to rock and shake, the wardrobe began to lift and quake.

The rocket started rising higher and higher, faster and faster , picking up speed and going faster and faster.

Higher and higher, faster and faster they rose into the sky.

Higher and higher, faster and faster until they were 30,000 feet high and heading in the direction of the Wild Wild West.  
All three children were delighted, the rocket ship made them so excited.

Prince Jason and Princess Sophie said, " what do we need to wear on this adventure?"

Prince Simon said "cowboy hat, jeans, boots, and vest, that's all that's required for the wild wild west"

"mmm said Princess Sophie what about cowgirls or squaws that is what an Indian Girl is called"

"Well," said Prince Jason "their very similar, a cowhide dress, boots and Stetson hat for cowgirl, a cowhide dress, boots and feather headdress for the Squaw, let's look around and explore what the wardrobe has hidden for us all"

The children started looking and everything they required they did find Prince Simon and Prince Jason looked very fine as Cowboys with their hats, jeans, boots and vest they would fit right in, in the Wild Wild West.

Princess Sophie decided to dress as a Squaw and donned Cowhide dress, boots and feather headdress turned to her brothers to see if she passed the test.

"Perfect" Prince Simon and Prince Jason declared "come join us  now," they both said," it won't be long" Prince Simon stated "until we land back in time of the 1870's in Deadwood Gulch, USA, the Sheriff has a campaign to rid the county of its bad name "

Prince Jason and Princess Sophie were so excited they began to laugh and squeak, Princess Sophie did declare that "her knees were feeling weak"

10 minutes later the rocket had slowed down and was starting its' descent, Princess Sophie got so excited as she spied a teepee tent.

"Look" Princess Sophie shouted "a reservation down below, where Indians are settled and warm fires are all aglow"  

"Can we please stop and speak, I would like to ride a horse and a canoe, I have read stories and I know that's what they do, in the land of the Sioux!"

Slowly the rocket did descend, landing near the reservation, all three children opened the door, their eyes grew wider at what they saw.

5,000 Indians greeted the visitors with big smiles, and their leader, name of Crazy Horse asked them to join them for a while.
“Stay a while,” Crazy Horse said we’ll make some food, teach you to ride a horse ******* and a canoe, teach you the ways of the Sioux.

Princess Sophie replied, “we can’t wait” looking at the leader’s headdress Princess Sophie sighed “how come your headdress is as tall as it is wide?”

Crazy Horse smiled and sweetly said “I am a leader of these people and I do not hide; my headdress makes me stand out from others at my side”

Crazy Horse led the children to the teepee tent and signalled them to sit on the floor in front, cross-legged.

“We hunt daily for fish and meat, the food you are going to be given is precious and prepared with care, please do not wait, dig in, enjoy, there is enough to share”

Prince Simon, Prince Jason and Princess Sophie dived in enthusiastically, tasting everything, they could, from rice and beans, fish and meat, everything was so tasty and cooked in a *** hung over the wood.

“when you have finished “Crazy Horse declared we have horses ready for you to ride, don’t worry someone will walk with you at your side”

The children excitedly climbed upon their horses, Lakota for Prince Simon, Kamanchee for Prince Jason and Quil for Princess Sophie, they each clicked their heels and off the horses trot.

Just as Crazy Horse promised, each of the children had an Indian by their side, walking and talking about the best way to ride.

After an hour the children did decide that as much as they enjoyed it they had to end the ride.

Prince Simon said to Crazy Horse “thank you for your hospitality but we really must leave right now, we are meeting the Sheriff man of Deadwood Gulch” he said with a bow.

Crazy Horse bid them adieu and said, “say Hi to Wild Bill for me, last time I saw him he was wagon master”

The three children said their goodbyes and walked along the White River to their destination town, Deadwood Gulch.

Suddenly wooden huts appeared and horses pulling carriages, people and cargo shared the inside and Wells Fargo in writing on the outside.

Prince Simon, Prince Jason, and Princess Sophie looked around the town, found a sign that said Sheriff’s Office, rang the bell and entered.

Wild Bill Hickock with his long hair and Stetson hat, looked just as the children remembered from their history class.

“Hi,” said Wild Bill as he rose from his seat, stretched his hand out to greet the three children.

You must be Prince Simon, Prince Jason and Princess Sophie come to learn the ways of the Wild West before your history test.

“Yes” said Prince Simon, wildly shaking Wild Bills hand “we are delighted to meet you and lend a helping hand”

Wild Bill said, “follow me, I am about to take a walk, meet the local folk and welcome visitors to the town, would you like to tag along with me as I walk around?”

The three children agreed excitedly and followed behind, “First stop” said Wild Bill is the Post Office look for the Yellow sign”
“I see it,” said Princess Sophie as she ran across the street “let’s all go inside and meet the postmistress, make sure she’s got what she needs, if she requires any stationary we may have to place an order to arrive with speed”

“Next stop,” said Wild Bill “is the Blacksmiths down the road, if you are lucky he will show you how a horse is shoed”
The children watched quietly as the Blacksmith plied his trade, treating all of the horses to pairs of shoes fit for a parade.

“Last,” said Wild Bill “off to a rodeo we go, you will see cowboys riding their horses and using their lassoes and if your very lucky they will let you try it too”

Prince Simon, Prince Jason, and Princess Sophie were so excited they hardly said a word, watching the rodeo in silence, watching every move.
Finally, Wild Bill shouted from the side, “hands up who is keen to have a ride around the ranch? Try their hand with a lasso and maybe get some lunch.

The children’s hands shot up in the air and all three children gave a very loud cheer, Wild Bill laughed and replied, “Follow me and I will hook you up with three horses for a ride”

For the second time that day the children rode horses, this time in a circle around the corral, keeping time Wild Bill always by their side, they loved the ride.

Last but least Wild Bill put on a feast of a show with rope in his hand he threw the lasso over some cans set up on a fence, pulled the rope tight and without a second glance, felled the tins to the floor, the children let out an appreciative roar.

“That is the end of your day” Wild Bill did say “I am sorry to see you go but you must run along home, you’ve been gone a long time and your mummy will be worried”

The children shook Wild Bill's hand and thanked him for his time, sadly the day had ended and they climbed back in the wardrobe, set the destination to their home a million miles below.

As they approached their home, the roof started to open wide and the rocket began to slow, the ride was nearly over and they did not have far to go.

Very soon the wardrobe landed safely on the floor, the children were exhausted and ran to open the door, out they fell full of excitement and looking for their mummy, headed straight to the kitchen.

Mummy looked at all three children and declared “there you are, I was searching for Prince Simon as he has a history test in the morning on the Wild Wild West and I was going to help him revise for it.

The children laughed and cried, Princess Sophie, sighed, “no need mummy” they all declared “we know all about it, we’ve all been there”

Prince Simon said “Can we just have some tea and go straight to bed, I promise I have all the knowledge of the Wild Wild West clearly in my head, at least enough to pass the test.”

Of course said Mummy wash your hands, tea is ready.

falls to the ground
It's colour is a standout yellow in a carpet of brown
This leaf represents life not yet complete
Still resplendant in colour as it falls at your feet
Life not over still holding on
Life to be cherished for however long

Last night I went out for a run
2.23km Job done

So young, so troubled, such a tragedy, such a waste
He came into the world blonde hair and blue eyes, one look and you were mesmerised
A young lad with the world at his feet, adventurous, would try anything new
No person could ever say no, even though he troubled them so
Everyone wishes they had said no, then they wouldn't have had to say goodbye

Autumn, I love this time of year
Not quite Winter and still some sunny days
But the leaves they are a turning
Changing colours from green to red, yellow and brown
Trees shredding their leaves all about you on the ground
Autumn, I love this time year

There is a bridge  where I live, I pass it every day.
It carries people to the station perhaps for a getaway.
What's their destination, where will they end up?
Are they meeting lovers, clandestine or not?
Are they suits paid for by the day?
Parents taking their children on their first holiday.
Does it hold secrets of the present, future past?
Has it been there long how much longer will it last?
I wish the bridge could tells us the secret of peoples travels.
Maybe it holds the secret key to a mystery unravel.
Maybe we will never know where each day these people go.
But the bridge is the key to each one's destiny.

National poetry day what does it mean to you?
Is it a day you put pen to paper and have your say?
Do you write a sonnet, a love letter from the heart?
Do you write about the street and the different people you meet?
Do you write about your hurt and pain?
Whatever your choice do it today put pen to paper and have your say.
What better day to celebrate than national poetry day.

What do they really mean?
Can they change the way you see your self?
When you look in the mirror and recite your chant, does it really have such an impact?
Does it make you stronger, help you find your way?
Do you need to rehearse internally what you should already say?
Do they help you clear you mind, stay on track?
Are they helping you find  your way back?
Who uses affirmations every day, their new to me I have to say but my PT says they are the way.
By talking in the mirror will it make me more confident in my work or as a poet?
I don't know if that's a fact but happy to have a daily chat, where the person I'm talking to doesn't talk back.

It's September and the sun is in the sky
No need for jumpers or coats as the sun blesses us with warmth from its rays on this beautiful balmy day
The Quay is busy today, people living different lives mixing with each other side by side
Children in their pushchairs being pushed by their mums
Children, men and woman in kayaks making the most of the late sun
Shops and cafes open, tables and chairs outdoors full
Birds flying in the sky and on the River, swans pigeons and gulls
A homeless man with all his worldly goods feeds the birds by his side with the last of  his food
Cyclists enjoying the sun whilst out for a ride
Elderly people out walking with their family by their side
People saying 'hello' , 'good afternoon'  'it's a pleasure to see you' 'let's meet up again soon'
It was a pleasure to be a part of the balmy day by the quay

Monday morning, running late, not a good start to the week
Can't find the keys to the car, where are they now surely they can't be far.
Keys located, off we go, traffic is moving very slow
Cars are bumper to bumper and stopped at all the lights, parents dropping children at the school gates.
Weather, of course, it's raining now but it will get better at half past eight.
Pull into the car park, someone's in my usual space, now I have to walk further and must therefore up my pace.
Switch on my PC, it's laughing at me now, the computer says No!
No emails for you today, in fact, I'm running slow, nothing much will work for you, you may as well go home.
It's two thirty and still no machine to work on, I'm writing poetry on my phone to post on HP later on, whilst IT run around scratching their heads, we think your PC may be dead.
You think! it's only half past four another half an hour and I'll be out the door.
Nothing much accomplished today, you can't do much when your machine won't play.