Drawnonwords

What’s a Pen got to do with it? Books, writing and fountain pens Hay-on-Wye is a wonderful place, books everywhere and the odd record shop to boot. I have visited a number of times now and always come away with something. A few Miss Marple’s, the odd Sci-fi book and of course the festival that takes place. A few years ago I went to my first Hay-on-Wye festival, walked around even more books,…

Just a short read on my views around AI - Two letters many meanings. Hope you enjoy the read.

Mental Health At the Basingstoke Comic Con, I sat down to listen to a panel on Mental Health in Fandom. I had not expected this type of panel at a comic con. It was interesting and brave. There was a frank conversation of how the panel members had coped with various issues, including Amanda Tapping’s own story. That made me think about myself. We often allow ourselves to struggle, many people…

Stargate Basingstoke I have been to many conventions in my past years. The I first went to was back in the late 70’s and continued through to 2009. It was Star Trek conventions, mainly as a passion but then to meet friends and watch episodes. Then I went to Doctor Who, Blakes 7 and just good old Sci-fi ones. Once conventions became more corporate they lost my interest. I did go to a couple but…

A new Birthday playlist A two years ago, at the age of 60, I decided to create a birthday playlist. This was to celebrate my love of music in all forms and it took me sometime to put together. I first thought 60 songs for 60 years but changed my mind to 50 songs and 10 albums. Ok so, it was a sort of cheat but who cares. I have since created one at 61 and now find myself making this one for 62.…

Covid and all This is my first blog in quiet sometime and its going to cover a few years. A lot has happened since my last blog and that was after Covid. However, back in time a bit. Covid was a pain, enough said. But for me, it gave me a chance to rediscover an old hobby with fresh eyes. Having a lot of time stuck inside I found some old models I had never started. One was a Tamiya Motor…

Stand by for Action

Stand by for Action The words, ‘Stand by for Action’ evoke many memories for me and many who enjoy the worlds of Gerry Anderson. Some many shows come to mind, and of course the themes that grabbed the attention. Around December time, I saw a post about an upcoming concert in April right around the time of my 60thbirthday. It took me about a minute to decide I wanted tickets. The concert would…

My 60th Birthday PlayList

60th Birthday PlayList Milestones are never really recognised, so said Bob Newhart. Well, that’s not always true. We do celebrate many things in life, events, anniversaries and more. Some we just let pass by, but this one for myself is one of those milestones I will approach with mixed feelings. April 29th is my 60th birthday and I have decided to create a playlist. I gave this some thought…

The Music of Star Trek – Part Four

In the third part we voyaged past deep space, went back to the beginning, and then restarted it all over again. In this final part (not the frontier) we will see a new discovery, an old captain and hint at the future with an Enterprise before Kirk. A New Discovery Star Trek is never far from a slot on television. Its music can be heard on radio often. You can’t forget that theme.  While the…

The Music of Star Trek – Part One

The Music of Star Trek – Part One Some music becomes iconic, so much so that the first few bars take a person to a familiar place. Star Trek, for me, is one of those iconic scores. However, there is much more to a score than the opening or closing theme.  Television Years The original series introduced us to a very iconic theme which became famous but also had many more pieces which for me had…

There has been a steady, if not needed rise into mindfulness and its effects on our wellbeing. Mindfulness has a few elements to consider as to what it means to each of us.

Music and Mindfulness

Where to start? Always best in my view to start with a statement. According to web sources, mindfulness is the practice of purposely bringing one’s attention to experiences occurring in the present…

Zen and the Covid Effect

Zen and the Covid effect.

It has taken me sometime to write on this subject. I myself have lost a parent during this time (not to the virus) but I thought I would add my musings.

We do have to think differently as many have said and things are changing so timetables have to be adaptable. 

The Corona Virus Effect

As the effects of this Corona Virus continue to be felt, there comes a…

Lockdown We face an unseen enemy, It’s victims spread far and wide. The world now seen through pains of glass, For some to reach the outside. Now to find ourselves In new worlds of our own. Covered by three simple rules To emerge safe, not alone. This is no game, one can’t reset, The rules are very clear. Wash your hands, isolate as you can, Stay safe inside. For many exercise is needed, Both…

9th April 2020

Walk (and this lockdown)

Walking is good for you. That is what we are told and it’s true, you do improve your health. 5,000 steps or 5km and you can keep fit. It also helps your mind and mental attitude. You step away from the TV or computer and let your mind wander.

Bake (and this lockdown)

So another day in lockdown and part of a weeks leave. It seems odd and yet…

The Joy of Writing

The Joy of Writing

What makes writing a joy? Sometimes I am not sure, reading the same sentence time and time again trying to get it just right. I wrote a series of articles some time ago about why we write, I thought back and decided to sort of revisit.

Writing is a joy or should be. Well, some writing is a joy. Of course some writing has to deliver bad or sad news. Is that writing? To me…