Day: Nov 18, 2023

#723 theoldmortuary ponders

On By theoldmortuary.designIn Books, SerendipityLeave a comment

What book are you reading right now?

A little extra ponder for the weekend. I am currently reading Mothers Boy by Patrick Gale.

Normally I might not answer this prompt but this particular book, author and subject are almost the foundation of my love of reading . The Mother’s Boy at the centre of this novel is the poet Charles Causley who wrote a poem called Timothy Winters.

At the heart of the poem is a disadvantaged boy living in post-war Britain. Someone whose opportunities the Welfare State was designed to improve. It was probably the first working class poem I had ever been exposed to.

I have stuck with Causley ever since.  Then I moved near to Launceston where he lived and became familiar with the geography of his home town.  This beautiful portrait of him was done by an artist I know.

http://www.faithchevannes.com

I have read many factual books about Charles Causley but this fictional version, based on facts, of his life is so enjoyable. By an author who never puts a foot wrong, in my opinion. I am having a good weekend in my bookish moments

#722 theoldmortuary ponders

On By theoldmortuary.designIn Friends, Serendipity1 Comment
Deconstructed Fruit and Nut Chocolate bar. Gift making in November.

November is one of my favourite months. It feels like a pause or a moment of restfulness before the hurly burly of the festive season. The quality of light when the sun appears, makes normal things more luminous.

November is also my favourite month because my birthday appears in the middle of it. This week I discovered that the authors of two blogs that I follow also have their birthdays in the same week. And we are all virtually the same age. I consider these two women to be blog friends, mentors and inspiration. Their blogs can be found on the links below.

https://claudia-mcgill.com
https://ididnthavemyglasseson.com

Real world friends with similar birthdays would probably gather on a comfy sofa and natter away amongst plump cushions.

Cushions in a Coffee Shop in St Agnes

We would talk about our friends, families, pets and life in general.

Hugo and Lola in a sunbeam

I would certainly moan about the two viruses that have dampened the spirit of November 2023 for me. Dampened but not damaged. Although by keeping away from people because I was a walking virus pool I have been a lot less social in my real world this November.

Old piece of timber washed up on a beach.

Friends, be they virtual or actual are one of the magic ingredients of life. They are invaluable wherever and however they manifest themselves. They help us make sense of the world.

Cornish Beach

Happy Birthdays November friends.

(All photographs taken using November light.)