Oak trees, bluebells and the shape of the wind

A windy day on the coast of North Wales, walking on the clifftops and through woodland overlooking Barmouth and the sea.

There were so many oak trees with spring leaves of vibrant green, often with bluebells beneath them. It's impossible to photograph the unique colour of bluebells, so this photo gives an impression only.

The wind blew so strongly I could only just stand upright on the exposed clifftops, and it was still strong when walking sheltered by oak trees and stern geology.

 Descending to sea level, I tried to walk on the beach. A boat stood, deserted by the tide, and I wanted to walk out to it.

However, the strong wind was picking up the top layer of  sand and swirling it round. I could neither see nor breathe properly, so I had to stop. But I noticed the wonderful sand shapes the wind was making, and was reminded of the poet Taliesin and his poem describing the wind as an invisible creature.

Then away to Menai Bridge and the art exhibition of Clive Hicks Jenkins at Oriel Tegfryn. I completely failed to record any of the lovely pictures, but have a nice one of Clive,

and his delightful dog Jack, who stole everyone's hearts!

There are pictures and details of Clive's exhibition on his excellent blog, http://clivehicksjenkins.wordpress.com/

Then home through the darkness past the shadowy mountains.

An outbreak of poetry!

Last day of Term, children in fancy dress, an outdoor specially constructed storytelling area - how much better can it get?! On Friday I told stories and poems to many groups of marvellously dressed children and teachers at Thornhill School in Cardiff.

I was the first person to perform in the circle. It really was an honour. Here I am with the first ever class to come and hear stories and poems in the area. Their teacher is resplendent in the centre of the photo, in his Cat in the Hat outfit.

The sun was shining, and I had several of those I can't believe this is my job moments!

Then today, Sunday, an event in Cardiff for the Children's Literature Festival, making seed packets, and filling them with poems, and with favourite and precious things - photos, pictures, mementoes. I encouraged the adults to make a packet each as well.

Everyone was quiet, and focussed on their own creations. It was a lovely afternoon.

Two very different events, but both celebrating words, ideas, poems and stories. I am SO LUCKY!

from seed to scary creature. pumpkin odyssey

Today I brought the huge pumpkin in from the garden. I grew it from a seed, and here it was, a massive presence in the kitchen.

Not quite ripe, but still a good colour, and so round and beautiful.

Tonight, being Halloween, the pumpkin fulfilled its destiny.

And sat in the window, frightening away evil spirits and attracting trick or treaters.

I like the way the rather pretty Christmas cactus in the window has turned into an evil spider shape!

Happy Halloween!

Caemawr Studio Exhibition Opening. Success!

Yesterday was the opening day of Caemawr Studio in Hay on Wye.

The studio looked fantastic, full of a wide range of great work.

And there were lots of people, who found their way down the track from Oxford Road at the top of the Offa's Dyke Path.

 That's Gay Funnell, the studio owner, in the lovely pink trousers.

I don't think I will ever get over the excitement of seeing people look at my work!

And I made some sales too. What a great day.

The Studio is open Thursdays and Saturdays up to 21st December.

Art Exhibition. Caemawr Studio. I'm in it!

I am very excited to be exhibiting in the opening of a new Studio in Hay on Wye. Caemawr Studio is off Oxford Road in Hay, at the top of the Offa's Dyke Path, and is a really beautiful space, overlooking fields and the mountains beyond. The Studio opens this Saturday, 26th October, at 11am.

There's Gaynor and Georgina Funnell, Sarah Putt, Tracey Thursfield, Cassie Pendle - and me!

I am presenting poetry in seed packets, poetry wall installations, and some literary finger puppets. Photos of the new Scrooge finger puppets cards to follow - at the moment the collages are in the book press.