Snuffle

Well here's a joy. I woke up (late) today sneezing and snuffling, went downstairs to get a pack of paper tissues and discovered that the outer packaging was sticky with some kind of perfume stuff from the supermarket. Then I rubbed my eye...

...ten minutes and much washing of burning eye later, I discovered that the damned perfume wouldn't come off my hands, causing even more sneezing and snuffling because I'm allergic to virtually every chemical perfume in the universe. Several hours and numerous trips to wash my hands later, the evil stuff is virtually gone. Unfortunately the sneezes and snuffles are still here. Curses on it, and I have a German TMA to record today! I wonder whether I can go into extra time to accommodate the sneezing? Will I lose marks if I sneeze in the wrong accent?

Once I had settled back down in bed, feeling suitably sorry or myself, the postman arrived with a large batch of essays to be marked. Obviously, I pulled on various outer clothes because it's far too embarrassing to go to the gate in pyjamas in the afternoon. I was actually hoping that it was a delivery of books from Amazon, otherwise I might have let him leave a card to avoid the sneezing efforts of rushing around. At least it saves a visit to the sorting office.

Now, wheezing feebly and sneezing more than ever, I think the best option is to go to sleep!

Aaargh! Can't go to sleep! The car tax is due! :-(

Cheerio. :-)

A cryptic photo of your host

What's it all about, then?

Amongst other things, I'm taking a course in creative writing (A215) with the Open University at the moment. I nearly gave up because I seemed to be constantly under pressure to do something else, but I've decided to stick with it. Part of sticking with it includes setting up this site in order to store a few writing exercises, nothing spectacular.

I also tutor for the Open University on a foundation arts and two of the three MA in Music courses.

Poetry exercise, limbering up.

A Feline Day

(fairly typical in the Wayland-Larkin five-cat household)

Step boldly, look sharp! Leap through the dark
into bushes. And breathe. Taste the air.
Step lightly, unseen. Ooze over green;
pool into place and wait there, flehmen.

Fleet-footed arrow, razor-clawed charge,
pursuing on silent, velvet paws.
Poison saliva injected fast
sends prey into shock, then death throes pass.

Step lightly, discreet; teeth clamping meat
to be gifted. Dead, long-tailed favour.
Sleep soundly, secure; happy dreams pure
as owner inters gift in garden.