News

Have had an article and photo published in the November edition of a magazine called "Cumbria" and a poem published in the winter edition of a magazine called "Evergreen." Meanwhile, I am writing articles for our local church magazine and various letters to newspapers or magazines. Of course, as Christmas approaches, there are many letters I must write to send with Christmas cards. Happy times!

Widening your tastes

Don't get stuck in a rut; as a writer it is important to widen your horizons in order to gain knowledge. Don't be afraid of trying new hobbies, visiting new places. The world is your oyster. Recently I visited a contemporary art exhibition which was held at a National Trust Country Park in England. This is not my sort of scene but I was fascinated by the art on display. One was of "mixed media with pigeon feathers in museum cabinet" whilst another was a chandelier with taxidermy birds. Some were beautiful (in my opinion.) There was a globe shaped object made of mouse skulls which was placed in a glass bell (the sort you would find in an old fashioned glasshouse) which must have taken hours of painstaking work. I found this quite lovely. I have always said in the past that I didn't like modern art, but seeing the display, I felt open to new spheres and a wider understanding of our world.

Spending time writing wisely

As there is a limited amount of time I can write each day, I am wondering if blogs and twitter are the way forward. I ought to be concentrating on the book I am writing at the moment. That is why I will distance myself from blogs and twitter for a while. Sorry, but I will never get that book finished!

lakes and rivers

Whilst on an away day recently, we found a tranquil river and looked at the reflections created by the overhanging trees. It was still, it was beautiful, it was quiet. We all need time to stand still and reflect. Just let the time pass unnoticed. Bliss.

A wedding poem to Prince William and Kate

If you want to read the poem I wrote which I sent in a home made card to Prince William and Kate, you will have to EMail me on marian.bythell@btinternet.com It is worth reading and was written from the heart!

Language and music

Language and music interact with each other. You can read a book or give a speech to an audience without music and alternatively you can listen to a piece of music without any words added e.g. Elgar's Enigma Variations. However, both effect our emotions. Whatever we so or do affect our human emotions. It is the Law of Cause and Effect. Does this mean we have to be careful what we say or do? Obviously as they affect yourself or someone else or an inanimate object. I find music powerful - it affects my soul. I can be happy listening to a piece of music or another can make me sad. I feel proud when singing "Jerusalem" by William Blake. I have always wanted to play a musical instrument. I once tried playing the piano. I didn't get far as writing took over. But don't be afraid of your emotions. We are human. One day maybe I will write the words of a hymn and obtain a professional to set the words to music. I live in hopes.

Spoiling the beauty of the countryside

Simon Barnes has written about the proposed onslaught of pylons in beauty spots such as Constable country. I couldn't agree more. My pet hates are litter, parked cars in lovely market towns and the overloading of traffic signs on country lanes. Britain is becoming a spoil heap. What do you think? Act now to restore beauty to our countryside - write to the papers or consult your MP about the spread of litter. Don't sit back. Do something!