The blessed month of Ramadan is upon us again. It’s amazing how the months can whizz by so fast and return to this special time again. Ramadan is a time to reflect on past actions and contemplate in how to change for the better in the future. Fasting is not something physical, but is rather the total commitment of the person's body and soul to the spirit of the fast. I have to admit eighteen or nineteen hours of fasting is difficult but it is nothing compared to the 10 million people facing starvation in East Africa and Somalia. Having experienced the recent mini heat wave in Leicester, it’s just a taster of what the people of Africa must be suffering.
To complain my mouth is dry and my throat a little itchy sounds silly. I may face difficulty speaking and trying to keep to small talk whenever necessary as I try to reserve energy. At least I am healthy and in good spirits. I wonder how they are coping in Africa. My hunger pangs can be quite frustrating but I let is pass. As I know at the end of the day I will break my fast but others won’t. I remember watching the news about one woman tying a rope around her stomach to stop the hunger pangs. What is there to say?
I cannot comprehend the unimaginable horror facing these brave people as they walk hundreds of miles to reach clean water or a charitable organisation. Watching them on TV really brings it home how lucky I am. A lot of these children making this trip with their parents will not survive. There is a lot for me to be grateful for. As I speak there are many great aid agencies working against the clock to get food and medicine to these suffering regions. My prayers and thoughts are with all those involved. Wishing everyone a happy and peaceful Ramadan!
Sunday, 7 August 2011
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
Family weddings, directing and good reviews!
The last few months have been extremely busy for me. I spent half term attending a family wedding from Birmingham to London as the celebrations lasted a whole week. In my experience, family weddings can turn out to be more like Friends Reunited gatherings, where some people you really want to see and others you are desperate to avoid!!!
I was glad to go back to Leicester and attend a one day film directing4 women’s seminar run by Ruth Torjusssen. She is a brilliant tutor with a lot of technical knowledge on filming. Taking her course has inspired to think of making a short documentary. Will keep you keep posted on filming developments.
Yet, the best news I received was a few weeks ago about a short story I published over a year ago. To my surprise, it received a brilliant review from a publisher who is now keen to see the first three chapters of my children’s fantasy. I’m over the moon!
I was glad to go back to Leicester and attend a one day film directing4 women’s seminar run by Ruth Torjusssen. She is a brilliant tutor with a lot of technical knowledge on filming. Taking her course has inspired to think of making a short documentary. Will keep you keep posted on filming developments.
Yet, the best news I received was a few weeks ago about a short story I published over a year ago. To my surprise, it received a brilliant review from a publisher who is now keen to see the first three chapters of my children’s fantasy. I’m over the moon!
Sunday, 24 April 2011
Looking after a young adult
If you were asked to look after a child that was not yours would you do it? Yes I’m talking about possible fostering, helping out with extended family or taking on a friend’s child now and then because they needed your help. Given the current climate, many people would be frightened to come forward to such causes. Don’t get me wrong, I have met good Samaritans who would at a drop of a hat do anything for anyone. Yet, for the majority of us there are plenty of reasons not to do so. Recession, unemployment, family commitments of our own are good reasons to think twice. But, if we all kept making excuses what would happen to the children that really needed our help?
Recently, I was put in a situation where I couldn’t refuse. Going against advice given, I decided to take care of a young adult I knew. Why? If I hadn’t come forward, this young person’s situation was about to get worse. Was I worried, scared, nervous? Yes, but nothing compared to what this young person was going through.
My only other concern was how my own children would react to the situation. It had been a while since a young person had come to stay with us again. The usual emotions of jealousy, anger, and frustration were apparent in my kids to begin with, but, to my relief, they didn’t need much reassurance to change their attitude. I am proud to say they came round to the newest member of our family pretty quick.
I’m not going to lie and say looking after someone’s child is easy. A lot of it does come down to strong communication, listening to what young people are actually saying and respecting their wishes. Most importantly, learning to have patience can help you when confronted with serious problems. Being responsible for a young person is not everyone's thing. Yet in my case it was beneficial. When I watch the news, natural disaster taking place all around the world, the tsunami in Japan, drought in Africa, I have no regrets in what I’m doing.
Recently, I was put in a situation where I couldn’t refuse. Going against advice given, I decided to take care of a young adult I knew. Why? If I hadn’t come forward, this young person’s situation was about to get worse. Was I worried, scared, nervous? Yes, but nothing compared to what this young person was going through.
My only other concern was how my own children would react to the situation. It had been a while since a young person had come to stay with us again. The usual emotions of jealousy, anger, and frustration were apparent in my kids to begin with, but, to my relief, they didn’t need much reassurance to change their attitude. I am proud to say they came round to the newest member of our family pretty quick.
I’m not going to lie and say looking after someone’s child is easy. A lot of it does come down to strong communication, listening to what young people are actually saying and respecting their wishes. Most importantly, learning to have patience can help you when confronted with serious problems. Being responsible for a young person is not everyone's thing. Yet in my case it was beneficial. When I watch the news, natural disaster taking place all around the world, the tsunami in Japan, drought in Africa, I have no regrets in what I’m doing.
Monday, 28 February 2011
One day Film Makers Course
I must really enjoy pushing myself to the limits! If it wasn’t enough for me to do the cycling course, I participated in a one day’s film makers course on Saturday. Yes, totally exhausted but somehow managed to get to the Phoenix Arts with my bruised legs!
The great thing about this course it was totally hands on. The instructors Steve and George were totally brilliant, helpful, and hands on. The course went over some of the basics about filming. Close ups, medium shots and long shots. Loved using the Mac book for editing purposes and picked up so many helpful tips along the way. The best part was learning to film professionally. Yes, it has made me think of all the bloopers, mistakes I’ve made on my own film project so far. It’s all part of the learning process. Will have to reshoot outdoors again as spring appears. Sigh…
The great thing about this course it was totally hands on. The instructors Steve and George were totally brilliant, helpful, and hands on. The course went over some of the basics about filming. Close ups, medium shots and long shots. Loved using the Mac book for editing purposes and picked up so many helpful tips along the way. The best part was learning to film professionally. Yes, it has made me think of all the bloopers, mistakes I’ve made on my own film project so far. It’s all part of the learning process. Will have to reshoot outdoors again as spring appears. Sigh…
Sunday, 27 February 2011
Learning to ride a bike again!
Seeing an advert for a woman’s cycling course during half term was a great opportunity not to pass up. Having not been on a bike since the age of ten it was going to be interesting to see what happens. My brothers were always putting me off riding because of their dangerous BMX's wheelie stunts. Could I cycle again? Was the big question. There was no harm in trying.
Explaining my half-term plans didn’t go down too well with family and friends. Some outright disapproved, while others emphasised caution, concerned for my safety on the course. Interestingly enough, many people see cycling on the road as dangerous. According to some statistics, cyclists have the highest death rate in London. Was that going to put me off? My worst fear was learning to ride again after all these years. There was only one way to find out.
The cycling course ran for five days at a local school. The first day was spent in a school gym,which was a relief to myself and the other women who weren’t ready to venture the outdoors. After a few false starts, near hits and just missing the wall, I was riding a bike within twenty minutes of starting the course. Not bad! I was a pretty good rider.
Exhilaration, excitement, freedom and independence are the best words to describe how I felt. I was liberated in a way that a car would never allow me. It gave me control, time to think, de-stress from all worries. Burning calories was another added bonus for being on a bike. The other things that I discovered, it was therapeutic, fun and I was more tuned in with nature than behind a wheel.I felt it was the beginning of something important in my life.
What made this project so worth while was the hard work and effort of the female instructors who were running the course. They were the catalyst in helping to bring women from all different backgrounds together. No language necessary, no backgrounds explained, a bond was made. A voice understood. Equal yet learners. Something special was happening. Hope for the next generation. Before I get carried away in this poetic nature, (I have been writing a lot of poems lately- explain later) I will be buying a bike soon. Not to replace my car any time soon, but to ride with my children to the park and other safe cycling places.
This course has given me the confidence to ride a bike again. I’m sure I speak the same for the other women who attended this course. Danger will always be on the road. Pedestrians face it everyday. Taking courage in trying something new is always going to be difficult. Cycling allows you the freedom to use other means of transport than a car everyday. It is cheap, friendly to the environment, great form of exercise and a brilliant networking system for women. It was surprising to see so many mothers on the course during half term. Many brought their children along and it was no problem. Everyone had fun and felt part of the group.
I had my doubts at the beginning, but I'm glad to have done this course. For me the pros outweighed all the cons. I took up the challenge and didn't regret it. It's how you learn. Watch out! You may see me in a charity ride soon!
Explaining my half-term plans didn’t go down too well with family and friends. Some outright disapproved, while others emphasised caution, concerned for my safety on the course. Interestingly enough, many people see cycling on the road as dangerous. According to some statistics, cyclists have the highest death rate in London. Was that going to put me off? My worst fear was learning to ride again after all these years. There was only one way to find out.
The cycling course ran for five days at a local school. The first day was spent in a school gym,which was a relief to myself and the other women who weren’t ready to venture the outdoors. After a few false starts, near hits and just missing the wall, I was riding a bike within twenty minutes of starting the course. Not bad! I was a pretty good rider.
Exhilaration, excitement, freedom and independence are the best words to describe how I felt. I was liberated in a way that a car would never allow me. It gave me control, time to think, de-stress from all worries. Burning calories was another added bonus for being on a bike. The other things that I discovered, it was therapeutic, fun and I was more tuned in with nature than behind a wheel.I felt it was the beginning of something important in my life.
What made this project so worth while was the hard work and effort of the female instructors who were running the course. They were the catalyst in helping to bring women from all different backgrounds together. No language necessary, no backgrounds explained, a bond was made. A voice understood. Equal yet learners. Something special was happening. Hope for the next generation. Before I get carried away in this poetic nature, (I have been writing a lot of poems lately- explain later) I will be buying a bike soon. Not to replace my car any time soon, but to ride with my children to the park and other safe cycling places.
This course has given me the confidence to ride a bike again. I’m sure I speak the same for the other women who attended this course. Danger will always be on the road. Pedestrians face it everyday. Taking courage in trying something new is always going to be difficult. Cycling allows you the freedom to use other means of transport than a car everyday. It is cheap, friendly to the environment, great form of exercise and a brilliant networking system for women. It was surprising to see so many mothers on the course during half term. Many brought their children along and it was no problem. Everyone had fun and felt part of the group.
I had my doubts at the beginning, but I'm glad to have done this course. For me the pros outweighed all the cons. I took up the challenge and didn't regret it. It's how you learn. Watch out! You may see me in a charity ride soon!
Sunday, 30 January 2011
2011 and Leicester Film Doc festival
A new year begins and I am looking forward to what it brings.Did I achieve everything I set out to do in 2010? No of course not. Everything that has happened to me over the last year, good and bad, has been a learning curve. That’s my take on life. I feel stronger, focused and ready to take on a challenge. I’m ready for 2011 whatever it brings for me!
Recently I attended Leicester First Doc Film. I spent the afternoon watching the following documentaries: Leicester Market by Nick Hamer, A Life in Modeling by Gareth Morgan, Treasure Box, Young Athletes Programme, Islam by Largescale Films, Shut Your Mouth by Keith Allot & Disabled Children’s Service, Photographer. It was a real eye opener. Lots of interesting and exciting stuff going on in Leicester! Inspired to complete my own film project!
Recently I attended Leicester First Doc Film. I spent the afternoon watching the following documentaries: Leicester Market by Nick Hamer, A Life in Modeling by Gareth Morgan, Treasure Box, Young Athletes Programme, Islam by Largescale Films, Shut Your Mouth by Keith Allot & Disabled Children’s Service, Photographer. It was a real eye opener. Lots of interesting and exciting stuff going on in Leicester! Inspired to complete my own film project!
Sunday, 19 December 2010
Literature at Lunchtime 'Uncle Tom's Cabin and Voluntary work.
I attended Jane Mackay literature at lunchtime hour last Thursday and I’m so glad I did. Harriet Beecher Stowe’s `Uncle Tom’s Cabin’ was discussed. She may not have been everybody’s taste but I think she was a positive influence in the abolitionist cause. I know there are lots of Africans and African-Americans who will disagree with me but I believe she did what she thought was right according to her time.
Jane begins the lecture as usual with the writer’s background. Harriet was a Christian, teacher, and an active abolitionist in the 1850’s. She wrote `Uncle Tom’s Cabin’ to expose the reality of slavery and her belief that Christian love can overcome something as difficult as slavery. Today, many Afro-Americans believe Harriet’s book actually encouraged and popularized the stereotypes of Afro- American people. Personally speaking, I don’t believe Harriet had that intention in mind. Yes, the references to `mammy’ and `uncle Tom’ and other words are difficult to stomach and make you want to chuck away the book. Yet, it is important to remember Harriet’s book was written in a time when slavery was thriving.
Going to this lecture helped me reflect on my journey in the last few months. I don’t really want to talk about it in depth but to say I was volunteering at an outstanding establishment. At first everything was running smoothly and I was learning a lot from staff I was working under. However, as time went on the mood began to shift and I felt some of the staff less welcoming.
At first, I didn’t realise anything was wrong as there were so many other things going on in my life that I had become forgetful. You see my youngest had fallen ill and it was pretty scary time for me dealing with blood tests and doctor’s appointments. Thank God! Everything turned out fine with her and it was nothing too serious. Yet, at the same time some of the staff at this place began to exclude and ignore me. A surreal and weird situation for me to be in. From previous experience people who behave in this manner tend to be bullies who have many insecurities of their own. I always believe people who behave in this tyrant manner show up their true nature and what quality of person they are. I tried not to let their behaviour affect me but at times it was hard to deal with.
Looking back, perhaps I was a little naive going to such a place. I’m not an arrogant person and will admit when I am wrong. I know I have made plenty of mistakes in my time there, but in no way does it justify the childish bullying that I experienced. In such difficult circumstances I try to reflect upon what I could have done differently. I am still baffled by some of the staff's behaviour towards me. I will not say that all my experience was terrible there. I did meet some exceptional hardworking staff. People I learnt to respect and admire.
I realise in life there will always be someone who will judge, ridicule or make you out to be something you’re not which is ok. People are entitled to their opinions. I know who I am and what I am about. What I have decided is to take away the good from this experience and implement it in my next journey. I don’t like to reflect too much on the negative side of my experience as I believe it leads to nothing. So in the next month I will continue my filming project as planned.
Jane begins the lecture as usual with the writer’s background. Harriet was a Christian, teacher, and an active abolitionist in the 1850’s. She wrote `Uncle Tom’s Cabin’ to expose the reality of slavery and her belief that Christian love can overcome something as difficult as slavery. Today, many Afro-Americans believe Harriet’s book actually encouraged and popularized the stereotypes of Afro- American people. Personally speaking, I don’t believe Harriet had that intention in mind. Yes, the references to `mammy’ and `uncle Tom’ and other words are difficult to stomach and make you want to chuck away the book. Yet, it is important to remember Harriet’s book was written in a time when slavery was thriving.
Going to this lecture helped me reflect on my journey in the last few months. I don’t really want to talk about it in depth but to say I was volunteering at an outstanding establishment. At first everything was running smoothly and I was learning a lot from staff I was working under. However, as time went on the mood began to shift and I felt some of the staff less welcoming.
At first, I didn’t realise anything was wrong as there were so many other things going on in my life that I had become forgetful. You see my youngest had fallen ill and it was pretty scary time for me dealing with blood tests and doctor’s appointments. Thank God! Everything turned out fine with her and it was nothing too serious. Yet, at the same time some of the staff at this place began to exclude and ignore me. A surreal and weird situation for me to be in. From previous experience people who behave in this manner tend to be bullies who have many insecurities of their own. I always believe people who behave in this tyrant manner show up their true nature and what quality of person they are. I tried not to let their behaviour affect me but at times it was hard to deal with.
Looking back, perhaps I was a little naive going to such a place. I’m not an arrogant person and will admit when I am wrong. I know I have made plenty of mistakes in my time there, but in no way does it justify the childish bullying that I experienced. In such difficult circumstances I try to reflect upon what I could have done differently. I am still baffled by some of the staff's behaviour towards me. I will not say that all my experience was terrible there. I did meet some exceptional hardworking staff. People I learnt to respect and admire.
I realise in life there will always be someone who will judge, ridicule or make you out to be something you’re not which is ok. People are entitled to their opinions. I know who I am and what I am about. What I have decided is to take away the good from this experience and implement it in my next journey. I don’t like to reflect too much on the negative side of my experience as I believe it leads to nothing. So in the next month I will continue my filming project as planned.
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