05/09/2009 by Aileen.

The materials for the Level 3 Open University course, Advanced Creative Writing, arrived the other day. True to myself (aren’t we supposed to be?) I’ve made a good start already, although the course doesn’t actually start until October. This is so typical of me. I will be really enthusiastic for a while, then another craze will take over. A bit like Mr Toad.

Anyway, I’ve done the first couple of writing exercises (just first drafts) and posted them on another of my blogs

http://seriouslightwrite.blogspot.com/

Then on the course forum I heard that we shouldn’t do this. One of the reasons is that the OU has tools that trawl the ‘net to catch out plagiarists, and I could be found to be plagiarising my own work! Oh well, I’ll leave those posts on, and make sure I don’t develop them into full blown stories.

But what on earth will I write in that blog now? Just feelings related to the course I suppose.

Anyway, on the health front John is still in top condition, getting up early (well 9 or 10) and getting lots done. The local kids are back at school on Monday (I would think - unless it’s a Baker Day) so we can start going to the seaside and places again As I like to say - Life is Good.

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01/09/2009 by Aileen.

You know how I feel about lovely shiny new Mondays? Well I get a similar buzz about new months. I just wish it was Monday too! Things are so good at the moment. John went to the doctors last week, and got the strength of his painkillers doubled. The difference this has made to him is amazing. He’s sleeping all (almost) through the night, which means he’s getting up earlier and doing lots.

He’s emptied all the drawers in his study and scrubbed them out. He’s sorted out all pens, biros etc. Most are going to the charity shop. He’s cleaned and repaired various Parkers and other good pens lying around. This has inspired me to do the same. Our desks are now things of beauty.

I sorted out my study and found so many notebooks. I must count them. Rubbishy reporters pads are now in the kitchen for writing shopping lists etc. I have so many lovely ones. I buy them if I am going on a course or something, use a few pages, and put them away. Anyway, most are stored together now, and I have a few out for various things. I bought the best one ever a few weeks ago. It’s a Paperblank from W H Smiths, with the theme ‘mystical horses’ on the cover. It has a flap to protect it. (I’ll post a piccy) This is for my new A363 Creative Writing course.

We’re expecting lots of things through the post this week. John ordered 4 different inks for our pens. (I chose two colours) He’s also ordered desk furniture for his study. I’m expecting my Open University stuff any day, and we’ve been waiting for weeks for Martin’s pressie to come from America. They are sending it out again, as it must have got lost first time round.I can’t say what it is, as it’s a surprise for Martin.

Fiona is doing really well. Baby’s heart beat is strong. She’s still feeling sick, but not constantly.

Liam and Kieran have been back at school for ages now. They both love it by the sound of things. And I can’t wait for my studying to recommence. As I said, happy new month.

I’ve noticed that I haven’t posted any pictures recently on the main website, so am off to remedy that now. Bye.

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