Tuesday 3 April 2012

My Poetry Muscle

As if I didn’t have enough to do, I’ve agreed to take part in a version of NaPoWriMo. I am writing a poem a day for the month of April. It is going very well so far and I’m enjoying the light relief from editing. The poems are by no means masterpieces, but they are amusing me and exercising my poetry muscle. I may share a few poems as the month progresses.

Editing of my novel Rosie and Tanner is going well. I calculated yesterday that I am 38% through the penultimate pass. It doesn’t stop me going into panic tailspin every time I hear that a member of the RNA NWS has sent off their manuscript. I will get there. In the infamous words of Thomas the Tank Engine, ‘I can do it, I can do it….’

Little son is now on his Easter holiday, which carries its own distractions from writing. Big son and girlfriend both have jobs now and while they house hunt, it looks as if they will be living here. Ellie Swoop had a crisis with her water supply earlier in the week and had to come and stay. Hubbie is on holiday. I have made a big vat of ragout, as I have no idea how many people I am feeding day to day! Fun though.


Homemade Hot Cross Buns (spot the smiley face one for little son)

Today I had a go at hot cross buns and very yummy they are too. Hubbie bought the book ‘Women’s Institute Bread’ by Liz Herbert and we have been very pleased with all of the recipes we have tried so far. I loved the brie and redcurrant tear and share bread. My new relaxation method is kneading – with a favourite CD on and bread dough in your hands you feel so much better after ten minutes of pummelling.


Brie and redcurrant jelly tear and share bread

What is your favourite method of relaxation at the moment?

7 comments:

  1. I relax with baking, and music, and books. I made muffins yesterday, but at them all before I could take a picture :/

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  2. Very impressed by your baking, Morton - well done! My form of relaxing is either out walking with Molls or sitting in the sunshine having a snooze!

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  3. I do have urges to bake. But prefer doing it when the kids aren't about lol!

    Don't panic about your manuscript - we have till August! - though now you're making me panic - I haven't finished writing mine! I hope they'll take a 'first draft'. It will get some editing but I was intending of throwing it all at the wall and seeing what sticks - considering how long it took me to edit The Wedding Favour. lol! I will get a friend to Beta read it etc. but I wasn't sure I'd have the time to give it the thorough editing The Wedding Favour had.

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  4. Gwen - I only just remembered to take a photo before tucking in. You can't photograph the delicious smell that filled the house.

    Flowerpot - Thank you. I've always considered myself a cooking dunce, but seem to have found my forte with bread products. Often wish I wasn't allergic to animal fur, so I could go for long walks with a dog.

    Teresa - Sorry didn't mean to panic you. My new friend Jan has already had her critique back! I'm plodding along with my manuscript - reached 43% last night. I guess what we need from NWS is an indication of whether we are going in the right direction. Mx

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  5. I must have a look at that bread book. I enjoy baking but I'd rather make savoury things than sweet.

    Brave you, doing the poetry challenge!

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  6. Hi Sarah - Mmmm must make more

    Joanne - There is only one chapter on sweet things, the rest are bread variations. Nan breads were great and the pizzas are good too. We've made lots of variations of loaves. My favourites are the ones you roll as rolls and let them merge together during proving. When they are cooked they tear back into rolls for built in portion control! Can thoroughly recommend the book. I've already used it more than most of my recipie books. Happy baking! Mx

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