tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4028290314714419963.post6505388406632886283..comments2024-03-19T14:28:03.565+00:00Comments on welsh hills again: An Arvon Foundation Writing CourseElizabeth Musgravehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09473705107636868753noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4028290314714419963.post-26822171234172340522016-09-01T21:07:47.783+01:002016-09-01T21:07:47.783+01:00Of course you are a writer! An extremely good one....Of course you are a writer! An extremely good one. I'm so pleased you've found your mojo again and enjoyed the course. It sounds brilliant and something I'd love to do. I've got all the usual excuses for not doing it, though! Looking forward to reading whatever you write next. Sam xAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4028290314714419963.post-36452384237800196982016-08-25T17:05:53.971+01:002016-08-25T17:05:53.971+01:00Thank you Diana. It means to a lot to me to have ...Thank you Diana. It means to a lot to me to have a dialogue with people who have been reading for some time as you have!Elizabeth Musgravehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09473705107636868753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4028290314714419963.post-62282034180260878182016-08-14T23:22:11.540+01:002016-08-14T23:22:11.540+01:00Write on - always food for thought, and something ...Write on - always food for thought, and something to revel in here.Diana Studerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12286066768376135880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4028290314714419963.post-32591280116784938862016-08-07T11:53:47.517+01:002016-08-07T11:53:47.517+01:00I do agree Elizabeth. I do this every time I go o...I do agree Elizabeth. I do this every time I go out on my husband's boat. Way out of my comfort zone, but I do feel so alive even when scared out of my wits if that makes sense. Must catch up with my blog...Catherinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01588437065757203375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4028290314714419963.post-4736967163326008872016-08-06T17:33:41.349+01:002016-08-06T17:33:41.349+01:00It is hard to know how long it will take to "...It is hard to know how long it will take to "recover" from the last year or two, or indeed if one does. I suspect that is the wrong word. We are changed by losing someone we love and what might happen is that we simply emerge into the changed person, changed and the same. Thank you for your encouragement. I admire your writing so it means a lot to me.Elizabeth Musgravehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09473705107636868753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4028290314714419963.post-85198886774770960792016-08-06T17:31:16.130+01:002016-08-06T17:31:16.130+01:00Both your comment and Friko's regret at not ha...Both your comment and Friko's regret at not having gone on a course while it was still possible make me very glad I did so. Sometimes you have to stop thinking about things, hold your nose and jump in!Elizabeth Musgravehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09473705107636868753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4028290314714419963.post-4037844614513977132016-08-06T17:30:09.304+01:002016-08-06T17:30:09.304+01:00Hi John and thanks for commenting. It's a rat...Hi John and thanks for commenting. It's a rather wonderful co-incidence that the poem you quote is one of my favourites and one of the few I know by heart! Yes, the course was interesting and both rewarding and hard work. I shall see how I get on with the writing. If nothing else I am sure to continue to blog!Elizabeth Musgravehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09473705107636868753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4028290314714419963.post-79077916364594966582016-08-06T17:27:34.286+01:002016-08-06T17:27:34.286+01:00Thank you for the recommendation Frances. I have ...Thank you for the recommendation Frances. I have read other novels by Graham Swift but haven't come across that one. I like his work very much. He is a master of saying much in very few words!Elizabeth Musgravehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09473705107636868753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4028290314714419963.post-49383402993076824992016-08-05T14:06:51.832+01:002016-08-05T14:06:51.832+01:00I found this a very interesting account of somethi...I found this a very interesting account of something I never really even knew existed. So thank you for that. I so identify with that feeling of being wrung out after a difficult death. It's such a deep depletion of one's substance and energy. Hard to remember what is<br />really oneself and what is the consequence of such closeness to illness and loss. My very best encouragement to you. You are a naturally beautiful writer.Janehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02791751421698536323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4028290314714419963.post-17240808751075023782016-08-05T14:06:22.570+01:002016-08-05T14:06:22.570+01:00I found this a very interesting account of somethi...I found this a very interesting account of something I never really even knew existed. So thank you for that. I so identify with that feeling of being wrung out after a difficult death. It's such a deep depletion of one's substance and energy. Hard to remember what is<br />really oneself and what is the consequence of such closeness to illness and loss. My very best encouragement to you. You are a naturally beautiful writer.Janehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02791751421698536323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4028290314714419963.post-8088986144539705932016-08-04T15:21:59.598+01:002016-08-04T15:21:59.598+01:00The wonderful thing is simply to "do" no...The wonderful thing is simply to "do" not just dream and this course has really set you on fire Elizabeth. Looking forward to reading more!Catherinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01588437065757203375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4028290314714419963.post-75307137561007085112016-08-04T11:17:50.784+01:002016-08-04T11:17:50.784+01:00Hi Liz, I hope Ian passed on to you my admiration...Hi Liz, I hope Ian passed on to you my admiration - for your attending the course and for your blogging. My feelings would have been shared by Mr Wordsworth about whom your writing made me think:<br />The world is too much with us; late and soon, <br />Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers;— <br />Little we see in Nature that is ours; <br />We have given our hearts away, a sordid boon! <br />This Sea that bares her bosom to the moon; <br />The winds that will be howling at all hours, <br />And are up-gathered now like sleeping flowers; <br />For this, for everything, we are out of tune; <br />It moves us not. Great God! I’d rather be <br />A Pagan suckled in a creed outworn; <br />So might I, standing on this pleasant lea, <br />Have glimpses that would make me less forlorn;<br />Have sight of Proteus rising from the sea; <br /><br />( He went to a little Cambridge college too!)<br /><br />From your words I liked the evocation of the ascetic and thereby cathartic nature of shedding the world and focusing on work; the perspiration of inspiration for creativity. <br />Every good wish for your current blog and for your new literary venture. The site - sorry, SPOT - is lovely!<br />Or hear old Triton blow his wreathèd horn.john hargreaveshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09514071994929788221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4028290314714419963.post-89238134800337471642016-08-04T00:59:54.554+01:002016-08-04T00:59:54.554+01:00Good evening Elizabeth.
Earlier today, our mutu...Good evening Elizabeth. <br /><br />Earlier today, our mutual friend Elizabeth and I got together for one of our regular farmers market visits, followed by a stop at a nearby cafe for late morning refreshments and lots of catching up with a variety of matters. Elizabeth asked if I had seen your post, and I replied, "Yes," but that I had yet to take time to give a it a good read. I also mentioned that I knew of Arvon from some of my earliest blogging pals, Milla and Jane, and knew it was a great course.<br /><br />Gosh, doesn't that memory of way back in our blogging past bring back some memories? I began blogging as a way to relax after a workday that was physically tiring, but didn't really stretch my mind. Through those early evenings at the laptop, I connected with so many interesting folks from near and far,including...you. It's grand that Elizabeth, Ian, you and I have actually had the opportunity to spend an afternoon together.<br /><br />Forgive me if I have already mentioned this book to you, but recently, I read Graham Swift's short but full novel, Mothering Sunday. I think it is a book for both readers and writers and would definitely recommend it to you. Its pages demonstrate how one's experiences might be transformed into fiction, without being autobiography. How an observed place, time or relationship might be reformed and incorporated into a character, setting or plot ingredient.<br /><br />I am so looking forward to reading anything that you will be sharing with us. You have a fine voice.<br /><br />xoFranceshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08352407314710067616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4028290314714419963.post-89351045386673484632016-08-03T21:34:16.025+01:002016-08-03T21:34:16.025+01:00I think Arvon seems to be the gold standard, at le...I think Arvon seems to be the gold standard, at least that was the impression we got from talking to the director of the centre, not surprisingly perhaps! They really take tremendous care that the tutors are not simply great writers but great teachers!Elizabeth Musgravehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09473705107636868753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4028290314714419963.post-66747128149749092982016-08-03T21:23:56.934+01:002016-08-03T21:23:56.934+01:00Hmm, my track record with writing courses so far ...Hmm, my track record with writing courses so far is they freeze me into inaction! Could be the quality of the course/tutors though... it's the thought of a whole week like that which is my main barrier to going on an Arvon course.VPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02732971362066784175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4028290314714419963.post-21042888446425621622016-08-03T20:06:16.326+01:002016-08-03T20:06:16.326+01:00what a great idea to meet up. I'm away the fi...what a great idea to meet up. I'm away the first week in September but yes, love to, either where you are or up here. that would be really good.Elizabeth Musgravehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09473705107636868753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4028290314714419963.post-32645595708292077702016-08-03T20:04:39.142+01:002016-08-03T20:04:39.142+01:00oh friko. I thought of you when I was at the Hurs...oh friko. I thought of you when I was at the Hurst. in fact I mentioned that I had a friend who lived close by and then wondered if I had the right to describe you as such. I wish you had gone when you wanted to but you must know that you are already a writer. I know very well that sometimes life gets in the way but i hope somehow and sometime you will find the time and energy to write.Elizabeth Musgravehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09473705107636868753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4028290314714419963.post-77994555033766457662016-08-03T20:00:25.875+01:002016-08-03T20:00:25.875+01:00undoubtedly we are hard on ourselves Michelle but ...undoubtedly we are hard on ourselves Michelle but I suppose I think we should be, as long as we are not so hard on ourselves that we freeze into inaction!Elizabeth Musgravehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09473705107636868753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4028290314714419963.post-68618648761898906112016-08-03T19:58:14.959+01:002016-08-03T19:58:14.959+01:00thank you for commenting Elizabeth. you understan...thank you for commenting Elizabeth. you understand. I thought you would. Elizabeth Musgravehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09473705107636868753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4028290314714419963.post-91836848740868896192016-08-03T19:57:05.529+01:002016-08-03T19:57:05.529+01:00thank you for your kindness Lucille. I am so glad...thank you for your kindness Lucille. I am so glad you like what you read. I think the courses do get booked up as the numbers are limited. do have a look at the programme for next year. there are some fantastic offerings.Elizabeth Musgravehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09473705107636868753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4028290314714419963.post-28245824428052671702016-08-03T19:54:27.597+01:002016-08-03T19:54:27.597+01:00it is interesting how unsettling such periods are ...it is interesting how unsettling such periods are Sarah. I do hope that the fact that the renovation is done and your son is coming home will help things to settle down around you. I would certainly recommend an arvon course if you wanted to explore your writing.Elizabeth Musgravehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09473705107636868753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4028290314714419963.post-80069621268668767752016-08-03T17:54:04.866+01:002016-08-03T17:54:04.866+01:00Tell me next time. I'll come with you. Must me...Tell me next time. I'll come with you. Must meet up when kids are back at school (in Wales!) x Lou Archerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06349559305444036113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4028290314714419963.post-80635147945127225692016-08-03T15:39:42.049+01:002016-08-03T15:39:42.049+01:00Congratulations first of all on your courage.
I h...Congratulations first of all on your courage.<br /><br />I have been in that situation, the one where every blog post is an effort, for over a year now. Like you, not because I don’t like blogging but because my sometimes harrowing home life takes all my creativity. I have come to the conclusion that I am not a writer, surely I would write, whatever else may be happening?<br /><br />As you know it would have been easy for me to get myself down the road and do a memoir course which is what I really want to do. But I procrastinated endlessly, until circumstances intervened anyway. It’s too late now.<br /><br />I’ve visited the centre, a friend of mine, now deceased, lived on the farm close by and we used the garden and grounds round about for walks. I met Helen Osborne on many occasions, after John died.<br /><br />Oh Elizabeth, I do so wish I had done as you did, simply DOING it and let the doubts drift into thin air.<br /><br />I am looking forward to reading extracts from the text you are planning to write.<br /><br />Greetings from one non-writer to another. <br /><br />PS: I like the way you described the hidden country!<br /><br />Frikohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04277167831642088694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4028290314714419963.post-43484972835161841192016-08-03T15:09:13.951+01:002016-08-03T15:09:13.951+01:00"I was squeezing out once a month blog posts ..."I was squeezing out once a month blog posts with huge difficulty. There was no way I could call myself a writer."<br /><br />I've pulled out that quote because when I read your posts I'm amazed at your effortless looking writing and think "There's no way I can call myself a writer".<br /><br />It shows we have no idea what goes into the process of what we read. Perhaps we're too hard on ourselves?<br /><br />Looking forward to seeing what comes next from you :)VPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02732971362066784175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4028290314714419963.post-3531141897507641892016-08-03T11:45:29.150+01:002016-08-03T11:45:29.150+01:00This sounds a most wonderful experience, Elizabeth...This sounds a most wonderful experience, Elizabeth. Do hope you make progress on the book.<br />Yes, we do want to record our very rich and sometimes troubling lives. I do agree with you when you say "not to be morbid, not to be deaf and blind to growing older but to look it in the face in all its complicated glory, to look it in the face and be glad to be alive." This is something I struggle with every day - 'complicated' glory sounds about right. Complicated it certainly is! Warmest greetings.Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03964291132366262298noreply@blogger.com