Today over at SecondWind Leisure Perspectives it’s Sunday Stills and this week the subject is dogs.

At the moment we don’t have a dog but I’m sure it won’t be too long before we welcome one into our family.

I thought I’d share a few photos of my Newfoundland dogs that I loved with all my heart.

First off we have Bruce who was my shadow, dancing partner, nursemaid whenever I was ill, and one of the best dogs I’ve ever had in my life.

Next, we have Maggie Magz who was my very first Newfoundland dog. Sadly we lost her last year in May at the age of 11.

Next, we have Maggie and Bruce enjoying a nice summers day.

It’s always good to have an excuse to go to Exeter – to stay with family, to catch up with friends, to see what’s changed since I was a student, and to take this shot of the west front of the cathedral, which was something that apparently I never managed to do in the three years I lived in the city.

And it was very good to attend the awards ceremony for the Exeter Novel Prize, and to read out the first page of A Spoke In TheWheel. As always, I was struck by how happy everybody – shortlisted authors, guests, judges, and audience – was to be there. We were all genuinely pleased to have got on the shortlist, and pleased for the overall winner, Rebecca Kelly, who unfortunately wasn’t able to be present to collect her trophy.

After that, of course, there was the gentle…

shutterstock image

(board book for ages one to three)

personal photo

Pg. 1 – 2

It’s breakfast Puffy and Fluffy.

What is it that’s conducive
to a poet’s mind?
The impetus that’s needed
before it can unwind?
That moment inspiration
into words flow from the pen
and beauty spills to paper
to catch the moment when…

I have lost count the number
of poems I have written
about the sea in Sussex
as really, I am smitten
So, if I only wrote of water
would you think less of me?
for really, if the truth be told
it’s best beside the sea

I can sit here hour on hour
beside the soothing waves
and gaze out at its fathoms
on sultry summer days
For me it’s inspiration
of it I’ll never tire
It prompts my words and writing
and builds in me a fire

No 11 of 12 in the Jemverse series ‘Back to the sea’

With every breaking wave
I see a part of me
My life down here in Sussex
In Shoreham by the sea
So taciturn, its nuances
Reflect the changing years
An echo to my lost and loved
My joy, my smiles, my tears