Dad

Dad

We sat together

Me on his knee,

And we talked of fairies and knights

And trips to the moon, 

And I knew

He always would love me.

We sat together

Round the kitchen table,

And we talked about school and exams,

And what to do when being bullied,

And I knew

He always loved me.

We sat together

On the garden bench,

I was now as tall as I ever would be,

In silence and shock,

And I knew

He always loved me.

We sat together,

He in his wheel chair

And we talked about everything

Even his fears,

And I knew

What it was to love.

I sit alone

Memories supporting me,

Of a man, his life and stories,

And his legacy,

And I know,

Inside me is someone worth love.

by Izzy Silver

Waiting.

Waiting

Patience is a virtue

Sadly absent

Waiting for academic scores

On which future studies depend,

Letter to clearing already written, 

Just in case.

Patience is a virtue

Somewhat sullied

Waiting for potential employers calls,

On which financial life depends,

Further applications already written,

Just in case.

Patience is a virtue

Sorely tested

Waiting for medical results

On which life depends,

Letters to loved ones already written,

Just in case.

Running low on patience.

Running low on options.

Running out of time.

Still waiting.

By Izzy Silver

West Fest, Music Festival 2013, Worcestershire,

Main stage to left of inflatable slide

West Fest is a small music festival held annually in West Malvern, Worcestershire. This year it took place on the 6th July, a fantastically beautiful Saturday, bathed in sunshine and set as always on the village playing fields. This year there were three music stages, as a new stage, The Deakin Diversity stage, made it's first appearance. The main stage, (loud electric) and the second stage, (which is an acoustic stage) played host to 15 different bands, rock and roll/ jazz/ country/ original groups and those playing mostly covers- a very varied mix. The diversity stage had a more "world music" feel, but also saw a silent disco take it's turn. I have been to every West Fest, and the event must have been going now for about ten years. The bands get better and better each year.

View from inside the shade of beer tent

A one day event it's entry is priced so anyone can afford to go, and all it's profits go every year to help various charities. Look out for when it is to be staged next year as it is well worth visiting.

There were also at least twenty art and craft stalls etc

Priory Park, Malvern, Worcestershire.

Geranium

Yellow Rose

Hebe in flower

  Priory park is looking lovely
 at the moment. Here are just a view floral highlights.

Pink lupin

Rather fancy carnation

Less fancy but delightfully smelling carnation

Purple lupin

View across one of the ponds

Malvern Hills area, Well dressing and May day celebrations, Worcestershire.

Elgar statue explaining this years theme

 The Malvern Well Dressing Festival takes place annually on the first weekend in May, and so is on now. It is the biggest event of it's type nationally and guided tours and various water-blessing ceremonies are part of the weekend.

Jack and the Beanstalk

This years theme as advertised by Edward Elgar's statue, is "Once upon a time..." Over forty different wells will be decorated around the Malvern Hills. Some are decorated by groups such as WI, the Brownies and schools, whilst others are the work of individuals and families. 

These are just those I happen to have passed today whilst out and about. The Jack and the Beanstalk well, is at the Jubilee Fountain on Grundys Lane and is the work of the Friends of Malvern Wells Primary School.

Princess and the frog

The Princess and the Frog well is the Willow Spring and was decorated by Helen Reeves.

Hobbit/Lord of the rings

The Hobbit/ Lord of the Rings inspired well showing Bag End, home of Bilbo Baggins, was the work of Sheila Maund, whilst the fairy tale well is the Hayslad well, dressed by Dan and Karen Smith.

Which is your favourite ?

And if you are in Malvern this weekend a Mayday Toga Celebration and other Mayday based activities will be taking place tomorrow, Saturday 4th May, from 11am at St Ann's well above Great Malvern.

Fairy tales inspired entry

Beautiful Bankholiday Bluebell Bonanza, Callow End, Worcester.

Bluebells

Wild garlic by the side of the stream

 The bluebells I had spotted on Malvern Wells Common and the first bluebell in my garden appearing yesterday made me excited about the prospect of a bank holiday walk with friends and family, so I thought I would check out the bluebell walk, (as described  in detail just over a week ago). I expected to find the wild garlic in flower, and so was surprised to see their heads still shrouded from bloom. Soon they will be beautiful- but not yet.

Hawthorn blossom

The hedgerows though are splashed with wide swaths of hawthorn blossom, also known as May
blossom and seen in folk lore as a good omen to a
 fruit full growing season.

The skies today are the azure blue of the Mediterranean sea, and brought back warm memories of holidays.

The azure blue sky and an old tree

The lambs are now much more self assured and are grouping themselves with their peers rather than hiding in mother sheep's shadow. They are stocky and have delightfully pudgy rolls of fat around their thighs and necks. Charmingly they gambol the very
 picture of robust health.

But the woods of course are the highlight. Delightfully dappled by the warm spring sunshine they are enchantingly mystic looking. A peacock butterfly flutters by grabbing my attention, and the song of birds fill my ears with angelic cheer. The bluebells are open. Not yet at full strength- but by the weekend they should be in their prime. Proper delicate English bluebells modestly hang their shy bonny blue heads. The intricate shape of these perfect bells so precise and artful, natures pure design.
 The woods adorned in these precious sapphire jewels
 could not be more lovely.

Blue bell detail

Dappled sunshine in bluebell wood