A Psychological Thriller

I have just finished reading Sophie Hannah's best (in my opinion) novel 'kind of cruel'.

To say that it is amazing and really quite scarily true to life in some places; would be understated. If you like books by James Herbert, Jodi Picoult or Stephen King I am sure you will love this. I first read 'little face' which began my love of Sophie's crime writing. All her stories link by using the same detectives - particularly following DC Simon Waterhouse; who has a special connection with the characters that always twists as it moves along the plot.

If you like a good crime novel - take a look at Sophie's other books. My previous post about Sophie Hannah's work refers to my favourite poem by Sophie and her website link.

Pink Lily

I bought some oriental lilies the other day. They have just started opening; spraying their noxious perfume and dropping pollen. I like to cut out the stamen as it opens to reveal the opening flower's detail.

I have just popped one in my bowl (see my floating flowers post here). Lilies don't work... too big - they fill like a rowing boat taking up water.

***

Lily Pollen Stains

Pink lily floating in the bowl

Sinks deeper meaning in my soul.

I don't like lilies any-more

They make me cry dry tears; that pour.

I don't like lilies any more.

Today my diary says: "UN International Day of Peace"

Yesterday, I had in my head this title 'Turn' ; a song by Travis. If you listen to the lyrics it makes a lot of sense.

A special photo that was taken by my daughter. Sending hope to all on International Day of Peace.

Fall

October gusts by

Dropping acorns like bullets

Oak tree sheds new life.

Lake view

Yesterday...
I walked back in time to a lake I used to feed the ducks with my daughter - then a toddler. The ducks are still there. A crane perches, head held high; he owns the lake. The swans glide and flow under the bridge and through to a stream; duck follows suit. A roundabout like the ones in the playground we used to spin. Waterfowl play.

Take a walk - inspires a haiku

A signature neck

Sails serenely over lake

Craning out anger.

Still flowering - September in my garden

The rose tree in our garden is still budding. it's been flowering since April - this years record.

The petunias have gone 'leggy'; a phrase I am sure I have picked up from my Dad at some stage... It always makes my husband laugh! The violas in the pot are still there albeit 'very straggly'. They will be for the recycle bin soon...

This rose flowered for my birthday - an unexpected flower from a rose that looked finished for the season. Lovely warm days this week have helped there I think.

Gorgeous Cosmos. Love this colour; grown courtesy of my Dad.

I come from a family of growers/ gardeners; but nobody can beat his plants for longevity. I have not inherited his power (or indeed patience) for potting and sowing but my daughter and I love to bring back 'unwanted' plants from nursery clearance sales. We have done well with a heather bought for pennies two years ago and it is doing really well. Waiting to see it flower when it turns a bit colder.

Enjoy the sun and blue sky whilst it lasts.

September - Life Writing

I wrote this as part of my final assessment on life writing (a new genre to me). Thought I'd share it here...

My September

I sit on the cold damp timber wall which was once a railway sleeper. Eyes are closed shutting out the sharp sun rays. The sun is peaking behind the overgrown conifer that I hide behind; mulling things over. The garden is tidied to a point; growing wildflower. A garden as nature intended.  The summer sun has not left; still burning my arm.

Weeds raise high above the raggedy grass. Football is no longer played here. A few raindrops hit my head. Birds twitter to each other through the branches of the oak trees behind me. Wood pigeons annoy me with their droning calling. I remember husband threatens to shoot them down; like he did with his air pistol when he was a young lad; bravado boys talk.   

*

Through the dirty cobwebbed glass I see a vibrant yellow butterfly. My hands burn as I still run them under the hot tap. Day dreaming as preferred, not watching or feeling the scorch today.  A flash of fluttering iridescent wings catches my eye. I think dreamily that it is like the sparklers in your eyes before a migraine. An aura of beauty precedes blinding pain. A large dragonfly beautifully elongated swoops across the abandoned next door neighbour's garden. It is free falling in the wildflower meadow where it belongs until the end of its day.

***

Happy haiku to you... Autumn brewing early

Today is my birthday. I love September; back to school, lovely sunsets and the scent of change in the air.

Taken last September - down at Milford on Sea, Hampshire.
Beautiful cloud formation; looked like pink marshmallow.

I thought I'd post a haiku. Here is one I wrote last year and used for my coursework. As autumn is approaching seemingly early this year judging by the mist outside right now; I thought this suits the day...

Autumn leaves fall down

Pile up in garden corners;

Blown away by man.