I`ve been trying to get into my blog for a month . Ok I havn`t been trying that hard but at least I made an effort only to be told I didnt have enough cookies? So having consulted my IT Guru (my mate in Liverpool) I finally worked out it was nothing to do with going off the diet (a completely different subject that still troubles me )by something technical that has been resolved by people that "Deal with that sort of thing".

Where was I .... Oh yes Skyhook were brilliant. Couldn't get Izz to leave and carried him home feeling guilty about giving him such a late night midweek. That child can snore I tell you.

Have finally finished gigs for the year, so I get to stay home and work from there. This usually involves me tidying the house, then making coffee and then pratting about doing nothing till I feel guilty or Charlotte needs something and I haven't done it (this also involves large amounts of guilt).

Went to Belgium for work last week and was so very brave. Being dyslexic I always worry im going to get on the wrong bus, plane, train, taxi, house! and end up giving myself a headache. So usually I travel with someone (not possible this time) or moving with extreme caution from plane to taxi to destination , never stopping to shop (somethin Jon is eternally grateful for) or enjoy the view or sites (something Izz is eternally grateful for)..... BUT NOT THIS TIME. Oh no I branched out Charlotte set me a challenge to do some site seeing and some shopping. So on my way home I took some pictures (ok so they were of the station but you have to start somewhere ) did some shopping (In the shop next to the station) AND had a coffee (in the staion coffee shop) OK so I'm not making vast inroads into global exploration but for me its a start!!.

(PS brought home a dead mouse in my luggage last time I went to Holland but the bloody thing ate all the chocolate before it expired)

Got lost coming home from a school this afternoon, ended up coming home via the R. Valley and over the Peaks. What a brilliant moon, sun setting... moon rising the world looked amazing.

Looking forward to seeing Skyhook tomorrow night. They are playing in Sheffield. So for once Im going to be the one watching a gig... feel really excited, usually I come home and listen to Radio 7 with a cup of tea. My lifestyle is so rock and roll LOL

Great meeting about Beacons 2009 today.... although John says having dancing elephants and fire juggling hippos is probably going a bit over the top so I scrapped that idea!

Seriously though Im looking forward to putting the final bit of the story in place and hope to publish it in all three parts for next years Beacons:-)

Told Heartwood in the woods tonight.... seem to be doing that a lot. The other day when I told it at the wood fair we sent the children on a quest and one of the things they had to bring back was the most amazing thing they found in the forest.... most children brought back leaves, acorns, moss that sort of thing, which we put in a pile to burn later in the festival. One boy brought back his Grandfather as the most amazing thing he had found in the forest.... that was so ace!!! but when I explained Grandad would have to be put on the fire he didn't seem that keen (can't think why?) I think the most amazing thing I ever found in the forest was a Stag!! Just standing watching me.... that and a complete bar of Thorntons Chocolate that was quite amazing too!

But Leaf Blowers they have to have been invented by a man. Sorry chaps but leaf suckers now that works but BLOWING THEM???!! I watched a man while I was stuck in a traffic jam on the way home. He carefully blew all the leaves off the road and continued down the road as the wind blew all the leaves back again behind his back! It just moves the problem really from A to B without solving it.

Leaf blower in a forest that would be fun in autumn

Drove to a meeting in Endcliffe Park today ..... it was wet and soggy and the leaves on the trees (which seemed golden and wonderful from the warmth of the car) dripped drizzle down the back of my neck. It had seemed such a good idea to hold a meeting in the cafe in the park, but that was the other week when the sky was blue, the ground dry and sodden crows wern't pecking crisp packets into oblivion!

BUT the meeting went really well! I really want to work more in Yorkshire. I also love the idea that people are waking up to the fact that stories can enhance (For those of you who don't know, I'm dyslexic so sos for the spelling you have to make the best of it!)so many aspects of school lessons! Kids want to learn , when does it become so dull!

I wander from the point ... well I am a storyteller! It was great to have a meeting with someone in education who thought the same way as me!

Had a stupid conversation with Iz this morning before school: found myself remembering a lot of questions that used to be asked when he was younger .... things like "Do Bears wear shoes?" .... "How much does the moon weigh?" ......."Where are leaves going when they run away from the trees?" .. I miss them , must make a list of them for future amusing answers.

Such a busy week I fell asleep on the sofa last night! Looking forward to some time at home to finish the Todmorden stories and update the Beacons page.

I met a person the other day that said "There is no point telling my child stories he's too young and doesn't understand them". I tried to explain it was more about the quality of the time spent with the child and the sound of her voice but I dont think she understood. Shame it is such a powerful thing. IZ is trying to find something to rebel against (told him it will happen and not to panic! ) Found out that we have to wait till January to find out how I did at the Barbican so I am practicing my " I'm so glad you won, you really deserved it" SMILE ! LOL