Just hit 20,000 words on what started off as some ideas.
Think I might have been further on if I could type with 2 hands for longer than 5-10 minutes...but then again may not ever have started it!
Not sure how long this will be but enjoying the journey :)
Friday, 13 January 2012
Thursday, 12 January 2012
A heartfelt honesty...
If you didn't get a chance to see the Andrew Flintoff programme last night on depression in sport you should log into BBCi player and watch it.
Far from being a self obsessed 'woe are we poor sports people who struggle with all our money and fame' this was an honest heartfelt and often personal look at the issue of depression which at times was difficult to watch.
It was amazing to hear these stories about how these idols to some had walked out on pitches, into rings and arenas so low that they wanted to end it all yet performed to the highest ability.
It was all summed up in his final statement. We all need to try and be who we are not be dictated to by those around us and be modelled into people and personalities we don't recognise when we look in the mirror...
Far from being a self obsessed 'woe are we poor sports people who struggle with all our money and fame' this was an honest heartfelt and often personal look at the issue of depression which at times was difficult to watch.
It was amazing to hear these stories about how these idols to some had walked out on pitches, into rings and arenas so low that they wanted to end it all yet performed to the highest ability.
It was all summed up in his final statement. We all need to try and be who we are not be dictated to by those around us and be modelled into people and personalities we don't recognise when we look in the mirror...
I never liked Meccano....
As a kid I never liked Meccano, it seemed like hard work to find the screws, nuts and bolts needed in order to create something. This translated through my school life...told to take Home Economics as I wasn't cut out for woodwork or metalwork...and into my adult life. If we need anything fixing I have someone I can call.
So how come I have discovered a knack for flat pack stuff? I mean it's Meccano for adults yet I like it...hmmmm...have I missed something because of what I was told at school?
Maybe we need to think about what we are telling students in terms of what they can and can't do? There will always be some students for whom academic subjects will always be a bridge to far but that doesn't mean they can't do something. We need to make sure we are careful to encourage students to make the right choices by using the right language in order to make them feel they are able to succeed...how would we feel if 20 years down the line we met someone who tells us 'I remember you you told me I wouldn't be able to do...'
You never know who you have sat in front of you.
So how come I have discovered a knack for flat pack stuff? I mean it's Meccano for adults yet I like it...hmmmm...have I missed something because of what I was told at school?
Maybe we need to think about what we are telling students in terms of what they can and can't do? There will always be some students for whom academic subjects will always be a bridge to far but that doesn't mean they can't do something. We need to make sure we are careful to encourage students to make the right choices by using the right language in order to make them feel they are able to succeed...how would we feel if 20 years down the line we met someone who tells us 'I remember you you told me I wouldn't be able to do...'
You never know who you have sat in front of you.
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
Time for a career change....
So I was watching this guy today walking round and round a castle on the TV and explaining all about it and it's history and I thought 'I could do that!'
In fact that has been a statement in my head for the last few days. So I have decided I would like one of the following four jobs:
1. Football commentator or Sky Sports presenter
2. TV historian or archaeologist
3. Chat show host
4. Stand up comedian
Not sure how to go about getting these jobs but I am sure someone will have an idea!
A change is as good as a rest and life begins at 40... Which is in 10 days...well 9 as its past midnight!
In fact that has been a statement in my head for the last few days. So I have decided I would like one of the following four jobs:
1. Football commentator or Sky Sports presenter
2. TV historian or archaeologist
3. Chat show host
4. Stand up comedian
Not sure how to go about getting these jobs but I am sure someone will have an idea!
A change is as good as a rest and life begins at 40... Which is in 10 days...well 9 as its past midnight!
Thursday, 5 January 2012
Watching the world...
It's amazing when you stop and look around how much attention people pay to each other. Most people pass by the world in a daze focused only on the thing they have to do.
Eye contact is avoided and a nod or smile treated with suspicion in case you are trying to sell something or want them to complete a survey. The thought it could just be a nice gesture!
The thing is we hear all the time about how unsociable the youth of today are yet they are trained not to interact with other people. They watch as parents ignore people in the street or push past without excuse me's - it's all about learned behaviour.
A really good friend of mine has become a role model to me over the years as I have watched him raise his boys. He always involves them in conversations with all visitors, explains situations clearly, outlines manners etc...
They aren't perfect but they are respectful. I hope I can do as good a job as fatherhood comes my way.
Eye contact is avoided and a nod or smile treated with suspicion in case you are trying to sell something or want them to complete a survey. The thought it could just be a nice gesture!
The thing is we hear all the time about how unsociable the youth of today are yet they are trained not to interact with other people. They watch as parents ignore people in the street or push past without excuse me's - it's all about learned behaviour.
A really good friend of mine has become a role model to me over the years as I have watched him raise his boys. He always involves them in conversations with all visitors, explains situations clearly, outlines manners etc...
They aren't perfect but they are respectful. I hope I can do as good a job as fatherhood comes my way.
Tuesday, 3 January 2012
Backwards to move forwards...
Sometimes you can't see the road ahead because it is masked by the fact you have your back to it. We think that things have moved on and left us but all we need to do is turn around.
If things aren't happening for us are we standing still and waiting for it to happen or are we pushing out to try and make things happen. Millions enter the lottery each week hoping the prize will fall into their laps, yet it only does for one or two.
None of the big business men and women out there have achieved what they have by waiting for someone to give them a handout. There has always been hard work and initiative involved on their part even if they have inherited the business.
I want this year to be a year of breakthrough so it will also be a year of hard work and initiative on my part...let's see where we get by the end.
If things aren't happening for us are we standing still and waiting for it to happen or are we pushing out to try and make things happen. Millions enter the lottery each week hoping the prize will fall into their laps, yet it only does for one or two.
None of the big business men and women out there have achieved what they have by waiting for someone to give them a handout. There has always been hard work and initiative involved on their part even if they have inherited the business.
I want this year to be a year of breakthrough so it will also be a year of hard work and initiative on my part...let's see where we get by the end.
Sunday, 1 January 2012
Enter the Dragon...
So as we move into 2012 we enter the year of the Dragon on the Chinese calendar. This symbol has the characteristics of strength power and good luck.
I hope this is a year that will see you breakthrough and achieve hopes and dreams you have.
I hope this is a year that will see you breakthrough and achieve hopes and dreams you have.
Saturday, 31 December 2011
As the year turns...
As we end 2011, I am so glad (with the exception of the news of our first child on its way) to be out.
The whole year was difficult with the end horrific with an injury at work and the feeling that support isnt forthcoming - though my team were and continue to be amazing, you know who you are!!!! - the continued pain and feelings of disappointment and at times loneliness all add to a fight to get through.
The end of 2011 and beginning of a new year bring new hope and (in a couple of weeks) new arrival!
May 2012 bring you blessings and breakthrough in all areas of your lives.
All the best :)
The whole year was difficult with the end horrific with an injury at work and the feeling that support isnt forthcoming - though my team were and continue to be amazing, you know who you are!!!! - the continued pain and feelings of disappointment and at times loneliness all add to a fight to get through.
The end of 2011 and beginning of a new year bring new hope and (in a couple of weeks) new arrival!
May 2012 bring you blessings and breakthrough in all areas of your lives.
All the best :)
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
Chapter One...
Thanks for some of the feedback on chapter one of the book with no name - yet...
Please feel free to add comments to the site, if you havent seen it yet take a look.
SS
Please feel free to add comments to the site, if you havent seen it yet take a look.
SS
Tuesday, 27 December 2011
Chapter One of the story - still no title...
So this is chapter one of the book with no title as of this point in time, please read and let me know what you think
SS
Book One: The Pieces Are in Place
Chapter One
They say the most difficult thing about writing a book is starting it. Most people have a raft of ideas yet they don't know where to begin. They look at lists of words and names and scenarios and can tell you all the highlights yet starting it, well that a different story.
As you may now have guessed I am one of those people.
So let's start at the end. Everyone got what was coming to them, the end.
Now we know where we are going all I have to do is fill in the gaps. Shouldn't be too hard!
Our story begins on a dark stormy night in the middle of November just outside of London.
The wind whistled round the buildings, driving the rain under the doors of houses and into gaps in windows. In a small house looking out of his window was John. He watched with anticipation hoping that this storm might lead to some thunder and lightning but as yet this hadn't happened. On a scale of 1 to 10 this storm was so far pulling a solid 3.
Outside something was moving in the wind. You couldn't pick it out but in the corner of your eye you knew something was there. It rolled with the wind and hid behind bins and in dark corners, and slowly it was making its way to John's house.
John stared intently at the weather outside. His nose was pushed up against the glass and he could see his breath condensing on the glass when he breathed out. He was counting the number of bin lids rolling down the street whilst racing two raindrops down the window. Lefty had it in the bag until the last two inches when righty took over and won. John had bet on righty and now owed himself a milkshake in the morning.
Suddenly he pulled back from the window. Something had caught his eye. He wasn't certain what it was but he knew something as there. He leant back into the glass and looked again. Nothing. He was going mad.
BANG! A stone bounced off the window right in front of his nose. He shot backwards falling off the bed and onto the floor. He fought to untangle himself from a pile of clothes as he struggled back to the window. Slowly he moved back to a position where he could see. Looking to the left he couldn't see anything moving so he scanned his eyes across the horizon in front of him. As he looked to the right he finally caught sight of what had thrown the stone. John closed his eyes, looked again then rubbed his eyes and looked again. 'No way!' he exclaimed. Standing on the bin front of his house waving at him was, well, him.
John stepped away from the window and thought for a couple of moments. He argued with himself about the idea of reflection on the glass and other scientific answers to the fact that he, well a copy of him, was standing outside his house on a bin lobbing stones at his window. After a deep breath he decided to go down and look for real at what was out there. At this moment in time I am sure there are many of you who are shouting 'Don't go outside!' or words to that effect. We have all seen the films where people go outside or into dark alleys or say things like 'I will be right back!' John had seen them too and he wasn't going to take any chances. He picked up his Dad's driver which was sat with the other golf clubs by the front door. He opened the door and walked gingerly outside.
'Took you long enough, where have you been!?' the 'John' double said.
John walked towards the bins and stopped with his head cocked on one side like a dog looking at a treat. 'Who are you?' he managed to ask.
'I am you.' the voice replied 'but we have no time to talk about this now. We have to go its important we get back to the gate before it closes. I will explain on the way. Please trust me.'
Everything inside John that had been instilled in him since he was a small boy wanted to run away and shout 'stranger' whilst pointing at this figure. Yet the bottom line was it looked like him. How could he not trust himself? Slowly he walked towards the figure.
'Ok, let's go' he said.
A hand reached towards him taking hold of his hand, there was a whooshing noise and the world began to spin. About 10 seconds later John felt his feet hit solid ground. He turned around and behind there was a large archway. Standing at the archway was a small figure beckoning him to come forward. He took two steps forward and then began to fall. It felt like an age before he hit the ground, and he remembered screaming the whole way!
'Are you ok? The first time you transport it can be a bit of a head spinner!'
John looked up and tried to focus on where the voice was coming from. Everything was blurred and spinning and he definitely felt like his lasagne from earlier may be making its way up for a repeat performance.
'Thanks,' he mumbled and took of the hand that was outstretched towards him. 'Where am I?'
The body attached to the hand helped John to his feet and he began to feel more human. He was aware of the light in his eyes and the smell of flowers, somewhere near there was traffic of some kind and he was sure that he could hear music.
'Take it slow. We are in no hurry, well some hurry, but not enough of a hurry for you to get hurt in anyway,'
John blinked and focused on the voice in front of him. Slowly the figure came into focus. It was amazing this guy looked exactly like him in everyday. This couldn't be happening, he must be dreaming, it will be ok he will wake up in a minute.
'Hey!'
The voice shocked him back to reality.
'You are trying to work out if this is a dream aren't you? Well it isn't. Yes I look like you, because I am you, in a different dimension.'
(Yes I know what you are all thinking 'Oooo another different dimension story, like that's original!' The thing is though at this point in time you don't know what the dimension is. It could be where all the dreams you have in life come true, or where world peace has been achieved or where the author of books pay readers to carry on reading until the end and not stop now because they think they have read it all before!
Calm 2,3,4... Ok so shall we continue?)
SS
Book One: The Pieces Are in Place
Chapter One
They say the most difficult thing about writing a book is starting it. Most people have a raft of ideas yet they don't know where to begin. They look at lists of words and names and scenarios and can tell you all the highlights yet starting it, well that a different story.
As you may now have guessed I am one of those people.
So let's start at the end. Everyone got what was coming to them, the end.
Now we know where we are going all I have to do is fill in the gaps. Shouldn't be too hard!
Our story begins on a dark stormy night in the middle of November just outside of London.
The wind whistled round the buildings, driving the rain under the doors of houses and into gaps in windows. In a small house looking out of his window was John. He watched with anticipation hoping that this storm might lead to some thunder and lightning but as yet this hadn't happened. On a scale of 1 to 10 this storm was so far pulling a solid 3.
Outside something was moving in the wind. You couldn't pick it out but in the corner of your eye you knew something was there. It rolled with the wind and hid behind bins and in dark corners, and slowly it was making its way to John's house.
John stared intently at the weather outside. His nose was pushed up against the glass and he could see his breath condensing on the glass when he breathed out. He was counting the number of bin lids rolling down the street whilst racing two raindrops down the window. Lefty had it in the bag until the last two inches when righty took over and won. John had bet on righty and now owed himself a milkshake in the morning.
Suddenly he pulled back from the window. Something had caught his eye. He wasn't certain what it was but he knew something as there. He leant back into the glass and looked again. Nothing. He was going mad.
BANG! A stone bounced off the window right in front of his nose. He shot backwards falling off the bed and onto the floor. He fought to untangle himself from a pile of clothes as he struggled back to the window. Slowly he moved back to a position where he could see. Looking to the left he couldn't see anything moving so he scanned his eyes across the horizon in front of him. As he looked to the right he finally caught sight of what had thrown the stone. John closed his eyes, looked again then rubbed his eyes and looked again. 'No way!' he exclaimed. Standing on the bin front of his house waving at him was, well, him.
John stepped away from the window and thought for a couple of moments. He argued with himself about the idea of reflection on the glass and other scientific answers to the fact that he, well a copy of him, was standing outside his house on a bin lobbing stones at his window. After a deep breath he decided to go down and look for real at what was out there. At this moment in time I am sure there are many of you who are shouting 'Don't go outside!' or words to that effect. We have all seen the films where people go outside or into dark alleys or say things like 'I will be right back!' John had seen them too and he wasn't going to take any chances. He picked up his Dad's driver which was sat with the other golf clubs by the front door. He opened the door and walked gingerly outside.
'Took you long enough, where have you been!?' the 'John' double said.
John walked towards the bins and stopped with his head cocked on one side like a dog looking at a treat. 'Who are you?' he managed to ask.
'I am you.' the voice replied 'but we have no time to talk about this now. We have to go its important we get back to the gate before it closes. I will explain on the way. Please trust me.'
Everything inside John that had been instilled in him since he was a small boy wanted to run away and shout 'stranger' whilst pointing at this figure. Yet the bottom line was it looked like him. How could he not trust himself? Slowly he walked towards the figure.
'Ok, let's go' he said.
A hand reached towards him taking hold of his hand, there was a whooshing noise and the world began to spin. About 10 seconds later John felt his feet hit solid ground. He turned around and behind there was a large archway. Standing at the archway was a small figure beckoning him to come forward. He took two steps forward and then began to fall. It felt like an age before he hit the ground, and he remembered screaming the whole way!
'Are you ok? The first time you transport it can be a bit of a head spinner!'
John looked up and tried to focus on where the voice was coming from. Everything was blurred and spinning and he definitely felt like his lasagne from earlier may be making its way up for a repeat performance.
'Thanks,' he mumbled and took of the hand that was outstretched towards him. 'Where am I?'
The body attached to the hand helped John to his feet and he began to feel more human. He was aware of the light in his eyes and the smell of flowers, somewhere near there was traffic of some kind and he was sure that he could hear music.
'Take it slow. We are in no hurry, well some hurry, but not enough of a hurry for you to get hurt in anyway,'
John blinked and focused on the voice in front of him. Slowly the figure came into focus. It was amazing this guy looked exactly like him in everyday. This couldn't be happening, he must be dreaming, it will be ok he will wake up in a minute.
'Hey!'
The voice shocked him back to reality.
'You are trying to work out if this is a dream aren't you? Well it isn't. Yes I look like you, because I am you, in a different dimension.'
(Yes I know what you are all thinking 'Oooo another different dimension story, like that's original!' The thing is though at this point in time you don't know what the dimension is. It could be where all the dreams you have in life come true, or where world peace has been achieved or where the author of books pay readers to carry on reading until the end and not stop now because they think they have read it all before!
Calm 2,3,4... Ok so shall we continue?)
Anyone know any publishers that might like to look at my story?
Having just had a poem published I jumped into the writing lark with both feet and began a story. I have just reached 11,000 words and think this might be getting a bit big. I have been wandering through the world of publishing books but not sure how to go about it. Seems a big world with a lot of rules - so if anyone knows shortcuts or has family or friends involved in the business let me know!
When time stands still...
It seems amazing to me how we all slo back into Christmas ways. We have sausages for breakfast in our family - think that has something to do with my Grandad, my wife has a brown sauce mix on her Christmas pudding - think gravy without the meat element!
We also slip into thoughts of bygone days when life was easier and responsibilities seem to ebb away for all of 48-72hours.
As we move towards 2012 and the imminent arrival of 'little Skellon' I wish we could hold onto the bygone days as somehow that period over Christmas seems manageable.
This coming year will see lots of changes to the lives of myself, my wife and those around me. I will keep this up to date in orde to chronicle some of these as they come along.
We also slip into thoughts of bygone days when life was easier and responsibilities seem to ebb away for all of 48-72hours.
As we move towards 2012 and the imminent arrival of 'little Skellon' I wish we could hold onto the bygone days as somehow that period over Christmas seems manageable.
This coming year will see lots of changes to the lives of myself, my wife and those around me. I will keep this up to date in orde to chronicle some of these as they come along.
Thursday, 11 August 2011
New computer...
Very excited as new computer arrived... touch screen, bit of a gimmick but will allow me to play 'minority report' with my files and folders. After a couple of days and many emails its clear touch screen doesnt work...sent it back...getting new one...grrrrrrrr
Monday, 8 August 2011
I believe in creativity but ....
Oh my life...well who did it? Hands up who allowed...no...supported Cher Lloyds drive to number one?
I mean seriously its rubbish....
Going to find a darkened room and lie down...
I mean seriously its rubbish....
Going to find a darkened room and lie down...
Friday, 22 July 2011
Another year over...
Its only at this point in the year where I realise that I have another year under my belt in teaching - 17 now...its getting to the point now where I realise I am moving from the been teaching a while group to the experienced teacher group...
Hmmm...
Hmmm...
Monday, 18 July 2011
Monday, 11 July 2011
Childish things still amuse me...
Afternoon Squire...private joke
I was sat thinking over lunch today about the things I used to do as a kid and how they seemed so funny at the time. Thing is we grow up and life moves in and they become less funny - which is where Top Gear comes in and justifies the point its OK to be a big kid!
With that in mind I was reflecting on the fact we used to think of film titles and add the words 'in my pants' to the end of them...it amused us and made me chuckle.
Ghostbusters...in my pants
Shrek...in my pants
Antz...in my pants
Herbie goes to Monte Carlo....the list is endless and it doesn't get anymore intelligent that that!
So have fun...warning some are especially rude...and transformers is just weird????!!!
I was sat thinking over lunch today about the things I used to do as a kid and how they seemed so funny at the time. Thing is we grow up and life moves in and they become less funny - which is where Top Gear comes in and justifies the point its OK to be a big kid!
With that in mind I was reflecting on the fact we used to think of film titles and add the words 'in my pants' to the end of them...it amused us and made me chuckle.
Ghostbusters...in my pants
Shrek...in my pants
Antz...in my pants
Herbie goes to Monte Carlo....the list is endless and it doesn't get anymore intelligent that that!
So have fun...warning some are especially rude...and transformers is just weird????!!!
Sunday, 10 July 2011
EBL...PBL...
Latest project is working on instigating a PBL - personalised based learning - curriculum for the Yr7's.
Interesting experience so far. Main focus is looking at the idea of survival and the skills needed to survive new/difficult scenarios.
So currently creating ideas around surviving on a desert island linked into Robinson Crusoe in terms of literacy. Next step to highlight the skills needed in order to survive on the island and seeing which would be useful to 'survive' in Yr7 at a new school.
Coming together OK but struggling to find a use for coconuts in yr7...I am sure one will come to me !
Interesting experience so far. Main focus is looking at the idea of survival and the skills needed to survive new/difficult scenarios.
So currently creating ideas around surviving on a desert island linked into Robinson Crusoe in terms of literacy. Next step to highlight the skills needed in order to survive on the island and seeing which would be useful to 'survive' in Yr7 at a new school.
Coming together OK but struggling to find a use for coconuts in yr7...I am sure one will come to me !
Update since January
Been a mad year so far. Most of my time has been spent sorting out things to do with change to Hans Price Academy from Wyvern School. Been a mad time with lots to do but think I am getting on top of it - at the moment anyway.
So hopefully back on track and focused on updating this when and where possible...
So hopefully back on track and focused on updating this when and where possible...
Saturday, 9 July 2011
A dream fulfilled
As a child growing up I loved the stories of King Arthur and Camelot. Recently, on a school visit to Chepstow Castle I finally achieved a childhood dream of being a knight.
They even gave me a sword!
Excellent day and excellent fun!!
They even gave me a sword!
Excellent day and excellent fun!!
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