Category Archives: September 2009

A Peek Into My Splendid Concubine

Posted on September 29, 2009 by Dianne Ascroft

One of my favourite reads recently was My Splendid Concubine by Lloyd Lofthouse. It captured my imagination and aroused my curiosity about nineteenth century China. I knew little about the period before I began reading it so the novel both … Continue reading →

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My Splendid Concubine – She’s Coming Here

Posted on September 25, 2009 by Dianne Ascroft

I recently read My Splendid Concubine by Lloyd Lofthouse. Set in nineteenth century China, it’s a love story between Robert Hart, inspector general of China’s Customs Service, and his concubine, Ayaou. As I turned the pages I swiftly slipped into … Continue reading →

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Best of Times, Worst of Times

Posted on September 14, 2009 by Dianne Ascroft

Well, our writing group’s weekly assignment prompted me to reminisce about some of my most pleasant recent experiences – what an enjoyable way to pass the week…But now I’d better get down to business and get the assignment written…. Don’t … Continue reading →

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Best of Times – Ready to Relax

Posted on September 13, 2009 by Dianne Ascroft

When everything is caught up after a busy week, including any writing I’m working on, then I’m ready to relax at home. My two favourite activities are walking along forestry paths not far from my home, whiling away an hour or two before daylight fades then … Continue reading →

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Best of Times – Farmyard Mornings

Posted on September 12, 2009 by Dianne Ascroft

Saturday mornings are my time to spend an extra hour or so in the farmyard – my time to catch up on work with great company.  I don’t think anything  can beat stretching my muscles with some vigorous sweeping while being shadowed by the four legged inhabitants of our … Continue reading →

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Best of Times – FCWG Nights

Posted on September 11, 2009 by Dianne Ascroft

Still on the topic of ‘best of times’, I don’t have to think too hard about my next one. It happens every week and I look forward to it – the weekly meeting of the Fermanagh Creative Writing Group. I … Continue reading →

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Best of Times – Belturbet Station Visit

Posted on September 10, 2009 by Dianne Ascroft

Continuing the theme of my recent ‘best of times’, my visit to the restored Belturbet Railway Station with the Fermanagh Authors Association last Monday must be added to the list.  The FAA held our monthly meeting in a conference room at the station. … Continue reading →

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Best of Times – Bluegrass in Omagh

Posted on September 9, 2009 by Dianne Ascroft

This week the local writers group I belong to set us the task of writing a short story that begins with Dicken’s classic line, ‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times’. It set me thinking … Continue reading →

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An Extra Hour Every Day?!

Posted on September 8, 2009 by Dianne Ascroft

Ever wish you could squeeze more into a day? I know I sometimes realise I could have made better use of my time – it’s easy to get bogged down with things that you don’t really need to do. Today … Continue reading →

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Got Any Bad Habits?

Posted on September 4, 2009 by Dianne Ascroft

Got any bad habits? I know I do! Do your bad habits get in the way or slow you down when you want or need to get things done? (I don’t think I’ll mention here how long I can spend … Continue reading →

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