Writing
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Memoir writing
I went to Monchique yesterday to a memoir workshop. I took this workshop about 15 years ago and although writing regularly I am reluctant to share memoir pieces. I took my laptop which is how I usually write and it was powerful to get so much down and out. So here are a few memoir workshop pieces. I won’t share the workshop process as I respect the effort and experience that has gone into preparing the content. If you enjoy these three short pieces let me know. I have written a novel where many memories pop up. Still going through and adding. I think memoir is an aid to writing…
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Open Mic Night – Photos
As part of the Alvaro de Campos Festa, I helped organise an Open Mic Night in English and Portuguese on Friday 22 November. It was a fun evening of kindness, sharing, poetry and song. Big thanks to all the performers, poets and especially to Tela Leao for translation and for introducing everyone. Also gratitude to the Casa Alvaro de Campos for use of the venue. Here are a few photos:Ana Cristina, Tela Leao, Fernanda Guerra, Isabel Pereira, Jay Artale, John Williams, Malcolm Highfield, Marjorie Mallon, Mark Evans, Miguel Andrade, Nana Rebelo, Timothy Halford, Zizi. Timothy Halford would like a regular Poetry Slam in Tavira. Get in touch if you want…
- Art and Culture, Book Reviews, Books to read, Community Development, Sustainable Development, Tavira, Writing
Rob Hopkins Tour – What If?
Rob Hopkins founder of the Transition Movement is touring Portugal starting in the North and reaching Faro on the 26 October. “Transition is a movement of communities coming together to reimagine and rebuild our world.” The tour will include interactive workshops, discussions and conversations. Central to this tour is the theme of imagination, especially in times of crisis. This tour takes place as Rob Hopkins’ book is published in Portuguese. “What If: Unleashing the Power of Imagination to Create the Future We Want.” Rob says: “Given the state of the world, the message of despair is pretty convincing. Things look grim. But something about that doesn’t sit quite right with…
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Whisky Galore Fundraiser- Help Tavira artists to perform in Glasgow!
Tavira and Glasgow have a cultural connection that is about to become even more potent. In 2019 two Scottish poets performed in Tavira, together with their Portuguese colleagues, and this year the event will take place in Glasgow. Unfortunately, there is not enough money for travel and hotels. From the total costs of € 6.000 still € 4.000 need to be raised. Why is the connection between Tavira and Glasgow important? Tavira’s famous poet, Álvaro de Campos, was born here in 1890 and moved to Glasgow to study naval engineering. Álvaro de Campos including his birthday, only existed in the poet Fernando Pessoa’s imagination. He was one of his heteronyms,…
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Pete Seeger – Community activist, musician, and inspiration for peace
I don’t want to focus my thoughts on war right now or the arguments about who is right or wrong. What I need is hope. So with that purpose in mind I have edited and updated this article first written in 2014. Maybe it will resonate with your desire for peace and hope too. Image credit – Pete Seeger at the Clearwater Festival in June 2007 Photo taken by Anthony Pepitone Pete Seeger, singer and musician, died on January 27, 2014. His unique style and passion for music brought people together locally and globally. His songs with words such as “We shall overcome” or “Where have all the flowers gone” stirred millions to march…
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Writing Workshop – Update – Future activities – NaNoWriMo
Writing can be a solitary process, so during October, my friend Mary Jezzard and I, designed a workshop and invited a few people interested in words to join us in Tavira Library. Our plan is to meet again at the Library on Thursday 29 October at 2:30pm, to share writing prompts and more importantly our latest efforts. Do come and join us. Bring your ideas, words, poems and thoughts.
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Flipside day 2 – Brazilian Literature and Music Festival
The sun and smiles came out for the 3rd day and final day of the Flipside Festival. Identity was the theme that permeated the day yesterday and dislocation and exile is the undercurrent to the first session today. Adriana Lisboa and James Scudamore both shared aspects of their novels that delve into this rich source of inspiration. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Adriana Lisboa has many awards, including the José Saramago Prize for her novel, “Symphony in White”. Her new novel “Crow Blue” is one of the many Portuguese/Brazilian books that Bloomsbury has published in translation. This book was launched today at Flipside. This event was chaired by Daniel Hahn , the Director…
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Wired for Success
In around 2006 I developed a learning programme for the Community Sector Coalition .The programme is for small community groups who want to start using computers and ICT. A report and two volumes can be downloaded for free. See below for links to PDF’s The key findings of the research into the ICT needs of the community sector are: 1. There is a direct correspondence between the size of organisations, and their state ofdevelopment in adoption and management of ICT. 2. There is evidence that technological developments become more widely adopted and better managednot only according to size and resources, but also with the passage of time. 3. There is…
