101/1001 (11)

I completed two tasks this week.  You read about my foray into second childhood; the second was Write 101 new poems.  I’ve written 111 in eleven weeks.  I think I may have set the bar a little low.  Any suggestions for a realistic target?

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Read thirty books (11/30)

I finally finished Daughters of Britannia: The Lives And Times Of Diplomatic Wives, by Katie Hickman.  It was dry in parts but interesting enough to keep going.  Not gripping, though: it’s taken me six months.  Here’s a bit I thought you might enjoy:

At the turn of the century Susan Townley learnt the conventionally polite Chinese enquiry: ‘How is Your Excellency’s favoured wife?’  To which, unvaryingly, would come the equally conventional reply: ‘Thank you, Madam.  The foolish one of the family is well.’

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Find another 64 challenges for the list.  (24/64)

Nancy suggested: Go an entire week without poking fun at the WP prompter.  I did so, but forgot to add it to the list.  That got me out of the habit so there’s no point including it now.  Talk about a wasted opportunity.

She also suggested: Visit a hospital ward and entertain the ill and infirm.  I’m thinking about that one.  It scares me, frankly.  I don’t know how I would entertain them without sticking a monitor in front of their faces.

Nancy is prolific: Write a letter to someone who taught me something valuable about life and send it to them.  This is a good one; it’s on the list.  So’s this: Illustrate one of my poems with the medium of my choice.

Pseu gave me a task which is similar to one I already have (Submit thirty poems to competitions or publishers), but is a good way to make it happen:  Buy a copy of Myslexia or visit http://www.prizemagic.co.uk/html/writing_comps.htm  and identify 6 poetry competitions, each with a closing date a month after each other, or as close as possible – enter each competition with a new poem over the next six months.

Thank you again, everyone, for your suggestions and encouragement.

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Flo told me about a teenage girl who has her own list.  Please visit her blog: she is fifteen and has terminal cancer.  Hers is a bucket list.  I don’t know what to say.  She is so brave.

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We have a new 101er!  Welcome, heroblues.  Let’s hope you’re not the last to join us.

Don’t forget to check out the other 101ers from the list to the right.