So it was my birthday recently and what do ‘middle aged guys do?’
That’s right they watch sport.
In my case I like rugby so I was able to watch my team, London Irish, win their final match and collect the Championship Trophy.
There are always bittersweet moments when following London Irish– they are now in the Premiership again, there will be new exciting players coming which is contrasted with various players leaving or retiring. One of those leaving was one of my favourites, Topsy Ojo. I was with my children watching him on his debut so this also ignites my happy memories too.
I remember him in his early days when he was an 18 year old from the Academy and 14 years later he is the club’s top try scorer and has made the most appearances for the club (301). Everyone was cheering when he had the ball and when he came close to scoring a final try there was an air of expectation from the crowd. However, unselfishly, he passed the ball which I metaphorically see as handing on the baton.
It got me reflecting that life is full of change- the only constant being change. I may have mentioned that somewhere else earlier my blog but without change we cannot evolve.
A few years ago, if someone had said that I would have written and published a book I would not have believed them.
Somehow by getting out of a rut of my own making I was able to start looking at doing things I enjoy. The evolution from writing a few poems for my own amusement, writing for friends, performing songs at an open mic (realising that I wasn’t that good!!), performing and writing poetry at open mic to putting them down in a volume and getting them published isn’t something that can be done alone. However it hasn’t always been a smooth ride as there were lots of stops and starts. Many people have an influence along the way whether indirectly or directly.
Who knew that by going to an open mic 3 years ago with family and friends to watch acquaintances from the local drama club sing would then lead me to go to other events? For example at one of these open mics I met a guy who suggested I go to a spoken word event and meet a writer.
This gave me the physical/ mental tools to know what to do. Again I made a few errors along the way which I learnt from.
This leads me on to my next announcement. Book two is on its way.
I have just made a draft copy which I am going through at the moment prior to setting a an official date to unleash it onto the public.
Just keep an eye out for any videos on Twitter or Facebook and potentially pictures on Instagram (Up there with the technology.)
Anyway back to my birthday.
I had a great meal with my family, got a great present (will be able to watch London Irish next season) and enjoyed a lemony /blueberry cake.
Got a new book to scribble a few more words in ( had a picture of me on the cover)
All is right with the world!!!
Post again soon.
Joe the poet 