About Me
My husband has always said "You should run a book shop!"
There is some truth in that statement. Books have been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember; swapping a pair of my grandmother's earrings for a copy of Heidi Grows Up by Johanna Spyri (one of a trilogy that were popular to have during my primary school years).
My main interest has developed into a love of vintage editions of books; the feel, the memoirs contained within and those fingers turning the very same pages through generations. The last purchase was an 1880s edition of Robinson Crusoe. Although not in brilliant condition, I couldn't leave it there to be turned into merely a decorative cover or even worse disposed of. I have every intention of repairing it - retaining as much as possible of the originality.
During 2017, there was the opportunity of undertaking a course in any craft subject - having won while a member of the WI. Strangely it is the only time I've ever been fortunate to win something so exciting.
My choice was obvious – bookbinding. There I learned how to create a photographic album from putting pages together to creating the binding. Three wonderful days that left me exhausted with the concentration, yet elated at my achievement.
A member of the society of bookbinders and also completed a course in repairing of cloth covered adhesive case bindings.
After undertaking a short course last year (2023) on ghostly and gothic writing, this subject has stirred my imagination. So much so that my husband bought me a book of short stories – all with that gothic theme. Recovering from a two month period of being unwell, there was plenty of time to indulge in a spot of more modern reading.
Once the warmer weather returns, I shall be out getting ideas (and much needed exercise) for more self-published work. Meanwhile, there is always editing to do.
My life changed in 2017 after being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease.
It made me realise that it was now or never to achieve my lifelong ambition of writing for a living.
Articles previously published - linked to my varied career - had been more of a sideline.
Being born and brought up in areas with Celtic origins, it was here my love of the countryside began, as did devouring (reading) every book to be found.
It was nature that came to my aid during those first few years of adjusting to a different lifestyle.
I've completed many courses over the years including a recognised course in Inland Foraging.
The 'Rhyme Traveller' idea came from my love of rhyming verse and walking. Myself and exercise always had a mixed relationship, but since the diagnosis it's been even more important to keep myself physically (and mentally) active. What better way than combining everything which brings pleasure not only to me, but hopefully to those who follow my adventures.
During Covid lock-downs, I took the opportunity to enhance my creative writing skills, with various online courses, ready to set forth on my writing career.
Another interest is genealogy.
Family research began as a hobby during the early 1990s. Creating a small book about my grandmother, provided an insight into her early life. Born in 1907 she experienced both world wars; something I find hard to imagine. Two years seemed to be swallowed during that period. Social history is so fascinating.
Prior to the genealogy information going online, this graduated into offering varied services including photo restoration and family history albums. We also created a software program called the Family History Album (FHA).