BYT: Once Upon A Time

JULY 2010
Once Upon A Time…

Hey BYT followers, how goes it?

I am in sunny Cornwall visiting relatives, reading, writing, and indulging in some beach time post-Glastonbury. Much needed R&R and work backlog catch up. My nan is trying to triple my size with huge meals and clotted cream, but I’m yet to have a PROPER Cornish pasty, so shall have to venture into the village soon to remedy this. Yum.

Glastonbury was a fantastic way to celebrate my birthday, not least because the sun shone for all 10 days that I was there and Stevie Wonder sang Happy Birthday just to me, honestly, he did… well me and the rest of the HUGE crowd! (Amazing, nonetheless). But also because I got to see some brilliant shows. Florence and the Machine was THE highlight for me, amazing outfit, heartfelt performance, much dancing and jumping up and down. Followed by her duet with Dizzie R. on the Pyramid Stage.

I watched Steve Harley just for the Smile song, and he delivered which made me smile too. As a HUGE Kinks fan I also loved watching Ray Davies (again), he seemed really happy, unlike when I saw him in Laugharne, and my top mate Ele provided us with chilled champagne which made it a really special afternoon. The Gorillaz bored me, but it was good to see Lou Reed join them on stage… and I’m still glad I ran off by myself to watch the end of The Flaming Lips, who were completely out of this world, I can’t wait to see their full set at Green Man. Other top acts included Peggy Sue (charming as ever), Tunng (a favourite act of mine), Tune-Yards (one crazy talented woman), The Dead Weather (Gothic wonder), Paloma Faith (I spotted her at 18), Toots and the Maytals (Hello Summer), Gomez (Student nostalgia), Dan Le Sac vs. Scroobius Pip (poetic brilliance).

Work AKA my storytelling sessions went well despite there being many young children about, thanks to their liberal parents (!) and even though I was present at a fair few of the circus workshops taking place in the same field as my tall tales, I still can’t juggle, sorry Fire Man Dave. Even better, I found 10 pretty pairs of size 7 shoes during the clear up. Just call me Shoezie; my friends have been.

Want to read some things I’ve written lately? You can. First up, my latest Mslexia blog. Second? I’ve written a piece of flash fiction for the July issue of Buzz Magazine. You can pick one up from the usual outlets in South Wales, or read it online [Page 50].

Miss me? Then come and see me in the flesh. I will be speaking some fictional words at the Readathon in Milgi, Cardiff on July 14th from 6pm as part of the Oxfam Bookfest.