Ally Aldridge Writing

Day 7 – Suspense

Full of excitement

Anticipation

Wish I could rush

To the moment I’m waiting

Day 7’s challenge

For Day 7 the challenge was “In our interview, Kyle Dargan suggests writing out a list of all of your different layers of identity. For example, you might be a wife, a grandmother, a Philadelphian, a dental assistant, a rabid Phillies fan, a seamstress, retiree, agnostic, cancer survivor, etc.. These are all ways you could be described or lenses you could be viewed through. Now divide all of those things into lists of what makes you feel powerful and what makes you feel vulnerable. Now write a poem in which one of the identities from the first list contends or talks with an identity from the second list. This might turn out to be kind of a “heavy” exercise, emotionally, but I hope you will find the results enlightening.”

This challenge feels a bit deep and revealing and I just don’t have the time. I was at a party this morning and another this afternoon. Busy, busy, busy. I decided to just write whatever I feel like…

Now, I have that blank page feeling…

With no idea what write…

But finally, I came up with something short and sweet. I hope you enjoy ?

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Day 6 – Motherhood

Today is my day off

But I won’t get to relax

I’m up early with my son

Arguing with him

Until he’s clothed and fed

We need to dash out the door

But he won’t cooperate

won’t put on his shoes

Won’t put on his coat

He won’t do a damn thing I want

We begin a battle of wills

To the post office to collect a parcel

He tries to run into the road and around the car park

I strap him into his car seat

And sigh with relief

He wasn’t interested in the farm

Took him there to have some fun

We try making slime together but he throws it at me and sometimes I wonder..

Why do I

even bother?

He argues with me whilst I drive

Says I’m going the wrong way

We’re going home – I snap at him

He screams he wants to visit his nan

I turn the radio up

He throws his stuff on the floor

Before I’ve even closed the door

We’re home

I’m shattered

But still can’t rest

I said no sweets but he’s found some

I said no crisps but he’s got them too

You’ll spoil you lunch – I confiscate

He tells me he won’t eat

He doesn’t want a healthy plate

We fight defining healthy meals

And snacks are not allowed

He thinks I’m being mean

He’s not talking to me now

I cry

I know it’s silly

But I try so hard to be a good mum

I make his lunch

Relief as he eats

I eat too

There’s so much still to be done

I start to tidy up the rooms

Tomorrow we’re having a party

I’ve also got food to prepare

I’m getting

nowhere

As quickly as I put away

He’s getting it all back out

I try to negotiate

If you help me by being tidy

You can have it all back

Sweets

Crisps

Kindle

iPad

Reluctantly he helps

Even putting things away in draws

I’m too tired to make food

I’m going to buy ready made

Still need to get out to the shops

But I’m shattered

I need to

Stop

Day 6 – Challenge

Today’s challenge for Day 6 “Today, we’d like to challenge you to write a poem that stretches your comfort zone with line breaks. That could be a poem with very long lines, or very short lines. Or a poem that blends the two. You might break to emphasize (or de-emphasize) sounds or rhymes, or to create a moment of hesitation in the middle of a thought.”

I really didn’t like this challenge. It might be because I’m too busy to give it the thought needed. I hope you forgive my attempt.

So busy…

I tried to give the challenge a go despite having a chaotic day and a little boy that doesn’t want to comply. He’s very strong willed and he doesn’t understand why I ask him to do things he doesn’t want to do like eat cereal or brush his teeth. I try to get him out the house otherwise he would spend all day on the kindle or iPad (or asking for them). I promise he’s not a bad boy. We did enjoy making slime together despite him throwing it at me.

As I’m so busy today I could only focus on one thing at a time and that is getting everything sorted for the party. I hope it goes well tomorrow and that you are having a happy stress-free weekend.

back to party prep…

Ally Aldridge Writing

Day 5 – Photograph

Life is better with friends

Capture the moments through the lens

Disposable, instant, digital camera

Store the prints for another era

Photo albums always filled

Shoe boxes that over spilled

Now we upload to social media

Digital albums from a digital camera

Selfies snapped with a smart phone

Nights out and back at home

Over the years our pictures changed

From real life to touch ups and filters

The memories are always great

When they’re full of fun with your mates

Day 5’s challenge

For Day 5, the prompt was to write a poem about a photo in one language and then in another… I didn’t quite get it because I struggle with foreign languages.   I decided to use Canva to find a random image and write a poem about that instead.

Whilst looking for a picture of a camera/photo for my blog title image, I came across this picture and decided to write my poem today about this.

About my BFFs

I am really blessed with my best friends.  We have known each other since we were three years old.  Yes, we have had fall outs over the years but they never last long and we always come back together.   We have been there for each other through the hard times and to celebrate the best times.

Being 80s girls, we had shoeboxes of photos, hand written letters and ticket stubs or event flyers.  You couldn’t check the image until it was printed – there are some awful pictures of us out there.  Today, you can retake a picture, delete it or even edit it with a filter or Photoshop.  Sadly, I don’t think as many pictures get printed even though they look better.  Instead there are too many photos taken and they get lost in the mass.

As teens we spent all out summers together but now we don’t get to see each other as much as we would like as our lives are full with work and family.  When we are together, we tend to take pictures of our babies (kids or pets).  But, when we do get to meet up it’s like time has stood still and we just pick up where we left off.  They really are my chosen sisters: Aimee, Jo, Laura and Maile – alphabetically because we don’t do favourites.

The last picture I can find of us altogether is from my best friend Aimee’s baby shower (I’m pregnant too in the picture) taken over 4 years ago!

https://www.instagram.com/p/fXyuM_vaWi/?taken-by=redfae

Ally Aldridge Writing

Day 4 – Content

Pintrest - Poem April 4

Trusty old comfy well worn shoes

Full of comfort and often used

Never rubs, tears or bruises

First choice for everyday uses

No nasty surprises, safe and warm

Dependable old comfy shoes worn

 

Day 4’s challenge

For Day 4 the challenge was to use concrete nouns to describe an abstract theme like an emotion, i.e. sadness.

When I was struggling with chronic stress I wrote a lot of abstract poems to express the darkness I was battling without feeling too revealing. I already felt vulnerable enough without exposing myself. I’ve also used it for erotica but I am shy about how others might judge me for anything filthy. I thought about using it to express a strong emotion but I’m just happy, so I wrote about being content.

 

Ally Aldridge Uncategorized

Day 3 – Romance Title

Pintrest - Poem April 3.pngForbidden love

Opposites attract

Fire and ice

The kissing app

 

Secret desires

The millionaire

Rose and thorns

Chuck and Blair

 

Passionate encounter

Hot summer nights

An unlikely pair

A lovers plight

 

Two become one

Secrets of the manor

A promise made

Bad boys banter

 

Alpha promised

Pirates bounty

Bewitched master

Across the county

 

Day 3’s challenge

For Day 3 the challenge was to write a poem using band names or book titles (you can make them up).

I wasn’t sure what to make of today’s theme but as a fan of a good romance novel, I thought maybe I could come up with something decent to do with their titles…

I’ve not had much time today so glad I managed to get this post done on time.

Romance writers connect

Here’s the pic from Instagram I am trying figure out how to ‘Regram’ without loosing the rules:

View this post on Instagram

Repost @the_design_series This is such a great idea! Looking forward to connecting #amwriting Romance junkies, let's connect and support each other! Let's grow our platforms, inspire one another, and cheer each other on as we work toward our dreams. Are you writing any kind of romance? Then this is for you! Let's be friends. ….. 1. Tap #romancewritersconnect and follow everyone who has shared this image! 2. Comment ❤️ under their photo. If you do not comment, we do not follow back. 3. Tag @thevelynlux and/or a writer you love! @authorkayblake 4. Repost to keep the follow fun going! Follow for follow. Unfollowing means you get unfollowed. Plus, we're trying to make REAL writer friends here! Allow 24 hours for a follow back. ….. Inspiration for this loop: #writersfollowwriters by @stephmignon ❤️ ….. #romancewritersconnect #followromancewriters #followloop #followme #followforfollow #amwriting #amwritingromance #writersofig #instawriter #followtrain #writersofinstagram #worktogether

A post shared by Nico J. Genes |Author&Blogger| (@nicojgenes_writer) on

Ally Aldridge Writing

Day 2 – Perspective

Pintrest - Poem April 2.png

I will not amount to much

I have no style

I am not smart

I invest in others

Trust too much

***

Your nature’s sweet

You’re very kind

But you lack ambition

Have no drive

You don’t even try to fit in

***

What they lack in confidence

They may up in persistence

Unique and cool

Accepting of all

Laughing off being a fool

 

Day 2’s challenge

For Day 2 the challenge was to write a poem changing the point of view. At first I had no clue what to write the poem about, then I thought about it from a fiction writers perspective.

Point of view 2018.png

Click here to read my article on Point of Views.

This challenge made me think about the reliability of characters especially in first person as it is all about how they see themselves and the world.  It can be very bias. By flipping view points in a story you can give the reader a completely different experience.

I love writing in first person and find writing in third person the hardest.  I enjoy experimenting and pushing myself to try new things.

Let me know what you think and if you gave this challenge a go.

Ally plus text

Ally Aldridge Writing

Day 1 – Love Letter

Pintrest - Poem April 1.pngDedicated to Noah

To my son

I wish for you

With all my heart

For happiness

In abundance

Make memories

Try new things

Make friends

And take chances

Never believe

The hateful words

The spiteful

Things People say

You are perfect

Smart and amazing

In every single way

Never dull your shine

Find the beauty

In all you do

Follow your heart

And have fun

Be confident and be brave

Always try your best

Reach for your dreams

Rise above the rest

We’re all unique

So be yourself

I’ll help you

Overcome self doubt

Most of all I wish

Above all else

I want you to know

Forever you have my heart

Love mum

Author note

This is my first poem in ages and I wasn’t sure where to start. I used the NaPoWriMo prompt ‘love letter’.

I like poems that rhyme and aren’t too long. I thought about writing something soppy, picturesque or fictional. Then I decided to write something for my son who really has stolen my heart. ?

I hope you enjoyed.

Ally Aldridge Writing

Poems for April

April appears to be the month for celebrating all things poetry.  I am aware of two groups promoting poetry celebration in April so I shall start by introducing them.

April for Poetry

Small-Blue-RGB-National-Poetry-Month-Logo

Academy of American Poets – National Poetry Month

The Academy of American Poets founded National Poetry Month in April 1996.  The celebration is used to acknowledge the achievements of American poets, share poems and encourage support and awareness of their work.

Click here to find out more about the celebration.

Capture

Maureen Thorson – NaPoWriMo

It was started in 2003 by Maureen Thorson, a poet living in Washington, DC.  She was inspired by NaNoWriMo – hence the similar name.  It stands for National Poetry Writing Month.  The challenge is to write one poem a day for the 30 days of April.

Click here to find out more about how to participate.

30 days of poems.png

Taking the challenge

So, I am going to dare to take the NaPoWriMo challenge.  It might not be great to start with as it is a while since I’ve written any poetry but I hope we will see an improvement towards the end.  I also hope that I find time to participate everyday.

Please let me know if you are taking part or have a poetry blog. It would motivate me to see what you are doing and I would find it inspirational.

Ally plus text

Ally Aldridge Goal setting, Writing

Valentine Poetry Collection

Last year, on Wattpad I set myself a challenge. For the first 14 days in February, I posted one ‘romantic’ themed poem everyday.

I already hIce Cream Partyad a number of draft poems on Opuss but that didn’t make the challenge any easier.  First, I had to identify which poem to post.  Next, I had to edit them (they weren’t great).  Then, I had to remember to post one every day.

 

Poetry is not one of my strong points.  It’s always hard putting my writing out there for others to read and judge but with poetry it’s harder.  It’s raw, personal and makes me feel vulnerable.

Somehow we are already into the second week of February without me noticing, so, I won’t be doing my challenge this year. I’m a bit disappointed as I find it healthy to challenge myself and go outside my comfort zone.  It helps me develop as a writer to do something new, something difficult.

I will still add one more to the collection for Valentines day 2018.  Now I’ve promised, I’ll have to do it!  Please click here to view the collection from last year (and check up on me and see if I kept my word).