By the light of the moon

Full moon May 2012

A few days ago the moon was at its closest to the Earth for this year. It was also full moon. The media made something of the event – it must have been a slow news week. I also noticed that quite a few people took photos of the moon and posted them on the social media sites.

While this didn’t particularly interest me, I though I’d take the camera outside soon after the moon had risen, just to see if there was anything worth recording. I managed a few reasonable shots of the moon shining through the clouds and nearby trees.

Writing prompt: write a short story or a poem about the moon. You can post your poem in the comments section (keep it under 40 lines) and I’ll comment on your effort.

Full moon May 2012

Mothers Day

Today is Mothers Day here in Australia.

I’ve been thinking: on this Mothers Day, treasure your mother dearly – while she is still with you.

This day is always a bitter/sweet time for me because I have the sweet memories of my dear mother – along with the realisation that she passed from this life nearly 40 years ago.

Writing prompt:

Write about your mother and how much you appreciate her. If she is still alive, put your writing in a card and send it to her in appreciation. Attach a loving gift as well.

Poem #45 Bearded dragon

Bearded dragon

 

My scaly friend
Sits motionless on
The sun-drenched rock
In our garden.

He is staring past me at
The cloud-streaked sky.

Why are you perched there?
Is there rain imminent?
Perhaps a brewing storm?

Or is it just
To admire
The view?

© Trevor W. Hampel

Bearded Dragon in our garden

Lest We Forget

Mt Macedon War Memorial

ANZAC DAY 2012

I invite you to read my special tribute poem Anzac Cove (click here)

Tabor Adelaide Graduation Day 2012

Yesterday I dressed up all smart and official and headed off to Adelaide, about an hour’s drive from home. I attended the Tabor Adelaide Graduation Day for 2012. At the same event in 2011 I  graduated, having achieved my Master of Arts (Creative Writing) degree. It was a wonderful day and I had a great sense of achievement.

A few months later I was invited to join the teaching staff and I started lecturing as an Adjunct Lecturer earlier this year. So far it is going really well and I am enjoying the experience – in spite of how it tires me out at my age.  More recently I have agreed to teach a second subject next semester.

Today I was able to witness a number of close friends graduating. I also had the privilege of joining the ranks of staff members during the ceremony.

I would highly recommend Tabor Adelaide to any prospective students. Many of their courses – including the creative writing units – can be studied externally, and even overseas. Semester 2 does not commence until mid-July, so you have plenty of time to enrol. You never know – you could end up with me as your lecturer!

The writing courses are particularly valuable. I regularly write and then submit stories, poems and articles to publishers. When I started the course my strike rate was less than 10% – meaning for every 10 submissions, only one was published. My strike rate is currently 44% and rising. In a few months I anticipate that I will be getting a publication rate equating to one published piece for every two submissions.That’s very encouraging.

Good writing.