Movement.

We have TWO volumes on the move at the moment. As announced on the 18th August Paddy Fitzhenry is sending Volume Two to Collette O' Donohgue (who is very excited). As that journey begins in Canada and ends in Kildanan, Ireland it's taking a while. And now Valerie Spencer has announced that Volume One is ready to find a new home, and that Maureen Collins will provide that home. This jouney is a much shorter one, but it's just as exciting for 'Waiting For Life To Return, and indeed me.
Now all I need is Nuala McGrath to let Volume Three go. Actually I'm goign to contact her now.
88*googleplex
leyton

Radio Fun.

I've just returned from a stint in the offices and studios of Community Radio Youghal. And I want to send a big thanks to all the staff and volunteers down there for making my stay a truly enjoyable one. An especially big thanks to Beads for showing me the ropes, helping me with my tasks and for taking these lovely photos.

It's Colette's turn!

Paddy Fitzhenry has rewarded Colette O Donoghue for her swift response to his request for a new owner of 'Wink', by choosing her as the next recipient. I have to say Collette has been consistent in her persistent insistence that she should receive a volume of One Short Story To Be Told, and that her selection is more than deserved.
88*googleplex leyton

A week in review.

A lot of news to get through today, it's been a busy week for me and our stories. I'll start by telling you that my two week stint in Waterstones, Cork ended yesterday. I had a ball and Kerry and all her staff were great. I really enjoyed the canteen food, too - which was a plus. My human friend Stanley, as you can see, kindly snapped me as I left the premises. He, I have to say, was emotional at the time. But then he is a big softie!

All other news is about the One Short Story To Be Told volumes I have out in the world, and goes as follows.

Volume One: ‎'Waiting For Life To Return' nudged his way in to my mind a little earlier today and told me that Valerie Spencer, his current owner, is - and I quote - 'A Dear!'.

Volume Two: Paddy Fitzhenry who you will remember took 'Wink' to Canada has been in touch to say our little volume is having a great time. Aww isn't that nice. I'm expecting 'Wink' to be in touch on foot of that, he does like to have his say.

Volume Three: 'Grey Skies' is still basking in his new found freedom. He has been in touch every day, but his long chats can be summarised by saying that Nuala McGrath is treating him splendidly. In fact she is treating him so well that 'Grey Skies' is not sure he wants to move on! I, of course, have told him that's not cricket (to use a rather spiffing english phrase), and that Nulala has already indicated she has a new home in mind for him. He took that news better than I thought.

So that's it your up to date (or as up to date as you need to be). I do have further visits and moves afoot, but to tell now would only spoil the surprise.

88*googleplex

leyton

A forgotten day trip.

You know with all the excitement of Wink headingof to Canada, Valerie Spencer finally getting her hands on 'Waiting For Life To Return' (not to mention the energy expended on reaching 150 friends facebook or the leyton attens story) I entirely forgot to post the photos of 'Waiting' and Paul McSweeney on the nostalgic day trip I agreed to arrange when 'Waiting's' transfer to Valerie was (again) delayed. Needless to say that today, once he had settled into Valerie's life 'Waiting' was on the blower to point out the error. So here I am putting that mistake right.

As you can see it was a tad of rock climbing we participated in. And on 'The Devil's Rock' no less; a place where Paul and my human form Stanley frolicked away many a day in a youth that now feels as distant as an imaginary galaxy. Thankfully it was all new to 'Waiting' and he enjoyed the climbing, and indeed (as picture two below illustrates) the rest that followed. As for me? All I have to say is that 'The Devil's Rock' has a shrine to the Virgin Mary embedded in it. Don't think the devil would have allowed that if he actually lived there! But then maybe I'm not mad, or childlike, enough to understand.

88*googleplex

leyton attens

Yippee!

It's not often I get specifics on the handover of our little books. In fact this is the first time. But then there has been some confusion and delays on this one. Anyway the upshot of it all is that Volume One, Waiting For Life To Return', will leave PAul McSweeney's possession and (finally) land in Valerie Spencer's hands this evening @8pm. YIPPEE
88*googleplex, leyton

Canada and more

‎'Wink' (volume two)has landed in Canada. The conversation was, if possible, even more complicated than the one at the airport yesterday. He is happy though. The same cannot be said of Waiting For Life To Return (volume one). But I'm taking him on a nostalgic trip this evening which should ease his pain.

88*googleplex

leyton attens

A touch of sad news.

Well after the excitement of 'Wink' heading to Canada a touch of sad news. There has been another delay in Vol 1 (Waiting For Life To Return') reaching Valerie Spencer's hands. 'Waiting' is, of course, distraught. And the news about 'Wink' and Canada hasn't helped his mood either. I am on the way to consult with him. No doubt promises will need to be made (and kept). I'll keep you posted. In the meantime send some LOVE to 'Waiting' - every little will help!

88*googleplex

leyton

Yippee

Round about now (maybe even RIGHT now) Volume Two of One Short Story To Be Told, which, of course contains the story 'Wink', is taking to the air.

Yes One Short Story To Be Told is heading for Canada!

I'm very excited, but 'Wink'...well 'Wink' is totally overwhelmed, and the short chat I had with him while he was at the airport was potted with words like BRILLIANT. UNBELIEVABLE and my own favourite, CHIMERICAL.

88*googleplex leyton

All good things must come to an end!

Yes all good things must come to an end. And as Waiting for Life To Return will be transferred to the hands of Valerie Spencer tomorrow my tour with volume one has now ended. But we went out with a bang, I must say. Thursday saw us take in a game of footy( pic shows us just before kick-off). While Friday evening was spent sampling Tom Barry's hospitality, the creamy taste of Murphy's and a delectable dish from Jackie Lennox's chip shop.

Of course an ending often leads to a new beginning, too. And so it is in this case. My day-tripping exploits have whetted my appetite for public exposure and I am now committed to finding places to hang out for a while. Brilliantly Waterstones in Patrick Street, Cork have agreed to me occupying (at least a little of) their space for the next fortnight. I couldn't think of a better place to start! So thanks to Waterstones. And thanks, too, to all who helped me and Waiting For Life To Return so happy over the past weeks. We applaud you.

Oh, I almost forgot the rest of the pictures from our final two trips can be viewed here:https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.236804886359806.60781.176918199015142

88*googleplex

leyton attens