Category Archives: Postcards 2023

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A viewpoint – a point of view – a pause

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I walked past these open gates a few weeks ago, and stopped. I had never seen through them before, or if I had I did not stop. On this particular day I paused and took this photograph. Perhaps it was the light that caught my attention.

I suppose it is the same with all viewpoints. As I tap my way through my year of daily blogging, rattling on about life as it crosses my path, I have in my mind the vague hope that perhaps something might catch the attention of someone scrolling past. Perhaps they might slow down a little and look in for a few seconds. Perhaps some angle will catch their eye. Who knows?

But, if not, the views and the viewpoints still existed – little pauses in the swirl of my life at least.

Copyright Georgie Knaggs & The Phraser 2023

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Are we losing the power of speech?

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There is such a deep pleasure in conversation – the old-fashioned face to face kind. I assumed it would be with us forever and ever … until today.

Today we were discussing children’s literature and the role of dialogue in it. Various examples were shared, and the skill of the writers soon became obvious. In only a few lines, sometimes just a few words, or even a shrug of the shoulders characters came alive, and plot crept tighter. The more we read, the more in awe we were of the hand-picked genius presented to us.

“When I started writing I was told that about 70% of a middle grade book would be dialogue,” our teacher told us.

70%! How did they do it? We analysed and learned, seeing what we’d never noticed before.

“You can always pick up speech patterns and tips from listening to conversations on public transport,” our teacher added, as our lesson neared its end. “Although,” she sighed, “everyone is on their mobiles these days.”

The thought hit me in the heart. She was right. The whole world was going quiet. Might we lose the art of talking to each other in person?

For me the idea is almost too extraordinary to comprehend. I hope it never comes to be.

Copyright Georgie Knaggs & The Phraser 2023

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Where the sand meets the sea meets the sky

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Cornwall – the wind flies and waves scoop in long curls on to the sand. There are surfers out, paddling in wait of the perfect moment. Then suddenly it’s there, and they lift up quick as dragonflies to skim the white manes back to the shore.

We stand a few minutes to watch and then carry on with our walk. It’s not too hot. It’s not too cold. It’s not too wet. It’s not too sunny. Even our foot prints sink just enough, as we head on towards somewhere we’ve never been, or might have been once but can’t remember. We are undecided and unconcerned. It’s one of those days.

Our pleasure is in being out, in feeling the sun as we cover the ground in one direction, climb over the dunes in another, and then return the way we came.

Copyright Georgie Knaggs & The Phraser 2023