We are what we write.
No hiding, no escape.
Must now shake off my lawyer past.
No more “subject to this” and “subject to that.”
Stop using three words where one will do.
No more hiding.
But without that cloak, I am exposed.
Like a peeled onion.
Charles Woodhouse
Beside Silloth’s thirteenth green, a golfer was ratching for his ball.
If unfound, no score.
Two thousand years ago, then a Fort, a soldier was ratching for rabbits.
If unsuccessful, no supper.
Rabbits were introduced to England by the Romans, golf by the Scots, who put a green on the Fort.
The Romans kept out the Scots but the Scots could not keep out the rabbits.
The ball was in a rabbit hole. Free drop. No penalty. The Scots wrote the rules and won.
No supper for the Romans.
Charles Woodhouse
Mungrisdale Writers welcomed four new friends this morning so we had a full house – and shared some truly inspired and inspirational writing. After our short meditation session member Charles Woodhouse penned this piece – and it touched a chord with everyone present.
Newcomers
In every game, in every match, cricket or golf, and in every meeting, at my old law firm or now at Mungrisdale Writers, I have often felt I am not good enough.
Like an incomer, off comer or newcomer, I know the feeling of inadequacy.
Am I fit to be in this group, in this firm, in this side or on this tee?
Everyone else is better than me.
I do not want to be found out, exposed and embarrassed.
This is nonsense.
We are all newcomers and always will be.
Nerves, inhibitions and self doubts are normal. Without them, we would be unplayable and intolerable.
The best writing comes from the edge with some tension. The more unsure, the better the focus.
At least I hope that is so and I am not seeking a crutch.
Charles Woodhouse
Mungrisdale Writers 