Please forgive me if I miss off your name - I have a mind that works part time as a collander for the chippie.

I just wanted to say thanks to the three Musky tears Paul, Julian,(and his son for this fantastic website) and Dave for this great innovative and inspiring group and all that comes with it.

To all the poets on this site that have interacted with me on the threads and via email - I think you're all quirky, funny, intelligent and down right scatty and I thank you for brightening my world. And special praise has to go to the regular rabble of Moxy, Cayn, Darren T, Peter, Phil, Malcolm S, and of course the three from above as well especially A Daftie who never fails to surprise me with his unique humour and him and Mox together will be the death of me as either my brain will explode or I'll have a fit from laughing so much.
To all the people at the Howcroft for being so welcoming and supportive and encouraging to me and my daughters and especially those who spoke to the girls afterwards and made them feel special. Special praise here to Alabaster for spending time with the girls and talking to them about their aspirations and from me for the lovely smile he gave me which deadened my nerves a little before I went on., also the very beautiful Abi who bigged up my girls so much they nearly didn't get their heads through the door. To Abi from me for her gorgeous reassuring smile and bright personality and of course for inviting me to WOL in the first place.
I've mentioned him above but I have to mention him again because his incredible performance of House in the Sky at the Octagon is what hooked me to wanting to be involved with this wonderful wealth of talent, so Mr Peter Crompton thank you for that and everything else you have done for me, give me much needed hugs, lifts, chats etc.
On the hugs front Nat Clare gives the best hug there is, and always makes me smile because he's so funny and warmhearted.
Scott Devon for always giving me a hug, when I demand it! For reading his fantastic war poem which I think is one of the best I've ever read and seen performed, for the fantastic thing he does with his mouth (behave!) the sound and rhythm and his control of it.
Gordon Zola for his dynamic performances and his massive memory, for always making me laugth or cry, and for being reassuring and kind.
Jon Oxendale who I'm so glad came to Wigan and looked after me (hic) for originally getting me ivolved in poetry performance in the first place and for all his encouragement and his wonderful style.
Val Cook for her beautiful Slave poem which she is allowing us to use in ourvoices work, Abi again for the fantastic play she wrote and for all the selflessness she gives to ourvoices and to all those who have helped me with ourvoices in one way or another or are about to in the future!
To Gemma O Neil for her hardwork and dedication with the Litabury festival which is inspiring.
To all the poets on the site whose work I have enjoyed all the above of course but the unmentioned so far dam robinsons unusual style, Shaun Fallows great wit, rhythm and wisdom, Percephone Petticoat, Anwen Lewis and Melanie Rees.

Last of all to my gorgeous girls Nicole and Courtney who are now as much a part of this as I am, they don't have their own profiles yet but I promise they will in the future. Thanks to them for always being there, for their kindness and support and encouragement.

Right I'm going to stop now as this has started feeling like a suicide note! Don't worry it isn't and I don't think I'm Gwyneth Paltrow either, I don't think I'm any one special but I have become a part of something that is very special and that is this group and the people in it and especially the organisers who put an awful lot of work in that isn't seen.

You may all think I'm barking or a massive creep and maybe I am a bit of both but I was in a dark place when I came to Write Out Loud, one of my closest friends died very suddenly and left a massive hole in my heart and my life and whilst no one can ever replace him and I would never want them to, you guys have gone along way towards filling that hole.

I never told my friend John how much I loved him or how special he was, or how grateful I was that he was in my life and I vowed never to make that mistake again and that's why I'm telling you all how very wonderful you are because we should always tell the people who make our worlds wonderful, just how wonderful they are.

Love and laughter to all of you.

Almost forgot thanks to Don Parry for his wonderful music and my old mate Joanna's hubby Chris and the Brummy guys sorry told you I was rubbish with names. I'm sorry if I missed any one off you are all wonderful for what you do whether your poetry be funny, tragic, political or not. You are all shining lights in the world. Writing is a great release for a lot of people, but it's also a great inspiration to others and us all.
xxxxx

oops just realised I can't count either - sorry Julian's son (I wish I knew your name!) I'll have to call you Dogtanian and I promise I mean it with the greatest respect.

Maggie you amazing lovely soul, you.

Oh Maggie Maggie may I say,
You have taken our breath away,
Thanks from all who you will meet
Down the Howcroft Sunday nite

I am sure that`s what they are all thinking anyway.
But are just too too shy to say.

Aw shucks! Maggie, you are fab (and a brill writer to boot!) So is everyone else I've had the pleasure of meeting through WOL :)

Aww thanks my honeys, nice to know so many lovely ladies, which is very unique for me - cos I'm quite a tomboy and am more used to being involved in a scrum, I'm rubbish at DIY and technical stuff though so I kind of lucked out! boohoo:-( mind I seem to have got much more girlie since I hit 30 so there is maybe hope for me yet.

xxxx

Maggie you encourage many an aspiring poet
They mean a lot to me and many others I know it
Thanks to you and Paul, the warm invite to Howcroft Inn
See you all on the 19th when my poetry will woft in

Hey Phil,
Great to hear you'll be joining us at the Howcroft - I will look forward to meeting you in person and hearing your wonderful poetry performed.

Magi
xxx

Oh and thanks for the kind words.

xxx