I wear sunglasses because I have an eye disorder ( herpes keratitis ). ( cold sore living behind the cornea ) making me photo phobic. ( though I'm not a vampire ) he he.

I have a hectic life - on and off, mostly on. I am uneducated - left school at 15 and though I would like to read more, I have little time to indulge. I went back to college, age 38 to pass G.S.E English. ( not up to grammar school standard ) according to my husband - which I now agree with after having some insight due to the "bottom line" work shop. I have two children, all grown up, and five grandchildren, which keep me busy at the weekend. My oldest grandson is thirteen - and suffers from many problems including tourets. "I am his carer" and I work part time for my husband ( working from home as an assembly operator, soldering components on to printed circuit boards ).

I doubt I'll ever catch up educationally. ( being 59 and busy ) but I'm willing - save for life's misdemeanour’s - to try. I have only read a few poems by famous people "The highway man " by Noyes ( interestingly my maiden name is Noyce ) ( not that that means anything ) and a few of Keats - which I love. From what I have read, I think I'm possible out of my depth on this site - but I love it because it is pro-active. What worries me most ( apart from my family ) is that I am carrying on with something that I'm no good at - so I appreciate your honesty.

I am not particularly socially adept - I have "undiagnosed" bi-polar. Jekyll and Hyde, which make it difficult to forge long term relationships. ( hats off to my family ). You may find I disappear for a few days or you may find my character can go from cheerful and positive to down right evil and negatively suicidal - I have been close to insanity ( not a nice place to be ) and my memory is next to nothing - except when it comes to money and then it is something!

My mum and dad are, thankfully, still alive. I will be visiting them as often as possible ( They live in Gosport - I live in South Wales ). I appreciate all those who comment on my work - and. be assured, I feel terribly guilty if I don't get back to you to read your work - I will do my best to come by ( memory permitting ) and read your poems as soon as possible.

Thank you for reading my spiel.

Love Mand xxxx