To Travel Safely is Better than to Arrive

Like many parts of the country, Huddersfield had snow this morning. Not that unusual, you may say, although for the past few years we've become more used to torrential rain in the winter rather than snow and ice.

You'd think by now we'd have mastered simple things like how to get our car out of the drive and onto the main road, but there was still a sense of danger as I struggled to drive my car down the hill out of my cul-de-sac in first gear, stopping every few yards, just to make sure I could.

When I eventually made it to the Springwood Car Park, a large long-stay car park at the top of a hill on the outer edge of the Ring Road, new hazards awaited me. For a start, the car park hadn't been gritted and so driving along looking for an empty slot became a perilous experience. Even driving extremely slowly and carefully, I was still skidding, much to the consternation of a group of students who were merrily walking down the middle of the car park, apparently unaware of just how much danger they were putting themselves in.

Trying to manoeuvre the car ninety degrees to position it in an empty slot was an act of faith in itself, but I made it. But new, unforeseen problems awaited me. I got my handbag out of the boot and was fastening my anorak, ready for my expedition to the ticket machine, when it suddenly dawned on me that my car appeared to be moving. I got back in, drove a little bit further forward and engaged first gear as well as using my handbrake, which seemed to do the trick.

There I was standing next to my car, making sure it was safe and stationary, when I felt something big and solid and heavy press against my bottom. It was the car next to mine, which was sliding backwards into me! Once I'd got myself out of its way, I studied it and it became apparent that this innocent-looking vehicle was on the run! Slowly, but surely, the driverless car was making its way out of the slot and down the hill. I stood by, aghast but helpless.

In the end, I decided my only option was to report it to the police, so I dialled 999 and reported it, giving them the registration number of the car and its location. Then I went off to college, hoping that when I returned to my car, I wouldn't be faced with a scene of carnage and twisted metal.

By lunchtime, when I revisited my car, the runaway had gone and the cars opposite it didn't have any visible dents, but the nifty little sports car on the other side was halfway out of its slot. But at least it didn't seem to be moving any further as by then the snow had thawed. Looking along the car park, I could see a zig-zag line of cars which had tried to make a break for it and were poking out of their slots. It was most bizarre and a phenomenon I had never come across before.

It just goes to show that when you think you've seen everything, there's still something new for you to see. And arriving safely at your destination isn't the only difficulty that you face when you're driving in wintry weather. Staying put is quite a challenge too!

Making Time to Write

If you've been checking this blog and wondering why it suddenly came to an end, I can finally tell you.

There's no big secret. I didn't win the lottery and jack it all in for a life of luxury in the Bahamas. I didn't meet a sugar daddy who whisked me off to Monte Carlo for some retail therapy. (I expect my husband's quite glad about that - though he might have been happy for me to win the lottery!) I didn't see the light and decide to spend the rest of my life meditating in a cave in the Himalayas.

No, I'm afraid my excuse for not writing is probably fairly similar to yours. I've just been too busy! Too many classes to prepare, too much work to mark, too many books to read for my PGCE. Throw in a touch of flu, give it all a good stir, and you end up with the perfect mix for sabotaging writing.

I must admit, I didn't realise I'd neglected my blogs for quite so long. I was shocked to log on today and realise that my last blog was posted on 7th October. I certainly didn't realise I'd been away for so long, and I'm suitably chastened by this discovery. I need to take myself in hand. Not so much a matter of 'Physician, heal thyself!' as 'Creative writing teacher - set a better example!'

So what have been the highlights of the last couple of months, writing-wise? I'd have to say the best thing about this time has been getting to know my new students and being very pleasantly surprised at the progress they've made in such a short time. I've been amazed at the fantastic work I have seen, even from students who claim they've never done any writing before. It's quite a humbling experience to come face to face with so much talent, and quite a privilege to be asked to nurture it.

The University of Huddersfield has been running a competition called 'Grist', and several of my students have entered it, from all three of my classes. It's been very exciting to see them polishing up their short stories, presenting them so beautifully, then sending them off - a bit like seeing your child go off to school for the first time, I expect. Good luck to everyone who has entered. All I can say is that I'm glad I don't have to judge the competition, as it will be a tough job to have to choose from so many excellent entries.

If you've missed the deadline for this one, don't worry - there will be plenty more competitions to enter in the New Year.