Viola Beadleton’s

Dear Readers,

I have received mail from some of you wondering why it has been so long since I’ve written anything on my blog. I must confess to being quite distracted. First there was the superb spectacular at the State Opera House of the musical Cats. I’m sure you all know how much of an animal lover I am, and never have I seen such sonorous and athletic actions from a collection of felines. I was so impressed I went to every performance of the show.

Also occupying my attention has been the continued media spotlight on odious money grubbing politicians. For a long time I thought to myself ‘everyone to their own’, but recently I’ve been thinking ‘wouldn’t it be nice if some of these politicians cared about the important things in life - like happiness and harmony?’. Of course I thought perhaps the time had came for me to form a political party myself that promoted the adoption of these values in our political system. Alas I have not yet had time to think of a name for this revolutionary new movement. So I welcome all suggestions for a name from you my dear readers. Together I’m sure we can create a party to remember!

Yours with Warmth and Sincerity,

Viola

Dear Readers,

Hasn’t it been a glorious summer? I have been quite distracted by the balmy weather and out and about to all manner of places. I know all of you appreciated having the first volume of my Compendium to add to your enjoyment of recent months, because many of you have written to me to tell me this.

Sadly the rain has now come and the days are getting colder, but all is not lost. The waning of the warm weather is leaving a space for the creative spirit to fill. And that space is generously being given a home in Volume Two of the Compendium.

I look forward to receiving all your submissions and to creating a new issue that will chase away any winter blues!

Yours with Warmth and Sincerity,

Viola

My Dear Readers,

It is my honour and my pleasure to announce the release of my Compendium of Seriously Silly and Astoundingly Amazing Stories - Volume One.

I know the wait has been long and hard, but here it finally is, available for you, perfect as a Christmas stocking filler, or as the present you always wanted to give to your nearest and dearest. And who ever would have thought that such a glorious gift could be bought for just $9.95?

The Compendium features short stories from award winning and renowned New Zealand authors, Jennifer Lane – prize winning writer also featured in this years Six Pack, Janis Freegard – Winner of the Katherine Mansfield Award in 2001, as well as many other published and prize winning NZ authors.

To purchase this perfect summer reading treat either visit Graphic (106 Cuba Mall), Kwanzaa (119 Manners St), or Magnetix (by Midland Park) where stocks are available immediately. Or visit Unity books (in Willis St) where stocks will be available sometime soon.

If you are not in the mood to leave the house, write to me at viola@wellingtonwriters.co.nz and I will organise for a copy to be sent directly to your mailbox.

Yours with Warmth and Sincerity,

Viola

>

I was most distressed to read a recent comment on my blog site. The comment I refer to seemed to adulate the criminal exploits of a certain chap called Beckham, who is unfortunately visiting this fair land soon.

I will certainly be out in protest against this fiend. For the love of all that is good, surely one day the world will realise that fame and adoration should not be given to those whose only talent is repeatedly kicking a defenceless object.

I suggest instead of being sucked in by the media driven madness that my dear readers could involve themselves in healthier and happier pursuits. We can all end the violence if we don’t participate in it.

I just read in the newspaper today that the ‘Greatest Trumpeter on Earth’ is to play with our own symphony orchestra in just a few weeks time. What an incredible experience it will be for all of Wellington to be able to hear this musical maestro. Events like this are far better for ones mental and moral health than the exploits of degenerate and brutal foreigners.

Finally I am happy to report that the first Issue of my Compendium is on its way to the printers in short order. So for all of you who are counting the days until you can finally hold a copy in your hands, take heart. It won’t be long now.

Yours with Warmth and Sincerity,

Viola

Dear Reader,

I was horrified to read a survey that 90% of school children say that they want to be famous when they grow up. If only they truly knew the price of fame. Let me tell you a story about when I was famous. It was many years ago now and I had it all, looks, money, adulation. It wasn’t long before the dark side of the famous life reared its ugly head though. First it was the stalkers. Then it was the press twisting all my words to sell a story. Then of course when you get too famous people just plain get jealous and all sorts of trouble begins. Because of the lies of petty minded people your fame can quickly develop into infamy. Believe me, I’ve lived it all. I ended up having to change my name, and get plastic surgery to de-beautify myself, just so I could escape the constant glare of the spotlight.

So my words of wisdom for all the wannabe famous are to remember that in a sense you are already famous. Secret Service Organisations all around the world already know what you are saying, doing and take great pains to record your every move. Of course they say they do it all in the interests of national security, but deep down I suspect they know they are just the ultimate form of a gossip junkie. So in anycase, now that you are comforted by already attaining the fame you never knew that you had, you can go out and do something useful with your life, like buying my fabulous new magazine for example.

Yours with Warmth and Sincerity,

Viola