“We all have to face it?” At some time in our lives Across the Pond Again A follow on from ‘Across the Pond You Hear What I See’ A collaboration of photographs by Ray Worsnop with poetry by Mary Shafer and others.
Ray Worsnop - the Accidental Photographer Ray became, quite literally, the ‘accidental photographer,’ following a serious injury during a Turkish holiday which left him confined to hospital, and then wheelchair-bound for months as he slowly recuperated. Fortunately his North Wales apartment overlooks the golden sands and turbulent waters of the Irish Sea, where he spent many hours watching the ever-changing, and dramatic conditions, and despite an infrequent use of his camera in the past, Ray soon became inspired to photograph and capture some magical moments. He found the results surprising, and now sells his images worldwide. He promoted his works internationally via social media, and this eventually led to an extraordinary Atlantic alliance with American poet and writer Mary Shafer, who began compiling short poems to accompany his pictures. Now a semi-retired businessman, Ray still loves working within the community, running workshops, teaching, creating, and developing new opportunities. In addition, he also helps the Welsh Assembly Government with their ‘Big Ideas’ project, and is both a role model and a mentor visiting schools and colleges, giving talks, to encourage that rare entrepreneurial spirit. Mary Elizabeth Shafer (co-author of this project)
Mary has relocated to the beautiful Ozark Mountains, Arkansas, since the last joint venture book. She is immersing herself in a community of artists in Eureka Springs. She attends three writers’ groups, and is exploring creative writing, photography, and abstract expressionist painting. She has also started her own pet sitting business and freelance tutoring for students. Mary is one of 10 children and has lived in Northumberland, England, and in Rome, Italy as a child. She grew up in Arizona, Maine, Ohio and Texas. She has taught science in public school in Texas for 12 years, as well as working as an animal care nurse in Dallas for emergency clinics for over 20 years. Mary is grateful for Ray’s invitation to collaborate on another book. In spite of an ocean between them, their friendship persists as well as an interest in each other’s welfare. Ray continues to encourage and offer wisdom from the sidelines as a much appreciated and dear friend. Mary and Ray hope you find your own creative passions to explore and encourage you in the spirit of collaboration!
This book was first published in Great Britain in November 2014 by Ads2life. The moral right of Ray Worsnop and Mary Shafer are to be identified as the authors of this book and they have asserted their rights in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act of 1988. All rights are reserved and no part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any format, or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publishers and/or the authors. Copyright © Ray Worsnop and Mary Shafer 2014. ISBN No 978-1502581105.
Many thanks to the following poets for their contributions to this book: Marion Smith Heather Barden Koelle Jonathan Higgins Elaine Salisbury Barry Baz Ashley Linda Kay Crossland G Bainbridge Mavis Burd Sue Purchase Nancy Grosella Doreen Dickson Mary Shafer Rachel Ann Wrigley Terry Garner Nikki Moran Sue Thelyricalshrew Tracey Kerfoot Rachel Sorahan Grace Shafer Lynda Kay Liz Hackett
Portrait..
I have a secret, Keep it to yourselves, Someday I'll be a big kid, At the bottom of my garden, and do the things I want, There's fairies and elves, to see the world, You can come and watch them one day, to fly a kite and go on a safari jaunt, When the sunshine is out they play, though I am small I still can see, But shhhhh don't let them hear, that many wonders awaiting me They might just disappear Heather Barden Koelle Rachel Sorahan Little fairy flying by spreading all your wishes, Smiles of gold and shiny stars gleeming like goldfishes, Skipping dancing in my dress I feel like a princess, Elaine Salisbury I'm a cheeky little miss A face of innocence glass eyes of sweetness, I'm a devil in disguise Cute smiles of mischief thoughts of dreams, I'm as pretty as a picture Unicorns, cars, dolls and sweets, With beautiful bright eyes No thoughts of war, I may be quite small or darkness, Light and life, I may be rather young fun and laughter, To be a child again ... happy ever after. I may seem cute to you But my fun has only just begun Elaine Salisbury Linda Kay Crossland
Ben Ten What does the future hold?
God Bless the boy who won’t see 21 Heaven Help the Man who gave that boy a gun !! They dress me up for battle When all I want is peace Those of us who give the most Come home with the least. I'm ready for action smart guy that I am, this shooting at enemies should be a blast, they'll run from my bullets but no matter how fast, they will drop at the first shot oh, wait just killed a man, a human who feels like I do But didn’t intend for his life to be through Heather Barden Koelle
Julie What is behind the face and the eyes?? She has been with the same man for 27 years She is a Foster mum .. She has looked after 10 Children for respite care. She has been Foster Mum to 3 long term children She also has 3 children of her own
A heart with a capacity nothing will fill, done more in her lifetime than hundreds of others will, more for the needy children who need light in their dark days, her own children too shared Mum for her ways, what a charitable family what a women of steel I admire you my dear and agree with those who feel that, - not only have you have physical beauty, your heart gives you fantastic appeal. Mavis Burd I see what's right and make my way; two graces sets her apart, Defend the weak, and make them strong; a beautiful face Balance injustices, and a beautiful heart. Show my style; Work twice as hard, Nancy Grosella To make someone smile. Mary Shafer
Both sides....... This Lady came to the UK age Six & Half, not speaking one word of English. In her culture women are subservient marriages planned when young ! They do not need education, and do not marry outside their culture. This one is different she fought, for her education, she even married outside her culture, a marriage, that is now almost 25 years strong. She successfully now runs several businesses, marrying 2 cultures Bollywood Burnout dance and fitness, being one of them. Gaz
History is slow to change old beliefs cultural die hards fight to retain, but the future generations will slowly develop and gain, a less limiting lifestyle which they will want to remain. Lifes ticking clock cannot be held back and slowly but surely each new generation will follow their hearts, through bloodshed and heartache they will win, maybe only an inch - so have faith the future your fight is not in vain. Here is a lady who has moved mountains in one generation, an unusual giant step which gives hopes for her peers of that nation Mavis Burd What do you see behind the smile? Do you notice my clothing, it's make and style? Part of me is 2 cultures, it's true, Had to prove my own way Make my own rules Mary Shafer
From market trader To town centre shop owner. Simon
Slow and sure brick by brick, I believe in myself his business he built it wasn't so quick, Have confidence in my dream small but good he made it pay, To build a successful business honest and pleasant day after day, And employ a great team. his customers like him he has their trust, Right now days are long and tiring to succeed in retail this is a must, But it won’t always be that way good luck to this man an example to those, It will be worth it in the long run who do nothing at all, 'Cos hardwork pays while his business just grows. Rachel Sorahan Mavis Burd Behind my smile is determination, A complex soul with expectations; What you see may be a stereotype, But I assure you my goal is liberation Mary Shafer
Daniel I would like to introduce you to Daniel...... His hobby is collecting as many\" Eddie Stobart\" lorry names as possible and my guess is that he is also a member of their fan club.... ...what is he wanting to be?
Each red and green lorry is of interest to me, to collect all the names is a hobby you see, a girl for each one it will be quite a feat, I'd dearly love one day to be up in that seat! Who knows where life leads, if ambitions are strong, my face says it all I cannot be wrong!!! Mavis Burd Daniel collects names and keeps them in a book, He sees an Eddie Stobart and has to have a look, Jots down the name with a smile upon his face, Sees them locally and in a far away place, Maybe he will drive one, big and very loud, Drive an Eddie Stobart, a job to make him proud, A step up from being in the club, would be to drive a truck to the Stobart hub, Daniel, dream of that brilliant day, I'm sure it will come your way Terry Garner I have friend who has a son, he longed to tell him the reasons for the things he had done, He drove along way just to explain, kissed his boy as he lay sleeping, turned around and headed home again.
Nikki I love I laugh I live my life I am a daughter A mother A contented wife Sue Thelyricalshrew I climbed the trees, And played with dolls. Dreamed of things Like being a mom. But I never knew How good it would be To see my baby smile Gazing up at me. My smile my life
Mother, father, breadwinner Lorna Hard work but worth it just for her smile, hard work but worth it to go the extra mile, hard work but worth it as I hope one day, she will think, look back and say, thank you dear mother for the foundations you lay Mavis Burd
Joshua Am I alone in this world?
This world is big when you are small, do you have hands there to catch me when I fall? Do you see the wild, the fear, or are those that love you close and near? Fly high little man, taste all life has to give, love life and live! Marion Smith Am I alone with nobody to hold my hand Am I alone, just me, walking over this sand I'm not a bad lad Was it something I said As all my thoughts Keep going round in my head Is there no one about To come hold my hand And walk with me over this glorious sand Lynda Kay Crossland
Some ONE on the beach
I've roamed this beach a hundred ways, To catch a glimpse of better days. The Donkey rides and flying kites, Romantic walks on Balmy nights. Those days have drifted out to Sea, No more than just a memory Jonathan Higgins alone I stand, on moistened sand, at the waters edge, the seagulls cry, the ocean sighs, and in the rhythm of the waves, my battered soul seeks the silence it craves. Heather Barden Koelle
Nothing in this world is black and white We two are one. Dianne and Alison
We've both been through some bumpy times, And who knows just what lies ahead; But with my trusted friends beside me, I always knew We'll gain the strength we need ahead. right from the start Mary Shafer there was something missing here in my heart. My mother said that you were there but father never seemed to care. Long life happenings in time gone by, That day we met Supported and shared together, my whole world changed Frowns and smiles shared in embrace, for now you’re here Life seen in their eyes forever. my sister my friend. Elaine Salisbury Sue Thelyricalshrew
Rachel I am a 40 something, A son at University, In a relationship Ex Traffic Warden!!
For Rachel, - My beautiful niece with How could you ever do it? enchanting blue eyes, who could My partner said to me?! deny her in whatever she tries, A warden writing tickets? over forty you say? How ever could it be?! I just can't believe it, the years must They used to call me jobsworth have shortened by more than a bit! Would rip them up and scream But I would just write another Mavis Burd And ruin their sportscar dream My first born was a handful Forty something but don’t look it, I’m glad he flew the nest An illegal car I would book it, But he just went to uni Another job I would pick it, He thought that was for the best This beautiful photo is just the ticket. You see I’m not a jobsworth I resigned to save my sanity Barry Baz Ashley I now find jobs worth doing for people just like me. This is the me I show the world, The other is like the dark side of the moon, Sue Thelyricalshrew no one sees it And no one really cares to.
Andrew and Sian I know a lady who became a wife, This is how she describes her life, She says a good day, aint got no rain, A bad day, is when I think of things that might have been How long does love last?
A special lady. Loves to help all young people and horses.. Well travelled on horseback, testing beast against man, straw strewn locks and breeches, car full of bits and pieces, heart of gold and caring too, it’s been a while since I last saw you G Bainbridge Marion
On this special day.. What do this couple to have to face?
Hand in hand. Facing the challenges of a lifetime. A brand new life Being strong. A brand new start Together. A brand new couple Joined at the heart A circle of trust To show the way A loving vow A special day Who knows what the future will bring But for now a celebration And a wedding ring Sue Thelyricalshrew
Always ready to help all in need Raising funds – Cycled from London to Paris Belies his age. Ken
Captured days in pictures taken in deep thought, Friends and family places time is very short, Captured in a picture time remains the same, People, places, scenes all put in a frame. Elaine Salisbury I worked hard for everything I got And set my standards to the max. A better friend you will not find, And loyal to the final round. Though fine lines grace his face, they are crinkly as though, Mary Shafer he smiled throughout his life, he sets his eyes on the future , with determination and strength. Heather Barden Koelle
How does life see me. How are my days at school/college? Jessica
Nothing will keep away my beauty, for the imperfections seen without hide the strength within, no longer will shallow laughter from those, who see only and braces, bother the Pearl inside, which is my soul. Heather Barden Koelle The face…… You look at my face, People may see You have no clue, what they The misery and torment I’ve been through, Want to see. Abused and berated the scars run so deep, But in the end Memories that haunt me. I can really I will hold and will keep. Only be me. Sue Purchase Mary Shafer
Claire and Martin So here are parents to be, after 21 weeks Lilly'Ann is growing well. This is their first child. So what will they all have to face in the coming years?
A little flower is flourishing and Lilly-Ann is her name, In a few weeks we shall meet her and nothing will be the same, She will grow up to be beautiful and sweet, Roll on the day when we finally meet. Doreen Dickson
Joshua Going Solo, But who will always be there should there be a crash landing... Going solo on my lovely new bike Don't watch, because that I don't like Here we go, I can peddle, all on my own I know I can do it, Not too far away from home concentrate, I think I am clever, more steady than most concentrate people are watching, Hope I don't fall ,or run into a post Quick take a picture so I can prove it' Now I can enjoy being out in the sun yes I've done it, Not sitting watching TV, this is such fun.... they’ll be so proud Rachel Ann Wrigley Niki
A mothers love Mother and Son what are they going to face over the coming Years? represents that of a dove Wishing love, peace and joy, For her little boy Cradled lovingly in her wings, That he experiences wonderful things, Flying above, always watching over, Their eternal love. Nikki Moran The circle formed by mothers' arms is stronger than the strongest chain, It holds within it all her love and tries to keep out all life’s pain, growing with the strongest links nothing will breach if she has her way, but a chain is only as strong as its weakest link so all we can do is hope and pray Nikki and Joshua Mavis Burd
A lady who gives her time to those less fortunate. She lives away from home most days. Sue
My shoes are not easy to fill, I fight by day for those in need, I wouldn't say my life is easy, No longer kids but not yet grown, I could have chosen lighter work; Each one with dreams all their own., But it's not in me to take it easy, When there are so many still in need Mary Shafer Mary Shafer Sometimes life is cruel and the hill is hard to climb, but she takes others on her back and you'll never hear her whine, troubles shared, they say are halved - but the taken halves add up, - so this dear lady looking so serene, - deserves a golden cup Mavis Burd
I've had my share of obstacles Ray Spent my first 3 years in a hospital; Missed lots of school due to health afflictions, But achieved through Hard work And determination.
I see a man with kindly eyes, a frustrated soul who's heart belies, a desire to create from what he sees when he holds a camera, and bends his knees. to take the picture to share, with all his friends out there. Mary Shafer I can change it--- All dressed up - no place to go If someone says it can't be done, What wondrous things does he know? I set out to show it’s possible. His eyes are focussed, hair combed down. Each day brings a new challenge, An interview or night on the town. Lover of life is what I am. His lips are not quite in a smile Mary Shafer But he sits and ponders for a while A big decision he must make, or old habits, decide to break Tracey Kerfoot In his face there's a kindness that makes me smile, I see pain overcome in his eyes. In his face shines hope of endless possibilities, in his heart the truth forever lies. Grace Shafer
Maddie 17 Years old What struggle does she have to face? Job/ boyfriend/pressure??
Behind these eyes tears cry, They watch the world as it goes by, Sometimes happy sometimes sad, Behind these eyes tears cry, But when they don’t they are glad. Liz Hackett Nobody sees my life, deep inside Nobody know just what, my eyes hide A life, a journey Not long ago I was a child Which road do we take With dreams of growing up inside; With no one to guide us Now I wonder if I'll find, With choices we must make A soul who's just the fit for mine. Who do we go to Mary Shafer Who can we trust Just to listen to our own hearts Is surely a must Lynda Kay
Vicky This lady was married She has had 4 children But does she have her own identity? She was someone’s wife ! at the school gate she is someone’s mum! How does she feel?
I am woman first and foremost, a mother, a grandmother, a piano teacher, a wife, a lover, a fighter, a champion of peace, a reader, a writer, a composer of songs, a woman who wants to right the world's wrongs But most of all I am a woman, who laughs and has fears, who worries, who supports, through all of her tears. A woman whose body shows years, but in her heart, young love does appear. Heather Barden Koelle Just a woman, some have said, Or if not said, then certainly thought. But what They fail to see Is the miracle- Inside: We Carry young, nourish And win the bread too. Never forgetting The challenge: To protect And honor Our own unique Identity. Mary Shafer
Who used to sit here? When I am sad and down and out, and see this empty chair, where I could sit and drink away the loneliness in there, when I am full of love for life this picture disappears, but when I’m feeling all alone it soon will reappear. Heather Barden Koelle
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