"VERY BRIEFLY: MY 3 VERY VARIED VISITS TO GLADSTONE'S LIBRARY...!"

In the past few weeks, I've enjoyed 3 visits to Gladstone's Library, Hawarden.

Having read Jessie Burton's Best Seller " The Miniaturist",  I HAD to hear her talk. AS well as hearing how Jessie has become such a popular writer, we heard how the book was "born"...... after a trip to Amsterdam with her boyfriend....  and in particular to the RijksMuseum, where Jessie saw a fantastic dolls house, which ( as thousands now know!) became the basis to this intriguing story.!  

One misty Sunday afternoon when the gardens of Gladstone's library looked almost ethereal,  I listened to lovely French writer Muriel Maufroy reading her favourite Sufi stories. These are compelling: both exciting and soothing.... in both the empathy and beauty they bring to the Reader.

Muriel's own book ( see above) is a fantastic read....." Rumi's Daughter".....telling the tale of Kimya and the amazing spiritual journey she makes.

I got to know Muriel when she became a Hoole-igan ( my writing group) and it was a delight having her with us. Her background is fascinating: Born in France, she worked for the BBC World Service and travelled the world over. She's studied Persian at the School of Oriental and African Studies and she's also published a book of Rumi's quotations " Breathing Truth" .

MY FINAL VISIT to Gladstone's recently was joining a course on MINDFULNESS....led by Avril Roberts. I dipped my toes in...and may well plunge a whole foot in before long......

FOR MORE : see www.gladstoneslibrary.org/contact .Lots of new courses etc coming up!