I am the daughter of an ex-RAF officer, who died 2011 from terminal liver disease.
My life began in Libya but I was born in the South West of England.
Some years ago I revisited Africa, away from the tourist trail, and saw that women still beat their laundry over stones at wells.
Imagine having to do this whilst trying to feed a family and ensure they get some semblance of an education. Their children often have to walk for miles, whilst we stand and moan about the frequency of public transport.
Am I politically motivated? For sure, I feel privileged to have been born a western woman, at liberty to pursue my goal of becoming a published writer.
In 2013 I graduated from university with a Bachelors degree in Creative Writing under my married name, Spencer. I have now reverted to my maiden name.
I write poetry, prose, short and non-fiction.
My poem ‘Seeing Things’ won The MSF Silver Award for a poem in response to visual stimulus.
It is unlikely I will publish any of my best work here because it is reserved for literary submissions.
Best Regards Natalia Hardy B.A. Hons. CWsin
Linton’s Legacy. 
Dear Talia, I enjoy your postings and comments so much. I hope your summer is the respite it should be. Best to you – Monica
Hi Talia, not sure if you are into such things, but have an award on me…
Thank You for thinking of me.
It is much appreciated.
Talia,
You know, it’s always baffled me when people complain about doing laundry. We have it so easy. Throw it in a machine and it does the work. Thanks for stopping by my blog. 🙂
We sure do Lori, which is why we have time for the social networking. Meeting at the well, is their form of socialising too and when you think about it, who are the happier people?
We sure do have it easy. Who’s to say those who beat the rock and have to walk aren’t happy anyway? 🙂 Simplicity is so underrated, and living in a non-materalistic and different way than our harried consumer society is underrated too. Looking forward to sinking my teeth into your blog! 🙂
Pete, I am so pleased that you identify with this.
Please come by again soon.
Best regards Talia.
talia, thank you so much for stopping by plucky umbrella. you have a gorgeous blog!
thanks Mary, the compliment is echoed back at you.
May you find joy in your writing; *that* is what qualifies you as a true writer, not whether you make a fortune at it or others approve. It took me too many years to realize that after worrying for so long that I didn’t have a recognizable career, let alone a sense of Vocation, my real calling was simply to be myself, and the most true to that self I could manage to be. Hardest job of all, never mind a career! But by far the most compelling: just be oneself and revel in being best at it. Silly, simple and, well, *worthwhile*. That you *do* write well is icing on the cake!
Cheers,
Kathryn