What's up Wednesday

I was browsing friends' blogs this morning and came across a great weekly meme called What's up Wednesday and I couldn't resist joining in.

What's up Wednesday is run by the beautiful Jaime Morrow. You can check out her awesome blog here. as well as get involved with What's up Wednesday. :)

So, how this works is that we answer the questions below every Wednesday; thus allowing you all to know whats going on in our little worlds. Don't forget to check out the other bloggers' posts for this, too, by checking out the links at the bottom of Jaime's What's up Wednesday post for this week. So, lets get started.

1. WHAT I'M READING
2. WHAT I'M WRITING
3. WHAT INSPIRES ME, RIGHT NOW
4. WHAT ELSE I'VE BEEN UP TO

What I'm reading

Currently I am reading Goodnight Lady by Martina Cole.
 

I love her books and have read a few of them this month. She really breathes life into her characters and deals with some tough issues. Goodnight Lady has kept me hooked all the way through, and although being quite a thick book, I have managed to devour it, pretty much in just a few days; only a little bit left to go, now, and I am sad to see it coming to an end.
 

I don't want to give away the storyline too much, so I am going to play it safe and post up the back cover splurge for you to read; but, this book definitely gets a thumbs up from me. 

Goodnight Lady back cover splurge:

The Goodnight Lady knows everybody's secrets...

In the sixties, Briony Cavanagh ran a string of the most notorious brothels in London. Only Briony knew what went on behind those doors and she never opened her mouth, unless she stood to benefit. Only Briony knew the painful road she’d travelled to get there. From an impoverished childhood that ended with shocking betrayal, she was determined to be mistress of her own fate; but, along with success, came risk and danger, and the Goodnight Lady had her own secret place that was always shadowed by loss. 

What I'm writing 

Well, up until recently I was working on my novel, Rehabilitation Girls. Sadly though, there have been some complications with this and so it has been put on hold for a little while and I have picked up a novel I have been working on, on and off, for a few years, now, called Memory Book. 

Memory book is Charlie's story. Charlie is an elderly man who has developed Alzheimer's disease, but has yet to come to terms with the fact; however, when his and his neighbor's homes are destroyed by  a fire that occurred because of Charlie's forgetfulness, Charlie is forced to turn to his estranged son for help. The story follows Charlie though the struggles of losing his independence, which he has always held so dear, and his attempts to bite back his pride and reconnect with his family.

The reason this one has taken me so long to complete is due to the amount of research that has gone into fully portraying Charlie's struggles with his disease. Alzheimer's is such a devastating illness, not only for the sufferer, but for their family and friends, and I want to get the story right in order to do justice to the brave people who have to deal with this illness, everyday. Which leads us nicely on to the next question...

What inspires me right now

Researching for Memory Book has lead to me discovering some amazing people and families. Hearing stories of their struggles with the disease has shown me just how amazing people can be and the love that family members have for each other. Some of the things, not only the sufferer, but those who care for them have to face on a daily basis are so difficult and emotionally draining that it is definitely inspirational to see just how caring and sweet others can be. 

What else I have been up to

Well this week, I am afraid to say, has been a bit of an emotional roller coaster. For those of you new to my blog, I will try to explain a little about my disability so this all makes sense. When I had my son, Kye, nearly 7 years ago, now. I was given an epidural, which sadly damaged my spine. As a result, I have to use a mobility scooter or wheel chair to get around. Recently, due to a mistake on the side of the DLA (Disability Living Allowance), I have lost my disability benefits. As a result, I have had to re-apply for the new PIP (Personal Independence Payments), which are taking over from the DLA.
 

The new claim has sadly taken too long to go through and as a result, tomorrow they come to take my mobility scooter back, which was loaned to me through motorbility. His name is Speedy McNipster. I will get another one, as soon as my claim comes through and thankfully, due to family, who have lent me a scooter until I can get my new one, I will not be completely house bound. Still, I am devastated to lose Speedy, who I had planned to pay for and keep at the end of the three year lease, which would have ended next year. Sadly, the only way I can keep him now is if I pay 650 pounds by tomorrow and unfortunately I cannot drum up that much money on such short notice (I was given a week to find it in order to keep him).
 

I feel as if I am losing my legs and it is a very hard and upsetting time. Speedy has given me the freedom I had lost and ensured that I was no longer house bound and although he is not a living thing, I feel as if I am losing a very good friend. This week really has been a mad dash to try and find enough to save him; but, sadly we have failed and tomorrow I have to wave goodbye to my beloved Speedy McNipster. :(
 

So, it is a very sad week for me, this week; but I am trying to stay positive, as best I can, and praying that maybe he won't sell too quickly and I may get a chance to buy him back, later (Fingers crossed). 

So, that's all the questions answered. I hope you are all well and thank you for taking the time to visit my page and read this.

Love and hugs, Joss xx