Click here to read the first week of this feature, and follow the links at the end of each post.
***
London – August 26th, 1988
I’ve never attempted at acting as Cupid before, and although I thought I could see a spark between Simon and Nigel, how wrong I was.
Simon wasn’t happy with me this evening. I could tell by the tone of his voice that he didn’t want me interfering in his love life. I thought I was helping, given all the stress he’s been going through with looking for a new home. After all, we all need a bit of fun, don’t we?
His deadline for being out of his current accommodation looms fast. After he gave me a right telling off for trying to set him up on a date with Nigel, the conversation turned to what him and his flatmate, Rod, are doing to find somewhere else to live. Places have either been too small or too expensive.
When we finally hang the phone up on each other, I poured myself a large glass of wine and sat myself down in a quiet Grassmere Road. All the other housemates were out, but the time alone was good because it got me thinking.
I’m glad that this week has finally come to an end and is now behind me. It’s been a terrible week; in fact a terrible month. I’ll be glad when I can turn the page to September on my Madonna calendar.
***
Welcome to this new feature for 2018 on Hugh’s Views and News. In this feature, I’ll be sharing snippets from my diary of 1988. We’ll also take a trip in Hugh’s Music Time machine to hear some songs from the 1980s which have been chosen by some specially invited guests.
This week my guest is a blogger who is well-known throughout the blogging world. As somebody who helps supports indie-authors, writers and bloggers, he is somebody who I owe a lot of gratitude to for all the blog posts he has shared for me. This week, my guest aboard the music time machine is none other than Chris Graham, aka The Story Reading Ape.
If you’ve never visited Chris’s blog before, then I strongly recommend you pay it a visit. Click here to visit Chris’s blog.
From features such as his ‘Authors Hall of Fame’ (you’ll find me in there) to a fantastic feature called ‘How To 101′ where you’ll find links to the ‘How To’s’ of hundreds of questions, Chris’s blog is a wealth of information.
If you’re looking how to copyright your book or maybe how to make a WordPress ‘sticky’ post, then check out his ‘How To 101‘ feature by clicking here.
In 2016, Chris and his sister decided to publish a book of poetry written by Agnes Mae Graham, their mother, who died in 2000. The poems in the book are by a girl growing up in 20th century Northern Ireland before, during and after the ‘Troubles.’ From the poetic thoughts of their Mother, Chris and his sister got a sense of what it was like, ranging from humour, sadness, wistful thinking and sometimes just downright nonsensical.
To buy My Vibrating Vertebrae, click one of the links underneath the book’s image.
UK USA CA AUS IN
Here’s one of the five-star reviews the book has already received.
Having read several of Agnes Mae Graham’s entries in this book of her collected works, it’s easy to see where blogger extraordinaire Christopher Graham gets his sense of whimsy. The poetry is very atmospheric and paints a vivid picture of the times. Her words run the gamut from wistful to fun to sad. You don’t have to be a great lover of poetry (I’m not especially) to enjoy her words. I certainly did. I am both impressed and enchanted by what I’ve read so far. I can tell that I’ll be equally pleased with the rest. – Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene.
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Chris’s song choice is Pipes Of Peace by Paul McCartney.
Released in 1983, Pipes Of Peace was taken from the album by the same name. Written by McCartney, the song was only released as an A-side single in the UK and Ireland where it reached the number one spot in both countries. In the U.S.A, the song was issued on the B-side of the song ‘So Bad’, ironically the song published as the B-side song to Pipes Of Peace in the UK and Ireland. Thank you for an excellent song choice, Chris.
In August 1988, it looks as if the pipes of peace worked for me after trying some unsuccessful matchmaking. Do you have a favourite song connected to dating or Cupid? Share a link to it in the comments.
Next week, September finally arrives, but have the problems from August followed me? Click here to find out.
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Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
What a great post – two of my favourite people on one page.. Hugh Roberts with his series 49 days in 1988, set in London and where he shares music selected by his special guest. This week it is The Story Reading Ape who has chosen Pipes of Peace by Paul McCartney. A fantastic post and I hope you will head over and enjoy.
Glad you enjoyed it, Sally – Many thanks for sharing 🤗❤️🤗
We don’t see you out and about anywhere as much as we would like Chris.. ♥♥
❤️❤️❤️
Oh dear & you were only trying to help… I’m sure the wine helped. Nice to see Chris as your guest & great song choice 😊
Thank you, Sam.
Thanks, Sam 🤗❤️🤗
Great seeing Chris here today, and listening to that song. Not sure if I remember hearing it but I always love Paul McCartney! After your crazy August, and playing Cupid (which can backfire big time) you deserved some peace, Hugh!. Hope that wine helped 🙂
Chris’s song choice was on the B-side to his hit single ‘So Bad’ in your part of the world, Terri. I think that’s why you probably don’t remember hearing it before. It’s interesting how a song will not prove as popular in one of the world compared to the other. I’ve seen it happen many times before. It’s a great video, though, especially given that in November this year it will be the 100 years anniversary of the ending of The Great War.
Glad you enjoyed the song, Terri 🤗🤗🤗
I gave up long ago trying to match make it always backfired… Love the choice of song one I haven’t listened to for a while 🙂
I learned my ‘matchmaking’ lesson very quickly, Carol. Never tried it again.
So you found out matchmaking isn’t your strong suit? Lol perhaps your powers developed with time?
NIce to see Chris here. Who could go wrong with some Paul McCartney? 🙂 ❤
Yep, on that very first attempt, Debby. I believe my Cupid bow and arrow has been redundant since then. It didn’t even attract any bids on eBay. 😀
xx
Lolllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll, you’re so funny! 🙂 xxx
It’s good to see Chris Graham gettting some attention for all he has done for others with his informative site. Good song choice.
Good luck, Hugh, whatever happens with your friends and trying to play Cupid.
Hugs to you and Chris. Xx
I agree, Janice. Chris deserves the spotlight on him, too. He’s been of an enormous help to me with the articles he shares.
xx
Many thanks for your kind comments, Janice 🤗❤️🤗
You are welcome, Chris. Hugs 😘
Hi, Hugh – If it’s any consolation, I’ve never been a good matchmaker either!
Thank you for the introduction to Chris. I am off to check out his ‘How To 101’ right now!
Matchmaking was never for me, Donna. And to think just how horrified I’d have been if somebody had tried and organised a date for me. No thank you.
I hope you find the ‘How To 101’ page on Chris’s blog as helpful as I’ve found it. Some of the links lead to my very own articles.
Hope you like what you find, Donna 🤗
Hugh, if I had known you then I’d of been round with a hug and another bottle of wine.
lol, thank you, Willow. At the time, I was sharing a house with four other guys, so the peace and quiet were sometimes welcomed. I always find those times great ‘thinking’ times.
Yes sometimes drama or a shock/upset can really focus the mind 💜💜
I’m glad your horrible month came to an end with a little peace and quiet, Hugh. Bright days ahead, I hope. And lovely to see Chris here. He’s a blogging powerhouse, and I thoroughly enjoyed his mom’s book, too. 🙂 Great song which I cannot believe I’ve never heard! Thanks for the listen!
Was it the calm before the storm, though, Diana? 🤔 We’ll find out soon.
Yes, it’s a great song, isn’t it? Only made the B-side on your side the pond. That’s probably why you never heard it before. B-sides? I wonder if there’s anybody reading this who does not know what a B-side is? 😂
I know what it is… and a 45 too! Remember those?
Indeed. I once had a vast collection. I even remember what my first 45rpm record was.
Sorry the Cupid gig didn’t work out, Hugh. Bring on, September 🙂
I was never a good aim, Aimer. 😂
Nice to see Chris here with his mum’s poetry book. Not a happy time period for you Hugh by all accounts. Good times and bad times hey. Life isn’t always a blast. We’ve all been there. But you’d doing spectacularly these days Hugh. Happy days. 🙂 x
Thanks, Marje. 1988 was still an adventure for me, though. More good times than bad, I seem to remember. 😀 And from what I’ve read so far of my diary from 1988, I know there were some great times.
xx
Matchmaking doesn’t always go as planned. Been there, done that. So great to see Chris featured here as he is such an amazing supporter of writers, readers and everyone else! A great song choice too. I forgot about this one and it was a nice reminder.
Thank goodness I only attempted it the once, Darlene. I lost my bow and arrow after that first attempt.
Oh, I didn’t learn the first time. It took me a few attempts before I realized it was an exercise in futility.
Hi Hugh,
I have nothing but kudos for Chris and his site. One post I’m laughing and the next I’m being educated. Anytime I have a question about writing, one of my sources is Chris’s “How to 101”. I have it bookmarked for quick reference. As did Hugh, Chris has blessed me with my listing in the Author’s Hall of Fame. New authors need to consult and follow Chris.
Well Hugh, my princess, we were a little naughty and got reprimanded. I say, hell with Simon, go after Nigel yourself. After all, you said everyone needs some fun too. I see some hot times in the future. Mmm! 😏
Oh, Nigel and I were only ever very good friends, Chuck. In fact, we were more like brothers than friends. Got into lots of mischiefs over the years we were friends and single men. 😇 But that’s all I’m saying. 😀
Hugs to you.
Many thanks for your kind words, Chuck – and for the How To 101 shout out 👍😃
You’ve heard the saying, “no good deed goes unpunished.” This is a perfect example. The wine and solitude went a long way I’m sure. Nice to see Chris here and his song choice was terrific.
That’s a new saying on me, John. It’s one I wish had come into my life the day I stood upright on two feet. Thanks for the advice. 👍
Thanks, John, glad you enjoyed it 😃
Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog and commented:
MANY thanks to Hugh for this great post and the shout out for my Mum’s book 🤗
Nice to see Chris here at your place, Hugh. I’m sure his presence helped to cheer you up, particularly with his choice of music. I hope things get better after this mournful month.
August 1988 is one month I’d like to never time-travel back to, Norah. From next week, we have entries from September 1988. Things can only get better for young Hugh…I hope.
I hope so too! 🙂
I’m afraid I got a bit carried away and broke Hugh’s settee, Norah, so had to quietly repair it (the wooden pallets are holding it up nicely and he might not notice the vacuum cleaner won’t go under it quite so far as usual) 😂
Hehehe. I guess I shouldn’t laugh. It must just add to his August woes. 🙂
LOL
It’s like reading Armistead Maupin. Brilliant
A compliment indeed. Thank you.
Dear Hugh, what a lovely surprise to see our adored Ape here. Chris is indeed one of the most generous people I know. I really don’t think my blog would have gotten anywhere without him. Thanks for giving me a shout out via the review. Hugs all around. ❤ 🙂
I agree with what you say about Chris, Teagan. Same here. He has shared so many of my posts for me which have brought me a lot of readers and followers. No to mention how he also helps promote us Indie authors. He’s a gem in the blogging world.
Have a great week.
Hugs to you.
You know how to make an old Ape blush, Hugh 🤗
Your great tale telling skills are what attracted and kept your blog followers, Teagan 🤗❤️🤗
You’re too kind, Chris. Regardless, without being seen, no one would visit me. You were instrumental.
My pleasure, Teagan 🦍🤗❤️❤️🤗🦍
Lovely to meet Chris and his great song choice. I think 10cc “I’m Not In Love” and ” Nights in White Satin” by The Moody Blues were the smoochy dance songs in my day!
“The Things We Do For Love” by 10CC also comes to mind, Brigid. You’ve some lovely song choices there. Thank you.
Nice to meet you too, Brigid 🤗
It’s not easy to play Cupid!
Lovely song choice Chris!
It’s not, especially when the arrows don’t hit the right spot. 😁
Nope… 💔
Thanks, Ritu, glad you enjoyed it 🤗❤️🤗