One of the ten-minute exercises we did last year was 'Postcards from Gardoussel' where each student had to write an imaginery 'postcard' to a friend in a fixed writing style. We had a lot of fun. Here are the results:

Postcards from Gardoussel
August '08

Dear Jean,
Arrived Thursday through dreary plains around Avignon, then steep-sided wooden glens until Sharon's place - charming, stylish, welcoming. Companions fascinating: material for novel if subject not so hackneyed. Food quite lovely - nuts, seeds, veg, fruits galore, and aromatic. Swimming al fresco, hiking through pines, tennis later, vin ordinaire aplenty. Hardly time to write!
Much love, D
* Donald MacEwan - no definite or indefinite articles

Sensuality exudes from every pore of every stone of every cat of every soul and stretches its sinewy arms into the hearts of newly made bread and friends while the sun heats and the rain soaks and the wind rages in our very essence so fiercely that we can but find such words as drown our fears in exquisite generosity of spirit.
* Teddy Graham - one long Proustian sentence

The writing holiday now at Gardoussel is due at 9.08 from Real Life. Calling at Friendship, Creativity, Natural Beauty, Relaxation and Realisation. There is a buffet car serving delicious Ayurvedic food and a trolley service for red and white wine, tea, coffee and herbal drinks. Due to arrive at Rejuvenation Central at 16.08. Please do not place obstacles in the way of your dreams. Take your reserved seats, this train of thought will be departing shortly.
* Barbara Jennings - train announcement

Dear Bea -
Seriously struggling to shape a snapshot of my week at Gardoussel among shimmering fields of snapdragons, sage and donkeys. Student sessions salt and peppered among sumptious feasts, strolls and spectacular sunsets! I sincerely hope for your success in your singing career.
See you soon - Sissie
* Lynn Kelley-Piper - written in alliteration

The barley moon is waning
the people are complaining
because it's always raining.
Don't know where I'm going
but at least it isn't snowing -
birthday in the Gardoussel
means I get a card as well!
* Abegail Morley - doggerel rhyme

I bet you knew I would choose a great course? I also bet you knew that I would be constantly bathed in sunshine? Furthermore, I bet you knew I would be surrounded by a bevy of gorgeous ladies? And finally, I bet you are jealous as hell?
PS. We've done some writing too.
* Stuart McLeod - only rhetorical questions

Gardoussel is the most spiritually inspiring and breathtakingly beautiful place in the world and I wish to remain here forever.
* Kerrie Love - hyperbole

Hi there!
Well, arrived safely but still trying to come to terms with my new surroundings. I mean, no cappucino machines and more importantly, no decaff! Also, a lack of wine bars - not a cocktail to be found. And as for designer stores, even M&S doesn't get a look-in! Wish you were here but you're probably glad you aren't.
Tamara x
* Jill Stevenson - negatives: what's not there

Dear all,
Having fun at Gardoussel. Trees surround, mostly pine. Much talk - much wine! Weather varies every day. Sometimes hot - sometimes cool. All inspires at Gardoussel.
Love, L
* Lesley Graham - 4 words per sentence

Dear John,
Bloody hell! The rain's coming down like stair-rods! I was promised sunshine! There's no damn sunshine! Never there when you've spent hard-earned cash on a week away! Hot! I should be hot and sweaty! Ha! I am, but only under my cagoule! And itchy! Even the bloody mosquitoes need to swim in this place! And they can! And they do! Having a lousy time! Wish you were here!
Glen
* Glenise Lee - exclamations

Perfect Week Cake (Note: this recipe is very easy, suitable even for beginners)

Ingredients:
500g creative talent
10 level tsp silence
large slab of unsalted support
laughter – as much as you have in the cupboard
1 sweet American, thawed
large dollop of good-humour
1 charming couple, unbroken
liberal sprinkling of hammocks

Method:
Put couple to the side. Pour rest of ingredients into a large green area with plenty of private spaces for contemplation. Mix gently. Fold in couple carefully and continue stirring until mixture is perfectly smooth. Turn out into a well-ventilated classroom. Bake in a moderate oven for 40 mins. Don’t leave to cool – eat while still warm. Delicious!

* Sharon Black - recipe

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