Hi, I’m Amanda. When thinking about how I’d describe who and what I am is like the proverbial onion or diamond… like everyone we have layers, facets, so many different things we are seen as but the question is what do we want to be recognised for and remembered for. Well… I’m a Poet and writer, a mother, grandma, wife, friend.  I’ve a passion for innovation and creativity and have written poetry since I was a teenager when I realised I’d write and whether it was in rhyme or creating or recalling a story, I would think in rhythm and rhyme. I found like quick silver it can be gone so quickly and I wanted to capture it so I’d write them down.

It has assisted me through the years of ups and downs, love, crushes, marriage, separation, divorce, loss, pain, death, new love, passion and helped with family crisis and health issues.

My book, What Lies Between was written when my dad, Gordon Ridgway died in 2010 on May 5^th, and then 5 years later my mum Edith Ridgway also passed away… on the same day, 5 years later. They had been divorced many years and dad remarried to a wonderful woman, Kaye who made dad very happy and she loved him so, too. My mum although not remarried had a dear carer Keith who cared and loved my mum to.

Dad was a story teller and his grandchildren love him dearly and always looked forward to being around him, his stories and his happy positive disposition. He would make their day, tell them stories and just talk to them. Yes, those who know me know I’m a talker to and proud of it. Often referred to as a “Pollyanna” in work, I genuinely find people fascinating. My kids use to be embarrassed as young children but learned as they got older what a gift it is to be comfortable to talk to anyone.  You have no idea who the person is, their purpose and story or what their journey is now and in the future and how a conversation can turn a moment on it’s ear.  Knowing what value there is being totally engaged and give people your presence.

So you may realise from my introduction, I’m keen to learn about people, and know from talking to people, there are many other closet poets who write but don’t necessarily share their work as poetry is generally reflecting a personal thought or position on something. I hope you get to read some of my work, and enjoy the quotes and blogs I will be sharing. Your comments and thoughts will be welcome. This is not a place of trolls and bullies and that’s just me putting it out there and will be managed. There is enough pain and hurt, illness and loss and it won’t be part of what I provide.

Should you have ideas on what you would like to see on the site, please email me at

Thanks for joining me.