SOME OF THE ENTRIES SO FAR...
There were only two things on my mind that day...first how to confess to my volatile husband about the undeniably and indisputedly revealing photograph. And secondly – how to raise the money to pay the resulting speeding fine.
H A Cole, Station Road, Haddenham
It was the most perfect day I ever had...I had always wanted a best friend who I could always trust and rely on, tell secrets and know they will always be kept. That crispy day in October brought me my dreams I had dreamt. I will always treasure that perfect day that had brought me man’s best friend.
Louisa Down, 11 years old, Halton Village, Wendover
It was the most perfect day I ever had...I was taking bats and balls back to the shed after P.E., soaked through and bedraggled as I had been playing in oozing squelching mud. As I stepped into the shed I noticed a shimmering sparkle and an awesome angel appeared. “I’ll grant you three wishes,” she said.
Rachel Forster, aged 8, Ellesborough Rd, Aylesbury
There were only two things on my mind that day...would it be a girl or a boy and would my baby be healthy? Then out she popped, the perfect little girl with a screwed up face, loads of hair and yelling at the the top of her voice.
She is still perfect and is 30 years old on January 1.
Jacqueline Warden, Cheddington Road, Pitstone
There were only two things on my mind that day...and you were neither of them. The way that you left devastated my life. However, time heals and now that you are gone I find a level of control over my own existence that was lacking before. Farewell, my absent hair.
Rod Horwood, Farnley Road, Aylesbury
There were only two things on my mind that day...and one of them was my trusty deerstalker. The other was nourishment. Arriving back at Baker Street, I was shocked to discover that our butler Jones had met a grisly end through an axe to the head. I met Watson’s gaze. “Let’s find a Little Chef,” I said.
Philip Clark, Linden End, Aylesbury
There were only two things on my mind that day...determination to arrive at Luton Airport in good time for the flight, and curiosity: what would the ‘famous folk singer’, last seen 40 years ago when we were teenagers, be like now? What slipped my mind that day, unfortunately, was the ariline’s insistence on passports – even for trips to Scotland!
Margaret Ross, Drayton Beauchamp
There were only two things on my mind that day...should I accept the suave Peter’s invitation to a black tie dinner/dance at the Ritz, or should I support the local fundraising barn dance with Bob, the lumberjack, next door. Sexy little black dress, caviare and champagne, or jeans, plaid shirt, hot dogs and warm beer?
Mrs H Cole, Station Road, Haddenham
There were only two things on my mind that day...my meetings with the president and UN envoy. I opened the curtains. Snow! This meant delays and disruption. But as I looked, the snow’s still beauty calmed my frantic mind, soothing my agitation. My peace shattered on the arrival of my PA. “Residents’ breakfast dear. But first your medication.”
Alison Potter, High Moors, Halton
It was the most perfect day I ever had...it was midnight. Holly had somehow managed to get the keys to her cage. She was standing right at my nose. I knew she wanted me to help her escape. Even though I didn’t need persuading, she tempted me with lotsa bacon. I couldn’t resist, after all, we were dogs!
Naomi Brehm, aged 10, Dunston Hill, Tring
It was the most perfect day I ever had...it was my birthday, but I was very sad because my friends had their ears pierced and I didn’t. I had to wait till I was older. But mum said, “do you want to have your ears pierced?” And I said, “yes”, and it was the best day of my life!
Lydia Brehm, aged 7, Dunston Hill, Tring
There were only two things on my mind that day...but I suppose that’s my fault for going through a bottle of whisky the night before. If only I could get past this self-induced migraine I’d be able to work out what I did to lose her.
D Surguy, Aylesbury
There were only two things on my mind that day...how tasty my man’s body looked and if the children would be as handsome.
When first he caught my eyes I knew I would have him. His presence sent vibrations tingling through me.
We embraced. I bit his head off. I’ll have to make the web bigger for the children.
Matthew Jewell, Hazlehurst Drive, Aylesbury
There were only two things on my mind that day...the first was that the war was over. And as the soldiers threw open the gates of our prisoner-of-war camp, the second thing that sprang to mind was that after two years, eight months, three weeks and two days, I could go home.
Mrs Nurgish Watkins, Dovecote, Haddenham
There were only two things on my mind that day...what clever, witty story would impress the judges and win me the Short Story Competition in my favourite paper, and then what wonderful books I would purchase from Waterstones if I did.
Hazel Cole, Station Road, Haddenham
There were only two things on my mind that day...would the knife be sharp enough and could I finish the job? My trembling hand picked up the freshly honed knife and my tear-filled eyes stared reflectively in the shiny blade. I took a deep breath, raised the knife and repeatedly brought it shraply down, cleanly slicing the onion.
Bronwen Saunders, Hazell Avenue, Aylesbury
There were only two things on my mind that day...maybe if I had been paying more attention...I’d just bought the flowers. Had it really been a year since...? Two things: Regret. Memories. Rushing to the cemetery, dashing across the road...should have looked both ways. Two more things, as the light faded: I love you. We’ll be together soon.
Scott Matthewman, Bicester Road, Aylesbury
There were only two things on my mind that day...getting my pregnant partner to that cow of a midwife in a stable condition, and not making an ass of myself driving there. Some chance. We shared a makeshift maternity wing with a cow, after driving an ass to a stable, where I became Joseph the midwife.
Steve Brehm, Dunston Hill, Tring
There were only two things on my mind that day...getting away from the three men chasing me through the forest and enough breath to do it. Then I realised the gorge lay behind that thick stand of bushes, and I had string with me. I tied it between two trees, and hid. Their screams were short and very sweet.
S P A Keenay, Bellingdon, Chesham
It was the most perfect day I had ever had...the sun was shining, the birds were singing and I had a wedding to go to. It felt like the day was full of love and joy. It had me in tears, it was just perfect.
Gail Casson, Southfield Road, Princes Risborough
There were only two things on my mind that day...the time of my date, and the venue. Anticipation rising I draw into the car park. Thick set man in blue car grins. My heart palpitating, I see a sticker for Railway Spotters Club on his rear windscreen. As I reverse I see his blue anorak and disappointed look. I accelerate down the road.
Marian Colyer, King Edward Avenue, Aylesbury
There were only two things on my mind that day...one, the car windscreen as my head hit it and two, my arse as the velocity of the impact forced my rump through my torso, shattering my remaining brains against the screen once more. Hope I’m reincarnated as a human being. Life’s tough being a bug.
Philip Black, Chilton Place, Aylesbury
There were only two things on my mind that day...my divorce and what to get the children for Christmas. I took the children to see Santa.
“What would you like for Christmas?”
“A football,” replied my son.
“That’s easy.”
“A new Daddy,” shouted my daughter.
“That’s harder, but I will see what I can do.”
Chris Allen, Langley Close, Winslow
There were only two things on my mind that day...
Would the kind, white witch bring sweets or coal down the chimney for my stocking?
My dad’s story for Epiphany (La Befana). “If you’ve been good you will get sweets, and if you’ve been band, right at the bottom of the stocking, black coal.”
Of course, I got sweets!
Lella Romano, Penrith Way, Aylesbury
It was the most perfect day I ever had...until a giant robotic chicken charged up the road, leaving a path of destruction in its wake.
I quickly dived into an abandoned lorry. As quick as a flash, the robotic chicken tried to eat the lorry, but only got the cargo. Then the chase was on...
Ollie Roberts, Station Road, Haddenham
There were only two things on my mind that day...would I be lucky enough to film an orb during the night vigil, or better still, a full manifestation of Lady Chillworthy?
Later, my camcorder focused on the grand staircase, I heard the umistakable rustle of Her Ladyship’s ball gown and won the Catch A Ghost On Film competition!
Sue Benwell, Constable Place, Aylesbury
There were only two things on my mind that day...my mother is coming and she’s bound to look in the freezer.
“Poor you, him taking off like that. Always did have an eye, but he’ll be back.”
Such good friends, admiring my stoicism, complimenting me on the garden. Though I must say, the roses are quite spectacular this year.
Margaret Leahy, Stokes End, Haddenham
There were only two things on my mind that day...lunch, then Christmas shopping.
“He came from nowhere.”
“It’s Christmas Eve, you’ve lost a week.”
“They’re only bones, they’ll heal.”
A sensation of envelopment in light, then nothing.
A Holy night. The light of the world born you me – and for him who is no more.
Margaret Leahy, Stokes End, Haddenham
It was the most perfect day I ever had...I went with my dad to watch Chelsea play Arsenal in the Cup Final. I was the mascot. Lampard scored and the final score was 7-0 to Chelsea.
When Chelsea were receiving the cup a burglar grabbed it. I pounced on the burglar and Chelsea got the cup back. Yes!
Benedict Rogan, aged 7, Baker Street, Waddesdon
There were only two things on my mind that day...What am I doing here and where am I going?
But now the drill sergeant was telling us that tomorrow’s inspection parade was just the start. After that we would be taught how to die for our country and our mates. That’ll do, I thought. I’ve got brothers now.
Joe Cook, Tyneham Close, Aylesbury
There were only two things on my mind that day...remember my faith and survival. Pitch black, I lay still. Then I heard them, heavy thuds, boxes overturning, loud voices, arguing already. They were coming. I waited for the attack!
Woken by my two lovely hyperactive boys. Remember, patience, tolerance, gentleness, but, can I survive the rest of the day?
Mrs L Pearse, Willow Road, Aylesbury
There were only two things on my mind that day...My secret appointment for their expensive 34E upgrade was due – ready for my approaching Tenerife honeymoon.
Someone at the door – my fiance with a stunning bikini.
“Exact size for your perfect figure.”
“Don’t you prefer big boobs?”
“Only on page 3!”
Two grand buys a lot of bling...
R Barclay, Sutherland Walk, Aylesbury
There were only two things on my mind that day...history and how it repeats itself. And my digestion which is painfully doing the same.
Common sense deserts me, I quickly don my best suit, my adventurous spirit wins I’m off. ‘Show me the way to Amarillo’, I sing as I pass the busy refuse collectors my aim to find Uptopia and a cure for indigestion.
Mrs D Piddington, Cromwell Avenue, Aylesbury
There were only two things on my mind that day...adoption and getting home on time. We were adopting and I was accompanying my wife to the agency.
“Here’s the address,” proferred the receptionist. We rang the bell. The door opened. We were immediately captivated by her gummy smile.
We stepped forward to embrace our very own adopted granny.
Mrs Davison, Grendon Way, Bierton
There were only two things on my mind that day...my recent miscarriage and how I would supress my feelings and put a brave face on to the world, and the second was coping with my endless, repititious household chores.
Circumstances had made me a 1 in 5 statistic. Life could be painful or full of laughter, but now survival was paramount for my family and I.
Carol Casson, Southfield Road, Princes Risborough
There were only two things on my mind that day...to crack this thing and nail it for good.
It is elusive and has always escaped me. Armed with the right tools, I try a different approach. A good sound beating seems in order.
After much deliberation – sheer joy! I capture it at last!
A perfectly formed well risen sponge.
Doreen Goss, Greyhound Court Lane, Winslow
There were only two things on my mind that day...if I plunged the room into darkness by throwing the light switch, might this win me enough time to escape out the window before the spy caught me?
Lights extinguished, but the window was locked! “You’ll die for that,” yelled the spy. I withdrew my Enfield pistol, turned and fired.
Martin Ford, Small Crescent, Buckingham
It was the most perfect day I ever had...I was playing a board game then I heard someone calling my name. Suddenly I rushed out the door and my dad told me... “We have won the lottery!”
I went really mad! I screamed and rushed around the house at the same time! I was really excited!
Jack Brown, 7, Old Orchards, Bierton
It was the most perfect day I ever had...lying on a smooth, twinkling rock, dipping my fingers in the glorious butter-yellow sand. The seaweed tickled my feet while the scorching sun fire across me. Happily, my mouth formed an upside down banana. I could hear the wonderful sound of the waves crashing down – I was in heaven.
Hannah Brown, 11, Old Orchards, Bierton
It was the most perfect day I ever had, here in Florida, letting my thoughts run wild was just one out of a million delights I had that day. Laying in the safety of a flat, swaying my hands to and fro, tiggling the sea with my sensitive fingers.
Zoe Brown, 10, Old Orchards, Aylesbury
There were only two things on my mind that day...my brother and the future.
Why out of all the British Armed Forces did those rebels pick him.
Well, best not to dwell on that, I’ll be there soon.
Who’d have thought it, me, a care worker from Buckinghamshire, travelling to a war zone to avenge my brother’s death.
Alan Gordon, Bicester Road, Aylesbury
There were only two things on my mind that day...when my beautiful blue-eyed child past away to the bright stars and blue heaven above.
Firstly, with tears in my eyes I said a heartfelt goodbye to the child I adored and treasured, and secondly I desired the angels above would tenderly care for the child I cherised.
Michael Gill, Fowler Road, Aylesbury
There were only two things on my mind that day...whether to start the engine, and connect the tube, and to start the engine, and drive home.
Whether to struggle on or shuffle off. Clarity descended like fog into a valley untill there was only one thing on my mind that day.
Chris Strong, The Avenue, Princes Risborough
There were only two things on my mind that day...first, after leaving my daughter at school, I had to remember about the two very important things I needed to do that day, then the second thing was to remember not to go too far in the country in case I would be late to fetch my daughter from school.
Isabelle Hoss, Bodenham Close, Buckingham
There were only two things on my mind that day...the first, how can I make my fortune in the international export of illegal immigrants to countries that require manual labour, and second, will I be marrying the next and First Lady President of the United States of America? Am I bored? Only time will tell!
Dean Williams, Shenley Church End
There were only two things on my mind that day....would this be the day that I go into labour or be the day that I polish my already shiny toaster again, wearing my saggy old tracksuit bottoms.
Was I ready to face a future where I had no time to polish my toaster? Maybe baby should wait until tomorrow.
Julie Jeffries, Aylesbury
There were only two things on my mind that day....would this be the day that I go into labour or be the day that I polish my already shiny toaster again, wearing my saggy old tracksuit bottoms?
Was I ready to face a future where I had no time to polish my toaster? Maybe baby should wait until tomorrow.
Julie Jeffries, Spruce Road, Aylesbury
There were only two things on my mind that day...finding her and taking her home.
Oblivious to the muttering queue behind her the old lady stared blankly ahead.
“Mum” I called out. She turned towards the unfamiliar voice.
Led away the briefest flicker of clarity struck her as she noticed a single tear roll down her daughters soft cheek.
Susan Lindsay, Crosland Road Aylesbury
It was the most perfect day I ever had...I had always wanted a best friend who I could always trust and rely on, tell secrets and know they will always be kept. That crispy day in October brought me my dreams I had dreamt. I will always treasure that perfect day that had brought me man’s best friend.
Louisa Down, 11 years old, Halton Village, Wendover
There were two things on my mind that day...shall I have another pint of lager or a shot of tequila to finish off the session? To be honest, I don’t really fancy the tequila but a pint might take too long to finish – after all, I’ve got to pilot the plane to Ibiza in 20 minutes!
Kevin Roberts, Dunsham Lane, Aylesbury
There were only two things on my mind that day...gin and tonic. Gin – mother’s ruin, so they say. Oh, I could use some of that sweet ruin right now, but I’m no mother. Enter the tonic – sauve, sophisticated Arthur – living lengend. Shame he’s married...but then again...!
Elaine Aldridge, Cuddington
There were only two things on my mind that day...my troops’ safety and the conquest of the planet that we have travelled a million light years to get to. A planet that will ensure the survival of my kind. No doubt the war will be bloody, but destiny beckons. We must destroy the humans and take the earth.
Kevin Roberts, Dunsham Lane, Aylesbury
There were only two things on my mind that day...why was new erotic lingerie hidden beneath the bed, when I returned late from the pub? And a warm bottle of champagne? My wife feigned sleep. Angrily, I scoured the house, hunting her lover. Nothing. Next morning, she said ‘Happy anniversary, darling...of yesterday!’ She hit me with the champagne.
John Yeoman, Ivinghoe Aston, Leighton Buzzard
There were only two things on my mind that day...bananas and cake, and which queue to join, for rationing would not end until ten years post war.
Bananas were tempting, but cake was filling. Lunch in a government British restaurant would preserve our spam for the evening meal
Anon (please contact us with your details)
There were only two things on my mind that day...where was I going to find the money for Christmas presents and where was the cat? Money for a pensioner is very worrying. Grandchildren want expensive things. The cat, well he his my only companion since my son left. Oh good, the postman! Might be my son’s letter from Australia.
Mrs V Peters, London Road, Aston Clinton
It was the most perfect day I ever had...I was taking bats and balls back to the shed after P.E., soaked through and bedraggled as I had been playing in oozing squelching mud. As I stepped into the shed I noticed a shimmering sparkle and an awesome angel appeared. “I’ll grant you three wishes,” she said.
Rachel Forster, aged 8, Ellesborough Rd, HP17 0XA
There were only two things on my mind that day…and they both scared me. Resolutely I tackled the first. Major set back. Redefine plan. Try again. Ditto. Partial success. Final adjustments. Qualified success. Item two. Define strategy with backup plan. Execute operation to strict deadline. Panic. Double panic. Relief. Moral: don’t leave the important presents until Christmas Eve!
Melanie Czapski, Briskman Way, Aylesbury
There were only two things on my mind that day...one was the worry that I was losing my mind. That was why I was consulting Dr Con. He hypnotised me and altered my subconscious to give me a perfect memory.
The fee was high but I was content as, with a perfectly clear mind, I left Dr Con’s clinic.
Peter Wotton, Chestnut Way, Longwick
There were only two things on mind that day...Deciding to murder my wife and working out how to do it.
The pistol lay, loaded, in my bedside drawer. But poison was quieter.
I made her usual gin and tonic and called upstairs. She came in, aimed the pistol and fired. The doctors told me she poisoned herself afterwards.
Tom Rayfield, Cockpit Road, Great Kingshill
There were two things on my mind that day...I was wondering whether a National Savings representative would call to tell me I’d won a million pounds in the Premium Bonds, and how I would keep it quiet if I had. No such luck. Needless to say I shall be wondering the same next month.
Mr S Ramsden, Hawthorne Way, Wing
There were only two things on my mind that day...cashpoint then shopping. I put my card and cash away then felt a tap on my shoulder. Panic! He was huge, leather-clad, helmeted and visored.
“Excuse me love - could you lick this envelope and deposit it for me so I needn’t take off my helmet and gloves!”
Mrs C Gommo, St Anne’s Close, Wendover
There were only two things on my mind that day...there was usually only one in the weeks since he had died. Him.
Today I was getting the cat from the rescue centre. What a palaver! Terrible wailing in the car, like a banshee. He is more afraid of life than I am. We will do well.
Beryl Sheldrake, Grasmere, Aylesbury
There were only two things on my mind that day...winning the mis-shapen vegetable award at the local horticultural show, or losing.
I named my prize carrot ‘the daloctopus’ as it resembled attacking an octopus.
If my daloctopus lost I would redirect my energies into marketing my design as the latest ‘must have’ Christmas toy.
Heather Cornick, Church Lane, Weston Turville
There were only two things on my mind that day...the last day of GCSEs – and would she be on my bus today.
I ran to the stop. A seat upstairs, next to her.
“Gemma...” Breathless, my words won’t come.
“Coming to our disco?” asks she, amused.
“Sure.”
“Cool.”
Everything was cool now. Even my last GCSE.
John Cragg, Shupps Lane, Chearsley
There were only two things on my mind that day...breakfast and sensuality.
Eggs and the morning paper, not even the wife. She had left sometime before we married, perhaps even before we met. Her place was empty as usual, perhaps I should buy her a chair.
Someone passed the window, perhaps the window cleaner, 20 stories to the pavement.
Kevin Bennett, Park Road, Grendon Underwood
There were only two things on my mind that day...whilst I thought deeply hard and prayed very long for.
Two wishers from heaven above and the first thing was that the world’s lands, seas and skies would no longer be harmed or destroyed, and the second thing that all human beings would live together and give peace a chance.
Michael Gill, Fowler Road, Aylesbury
There were only two things on my mind that day...one was where did I leave that Christmas present list? Was it a PlayStation for auntie or a hat for Tom? So much to do and not many shopping days left. The other thing was where did I park the sleigh?
David Pickup, Roundhill, Stone
There were only two things on my mind that day....it is always the same this time of year. I could only think; will I make it; have I got enough? Everything done at the last minute. Next year, let’s go away and forget it all. But what about the children? Besides, it is only once a year. Father Christmas.
David Sibthorp, Horn Street, Winslow
There were only two things on my mind that day…how to say I was leaving, and where to go. His letter beat me to it. He begged my forgiveness for the suicide. “Time to leave, but nowhere to go”, he explained. As the letter fell like ashes from my hand, all I wanted to do was hold him forever.
Amanda Essex, Cannock Road, Aylesbury
There were only two things on my mind that day…is it going to be light or dark entering my lips tonight; while I’m all hot, wet and steamy. Can this really happen to moi? Oh! How I’ve dreamt about this moment for so long. Can I grab fives minutes peace in the Jacuzzi bath with MY Thorntons…BANG! BANG! “Mum”.
Helen Parton, The Orchard, Halton
There were only two things on my mind that day...and they were both gorgeous. What to do when you are in love with two sisters? Both of them brown-eyed, beautiful, loving, pulling at my heart. I knew I couldn't be with both of them, had to choose. So I said to Mummy, “Can I have the littlest puppy please?”
Jill Lupton, Halton Wood Road, Halton
There were only two things on my mind that day...ending my life penniless or getting to the shop before closing. The cat mewed hungrily at me, ‘My only friend’. Freezing rain rammed against the railway bridge, no view tonight. A glint of metal caught my eye, a two pound coin. I bought the last tin of cat food before closing.
Moira Freeman Lea, Fog Cottages, Tring
It was the most perfect day I ever had…I sat up, rubbing my eyes and smiling as I remembered what day it was. All over the world, children would be waking up to gifts galore, stockings full to burst. I knew, I wouldn't, though. I had given everything to the poor, orphans in Pakistan, and I felt great.
Gareth Baker, Swan Close, Whitchurch
There were only two things on my mind that day...One; I had to win. Secondly; losing would not just be a defeat, it would be the beginning of a war. I embarked for my destination, shuddering with emotion, petrified in the grim face of the inexplicable harshness of fate. Congratulation Mrs Fortune, the results are not positive. (Yes!)
Rosemary Lindsay, Tring Road, Wendover
There were only two things on my mind that day...kissing Jimmy goodbye, and not crying. He was leaving me after all these years. We had our ups and downs. Who didn’t? But I still loved him. How could he leave? Maybe he’ll come back. But no. It was impossible. I’ll go to him when I die, too.
Christine Lewis, Perks Lane, Great Missenden.
There were only two thigns on my mind that day...Christmas Eve, could Santa fit down the chimney? Do creatures really talk at midnight? As the clock struck, my brother’s torch caught the fireplace. A bony foot descended, kicking over the sherry, squashing the mince pie and a flustered rook yelled “Cor! Where’s the door!” making for the window.
Virginia Stungo, Dorrells Road, Longwick
There were only two things on my mind that day...Could I hid my feelings and would he want to see me again? Clutching his crumpled letter in my shaking hand I checked the mirror. My reflection camouflaged my misgivings and anxieties. Would he see through my bravado? Breathing deeply I burst through his door. Open wide said my dentist.
Bronwen Saunders, Hazell Avenue, Aylesbury
There were only two things on my mind that day...the impending deadline and the ominously blank canvas.
Mixing and applying a medly of colour from my paintbox, imagination took over.
A flight of migrating birds streamed across a mist tree-fringed landscape to the distant horizon and rising sun. Once sign and titled I relaxed. Commission completed – deadline met!
Pauline Bust, Mount Close, Aston Clinton
There were only two things on my mind that day...as I made my way home in the rain – I could see my face in the road.
As I looked up there was a face at the window. The rain stopped and it had gone. When I looked, I was told taht I know in his eyes taht life must go on.
Mr J Pascoe, Grenville Green, Aylesbury
There were only two things on my mind that day...robbery and Escape.
First done; second happening on two wheels, beside cliffs, just moonlight. Skidding fast over rough ground...what? A sign! Discovery?
“N W Heaven”: an arrow!
A vandalised sign; Newhaven ahead; ferry; escape!
“Where now?”
Following the arrow, accelerating...the track vanishes. “Faster, faster...NO!! Cliff edge..........
Don Billing, Manor Farm Close, Weston Turville
There were only two things on my mind that day...who would benefit most from the donation I intended to give and what was the most effective means of giving it to them?
Many people in Africa desperately needed help. Oxfam are world famous and their Christmas appeal provided the solution. I felt better and I hope they did too.
Mr R E Rust, Mount Close, Aston Clinton
