No Spinning Required

    I decided a few weeks ago that it was time to get rid of my collection of vinyl records. Yes, they are becoming fashionable again, however it's unlikely that I'm going to relive my teenage years and sit crossed-legged in front of a spinning turntable. So, it was time to find them a good home.

    However, looking through the well worn sleeves, there were two that tugged at my heartstrings and I decided the best home that they could have was my own.

    The two I decided to keep hold of were the original, Band Aid single, Do They Know It's Christmas? and the album, Sing It Again Rod, by Rod Stewart.

    I did find a good home for the others and the two I mentioned, now hang proudly on my study wall. Where I can fondly look at them with no cramped legs, or spinning required.

Happy New Year Friends!

   

Goodwill to all Men

 

    The presents are wrapped, the wine rack is groaning and the fridge freezer is bursting at the seams. I believe I am organised for the Sunday. But am I? Who knows. I'll tell you the next time we catch up.

    I have a list written and it's not my wish list for Santa. It's my schedule for the next big event in my household, defrosting and cooking the food. Starting Friday night.


    Christmas, is no longer a religious time for many, however it is a time that we can gather together with friends and family and celebrate humanity. That is if we are blessed to have people around us to do so and of course there are countless people who do not.

    What is humanity? Compassion, kindness, tolerance, benevolence are some of the characteristics. Daily we know that there are many appalling attacks on these. But, while the rest of us can embrace these virtues, it is time to wish, Goodwill to all Men.

    Merry Christmas readers.

   

   

Demon's Story (Book Extract)

Demon’s Story

    It’s 7 am, and JoJo transmutes from her serpent appearance into that of her human form. She dresses quickly into her canteen assistant’s uniform and makes her way into the kitchen at the back of her house. The sun is rising, causing the cacti in her backyard to imitate shadowy figures, which move
desultorily across the ground.

    A transient shadow makes her stop what she’s doing. She lifts up the net curtain, to take a second look out of the window. She can’t see anything incongruous and she drops the window covering back into place.

    She goes into the utility room to get her white leather clogs from the shoe rack. An indistinguishable figure flashes across the opaque glass of the door that leads to the yard. JoJo turns the key in the lock clockwise and then opens the door with some caution. There are no obvious visible signs of her having
uninvited company. But nevertheless, she steps out onto the paved path that circles the house and calls out,
    “Hello, is there someone there?”

    Only the crickets chirp a reply. She laughs raucously and turns to go back inside. Bang, the clatter of a garbage can comes from the side of the house. She moves towards the location of the noise gingerly.

    “Grrr, grrr, grrr.” A male black bear appears from around the corner, causing JoJo to jump back in surprise. The bear stands upright on its long hind legs and begins to walk towards JoJo. Its broad skull and large jaws seem disproportionate to its three and a half foot stature. The curved claws of its leathery soled forepaws gouge at the air, forcing JoJo to backtrack her steps speedily.

    She goes back into the utility room, but she has no time to close the door as the bear is close behind. The black omnivore swipes at her, but misses his target. JoJo commences her mutation, but doing so lessens her ability to stay out of the bears reach. He catches hold of her shoulder, she squeals as the
razor-sharp claws dig deep into her flesh.

    She frees herself from his clutches, she has only partially changed into her demon state. The bear aims a blow at JoJo’s twisting serpent like head. His sharp nails meet with their objective once again.

This time tearing at the scaly skin on top of her head.

    The demon is using up all her energy to fight for her existence, meaning that her full metamorphosis is being delayed. The black bear has the upper hand and JoJo’s powers are all but depleted. She has nowhere to go and nowhere to hide. She can only hope that her master can forgive her for her weakness.


Extract from SALVATION NO KISSING REQUIRED https://www.amazon.co.uk/Salvation-Kissing-Required-Christina-Rowell/dp/1608208567

https://www.amazon.com/Salvation-Kissing-Required-Christina-Rowell/dp/1608208567



                                                                                       

Snow is Falling

The snow continues falling

And Bed is calling

The children's eyes are bright

There is likely to be little sleep tonight 

A carrot, a glass of milk and a pie

A twinkle in the northern sky

The sleigh bells will alert them when he is near

A yo-ho-ho they might even hear

In the silence of the house, the stairs creak

They cannot make any noise, especially speak

With excitement they're filled

Opening the door, the room is warm not chilled

The fire it blazes in the grate

Is there a chance he has been late?

The overfilled stockings on the mantel a sight to be seen

Oh, yes, yes, Santa has been

The Cold Moon

As a Full Cold Moon looms

We search for our snow brooms

Astrologers fix their gaze to the night sky

Because in its splendour, the moon will amaze the eye

It can bring irrational feelings and thoughts

Our emotional outbursts causing hurt like ammo from a slingshot

 Coastlines alter as their tide levels rise high

While at this time, myths tell us that fairies cause mischief as they fly

It will be the last of this special moon until next year

The final time, its day side will display itself so clear

Count Down Craziness

    It's been a little crazy at home this last week, similar to millions around the world I've been making preparations for Christmas. For once I'm hoping to get ahead of the game. My plan is that on Christmas Eve all I'll have to do is worry about peeling the Brussels sprouts and stuffing the turkey.

   All going well, the presents will be bought, wrapped and safely tucked away under the tree. I still do have a few more to buy, but Saturday that chapter will be finished. (Cross fingers)

    Talking of chapters I'm also endeavouring to finish a new novel and giving it my best shot to stick to a tight writing schedule. This week I have been successful, I have managed to cram in lots of writing hours and a not so shabby word count.

    Hope your preparations are all going well as countdown has begun! And remember to add my books to your wish list!

   

When the People Speak

    In the last few years there has been an upsurge in populations all over the world wanting to rightly, rid themselves of dictators and in turn allow democracy to rule.

    For many this has caused turmoil within their country and the backlash we know has caused mass population displacement. With no end at present seeming to be insight.

    As someone who classes Spain and in particular the, Canary Islands, my second homeland; I at times find it hard to comprehend that this same country was ruled once by a dictator.

    In 1936, General Francisco Franco (1892-1975) led a revolt against the, Popular Front Party, from the Canary Islands where he was governor. Later that year he was appointed, Generalissimo of Nationalist Spain and Head of the country.

    His death in 1975 paved the way for a vote on democracy in 1978. Similar to the struggles that are prevailing now in the countries that are going through a great change, some of the Spanish population were intimidated and threatened too.

    But democracy did win and thirty-eight years on it still rules. We can only hope and pray that peace will shine upon all in another thirty-eight years.

From the Mouth's of Babes

    I flew home to Scotland on Monday, from the Canary Islands, Spain. Flying isn't something I'm crazy about and if I can, I will avoid. However, driving several thousand miles, passing through a minimum of three European countries, not forgetting the two ferry crossings means that flying for five hours wins every time on this journey.

    I was travelling alone and I was not looking forward to it at all. I can only read and write so long, because for some reason when flying I become very sleepy. My head slumped to the side and my mouth wide open I'm sure is not a good look. A look that would most certainly scare any small children that happen to be in my vicinity.

    Occasionally though, you do get someone seated next to you that makes those five hours literally fly by and Monday was one of those times. My two fellow travellers beside me were a woman and her daughter, returning to Scotland following a weeks holiday on the island.

    The girl whom I found out later to be twelve years old, was instructed by her mother to say, " Hello," to me before she slipped into her seat. Seated between her mother and I, the child organised her things, buckled up quickly and within minutes I became aware she was watching me. I could feel her eyes taking in every inch of me. An assessment was being made as to whether I was going to be her friend, or foe on our journey ahead.

    The Captain's flight announcement advised us that the flight was going to be around four hours, thirty minutes because of tail winds and this is where my unforgettable journey began.

    Minutes after take-off my young companion started to question me. The questions included, my nationality, home-town,  marital status and as to whether I was a parent or, not. I realised that her inquisitive mind was still doing an assessment.

   When she began to chat openly about herself I knew I had passed her test. Her concern for my well-being was touching, her words and other kind gestures, suggested that she felt I needed to be taken care of . She found it sad for some reason that I was travelling alone and I can only assume the intermittent strokes of my arm she administered were given to reassure me, that I was not alone.

    Earlier than planned we reached our destination, Edinburgh. But, before we bid our farewells my intriguing little friend told me that she hoped we might meet again. Little does she know that I  hope so too.

    

   
   

Sitting Back and Relaxing

    I've had a little chillax time over the last few weeks, just sitting back and taking in the scenery, flora and fauna.
 

     There are times we need to take a break, catch-up with family, friends and that's what I've been doing.

    On Sunday I had a fabulous afternoon at a charity event with a couple of friends. A group of forty gathered together to take part in a game of  'Call My Bluff', which featured wine tasting.

    I was a panelist therefore I didn't need to sample all the wines. I don't know if that was a good thing, or a bad thing really.

    What I can tell you is that we all enjoyed the good wine, food and company.

Fills Me With Sadness

  
    Over the last few years I seem to have read about another library closing, at least once a month. This month was no different, information came to light that the Borough of Walsall, in England whose population exceeds two hundred and fifty thousand people (urban and rural areas) is proposing to close fifteen of its sixteen libraries, in order to save money.

    Public libraries have been providing the public with free access to information and literature since the mid-nineteenth-century (Public Libraries Act 1850) in the UK and now this facility is gradually disappearing from our towns and cities.

    Without libraries, many children and adults will not have the opportunity to read books and learn about things that they otherwise wouldn't. EDUCATION, EDUCATION. One of the reasons in which the Public Libraries Act was introduced extensively in the first place.

    My picture today is from an old book that I have in my collection, that was published back in 1910 by T.C. & E.C. Jack of Edinburgh. The page is promoting other publications by the same publisher and it makes me feel sad that many of our children in the future may not be able to access any literature old, or new.

   

   

Let's Talk

    Saturday, October 22nd, was 'International Stammering Awareness Day' and although the day has been and gone there's never a bad time to talk about stammering. The campaign itself wants to remove the stigma that is attached to stammering by talking openly about it. I personally stammered badly as a child and I therefore know that you are treated differently and sometimes very badly.

    The sad thing is that I wasn't any different from my friends and classmates, I just took a little longer than them to say what I had to say.  That doesn't mean I should have been bullied, mocked, or even dismissed as though what I had to say wasn't worth listening to.

    All that someone who stammers wants, is that they are listened to. Listened to in the same way as others are. Don't try to finish their words, or sentences, just be patient.

    I found that while some kids mocked, it was the adults that were apt to dismiss me. So, if the adults get it wrong what chance do the kids have? Therefore, education is key here and the only way we can remove this unjust stigma is to talk about it.
http://www.stammering.org


    

    

   

Bye George?

    
      Fort George, lies eleven miles, north-east of Inverness, Scotland and was built by King George II to defend his army from the Jacobites, following the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie at Culloden in 1746.
 

Rampart overlooking the, Moray Firth

        The fort which took twenty-two years to build, is the largest fortification in Europe and is currently  barracks to the, Black Watch (3 Scots) battalion as well as a tourist attraction.

    I visited there a couple of years ago and I could see why the location was chosen. Hidden from the road behind large grass covered mounds, the fortress sits high above Scotland's largest firth, the Moray. Enabling the army within its walls to defend itself from rebellers approaching by land and sea.

Fort George, Scotland

        The ramparts overlooking the estuary these days are used by tourists hoping to catch sight of dolphins and whales in the inlet, rather than defending the army inside. Therefore,  the Ministry of Defence is now considering the fort's future, in order of a cost cutting exercise.

The Moray Firth

        Will the drawbridge lift for a final time soon? I hope not for the seven hundred and fifty local people whose livelihoods depend on it and the fact that two hundred and fifty years of Scottish history could be entombed indefinitely.

Drawbridge entrance to Fort George

  

New Release 'In Deep'

    Yesterday was another exciting day for me, when I published my new eBook of poetry. It was certainly a new challenge for me as I haven't self-published before and at times it was a little frustrating. But, it all came good in the end. (Fingers crossed)

    I am particularly pleased with the cover as this is one of my own photographs which I took around twenty years ago, while in Crete, Greece.

    The poems themselves are a mixed bunch and topics from Halloween to Love are amongst the collection. Therefore, I hope that there is something there for everyone to enjoy.

    If you are looking for an ebook of short poems for yourself or, as a gift, 'In Deep' is now available to buy worldwide.  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MA4YTUS/ UK £0.99
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MA4YTUS/ US $1.20
                           European price Euro 1.09


                    

   

Sunset

As the sun disappears into the horizon of the west

Anticipating where to view it at its best

The reddish hue colors the sky

A fiery pleasure it is to the eye

Miss it today we need not fret

Tomorrow, another day will dawn

And once more at the end the sun will set

Embrace Yourself

    Over the weekend we the public have heard accusations of abuse and sexism against women being hurled between politicians. In my opinion, it all can become a little tiring and even prevent individuals from voting at all.

    Therefore, I did find it particularly pertinent  that one hundred and thirteen years ago, Emmeline Pankhurst founded the, Women's Social and Political Union, which campaigned for women's suffrage.

    Without women like Emmeline, the female population would be spending their lives barefoot, pregnant and chained to the kitchen sink. They would have no right to choose who they wish to run their country. 

    This of course wouldn't mean that women would solely lose out. Society as a whole would, as we can all be discriminated against. We need to remember that equality shouldn't be exclusive to one group as we are all gifted, talented, creative and resourceful in our own way.

   

   



   


   

Keep Smiling

 

    It's, World Smile Day, today and having felt a bit under the weather over the last couple of days, I was feeling more miserable than smiley. However, reminiscing about places I've visited, is something that does bring a smile to my face.

    Therefore, I decided to start something that I have been planning to do for weeks and that is to put all my photos onto my computer. Yesterday, I managed to scan five hundred which does seem like a lot, but it is a rather laborious job and I've probably got around another three thousand plus to scan.

    It will be worth it in the long run though, as you'll know if you visit my blog regularly that I do like to include some photos in my posts and I would rather use my own, than stock. I have included a couple today, that way you get a little taste of what may appear on this page in the future.

    I hope you find something to smile about today, no matter how little. It's good for the soul.

Undervalued

   

    On October 5th, over 100 countries will celebrate World Teachers Day. This year the theme of this annual event is "Valuing teachers, improving their status."

    Personally, I'm unable to comprehend why this profession is so undervalued and constantly criticized. Without teachers we wouldn't have world leaders, doctors, chemists, and lawyers, to name a few occupations that are an important part of our society.

    Without education it's also unlikely we would have cars, trains, aeroplanes, or even the fuel that is needed to power these means of transport.

    We know that in countries where education is not wide-spread, there is a culture of fear and inequality. Is this the world we would want to live in. I for one, no.

    So thank you teachers for your contribution.





You may also like to read bit.ly/1rS1Oxx  #Teachers #education

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Never Giving Up On Your Dream

    Next week will be the first anniversary of the publication of my second book, Salvation Hyperlink To Lost Souls. Doesn't time fly when you're having fun?

    I can honestly say I feel blessed in being able to do something that I love and enjoy each day. However, it hasn't always been plain sailing as any published author will know. For example, trying to promote myself went against the grain, as the nature of the beast is that writers are generally solitary souls.

    I'm not talking about promoting myself and my first book once published, but long before that. When as I did, try initially to get agents and publishers interested in my work. I quickly realised that I only had a small window of opportunity to impress and to do that I better make it good.

    Being rejected can feel personal and after ....ty-something rejection letter/emails I wanted to throw in the towel. But, why would I give up on the one thing that I really had fun doing? Of course, I didn't and like buses a few publication opportunities came along all at the one time.

    The publishing industry has changed over the last few years and self-publishing gives all authors the chance for their voices to be heard. Within the next few weeks I'll be publishing a book of small poems with KDP. It's the first time I've dipped my toes into the waters of self-publishing and I'm climbing a new part of my learning curve.

    That's one of the things that is fantastic about being a writer in today's world,with the push of a button your words can be read by all and there is no reason at all to think about giving up on your dream.

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

Farewell to Arnie

Looking towards The Swilken Bridge

     St Andrews in Scotland like the rest of the golfing world will  today be in mourning, after hearing of the death of Arnold Palmer yesterday.

    However, St Andrews and the British Open Championship have a lot to thank Palmer for. The golfing great visited the historic town in 1960 to take part in the centenary year of the championship and while he didn't win, he most certainly helped put the tournament on the map.

   
    St Andrews and its Old Course were of course already on the map. But the university there, recognised Arnold's sporting achievements and gave him an Honorary Doctorate in 2010.

   
    Three years later, on the university's 600th anniversary, they introduced their first ever golf scholarship. The golfer happily endorsed it and the, Arnold Palmer Scholarship, came to fruition. The university being one of only two in the world which can award students, with this prestigious titled program. This program allows both male and female students from all over the world to combine their talent for golf and academic studies. A great stepping stone for anyone.

    ARNOLD DANIEL PALMER September 10, 1929 - September 25, 2016

Freedom to Read

Library

    Governments and individuals continually criticise countries who don't school their children. Lack of education we know breeds intolerance and bigotry amongst the population. So, why is it that amongst us there are people who want to and succeed in having books banned?

    Banned Books Week's annual celebration of the freedom to read, commences September 25 until October, and this year they are celebrating diversity. The authors of books being from diverse backgrounds because of their colour, sexual orientation, and even their disabilities are amongst those on the list.  More information can be found on http://www.bannedbooksweek.org

    Banning teenagers from reading books that contain offensive language, sex and violence most certainly does not prepare them from the world we live in. Yes, we may be hesitant for them to read material which we deem is inappropriate for their age-group, but banning literature is not the answer.

    Because, in my opinion  there will always be another kid in class that will happily tell their class-mates everything that we've been trying to shelter them from. In turn, this of course can lead to the teenager being totally misinformed.

    The word FREEDOM, is defined in Webster's integrated dictionary and thesaurus as, being free, esp independence, civil or political liberty, exemption from obligation and frankness.

    Frankness is the key word; we have to be able to be candid otherwise we are continuing to stoke the fire of hatred that is already burning in the world.

   

   

   

I Love to Boogie!

    Three teenage girls with permed hair, sit cross-legged on the floor, in front of a portable record player that is stacked with 45rpm vinyl discs. They chat excitably about the singles of their favourite pop-stars, they had purchased at the weekend.

    Each teenager is eager to have her idol's music dominate the evening, however tonight the threesome are in Joyce's home and she is a Marc Bolan and T-Rex fan. The walls of her bedroom are adorned with their posters, her wardrobe bulges with flared trousers, platform soled boots and velvet jackets as she is a dedicated follower of not just T-Rex but all that is glam rock.

    I was one of those girls that night and while I was a David Cassidy fan, I did love to dance to T-Rex's music. Last weekend I did have an excuse to have a little boogie to the music of the 1970's as it was the 39th anniversary of Bolan's premature death. Hearing songs such as, I Love to Boogie, Ride a White Swan, Metal Guru and Telegram Sam again, made me smile. Unfortunately, the man himself can't witness the pleasure he still gives old and new fans alike.

   

The Swim

I jump into the deep-blue sea

The water caresses my face, neck and body

Akin to that of the hands of a gentle lover

My limbs break through the mass

Each movement exhilarates

Acquainting me with my very soul

Splendiferous Words

    Every three months the respected, Oxford English Dictionary, updates its entries. According to their website, for September they have added 500 new words, phrases and senses.

    It never ceases to amaze me that there are many words that I use regularly, or hear on a daily basis that up until now weren't officially recognised words.

    There are four in particular on the list that caught my eye right away and thankfully I do use them in the correct context. They are card reader, casa, grandwean and witching hour. I think for anyone who isn't Scottish, grandwean meaning grandchild may be a word that will seem a little alien, however I think the others are easily worked out.
   
    If you want to drop by the OED website    http://public.oed.com/the-oed-today/recent-updates-to-the-oed/september-2016-update/new-words-list-september-2016/ is the link.

    You never know you may find a new word that you can use in your new book, or even help you complete that difficult crossword puzzle.

    Have a splendiferous day!

Happy Anniversary Trekkers

    For Trekkers this month is an exciting time. Fifty years ago, Captain Kirk and his crew hit our screens and in honour of the sci-fi franchise, celebrations are being held in the next few days throughout the Universe. Sorry, the World to be exact.

    I can remember my mother had a crush on, James.T, but being a little too young to have crushes back in 1966, my super-hero was Mr Spock. So, much so that I wanted to be a Vulcan when I grew up. Thank goodness, I grew out of that notion and commuting to Vulcan daily for college was out of the question anyway.

    The characters were all larger than life and as the years progressed they had more depth. In any good story the reader, or viewer as it is in this case, wants to know a bit more about their favourite one. Scotty for example, as we know was Scottish; his accent told us that much. But, he had to have a home town. The writer chose Linlithgow, a historical town that I have featured in several posts, a place I believe he himself had visited and admired because of its beauty.

    Linlithgow itself a royal town, celebrates its connection to the Kings and Queens of Scotland regularly, however this weekend the town is lauding their son, Scotty. They will be showing, Star Trek II, Wrath of Khan in the 600 year-old palace, the first time such an event has taken place here. 

    For Star Trek fans, I think it will be an awesome experience and certainly they will be venturing into the unknown. 

    Live long, prosper and enjoy you celebrations.

    

    

    

Good Impressions!

    Apologies, my post is a little late. I've been entering some story competitions and unfortunately one size doesn't fit all.

    One short story I wanted to enter  into a 'Ghost Story' competition fitted into the requirements of the category, except for the word count. Should I forget entering, or do a rewrite?

    I decided to do a rewrite, because I like the story, however it took me a little longer than I expected, because I didn't want to lose the integrity of the piece.

    I carefully took it apart word by word, paragraph by paragraph. I do find it a little difficult to strip my stories back , however it's something that an author may be asked to do by their editor, or publisher.

    I was eventually happy with the revamped work, so let's hope the judges are impressed too!

Superstitions

    There are buildings you pass by most days and for some reason you just never seem to take any notice of them.

    Then one day, cha-ching. Suddenly you ask yourself, "What's that building there?" That's what I did the other day, when I noticed an old octagonal building dominating one of the streets in my local town.

    I can only think that I've been walking around with my eyes closed for years, because there aren't any other buildings like this in the town.

    On closer inspection I found that the shape of the building was not only different, but had an unique name too, The Tattie Kirk.

    Why it's called this, there are various explanations. (see picture below) Built in 1806 as a church (Kirk), the congregation of course has now departed and therefore the, Tattie, part of the name in my opinion will remain a mystery.

     The shape is supposed to keep the Devil away, and on reading this it struck a chord with me. A friend of mine who spent time based in Africa told me a story about a project he had been involved in. 

    He had been  helping to build homes for working communities who had been displaced due to war and the plans had to be strictly adhered to. The homes all had to be built circular shaped, for the same reason as this church is octagonal. No corners for any unwelcome spirits to hide in.

    It goes to show whether you live in Scotland, or Africa our superstitions are not miles apart.

Never Forgotten

    Driving along a quiet Scottish country road, winding through the, Bathgate Hills, I could see the trees of, Witch Craig Wood. They were standing proud like soldiers on parade, protecting and giving shelter to the wildlife from the cruel winter winds.

    There is something very special creeping into the landscape, a large pagoda that belongs in a country faraway from Scottish shores.

    Sixty-three years ago this month the armistice was agreed in the, Korean War, a conflict that saw eleven hundred of the ten thousand British service personnel that served, die.

    The pagoda is a memorial to them and the one hundred Korean firs and one thousand Scottish trees planted on the mounds that stand nearby  pay tribute to them. The site was chosen because they say that the terrain resembles the one in which they fought in.

In this serene area, friends, relatives can come contemplate and have some private time with their loved ones; knowing that although this war is sometimes forgotten, their next of kin are not.

Light-bulb Moment

 

    Have you ever thought about as to how and when your real love of books came about? Of course it doesn't need to be books , it could be anything you're into.

    I have always thought my light-bulb moment was when I first started infant school. There each day I listened intently to the teacher as she read us a story.

    The stories she told the class in our 'story hour' varied. It could be a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, an Aesop's fable, or even an extract from the Holy Bible, I didn't care. While some of my fellow class-mates fidgeted, I sat motionless' listening and absorbing every word she read.

    I eagerly learned to read in order that I could enjoy these same wonderful stories over and over, as well as discovering new ones. I felt as though each one had been written for me alone and was reluctant to share.

    Thinking back though I wonder if that is when my hunger for books really did start. I've told you in another post about my mother's story-telling, but she loved to read too. Each Thursday she would visit the local library and come home with the maximum number of books she was allowed to borrow.

    Late at night when myself and my three siblings were safely tucked up in bed, she would retreat into the pages of her Mills and Boon world. Leaving the stresses and strains of being a full-time mother and housewife behind, giving her time to recharge her batteries for the next day.

   It doesn't matter I suppose why I love words, I'm just happy I do and privileged that I can now share my words with others.


https://www.millsandboon.co.uk       

Secrets

A secret is something never to be shared

Told to another because you believe they cared

A little matter that worries you

Or, a hide-away that you want to remain special to just you two

Embracing your hopes, dreams and even fears

Intimate knowledge to remain hidden over the days, months and years

 You find out suddenly your world is no longer a private matter

For a moment you feel your life might tear apart and shatter

Choose carefully in whom you trust

Their loyalty and reliability is a must

Meet the Bridges

Edinburgh Castle

    Edinburgh is an exciting city to visit any time of the year. But, in August and September the capital of Scotland is showcased at its best.

    The Fringe Festival with its sometimes bizarre acts, the Book Festival and of course the Edinburgh Military Tattoo that takes place within the castle ground's can make any visit unique.

The Queensferyy Bridge in progress

    However, August 2016 is particularly significant in the historical calendar of Edinburgh. The new Queensferry Bridge, over the Firth of Forth has now joined her elder siblings, the Forth Road and Forth Rail Bridges, in spanning the river.

Forth Rail and Road Bridges side by side

    The last two sections that join North and South Queensferry, were put in place last week. I haven't managed to visit the location as I am overseas, but I hope when I fly home to Edinburgh Airport in the next couple of weeks the flight-path will give me a bird's eye view of this long awaited additional river crossing.