I Made Another Garden

   

    I love walking around gardens, when they are in full bloom, when the flowers start to fade away and die I feel kind of sad. Whether, public, or private if I've got my camera to hand I'll take photographs. For my classic poetry spot today I searched for something appropriate and this poem/song by British writer Arthur O'Shaughnessy somehow fitted the bill. 

    O'Shaugnessy's work included "We are the Music makers" featured in the film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Words spoken by the late and great, Gene Wilder.

   

I Made Another Garden

I made another garden, yea
For my new love
I left the dead rose where it lay
And set the new above
Why did the summer not begin?
Why did my heart not haste?
My old love came and walked therein
And laid the garden waste

She entered with her weary smile
Just as of old
She looked around a little while
And shivered at the cold
Her passing touch was death to all
Her passing look a blight
She made the white rose-petals fall
And turned the red rose white

Her pale robe, clinging to the grass
Seemed like a snake
 That bit the grass and ground, alas!
And a sad trail did make
She went up slowly to the gate
And there, just as of yore
She turned back at the last to wait
And say farewell once more 

Arthur William Edgar O'Shaugnessy

14 March 1844 - 30 January 1881

I'm a Barbie Girl

 

    I was brought up with the Barbie doll and today she is fifty-nine years young. Sadly, she is no longer amongst the small collection of dolls I have. However, I don't hold it against her that she packed her bags and left long ago, in fact I still have a great admiration for her. While, the natural ageing process hasn't affected her in anyway, she is now a lady of a certain age, an age when she and all women should be respected for their life's achievements.

    Seriously though, as a kid I used to use  my large collection of dolls to act out the crazy stories that ran through my head and retell my own version of the epic films I saw my father watch on TV. For instance, I can remember on one occasion he agreed to me sitting on his knee to watch, the Land of the Pharaohs, directed by Howard Hawks. Something, I know he must have later regretted.

    Of course, there were conditions attached and number one on the list was that I had to promise to be quiet. Yes, I was an obedient kid and not a word was spoken by me until the final credits disappeared from the screen.

    Then, it was time for my leading lady, Barbie, to take to the stage. Or, centre top of the coffee table in the lounge, as it was. Barbie was taking up her biggest role yet, as Cypriot, Princess Nellifer, second wife of Pharaoh Khufu, played by Paul, Sindy's boyfriend.

     I adorned Barbie's hair with my mother's old earrings and hung bracelets around her neck. The building of Khufu's burial tomb was central to the plot of the story and as no tombs were available, a shoe-box had to suffice.

    Barbie had many costume changes and kisses from Paul. Sindy along with my other dolls, which came in all shapes sizes taking on the role of extras. Which in this film particularly, was a cast of thousands.

    My memory of the rest of my tale is vague, but I do remember I had great fun that day with my friend Barbie. Although, thinking back I do hope Paul wasn't cheating on Sindy with Barbie.


    Happy Birthday Barbie!

At Sunset

   It never ceases to amaze me as to how many great poets and writers did not receive any formal education in their early years. However, a love of reading, a hunger for words and a passion for life goes a long way.

    One such poet was Canadian writer and performer, Emily Pauline Johnson and I wanted to share one of her poems with you today. Being a woman and from a culturally diverse background, I'm sure it wasn't easy to gain recognition in the 19th century, however her words speak for themselves.

    At Sunset

Tonight the west over-brims with warmest dyes

Its chalice overflows

With pools of purple colouring the skies

Aflood with gold and rose

And some hot soul seems throbbing close to mine

As sinks the sun within that world of wine

I seem to hear a bar of music float

And swoon into the west

My ear can scarcely catch the whispered note

But something in my breast

Blends with that strain, till both accord in one

As cloud and colour at set of sun

And twilight comes with grey and restful eyes

As ashes follow flame

But O! I heard a voice from those rich skies

Call tenderly my name

It was as if some priestly fingers stole

In benedictions over my lonely soul

I know not why, but all my being longed

And leapt at that sweet call

My heart outreached its arms, all passion thronged

And beat against fate's wall

Crying in utter homesickness to be

Near to a heart that loves and leans to me

At sunset

Emily Pauline Johnson

1861-1913

 Collections of poems by Emily Pauline Johnson can be found on Amazon and throughout the web.

   

Meet Author Nico J. Genes

    The wonderful thing about social media is that it allows like-minded people to connect all over the world.
    Recently through an author friend, I had the pleasure of making friends in the virtual world with Romanian born, author of lesbian romance and blogger Nico J. Genes.
    Currently living in Slovenia, Nico has recently published her second book and has kindly agreed to a Q & A feature.


    Q&A
   

Books Contain Adult Content

•  Nico, I'd like to thank you for taking the time to let us into your creative world. Tell us a little about your journey into the world of writing. 

           Hello, Christina. First of all, I would like to thank you for the opportunity of this interview. The Internet has made so many things possible and every day our life is becoming richer with virtual friends.

          While growing up and during my studies I scribbled some short stories and poems, but kept them to myself. It was less than two years ago when I decided to take a break from my occupation and I used the time to write my first novel and start my blog. My life gained a different perspective and I am grateful that I listened to my inner voice. It has allowed me to take a path to use my creativity and tell some unique stories.

• What made you decide to write lesbian fiction? 

          I first got the idea for the plot and initially it wasn't supposed to be lesbian fiction. But, I wanted to write more than just a love story, I wanted to write a beautiful story with a message. Hence, I changed the initial idea and I must say I enjoyed that a lot. I am also happy that through my novels I can hopefully reach people's hearts and minds, especially those that still have prejudices. Love is love and shouldn't be judged no matter of gender.

• What do you consider being your main audience?

          I know for a fact that readers of lesbian/bisexual romance are my main audience. But, 'The Reverie' series was mainly written for a wider audience. Readers of romance in general, looking to read something new, something different, something that makes them think during and after finishing the novel. I am surprised to see that men enjoy my work too. Probably it is a cliche to think that romance is mainly for women.

• Is your work aimed at any particular age of reader?

          Having in mind some intimate scenes, I would prefer that my readers are over the age of 18 years old.

• How did you decide on your debut title, 'Magnetic Reverie'? 

          In order to have the best title I came up with a few ideas, then I asked my friends and family for their opinion. It was actually my brother-in-law who came up with the final suggestion and when I saw it, I knew that was it.

• You have a second book that was released in January, 'Reverie Girl'. Is this a venture into a new genre?

          My second book, 'Reverie Girl', is a sequel to my first book and offers the answers to this. So, for the time being, I stayed in the same genre. I believe it is a perfect addition to the first one from all points of view. The second book will bring the story above the fiction level. It is reality, we can't be judged for whom we love and we should always follow our heart in order to live happily.     

    Thank you Nico for letting us get to know you today. Readers I'm sure you would like to know more about Nico and her books, therefore I've included relevant links below. Please note Nico's work contains ADULT CONTENT.


Instagram:       https://www.instagram.com/nicojgenes_writer/

Twitter:          https://twitter.com/nicojgenes?lang=en

LinkedIn:       https://www.linkedin.com/today/author/nicojgenes

Blog:             nicojgenes.com

Books:           nicojgenes.com/magnetic-reverie

Book Trailers:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkO6iQGlIng
                                              
                       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0nIuYOpRm4 

                       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mskooq196W0


      

Treasure

   

    All the books I possess are treated with care and respect. No matter how old they are, or whether I'll actually ever read them again. When I damage one in any way, I feel as though I've vandalised it.

    However, I realise that not all of us feel the same way. Pages are torn out of books, corners are dog-eared and spines are broken all in the name of keeping the reader's page. Beverage cups and wine glasses are placed upon them to save the patina on occasional tables. As well as notes written in the margins, highlighting important phrases, sentences and words relevant to the reader.

    If the reader has bought the book, while it goes against my grain to do any of the above, it's theirs and theirs  to do as they please. But, if borrowed from a library I wish they would refrain from defacement and buy a book-mark, note-book, or a coaster, allowing others to enjoy their chosen read.

    Have a great week folks and please treasure the written word.



   

Here's a Thought

    Recently  when I walked into my study, I thought OMG, this place is like a garage and I don't mean I have a car parked there.

    What I am meaning is that over a period of time it seems to have become a dumping ground. A dumping ground for a collection of writing magazines, newspaper articles and old photographs. All of which I believed may come in handy at a later date.

    I'm surprised I could even get near my desk and PC. Never mind my bookcases that line two walls of the room. I have no idea why I let it get into this state. It was time to get my sleeves rolled up and get stuck in. Thankfully, with the help of my husband we rearranged the room and cleared the clutter just before I left for overseas. Therefore, I am happy to say the place is now ready to welcome me back in a few weeks time.

    Here's a thought, I wonder how long it will take me to mess the place up again?

Different Strokes Suit Different Folks

    Over the last week I have paid tribute to poet Robert Burns twice. Speaking to small audiences of around fifty people on each occasion over supper.

    I've heard actors, singers and stage performers say that their audience reacts differently each time they perform. Even at such small gatherings as I was speaking , both audiences reacted to me and my fellow speakers varyingly. I should add not in a bad way though.

    My conclusion on my speaking in public is that it is similar to writing,  different strokes suit different folks. We just have to do our best whatever we do all of the time.