February Newsletter

Hello everyone, hope your journey into springtime is going well. The year is zipping along, and what possessed me to tell you last month that I read a book a month. More than that now I come to log them down.

Finished dinner lady detectives, a Christmas pressie from sister Sal, and also read a great charity shop find, The Flower Girl Cockney saga by Maggie Ford. Set during 1902-5 and great atmospheric writing with pea soupers, and horses and carriages. I will definitely be looking for more from this great writer. One I’m looking out for is Rag and Bone Girl. Also downloaded on my kindle is The Girl from the Workhouse by Lynn Johnson. Set a little later on, and in the potteries region.

For uplifting reading, I’m going through Think and grow rich by Napoleon Hill. I knew I’d read this before, and then spotted it in my parents bookcase. Great for getting in the mindset for creative thinking and positive thinking as well. And today Dolly came through the letterbox, well, through the front window actually as the postie was about to go through the gate and up the alley, so I opened the window and Dream more, by Dolly Parton landed.

Apart from her brilliant song writing and singing, she’s someone to admire, and this book is all about her reading library for children. Getting children everywhere to read. And lots of funny little quotes and messages from the lady who has the best voice ever and personality to match, not to mention great in every way. So that’s on my list for this month. On my kindle is A Penny dip Meg Hutchinson’s autobiography. It’s great so far, so that’s in the February list.

On my list for the rest of this month is Sara Davies – We can all make it – autobiography of my favourite dragon, from the den. I love how she’ll say, in her warm Northern accent; ‘I haven’t a clue about this business, bur a like you! Then she does he charming smile and they know she’s with them on their pathway of dreams.

Re reading my own Murder in the Village, and loving it – well you have to blow your own trumpet don’t you? I often dip into How to make a living as a writer, by James Scott Bell. It’s like a writing bible, and always puts me in a great mood for writing.

All this reading, including crystal reiki healing, you might wonder if I’m doing any writing. Yes is the answer to that. I’m on chapter 8 of one chapter 4 of another and gathering notes for a non fiction. And, I am diary writing every day. Sometimes things in life aren’t quite how we’d like them to be. As long as we do our very best in any given situation, and tell our loved ones how much we love them every day, if we can, then things are a lot brighter. Putting all thoughts into a diary, often help so that you can really write down how you’re feeing about a situation, and don’t go saying things you might not want repeating.

I’ve also completed a complicated jig saw where they give you the picture and you have to guess what happens next!! Trouble brewing was the title where a hen do and lots of others were having a tour of a brewery. The finished item had an explosion which saw the hens in a dingy of brew, drinking through a straw, the tour guide hanging from a rail and everyone looking shocked. Don’t mind one a year of those, but great to be back reading and writing. More news next month. And my latest pocket novel will be on the shelves midway through March.

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Enjoy the moment

Hope you’re all getting time to relax and catch up with family. That’s what I like best about this time between Christmas and New Year. Reflecting on how it’s been. For me it’s felt like and endless year, and things that happened a couple of months ago, seemed like much longer than that.

Now, it’s coming to the end of 2022, I’m quite glad to be getting used to not going out to work in a 9 – 5 job, and being a full time writer. I’ve always worked for myself in one way or another, so it’s great to have more time to get all my ‘stuff’ tidied up and organised, which is turning into a job in itself, me being one who takes a bag of books to the charity shop and comes back with another few more.

Looking forward to March when my latest pocket novel will be on the shop shelves. And still getting into the habit of writing every day, whether on the keyboard, or with pen and paper, my preferred way. Somehow it feels more like it’s real if the words have gone into a written form first then to keyboard, even though it takes longer, the end result comes quicker.

Enjoy a country walk, coffee and chat with a friend, or throwing the ball for your four legged friend. Living in the moment can make us realise that small moments in time will become memories for the future. For anyone caring for loved ones, hold them tight, tell them you love them. Don’t have regrets, be positive and enjoy everything you have now. Todays moments are tomorrows reflections.

When you find an old shelf, and it changes into a guitar, rock stars are go

Looking for fairies and tropics has arrived plus a great giveaway.

There’s nowhere like Warwickshire when the bluebells appear in the woodlands. Ann and Sophie have the same thoughts on a warm sunny April afternoon. Sophie is on the hunt for fairies.

You never know when they may appear and glad to see she found them. Good to see magic in the air. Hope you’re enjoying the Easter break and doing things you enjoy.

It’s been a while since I’ve blogged, so to make up for that I’m doing a giveaway. Not one or two but three of my Redington paperbacks to give you some great sunshine reading. It’s a collection of short stories set in Norfolk, a mixture of happenings and characters to keep you entertained for a while. Obviously if you’ve read the book you wouldn’t want another one, so only for people who haven’t already got one can apply. Just pop a comment saying why you’d like one, and good luck if you have a go.

Other great news is my tropics skin-care storybook has arrived. It’s called the story book of skin care as it’s adapted to what you need. Here’s mine on the right, and a tropical day in Torquay on the left.

The complete boxed set has cleanser, toner, moisturiser, green serum for lovely skin, face mask full of natural products, see more here.

They really work well and if you want to know more about that, let me know and I can put you in touch with Ann, who will give you more information.

Enjoy the weekend, and get your name in the comments box if you’d like a free signed copy of my book.

Updating the blog…

It’s been a few months since I updated the blog – here’s me and Sophie having a swing in our local park. Always great to spend some time together, and she’s growing into a clever little girl. Making cakes and loving her reading books and spending lots of time outdoors.

Swing-time

Making cakes for nursery

 

Marble Arch at dawn, for
any Fools And Horses fans

Two handsome chaps relaxing and chatting by the seaside.

Magic moments xx

Sly doesn’t want to get his feet wet today…

The building work on our house is finished for now, and we have a jukebox in the corner of the room so we can listen to fabby music all day long, when not at work. Alan retired this year, so it’s smashing to enjoy long walks in the afternoons together.

A quiet moment before we walk a bit further.

Now today it’s snowing and the scenery looks great. Funny how everything looks different coverd in snow and so glad it’s a day when I don’t have to go out to work.

Gathering sticks for a real fire

Mom and Dad’s dog – Tess

A couple of fun pics to finish with, and enjoy the festive season spending time with loved ones – More blogging news soon, I’m off to edit the last chapter of my latest pocket novel, more news on that later.

Billy and the blue jeans will be on tour next year

With Suzy on guitar:))

 

 

Writers in Warwickshire

Kenilworth Castle

What a wonderful day, here in Warwickshire today. Blue sky, blossoms blooming and a lovely walk and chatter with my writing buddy and pal, Patsy Davies. It so happened that she and hubby Gary were passing through the leafy county and stopped off to look around Kenilworth Castle. Time flew by and the writing chatter was in full flow.

Enjoying a cuppa in the campervan with a ray of sunshine breaking through.

We had a mini break on a bench by the lake, and chatted about how we must not leave it so long before we have another catch up. We also discussed our latest romance stories and how they’re coming along.

Alan happily enjoying a quiet moment.

Kenilworth Castle

Don’t trifle with me

I’ve made one of my own. Reason being, we had some banana loaf that needed eating. It’s now the base of the trifle with some blackberry jam on. Then a layer of mandarins, red jelly and custard, with the topping you see here.

One good thing about the weather getting colder, is that we have a real fire. There’s nothing like watching real flames and warming your hands by the fire with a cup of tea and a huge bowl of trifle. The diet can wait until tomorrow.

Now I’m working on the next chapter of my latest book and loving it. Still reading through A Factory Affair as well, ready for the release of the paperback. We’ve had some good walks lately through woodlands where fallen leaves were ankle deep, only I didn’t take the phone or camera. Sometimes It’s good to enjoy the moment and forget about camera phones and all things media related.

Enjoy your week, whatever you may be doing, and to anyone doing nanowrimo, keep writing. I didn’t sign up for it, but doing lots of writing all the same.

A Touch of Snow

It was such a miniscule amount that I took a picture to prove it. And we went a walk round the block to blow away a few cobwebs.

Here’s our local postbox where I pop in all my submissions and ideas to editors. Doesn’t it look good with a snow hat on.

Here’s the next paragraphs of chapter 1 of book 2 in the Redington Series.

 

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We left off where Stanly the milkman was chatting to Janice in the grocery shop in the village about the new houses, flats and bungalows being built on the other side of the town.

 

“Not many around here think like you do; and not sure how long I’ll be able to keep going with my rounds. Mind you, saying that, a couple of young wives stopped and asked if I’d call twice a week with bread and milk, so you never know. Their hubby’s work on the roads over in Peterborough; tricky for them to get out early, especially if the babies are sleeping and them without transport. That’s what they were telling me. And with the shop being over this end of the village, makes it easier if I drop milk off.”
“That’s good news. It wouldn’t be the same without you and your deliveries. On the downside, there’s a new row of shops going up on that estate as well, so that might affect us in the long run.” Janice took a deep breath, and ran her tongue along her lip. “According to Jack, he’ll keep on doing the same as he’s always done, he doesn’t seem worried. I’ve spoken to him about expanding. I’m sure it could work.”
The door to the back of the shop banged open. The thin youth with ragged jeans and red and white sweatshirt made his way behind the counter, and picked up the delivery book. He glanced up, “Hi, Stanley, fancy taking a couple of small boxes for me. I’ve got the fruit and veg deliveries today. You know how they’d rather have you bringing them their jammy dodgers than me,” he grinned. “Sorry, did I interrupt something?”
Richie had dark brownish hair that sometimes hung lankly around his ears. On other occasions it stuck up, having a complete life of its own. His hazel eyes were enquiring and always darting from left to right, keeping an eye on every inch of the shop at the same time, Jack was teaching him to become shop manager, only everyone knew Janice held the fort more often than not.
“I was telling Stanley about Jack taking on a shop unit on the new estate. They’re not that big, and we’ve got all the stock and that new delivery van. It makes sense to me, only Jack doesn’t like changes, does he, Richie?”
“Not much. Let’s face it; took him three years to get me a van. He had me going round on that flipping great bike while I was the apprentice, with the basket on the front like an offspring of Granville.”
Janice chuckled, “Mm, I did hear you being called that once or twice. You have to admit it’s an idea though eh?”
“I’m sure you’d manage it between you. Anyway, if the young Royal is going to be attending that new nursery school in Redington, more people might want to come over here to live. We’ll have the television cameras here, Janice; better get your roots done.” Stanley put his cup down and made for the door swiftly managing to duck the pack of crumpets Janice hurled his way. He reached up and caught them in his left hand, then threw her a wink at the door and he was gone.

****************************************************************************

Wordcount is 3,127 and I’m at the end of chapter 1 and got titles for the other chapters and a basic outline worked out. It may change from this, but it’s getting the skeleton story down at the moment. I’m aiming to get another chapter done during next week. More paragraphs of chapter one posted next weekend.

Watchout for People’s Friend author interview, coming soon. Amanda Brittany will be here to tell us more about her writing. Something to look forward to so check back here soon. Have a great week…

O Christmas Tree

Now I know it’s coming closer, we’ve got our tree up.

Mr Polar bear is keeping an eye on the chocs under the tree and he brought a supply of glacier mints with him as well.

Christmas music to get you in the festive mood while you make mince pies.

What’s your favourite Christmas song? I love traditional ones like Little Donkey, and A Winter’s Tale

Speaking of a winter’s tale, I’m off to edit a story. And great news that Shirley Blair’s blog has news that we’ll be getting news from our People’s Friend entries.

Glad I didn’t have a burning desire to submit somewhere else. I am going to complete the story though as it’s something I’ve grown attached to, only yesterday I was thinking about the characters.

And just incase you wanted a sunny summer picture to compensate for the grey days, here’s one.

Me and Alan sipping champagne on our wedding day.

Bucking the Trend

Being different to the rest, like this news here.

I’ve got a new job, so I’m bucking the trend as well, in my nifty new jacket. I managed to wangle one, as someone was lending me his so that I didn’t get soaked in the rain. But he needed his back, and told me to keep it safe, as they’re like gold dust. Quite a responsibiity to keep on watching a bright orange padded jacket, then going, ‘Phew’ when it’s still where you left it. So now I have my own one.

Mine’s yellow, and I work for the Buckingham Group, so will probably be walking the Corgi’s tomorrow, or getting handy with a mop and bucket, or if Madge wants a bit of dusting done, that’s where I come in.

You’ll see me coming in the dark, and it’s warm and waterproof as well. I’m the site cleaner, and I’m the one with the lipstick and mascara. I can come and go when I like, and the chaps are friendly so all I need now is the hard hat. I’ve got the muddy boots, so I’m in vogue. You have to be don’t you?

Me and Alan went a smashing walk through the woods today. The colours of the leaves are amazing, and dropping fast now. Great to see them before they all dissapear, something new to see everyday in the countryside.

More news….

I’ve been cooking, well, fair enough, salad isn’t cooking, but those pies are corned beef, mash and suede, carrots, peas, onions, spring onions. In puff pastry. Breaded garlic mushrooms and extra veg with salad. Easy peasy Sunday dinner, and tasty as well. Following on from my last post, I’m practising ready for when Hamish and Alice turn up next week. Remember, the characters from Patsy’s new book, Firestarter. I want to make sure there’s nice things to eat, so mm, yes they are lovely. Might even go and try another one to make sure. Can’t leave things to chance.

Call back soon to see how Hamish and Alice get on, can’t wait for that myself. Have a great week:))

What’s it like where you live?

Well, it’s pretty good around here, as you see from the signpost. I went a long walk around the lanes and a couple of villages away. Glad I’d got my camera with me.

The farmers have been busy rolling up the hay as well, fields full of those mini circles everywhere, looking lovely. I met a man picking black berries, and told him those ones were scabby, he needed to go to another area to get better ones. He got into conversation, and I told him he needed to go the opposite way. Next minute he was walking along with me talking far too much for my liking.

Round here, you can set out in Warwickshire, then up the road you’re in Staffordshire, and carry on far a bit longer and you’ll be on the borders of Leicestershire. We’re well and truly in the shires…

I’m sure he was harmless, but my strides got slightly longer, and slightly longer still. Having only little legs, this was quite a task without appearing too obvious. Then I said, ‘Oh, well, must go,” and did enormous strides and escaped. As soon as I rounded the corner I ran for my life. How dare he spoil my walk and ask too many questions.

So now I stick to the pathways where there are houses and people around. You find weird people walking in the countryside. I’ve got some great animal photos, but my email site is under maintenance, so I’ll add them in a day or so. When that man passed, I was talking to the cows, so he probably thought I was an odd-ball as well.

Great author interview coming soon, check back to find out more and see the collection of animals I’ve been talking to lately.

The black and white cow came up to the gate for a chat, he didn’t have a lot to say, but he’s a good listener. The green eyed cat came in for a nap, and wasn’t too impressed when I told him it was time to go home. The horse went past as I drove round the lanes. He’s called Robby, and I said, ‘Aren’t you lovely, and he nodded’ his rider agreed as well, that he’s a handsome lad.

I can’t resist these late summer scenes, so precious.

These two brothers live next door; they use our son’s trailer as a handy resting place in the afternoons. The black canvas gets warm and they have a good vantage point as well. The black one looks in to keep an eye on what you’re up to. The other one loves to roll over for a cuddle.

Couldn’t resist taking a picture of this wonderful display, the owner wouldn’t mind, and they are a bit gorgeous aren’t they?