What was the Secret? Who will eat from the Poisoned Apple? What happens next..read on to find out..
Hello – On July 17th, 2026 the second book in the series will be released by Austin Macauley Publishers. I have a handful of author copies sent to me, which I’m happy to send reviewers and reading groups so I can hopefully get reviews and comments prior to the official launch day. Also happy to offer 5 free signed copies to readers within any reading groups which you can offer as any ‘prize’ or ‘gift’ (Please subscribe to my page with your details and I will be in contact).
You may have noticed in the new this week, that one of those rare occasions occurred in the deep, dark night skies above us.
For about 3 or 4 days this well (Feb 25th -28th) we would have the chance to view all our ‘sister’ planets in an arc in the night sky.
My family drive few minutes from our house (we live near a new Observatory but that was fully booked!) but still managed to see at least 6 of the planets (apparently Neptune was hiding behind the moon..I may have wrong it could be Saturn!)
Anyway it was a rare unique this to see these planets all in alignment with the next viewing of this type not happening until 2040!
This trip inspired this short view response, as it does …
It’s Christmas time again and although this might be a time for the children, have never wondered how the presents manage to find their way under your tree?
Well Santa’s secret and often mischievous helpers perform the ‘magic’ of bringing Christmas alive for everyone.
This is just if their poetic stories as you prepare for Christmas again this year (2024).
“The Naughty Elves”
On a Saturday night
The expectant darkness arrives
A small army will dim their light
As among the shadows they hide
Amid the needles, among the stitches
They weave their magical ways
Creating clothes that make you itch
So you’ll scratch for days and days
They will chuckle, and they will laugh
As they plan their next scheme;
A pair of socks to pinch your calf?
And toothpaste that is actually whipped cream?
The Naughty Elves work with a wicked grin;
They busy themselves with tricks
Testing the toys they make a din
By banging the handmade drumsticks!
Helping out Santa is their aim
That’s what he would like to think
There’s only one group left to blame
The Elves that make a right stink
Santa looks at them with a long sad face
The Elves withhold their snigger
When Santa begins to laugh, they embrace
Their smiles get bigger and bigger…
So it’s off to the sleigh for a night-time view
The naughty Elves have worked really hard
Coming soon to a house near you
The handmade Elves Christmas card..
This is one of the 25 “Poems for the Festive Season” available as an E-Book on Amazon
As we had our first batch of snow in 2024 it reminded me of seeing children getting overly excited.
The sleighs came out aplenty. Warm coats and wellington boots were located . And of course gloves were to tools of creativity as Snowmen/women started to appear for the briefest of periods.
The shorter-lived but eternal joy could been seen, as the winter snow-filled fervour saturated the day, as the schools closed, leaving hosts of happy, free spirited children to once again enjoy their youthfulness!
Here’s my little take on the ‘iceman’ created by cold hands, yet leaves you with a warm heart.
It’s starts slowly, builds momentum, showers the sky with its aura, as the power fades, so do you (but we still remember the ‘sparkle’)
Having been to a firework display earlier today, it got me thinking as I watched in absolute spectacular wonder, as this unbridled free spirited fireworks joyfully peppered the black night sky, with its myriad of colours, attracting thousands of eyes, glued looking upward, transfixed at this annual spectacle.
Here’s my two pennies worth..
A quiet rumble that cannot be heard,
Begins without us knowing,
Friction generates movement all around
We watch in awe and wonder, where is this going?
A sudden expected spark
Explodes in front of your startled eyes
Unbridled power exudes forth
What we witness, shouldn’t be a surprise
Now the embryo births into life
Momentum propels growth ahead
We await the true sparkle
When we now see the ‘head’
Crying and tears hit our ears
Into the night, life crashes into the open, vibrant air
The firework makes its dramatic, memorable appearance
Staring in awe, we are consumed by care
As the pops, bangs and whistles perform
Enigmatic, joyous smiles are displayed
Illuminous greens, reds and silver shine bright
The fireworks, like all things, then begin to fade
Colours and energy shoot into time
For some, this is your journey, for now
Your aura transcends; emboldens others
That sparkle flickers; before it takes a bow
Memories of the sounds that you heard
Picture the shapes, the splendid wonder you recall
Imagine the plaintive beauty that existed
See for yourself, the magic of it all
No tricks to play here
Reality with a slice stunning, awesomeness
Cracking sounds, booms of active life abound
Enjoyment, contentment, is what we seek, I must confess
To witness a display of such freedom, liberty
Makes the eyes dance to life’s rhythmic beats
To the sounds of crackling, streaming, cheering
Knowing all too well; this is a Fireworks life; on repeat…
With so many forms of exercise that is available my personal favourite is walking my (JRT= Jack Russell Terrier) on a daily basis finishing with a few stretches on my return. A dog walk gets you out (for me twice a day ) meaning I hit my 10k steps most days . It’s fresh air – a change of scenery (helps your mental health ) especially as I work from home.
What alternative career paths have you considered or are interested in?
Once again I I haven’t choices for this question.
One of my alternative careers would have been to become a stockbroker or an actuary ..something along those lines . I’m good with numbers and I’m in sales now so this would have been one of choices if I could have gone to university. (Another goal aspired to but not reachable from my background) . Watching films like Wall Street I did wander if I could have lived that life especially in the decadent and voyeuristic Lifestyle depicted in the 1980’s and 90’s. Anyway the money would have been great, as long as you survived the 100 mile an hour weekly race to step on anyone around you (if the films are to be believed )…
2nd choice is still my dream. Becoming a full time and sustainable writer of books, poetry , thrillers and adventures. I have 3 books available covering : poetry (Poems for the Festive Season)- 25 poems one foreach day to take from December 1-25th. I https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00Q3C4BEU
I have a Young Adult fantasy, mystery adventure – Pentagon Pirate Gang: The Secret of the Orchard (available on Amazon and book shops- this is the first in the series)- https://amzn.eu/d/c4Xq0Ef
finally for Adults- Company of Fools (Amazon only ) – comedy drama about the year in the life of a salesman as he seeks 3 life goals (1 a wife 2 a good job 3 start a family )…https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08GFS1W18/
Maybe one day that ‘Dream’ will become a ‘Reality’..,(happy to get any advice /help on anything to do with writing/publishing/marketing )
Chargrilled , barbecued jerk chicken with rice and peas (with fried plantain and a fried dumpling for dipping in the jerk sauce!!) heavenly nutritious (should be vegan friendly (depending on oil used) and minus the chicken for Vegetarians)!
Simple and honest Omelette…my favourite is with ham, peppers & cheese (on the side with Jamaican hard dough bread-toasted & a side salad for balance !) enjoy…