Category Archives: families

Keeping things in MIND…(how do you cope in todays frantic, often brutal & unforgiving world)

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For protection many will seek only the people or the process close to home. The ones you can trust. In effect you have to put yourself in a ‘bubble’ to keep out the ‘rays of destruction’ firing at you from all angles.

Well being is touted often and maybe in some people’s eyes far too often. Yet everyone has the propensity to ‘suffer’ from any type of instability. As it’s such a personal journey what affects one person is water if a ducks back to someone else. Still you treat each case as necessary. Maybe little little ditty reminds us all that it could be ‘me’ next or at some point in the future.

The Bubble

 

Something isn’t quite right

I cannot tell you what;

Tormenting me all day and night

Like that buzzing fly, I need to swat

 

I rack my torrid, fragile brain

Hoping to find some respite

No umbrella nearby and here comes the rain

A creeping darkness now envelopes the light

 

How do I get break free?

What help can I seek?

Is the answer; a glass of vodka martini?

Or will someone listen, as my words leak

 

Being in a bubble keeps you sane

Locked inside a delirium of fantasy and awe

The next addiction is sweet like sugar cane

A damaged mind plays tricks and is never a bore

 

As I sit here and ponder the winding route

Of where to plunder next;

Where is the map of support I can salute?

You can send that to me by text

 

I can read it, and will probably weep

My eyes, heart, filled with trepidation

Out of my skin my words begin to seep

Please defibrillate me into resuscitation

 

With a heavy, laden load I submit

Over to you to pick me up

I hope you’ll never ever quit

Lead me to once again, to drink from the ‘happy’ cup

 

 

Dreaming into Reality?

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What alternative career paths have you considered or are interested in?

Once again I I haven’t choices for this question.

  1. 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 )…
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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/
  5. Maybe one day that ‘Dream’ will become a ‘Reality’..,(happy to get any advice /help on anything to do with writing/publishing/marketing )

Black History/B.L.M. Vol 1 – October 2024 – J W NELSON

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Commemorating Rosa Parks Day | SFMTA
Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. - Wikipedia
Jesse Owens vs Adolf Hitler, Berlin 1936 Olympics | The German who helped humiliate the Fuhrer
The Story of Phillis Wheatley. By Elizabeth Warren | by Team Warren | Medium
Muhammad Ali | Biography, Bouts, Record, & Facts | Britannica
Oscar win proved Sidney Poitier was second to none
Review: Marvel's 'Black Panther' Is Politically Passionate Blockbuster Filmmaking

‘There’s no mystery to Black History‘ (that’s my little poetic saying). Parents from Jamaica. I have traced my ancestry back to the point when slavery was just abolished (around 1834).

And now nearly 200 years later in the UK my son and daughter are just learning about Black History in school. Wow. Is this ‘Titantic’ ship starting to turn? Who know, hopefully for everyone of colour, wherever we are all are, whatever status we hold, just maybe there are slivers of light appearing amidst the once long and eternally dark tunnel, that we have been treading.

As a would be poet, below is my first take on the many wonderful black inspirational people that have had endure; so people like me, don’t have to as much. More to follow throughout October (and maybe beyond) on other topics.

WHO ARE WE? (starting with the past)

We could be the person on the bus

Your name may be have been Rosa Parkes

Your life made to suffer by the colour of your skin

Yes; they have tried to keep us hidden; into the dark

We were the people without a voice

But Martin Luther made them hear

Look what they did to our dear proud brother

Because he made ‘them’ see what they all feared

We are the ones that move fast

Yes; Jesse Owens showed the dictator this

In the face of complete and utter oppression

It’s something that hasn’t quite fallen over the precipice 

We have own Marvel Man from the past

No wheelchair in sight; but his name has an X

A voice for black empowerment

And contrary to many he wasn’t always vexed

A personal mentor; the first black female poet

If you don’t know; Phillis Wheatley was her name

George Washington recognised the talent

For every poet; she should be in your ‘hall of fame’

We need to be like our once enslaved Frederick Douglass

He fought to support those via the abolition of slavery

Putting pen to paper for all to read

His life, his very own Black History

We are the ones that Marshall the Good

Overturn the wrong for the right

Winning against segregation for the learning to occur

We thank him for providing; ‘out of darkness’ we too now have light

We are among the ‘greatest’ ones that had to rumble

The man with fists and feet of flight

Yes Cassius/Muhammed Ali knew how to move

You couldn’t stop him talking either; any day or night

We are the ones that have had to ACT

Mr. Poitier the consummate pro; won an Oscar

Imagine that in an era for his accolade

Showed that black people could also raise ‘the bar’

We should be Harriet Tubman the saviour

Literally saving over 300 enslaved souls

Nursing her community to a better educated life

She was dedicated, selfless and bold

We are the forerunner’s to make things happen

From a seat of power to make the change

Shirley Chisholm started the political race

And now her stepping stones has put us on the front page

We are the entrepreneur’s with a million in the bank

Madam C J Walker knew how to make ‘hair pay’

Making jobs for over 3,000 people at that time

Means we continue to use her genius every single day 

We are everyone, everything, just like you

We have beautiful, hair, colour, skin and eyes

We are proud, clever, funny with intelligence

We are here, we are all together, let’s all keep aiming for that prize…

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Football maybe on its way home?

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A thrilling match, an even thrilling finale – the final is in the future as we patiently await the outcome. The only question that remains is; What will be the result When the Final Whistle Blows…

When The Final Whistle Blows…

 

When the final whistle blows,

How will you feel?

Has Kane and Watkins boosted our mood

Will Pickford protect our goal like a shield? 

 

When the final whistle blows,

Can Gallagher and Rice protect us?

Or will Stones and Dunk safeguard our back

Or should we ‘Jose’ and park the bus…

 

When the final whistle blows,

We can rely on the speed of Bellingham and Eze

We may see Joe Gomez move down the wing 

As we celebrate a goal with a ‘Yay’!

 

When the final whistle blows, 

The young Mainoo and Wharton will arrive;

Speed and skill intertwine 

Our ‘young bloods’ are starting to thrive

 

When the final whistle blows,

Saka and Gordon move at pace;

Let’s trouble every defensive guard

And give them something else to face 

 

When the final whistle blows,

Bowen and Foden add more to the mix;

Left or right makes no odds

A problem we hope any team can’t fix

 

When the final whistle blows 

Walker and Konsa sit tight;

Calmness plus speed suits us fine

In any match, any day or any night 

 

 

 

 

When the final whistle blows,

Sublime feet sends Guehi and Arnold out

A pass of brilliance will be delivered

The receiver latches on; and has no need to shout

 

When the final whistle blows,

We hope to be ‘tripping’ the light fantastic;

At any moment you may not be Shaw

Fingers crossed we won’t need anything too drastic 

 

When the final whistle blows,

Palmer and Toney add even more threat

A chilling celebration we hope

On a final date in the future, that is now set

 

When the final whistle blows,

Where will you all be?

It could be heaven or in some hell of a place

We’ll all have to wait and see…

 

When the final whistle blows,

58 years is a long time to ‘roam’

I just hope and pray; with a nod and a wink Gareth; please bring our football home…

Time For Valentine ….

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Oh yes it’s that time again
To declare togetherness and love
For those committed to remain
A connection as pure as a dove


Today’s love is smart, warm and clever
For two people to be intwined 
A bond to last as long as forever 
As we all celebrate every day as a ‘valentine’…

JW Nelson 
February 14, 2024

Another Christmas Bonus? (Counting down the days..)

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Here is another little bit of that Christmas sprinkle or sparkle whatever you prefer is your call – As always i wish you the very best, yes indeed to one and all.

My 12 Days of Christmas…

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The Partridge is stuck in a tree

What should we do?        

Sing a song, get down one knee?

I could swear I did see two

—-

Oops, sorry that was the Turtle Doves

Yes, there are two of those

Christmas is something everyone loves

Some Turkey and garlic of cloves?

—-

Non! Say the French.

It has to be the trois hens

Don’t agree, be left on the bench

Watch them eat; only through your lens

—-

No fear though,

The four birds outside are calling

Joined by a man, saying, ho, ho, ho

On a sleigh, in the sky, now falling

—-

You throw him five golden rings

Santa needs presents too

Bet you didn’t know he can really sing

There’s so much more he can do

—-

Work his magic on the geese

All six of them lay eggs

The golden ovals represent signs of peace

At this time; no one should ever need to beg

—-

But the water is cold

And the seven swans keep swimming

Wrap up warm, don’t be bold

And your cupboards will be brimming

—-

The eight maids will provide the milk

There’s plenty to go around

Frankincense is replaced by silk

Your footing is now solid, sound

—-

As you celebrate this time of year

And watch nine ladies dance

The ones you love for and care

Surround us and join in the prance

—-

On tiptoes so you can join in

In the circle with the ten lords leaping

Did they have a few shots of Gin?

No, its okay, its all part of the meeting

—-

Moving and swaying to the piper’s tune

The eleven pipe as best they can

Sometime, later that afternoon

They heard the beat of the drumming man

—-

Twelve to be exact

Drumming, drum, drum

Twelve days is a long time to keep up this act

So I say to you all; just go out and have some

Snow – Santa-Freezing-time for : The Christmas MEAT(ing)…

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As we begin the run in to Christmas Day and the festivities that compliment this annual occasion – here is a little something to consider for that ‘big day’…

CHRISTMAS MEAT (ing)

Stuff the Turkey

Roast the Chicken

Goose fat ‘tatoes are murky

Tasty though, they’re finger lickin’

Luscious leg of Lamb

Gorgeous side of Gammon

Sausages wrapped in ham

Oh, and don’t forget the freshly caught Salmon

Pluck the Pheasant, Goose or Duck

Tantalise taste buds with some wine based jus

Order now, or be out of luck

Supplant the potatoes with Cous Cous?

Not just meat, we all need greens

Broccoli and Brussels light up our plate

The earth will be a better place to be seen

In the global food climate debate

Add some carrots, roast parsnips too

Compliment the diet with a variety in types of sauce

A tender cut of beautiful Beef won’t make you moo

Just make sure that you’re not eating horse…

Complete your prep, with a sweet tooth in mind

Cream, pastry, chocolates are on the festive menu

Look hard enough and I’m sure you’ll find

Some of us searching for the loo!

Christmas is now around the bend

Prepare well, include plenty of seating

Seek out the tablets to put you on the mend

As you partake in your chosen Christmas MEAT (ing)!

Jamaica – WHERE MOVIE MAGIC IS WRITTEN…

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For the sake of remembrance and just returning from my mother’s homeland in Jamaica, it reminded me of Ian Fleming, his books on Jame Bond (007) and the fact he has a Hotel called Goldeneye near Ocho Rios means I couldn’t resist re-telling the first Bond movie shot mostly in Jamaica some 61 years (released October 1962).

So here is my poetic repost of that first encounter with the ‘Man with the Golden Gun, who ‘Died/lived Twice’ and faced his first real enemy in the shaped of the ham-fisted Dr No.

I wonder who will fill next fill the 007 shoes and what dangers lie in wait for them …

THE FIRST IN THE SERIES (COVERING THE BOND MOVIES) – this is my own title v- enjoy…feedback..respond..

NO WAY…

It was an EON ago when it began

Nineteen sixty-two I believe

Broccoli and Saltzman had a plan

And there he was Mr. Sean Connery

From the pen of Mr. Fleming

Films that set the spy world alight

Cinema goers followed the sparkle like lemmings

Off the cliff of entertainment, into the night

In Jamaica an inspired Fleming wrote

They filmed Dr. No there

The exotic location was worthy of note

The choice, like Bond, was a dare

Bond fought ‘the hand’ of crime

Used the tricks of the trade

Ursula shone like a coin, a dime

Beauty met beauty; in Jamaica it was made

With action, pace and the one liner

Delivered to the enemy and the viewer

Followed by the baddie with a shiner

As Bond sat in a bow tie, eating from a skewer

With a nod and a wink

Good triumphs over evil

Facing the barrel of a Walther also makes one think

About not reneging on paying your bill

The bill for SPECTRE is a high one

Only 007 can guarantee payment

Supported by Ryder their work is done 

Now it’s time to send the statement

With Dr No. dead in the pool

Bond can get his hand on;

Cuddling Honey Rider as calm and as cool

Then sail away to safety; to the Bond theme song…

Welcome to the world of the Pentagon Pirate Gang…

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Somewhere in the deep wooded Sherwood Forest lies a school – in it the young students have to compete to reveal life long secrets that are too powerful for them to learn. But learn them they do.

What happens when that time arrives and the vengeful head mistress Mrs Blackfruit and her sidekick the deputy head Mr Thornby decide to step in using their own version of punishment on the 5 students who band to together to form the Pentagon Pirate Gang.

Listen how the story unfolds here…

Audio Ad for Pentagon Pirate Gang; The Secret of the Orchard- J W Nelson

Let me know what you think, of the ad, the book (please leave a review) and the story – this is the first in the series. Book two on the way…

“There is great power in humble fruit”

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Want to learn about the Secrets of the Orchard? Start your poetic journey here…

 

 

The first book in the highly rated* Mid-grade/Young Adult, fantasy, mystery adventure is available online (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, World of Books) and in book shops (Foyles and Waterstones)where a thrilling read awaits you in ; Pentagon Pirate Gang; The Secrets of the Orchard. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pentagon-Pirate-Gang-Secret-Orchard/dp/1800942745/

 

* https://bookviralreviews.com/book-reviews/childrens-mysteries/

 

* https://literarytitan.com/2022/11/02/pentagon-pirate-gang/

 

 

Here below is a poetic insight into the story and the characters; a sneak glimpse into the fantasy world of the School of Fruit Teaching (S.O.F.T.) set in the deep wooded Sherwood Forest, where mystical mystery and skulduggery abound…

 

 

                                    The Rise of the Five (part 1)

 

 

            In the place where once Robin Hood stood alive

            A school hidden deep in the wood began to contrive

            A story rich in fruit, taste and flavour

            The odd rotten apple, can cause some very bad behaviour

 

            In the summer camp, at the Fruit of School Teaching

            The headmistress held private talks and secret meetings

            To hide the truth from the students that sought;

            To oust what was being hidden, and could not be bought

 

            For Amie, Gramon, Semia, Violer and Oro

            This school would mean more that they would ever know

            Fighting to learn the truth that will make them change

            The challenge, belief and trust, it would make them deranged

 

            With help from Mr Tumbleweed and Mrs Peaches

            They fight back against the vengeful leeches

            Of Mrs Blackfruit and her deputy Mr Thornby

            Who lock Oro up with only himself for company

 

            Yet, with their new found fruit enhanced senses

They conjure a plan to break down the defences

            To rescue Oro from the hidden dark hole

            It is a daring scheme ‘brave, cunning and bold’….

 

 

Find out what happens next – in the next poetic update from the first in the Pentagon Pirate Gang series. (Or if you cannot wait – get yourself a copy online or order in the shops and leave a review!)

 

thanks J W Nelson