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 )
‘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…
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…
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)!
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…
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/
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!)
Many thanks to Shonda and Jim for asking me to do my first ever Pod Cast interview – I must admit I was nervous and just hope id dint make a fool of myself!! – I hope listeners will lessen to it and find out more about my writing and poetry which I love doing. I enjoyed my time (although still nervy about doing this!) just hope it came across well enough – and may do another!…
Listen here…I’m listening to The Old Man’s Podcast | TOM’s ”Author Highlights” – JW Nelson on Podbean, check it out!
My work started with Company of Fools – an adult romcom drama about one man’s goal/target to obtain, a wife a family and a good job. Sounds simple enough? Yet for Justin Whalley it is anything but. Read his hilarious, rollercoaster ride of disaster, humour and misery as he ploughs his way through a tough year at his company trying to achieve my his sales and personal targets
My next book is written for the Young Adult range – The Pentagon Pirate Gang – the Secret of the Orchard – a book that is a thrilling mystery adventure called ; ‘A dynamic, dangerous, page turning epic’ (Authors glow) – or “with memorable characters, an engaging plotline, and unsolved mysteries that challenge the reader to think outside the box” (Literary Titan) – more 5 star reviews on Amazon
This book is available in shops (Foyles; Waterstones; Plus on line at Amazon (US/UK + 12 other countries ), World of Books, Barnes & Noble – The second in the series on its way soon…
I also have a Poetry e-book called – Poems for the Festive Season – a short 25 poem books for the holiday (Christmas Season) – one poem per day – from December 1st to 25th to get you into the holiday mood
In memory of the longest serving monarch in British history here is one way to remember our Elizabeth – “The Queen of all Hearts”
70 years later we are ready for another celebration. A date set for all the of the uk. A time to come together a one nation. This is my small take for a poetic viewpoint.
70th HEAVEN
Q uintessential
U nsurpassed
E lemental time
E lapsed
N ational appeal
E ngland is home
L ong may she reign over this;
I slands ruled from the throne
Z ooming
A cross the ether
B roadband carries her waves
E ver present from past to future
T omorrow is yet another day
H eraldry holds the spine that is set
P rominence is the byword
L et us never forget
A n announcement that must be heard
T hree score and ten years
I rrefutable in its achievement
N ow we exhibit the joy of tears
U nmatched by the personification of sentiment
M arvel in the trust; we have the belief
J ustified across the board
U nflinching is our master chief
B ending on knees she knight the lords
I n harmonious voice
L et your soul and hearts ring at seven
E ncompass family; sing and rejoice
E lizabeth holds her arms out; welcoming you all to 70th Heaven…
A young Adult book is due out soon…Pentagon Pirate Gang: The Secret of the Orchard..
The secret is still waiting to be revealed (re-launch August 9th – on Amazon and shortly after in bookshops)
In the middle of Sherwood Forest, in Nottinghamshire there is a school. The School of Fruit Teaching (S.O.F.T.). 5 young students aged 8-15 embark on a mammoth investigation at the schools summer camp. The secret and many more have been kept from everyone except the people hiding it – The headmistress Mrs Blackfruit and her deputy and right man Mr Thornby.
As the investigation unfolds the newly formed Pentagon Pirate Gang learn that a 50 year old occurrence seems to have returned once more to cast further danger upon them and the other unsuspecting summer school students, and the parents of the five students that have taken up the mantle to put themselves in a zone of danger, mystery and adventure, that is just beginning…
More information on the release of Pentagon Pirate Gang: The Secret of the Orchard will be available soon. (available in book stores and online at Amazon)
Other books by J W Nelson – E-book – Poems for the Festive Season (Amazon only – all ages) and Company of Fools – (available as an E-book and Paperback – on Amazon – adult comedy drama/romcom).
Order your copy of any of my books above and please leave an honest review if you can – thank you