Tag Archives: Beauty

Pentagon Pirate Gang; The Secret of the Orchard -Review

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The Mid-grade YA thrilling adventure series starts with action, twists, turns and ultimate danger

Eleven-year-old Aime Snave and her little brother, eight-year-old Oro, prepare for summer camp at the School of Fruit Learning. Accompanied by Aime’s best friend Gramon and Oro’s friend shy, little Violer, the foursome enters a mysterious world full of mystery and hidden magic. While at the school run by strict headmistress Mrs. Blackfruit, the children meet a new friend: inquisitive Semia, who is certain that all is not as it seems. Navigating the many teachers of the school, all of whom seem to harbor deep secrets, the five soon discover that they are part of something much larger than they ever could have imagined. History soon begins to repeat itself, with five young children caught in the middle of its deadly wake.

Pentagon Pirate Gang: Secrets of the Orchard by J.W. Nelson is an engaging read which focuses on a tightly knit group of five friends (the Pentagon) as they struggle to uncover the truth about the Hogwarts-style school and its mysterious past. The story is well-written, with substantial world-building and deep characters. There are no easy answers for brave Aime, her perceptive brother Oro, athletic Gramon, intrepid Semia, or sweet little Violer, who all find themselves in the midst of a mystery with far-reaching consequences. Instead, the Pentagon Pirates must work together to discover the truth in a world where uncertainty reigns supreme.

There is so much good to say about this book. Even minor characters and villains have depth, especially the malefic Mrs. Blackfruit and her paramour, Mr. Thornby. However, there are so many characters that it can be difficult at times to keep everyone straight. A bit slow getting started, the book truly finds its stride as the school sporting events begin, and the pace gets more intense as the plot thickens. The complex mystery ends on a serious cliffhanger, leaving the reader dying to know what will happen to the Pentagon Pirates next.

A rich world with a myriad of mysteries at our fingertips, Pentagon Pirate Gang: Secret of the Orchard is suitable for readers 12 and up who love a complex setting. The book contains minor language, and children regularly find themselves in harm’s way. A deep setting with memorable characters, an engaging plotline, and unsolved mysteries that challenge the reader to think outside the box, of the Pentagon Pirate Gang.

Thank you,

Karen Almeida

Assistant Editor

Literary Titan

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And then the Anniversary Arrives…

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We Welcomed Wedding Wishes (in JA)

You’ve the found the one

To sum up to a two

Time tick tocks tantalisingly

As the ‘last night’ beckons, before we say ‘I do’

Fanciful footwork found me here

Beckoned by beauty and grace

Time tricked thoughts of a what might be

Fuzzy freedom feelings, leaving a smile on my face

Sands surrounded serene tranquility

Holding hands high, the contract was made

Clouds carried, contours of my mind, into the blue

Seventeen sublime seasons, blossom, no hint of a fade

As another anniversary arrives, annually you see,

Awaiting an answer, to follow both of us

Some secrets stay supreme on your extraordinary journey

Brightly, boldly, but steadily, we remain seated, on our bus…

(Happy Anniversary – JWN)

Inter-planetary & Star Struck

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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 …

Planets of the Arc

 

The night sky offered the chance,

In February twenty twenty-five,

Reaching out with a quite voice

Come and see us; you will feel alive

 

You can take a peek with your naked eye,

We’re celestial, cosmic and bright,

We’re so lonely, so far without you

Yet we shine and sparkle amid the ‘dark night’

 

What rare and spectacular pleasure

To marvel at the arc of planets and stars

A unique and special occasion

To be linked into our solar system; so far

 

Away into the future distance

A site that will not fall for another 15 years

Take in that special wonder,

And quietly rejoice with a cheer

 

If you missed the opportunity

The repeat show will be on time,

I hope that we all look ‘upward’ with joy

 Where the pleasure will be yours and mine..

 

JW Nelson

Night of Feb 28, 2025

 

The Snowman (Slides In)

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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.

The Snowman Slides In…

From the top, where it’s high

He goes on the slippery slope

Deliberately weaving from side to side

I reckon this Snowman is dope

Shades sit in front of his beady eyes

Covering half his chubby face

He begins to increase his speed

In hopes of winning the race

Faster faster, you hear him shout

The crowd responds with a chilling cheer

Up and down and over humps

He begins to smile with nothing to fear

The end is now in sight

The challengers are on his back

He’s trips one of them up

Now its time to attack

Leading from the front

Across the finish line he wins!

The coolest of all dudes

Is the Snowman that slides in…

The Fireworks of your Life

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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…

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

 

 

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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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

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…