tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45711394285336457342024-03-13T19:24:36.516-07:00BLOG CABINPhyllis Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328646780454185359noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571139428533645734.post-47637288987152720032013-04-27T12:11:00.002-07:002013-04-27T12:11:52.365-07:00THE FAERIE CARNIVAL <br />
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27<span style="font-size: x-small;">th </span> April
2013. </div>
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I drew an index finger along the condensation, creating the outline
of a heart and peered outside. The mist was rising and beyond, a hint of blue bell woods. A place of childhood
dreams, I longed to re-visit. Without awareness, my coat was fastened and I’d set foot outside in search of bounds
beyond imagination which today I felt had to be set free, whether by my own volition or perhaps, supernatural force.</div>
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In the midst of the woodland, I sat, spreading my coat on
the cool floor carpeted by the most wondrous of flowers, harbingers of Summer and
in the breeze they tinkled like bells heralding a faerie wedding. Shielding my eyes against the sun glading the
green-ness, I wondered what lay beyond the natural horizon dictated by lakes of
lilac flowers, blurred in their thousands, yet each unique as humankind. Respectfully, I traced a natural pathway towards the edge of
the woodland, where a road intersected and I wondered about the past and how it
could influence the future, in a real and meaningful way. The scent of bluebells permeated the skyline, imprinting
shapes of creatures I did not know and the myriad of purple, indigo, violet
overpowered me and I swooned, reaching out for a clump of blue bells to steady
my resolve.</div>
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I awoke to the sound
of a harpsichord or some such instrument and followed in pursuit of its mellifluent
chords. Eventually, I arrived. Beguiled by jewels encrusted in each key, ornamental
note cascaded with each ornamental note, flowing from this ghostly instrument
which appeared to be powered from energy created by itself. </div>
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“There’s no-one there,
I exclaimed. </div>
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Oddly, I was the only one to notice this and turned swiftly.
My eyes widened onto a bustling thoroughfare, and a hand grabbed mine. I looked
down at its knarled fingertips and smiled. The pixie released my grip and spanned his arms. He did not speak,
however the expression on his weathered face was clear. </div>
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”Welcome.” </div>
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I no longer felt an outsider and stepped into the hubbub.</div>
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Each moment seemed precious as the first, and I wondered about a giant
kaleidoscope being turned for my amusement.
Each step unravelled greater delight. Children crunched gleefully on candy
floss and liquid mahogany dripped from toffee apples onto their fingers. Cartwheeling towards an ice cream cart, their pointed
ears poked from candy striped bonnets and I wondered what lay beneath their
sickle shaped footwear. Inside a starched white tent, elderly matrons judged the quality of strawberry flans, there was all manner of preserves neatly arranged in rainbow hues on trestle tables. I
reached forward to taste honeycomb meringue, however a hail of confetti swept
across my toes and I swept around. The pixie returned to my side and led me over a hillock to a
maiden astride a golden-maned creature, its striated horn appeared made of a
substance resembling glass. Each step
seemed deliberate, as though I were important in some way to the entire day. I felt
each footprint impress the Earth as I walked forward.</div>
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And still the harpsichord played on – “Sound, no sound,
sound.”</div>
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Shells adorned her hair and as she leant over the
creature’s neck, I inhaled blue bell scent. The watery nature of her eyes, suggested she was mourning a
loss. She reached out and her touch was like silk stroking rock.</div>
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“A unicorn!”</div>
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No one seemed to hear
my words, exclaimed in delight, as all heads were turned towards the maiden. A
tail swished and the unicorn cantered out of the fairground, I watched until it faded from sight, my arms clutching my chest against a sudden chill. </div>
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Side stalls closed. The candy floss seller quickly dismantled
his cart and rolled it on square wheels down an embankment into
nothingness. Children were ushered
away by guardians and the light dimmed. The harpsichord continued to throw notes into the ether, which
quickly gobbled them up and transformed them into the shape of swans which
floated in the night air, and I watched an airborne river of diamonds which cast gem stones in my
direction, which I caught and returned skywards. It was a delightful game which
I played, until the notes became sparse and I woke.</div>
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I unfurled my palm, and in the darkness of blue bell woods,
I found a phial of faery dust which glowed luminescent and a hand written note. Within the safe confines of log cabin, I lit a candle and
read the childish scribbled font.</div>
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“Guard your dreams for they are your life.” </div>
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(c) Phyllis Anderson 2013.</div>
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Phyllis Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328646780454185359noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571139428533645734.post-56177754663614535632012-12-19T20:25:00.000-08:002012-12-19T20:40:53.132-08:00The hare and the fox<br />
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">20</span><sup>th</sup><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> December
2012.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Today, I saw a mountain hare. He was magnificent, dressed in his winter
finery, he surveyed his iced kingdom before bounding off in search of his snow hole.
I’d set off in darkness to ascend a Munro, which is the classification of a Scottish
mountain some three thousand feet in height. I found a welcome plateau and
partook of hot chocolate from a flask. Something pricked my attention and
peering through a fine coating of snow, I locked eyes with a mountain hare,
camouflaged against predators, we shared a moment in time that cannot be
explained by mere words. Perhaps he was communicating a warning from the past or a message from the future? Whatever his intent, the hare seemed at peace, unconcerned
by this human’s interest. Soon, a cloud of snow blanketed his slender form and
he vanished. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I continued my descent and within
a few hours, had returned to Log Cabin, my countenance cheered by an orange
sunrise on the long drive home, black striped clouds pierced by a watery cobalt
sky. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I was re-acquainted this
evening by my dear friend, Jasper and we shared a warming glass of </span><em><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal;">Glühwein.
He is a </span></em><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">self styled man of the
woods, who lives in a mountain bothy which overlooks a Scottish loch. He looked quite incongruous amongst festive revellers carrying their Christmas packages and rolls of gaudy paper,
bustling past to catch the seven forty five express. We embraced and I burrowed
into the folds of his forest green cloak inhaling pine scent, and noticed an amulet
over his left breast, it depicted an oak tree bejellewed with tiny green
stones. Employed as a tree surgeon, tending the ancient forest of Scotland, his
hands spoke of manual labour. </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Jasper lives a little way
from a holiday camp, which is a fifty acre</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">site, man made in construct with flush toilets
and sub post office, Although tourists are encouraged not to feed the wild
animals, occasionally spotted foraging around its environs – one particular
fox was befriended by a tourist who fed it meat pies. It is unknown how the
relationship developed. Jasper is led to believe that the lady invited the
fox into her cabin and was delighted by its presence that she encouraged it to
return. Regrettably, the frequent visits were reported by alarmed residents,
the fox was trapped and its life terminated by a local veterinarian.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Jasper was delighted to hear
that my novel is now at the print stage, and I promised him a preview
copy. He was excited about the prospect
of a Highland book launch, and explained that he was keen to convert his own
portfolio of animal drawings into a printed publication. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">A bowl of barley broth was a
fitting finale to the evening and prepared Jasper for the long journey home to
the north. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">It was such a clear night,
that I walked through the forest without the need of a torch, my steps punctuated
by a barn owl's shriek, its heart shaped features illuminated by the silvered
moon.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">My meditative footsteps aided a
drifting mind and I returned to my earlier encounter with the mountain hare and
wondered about the certainty of his future. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Later, I placed a log on the
grate and watched flames rise. Settling into my winged arm chair, I tucked a cashmere
shawl around my toes, smiling at Jasper’s Christmas gift of socks fashioned
from finest sheep wool. His story of the fox resonated and I wondered how far
humankind has really evolved, whereby an undomesticated animal must suffer a fatal
consequence by accepting a food offering in winter from an Earth Mother,
however misguided she might have been in the eyes of some. </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Surely, we humans evolved
from woodland and once lived there in close kinship with what are now
considered strangers who must not be trusted, otherwise they will revert to
their brutal and wild nature.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">How can
this split be healed? Isn’t it simply an example of</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">survivalism for the fox to prefer
an offering than to expend energy in hunting for food?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Pantheists believe that the
Universe (nature) is at one with God. </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Spinoza, a devotee held that the
mind, body and soul is deeply connected and no duality exists, this would imply
that the lady and the fox are one and the same and perhaps she felt a deep
calling from her well of human kindness to befriend the fox and in feeding it, she
was nurturing her soul. Were either party aware of the danger, their short
lived kinship would cause in twenty first century Scotland? Roll back the years, and I hold that the controllers
of 1600’s Scotland would have treated this alliance in no greater harmony of
spirit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I watched a candle flicker
and must have dozed off, in the warmth of the night, for I woke with a start
and felt the chill on my shoulders.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">I’d been dreaming about a traveller
walking a forest trail, it seemed an interminable journey of hardship and toil and waiting for him at the end of the path, was an arctic fox, its coat
silvered as though coated with time and wisdom. The man reached out and the fox
</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">walked towards him.The dream
faded and consciousness became my reality. </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">I guess that Merlin had also
sought warmth, for I found him snuggled into the blanket, we’d somehow shared. I
looked down at the sleeping feline form.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“Oh Merlin, humankind has so much
to learn, we have gained so much and lost even more – we must never be distracted, for it’s the children who will
inherit this land and they must learn of the old wisdom before it’s too late.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">At that moment, Merlin yawned
and gazed up at me through glacier eyes. I rose from the chair and watched him
settle into the hollow I’d made. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Phyllis Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328646780454185359noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571139428533645734.post-21841351385541935082012-12-10T06:13:00.001-08:002012-12-10T06:13:49.429-08:00The Blessings Tree, Christmas at Log Cabin.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">10<sup>th</sup> December
2012. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I decorated Log Cabin today
and lit a fire. Reclining in my battered arm chair, with Merlin purring
contentedly, I watched salamanders dancing in the flames. After a heart
warming bowl of spiced parsnip soup, I fastened my duffel coat, pushed a
crocheted hat over my uncombed hair and headed outside, intending to visit Winter Wonderland festival in a city to the North. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’d walked a little of the way, pausing to pick some pine cones when my ears became alert to the distinctive snap of a branch and I looked up, seeing a herd of deer
scatter beyond a glade of trees. I peered, though they were quickly camouflaged and swallowed up by the forest. I walked further and spotted some mistletoe, I picked some sprigs intended for a table decoration, heading with purpose to a secret grove I was sure would offer up some red berried holly. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16pt;">A flock of swans flew overhead, and I watched the regular undulation of their wings. I turned quickly, startled by a man's face imprinted on bark. W</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16pt;">hen I looked back, it had
gone. Scotch mist, perhaps? </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16pt;">However the
image pricked my attention and I wondered whether it could be Father Time
making an appearance. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Day light fading fast, I drew my scarf around my neck, discarding the idea of a city adventure, and set myself a task to research festive
mythology. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The earliest record of Father Christmas a<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">ppeared during ancient British mid-winter
festivals. He was a general pagan figure who represented the coming of spring.
He would wear a long, green hooded cloak and a wreath of holly, ivy or
mistletoe. It is the association with holly and mistletoe, and his ability to
lift people's spirits, that we retain from this ancient Father Christmas. When
Britain fell under Saxon rule in the fifth and sixth centuries AD, Father
Christmas took on the characteristics of the Saxon Father Time, also known as
King Frost or King Winter. Someone would dress up as King Winter and be
welcomed into homes, where he would sit near the fire and be given something to
eat and drink. It was thought that by
being kind to King Winter, the people would get something good in return: a
milder winter. Thus Father Christmas became associated with receiving good
things.</span></span> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 19px;">I was asked recently by a friend what my three Christmas wishes would be?</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 19px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 19px;">I replied, that I would like to see my fantasy novel, “Do dragonflies lose their colour when they die?” in print. I’d like ONE person somewhere in the world, to read my book and for it to change at least ONE person’s life. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 19px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What does this holiday Season
mean to you? I’m referring to what brings you lasting contentment, and also what you might do to
re-create that feeling.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I finished dressing a yew log
I’d carried from the forest, and prepared cards with dates which I fixed with ribbon along its branches. This is my wishing tree, and for
each day, I read and meditate over each of the blessings I’ve recorded which
includes; l</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16pt;">iving in a beautiful
environment surrounded by nature, the gifts of the forest, local rambling
trails, heart warming food, books which I possess, friends and acquaintances, laughter, the ever changing palette of seasonal colours and the
riches beyond measure - my health, an enquiring mind and spiritual abundance.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I raise a glass of mulled
wine to you, dear reader and wish you every happiness this holiday Season. Find LOVE in every step you take, venture
outside where possible and remember that whatever life seems to cast in your direction, always hold your head
high, for you will be blessed with rainbows. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Phyllis Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328646780454185359noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571139428533645734.post-22367286153340838332012-11-25T15:38:00.003-08:002012-12-03T03:26:47.686-08:00SERENDIPITY IS A VERB<br />
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Today, I wrapped up warm in my cashmere shawl, pulled on a pair of old sheepskin boots, pushed my fingers into hand knitted mittens and ventured forth from Log Cabin. Merlin, the Snow Spot Bengal purred contentedly and snuggled deep into the battered sofa I’d heaved behind the door, to block wintry draughts.</div>
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Edinburgh is the destination, Scotland’s capital city and an architectural delight for anyone who doesn’t mind a craned neck from looking up and an icy wind that feels like it could sever bone. </div>
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I arrived at eleven o’clock and was met by Ameline, at Waverley Station. </div>
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“You’ve lost weight,” I exclaimed. </div>
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Slender as a pin head, her long raven locks have been shorn into a fashionable bob, secreted under an olive green beret. A tapestry coat, long leather boots with killer heels and a handbag which appeared fashioned from recycled drinks cans – I’m sure we turned heads on Princes Street as we walked arm in arm towards our favourite tea shop and its famed log fire.</div>
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Rose tea warmed the soul, and I listened attentively as Ameline enthused about the enclave of artists she’d met on her recent trip to Capri – I flicked through her portfolio of pastels depicting the Fagliolini rocks. Later, I showed her a mock up of a book cover, for my soon to be launched fantasy novel, “Do dragonflies lose their colour when they die?”</div>
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"How awesome!” Her faux American accent, carried to the rafters. Dare I say, she’d adopted the drawl on a stop over to Boston when her plane was grounded by fog.</div>
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Today, was a serendipitous occasion for both parties, as Ameline had secured a writing post and hearing about my forthcoming book launch, she was eager to find out about the inspiration behind the book and asked me an assortment of questions. I thought dear reader, you might like to hear where my rather outlandish ideas come from.</div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">What is the (working title) of your book?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Do Dragonflies lose their colour when they die?</span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Vivid imagination can’t be contained, nor can dragonflies, it is their instinct to rise from the depths and dazzle in light. </span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">What genre does your book fall under?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Fantasy fiction/Magic Realism<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Angelina Jolie/Patrick Stewart</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Magical realms are explored by a girl who sets off on dream quests.</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Self Published.</span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">6 weeks – and many many drafts.</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Angela Carter is an influence. I have not discovered comparisons.</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Who or What inspired you to write this book?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Stream of consciousness writing, the Universe created
the Manuscript, my fingers <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">merely moved over the keyboard. Dragonflies are
impressive subjects, old as dinosaurs, exquisitely beautiful and elusive. </span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">For all lovers of Unicorns, Pumas, Faeries and dragonflies of course – anyone who is willing to disengage the rational mindset will fly through the pages of this book.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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And on that note, Ameline drained the last of the tea, grabbed a cup cake and swept from the premises. I watched her race along Princes Street with copy in hand, settled the bill and placed the brown paper parcel in my straw basket – Ameline’s gift for Merlin. </div>
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Although writing can seem a solitary business, on occasion I have the opportunity to communicate in person or online with some fascinating souls who inhabit the same territory, albeit in differing genres:-</div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Steve Christie, is a Scottish Crime Writer. You can catch up with him and order a copy of his Novel, “Good Deeds.” <a href="http://stevechristieauthor.blogspot.co.uk/">http://stevechristieauthor.blogspot.co.uk/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Sheila Applegate is an exciting US author, her soon to be launched novel “Enchanted One: The portal to Love” is apt at this current phase of the Universal life cycle. http://www.sheilaapplegate.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Hunter S Jones, who lives in Atlanta US, is an author who describes herself as </span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">“writer of erotica, fiction, rock & roll...enlightened rogue & mischief maker extraordinaire. I'm the one your mother warned you about...” http://thehunterjones.blogspot.com</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-family: Cambria, serif;">Kenneth Balfour, London based Author of The Chronicles of Draylon & The Witches of Barrow Wood has a festive publication available “Finding Christmas, Santa’s Tale” Secure your copy at:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><a href="http://findingchristmas-santastale.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/a-christmas-story-by-kenneth-balfour.html">http://findingchristmas-santastale.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/a-christmas-story-by-kenneth-balfour.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Phyllis Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328646780454185359noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571139428533645734.post-20744234579252404092012-11-20T10:33:00.004-08:002012-11-20T10:33:49.731-08:00Treasure books - the gold is in their leaves. <br />
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Writing is a solitary pursuit, however it is not without compensation. It is my niece’s birthday soon, she will be 8
years old and some would say that she has reached the point of maturity in her
magical mindset, a short tenure in which society permits her to dream and her
realm is expansive and filled with treasures of the imagination. Be a child at heart, discard numerical age and
cherish the horizon that cannot be reached, invoke angels to be your guides on
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For many days, I paced the Log Cabin pondering what to send my
niece, perhaps a copy of my soon to be launched fantasy novel? I have no care whether she finds some aspects
imponderable in her early years, because it is written in tissue layers and a
child’s heart is wise beyond age. She
will possess my gift forever if she is careful and one day when she is old
enough, it will be understood for the wisdom contained within its leaves. However,
what she will not be aware of is how my heart will swell, when she opens the lavishly illustrated cover and her eyes fill with the
richness of the prose. To cheer a child who longs to escape into a
land of faeries weaving daisy chain bridges, to be present on the same page as
Clara’s (the heroine) Unicorn protector
and to wonder about the identity of a black puma who longs to be by Clara’s
side – is a fitting reward
for this author. </div>
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A short extract should suffice for now, dear reader. Be patient and all will be revealed before the
year is at a close:--</div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">"Unblinking, she watched him raise his head to
reveal a striated horn which shimmered gold and with each movement he released
a cloud of stardust, her neck was tight with</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="background: white;">emotion and she arched her back, willing the
unicorn to see beyond its pure light into the realm of mortals. Imperiously, it
shook its mane, and scattered spangles which danced along a path encircling
Clara’s head and garlanding</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">her body. Kind eyes alighted on Clara, who did not move a single nerve
ending, her breathing was shallow and she did not care whether it was her last
breath, humble in its presence, she offered a message straight from her heart.
Thank you for believing in me".</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;"> </span></div>
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An extract from "Do dragonflies lose their colour when they die?" <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">A fantasy novel by
Phyllis Anderson (c) 2012.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Phyllis Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328646780454185359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571139428533645734.post-5131764144250971442011-12-23T01:56:00.000-08:002011-12-23T01:56:39.670-08:00ICE MELTS<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal">Today, it snowed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I crane my neck and rub condensation from the window pane. The lake has frozen overnight and a small group congregates to observe skaters. A mother and daughter pick their way across. Aged about five years or so, the child clad in woollen hat and scarf peers up and smiles, seeking her mother’s hand for guidance. Soon, an instructor and his student arrive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A teenage girl, long legged and agile captivates the crowd’s interest and they watch a routine of such complexity, punctuated with pirouettes that most would consider impossible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The instructor observes and occasionally gives direction, his student clearly appreciates that she has much to learn. Later, an elderly couple set off across the ice. They have perfect balance, with no fear of falling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps they’ve visited the lake many times and are reacquainting an old friendship. They glide to the other side where a trestle table has been laid and hot beverages are served. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z5nNTJ5BwGs/TvRMiIpQDkI/AAAAAAAAACM/kBx34_LrTwk/s1600/FROZEN+LAKE.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z5nNTJ5BwGs/TvRMiIpQDkI/AAAAAAAAACM/kBx34_LrTwk/s320/FROZEN+LAKE.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I light the fire and prepare for my visitor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ameline is returning today from Morocco. Tall and slender, her raven hair flows down her back like an inky water fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eloquent and well travelled, the walls of the cabin are bedecked with her souvenirs. I cast a glance at a Kabuki mask from Japan, glass beads from Venice and a rare book embellished in gold, its words a rich treasury – sent from a remote region of Ethiopia. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I wonder what souvenir she will bring me this time?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pondering her free spiritedness, and her pursuit of beauty in all things, I compose a poem:- </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OGLuMAZMFj4/TvRL_RtVLxI/AAAAAAAAACA/K2_xR4gAo5w/s1600/moroccan-souk-donna-frost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OGLuMAZMFj4/TvRL_RtVLxI/AAAAAAAAACA/K2_xR4gAo5w/s320/moroccan-souk-donna-frost.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Shamal wind blown in time.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Caressing maiden’s hair.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Pure beauty of the heart.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Truth beyond compare. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Scarlet robe ankle chain. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Tinkling sweet love chime.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Daisy chain, rhythmic force.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Yield to alloyed rhyme.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Footsteps cross cobble stones.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Awake to carousel dreams. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Whirling dervish casting light. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Revolving sun ray beams.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Wisdom books spirit soul.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Some mark time’s place. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Others engage eternal path. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Melting hearts leave no trace. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Returning from the kitchen with a steaming cup of hot chocolate in my favourite mug, I sip the soothing elixir and look beyond the frosted glass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The skaters have gone, except the statuesque girl and her mentor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sun scatters star bursts on ice, diamonds at play with no thought of time or tide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Observing the skaters today, it is clear that humankind can co-exist harmoniously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a deep connection between every living thing and nature is our guide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the talent we possess is not enough, effort must be expended to refine and this can be achieved by seeking teachers whose aim is to guide with no desire other than to serve. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To seek knowledge then pause for a while is a lesson in futility. The Universe does not rest from its toil. Please be aware that one day you may awake in a frozen lake of consciousness. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no time to slumber. Be hopeful that the impending storm may pass and leave you unscathed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, be not fearful or perturbed – the LOVE you possess in your heart, can melt ice and restore beauty to the soul. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</style> <![endif]--> </div><a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/108829">ICE MELTS poetry collection now available</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnJ0PGMR6eI&feature=youtu.be%20%20%20">Promotional video </a> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Phyllis Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328646780454185359noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571139428533645734.post-36799279684709882012011-11-17T04:32:00.000-08:002011-11-17T04:33:00.000-08:00AUTUMN LEAVES AN IMPRINT<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Today, I’m sitting in my favourite armchair, my face glows with warmth and my ears are soothed by a harbinger gust, old as time itself. Occasionally I reach forward to stoke the fire which releases shadows and scatters sepia tones across pine clad walls. My mind turns over like tumbling leaves, restless yet content, seeing splashes of colour in fading light. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A flock of swans fly overhead; I smile easily at their distinctive hollow wing beat. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In the past,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">I may have sprinted to the opposite window to watch their retreat over the lake. Now I am content to walk through my imagination, wondering about their ungainliness when setting down on water, before transforming into floating islands of serene beauty. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> In childhood all is possible, days are elastic, focus is all encompassing and the Universe exists in the heart of a buttercup. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Around seven years old and beginning to establish a sense of self, I was happiest exploring woodland around my home in Scotland. Each Season was distinctive, carefully pressed for all eternity in a sacred book sealed by nature. Snowdrops bravely endured winter, determined to seek the light, wrenching themselves free from the darkness which marked their struggle. Primroses clustered on embankments, together they symbolised strength in the collective. Bluebells cast an evocative perfume in May, an inquisitive child wandered amongst their apparently chaotic residence, while lofty oaks remained imperious to all who passed beneath their great boughs. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Summer time was easy living. The sweet scent of hay filled my lungs and playing hide and seek, I naively wondered why I was never found; the seekers gave up too soon and I remained waiting to be found until my Mother called me to tea. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Extracts from my poem “The Snowdrop” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Roses and Lillies <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">are long gone.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Dead-headed dreams. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sybarite’s Summer song.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Autumn leaves a void in the lives of many. While the scents of cinnamon and ginger, melting toffee, tactile qualities of woollen clothing and hearth and home are highlights for many, suffering is evident when we cling to something that can’t be experienced twice. An Autumn leaf cannot return to its greenness, its mortal quest is ended when it touches the forest floor. Adults cannot fit their life experiences and pain of loss into the brightly packaged container of childhood. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAavDDiJhF_mc8WSFDmfqPEEQHUJOL6O6NrFPG-LlzOYICgwgUrtukEQpEbp27VPu_qIXBr_R8ZuFQ7HRyvzymbolFbPCoNOuBT3Q8BH31lsW_2vCuZDUr1tadNhHvF6HxIHUDzYWIc7l/s1600/Orange+Autumn+leaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAavDDiJhF_mc8WSFDmfqPEEQHUJOL6O6NrFPG-LlzOYICgwgUrtukEQpEbp27VPu_qIXBr_R8ZuFQ7HRyvzymbolFbPCoNOuBT3Q8BH31lsW_2vCuZDUr1tadNhHvF6HxIHUDzYWIc7l/s320/Orange+Autumn+leaves.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">However, faith is found in the unseen. What exciting possibilities will rebirth bring? Once awake, there is no time to slumber. The hope that resides in the soul is that a single moment on Earth may leave a trace of our existence for others to learn on their journey. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Swans cross the sky.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Spring resurrects flight.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sun recalls the snowdrop. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Tiny essence of light.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The fire has grown cold, and I unhook my winter coat and venture outside to gather logs. There is a nip in the air and Scottish winters can be unforgiving. The menthol air refreshes me, and I look around. Three deer forage among the leaves, one raises its head and stares inquisitively at me. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtoPV6QBQd_hfK6PqcRdsvwKxHwi3CCedsa8_7WV_ai7XlwgL5RtdqxVbNVxJP351pwgnCN7kIbN0KeeS4vwqRiCrknGTWNUViZQXUDc8fH2Mcs_T8ZiiJJFzwi5rubslq_9BTHwruNmh/s1600/deer+in+Autumn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtoPV6QBQd_hfK6PqcRdsvwKxHwi3CCedsa8_7WV_ai7XlwgL5RtdqxVbNVxJP351pwgnCN7kIbN0KeeS4vwqRiCrknGTWNUViZQXUDc8fH2Mcs_T8ZiiJJFzwi5rubslq_9BTHwruNmh/s1600/deer+in+Autumn.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Phyllis Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328646780454185359noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571139428533645734.post-34754235793872354912011-11-11T10:22:00.000-08:002011-11-11T10:22:21.859-08:00MAGIC CARPETS ARE POWERED BY IMAGINATION<div class="MsoNormal"><b>Eleven Eleven</b>. It’s a unique day, and not often written in word form. It’s a new start, a time for Living Living not “of the day” but “with the day” – you are the builder of your dreams, there are no obstacles only opportunities to learn - and to laugh as often as you can. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I recently tutored a Poetry Workshop and the theme was Autumn, which is a perfect Season for Poetry as it’s a time for reflection, preparation for the onset of Winter, and of course to look forward to the festivities which are currently being mixed in a great vat, scented with cinnamon and ginger. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The object you choose for the focus of your poem i.e. a leaf has to do something and be going somewhere, otherwise it merely trickles to the forest floor and dies. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I asked students to choose a mode of transport and the choice was as follows:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Horse</div><div class="MsoNormal">Eagle</div><div class="MsoNormal">Magic Carpet </div><div class="MsoNormal">Train </div><div class="MsoNormal">Car</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bicycle </div><div class="MsoNormal">On foot </div><div class="MsoNormal">Aeroplane</div><div class="MsoNormal">Ship</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bus</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To create a rich journey, I then asked the group to incorporate each of their physical senses (visual, hearing, touch, smell, taste), mode of transport used, and somewhere you might be travelling to and from. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I choose a magic carpet. Leaving my log cabin for a while, I'm elevated above deep forest, seeking adventure in the Arabian desert, setting down under a vast canopy embellished with stars, marvelling at the magnificence of sand dunes while desert caravans pass silently into the night. Sirocco's gentle embrace wakes me alert and in a moment my senses are chilled by the sea's roar and the shrieking of breakers, I watch stallions dancing in the tide. The following are a few of my suggestions. Remember; poetry has no rules (unless you seek these), and is powered only by your imagination. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Magic carpets need no brakes.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Soaring, fearless leaping hearts. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sapphire night, studded with stars. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Jewel hued dreams of Arabian skies.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Gallant galloping horses, in life’s tide. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Surfing breakers, hurricane ride. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Quote of the day: </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Albert Einstein said this. “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand”.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Einstein">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Einstein</a></div>Phyllis Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328646780454185359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571139428533645734.post-30055132773875045772011-11-10T00:30:00.000-08:002011-11-10T00:30:41.199-08:00TEMPUS FUGIT<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Tempus Fugit is my tribute to Lawrence Oates, Explorer, he died on 16<sup>th</sup> March 1912, his body lies lost on the Ross Ice Shelf, Antarctica. <br />
</span></i> <div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Ice wing eagle. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Threadbare time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Seeking sifting sky. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Ancient observing eye. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Titus Oates was known for the manner of his death, when he walked from a tent into a snow storm, with the immortal line " I am just going outside and may be some time".<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_%28British_Army_and_Royal_Marines%29" title="Captain (British Army and Royal Marines)"> </a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Bruised feet. Clouded hope.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Doves ring change. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Loves lost. Perils path. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Flaming soaring Seraph. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Within this poem, I used eagle symbology to convey spiritual significance, comfort and protection against the elements. <br />
</div><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Hous_1-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Oates#cite_note-Hous-1"><span></span></a></sup><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_%28British_Army_and_Royal_Marines%29" title="Captain (British Army and Royal Marines)"><br />
</a><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Hous_1-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Oates#cite_note-Hous-1"><span></span></a></sup><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_%28British_Army_and_Royal_Marines%29" title="Captain (British Army and Royal Marines)"> </a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Mantel clock. Frozen time. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Watchman, why ye sleep? </div><div class="MsoNormal">Hours collapse. Death behoves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Glacier cracks and moves. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To communicate the lengthening of time, a frozen clock face contrasts with the surreal image of Dali's "Persistence of memory" melting pocket watch. John Charles Dollman's painting "A very Gallant Gentleman" perfectly encapsulates Oates self sacrifice, as he steps out of the tent into white oblivion. <i><br />
</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7FxRbb8x15V-zeN13DYqWOooPcgdED0HI6W1-3lV4TAwiJDV-Z7a01g_Jw6qaymxrtkKOFAqt-tR9VIB1i6OtjmnTuXKZWX0lUnJ5JzkmzqinbyqLypUxOf-aVXnYVHTt1qUXC0doP8o/s1600/DollmanAVeryGallantGentleman.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7FxRbb8x15V-zeN13DYqWOooPcgdED0HI6W1-3lV4TAwiJDV-Z7a01g_Jw6qaymxrtkKOFAqt-tR9VIB1i6OtjmnTuXKZWX0lUnJ5JzkmzqinbyqLypUxOf-aVXnYVHTt1qUXC0doP8o/s320/DollmanAVeryGallantGentleman.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Soaring o’er gardens fair. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Dew drops kiss honey suckle.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Queen bee hums. Summer glory.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Armour knights. Valour story. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> In this verse, as succour to his physical and mental suffering, I allude to Rupert Brooke's (1887-1915) "The Old Vicarage, Grantchester", extract as follows:- <i><br />
</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Stands the Church clock at ten to three? </i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>And is there honey still for tea?</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal">Ascent to mountain eyrie. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Soul doth seek right of way. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Blizzard clears. Celestial flight. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Guided t’wards Heaven’s shining light. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The final verse achieves completion. The eagle is reunited with Oates and together they soar across Antarctica's blank canvas, before their final ascent to a place of eternal peace. Light melts ice. </div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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</style> <![endif]--> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Oates">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Oates</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Persistence_of_Memory">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Persistence_of_Memory</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://www.poetsgraves.co.uk/brooke.htm">http://www.poetsgraves.co.uk/brooke.htm</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> <i> </i> </div><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"> </div><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Hous_1-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Oates#cite_note-Hous-1"><span></span></a></sup><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_%28British_Army_and_Royal_Marines%29" title="Captain (British Army and Royal Marines)"><br />
</a><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Hous_1-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Oates#cite_note-Hous-1"><span></span></a></sup><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_%28British_Army_and_Royal_Marines%29" title="Captain (British Army and Royal Marines)"><br />
</a><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Hous_1-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Oates#cite_note-Hous-1"><span></span></a></sup><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_%28British_Army_and_Royal_Marines%29" title="Captain (British Army and Royal Marines)"><br />
</a><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Hous_1-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Oates#cite_note-Hous-1"><span></span></a></sup><br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Oates#cite_note-Hous-1"><span></span></a><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Phyllis Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328646780454185359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571139428533645734.post-69122532407895254232011-11-09T08:53:00.000-08:002011-11-09T08:53:06.717-08:00LOG CABIN RETREATWinter is setting in thick and fast in Scotland and poets and writers have much to do - chopping texts, foraging for heart warming poetry to cheer the chilliest hearts, and feeding the imagination. Thoughts sometimes drift to a log cabin set in thick woodland. Visualise your perfect retreat, use your senses to evoke perfection and let your heart guide you through its interior. Perhaps you light a fire then relax in a old battered armchair. What do you see from the window? However you illustrate your imagination - let the subconscious take over for a while, and your concerns and cares will dissolve. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><b>Log Cabin <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There is a cabin in a wood </div><div class="MsoNormal">where artists come to rest. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Knocking sounds, alerting ears.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Stacatto call to Earth. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Said, it’s where an angel lived. </div><div class="MsoNormal">He painted ancient trees.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Tools of Heav’n shaped by hand. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Carving Memories. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Pallet, easel and glass jars. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Rainbows swirl in synch.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Canvas life on new plain </div><div class="MsoNormal">Rites indelible ink. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Key turns, lock is loosed </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Rhythmic oars, rowing boat. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Steeped among the sand. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Glinting green shimmer eye. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Coolly held in hand. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Eagle swoops o’er lake. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Petals twist. Autumn breeze. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Roots creak. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Hearts wake. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What is this source of light? </div><div class="MsoNormal">Many seekers ask.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Spirit spark; ancient forge.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Remnant of the past. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">© Phyllis Anderson 2011</div>Phyllis Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328646780454185359noreply@blogger.com3