2023: Spedlins Castle #spedlins #castle #Scotland #poetry #tanka #travel

I had the great fortune to stay at Spedlins Castle in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland with hubby and friends in July 2022 for a old mates University reunion. This is without a doubt, a stunning place, definitely, a location to inspire colour poetry! Actually, I think this would be a wonderful location for a writer’s retreat.

For my 1st poem, I chose the colour Green and prompt word, Earth Magic.

Green topiaries, lawns,
A garden of earth magic, 
Old friends reunite,
Curious nooks and crannies, 
Confessions and ghosts.

My next poem is inspired by an open white window, (see below,) and the ghost, ‘James ‘Dunty’ Porteous who was the miller for the Village of Milhousebridge and delivered bread to the Baronet, Sir Alexander Jardine, at Spedlins Tower. James was well known for his quarrelsome nature,’ he was purported to be trapped under the staircase trap door at Spedlins Castle! Do not fear, the ghost has apparently long since been exorcised! Nevertheless, I do sense some unusual happenings at Spedlins… That’s it charm! Watch out for bats, white stone geese and creepy goings on.

You can read more about poor Dunty here: https://ghosts.fandom.com/wiki/Spedlins_Tower

White window ajar,
Tranquil scene that time forgets, 
Cruel dungeon's trapdoor,
Abandoned man, peace broken,
Confessions and ghost stories.

And my next poem is inspired by this beautiful single yellow flower on a tree…


Spedlins fairytale,
Blushing photos, lover's art,
Single yellow bud,
Clarity, sunshine and joy,
Brushstrokes, love, lush green spaces.

Here’s a photo of the steep staircase… thank goodness for comfy shoes and that rope to hold onto. We weren’t sleeping up on the highest floor but some of our friends were!

So atmospheric!

There are bookcases everywhere! And art, memorabilia and photographs.

M J Mallon

And beautiful walks…

To join in this week’s wonderful #TankaTuesday Weekly #Poetry follow this link:

#TankaTuesday Weekly #Poetry Challenge No. 323, 6/6/2023

I hope you enjoyed Spedlins. I loved it

AUTHOR SOCIAL MEDIA DETAILS

Authors Website: https://mjmallon.com
Authors Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/M-J-Mallon/e/B074CGNK4L
Next Chapter Publishing Author Page: https://www.nextchapter.pub/authors/mj-mallon
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon https://twitter.com/Marjorie_Mallon

#ABRSC – Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook
Goodreads:: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/m-j-mallon

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mjmallonauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

Bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjm_reviews/

Sharing Options:

June 8, 2023 32

#TANKA TUESDAY #POETRY CHALLENGE NO. 209, #POET’SCHOICE – #Tanka

Congratulations to Colleen who has now moved into her new home in Michigan. I wish her much happiness, and many happy writing and reading days there.

NEWS – My poem this week is one to be included in a new poetry and photography book I am currently working on called Lockdown Innit, a light-hearted collection highlighting the absurdity of this time. I am also working on another poetry book called Do What You Love! It is a race to see which I will finish first…

So, about this Lockdown Innit, or a particular a swan who I saw during the first lockdown.

A Swan’s Confusion (Tanka)

Did you see that swan?

Beauty posing by a bin

White against the green.

Hurry up, come over, quick.

He’s guarding that green waste bin!

***

How could that happen?

A swan escapes the river

It’s lockdown innit!

Anything is possible

And nothing’s at all certain.

That’s one of the poems I am working on, first draft. Hope you enjoy!

All of my published writing under my Kyrosmagica imprint includes poetry and prose.

Media Kit: Mr. Sagittarius #poetry #prose #photography

I’d love it if you could be so kind as to share my current pinned tweet for Mr. Sagittarius – https://twitter.com/Marjorie_Mallon/status/1352617431827673094

Want to find out more about Mr. Sagittarius? Pop over to my blog to see the 5 star reviews of this poetry, prose and photography collection. #poetry #prose #photography #5star #reviews https://t.co/215XYdGxrD pic.twitter.com/tpNLWyv0cI
— M J Mallon #SCBWI #ABRSC #FSFRL (@Marjorie_Mallon) January 22, 2021

Buying Link: http://mybook.to/MrSagittarius

Here’s my media kit for the anthology and compilation about Lockdown featuring so many wonderful authors and bloggers (who I urge you to read!) This Is Lockdown has also received 5 star reviews.

Media Kit: This Is Lockdown #COVID19 #Corononavirus #Compilation #Anthology #Shortstories #FlashFiction #Poetry #Isolation #Writers

Kindle Universal link:
mybook.to/Thisislockdown
Paperback Universal link:
mybook.to/Thisislockdownpb

I hope you enjoyed a sneak peak at the new poem for Lockdown Innit.

The link to Colleen’s latest prompt so you can join in: https://wordcraftpoetry.com/2021/01/19/tanka-tuesday-poetry-challenge-no-209-poetschoice/

Keep safe and well, find a little joy however and wherever you can. x

Sharing Options:

January 23, 2021 17

Colleen’s 2020 Weekly #Tanka Tuesday #Poetry Challenge No. 166, #ThemePrompt – Finding Clarity

I’m sitting in a cafe in Cambridge watching the snow fall. A lady crosses the road with a large black umbrella, the white flecks of pure snow fall covering its surface. I am drawn to this image to write a poem.

The world faces so many challenges at the moment: climate crisis, Coronovirus, economic crises. Where are we headed? Unfortunately, the Coronovirus has led to some racist abuse due to the origin of the virus. So, this is my poetic take on the state of affairs, expressed with a Tanka…

White snow falls to black
Umbrellas hiding cold stares
Finding clarity
Sick quarantine continues
Media spreads people’s fears.

Thank you so much to Colleen for including my new release Mr. Sagittarius poetry and prose in her online poetry store on her blog: https://colleenchesebro.com/poetry-books-for-sale/

My full colour paperback is now available on Amazon.
Here is the link to Mr. Sagittarius in paperback, kindle and free in kindle unlimited:

http://mybook.to/MrSagittarius

Isn’t that good news!

Until we chat again do check out Colleen’s 5 star review of Mr. Sagittarius on her blog: https://colleenchesebro.com/2020/02/16/colleens-2020-book-reviews-mr-sagittarus-by-author-mj-mallon-marjorie_mallon/

Sharing Options:

February 28, 2020 4

Cover Reveal : Mr Sagittarius – Poetry and Prose #Tanka #Tuesday #Poet’sChoice #Coverreveal #Poetry #Prose

First of all, a big thank you to Colleen for encouraging me to write poetry with her Tanka Tuesday prompts.

Without this encouragement I doubt I would be producing a poetry/prose book.

Also, if I hadn’t joined my current employ who offer free Botanical Gardens passes I doubt I would be either!

A combination of influences and prompts: writing, poetry and photography have helped me create Mr. Sagittarius – Poetry and Prose. This collection celebrates the wonder and the magic of the natural world and the circle of life represented by the enigma of twin brothers Harold and William. Who are they really?

The book is a mix of poetry, short stories and my photography plus I hope to add a couple of images generously donated via friend and blogger: Samantha Murdoch’s son Alex Marlowe.

I’d like to extend a huge thank you to Rachael Ritchey for producing such a wonderful ebook cover so quickly. I’m thrilled with the result and look forward to working with her to produce the paperback in due course.

So here is my Tanka:

Hey, what’s happening?

My new book project that’s what!

Poetry and Prose

Mr. Sagittarius

So loves the natural world.

I will be releasing the book as soon. It is my intention to donate my royalties from the first month’s sale of the ebook to the Australian bush crisis.

So with that in mind, please let me know below if you’d like to part of my blog tour. The more the merrier!

If you could reblog and share this post widely I would be so grateful!

https://colleenchesebro.com/2020/01/07/colleens-2020-weekly-tanka-tuesday-poetry-challenge-no-159-poetschoice/

Buy Book: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

Unique Selling Point: Unique, Imaginative, ‘Charming, enchanting and richly layered this is purely delightful.’

“This delightful book will appeal to teens and young adults who love stories filled with magical crystals, dark family curses, and mysteries waiting to be solved around every corner. Each chapter leads you on a journey of discovery where Amelina earns the right to use three wizard stones to reset the balance of time and finally break the curse that holds her family hostage. A captivating tale!” – Colleen M. Chesebro (Editor)

Social Media Links

Authors Website: https://mjmallon.com
Collaborative Blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time
#ABRSC: Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

Sharing Options:

January 11, 2020 28

Colleen Chesebro’s Weekly Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge #Photoprompt #TankaTuesday #Micropoetry

This week for Colleen’s Weekly Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge there’s an awesome photo to use as inspiration, which you can see above. Image Credit: Commons: Wikipedia.ogr

Hibiscus flowers bring back memories of tropical sunshine. Nowadays, I enjoy catching a glimpse of them at the Botanical Gardens in their glasshouses, this is one I photographed a while ago…

My Tanka poem in response to this:

Hibiscus Flame

Hibiscus Flower

Fragility of your flame

Memories not lost

Recalled by rain drops falling

Caressing tender petals.

https://colleenchesebro.com/2019/12/17/colleens-2019-weekly-tanka-tuesday-poetry-challenge-no-158-photoprompt/

Wishing you a very happy holiday season.

A Merry Christmas to you all. xxx

Buy Book: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

Social Media Links

Authors Website: https://mjmallon.com
Collaborative Blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time
#ABRSC: Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

Sharing Options:

December 20, 2019 2

Colleen’s 2019 Weekly #Tanka Tuesday #Poetry Challenge No. 137 #SynonymsOnly

Word prompts: Kind and shift. For kind, I used breed and shift: transform.

The idea for this Tanka came from a passage in my WIP: The Curse of Time Book 2 Golden Healer when Esme (the mirror girl,) tells Amelina (my main protagonist,) about her experience with the shadow men.

Could it be a dream or is it real?

I am currently working through my edits after my beta reading comments with a view to publishing this in the autumn.

Here’s a short extract:

A black furrow of shadows lined his forehead. He beseeched me with his eyes, but when he saw my resolve a maniacal laugh erupted from his demented mouth. This laugh galloped from his lips in the form of a diaphanous spirit which became a pack of wild neighing horses – all black, glossy stallions. They galloped towards me. They didn’t stop, they kept on coming. Their hoofs trampled upon me pounding all of those black shadows away. They should have crushed me but I didn’t die. Instead, their hoofs stamped and stamped, breaking bones, crushing my organs and tissues until the bleeding stopped. The pain was unbelievable. I longed for death. But the horses whinnied, as if laughing. Their laughter ran through my body, fixing my broken bones, easing my pain, making me whole again. They tossed me up in the air, and I landed on top of the lead stallion’s back. He leapt into the blackness, carrying me off with him.

Black Diaphanous Horses

Such a breed they are

Like no other you will see

Transformed from shadows

Wicked horses galloping

Are they real or devil’s dream?

If you’d like to join in the challenge here’s the link:

https://colleenchesebro.com/2019/07/23/colleens-2019-weekly-tanka-tuesday-poetry-challenge-no-137-synonymsonly/

Buy Book: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

Social Media Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

Sharing Options:

July 25, 2019 15

Colleen’s 2019 Weekly #Tanka Tuesday #Poetry Challenge No. 135

This Tanka was inspired by the beautiful Golden Willow Tree in the botanical gardens in Cambridge which I visit frequently on my lunch hours from work.

I wanted to reach for one of its tempting branches but to do so would to risk falling in the water!

So charming you are

Sweet golden willow bending

Longing for water

Not I, deep depths frighten me

I long to touch you… alas…

Pleasing temptation

Your branches beckon nearer

No danger greater

I dangle closer

To make an uncomely splash

To enter Colleen’s challenge follow the link:

https://colleenchesebro.com/2019/07/09/colleens-2019-weekly-tanka-tuesday-poetry-challenge-no-135-synonymsonly/

Colleen asks us to email our poem and the following information to tankatuesdaypoetry@gmail.com the “Title of your poem,” #Form used, by “Your Name,” and the https:// address of your post where you published the post on your blog.

To read my thoughts on the beauty and wonder of these magical trees head over to the Sisters of The Fey Blog: https://sistersofthefey.com/2019/07/11/the-magic-of-trees-the-weeping-willow/

Buy Book: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

Unique Selling Point: Unique, Imaginative, ‘Charming, enchanting and richly layered this is purely delightful.’

“This delightful book will appeal to teens and young adults who love stories filled with magical crystals, dark family curses, and mysteries waiting to be solved around every corner. Each chapter leads you on a journey of discovery where Amelina earns the right to use three wizard stones to reset the balance of time and finally break the curse that holds her family hostage. A captivating tale!” – Colleen M. Chesebro (Editor)

Social Media Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

Sharing Options:

July 12, 2019 21

COLLEEN’S 2019 WEEKLY #TANKA TUESDAY #POETRY CHALLENGE NO. 128 #SYNONYMSONLY

I think cats and Buddha have a lot to teach us so I wrote this double Tanka poem for Colleen’s poetry challenge. Isn’t Lily the cat gorgeous? Just like Shadow the black cat in my book!

I had fun choosing some alternative synonyms for Colleen’s poetry challenge – for Spring I chose Develop, and for Sing – Serenade.

Life Lessons from Buddha:

Buddha Teaches us

To develop good habits

Time to meditate

Ensconced by a sacred tree

While sweet birds serenade you.

The tree I had in mind is the Bodhi Tree which is a sacred fig tree in Bodh Gaya Bihar, India.

I had fun choosing bound for spring, and extol for sing.

Life Lessons from Cats:

Bound about, stay curious,

Extol trying hard,

Do what’s right for you, RELAX….

Live, love, unconditionally.

Be determined, but have FUN,

Cats teach us to be all of these!!!

Be confident, keep on trying, do whats right for you, live in the present moment, remain curious, take time to relax, stay determined, love unconditionally.

https://www.yogiapproved.com/life-2/wise-life-lessons-cats-teach-us/

To join in Colleen’s poetry challenge follow the link: https://colleenchesebro.com/2019/03/19/colleens-2019-weekly-tanka-tuesday-poetry-challenge-no-128-synonymsonly/

Lily the cat photo courtesy of Samantha Murdoch: https://samanthamurdochblog.wordpress.com/

Buy Book: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

Social Media Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

Sharing Options:

March 22, 2019 17

COLLEEN’S 2019 WEEKLY #TANKA TUESDAY #POETRY CHALLENGE NO. 119 “MYSTERY & ATTRACT,” #SYNONYMSONLY

Here’s a short, unedited passage from the second book in the series The Curse of Time – Golden Healer which I’m currently working on. It fits in well with Colleen’s two synonyms this week – mystery and attract.

For mystery I’m using enigma and for attract I’d decided upon beguiling. Enjoy!

Too Tasty To Ignore!

A pleasing parcel,

Wrapped in black jeans, tight tee-shirt,

Enigma to solve,

Beguiling but dangerous,

Was I a fool to trust him?

How could I explain this? Had Ryder fooled me? The strange, charismatic young man who appeared to come to my rescue on the river pathway when I’d first met him. Could he be responsible for the Bloodstone’s disappearance? I doubted that he would taint his hands with such an act. Instead, I wondered whether he might have used an accomplice. His recent behaviour painted a new picture of him — one that showed his true identity — a nasty, vindictive portrait.

Had I been foolish to trust him? What kind of person was he? And what secrets lay hidden in his heart?

I pondered how I would react if he came through the front door. For a moment, I imagined him entering. He’d be dressed in his signature black tee-shirt peeled tight across his ripped chest. His buttoned jeans would scream touch me. His black hair and eyebrows would be immaculately trimmed highlighting his eyes that would make you pause and gasp in surprise. Perhaps, I’d stare at his sensual blue eye while his black eye would blaze back at me like a dark alleyway full of dangerous excitement.

His expression would alter as soon as he approached. He’d raise an eyebrow as if he registered a sudden change in the environment.

He’d say something innocuous like. ‘Have your mum and dad been decorating? It’s very bright. The sad old place looks like it has had a new lease of life. Even the mirrors look different. Like they’re missing something.’

After all that you might need a piece of cake… to wash down the sour taste of what Ryder may become… Ahh villains are so fun to write!

Here’s an extra bit of poetry just for fun. A lovely cake from Harriet’s tea rooms in Cambridge. It was almost too good to eat. It reminded me of Ryder, he is so mesmerisingly handsome that he makes your mouth water. Enjoy!

Shall I start eating?

This cheeky dessert mouthful,

Or just admire it?

Fork poised in the air trembling.

Such decisions, decisions!

Hope you enjoyed. I certainly did.

Do join in Colleen’s poetry challenge.

Here’s the link:

https://colleenchesebro.com/2019/01/15/colleens-2019-weekly-tanka-tuesday-poetry-challenge-no-119-mystery-attract-synonymsonly/

Bye for now,

Buy Book: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

I’m a contributing author in the Plaisted Publishing House Ghostly Writes Anthology 2018 with my story Ghostly Goodbye.

Available on Amazon, Apple, Nook, Kobo, Scribd, 24S, Playster, Indigo, Angus & Robertson, Mondadori Store:

Universal Buying Link

Social Media Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

Sharing Options:

January 20, 2019 18

Colleen’s Weekly #Tanka Tuesday #Poetry Challenge No. 113, Happy December! Poets Choice of Words

Lollipop yellow
Leaves fall in fragile raindrops
Winter thoughts arrive.
Sweet autumn dissolving fast
Leaving sunshine memories

To join in follow the link:

h ttps://colleenchesebro.com/2018/12/04/colleens-weekly-tanka-tuesday-poetry-challenge-no-113-happy-december-poets-choice-of-words/

Bye for now,

Buy Book: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

I’m a contributing author in the Plaisted Publishing House Ghostly Writes Anthology 2018 with my story Ghostly Goodbye.
Ghostly Goodbye by M J Mallon
Ghostly Goodbye is a paranormal love story about a young woman called Iris who can’t get over her husband’s death. She is mourning him so much that she feels dead inside. Her husband Ed sends her a ghostly message from beyond the grave via an old forgotten garment in her wardrobe. She responds by dragging herself from her tomb-like bed and he draws back the curtain of death to visit her in a most unusual way.

Available on Amazon, Apple, Nook, Kobo, Scribd, 24S, Playster, Indigo, Angus & Robertson, Mondadori Store: Universal Buying Link

Sharing Options:

December 8, 2018 17