Thank you to Sally for all her support of #authors by sharing #reviews. So appreciate it.
Coronavirus #Bloggers #Artists #Writers #Creatives #Isolation #AprilFool’sDay
Well, it’s April Fools Day and I reckon we’re the fools and we don’t need no jester. Instead the politicians and leaders of the world seem to be making a right ass of everything. I can’t help but think that if we had acted more decisively, and more quickly to Lockdown sooner, our situation in the UK would not be as grave as it is.
Anyway, I don’t want to make this a political rant. Instead, I’d like to talk about the impact of isolation.
The human race is not meant to be cooped up, or to spend long periods of time alone. Neither are we meant to go day after day without physical contact, a hug or a kiss.
We’re meant to be out skateboarding like Homer from the Simpsons, surfing the waves, chilling on a beach, or sipping coffee in our favourite cafe with our friends and family.
Instead, we are jumping over a Gorge everyday. Let’s just hope we make it to the other side of this Coronavirus.
During times like these we definitely need some humour to lift our spirits. Tik Tok to the rescue, some Jack Black Quarantine Dance.
So, let’s spare a thought for those people who are currently in Lockdown isolation who are at the mercy of Jack Black’s quarantine dance day in and day out! Lol. Only joking. I love Jack Black.
I was chatting to my Malaysian blogger friend Tiffany yesterday about her beautiful bird paintings. These birds make her happy and grateful during this time. I casually asked her if she was with family, friends or alone during Lockdown. She said she was alone.
Please visit her blog to see her beautiful paintings of birds. As we can’t travel at the moment let us go virtually to Malaysia for a visit! http://www.bulanlifestyle.com/
Here she Day 3 of Lockdown on her YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=6&v=OTRH4-Y_SpE&feature=emb_logo
Her youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ-QuBQ_1Wwrhl2bqPTLcqA
She is doing a diary of her paintings during lockdown.
So do pop to her blog to say hello.
Some links:
Book Sales Surge as Readers Seek Escapism and Education: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-52048582/
This could be why some get symptoms more severely than others: https://myhomefarm.co.uk/coronavirus-and-viral-load
Do you have any friends, or family in Lockdown alone? Or do you know of any bloggers and writers in a similar position?
Oh, and whatever you do don’t forget to check out Jack Black’s Tick Tock Account: https://www.tiktok.com/@jackblack
Available for free on kindle unlimited and to buy in kindle and paperback: http://mybook.to/MrSagittarius
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Coronavirus – #Treats, #Mood Enhancers #Fitness
On Sunday my daughters and I were talking about ways to keep as positive as we can. I’m doing my best to keep our spirits up but it’s difficult. We are all feeling stressed and anxious, which is only natural. My youngest daughter is parted from her friends and boyfriend which is causing added stress. My eldest is coping a little better but of course she is also missing her friends too, as am I. Perhaps, it helps that she’s a bookworm and writer like myself, but, even with our beloved books and writing we’ve been showing signs of anxiety: a tight chest. We tried to alleviate our stresses by doing a mini gym session in the house with resistance bands, weight ball, yoga mat, etc. Hubby wasn’t too impressed by us leaping around the kitchen! I wish the weather had been better so we could have done our workout in the garden.
Keeping fit is vitally important for mental and physical fitness right now.
Also, there is the problem of everyone being cooped at home together, some of us working, some not. On Monday 30th (I hate Mondays!) I had to escape for a while, to get away from hubby’s grouchiness so I disappeared for a quick walk to our local country park during my lunch break. It was a brief walk but it did me so much good.
Hubby hasn’t been well (he is much better,) and the night before he hurt his already dodgy knee climbing the stairs. So, that was a stress too. I didn’t fancy the thought of taking anyone to A & E at the moment. Fortunately, it wasn’t too serious. No wonder hubby’s grouchy with all the stress of work, money worries, and fear of the family getting ill, plus us three witches leaping around his kitchen, etc.
He is a outnumbered. Shame we never had a son!
What have I been doing?
I’m continuing to work on a part fictional/part factual compilation of short stories, poetry and flash fiction about the Coronavirus. My work count for that now stands at around 6,000 words. I’ve been working from home, (usual hours) and also I’ve been cleaning the house, of course.
And… I’ve been keeping an eye out for helpful links for you all.
Here are some which you might find uplifting, or useful:
https://jennyinneverland.com/2020/03/30/things-to-treat-yourself-to-after-lockdown/
Date Ideas For Couples During Lockdown
Sir Chocolate has a YouTube Channel
https://www.boredpanda.com/free-online-lunch-doodles-sessions-for-kids-mo-willems/
https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-10-university-art-classes-free-online/
Below, I’m included some information about my poetry, prose and photography collection. It is receiving 5 star reviews! Mr. Sagittarius is an uplifting read, suitable for these difficult times.
Take care, and stay in! Unless it is necessary to go out for food, or a daily walk.
And remember
Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise ― Victor Hugo
Mr. Sagittarius is a collection of poetry, prose and photographic images inspired by the botanical gardens in Cambridge. Photography is in the genes! Both my uncle and grandfather were photographers. My grandfather A.G. Ingram was originally with the photography company Ingram, Gordon & Co in Haddington up until the mid thirties. Then he ventured on his own to form the Scottish Pictorial Press in Edinburgh supplying photos to the press. When war broke out Scottish Pictorial Press became defunct. After the war he started AG Ingram Ltd, Commercial Photographers, at 3 successive locations in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Early reviews: 5 stars from Ritu Bhathal https://butismileanyway.com/2020/02/29/february-2020-books-amreading/
And 5 star review from Colleen Chesebro: February 2020 Books #AmReading
Another 5 star review from Sally Cronin: https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2020/03/04/smorgasbord-book-reviews-poetry-and-prose-mr-sagittarius-by-m-j-mallon/
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Meet the Author: Mr. Sagittarius by M J Mallon – Meet The Authors
I’m being featured on Camilla Down’s blog MTA do pop over to read her beautifully presented post about my books, my life and me!
http://meetingtheauthors.com/2020/03/28/meet-the-author-mr-sagittarius-by-m-j-mallon/
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Coronavirus #flash #fiction #food #shopping
For Charli Mills Flash Fiction Challenge: https://carrotranch.com/2020/03/27/march-26-flash-fiction-challenge-2/
This flash fiction piece below is part of an idea for a larger piece of flash that I’m writing along with a YA romance short story. My very first romance!
This pandemic has taught me to focus on the simple pleasures in life and positives like a cheery overhead conversation heard at the till. And to remind myself that if I see someone I know, (even if that person is someone I don’t know well,) to wave, or shout hello.
Social Distancing doesn’t mean we should be unfriendly. Stay close but stay safe.
Fear makes Us Strangers
It’s a Friday night, the weekends coming! Yeah.
I dread what the queue might be like.
Each time I shop, I become more afraid. I pray I don’t see someone I know. Social distancing has become social avoidance.
I’m done quick, rush to the nearest till and am amused to see the vicar talking to the check out assistant. I’m still thinking of their cheerful conversation and the smiling vicar. The lady at the till demands that I step back further. I do, but I can never get used to this.
Stay safe everyone.
Much love,
My published books are available via my Amazon author page:
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Coronavirus – Mental Health #apps #selfcare #mentalhealth
Photo by Madison Inouye on Pexels.com
It’s a challenging time for everyone. So self care for family/flatmate/friends whatever grouping you find yourself in, is crucially important. Support each other, perhaps elect one person (or one might naturally be inclined to do so without prompting) to be the cheerful buddy to keep spirits up. If you are living alone connect to your friends, family and wider family via social networks particularly visual ones with face to face experiences such as Skype. You can still elect a buddy but a virtual one!
Top 10 apps like Skype: https://www.techlazy.com/apps-like-skype/
Limit your use of social media – keep informed but avoid too much scrutiny of sad reports which come up on your feed. Instead, focus on the positive, the humour, the real life stories of kindness and positivity you find.
For example there is this lovely Facebook group to share your children’s and your pictures of rainbows – Rainbow Trail: https://www.facebook.com/groups/681125849365623/
On A Personal Note
My hubby hasn’t been feeling too well this week and we’ve been wondering if he has the virus. It’s difficult to tell without a test. Our nerves are at breaking point, it’s been a very stressful time. Whilst keeping and eye on his illness my daughters and I have been extra careful, washing our hands, disinfecting like crazy because it is possible to have the Coronavirus mildly, or even to be asymptomatic. Hubby has been up and down but he seems on the mend, fingers crossed, so perhaps it was something else? We will still be vigilant.
I’ve recently started to work from home, as the UK like so many countries is in lock down. I’m shocked by the number of people who still continue to behave as if the virus is nothing to be feared, gathering together for barbeques, family gatherings and the like.
I know it’s nice to get together but seriously can’t you wait? We have to get to grips with this NOW before more people die, or get seriously ill.
Lecture over.
What have I been doing?
I have to say I haven’t felt like reading at all. I just don’t have the energy. But, my bookworm eldest daughter wasn’t having that! Bless her. She encouraged me to read some romance. She’s suggested My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick and Die For Me by Amy Plum. Hum… I went for the latter. Enjoying it… apart from the title!
On the plus side I’ve started writing a little – my current project/s are flash fiction about the virus plus a YA short story set in a post pandemic world. Very topical. It’s a romance which is a different genre for me. Perhaps, I needed a little romance to cheer me up! I’m really enjoying writing this, especially as I always struggle to write romance. A positive I may have cracked it!
Work wise I’ve been working Monday to Friday same hours as usual. So no change there, keeping busy until 6pm every evening.
My daughters and I have plans to exercise, so with that in mind we have ordered some gym stuff to work out at home, or in the garden. Yes, a yoga mat! I might not be perched on a cliff face but life does feel a bit like that at the moment.
I hope you find these various mental health links, apps and learning possibilities useful:
https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-how-to-stop-the-anxiety-spiralling-out-of-control-133166/
https://woebot.io/how-it-works
https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/cove/
https://www.elefriends.org.uk/
Before I go I’d like to introduce you to a new found friend of mine:
Mr. Sagittarius.
My poetry, prose and photography collection released on February 16th. Perhaps you may like to treat yourself to a copy. I’d be thrilled if you do.
Mr. Sagittarius is available in kindle, full colour paperback and free in Amazon Kindle Unlimited.
A magical story expressed via poetry and prose with photographic images.
Buying link: http://mybook.to/MrSagittarius
Keep safe. Let me know how you are coping during these scary and challenging times and do comment below if you’ve found some interesting resources too.
Much love and hugs, keep safe.
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Coronavirus Tips And Thoughts #Coronavirus #COVID19
Isn’t it totally surreal? No one could predict such a catastrophic situation and in some ways, it feels like we’re living in a terrifying novel, or a modern day war! Our immediate enemy has become a devastating virus, not a person carrying a gun. But we have two enemies – the virus and our human selfishness.
The toilet roll fiasco is unbelievable. My husband David and I have encountered old couples in the local supermarket looking for a single roll of toilet paper who are disturbed to find there is none. David didn’t have any in his trolley, so instead he gave an old guy his kitchen towels as he was crying. So shocking. It demonstrates the level of selfishness that pervades our modern society. Is this what we have become?
Perhaps this virus is natures way of teaching us a lesson?
Be less selfish and save our beautiful planet.
What can we do? In my opinion we must listen to medical advice, support each other, create online communities and stay apart for now. How sad, but how necessary. It’s strange that social media has now become even more important. It has become our friend, our link to our ‘real life friends,’ our ‘family abroad and in other cities.’ BUT it is not always trustworthy there are scammers out there praying on the vulnerable and elderly and the added threat of false news and misinformation. So be careful, only trust in legitimate sources of information such as the WHO and the NHS.
So, keep safe, wash your hands meticulously, avoid going to crowded places such as pubs, restaurants, and clubs. And God forbid you go to the gym. It’s a sweaty germ factory. Instead, take a walk in nature, or a meander in your back garden. Perhaps consider buying gym equipment at home to use, or try an online yoga class, or mindfulness.
I know what I will be doing if I have to self isolate, as long as I am well, in my spare time (as I still have to work,) I will be reading, listen to audio books, watching TV, writing and running around the garden!
Take care of yourself and your loved ones. Remember to tell them every day you love them. This is a war and we must fight. In all wars the depths of the human spirit will astound us. Let’s be kind, and unselfish in our actions. There is a lot of good in the human race, so let’s keep that coming. A huge thank you to all the nurses, doctors, care workers, educational key workers and medical staff, who put their lives at risk to save others. They are our heroes, let us praise them.
Useful and fun links:
Mental Health: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/coronavirus-mental-health-self-isolate-how-to-manage-quarantine-a9404431.html
Humour from Donna: http://yadadarcyyada.com/2020/03/17/im-still-standing-yeah-yeah-yeah/
From author Danny Kemp: https://theauthordannykemp.com/2020/03/18/an-explanation-of-coronavirus/
Discover Wildlife: https://www.discoverwildlife.com/news/charities-reserves-gardens-coronavirus/
A diary project for children stuck at home: https://kathrynevans.ink/covid-19-diary-project/
Some flowers for you. Cambridge Botanical Gardens Glasshouse
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Book Review: ‘Andorra Pett and the Oort Cloud Cafe’ by Richard Dee
Book review via Book Squirrel for Andorra Pett and the Oort Cloud Cafe’ by Richard Dee
Andorra and her best friend Cy are fabulous as the lead characters in this entertaining science fiction mystery story that takes place on a space station operating on the rings of Saturn.
Dee writes with a natural and relaxed style, infused with humour and observant insight into human behaviour and responses.
The story itself is well-crafted, immersing the reader in the station’s community and keeping them guessing with well-executed twists and clever diversions woven seamlessly into the plot.
The world building is original and complex, opening the reader’s imagination to the vast possibilities of life beyond our own world.
The cast of characters and their individual personalities, quirks and motivations remind the reader that people are the same wherever you go, which is why the premise and assumptions of the story work so well.
This is a most enjoyable read that will appeal to lovers of…
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Keep calm and…
What to do with your stockpiles of toilet paper via Jane Docherty. #coronavirus #toiletpaper #humour
In these times of incertitude and justifiable apprehension, we are all called upon to act sensibly and with solidarity. Some are doing just that, but there are others who are thinking about number one alone, and who will let nothing and no one prevent them facing the apocalypse with a clean bum.
There are many people now with several tons of toilet paper stocked in their garages and basements, under the sink, filling the attic. Many will be wondering how they can use it in the coming months and years or when their shopping habits go back to normal, whichever comes first. No need to worry about getting bored, though; toilet paper is extremely versatile. There are thousands of exciting recipes appearing on the Internet, as toilet paper replaces all the boring old staples like pasta, rice, and potatoes. Here are just a few of them.
Use the pure white…
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#BlogBattle: Castle #poetry #daughters #mothers #family
https://blogbattlers.wordpress.com/2020/03/03/blogbattle-castle/
This poem is for my daughters who have had their share of troubles. Some minor, some more major. This is for them, and for all the young women out there who have to be brave sometimes in extraordinary circumstances. We are living in difficult, frightening times with the inner cities being home to knife crimes and gangs. Coupled with this are many other hazards for young women nowadays.
Two young girls, one blonde one dark, my girls,
My daughters, grown now. I remember
trips, sunshine, parks, castles,
Ball parks, parties, giggles,
Sleepovers.
Oh, the sleepovers! Crazy friends, fights, bullies,
Shenanigans, strange confessions.
It was simpler then
How life changes.
Until hormones raging
Enter the boyfriends staying over
Not, if dad has his way. Ever. They plead.
Determined. He weakens, gives in.
I do too, not knowing
What to do.
Starts off well, until tears, heartbreak,
A hug, a kiss. Mr. Blue Eyes
is not so carefree I say, but girls
in love don’t listen.
Who would?
Don’t trust a player, I cry. Do they take
My advice? Sometimes not enough.
They ask friends, me, everyone,
Make choices.
I sigh.
Now the drama’s nearly over. I tremble.
Expecting the next crisis to come
rippling around the lake.
The waters swaying. It’s stiller now.
They’re wiser.
I’m ecstatic! They’ve escaped their troubles
They’ve put up their moats. Hurrah.
Don’t cry my beauties.
You did the right thing
The waters yelling.
Nasty slaps, stares, cheats, assorted
Vicious nasties, hooded hoodlums
And gangs don’t make a man
But kindness does, you’ll see
Find your soulmate
For your own dear castle. Rejoice
my lovelies you’ve learnt
To be brave and true.
I’m so proud
Of you.
Two girls, older now, two blondes,
Both lighter, my girls, my daughters
Such a sweet reflection
My dearest castle,
My family.
For all the mothers and daughters out there this poem is for you.
Stay safe and well.
Social Media Links
Authors Website: https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.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/
Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/m-j-mallon
M J Mallon YA Author and Poet 