Tag: Christmas

24 Seasons Syllabic Poetry Challenge #poetry#tankatuesday #the365dayspoetrychallenge

Today, I am sharing my Colleen’s Tanka Tuesday poetry with some poems I’ve written for the #the365daypoetrychallenge on Facebook. I’m writing at least a poem a day, and today I wrote several! Currently up to day 47 in the challenge. All my poems are shared to my Facebook page which I’d be delighted if you would follow my progress there: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor

For Tanka Tuesday below you will find three kigo phrases that pertain to the northern hemisphere I’ve used one kigo phrase in each of my three poem with syllable count, 10,7,6.

• #1: “buying a new calender” (7 syllables)

• #2: “winter desolation” (6 syllables)

• #3: “trimming the Christmas tree” (6 syllables)

#1 Buying A New Calender


another new year approaching so fast
buying a new calendar
for you to fill with fun.

The winter desolation poem below is inspired by my daughter who lives in Manchester. She mentioned how rainy and gusty it has been with one lady nearly being blown onto oncoming traffic by the wind. She was telling me about it on the phone as she made her way home for a hot chocolate to get away from the wind and rain!

#2 Winter Desolation

this storm brings terrible gusts and such rain
a hot chocolate combats
winter desolation

The Seville photos were taken by me recently on our trip to see the Christmas lights!

#3 Trimming The Christmas Tree

imagine the brilliant task ahead

in Seville reaching that cross

trimming the Christmas tree

OR:

eating the chocolate santa real quick
foil wrapped baubles are all gone
trimming the christmas tree

Day 47 Haiku Inspired Forms #365daypoetrychallenge

Seasonal image 5 lines 7 words Ronkowitz

like nature try to preserve your energy
winter scenes are beautiful but bitter cold
look how thin the berry twigs are
brightest red holding promises dangling so merrily.
bringing much needed winter cheer to you.

Miku 3 line with syllable count, 2 3 2

pinecone
cinnamon
delight!

Photo taken in Seville, Spain.

Abbreviated haiku 3 5 3

Seville lights
bright cascading threads
shining stars

Or 7,2

Seville lights bringing such cheer
tonight!

Photo taken in Seville, Spain.

Ukiah 3 line, 19 syllable,  757 rhyme scheme aaa

such a pretty sight greets me
a star, bell and tree
i pause breathe in, smile and be

4 line haiku 17 syllables or less with 2 line phrases that jukstapose each other

look
snowy penguin 
wearing yellow sunglasses
on a balcony!

Image above taken by me in Tavira, Portugal.

6 line haiku bob-bon with 2 phrases the first 3 lines leading into the next three lines.

tranquil boat
still on the river
just lazing

a reflection
that topples me over
playfully

Or:

tranquil boat
still on the water
just lazing

i reflect
move on with dancing steps
jogging away

Monoku 17 syllables written in one line with 2 stops

The bird sits head bowed awaiting arrival of spring dreams of blue skies

©️2023 M J Mallon poetry and photos of Seville, Tavira Portugal.

24 Seasons Syllabic Poetry Challenge, No. 12, 12/12/23, Part II: Heavy Snow (December 7 – 20) Taisetsu 大雪24

Book Review: Things on A Tree @dlfinnauthor #middlegrade #Christmas #story #kids

Synopsis

What a way to spend Christmas Eve! Thirteen-year-old Aimee is sick and missing her dad, who died in a car accident last year. While the rest of her family are outside playing in the snow, she is alone by their Christmas tree. Aimee sighs as the tears begin to fall. She wishes she still believed in Santa Claus. Then she could ask him to change the last year. Yeah, right, she thought. She turns away from the tree, and falls asleep. Later that night, Aimee awakens to a strange noise. Clink! Clink! Clink! Her fever must be higher than she thought, because she can’t believe what she is seeing running down her purple blanket! But everything that was happening to her was very real, including the fact someone wanted her dead. Aimee was thrust into a world of magic, wonder and greed. Her journey takes her from her snowy rooftop, to the streets of New York and the North Pole with the promise to return her father to her family. Was her wish coming true or was there more to this. Who could she trust when things aren’t always what they seem?

2016 Readers’ Favorite Book Award Finalist!

My review:

Things on a Tree by D.L. Finn

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is a lovely and unusual story about saving Christmas and believing in yourself from D L Finn. The main protagonist young Aimee is sick on Christmas eve with a temperature of a 102. She misses her dad who has passed away. She begins to think she is seeing, or hearing things due to her fever.  All sorts of extraordinary happenings occur, like ornaments coming to life and animals becoming humans. Santa, magic dust, the kittens, danger, becoming the caretaker of the forest, a dubious elf, humour, grandma, her uncle, etc, are all intriguing elements/characters.

Who is who? And who are the bad guy/s, trying to control the North pole, divesting it of magic? Is Santa a good guy? And can there be a happy ending?

And what can Aimee’s special part be in all of this?

The tale has the added bonus of great illustrations.  It is a lively and fun story to whet your appetite for the forthcoming Christmas season!

I really enjoyed this imaginative family Christmas story for middle grade kids and I’m sure adults will enjoy it too!

Read on kindle unlimited

View all my reviews

Author Bio

D.L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to the Sierra foothills in Nevada City, CA. She immersed herself in reading all types of books, but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, being surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations vary from children’s books, young adult fantasy, and adult paranormal romance to an autobiography with poetry. She continues on her adventures with an open invitation for her readers to join her. https://dlfinnauthor.com/

D.L. Finn’s Books (Children and Adults)

Follow my reviews on https://www.instagram.com/mjm_reviews/

This Is Lockdown: Paperback Cover Teaser and Christmas Sale !!!

I’m particularly pleased to announce that I will be having a cover reveal for This Is Lockdown soon in paperback format.

It is a shorter version (without the diaries,) with black and white photography to include Covid19 Flash Fiction, contributions from the ‘isolation writers,’ poets and creatives.

Book Description – This Is Lockdown – Paperback verison

An anthology and compilation of short stories, flash fiction, contributions from the ‘isolation writers,’ plus poetry written during the time of lockdown in the UK.

This anthology and compilation is for everyone, wherever you live in the world. We are all experiencing the impact of COVID19 and lockdown. As writers, bloggers and creatives we express our thoughts and opinions in writing: in heartfelt poetry, pieces on isolation and the impact of COVID19 and the ‘new normal.’ There are twenty eight talented contributors, including the creative NHS Mask Making Fundraising Team of Jane Horwood and Melissa Santiago Val. The contributors come from as far afield as Australia, Canada, USA and Zimbabwe, or closer to my current home in England – in Ireland, Scotland and Italy.

It is as Willow Willers, a contributor said, ‘A piece of living history.’

This extraordinary and unexpected time period will be shared with future generations one day.

Compiling and editing this anthology has given me a purpose over the period of Lockdown and for that I am grateful. The book showcases several authors and their thoughts on what it is like to experience ‘isolation’ as a writer. In the final part of the book I include my latest short story idea: a YA romance and various short pieces of poetry, and flash fiction inspired by the pandemic.

The wonderful contributing authors and creatives are many in number!

Richard Dee, (Sci Fi , Steampunk, Amateur Detective author,) Catherine Fearns, (Amazon Bestselling Author of Police Procedural/Mysteries and Music Journalist,) Lynn Fraser, (Author,) Jackie Carreira, (Writer, musician, designer and aspiring philosopher,) Willow Willers, (Poet and writer,) Sharon Marchisello, (Murder Mystery, Financial non-fiction,) Fi Phillips , (Author, Copy Writer) Jeannie Wycherley, (dark stories, suspense, horror,) Chantelle Atkins, (urban fiction, teen/YA,) Tracie Barton-Barrett, (Speaker/author,) Peter Taylor- Gooby, (Crime, Love Stories, Political Fiction,) Ritu Bhathal, (Chick Lit romance, poet,) Alice May , (Author, Artist and Speaker,) Miriam Owen, (Blogger and Doctoral Researcher,) Drew Neary and Ceri Williams (Ghost Horror, Supernatural,) Katherine Mezzacappa, (author name: Katie Hutton,) (Historical Fiction/Romance,) Sally Cronin, (huge supporter of indie community/blogger/author) Debby Gies (D G Kaye), (Memoirist/NonFiction,) Adele Marie Park, (Fantasy, horror, urban fantasy,) Marian Wood, (blogger, poet and writer.) Samantha Murdoch, (Writer, Blogger,) Beaton Mabaso (Blogger, African Storyteller,) Frank Prem  (Poet, Author,) Anne Goodwin (Author, Book Blogger) Sherri Matthews (Writer, Photographer, Blogger,) andJane Horwood and Melissa Santiago-Val – Community Masks 4 NHS

Thank you so much to each one of them for being a part of this project.

Please do visit their websites and buy their books to discover the huge variety of writing and creative talent amongst them ranging from talented short story and poetry writers to horror, fantasy, supernatural thriller, romance and memoir writing. And more!!! Plus the wonderful fundraising Community Masks 4 NHS initiative from Jane Horwood and Melissa Santiago-Val which has become Sew Positive.

There truly is something for everyone amongst this international group of writers and creatives who are based in the UK, Ireland, Canada, Italy, America and Zimbabwe.

This is a tough time for writers as it is for everyone. The arts and creative industry is under threat as are businesses worldwide.

PLEASE NOTE – The paperback does not include my personal COVID diaries originally published on the kindle. These are available to read on the kindle version of This Is Lockdown.

The kindle version of This Is Lockdown will be on a Christmas countdown deal from 13th December. So, grab your copy quickly to get the best bargain. It will be sold at a reduced price until 20th December when it will revert to its usual selling price.

The kindle of This Is Lockdown has received excellent reviews as has my poetry, prose and photography collection Mr. Sagittarius.


This Is Lockdown Kindle Purchase links – Amazon.co.uk – offer in progress:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/This-Lockdown-COVID19-Diaries-Fiction-ebook/dp/B08CD1MCFB/


Mr. Sagittarius Kindle purchase link – Amazon UK:


Mr. Sagittarius Kindle purchase link- Amazon.com – offer available from 8.AM PST:

https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Sagittarius-Poetry-Prose-Mallon-ebook/dp/B084DQV3HW/


Also there is a Paperback Deal on offer for Mr. Sagittarius, the price dropped to £6.99 from £9.00 until 20th December !!!



https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mr-Sagittarius-Poetry-Prose-Mallon/dp/1999822447/

#BookReview: As Good As Gold: A dog’s life in poems

th

As Good as Gold: A dog’s life in poems

Patricia Furstenberg

Goodreads Synopsis: 

As engaging as a tail wag.
Celebrating the simple things in life as seen through the eyes of our old time favorite furry friends, “As Good as Gold” is a volume of poetry revealing the talent and humor we always knew our dogs possessed.
Dogs are full of questions, yet they are famed sellers of innocence especially when it comes to explaining their mishaps and often foolish effervescence through such pondering as “Why IS a Cat Not Like a Dog”, “As Brown as Chocolate”, “Silver Stars and Puppy Tail” or, best yet, “Dog or Book?”
A book with an enormous heart for readers of all ages, it includes 35 poems and haiku accompanied by expressive portraits of our canine friends. The poems are grouped in: Questions, Colors, Musings and Haiku.

* Ideal to boost you up by reading one poem at a time,
* Great conversational piece to have around on a rainy day,
* Fantastic tool to discuss colors in nature and everyday questions with your little ones,
* A gentle way to introduce children to animals’ feelings,
* Amazing picture to cheer you up.
* An ideal gift for any dog lovers!

My review

A very sweet book of poems and haiku about dogs, nature and dog’s human! It made me smile a lot. I really enjoyed the poem at the end about cats too (cats are my preferred animal but I love dogs too.) This would particularly appeal to readers who enjoy poems about animals, snowmen, Christmas, and life through the eyes of some very cute dogs. I loved the lovely photos of our furry friends in the book too.

It’s a feel good collection of doggy poetry which would be an ideal gift for Christmas.

I received a copy from the author in exchange for a fair review.  All opinions are my own and unbiased.

Recommended, particularly for doggy and poetry enthusiasts!

My rating: 4 very woof woof stars.

Goodreads Author Profile:

Patricia Furstenberg is the author of Amazon Bestseller Joyful Trouble. She writes children stories about real and imaginary dogs and about animals in general. Patricia believes each creature has a story and a voice, if only we stop to listen.
Patricia came to writing though reading, her passion for books being something she inherited from her parents. “When I write, I write,” she usually says.
When she’s not writing she likes to read, listen to music, dance and bake.
One of the characters portrayed in her children stories is Pete, the yellow toy elephant. Not many know, but Pete exists and lives in Pat’s home.
This Romanian born writer is living happily with her husband, children and dogs in sunny South Africa.

Patricia Furstenberg Author Page and Blog: http://alluringcreations.co.za/wp/

 

Have you read As Good As Gold? Let me know in the comments.

85978B3EEB2A2F45468E6707CEAFE70D

bitmoji-20181202084236

 

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/

Tumblr: http://mjmallonauthor.tumblr.com/

 

#SundayBlogShare A Christmas Thought – Hoping for Ordinary Kindness and Love This Year

 

Untitled design

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and all the best for a Happy New year.

I’d like to spare a thought this Christmas for all those who are lonely, or devastated by terrible news. Not everyone is surrounded by family and friends at Christmas. Perhaps someone you know will be at home eating baked beans alone. I know someone who is. His partner works shifts as a hospice carer, she will be working Christmas day, so he will be alone. Fortunately, they are having their celebration the day after on Boxing Day with a big family get together.

My heart goes out to my daughter’s friend this Christmas. Her mum is terminally ill with cancer and will not live much longer. I feel for her and her brother who are overwhelmed with much responsibility and sadness at such a young age. To add to their plight their parents are separated and they are young adults living alone.

Reflecting upon these overwhelming emotions are perhaps one of the reasons why I became a writer – to express those emotions that are not always easy to understand or to live with. Life can be cruel, but it can also be wonderful.  So, I am going to spare a kind thought for her family this Christmas, and hope she finds the strength to deal with the ordeal that will surely follow. From what my daughter has told me she is a resourceful, admirable young woman, and I am sure her mother would be so proud of all she is doing.

2017 hasn’t been the best of years, has it?

There has been much senseless violence, sadness and loss of life, but I discovered a wonderful tweet from one of my writing hero’s: Stephen King which lifted my spirits …

Let’s hope that 2018 is a better year and that ordinary kindness and love will prevail.

Do enjoy the festivities, smile a lot, drink and be merry for life is short, but make it sweet.

I will be taking a bit of blogging break for a few days but I’ll be back in the New Year.

Much love, xxxx

 

bitmoji555953912

http___signatures.mylivesignature.com_54494_373_07053E7D9657CC81851243011100E58F

Happy Christmas!!!!

marje-kyrosmagica-xx

I’m signing off for a blogging break until the New Year, so this is just a quick post to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a fantastic New Year.

If you’d like to see my light-hearted, very silly contribution to Solveig Werner’s Advent Calender this Christmas Eve – here’s the link to my story:

Solveig Werner’s Advent Calendar – Christmas Eve – Serena’s Bubble Monster

Much love,  and snowman kisses!!!!

 

Marje @ Kyrosmagica xx

Kyrosmagica Christmas Ice Skating Party

.to-my-followers

 Please consider yourself cordially invited to the KYROSMAGICA Christmas Ice Skating Virtual Bloggers Link Up Party on Sunday 18th December…

I would be delighted if you could join me by putting this date in your diary.

KYROSMAGICA is nearly at the spectacular milestone of 1,000 followers – see if you can get me up to that magic number with three exciting zeros.

If you do I will be very, very chuffed !!!! Either way, come and enjoy yourselves. After all it’s not all about the number of followers, it’s really and truly about the friendships you make via blogging. I count myself very lucky in that respect – there are so many lovely bloggers who I now count as friends.

There will be lots of fun, a dash of sparkling magic and a large dollop of fantasy to be had. Prepare to party on the ice, and bring all your links, Christmas cheer, and any news you would like to share for this Bloggers Link Up Party.

R.S.V.P:

Marje @ Kyrosmagica

–  Transport via Rudolf’s golden, shimmering sleigh from The Grand Arcade, Cambridge…. to …

Venue: Magical Winter Wonderland Cambridge, UK….  🎄 🎅 ☃ ❄⛸ 🎈 🎉

 

 

 

To Add Snow to Your Blog…. and other Christmas Cheer

Time for some Snow – It’s December 1st!!

I’ve been wondering how to add falling snow, and I found the perfect answer. It is very simple just:

  • Go to Settings → General.
  • Then to your dashboard.
  • Select the box next to “Show falling snow on this blog.”
  • Apparently if you’ve done this last year it will automatically remember and do it again. How cool is that? If you want to stop it and be all humbug you can make it stop on your personal settings page.

Find out more by clicking the link at the end of this  post-  including lots of other Christmas ideas to adorn your blog… : WordPress Holiday Snow Transformation

 

file-6

 

85978B3EEB2A2F45468E6707CEAFE70D

Ronovan Writes Haiku Challenge: Prompt Words – Gold and Sing

untitled

For the 1st of December I thought it would be a lovely idea to join in with Ronovan Writes Weekly Haiku Poetry Prompt Challenge.

The prompt words this week are gold and sing : Ronovan Writes Haiku Challenge, Gold and Sing

To understand a little of what the following haiku is about I urge you to read a piece of writing that I enjoyed doing some time ago, when my bubble bath took on a bit of an extraordinary form that grew and grew into a swirling mass of monster imagination….

untitled

Serena’s Bubble Monster

My theme for the following haiku….. is to continue this preposterous fun.

Thereafter, I will be writing a piece of flash fiction about the Bubbly Snowman for Solveig Werner’s Advent Calendar on the 24th of December so keep a look out for that on  Solveig Werner blog.  I’m hoping that the snowman might just melt your heart…

As well as this I am joining in with Ronovan’s suggestion to add photos to this post. This is in conjunction with the 52 day Photo Challenge – Extra – The Aran Artisan Photo Challenge– I’ve been baking my Christmas cake – which I’ll be adding extra sherry to!!! and lots of nuts, fruit, glace cherries,….. yum! The recipe is via  Natalie at There She Goes. Thanks Natalie for the awesome recipe, it looks like it’s turned out well…

The mix …

untitled

The cake… turned out heavenly, in fact I could still smell the wonderful Christmassy aroma well into the evening.

untitled.png

So on to those 1st of December promised haiku Snowman kisses…

Bubbly Snowman Kisses

The Bubble Monster,

Appears in all disguises,

Often he may sing.

 

A hearty Snowman song.

On Snowy Christmas days,

He greets you.

 

Singing golden verse,

He’s always chillingly sweet,

Jewelled admirer. 

 

This Christmas  Cracker,

Bubbly terror of the tub,

So hot, he’s soon gone.

Grab him while you can…

Watch out for his sweet kisses,

They might leave a mark. 

 

Like all cool, chic guys,

He’s bound to rush away fast,

Swirling down the plug.

 

Before he is caught.

By much loved, bearded, guess who?

Prize bubble catcher.

 

Santa’s no nonsense,

He’ll get the reindeer on him,

Send him on his way.

 

***************

 

Trying not to cry,

Teardrops from frosty Lapland,

I sigh, once, twice, thrice.

 

Farewell, Adieu,

Poor Snowman – you melt my heart,

Santa’s cute rival.

 

© Marjorie Mallon 2016 – aka, Kyrosmagica. All Rights Reserved.

 

Ha ha!!! Yes I did say it was going to be preposterous and I wasn’t joking. Well why not? Life is too short to be too serious!

 Hope you enjoyed my silly haiku. I enjoyed writing it.

 Stay tuned…… Kyrosmagica is planning on inviting you all to my Christmas party on this blog on Sunday 18th of December when you can pop by for a bit of virtual ice skating, and to share your news and your lovely links.

Bye for now.

bitmoji1361832851

 

85978B3EEB2A2F45468E6707CEAFE70D