Wednesday 18 December 2013

Merry Christmas

It is coming to that time of year again when family life is becoming increasingly hectic and so this will probably be my final post of the year. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and all the very best for the New Year. Wherever you are and whoever you are spending the holidays with, I hope you have a peaceful and joyous time.




Friday 13 December 2013

Celebrate the small things

Thanks to the lovely Viklit for hosting

I didn't manage to post for the Celebrate the small things last week therefore this post will cover the last couple of weeks! So, what have I been up to that doesn't involve work, cooking, cleaning, running around after the family etc etc? 

* I enjoyed a lovely evening meeting up with some friends we made at dance classes. Unfortunately, the classes stopped and it has been quite a while since we were all together so it was good to have a catch up.

* We hosted a Christmas party at our house for friends and neighbours.

* I have written and posted the first batch of Christmas cards.

* A friend gave me these unusual flowers and I think they are just fabulous. And of course purple! I'm not sure what they are called, if anyone knows please let me know.



* There are a couple of social events this weekend. Friday will be my Christmas meal at work and Saturday brings another chance to done my dancing shoes and sparkly dress! 

Basically there is so much going on there has been little time to add to my manuscript but I guess it is going to be like that till the New Year.

Happy Friday!


Wednesday 4 December 2013

IWSG - Dec

Thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh

Co-hosts for the December 4 posting of the IWSG are Julie Flanders, Heather Gardner, Kim Van Sickler and Elsie is Writing!

Don't forget to check out the IWSG website HERE

As 2013 is starting to draw to a close I have to admit to feeling disappointed about my lack of writing success. I know success can be measured in many ways, not just by having a best seller on my hands,(or any seller for that matter!) however, it still fills me with insecurity. BUT I am trying really hard to stay positive and look ahead to 2014 with renewed energy. The whole idea of starting afresh and creating new opportunities is very appealing. On a personal level this year has been one of the toughest I have ever had. Losing Mum and dealing with everything following that and I know some of that pain will remain for some time to come but I can't let it squash my dreams. Knowing I have supporters and friends out there in blogland has sure helped me come this far, this is a great community and I thank you. I am cheering YOU ALL on too :)

Let's believe in ourselves and each other.



Monday 2 December 2013

Birthstone Unicorns - Tanzanite (December)

Happy December everyone and welcome to the countdown to the festivities!

As most of you probably know I have written a children’s series set around birthstones and their symbolism. Each month I like to tell you a bit about the particular birthstone I feature in my story and post a short extract. Eleven of the twelve stories feature the listed ‘traditional’ birthstone for that month but December is the month I veer off slightly! Well it is Christmas, I'm allowed to be a little different! For December I focus on the one of the ‘modern’ gems, the Tanzanite.

Why did I do this? Well a couple of reasons really. Firstly, I love, love, love the Tanzanite and its bluey/purpley colour. It is so pretty and so me! (Sadly it isn’t my birthstone). Secondly, I thought Tanzanite made an excellent name for a Birthstone Unicorn. In the story I sometimes shorten it to Tanzy and it fits the story perfectly. Check out the link at the top to meet her.

As its name might suggest, Tanzanite was first found in Tanzania in 1967. It is relatively new to the official birthstone list having only found its way on in 2002 where it joined the traditional gem Turquoise and other more modern additions, the Blue Zircon and Blue Topaz. But I personally feel it is a wonderful addition and its colour unique.

As Tanzanite is such a new addition there are few myths or legends surrounding it so I have used some of the associations with the traditional turquoise to weave into the story. However, legend says, that Masai cattle herders first found the stone. Following a lightening strike some herders noticed that brown crystals had turned deep blue/purple due to the heat from the fire. In Tanzania, women who have just given birth, wear blue beads and fabrics to bring health and good fortune to their babies.

As the Gregorian Birthstone Poem features the traditional gems this verse refers to the blue turquoise, enjoy!


'If cold December gave you birth
The month of snow and ice and mirth
Place on your hand a turquoise blue
Success will bless what e'er you do.'