Phyllis Goodwin's Blog, page 4
September 26, 2017
Cry for me Argentina
When I visited Argentina in 2002, this train coach was parked near a friend’s house in a suburb of Buenos Aires. That was when I decided to spend my time researching facts for my novel.
September 23, 2017
Sybil’s Ring
Sybil wore a gold ring with three diamonds on her engagement finger until the morning of her wedding to William. Then she carefully removed it, kissed it and placed it on the third finger of her right hand. It remained there for the rest of her life.
What were William’s innermost thoughts? He was marrying the woman he loved but was Sybil hiding more than one secret?
See ‘My Books’ – Cry for me Argentina – Inspired by a True Story.
September 22, 2017
I think I’ve done it!
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This is how I felt yesterday but if this turns out to be a post, I shall shout Hooray!!!
https://phyllismaydene.wordpress.com
July 28, 2017
Patagonia/Petrified Forest
If you find yourself in the petrified forest it changes your outlook on life. You are walking through a place that has been under the ice for perhaps millions of years. The seeds under the earth must have been preserved because they have grown into delicate green bush like trees.
May 17, 2017
New Website/blog
March 26, 2017
Welcome
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https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13555457.phyllis_goodwin
https://www.facebook.com/jardinmaydene
https://www.facebook.com/phyllis.goodwin.90
This new site covers my three main interests: Writing, my dogs and the gardens at Maydene. The blog includes latest news and articles. Memories are mainly photos and descriptions of Field Spaniels and other dogs I have owned and shared over the years.
November 20, 2016
I saw The Loch Ness Monster
My hands trembled but somehow I kept the charcoal moving on the paper. There she was playing with her beach ball! She had no idea that I was there, on the bank, sketching the early morning view across the loch.
The monster was not at all as I imagined for she was only about twelve feet in length and her long ears gave her the appearance of a large spaniel. The Irish connection suddenly dawned on me for she looked like an oversized Irish Water Spaniel, a breed of great antiquity. Every inch of her body was covered in chocolate brown ringlets except for her pretty face and long fishlike tail. These were smooth and hairless.
Monsters play like dogs. This one was tossing her green and white spotted ball in the air and chasing after, as it floated on the water. Suddenly I froze, spellbound – the ball landed a few feet away from where I was sitting. The creature strained upwards to reach it. That was when I made my mistake – I stared into her eyes and that caused fear between us. With one mighty twist she was away across the loch. I never saw her again.
The theory of a deep-water tunnel between the loch and the Irish Sea must be the answer to the mystery. The Irish Water Spaniel did not inherit his intelligence and tight ringlets from the French Poodle, as once was believed. Instead he evolved in true Darwinian style from the famous Loch Ness Monster. Their feeding grounds are in the Irish Sea but in the spring, during the breeding season, they dive down through the water tunnels to the calmness of the loch. It is thought that only one pair survives, seen occasionally by the locals.
The drawing before me on my easel is proof of my vision but I suspect it is not enough to convince you. It is therefore, with regret that I find it necessary to tell the rest of the story: I sat there until nightfall waiting patiently for her to collect her ball but Rosie never returned. Sadly, I made my way home with the spongy green sphere in my art bag.
That evening I sat nursing the ball. I automatically made minute circles with my finger on the soft surface. This action had a calming effect on me and I began to doze in my chair.
Squish! Squelch! I woke to find that I was covered in a green sticky liquid and there amongst the debris I could see a perfectly formed baby monster, squirming like baby monsters do. I have called him Barney O’Too after the Irish Water Spaniel that lived circa 1880. He has grown considerably and will soon outgrow the bath. If you must, you are welcome to come over to see him. By special appointment only!
Note: If you own Field Spaniels like I do, you will know that a long time ago an Irish Water Spaniel was used as a stud in our lines. Reports of ‘monster’ behaviour in the Field Spaniel is quite common!
NOTE: This story is in my book of short stories ‘Dog Tales & Other Gems
July 1, 2016
1916 – 2016 Today we remember
Sybil and William lived through two World Wars – Today on the first of July we remember those who did not survive.
Read about their intriguing lives in CRY FOR ME ARGENTINA
June 29, 2016
One hundred years ago on the Western Front
‘Boys stubbed out of existence in this evil war. No more happy family reunions for these two. No dreams of weddings or looking forward to grandchildren like most of us. Sybil buried her head in her Mother’s shawl. How can God be so cruel?’ (David, her first love, had been posted as missing)
June 13, 2016
Western Front 1916
‘The sadness & devastation all around played heavily on Sybil’s mind. She couldn’t help thinking that she was losing everyone she loved’ CRY FOR ME ARGENTINA http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00JI0WY1Q
