David L. Atkinson's Blog, page 21
February 23, 2017
Writing - Twist or stick?
When I began writing there was a phrase that used to make me and stop and ponder about the process of producing mystery stories - introduce a twist! I know what was intended by the advice and I have used it in some measure in all of my books. Grace and Favour was an example of more than one such 'twist' and worked quite well. It worked on two levels, from the point of view of the stand alone novel and in the context of the Steele series.
As an exercise the novel allowed me to refresh relationships and re-establish connections but it also allowed me to have a dig at the establishment. Political commentary is a duty of all writers.
Synopsis
Steele has accepted that life has changed markedly and yet he is required once again to tackle a situation of injustice, But has concerns that he is being commissioned to act by the authorities.
Patrick is working alone trying to recover a youngster kidnapped from parents with a high profile role in the UK establishment. He is without the support of former allies, the Gurentai, and yet feels that the police and National Crime Agency, who have requested his involvement, have another agenda that is not necessarily in the interests of Steele.
The action is shared mostly between the UK and Canada. In the early stages of the case Patrick is chasing kidnappers across the continent of North America when disaster occurs and he is forced to return to the UK. While in Canmore, Alberta, Steele seeks solace from the apparent loss of his long-time partner and fiance Naomi Kobayashi, in the arms of a local girl.
Has Steele bitten off more than he can chew?Where is his love life going?Are former allies, the Gurentai, targeting Steele?Will he recover the kidnapped child or will he fail and become the target for retribution by the authorities?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grace-Favour-David-L-Atkinson/dp/1849147264/ref=sr_1_79?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1487849146&sr=1-79&keywords=david+l+atkinson
The romantic aspect of Steele's life is about him as a human being responding to his personal history. All relationships have sticky periods and within Grace and Favour is one such example. I could have posed questions about him getting back on track or perhaps even being the slave of two masters but you will have to read the book to appreciate what really happens to the man. Twist or stick?
God Bless
February 22, 2017
Poetry Thursday 252 - In my head there are many rooms
Being a person who has explored the inner workings of the human mind there are aspects that we have no right to access. Yet certain branches of psychology and philosophy still endeavour to dissect and classify what occurs behind the windows to our souls.
Chambers
The spaces in the mind with their doors,organised according to sets and floors,impinged on by everyday situations,responding to external stimulations.
Sometimes the doors are locked,access by outsiders is blocked,not always wise to let outsiders in,and even close ones at times sin.
Some days everything is accessible,false confidence may be responsible.The risks of damage are unknown,but with time fear has grown.
Rooms and spaces are sanctuary,their care is for the solitaryresident of the chambers and hallsto maintain security walls.
So if you are permitted entry,respect the rule and boundary,then it may be that once again,permission for repeat will pertain.
You may access only one chamber,be grateful to the advancer,enjoy the limited experience,don’t push for greater clearance.
Access is by permission only,you may assess they’re lonely,but not an area for your interest,unless at the owner’s request.©David L Atkinson February 2017
When a poem is written then comes the time to reflect on how it works. This one needs some polish and is a little repetitive but then it is what poetry is - an emotional response. Emotions do not come out in an ordered fashion.
God Bless
February 21, 2017
Writing - Pace and description
The way in which we deliver our stories has many influences that may affect the pace of the work. There of course is another issue. How important is pace and what influences that aspect of delivering stories. A budding academic could write reams on both subjects.
It is relevant to say at this stage that pace varies across the genres. When I began writing I was a bit of a slave to keeping the pace of the novels high because they were and are adventure mysteries, almost Bond-like stories. In that respect pace is essential but there is always a place for reflection.As I develop as an author, and possibly as I get older, my writing is beginning to involve a degree more reflection and therefore the pace slows in some areas. Having said that the increase in empathy a reader may develop with a character is enhanced by a slower pace. There is a greater degree of humanity in those longer paragraphs when the people created on paper share their life experiences, where it is relevant to the story.In taking the reader away from the main thread of the story an author is taking a risk. Some stories that have been written with enumerable flashbacks can become confusing and therefore less entertaining. I have seen films made from such books that become turgid and unfathomable as a result of too many flashbacks. As in all situations there is a happy medium and it is our skill as authors to strike a good balance between pace and description.
Please note I am not saying description = slow pace. As I said at the beginning there are very many influences on pace as well as genre.
In my Steele novel, Earth plc, I began to get to grips with description and the extra facets such writing can add to the stories.One of my proofreaders commented favourably on the quality of the writing in this book. I included atmospheric description of the dark Kielder forest, which was quite chilling.
Synopsis
A man is found dead in the massive Kielder Forest in Northumberland and the initial reports suggest suicide. A member of Patrick A Steele's team feels that is not the whole story and an investigation ensues that leads the team into conflict with some of the most powerful people in the UK. Steele can mete out his own brand of justice initially but when the power companies and the government become involved Steele has to tread carefully.This time Patrick has been drawn into a national issue that affects us all - Global warming. Steele comes up against the might of corporate finance with the backing of national government who are keen to maintain the status quo on the subject when in fact there is evidence to support a different view.
The team struggle to maintain their anonymity under intense pressure and the chances of success seem to be increasingly slim.
Has Patrick bitten off more than he can chew?
Is there collateral damage to other aspects of his life?
What is next for Steele and his team?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Earth-plc-David-L-Atkinson/dp/184914589X/ref=sr_1_75?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1487678050&sr=1-75&keywords=david+l+atkinson
As authors we have the joystick in our hands with regards to pace, description and readability so don't be a megalomaniac but enjoy the control.
God Bless
It is relevant to say at this stage that pace varies across the genres. When I began writing I was a bit of a slave to keeping the pace of the novels high because they were and are adventure mysteries, almost Bond-like stories. In that respect pace is essential but there is always a place for reflection.As I develop as an author, and possibly as I get older, my writing is beginning to involve a degree more reflection and therefore the pace slows in some areas. Having said that the increase in empathy a reader may develop with a character is enhanced by a slower pace. There is a greater degree of humanity in those longer paragraphs when the people created on paper share their life experiences, where it is relevant to the story.In taking the reader away from the main thread of the story an author is taking a risk. Some stories that have been written with enumerable flashbacks can become confusing and therefore less entertaining. I have seen films made from such books that become turgid and unfathomable as a result of too many flashbacks. As in all situations there is a happy medium and it is our skill as authors to strike a good balance between pace and description.
Please note I am not saying description = slow pace. As I said at the beginning there are very many influences on pace as well as genre.
In my Steele novel, Earth plc, I began to get to grips with description and the extra facets such writing can add to the stories.One of my proofreaders commented favourably on the quality of the writing in this book. I included atmospheric description of the dark Kielder forest, which was quite chilling.
Synopsis
A man is found dead in the massive Kielder Forest in Northumberland and the initial reports suggest suicide. A member of Patrick A Steele's team feels that is not the whole story and an investigation ensues that leads the team into conflict with some of the most powerful people in the UK. Steele can mete out his own brand of justice initially but when the power companies and the government become involved Steele has to tread carefully.This time Patrick has been drawn into a national issue that affects us all - Global warming. Steele comes up against the might of corporate finance with the backing of national government who are keen to maintain the status quo on the subject when in fact there is evidence to support a different view.
The team struggle to maintain their anonymity under intense pressure and the chances of success seem to be increasingly slim.
Has Patrick bitten off more than he can chew?
Is there collateral damage to other aspects of his life?
What is next for Steele and his team?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Earth-plc-David-L-Atkinson/dp/184914589X/ref=sr_1_75?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1487678050&sr=1-75&keywords=david+l+atkinson
As authors we have the joystick in our hands with regards to pace, description and readability so don't be a megalomaniac but enjoy the control.
God Bless
February 20, 2017
Tuesday Food Blog - Cottage Pie
I'll begin by stating the obvious - cottage pie is made with minced beef, whereas shepherd's pie is made with lamb. These are the only differences. I state that because I have seen some dubious descriptions on some websites.
Cottage Pie
So why repeat a meal that is simplicity itself? Well this is not the standard rather bland recipe.
Ingredients
500g minced steak3 rashers of cooked bacon, chopped1 large onion14oz baked beansa handful of new potatoes, sliced1 large carrot, sliced2 tbsp Henderson's relish (or Worcestershire sauce)1/2pt beef gravy1 tsp oregano2 tbsp tomato puree2 tsp garlic salt
For the topping
2 large parsnips, chopped2 large baking potatoes, chopped2 tbsp creme fraiche2oz buttersalt and pepper to taste
Method
Boil the potatoes and chopped parsnips until soft. Mash them with butter, creme fraiche and salt and pepper. Set to one side.Preheat the oven to 160 degrees CBrown the onion for five minutes, then similar with the mince. Add the bacon, garlic, oregano, tomato puree and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Add the baked beans, gravy and vegetables and cook for 20 minutes. Transfer the meat sauce to an ovenproof dish and top with the potato/parsnip mash. Bake in the oven for 30 - 45 minutes until the topping is browned.Serve with green veg.The above will serve 4 - 6 people.
The topping made with parsnip has a sweeter tangy flavour which lifts the whole dish but you can use different types of vegetables for toppings.Roasted cauliflowerCarrot and swedeSweet potato and carrot.
The meat sauce has a slightly Italian flavour but your options are really legion and down to personal taste.
God Bless
Cottage Pie
So why repeat a meal that is simplicity itself? Well this is not the standard rather bland recipe.
Ingredients
500g minced steak3 rashers of cooked bacon, chopped1 large onion14oz baked beansa handful of new potatoes, sliced1 large carrot, sliced2 tbsp Henderson's relish (or Worcestershire sauce)1/2pt beef gravy1 tsp oregano2 tbsp tomato puree2 tsp garlic salt
For the topping
2 large parsnips, chopped2 large baking potatoes, chopped2 tbsp creme fraiche2oz buttersalt and pepper to taste
Method
Boil the potatoes and chopped parsnips until soft. Mash them with butter, creme fraiche and salt and pepper. Set to one side.Preheat the oven to 160 degrees CBrown the onion for five minutes, then similar with the mince. Add the bacon, garlic, oregano, tomato puree and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Add the baked beans, gravy and vegetables and cook for 20 minutes. Transfer the meat sauce to an ovenproof dish and top with the potato/parsnip mash. Bake in the oven for 30 - 45 minutes until the topping is browned.Serve with green veg.The above will serve 4 - 6 people.
The topping made with parsnip has a sweeter tangy flavour which lifts the whole dish but you can use different types of vegetables for toppings.Roasted cauliflowerCarrot and swedeSweet potato and carrot.
The meat sauce has a slightly Italian flavour but your options are really legion and down to personal taste.
God Bless
February 18, 2017
Writing - Prologues
It doesn't happen with every story written but occasionally the story needs some unpacking or support. Cessation has a prologue and some of the Steele novels have that, appendices and even a bibliography.
Some authors deliver whole rafts of information to go along with the tale. Hilary Mantel writing Wolf Hall (Man/Booker prize winner) preceded the story with around 90 pages of information.
I felt that Cessation would benefit from some background evidence before the reader got fully into the story, so I produced this prologue that was made up of direct quotes in newspaper articles.The only thing that I would say is keep it reasonable, as a reader I find that additional information that is too long is off putting. So sorry Hilary but I read Wolf Hall without the preamble!
The prologue below is intended to be a couple of minutes glance through to heighten the indignation of the reader.
Prologue
22nd October 2013Government signs deal that will see taxpayer underwriting French state-owned EDF's investment for next 35 years
30th October 2013Do you have reliable access to electricity? Do blackouts affect your day-to-day life?
1st November 2013 Shadow energy minister calls for clarification on whether renewable energy schemes are at risk.
7th November 2013With the prime minister and his colleagues contradicting one another daily, hopes of smart energy policy are going up in smoke.
11th November 2013Energy secretary says the big suppliers face a 'Fred the Shred' moment as the public sees in them a reflection of bankers' greed.
12th November 2013Householders have been warned that energy bills could rise by almost 50% over the next six years.
13th November 2013Consumers face 17 more years of above-inflation increases in energy and water bills as they help pay for the renewal of the UK's infrastructure.
Of course the accuracy of the information in the prologue is only as verifiable as the newspaper editors wanted it to be, but then that is everyday life.
Synopsis
The story is a speculative journey into a possible future that may lie ahead of us all. There is evidence that such a future may not be impossible. We have been warned that unless we increase the ability to produce electricity there could be power cuts in the next ten years. Our modern day lives are permeated through with the need for electricity and its production.
Although Cessation could be categorised as a dystopian story I find that rather a negative word and the purpose of writing the tale is to allow elements of hope in a seemingly desperate situation.
The story begins in 2023 a couple of years after the lights go out for the last time. Our group of survivors are thrown together on a farm in the low Pennines north of the M62 motorway and within striking distance of a number of northern towns which could prove useful for supplies. Initially the group is small and live on a farm called Serendipity but as time passes the size of the group waxes and wanes for a variety of reasons.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cessation-David-L-Atkinson/dp/1849144338/ref=sr_1_75?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1487249767&sr=1-75&keywords=david+l+atkinson
God Bless
Some authors deliver whole rafts of information to go along with the tale. Hilary Mantel writing Wolf Hall (Man/Booker prize winner) preceded the story with around 90 pages of information.
I felt that Cessation would benefit from some background evidence before the reader got fully into the story, so I produced this prologue that was made up of direct quotes in newspaper articles.The only thing that I would say is keep it reasonable, as a reader I find that additional information that is too long is off putting. So sorry Hilary but I read Wolf Hall without the preamble!
The prologue below is intended to be a couple of minutes glance through to heighten the indignation of the reader.
Prologue
22nd October 2013Government signs deal that will see taxpayer underwriting French state-owned EDF's investment for next 35 years
30th October 2013Do you have reliable access to electricity? Do blackouts affect your day-to-day life?
1st November 2013 Shadow energy minister calls for clarification on whether renewable energy schemes are at risk.
7th November 2013With the prime minister and his colleagues contradicting one another daily, hopes of smart energy policy are going up in smoke.
11th November 2013Energy secretary says the big suppliers face a 'Fred the Shred' moment as the public sees in them a reflection of bankers' greed.
12th November 2013Householders have been warned that energy bills could rise by almost 50% over the next six years.
13th November 2013Consumers face 17 more years of above-inflation increases in energy and water bills as they help pay for the renewal of the UK's infrastructure.
Of course the accuracy of the information in the prologue is only as verifiable as the newspaper editors wanted it to be, but then that is everyday life.
Synopsis
The story is a speculative journey into a possible future that may lie ahead of us all. There is evidence that such a future may not be impossible. We have been warned that unless we increase the ability to produce electricity there could be power cuts in the next ten years. Our modern day lives are permeated through with the need for electricity and its production.
Although Cessation could be categorised as a dystopian story I find that rather a negative word and the purpose of writing the tale is to allow elements of hope in a seemingly desperate situation.
The story begins in 2023 a couple of years after the lights go out for the last time. Our group of survivors are thrown together on a farm in the low Pennines north of the M62 motorway and within striking distance of a number of northern towns which could prove useful for supplies. Initially the group is small and live on a farm called Serendipity but as time passes the size of the group waxes and wanes for a variety of reasons.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cessation-David-L-Atkinson/dp/1849144338/ref=sr_1_75?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1487249767&sr=1-75&keywords=david+l+atkinson
God Bless
February 17, 2017
Writing - Frills and furbelows
It doesn't happen with every story written but occasionally the story needs some unpacking or support. Cessation has a prologue and some of the Steele novels have that, appendices and even a bibliography.
Some authors deliver whole rafts of information to go along with the tale. Hilary Mantel writing Wolf Hall (Man/Booker prize winner) preceded the story with around 90 pages of information.
I felt that Cessation would benefit from some background evidence before the reader got fully into the story, so I produced this prologue that was made up of direct quotes in newspaper articles.The only thing that I would say is keep it reasonable, as a reader I find that additional information that is too long is off putting. So sorry Hilary but I read Wolf Hall without the preamble!
The prologue below is intended to be a couple of minutes glance through to heighten the indignation of the reader.
Prologue
22nd October 2013Government signs deal that will see taxpayer underwriting French state-owned EDF's investment for next 35 years
30th October 2013Do you have reliable access to electricity? Do blackouts affect your day-to-day life?
1st November 2013 Shadow energy minister calls for clarification on whether renewable energy schemes are at risk.
7thNovember 2013With the prime minister and his colleagues contradicting one another daily, hopes of smart energy policy are going up in smoke.
11thNovember 2013Energy secretary says the big suppliers face a 'Fred the Shred' moment as the public sees in them a reflection of bankers' greed.
12thNovember 2013Householders have been warned that energy bills could rise by almost 50% over the next six years.
13thNovember 2013Consumers face 17 more years of above-inflation increases in energy and water bills as they help pay for the renewal of the UK's infrastructure.
Of course the accuracy of the information in the prologue is only as verifiable as the newspaper editors wanted it to be, but then that is everyday life.
Synopsis
The story is a speculative journey into a possible future that may lie ahead of us all. There is evidence that such a future may not be impossible. We have been warned that unless we increase the ability to produce electricity there could be power cuts in the next ten years. Our modern day lives are permeated through with the need for electricity and its production.
Although Cessation could be categorised as a dystopian story I find that rather a negative word and the purpose of writing the tale is to allow elements of hope in a seemingly desperate situation.
The story begins in 2023 a couple of years after the lights go out for the last time. Our group of survivors are thrown together on a farm in the low Pennines north of the M62 motorway and within striking distance of a number of northern towns which could prove useful for supplies. Initially the group is small and live on a farm called Serendipity but as time passes the size of the group waxes and wanes for a variety of reasons.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cessation-David-L-Atkinson/dp/1849144338/ref=sr_1_75?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1487249767&sr=1-75&keywords=david+l+atkinson
God Bless
Some authors deliver whole rafts of information to go along with the tale. Hilary Mantel writing Wolf Hall (Man/Booker prize winner) preceded the story with around 90 pages of information.
I felt that Cessation would benefit from some background evidence before the reader got fully into the story, so I produced this prologue that was made up of direct quotes in newspaper articles.The only thing that I would say is keep it reasonable, as a reader I find that additional information that is too long is off putting. So sorry Hilary but I read Wolf Hall without the preamble!
The prologue below is intended to be a couple of minutes glance through to heighten the indignation of the reader.
Prologue
22nd October 2013Government signs deal that will see taxpayer underwriting French state-owned EDF's investment for next 35 years
30th October 2013Do you have reliable access to electricity? Do blackouts affect your day-to-day life?
1st November 2013 Shadow energy minister calls for clarification on whether renewable energy schemes are at risk.
7thNovember 2013With the prime minister and his colleagues contradicting one another daily, hopes of smart energy policy are going up in smoke.
11thNovember 2013Energy secretary says the big suppliers face a 'Fred the Shred' moment as the public sees in them a reflection of bankers' greed.
12thNovember 2013Householders have been warned that energy bills could rise by almost 50% over the next six years.
13thNovember 2013Consumers face 17 more years of above-inflation increases in energy and water bills as they help pay for the renewal of the UK's infrastructure.
Of course the accuracy of the information in the prologue is only as verifiable as the newspaper editors wanted it to be, but then that is everyday life.
Synopsis
The story is a speculative journey into a possible future that may lie ahead of us all. There is evidence that such a future may not be impossible. We have been warned that unless we increase the ability to produce electricity there could be power cuts in the next ten years. Our modern day lives are permeated through with the need for electricity and its production.
Although Cessation could be categorised as a dystopian story I find that rather a negative word and the purpose of writing the tale is to allow elements of hope in a seemingly desperate situation.
The story begins in 2023 a couple of years after the lights go out for the last time. Our group of survivors are thrown together on a farm in the low Pennines north of the M62 motorway and within striking distance of a number of northern towns which could prove useful for supplies. Initially the group is small and live on a farm called Serendipity but as time passes the size of the group waxes and wanes for a variety of reasons.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cessation-David-L-Atkinson/dp/1849144338/ref=sr_1_75?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1487249767&sr=1-75&keywords=david+l+atkinson
God Bless
February 16, 2017
Writing - Speculation
If an author doesn't speculate in their writing what do they do? Some go the whole hog and leap into the future empathising with people and creatures of coming centuries others hesitantly dip their toes into the realms of possibilities.
Dystopia
I had to become an author to come across the term 'dystopian'. In reality I had completed my fifth novel, Cessation, and was trying to classify it when I realised it fitted the description.
If you write about what may happen in the future or create futuristic artefacts, views or ideas then you may not be writing science fiction or a dystopian piece but you are creating something new and fit the description author.
Cessation, was this author responding to a political situation generated by assurances from a corporate backed conservative government regarding electricity supplies, and opposed by Green Party and national newspapers, who were fretting about the possibility of winter blackouts. The idea of a world without electricity would leave us all in a considerable mess. Just consider how many daily functions are computerised!
Read on
Synopsis
The story is a speculative journey into a possible future that may lie ahead of us all. There is evidence that such a future may not be impossible. We have been warned that unless we increase the ability to produce electricity there could be power cuts in the next ten years. Our modern day lives are permeated through with the need for electricity and its production.
Although Cessation could be categorised as a dystopian story I find that rather a negative word and the purpose of writing the tale is to allow elements of hope in a seemingly desperate situation.
The story begins in 2023 a couple of years after the lights go out for the last time. Our group of survivors are thrown together on a farm in the low Pennines north of the M62 motorway and within striking distance of a number of northern towns which could prove useful for supplies. Initially the group is small and live on a farm called Serendipity but as time passes the size of the group waxes and wanes for a variety of reasons.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cessation-David-L-Atkinson/dp/1849144338/ref=sr_1_75?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1487249767&sr=1-75&keywords=david+l+atkinson
God Bless
Dystopia
I had to become an author to come across the term 'dystopian'. In reality I had completed my fifth novel, Cessation, and was trying to classify it when I realised it fitted the description.
If you write about what may happen in the future or create futuristic artefacts, views or ideas then you may not be writing science fiction or a dystopian piece but you are creating something new and fit the description author.
Cessation, was this author responding to a political situation generated by assurances from a corporate backed conservative government regarding electricity supplies, and opposed by Green Party and national newspapers, who were fretting about the possibility of winter blackouts. The idea of a world without electricity would leave us all in a considerable mess. Just consider how many daily functions are computerised!
Read on
Synopsis
The story is a speculative journey into a possible future that may lie ahead of us all. There is evidence that such a future may not be impossible. We have been warned that unless we increase the ability to produce electricity there could be power cuts in the next ten years. Our modern day lives are permeated through with the need for electricity and its production.
Although Cessation could be categorised as a dystopian story I find that rather a negative word and the purpose of writing the tale is to allow elements of hope in a seemingly desperate situation.
The story begins in 2023 a couple of years after the lights go out for the last time. Our group of survivors are thrown together on a farm in the low Pennines north of the M62 motorway and within striking distance of a number of northern towns which could prove useful for supplies. Initially the group is small and live on a farm called Serendipity but as time passes the size of the group waxes and wanes for a variety of reasons.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cessation-David-L-Atkinson/dp/1849144338/ref=sr_1_75?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1487249767&sr=1-75&keywords=david+l+atkinson
God Bless
February 15, 2017
Poetry Thursday 251 - February
The time of year is always a little drab. Weather, the demise of Christmas spirit and still more darkness than light in our days, not to mention post celebratory bills, leads to the need for something to brighten our lives. The media and corporate business have lighted upon Valentine's Day.
I apologise for the early language but it fits.
February 14th
Valentine’s Day my arse,another media driven farce,focussed by corporate greed,feeding from a couple’s need.
A manufactured celebration,gripping the amour of the nation,to a frenzy of seeking for hours,the perfect bunch of flowers.
Why do the gullible masses,dance to tunes of corporate brasses,when romantic gifts are never late,irrespective of the date.
So don’t wait for February 14th,make your next gift the umpteenth,then we won’t be priced from above,for symbols given to the ones we love.©David L Atkinson February 2017
[image error]
Love Apple
Tomato sent from God above,a fruit the symbol of joyous love,blushing red in glowing modesty,bursting with tasteful honesty. ©David L Atkinson February 2017
This short poem is a simple symbol of love.
God Bless
I apologise for the early language but it fits.
February 14th
Valentine’s Day my arse,another media driven farce,focussed by corporate greed,feeding from a couple’s need.
A manufactured celebration,gripping the amour of the nation,to a frenzy of seeking for hours,the perfect bunch of flowers.
Why do the gullible masses,dance to tunes of corporate brasses,when romantic gifts are never late,irrespective of the date.
So don’t wait for February 14th,make your next gift the umpteenth,then we won’t be priced from above,for symbols given to the ones we love.©David L Atkinson February 2017
[image error]
Love Apple
Tomato sent from God above,a fruit the symbol of joyous love,blushing red in glowing modesty,bursting with tasteful honesty. ©David L Atkinson February 2017
This short poem is a simple symbol of love.
God Bless
February 14, 2017
Writing - Libraries
As an author I worship at libraries and bookshops as well as church. Well I have found some interesting facts about the holiest of places, the library.
[image error]
There are some fantastic places from which to go and borrow books and some strange behaviours in the places.
100 - Slightly Less Ancient HistoryThe Ancient Library of Alexandria, which attempted to collect all the world’s knowledge in one single place. Until it was burnt to the ground by Julius Caesar ‘for a laugh’.
300 - ClericalPerhaps the first librarian was a monk named Anastasias, chief archivist of the Church of Rome in the 9th Century, who took the title of Bibliothecarius, which literally translates as ‘librarian’
[image error]Ephesus
400 - Non FictionDuring Georgian times, British librarians took against novels, which they considered to be too titillating and morally dubious for the common man, and attempted to get them banned from the shelves.
[image error]British library
500 - Large ThingsThe British Library is currently the second largest library in the world, with bitter rival The Library of Congress holding onto the top spot. Though many at the British Library believe their American counterparts might well be ‘padding’ the size of their collection
510 - CrimeThe book that is most often stolen from libraries is the Guinness Book of Records - presumably as people want to look up which book is most stolen from libraries.
700 - StoriesThe highest library in the world is located on the 60th floor of the JW Marriott Hotel in Shanghai, China.
[image error]George Washington
800 - Local GovernmentIn 1789, US President George Washington borrowed The Law of Nations from The New York Society Library and hung onto it for the next 221 years. It was finally returned to the library in 2010.
God Bless
[image error]
There are some fantastic places from which to go and borrow books and some strange behaviours in the places.
100 - Slightly Less Ancient HistoryThe Ancient Library of Alexandria, which attempted to collect all the world’s knowledge in one single place. Until it was burnt to the ground by Julius Caesar ‘for a laugh’.
300 - ClericalPerhaps the first librarian was a monk named Anastasias, chief archivist of the Church of Rome in the 9th Century, who took the title of Bibliothecarius, which literally translates as ‘librarian’
[image error]Ephesus
400 - Non FictionDuring Georgian times, British librarians took against novels, which they considered to be too titillating and morally dubious for the common man, and attempted to get them banned from the shelves.
[image error]British library
500 - Large ThingsThe British Library is currently the second largest library in the world, with bitter rival The Library of Congress holding onto the top spot. Though many at the British Library believe their American counterparts might well be ‘padding’ the size of their collection
510 - CrimeThe book that is most often stolen from libraries is the Guinness Book of Records - presumably as people want to look up which book is most stolen from libraries.
700 - StoriesThe highest library in the world is located on the 60th floor of the JW Marriott Hotel in Shanghai, China.
[image error]George Washington
800 - Local GovernmentIn 1789, US President George Washington borrowed The Law of Nations from The New York Society Library and hung onto it for the next 221 years. It was finally returned to the library in 2010.
God Bless
February 13, 2017
Tuesday Food Blog - Beef stew
After some of the recipes that I've included in this space the humble beef stew may seem to lack adventure.
Beef stew with mini Yorkshire puddings
Two pluses for this dish are its ease of preparation and cooking, also versatility.
I threw everything together within the space of twenty minutes and it was in the oven for three hours. When producing this type of dish there are a set pattern of actions that I recommend.
Fry off the onions and meat before putting them into the casserole.
Make some gravy. I added mustard and Henderson's Relish for a richer tangier flavour.
Saute the chopped vegetables in a little olive oil or butter for five minutes.
Combine the ingredients into the ovenproof casserole, with lid, and cook slowly for a long time.
Within the above there are acres of room for variation. It could be the vegetables, the addition or omission of herbs and even the quality of meat. The rougher the cut the longer you may need to cook the dish. You could add garlic or not, select sweet potato or ordinary spuds, it is entirely down to taste. The only danger is allowing the stew to be too dry so keep an eye on it and add water where needed.
My Ingredients
450g stewing beef,
1 onion, chopped
1 pint of gravy
1 tbs English mustard
2 tbs Henderson's Relish
2 tsp garlic salt
2 tsp parsley
2 tsp oregano
1 large carrot, chopped
4 large mushrooms, chopped
a handful of new potatoes halved
The stew will last for days in the fridge and seems to improve with age.
I had been looking for larger Yorkshire puddings in which to serve the stew but could only find the mini size which triggered a thought that you could use this as a starter!
God Bless
Beef stew with mini Yorkshire puddings
Two pluses for this dish are its ease of preparation and cooking, also versatility.
I threw everything together within the space of twenty minutes and it was in the oven for three hours. When producing this type of dish there are a set pattern of actions that I recommend.
Fry off the onions and meat before putting them into the casserole.
Make some gravy. I added mustard and Henderson's Relish for a richer tangier flavour.
Saute the chopped vegetables in a little olive oil or butter for five minutes.
Combine the ingredients into the ovenproof casserole, with lid, and cook slowly for a long time.
Within the above there are acres of room for variation. It could be the vegetables, the addition or omission of herbs and even the quality of meat. The rougher the cut the longer you may need to cook the dish. You could add garlic or not, select sweet potato or ordinary spuds, it is entirely down to taste. The only danger is allowing the stew to be too dry so keep an eye on it and add water where needed.
My Ingredients
450g stewing beef,
1 onion, chopped
1 pint of gravy
1 tbs English mustard
2 tbs Henderson's Relish
2 tsp garlic salt
2 tsp parsley
2 tsp oregano
1 large carrot, chopped
4 large mushrooms, chopped
a handful of new potatoes halved
The stew will last for days in the fridge and seems to improve with age.
I had been looking for larger Yorkshire puddings in which to serve the stew but could only find the mini size which triggered a thought that you could use this as a starter!
God Bless
