Victoria Zigler's Blog: Zigler News, page 12

Medical Mutterings - May 2022 Edition

This is going to be short.  I have a few things to catch you up on, but just focussing on the most important thing today.

 

A filling came out of one of my teeth, and the delay in seeing a dentist meant the tooth broke.  But I couldn't get a sooner appointment with my dentist, and was eventually forced to call 111 (the non-life-threatening emergencies phone number) to get an emergency dentist appointment with someone else., because the pain was incredibly bad, and the stress of dealing with it was triggering anxiety-related asthma issues.

 

But that was only how the whole thing started.

 

What should have been a simple - though unpleasant, thanks to my body refusing to react properly to the numbing attempts - tooth extraction has ended up with me fighting a fever and nasty infection. All because the dentist wouldn’t listen when I said I should have antibiotics due to being prone to infections.

 

I ended up calling 111 again a few days later, and spending the night at the hospital while they tried to do something to help.  However, other than verifying my breathing issues were just anxiety-related, and giving me an x-ray to make sure no piece of tooth was left behind causing issues, all they could do was give me a load of antibiotics to take, because I can’t take Paracetamol or painkillers of any kind for various reasons, so all I could do was put up with feeling crappy and being in agony until the antibiotics did their job. The stress of which was still causing anxiety-related asthma issues.

I'm doing a lot better now, but it has not been a fun couple of weeks, let me tell you.

#NewRelease - Stand Together: An eclectic collection of poetry and short prose for Ukraine

 

An eclectic collection of poetry and short prose for Ukraine. Poetry about war, warriors, hope, and sunflowers; multi-genre stories

 

Donations from this book will go to Ukraine charities.

 

 

 

Part 1 Poetry

 

The War That Was Not a War – A.L. Butcher

Maybe Then – Roman Nyle (Marta Moran Bishop) 

Hope – Charles Yallowitz

Sunflowers – Vickie Johnstone

The Science of Communication – Andrew P. Weston

Courage Personified – A.L. Butcher. 

The Sunflowers Will Rise Again – Rebecca Miller

Wounds in Ukraine – Michael H. Hanson

Civilized Humanity – Charles Yallowitz

Shadows On Faces – Victoria Zigler

Where is the Line? – A.L. Butcher

War Dance – Joe Bonadonna

Those Who Divide – Charles Yallowitz

Sorge* – Richard Groller

Ruins Hall – Rhavensfyre

Lodestone – Andrew P. Weston

The Vikings – Joe Bonadonna

Rape in Ukraine – Vickie Johnstone

Pray for Ukraine – Rebecca Miller

Haiku – Joe Bonadonna

Four Horseman – Rebecca Miller

 

Part 2 Short Stories 

 

The Tree of Fate and Wishes – Anthea Sharp

The Secret of Blossom Rise - A.L. Butcher

War and Beyond – Marta Moran Bishop

The Eleventh – Colene Allen

The Day After Twilight - J.C. Fields

Outside the Walls - A.L. Butcher & Diana. L. Wicker

Dark Lies - Inge - Lise Goss

The Letter - Sean Poage

The Book of Ruth – Rebecca Lacy

The Moon on the Water - A.L. Butcher

Postcard to the Bomb Shelter Babies – Colene Allen

Always Read the Fine Print - Joe Bonadonna

 

 

 

https://books2read.com/StandTogetherU...

 

 

Print

Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B14N27TW

Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B14N27TW

Amazon CAhttps://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0B14N27TW

 

Hardcover

Amazon.com https://amzn.to/3NeNLvt

Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B14HKZWB

Amazon Ca https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0B14HKZWB

 

The Writers' Grapevine & Catching You Up On Recent #Crafting Creations

The March-April edition of the Writers’ Grapevine magazine was released a couple of weeks ago, and I’m featured in it.

 

It's an online magazine, so to give it a read, go here: https://pattysworlds.com/the-writers-grapevine-falling-into-spring-march-april-edition-04-23-2022/

 

*~*~*

 

 

I have a few things I could tell you about, which I'd planned to catch you up on today.  However, I'm cutting it a bit close to the wire on putting this post together this week, so have decided to save those things for another day.  Instead, I'm just going to catch you up on some of my recent crafty creations.  most of which I made during some of the recent classes with either the ACB Crafters or Future In Sight.

The exception to that is this loom knitted dog collar with a crochet flower on it, which I made for Mam's dog, Izabel.  I'd made her one before, but made her a purple one too, so she had one in more girly colours.  Anyway, here's a photo:

The thing I made in the Future In Sight class was this rainbow pony bead fish:

There were other sea creatures to make during the class, but I only made the fish.

As for things I made during the ACB Crafters classes...

I had my first attempt at making a loom knitted basket.  It's not the best basket in the world, but it was my first attempt at making one.  Looks more like a little white knitted bucket to me.  Here it is anyhow:

I made a couple of things with crochet too.  One was this white flower:

The other crochet things are the purple raindrop, butterfly, and flower keyring in this next photo:

Plus, I was learning to do some mosaic knitting, and made this decorative wristband thing in the process:

At some point in the future I do plan on using the mosaic patterns to make squares for a blanket.  But for now I just did those test pieces and turned them in to a knitted wrist band thing.

I also made an abacus bracelet.  Which, of course, I had to make purple.  So here's that too:

I have a couple of other projects I've either completed but don't have photos of ready to show you (in one case I've got a photo, but haven't grabbed it off the camera yet, and don't have time to fuss with that right now) or am in the middle of, which I'll share with you another day.

 

I hope you enjoyed seeing these completed craft projects.

Lilie The #Westie After Her April 2022 Grooming Session

 Hi everyone.

This is Lilie the Westie.

I went to the groomer place a couple of weeks ago, so here are some photos of me freshly groomed.  You can even see Logan in one of them, wishing he was the same side of the gate I was.  Apparently he missed me loads when I was gone.  My brother really loves me.  But then, why wouldn't he?

Anyway, here are the photos.

Lots of licks,

Lilie

"Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships" #WordCrafters Book Blog Tour - Includes A #Giveaway + My #Review

It's time for my stop on the Word Crafters blog tour for "Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships" and I have a post from one of the contributing authors, M.J. Mallon, to share with you today.  I'll also be sharing my review of the book, and telling you how you can enter a giveaway for a free copy.   So, be sure and read all the way to the end to find out about that.  In the meantime, take it away, M.J!

I’m pleased to announce I am a contributing author to WordCrafter Poetry Treasures Book 2: Relationships compiled and edited by Robbie Cheadle and Kaye Lynn Booth.

 

This is a fabulous collection of poetry from many authors known to me as well as some new poets to discover. I’ve read all the contributions and even if I do say so myself this is a fantastic collection! So, do give it a go.

 

Robbie asked me to contribute to Poetry Treasures #2 whilst I was up in Edinburgh visiting family – the topic of relationships had me stumped somewhat – until I thought about writing a jokey poem about the relationship that authors have with their editors… This was inspired by my publisher, (unintentionally,) sending me urgent deadlines when I was visiting relatives, on holiday! 

An authors life is never their own!

 

 

So, do get a copy of the book to read the poem and the other amazing contributions.

 

After writing the first poem, a couple of other ideas came to me… one was a throwback to pregnancy – again a bit surprising as this was a long time ago – my two daughters are now 26, and 22.

 

Below I share a couple of excerpts for your reading pleasure…

 

Excerpt - Fat belly joy!

 

I‘ve been feeling nostalgic for those days… a long time ago when I was young and new life was beginning.

 

Love is…this

Gentle sighs

Honey fluid kicks

Sunshine moments

Sweet slumber snores

Heart beating, stirring

Warm womb like sand’s softness

Caressing my sun-kissed toes

My beautiful round belly swelling

Tiny, iridescent seashells shine

Their light glows in my cupped hand

Nature unfurling ripening

Dewy flowers moistening

Curves so full of love

Music playing

Our melody

New life

 

© M J Mallon

 

It seems that a touch of nostalgia crept up on me, along with fond memories of those times. Perhaps this was also due to my being back in my family home where I grew up. I lived in Edinburgh throughout my early teen years until I was married  and I visit often. It is my home-from-home and I love it so.

 

The final poem is for my dear mum and dad who still find time for romance and ballroom dancing. It amazes me how light-footed my dad (now 93,) is on his feet and how my mum and dad abandon their walking sticks to dance with each other and on occasion with me in their living room! Sadly, due to covid, they haven’t been able to go dancing on cruises like they would normally do. So, this is the next best thing and keeps them moving and in each others’ arms which is such a wonderful sight to see.

 

Excerpt - Let's dance

 

This is for my dear parents who like to dance in their living room - or on cruise ships when they can!

 

A living room space,

Enough for a waltz or two,

Sticks aside! Let's dance,

Forget I am 92,

We are young again, my love.

 

© M J Mallon

 

This lovely collection of poetry on relationships has something for everyone. I am sure you will enjoy! It is such a great way to discover the writing talents of many authors and poets in our fantastic community.

 

 

Author Bio

 

M J Mallon was born in Lion city Singapore, a passionate Scorpio with the Chinese Zodiac sign of a lucky rabbit. She spent her early childhood in Hong Kong. During her teen years, she returned to her father’s childhood home, Edinburgh where she spent many happy years, entertained and enthralled by her parents’ vivid stories of living and working abroad. Perhaps it was during these formative years that her love of storytelling began bolstered by these vivid raconteurs. She counts herself lucky to have travelled to many far-flung destinations and this early early wanderlust has fuelled her present desire to emigrate abroad.  Until that wondrous moment, it’s rumoured that she lives in the UK, in the Venice of Cambridge  with her six-foot hunk of a rock god husband. Her two enchanting daughters have flown the nest but often return with a cheery smile.

 

MJ write s YA fantasy, paranormal, horror/supernatural short stories, flash fiction and short form poetry .

 

MJ’s motto is to Do what Your Heart Desires.

And her favourite genre/poetry to write is fantasy/magical realism because life should be sprinkled with a liberal dash of extraordinarily imaginative magic!

Awarded finalist in N. N. Light’s award for Best International Author of The Year 2021

Awarded finalist in N. N. Light’s book awards finalist 2021 in category Fantasy for my book Bloodstone.

Please note: All of my publications include poetry except for some of my short stories.

Publications:

Next Chapter Publishing:

Bloodstone Book 1 Curse of Time (YA Fantasy series.) -

available in many formats including audiobook with wide distribution available  via this link  https://books2read.com/u/bOyrgW

Golden Healer Book 2 Curse of Time (YA Fantasy series.) -

available in many formats (audiobook will be in process soon,) with wide distribution via this link.  https://books2read.com/u/mgjY67

 

Kyrosmagica Publishing:

Mr Sagitarrius Poetry and Prose

This Is Lockdown (an anthology of the pandemic)

Lockdown Innit Poems About Absurdity

Author Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/M-J-Mallon/e/B074CGNK4L/

I’ve been blogging for many moons at my blog home Kyrosmagica, which means Crystal Magic. From time to time I write articles celebrating the spiritual realm, inspiration and my love of travel, nature, crystals and all things magical, mystical, and mysterious.

My eclectic blog shares my three loves: reading,  writing, and creativity. I adore reading and have written over 150 reviews on my blog: https://mjmallon.com/2015/09/28/a-z-of-my-book-reviews/

 

Social Media Links:

Authors Website: https://mjmallon.com
Authors Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/M-J-Mallon/e/B074CGNK4L
Next Chapter Publishing Author Page: https://www.nextchapter.pub/authors/mj-mallon
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon https://twitter.com/Marjorie_Mallon

#ABRSC - Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/18291...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/m-j-mallon 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mjmallonauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

Spiritual Sisters: https://www.facebook.com/5SpiritualSi...

 

 

 

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~~~

           

              

Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships by Kaye Lynne Booth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Poetry collections like this are always tough to review, because the different writing styles of the various authors mean some poems will always appeal to the reader more than others. This one was no exception, and was one of the hardest to review. There were a few poems that - while wonderfully written - weren't my cup of tea, so to speak. And there were a whole lot of poems I loved. But, whether they would have made it on to my list of favourites from this collection (if I'd created one) or not, all of the poems in this collection were, without a doubt, excellent examples of poetry. I only hesitate to give it the full five stars because of the fact the writing styles of some of the authors featured in this collection weren't to my taste, and would like to point out that this is not a reflection on them or the quality of their poems, but my own personal preferences.

*NOTE: I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This fact has in no way influenced my opinion of the book or the contents of this review, and all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

View all my reviews

 

 ~~~

 

 

 Blurb
Relationships are golden and each of the poems of Arthur Rosch, Elizabeth Merry, D.Avery, Robbie Cheadle, Harmony Kent, Lauren Scott, JulesPaige, Leon
Stevens, Collen M. Chesebro, Miriam Hurdle, M.J. Mallon, and Lynda McKinney Lambert pay poetic tribute to their most intense personal moments.

Universal purchase link

 ~~~

 

 ***Follow the tour via Writing To Be Read, and leave a comment at each stop to be entered in a random drawing for a chance to win a free digital copy of Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships***

Logan The #Cabapoo Turns 3 & Gets Groomed

Hi everyone.  This is Logan the Cavapoo.

A lot happened to me one day last week.  Lilie tells me it was Thursday April 14th.  She seems to know more about what's going on than me, so I'll take her word for it... I'm not so good with things like that.  But, whenever it was, I had two things happen.

~

The first thing was that Nana showed up and took me for a car ride.  I got real upset, because she forgot Mummy.  We didn't even have Lilie with us.  But

 no matter how much I cried, Nana just kept making the car go where she wanted it to, and didn't go back for either of them.  Then she took me to a doggy groomer place, and left me there.  I cried even more then.  I did not like that at all, even though the human there made a fuss of me.

After forever.  OK.  So, Lilie says it wasn't forever, but it sure felt like it.  Anyway, after however long it was, Nana came back for me, and we went in the car again.  She gave me a treat, but I was too upset to even eat it.  I did keep hold of it though... For later.  But I was just too upset to think about eating it when she gave it to me.  Yes, that's how upset I was.

 

Anyway, after another car ride we got to our house, and there was Mummy.  I was so happy! I gave Mummy my best puppy-bear hug, and even gave her my treat, because I was just so happy to see her.  Then Nana took a photo of me before going away again, and Mummy gave my treat back to me.  I was able to eat it then, because everything was right in the world again: I was back with Mummy, and even Lilie was there.  Oh, and here's the photo Nana took:

 

 

~

 

Later that day Mummy gave me a big treat, because apparently it was also my turn for one of those birthday things that day.  Mummy and Lilie say I'm three now.  I can't do numbers, so I'll take their word for it.  All I know is I'm glad I got my Mummy back, and love that I got treats.  Food guy - otherwise known as Daddy - gave me ham too, and I liked that as well.

 

Mummy said she didn't buy me a toy because I like treats best.  Besides, Lilie would have taken it and broken it - like she always does.  Toys never last long with Lilie around.  Even our bedtime sweetie balls are going to need replacing again soon because of Lilie.  Don't look at me like that, Lilie.  You know it's true... You're real rough on toys.

~

Anyway, that's what happened to me last week.  And, even though I got lots of attention from the groomer human, I definitely enjoyed the birthday part best out of the two things that happened that day.

Lots of licks,

Logan

#Easter Time Book Tag - #AmReading

 Cat over at The Strawberry Post did this last Easter (you can find her post here, if you'd like to check that out).  But by the time I saw it and could have played along Easter was completely over and done with.  So, I decided to keep it until around Easter this year to post it instead, even though that means this post has been waiting for about a year to go live.

Anyway, as I always say with these things nowadays: I'm not going to be tagging anyone, but I would love to see answers from anyone who wants to play along.  So, if you feel like playing - either by doing a post on your own blog, or posting your answers in the comments section of this one - please feel free to do so.  Do remember to let me know where I can read your answers if you aren't posting them in the comments though, won't you? I'd hate to miss them.

 

For now though, here are the questions, along with my answers:

    

~

    

1. Easter Egg – Name a book that feels like a hidden gem!

 

"All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr.  There were a few times when I was irritated by how the author seemed to believe some of the myths about blind people, but for the most part it was a fantastic read, I loved the fact it explored how things might have been during WWII for someone with a disability, and hope those who read it will gain a better understanding of blindness through it.
 

2. Bloom – A debut novel you loved!

 

"Outlander" - the first book in the series of the same name by Diana Gabaldon.  In fact, the entire series is fantastic, doing a wonderful job of combining hihistory with the paranormal/fantasy elements and romance that also make up the plot.  Plus, it has James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser in it, and Jamie is one of my favourite male characters ever.
 

3. Chocolate Bunny – A book so good you didn’t want it to end!

 

"Qualify" - the first book in the "Atlantis Grail" series by Vera Nazarian.  In fact, that whole series.  Why? Two words: Aeson Kassiopei.  Who's he? He's one of the main characters, another favourite male character of mine, and the reason I wish I could take the place of the main female character.
 

4. Cheep, Cheep! – A book you bought for super cheap!

I've gotten a lot of books cheaply over the years, and really don't know which title to go with here.

 

5. Jelly Bean – A book you thought was just so sweet!

"The Ickabog" by J K Rowling.  It's got a lovely message about not being too quick to judge.

 

 6. Church – A book that changed your life!

 

"Matilda" by Roald Dahl.  It was comforting to me when I read that first as a child to learn there were actually other children like me who loved to read and do maths, and maybe I wasn't quite so weird after all.  Not that being weird is a bad thing to me these days, but children are desperate to fit in, so I loved knowing I wasn't the only one... Even if the other little girl who enjoyed those things was in a book.

 

7. Easter Basket – A book filled with so many surprises!

"Subject A36" - the first book in the "Colony" series by Teri Polen.  I had been eagerly anticipating its release, I'd even seen and read a couple of teasers for it, and yet the plot was still full of surprises, and I would highly recommend it to all fans of the kind of young adult science-fiction involving actual science here on Earth, rather than aliens and spaceships.

R.I.P. Mollie

 This morning we sent Mollie the chinchilla across the rainbow bridge.

She hasn't been quite herself for a few days, and yesterday (Sunday) we discovered she had an abscess on her mouth.  So I took her to the vet this morning, and faced the same choice I faced with Maizie a little over three years ago: try antibiotics which are unlikely to work, put her through surgery she most likely wouldn't survive and hope if she does make it through the surgery she recovers fully (and quickly enough to start eating properly again before she dies of starvation) or put her to sleep.

I didn't feel it was fair to her to make her suffer longer while we tried things that had a high chance of not working; I wanted to stop her being in pain sooner rather than later.  So I decided to put her to sleep.

It's quiet without her protests whenever my Alexa device stops playing music... Mollie always loved listening to music, especially 80s music for some reason.  She loved her TV time too... Especially crime shows like NCIS and CSI.  And the area where her cage is feels empty somehow, even though the cage is still there at the moment.  But at least she's pain-free, which is the most important thing.

 

Enjoy your 80s music and crime shows on the other side of the rainbow bridge, Miss Mollie.

R.I.P. Mollie

October 12th 2015 - April 11th 2022

A #Tortoise + A Weather Report + #Crafting

 

The photos at the top of this post are just a couple of random ones I took with my phone's camera of Artemis climbing on a pile of throw pillows on the sofa.  Just because you haven't seen an Artemis photo in a while, so I thought I'd take a photo or two to share with you.

***~~~***

The days are just flying by.  It's hard to believe we're already a week in to April.  But, here we are.

~

 

We got a little bit of snow just as we entered April.  We didn't take photos, because none of it settled.  We did get something like half an inch, but the conditions weren't right for it to stick around once it hit the ground.  I got to have fun catching snowflakes though, so there's that.

Lilie and Logan love when it snows too.  Partially because they do play with the snow a bit (though Lilie wasn't so interested in it this time) but I think mostly because I'm never in any hurry to go indoors when there's snow, which means they get to stay outside longer.  LOL!

~

Since then it's been alternating between rain and hail storms, and sunshine.  And the temperatures have been all over the place as well, so that one day we're opening the windows to let a nice breeze in, and the next we're making sure the windows are firmly closed and looking for warm blankets to snuggle in because it's so cold.

***~~~***

I've been doing a lot with the ACB Crafters.  I'm now part of their admin team, so helping to run some of the classes.  So much for my not wanting anything to do with all this when I was first told about the ACB Community calls about a year ago.  LOL!

 

~

 

Anyway, I have some photos of finished projects to show you.

First, here are two different loom knitted shamrocks I made:

Next, here's a crocheted shamrock and a crocheted mini Easter basket:

I'm thinking of putting the shamrocks on some fabric and turning it in to a shamrock themed throw pillow.  The crochet and smaller loom knitted ones are close to the same size, and anyway all three of them are slightly different, so I thought it would look nice with the big loom knitted one in the middle, and the smaller two one on either side of it.

Anyway, I also made a couple of Easter cards... One with a rabbit head on it, and the other with two sheep on it... These were my own designs, and not following the ones the class was doing, because I didn't have the kit.  Anyway, here they are:

And this is the party hat you'll have seen if you read Lilie's post last week:

~

I also sometimes attend classes via Future In Sight, which Kaila (one of the ones in charge of the ACB Crafters) works for.  Those are held via Zoom like the ACB Crafters ones, and are also aimed at visually impaired crafters.

Anyway, I made this rope coaster in one of those workshops recently:

And, while trying to get the rope coaster made, I somehow made this cone shaped thing, which reminds me of the kind of hat you'd see on a garden gnome, so I've been calling it a gnome hat, and am thinking of making a gnome to put it on.  Anyway, here it is:

***~~~***

Going to let this do for today.

Hope you're having a great week.

Lilie The #Westie Shares A Medical Update And Turns 5

Hi everyone.  This is Lilie the Westie.

 

Yes, I know, I don't do posts much any more.  Mummy usually has lots to say, so I've been letting her worry about doing it, which leaves me free to concentrate on other things.  Like barking at people who go past our house, or people who look like they might be about to go past our house, or something I hear, or something I think I hear.  All those important jobs, which humans never appreciate.

~

For those who might be wondering: my leg is doing better.

 

It’s not perfect, but with my knees being like they are it never will be the vet said.  But I can walk on it now, and even run and bounce a little.  Mummy and Daddy say I need to remember that I’m now a grown-up dog and start thinking about calming down.  Well, I thought about it, but it doesn’t sound like much fun to me though, so I don’t think I’m going to do that just yet.

 

~

 

Anyway, I had one of those birthday things on Saturday, so I told Mummy she should let me get a turn on here.  After all, it was my birthday, so I should get to tell you about it, right?

I got a new toy.  It's a cuddly monkey with a squeaker in it, and rope tuggies for arms and legs.  It's great!

Here are a video and photo from when Mummy first gave it to me and I started to play with it:

 

And Mummy made a party hat when she was talking to her computer people on my birthday, which everyone thought it would be cute to have a photo of me wearing.  I don't agree with hats in general myself, whether cute or not, but I reluctantly allowed a photo to be taken, as long as Mummy agreed to stay right there.  I did make her keep her hand on the hat though.  Anyway, since they insisted on taking it, and maybe you'll think its cute - I mean, it does have me in it, so there is that - here it is:

I also got to have a sausage for dinner.  IT was very yummy.

 

I love birthdays!

 

 Lots of licks,

Lilie