Ingrid Hall's Blog, page 52

Two Days in the Life of Stephen Boka

            

Sometimes with the best will in the world things don’t go according to plan!!  For reasons totally beyond anyone’s control I am having to postpone my tea and scones with the delightful Patricia Lynne to later in the week.  However rising to the occasion today is the delicious STEPHEN BOKA  who has taken a hacky big liberty with this and has put his own slant on the day or week in a life of theme…Sending two days instead!!…This feature is open to ALL of my followers – You don’t have to be an author!! Please send your submissions directly to ingrid@grannyirene.com

Two Days in the Life of Stephen Boka

-4:30 a.m. I’m dimly aware of a staccato buzz somewhere outside the blackness that envelops me. I reach through the darkness and grope blindly for the snooze button. Drifting in and out of consciousness, I’m still exhausted. This undercurrent of deep fatigue is manifesting itself more frequently. Rousing with a start, I fix on the clock beside my head and curse softly at no one and nothing in particular.. Even just out of insensibility, there’s that familiar sense, a vague feeling, that time is accelerating . I harbour a sense that I must…what? Do…..something. And fast. The clock is winding down; my life should be a sequence of deep and wonderful experiences…

I fall back on my pillow and drift back to the time I walked into the Ambos Mundi Hotel in Old Havana, where Hemmingway lived for a year and wrote “The Old Man and the Sea”.

The economic constraints of the failed socialist experiment left the furnishings and decor essentially the same as when Castro and Che entered the city in triumph in 1959. Bartenders in white linen jackets polish glasses behind a massive mahogany bar as guests step out of the lobby’s elevator, the iron grill work of the door worthy of a scene from a “film noir”. An elderly Cuban man in a white linen jacket and Panama hat plays a jazzy, Latin tune on a piano up against verdant potted palms. The old iron elevator rattles and groans on the way up to the rooftop terrace that overlooks the harbour and “El Morro”- the Spanish citadel that until recently was incarnated as a prison and execution ground for “enemies of the revolution”. It was here at the rooftop bar that Hemmingway would gaze across the vista of tiled rooftops pressing to the edge of the cobalt ocean. He’d likely be drinking a mojito, the cocktail he developed with the bartenders of that time. The mojito I drank on the terrace was a catalyst in my blood, bringing forth a sense of vibrancy and satisfaction at being in such a wonderful place. All too soon, it seemed, I walked by the colourful fired tiles along the walls of the hotel lobby and stepped out into the blinding light of the midday sun. I walked the streets of a monument to fallen grandeur that to this day would be recognised by Che or Hemmingway. In the courtyards of ornate but decaying Spanish Colonial buildings, visible from the cobblestone streets, were stairs leading to the floors above. Often there would be sat a skinny mongrel dog, or the slow waving of laundry on a line strung across the way in the practical, unpretentious way of people struggling to make do. I imagined gripping the wrought iron bannister and ascending along a wall of chipping mosaic tiles to a sultry night of sensual pleasures. The object of my imaginary tryst was a vague, composite image of the handsome, dark skinned Latin men I saw everywhere. I smiled at my foolishness and wearily conceded that, at 50 years old and somewhat overweight, those days are likely behind me. One of the ironies of life is that time often erodes our features and health – yet leaves us with the same intensity of desire we revelled in when young. Suspending reality and indulging my fantasy, I found myself in a cold water flat, at a kitchen table covered with a scrap of oilcloth and circled by mismatched chairs. Perhaps there’d be a cheap plastic radio of 1950′s vintage blaring out a song by Ibrahim Ferrer or Eliades Ochoa. A portrait of Jose Marti might look on from his vantage point in the adjoining hallway. I’d be fluent in Spanish and we’d discuss the events transpiring in Cuba while the smells of black beans and rice, pork in a lime marinade, and fried plantains filled the spartan kitchen. We’d finish the meal with what I believe is a sacred trinity; no three elements compliment each other like anjeo rum, Cuban coffee, and Cohiba cigars. That combination of tastes and smells evokes the Carribean like nothing else…

The shouts and laughter of the ubiquitous street kids roused me from my reverie and prompted me to continue on my way, a stranger enamoured with the possibilities the city suggested, but resigned to always being an onlooker, an outsider in this mysterious world that tolerated me for the money I brought, but would keep me ever an outsider. Still, I felt worldly, breathing the humid tropic air redolent with the smells of exotic food and salt air. Is it possible for every day to be like that? Now, laying on my bed, I feel rooted to one spot. Inert. I’m booked to work an early shift.. I rise with a sense of deep weariness and make my way down the hall. I wonder what the weather’s like in Havana?

Mojito Recipe

10 fresh mint leaves 1/2 lime, cut into 4 wedges 2 tablespoons white sugar, or to taste 1 cup ice cubes 1 1/2 fluid ounceswhite rum 1/2 cup club soda 

Directions

Place mint leaves and 1 lime wedge into a sturdy glass. Use a muddler to crush the mint and lime to release the mint oils and lime juice. Add 2 more lime wedges and the sugar, and muddle again to release the lime juice. Do not strain the mixture. Fill the glass almost to the top with ice. Pour the rum over the ice, and fill the glass with carbonated water. Stir, taste, and add more sugar if desired. Garnish with the remaining lime wedge.

Who wants to review Granny Irene for me???

Hi everyone.

I am no different from anyone else and just like you I need people to review my latest release Granny Irene’s Guide to the Afterlife Revenge – Part 1.   (If you have already read Granny Irene before it was serialised – great – but I still need you to read and review this one too!!)

I can send a PDF copy to anyone kind enough to offer to provide an honest review of it for me.  Simply email ingrid@grannyirene.com if interested.

Ta very much

INGRID xxx

Book Review: Traditional Witchcraft and the Pagan Revival by Melusine Draco

A Book Review by Lenora

The author known as Melusine Draco trained in the arts of traditional British Old Craft with Bob and Mériém Clay-Egerton.   She has extensive experience as a practitioner and teacher of British Traditional Witchcraft and has written a number of acclaimed books on magic and spirituality for the modern witch.  As part of the Arcanum and Temple of Khem, Melusine offers magical and spiritual instruction.

One of the things that sets her apart in the world of pagan writings is her use of classical sources, academic texts and archaeological findings.  You can find out more about Melusine and her other books at her blog Melusine Draco at Temple of Khem.

We here at http://www.ingridhall.com have been privileged to be offered the opportunity to review Melusine Draco’s latest book prior to publication.  Traditional Witchcraft and the Pagan Revival is part of the ‘Traditional Witchcraft’ series written by the author and published by Moon Books.  It will be published on 30 August 2013.

Traditional Witchcraft and the Pagan Revival by Melusine Draco

This book takes the reader on a sweeping journey through time and spirituality within the British Isles.  From archaeological sites in the Paleolithic that hint at shamanism, ancestor cults and an established genius loci; through the medieval period, with its ambivalent view of witchcraft; to the Elizabethan’s and their obsession with Ritual Magic; and the ‘Burning Times’ of the seventeenth century; to the pagan revival in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries; all the way to the modern period and the birth and phenomenal growth of the Wiccan and neo-pagan movement.

Draco uses archaeological sources and historical research to argue that magic and religion were at first intertwined, and later became separated particularly with the advent of Christianity. She argues that remnants of older pagan traditions remained, particularly in more remote areas of Britain, and these remnants and their guardians influenced the development of Traditional British Witchcraft.  She also addresses some of the pit-falls of modern interpretations of paganism and their claims to ancient antecedents.   She also highlights some of the prejudice that can still be faced by those following alternative spiritual paths.

I found this book to be very engaging, enlightening and at times challenging – it covers a great deal of ground in under 200 pages.  While there are undoubtably more complex and detailed archaeological and historical studies available and Draco’s interpretation of the evidence whilst drawing on some very distinguished sources, is very much her own, this book provides a good over view of archaeological and historic periods from earliest times to the present day.  Her survey outlines  the main theories in relation to magical and religious developments within the British Isles and her insight how these traditions and survivals may have influenced Traditional British Witchcraft and Neo-pagan traditions such as Wicca.

Her chapters are broken up into the archaeological or historical overview, a ‘story so far’ section interpreting the evidence, and a summary drawing it all together.  In a book covering such a vast period of time, this seems a very practical approach.  She also provides a detailed chapter by chapter bibliography to aid further research.

I was impressed with the depth of research carried out by Draco, she quotes eminent archaeologists and historians to support her theories, and presents this information in a very readable and informative manner.  Any book on the history of witchcraft would be hard pressed not to refer to the legendary Margaret Murray, whose 1921 book on witch-cults in Europe had a huge influence on the development of the neo-pagan movement and modern Wicca.  Draco uses Murray judiciously, Murray’s theories are now hotly disputed and Draco, although claiming some remnant pagan elements from antiquity may have survived in Britain, does not go as far as to claim an unbroken ancient lineage.

I was particularly taken by Draco’s idea of a Jungian Collective Unconsciousness, where over time universal magical knowledge was laid down and stored, ready for those with the ability to tap into in to it in future ages.  A sort of metaphysical unbroken lineage rather than an actual genealogical line!

Draco also makes an interesting point that many of the academic writers researching the history of witchcraft do not actually believe in witches per se, so approach the subject with an unintentional bias; she also has no truck with a lot of current pagan writings in which she blames for the propagation of  lazy and inaccurate historical ‘facts’ – or to use her own phrase: ‘fakelore and fantasy’.

I was interested to see how she would approach the ‘Burning Times’,  Draco clearly highlighted the difference in treatment of witches in England as opposed to those on the continent who were subject to the inquisition during this period.  She also avoided citing the oft quoted figure of 5 million killed during these times, a highly contentious figure which is strongly refuted by academics in the field.  (However, the dispute about the numbers killed should not be used to denigrate or dismiss the terrifying truth that hundreds of thousands of people, mainly women, were killed because they were perceived to be witches. And lets not forget that TODAY in many countries around the world people are still being persecuted and killed as witches).

Draco is a teacher, an instructor, and this comes across strongly in her writing style.  She has some very passionate views on the ‘correct’ approach to studying witchcraft and paganism – and strongly believes in the importance of tapping into the genius loci of an area as a way of connecting to the Old Ways.  She is very skeptical of the modern pick and mix approach promoted by many spiritual paths, preferring (as Dion Fortune did) that a person becomes an expert (in more than on path, if desired) before one creates a more individualist path.  Draco does not encourage ‘dabblers’.  Some may find her muscular approach to her subject and her clear preference for Traditional Witchcraft a little off-putting – some of her views in relation to Wicca and neo paganism can appear high-handed and dismissive (she readily admits that British Traditional Witchcraft can be a bit ‘red in tooth and claw’ and is much more tribal and can seem a lot less open armed than other branches of paganism).

This book is clearly  pitched at pagan readers rather than history fans, however I think that those generally interested in history would enjoy reading it, as it provides a very good survey of the last few thousand years from quite an alternative perspective: the magical/religious developments of the British Isles in relation to modern paganism.  In my view, it can only be a benefit to paganism in general if those practicing alternative paths such as Witchcraft, Wicca or Paganism find out more about the actual history of the subject rather than relying only on those books that provide a very appealing but not necessarily realistic view of pagan history.   As a result some currently accepted historical ‘facts’ might be consigned to ‘folklore’ but that’s not to say they lose their significance – it just tempers it.

Although some of the interpretations of the archaeological and historical record are open to challenge, for a book of under 200 pages that successful navigates many thousands of years of history and dealing with quite a controversial subject this is only to be expected!  This is a book that makes the reader ask questions, think about the evidence, and hopefully explore further.  I found it a thoroughly fascinating read.

Traditional Witchcraft and the Pagan Revival by Melusine Draco will be available on Amazon from 30 August 2013:

Traditional Witchcraft and the Pagan Revival: A magical anthropology

Review of My Highland Lord by Tarah Scott

Born in New Mexico Tarah Scott is the author of numerous novels spanning several different genres including historical romance, horror and mainstream fiction. She currently lives in New York.

My list of books to review is incredibly long and initially I placed this title in Amanda’s list to review, however there was something about it that kept calling out to me so last week I pinched it from Amanda’s list and popped it into my own and I am SO glad that I did!!!

Set in nineteenth century Britain this book is an absolute must for lovers of historical romance because it ticks every possible box.  There is mystery, there is intrigue, there are plots and twists and turns a plenty and best of all there is a feisty, take no crap heroine and a drop dead gorgeous, fearless hero.

The story opens in 1837 London, lifting the lid on a plot seventeen years earlier to assassinate the kings ministers.  I will admit that my general historical knowledge of anywhere beyond the North East of England in that time frame is somewhat sketchy (I so wish I had Lenora’s terrifying historical knowledge) so I was glad that the author immediately makes it clear that she is indeed referring to the Cato Street Conspiracy.   Now, rather than wait for the story to unfold, because I will confess to being anal on matters such as this, I immediately found myself googling Cato Street because a little extra historical knowledge never hurts and this was a clear sign as to just how gripping the book was going to be…

I love the fact that the actual conspiracy is looked back upon rather than being written as if it were unfolding in real time because this added extra depth (and potential) to the story line and allowed various characters the opportunity to reassess their initial role in it.  I also thought the way the author explored the “loose ends” was incredibly imaginative and it provided a lot of scope for the ensuing drama and chaos which unfolded.

Initially, I did wonder just how the plot was going to lead to Scotland, however chapter 1 ends beautifully and all is revealed…

I love the use of letters and documents which are used periodically as a means of driving the story along.  I also love the fact that they are “written” by different characters because they have a wonderful air of authenticity about them.

The heroine Phoebe, I have to say surpassed expectations.  She is incredible! In an era when women had no control over their finances or who they married it is wonderful finding one that constantly headbutted the boundaries and limitations that society was trying to impose upon her.   The fact that she is also a spy for the British crown was the icing on the cake.

What of the hero, Kiernan, Marquess of Ashlund, well, his name or identity isn’t even revealed until Chapter 3 which only adds to the mystery and suspense and he is also incredibly compelling.  Almost “new man” but in a I am going to spank your bare bottom in front of my father and his wife kind of way.  He is sexy, he is brave and he puts up with Phoebe’s shit in such a charming, bemused manner that you just want to grab him by the ears and hug him.

There is some beautiful imagery in the book especially in the scenes up around Loch Katrine.

I chuckled and thought it was a clever touch by the author when Phoebe is buying a copy of The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens and Kiernan says “I am not acquainted with the fellow” to which Phoebe replies “He has only just published”  Absolute gold! Proving that there is indeed hope for all us indie authors yet!!

I have gone looking for the author’s other novels and I am slightly disappointed that I can only find them on kindle.  I really don’t understand why people don’t publish as paperback too, especially if publishing through amazon/create space.  I don’t mind reading electronic copies for review however if I am reading for pleasure, or if I find an indie author that I love and want to read their other works then I really do prefer to read a real book…Maybe I am just a dinosaur.

The only fault/flaw that I can find with the book itself is the fact that sometimes the author allows herself to slip into contemporary style language in the dialogue which occasionally spoils the moment.  I particularly noticed this during an exchange between Baron Ty Arlington and his mother and it made me wince.

Overall, I loved this book.  I was hooked and gripped from the word go and I will definitely be reading more of the author’s work at a later point.

You can find more about the author and her work at http://www.tarahscott.com

The Week Ahead

Morning everyone

It’s going to be a busy day today.  I have my review of My Highland Lord by Tarah Scott to post and I believe that Lenora will also be posting her latest review.  Here is a taster of what you can expect during the week ahead…

Sunday – Tea and Scones with Patricia Lynne

Monday –  Two days in the life of Stephen Boka

Tuesday – Review of Clarinda Cloud by Jodi Desautels

Wednesday “There’s no place in ego for healing” Article by Jeff Donovan

Thursday – Cocktails with Andrea Buginsky

Friday – Interview with Taline Spiritual Medium

Saturday  - Review of The Pregnant Mule by Sola Odemuyiwa

ALSO THIS WEEK

Amanda will be posting her review of The Prophecy of Three Keys of Time by Sam Whitehouse

Bye for now

INGRID xxx

 

Brand new Ghost Blogging Services

Introducing my brand new Ghost Blogging Services.  Are you in need of an exciting, innovative blog?  Would you like someone to continually come up with fresh, fun articles? Read more here…