Mom’s Favorite Reads eMagazine is published monthly by Goylake Publishing and designed by Melanie P. Smith of www.melaniepsmith.com
www.hannah-howe.com
https://kidsstoriesblog.com/
www.moms-favorite-reads.com
www.ronesaaveela.com
MELANIE P. SMITH (Executive Editor / Graphic Design )
SYLVA FAE (Managing Editor / Art Director)
WENDY H. JONES (Copy Editor)
SHEENA MACLEOD (Copy Editor)
https://melaniepsmith.com
https://sylvafae.co.uk/blog
https://www.wendyhjones.com/buy-direct/
https://www.sheenas-books.co.uk/
Editorial Contributors
ALLISON SYMES (Story Editor) https://allisonsymescollectedworks.com
Authors https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/
POPPY FLYNN (Content Editor) https://www.poppyflynnsaucyauthor.com/
GRANT LEISHMAN (Marketing)
https://www.grantleishman.com/
www.facebook.com/momsfavoritereads
www.moms-favorite-reads.com
Discover more about us through our video:
https://youtu.be/s0CNofMbQdM
Never miss an issue by subscribing to our FREE magazines: www.tinyurl.com/momsfavoritereads-subscribe -5-
Holiday Traditions Sylva Fae & Melanie P. Smith A Christmas Eve Tradition By Sylva Fae I first discovered the tradition of giving a book as a gift on Christmas Eve from my Nordic university friends. As a student, with plenty of time to read, and an avid reader for as long as I could remember, this seemed the perfect tradition to adopt – what could be better than snuggling in front of an open fire with a new book and a mug of hot chocolate? It was only in recent years, I discovered this wonderful tradition was actually an Icelandic custom called Jolabokaflod, which roughly translates as ‘Christmas book flood’.
in Iceland. Because of this, Icelanders gave books as gifts while other things were unavailable. The
Jolabokaflod started during World War II, when paper was one of the few things not rationed
-8-
custom has continued and it has become part of the culture to give books on the 24th of December, then spend the evening reading with your family. The Mom’s Favourite Reads team think this is a fantastic tradition for everyone to adopt, so put on your
most snuggly pyjamas, make your favourite comfort drink/snack and settle down for a night of reading. Here are some festive books from Mom’s authors, covering a range of genres to inspire you to start your own version of Jolabokaflod.
A Christmas Thief by Ronesa Aveela
Workhouse Orphan by Maggie Cobbett
Shadows of the Past by Maggie Cobbett
In 'Workhouse Orphan', David spends a very happy first Christmas with the coal miner to whom he has been apprenticed and draws comparisons between that and the misery of previous Christmases in the workhouse. He sends gifts to the little brothers and sister still confined there, hoping against hope that they will be allowed to have them.
'Shadows of the Past' deals with the restrictions of Christmas in France during the German occupation of WW2. The villagers reminisce about how things used to be and pray for an angel to descend to help them. She does, but in the shape of a British agent from the S.O.E.who parachutes in during Midnight Mass.
https://bookgoodies.com/a/ B07FRW8YY1
https://bookgoodies.com/a/ B012IY94PW
Seven-year-old Christopher is determined he is going to catch the Winter Monster who steals food from his family's porch every Christmas. What he discovers instead is the meaning of sharing. The Christmas Thief is a short story and coloring book. In the tradition of family togetherness, Baba Treasure Chest stories are geared toward the entire family: Adults reading stories to children, children and adults working together on coloring pages. This book is dedicated to people everywhere as a reminder of the beauty of Christmas when we count our blessings and help those in need. https://bookgoodies.com/ a/1508501513
-9-
Killer’s Curse: DI Shona McKenzie Mysteries Book 7 by Wendy H Jones Faced with the horrific murder of two Father Christmases DI Shona is hurtled into the centre of another deadly spree by a killer who will stop at nothing. With no clues and a rising body count she is shocked to find herself not only investigating in Dundee but also, New Orleans and the Louisiana Bayou. As the body count rises higher than the sticky Louisiana heat, Shona joins with her American colleagues to stop a serial killer in their tracks before Christmas is ruined forever. What, and who, could possibly link these cities other than one grisly murder after another. https://bookgoodies.com/a/ B09L6KGMRP
A Country Christmas by Melanie P. Smith
Christmas Surprise by Melanie P. Smith
Can a Christmas tragedy heal two hearts?
Will a Christmas surprise bring heartbreak or forgiveness?
Book 1 - A Holiday Short Story (2019). Tea Hunter is devastated when she discovers her long-time boyfriend is cheating on her. She decides to head out west to the family cabin for the holidays hoping to find some peace as she reevaluates her life and tries to move forward. Tragedy strikes on a treacherous road in the middle of a blizzard and Tea finds herself stranded and at the mercy of a friendly cowboy. Instinct is screaming for her to run fast and run far; unfortunately, she has no memory of who she is or where she should run.
Book 2 - A Holiday Short Story (2020). Matt Hunter has loved Harley since the moment they met. She’s already refused his marriage proposal three times. Now, she’s not speaking to him. Has he lost the love of his life forever? Harley Miller swore she’d never get married. Her mother told her a million times that’s what ruins a relationship but when she gets an unexpected surprise, her life is turned upside down and she is forced to rethink everything.
https://books2read.com/ CountryChristmas - 10 -
https://books2read.com/ ChristmasSurprise2 https://melaniepsmith.com/ holiday-short-stories/
Secret Santas by Sylva Fae A Cowboy Christmas by Melanie P. Smith They were perfect together… until they weren’t. Book 3 - A Holiday Short Story (2021). Coming Mid-December He was Mr. Right, until he broke her heart. Sparks fly when they’re together, but... They were best friends — and more. Then she let him down. He’s thought of her every day for the past ten years. Now she’s back, but...
Santa loved making presents for all the elves in his village, but when he received letters from all over the world, he suddenly had a bigger challenge than he imagined. How could one man make and deliver that many presents in one night? Santa needed some magic and a miracle! Discover how Santa now manages to deliver a special present to every child on Christmas Eve.
Messy Christmas by Sylva Fae A mischievous elf and a naughty cat are feeling bored one Christmas night. How much mess can this cute pair make in just a few hours? With tumbling trees, bouncing baubles, bursting balloons, and a blizzard of flour, it’s going to be a Messy Christmas! Mybook.to/MessyChristmas
mybook.to/SecretSantas
Sylva Fae is a married mum of three from Lancashire, England. She has spent twenty years teaching literacy to adults with learning difficulties and disabilities, and now works from home as a children’s writer and illustrator. Sylva has published several children’s books and also writes a blog, Sylvanian Ramblings. Her debut book, Rainbow Monsters won the Chanticleer Best in Category award. Discover more about Sylva on Mom’s Favorite Reads website: https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/sylva-fae/ - 11 -
Christmas Tree Hunting
In the beginning, it was just the tree hunting, but each year got a little more elaborate until it turned into an all day excursion. We’d drag out the fourwheelers, snowmobiles, and the sleds. Once the work was done, it was time to play. I mean, we do live in Utah where you can find the Greatest Snow on Earth. With the trees loaded and secured, it was time to slice through the powder. If we couldn’t find a hill clear enough or steep enough for sledding, we’d just attach those bad boys to the back of the snowmobile and take a wild ride around twists and turns holding on for dear life. When our turn was over, my mom would be waiting at the motorhome with hot chocolate and sandwiches. Once evening fell, we’d load up and start for home, another year behind us, and a lifetime of memories to cherish. Well, after we got the truck unstuck.
By Melanie P. Smith Christmas is a time for sparkling light displays, festive neighborhoods, and fluffy white snowflakes falling from a starlit sky. It’s also a time for Christmas Trees, Santa, and family traditions. I come from a fairly large family, and we love our traditions. Unfortunately, some of our gatherings remind me of that Jeff Foxworthy skit about the Clampetts go to Maui. In our case, it’s the Jensen’s go to Disney — hillbilly style. Campfire with the Jewells — in a monsoon. And Travel the Coastal Highway — in the Dark. But I digress. One family tradition that we could usually pull off each year was Christmas tree hunting. The weekend after Thanksgiving was always reserved for this fun family adventure. Whether it was a crisp, clear, day or a blizzard, we headed to the mountains. Some years were easy, with only a few inches of snow. Other years, we hiked up a steep slope, snow up to our knees, fingers so frozen they felt like they would fall off, so many layers of clothing we waddled like that kid in A Christmas Story Carol who couldn’t put his arms down, and warm boots that would make an Alaskan musher proud. But we were determined to cut down that dream tree and wouldn’t go home until we found it. I know, it sounds a little awful, but it wasn’t. It was fun and those memories will last a lifetime. - 12 -
We’re older now, traditions have changed, and some of our loved ones have passed on which makes those memories even more special. These days we no longer tree hunt as a family, there are simply too many of us and with work, family, and other obligations scheduling an entire day away became a nightmare. We finally called it quits a few years ago but many of our other traditions have continued on. Everyone has at least one tradition, big or small. It’s what makes the holiday fun and predictable. So, whether it’s hunting that perfect tree, preparing a special breakfast feast, dressing in matching festive pajamas while you watch classic Christmas movies, or making Christmas cookies, find a tradition that’s right for you. Cherish the memories, because life is short. And, if you do, this year might just be the most memorable holiday season yet.
Holiday Trains by Melanie P. Smith
Growing up, my mom always had creative projects to keep us kids busy and encourage creativity. Especially around the holidays. Building candy bar trains was a Christmas tradition we looked forward to each year. Our family kept one, but the rest were gifts for neighbors, teachers, and friends. We always made the candy bar trains, but I’m including one made with cookies as well. If you’re looking for a fun activity for the kids that you can also give to loved ones, you may want to try this easy project. TIP—buy extra candy because some just might make it into the kids stomach when Mom’s not looking. We always kept the icing white to simulate snow, but that’s not necessary. Be creative and have fun. You can also intermingle the candy with your favorite cookies. The only limit is your own imagination.
- 13 -
Cookies Used —
Egg Whites —
Keebler Iced Raisin Keebler French Vanilla Cream, Keebler Cream Wafers (Plain)
Egg white ( you can use raw egg whites, pasteurized raw egg whites, egg white powder or meringue powder) ♦
Egg white powder, follow instructions to make the equivalent of three egg whites.
♦
Meringue powder, combine three tablespoons of powder and five tablespoons of
Basic Royal Icing — ♦
♦
♦
3 oz (6 Tbsp or 3 Large) egg whites (see Egg whites section for options)
warm water then proceed with recipe.
1 tsp vanilla extract ( you can substitute different flavors like mint or lemon)
Method — Mix the egg and vanilla in a mixer with whisk attachment or hand mix with wire whisk in a large bowl.
4 Cups (460 g or 1 lb) powdered sugar
Sift in 1 cup Powdered Sugar. May clump if not sifted. Mix on medium speed until sugar is absorbed. Repeat 3 times until all sugar is added. Test for thickness, if not thick enough, add 1 Tbsp powdered sugar, mix and test again. Repeat as needed. - 14 -
♦
Assemble on an long piece of cardboard covered in aluminum foil.
♦
Put a strip of royal icing along the board just a little wider than the width of candy bars.
♦
Lay licorice along the outside edge of icing to create the train tracks.
♦
Assemble the train on the icing making sure to use enough to hold the candy bars in place once it sets up. Short train connection: licorice rope works best but you can use candy cane pieces, Hot Tamales, etc.
♦
Use icing to add M&M, Smarties, and other candy to make the cargo. We substituted a row of smarties or M&Ms in place of lifesavers for the wheels. We thought it looked like train wheels.
♦
Decorate the background with extra candy, powdered sugar and icing.
♦
Wrap in cellophane and tie with ribbon.
Long before she delved into the world of fantasy and suspense, Melanie P. Smith served nearly three decades in the Special Operations Division at her local sheriff’s office working with SWAT, Search & Rescue, K9, the Motor Unit, Investigations and the Child Abduction Response Team. She now uses that training and knowledge to create stories that are action-packed, gripping and realistic. When Melanie’s not writing, she can be found riding her Harley, exploring the wilderness or capturing that next great photo. Learn more about Melanie on Mom’s Favorite Reads website: https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/melanie-p-smith - 15 -
My Name is Holly Submitted by Poppy Flynn Written by Holly Age 6 (This has been transcribed and corrected from original handwritten piece. Mom’s Favorite Reads encourages young writers of all ages.)
My name is Holly. Holly is prickly. I don’t know why my Mum called me about something which is prickly. If you put your finger on it, it will hurt and sometimes make blood. Holly is green all of the year. It has red berries. People have Holly at Christmas. It is red and green like Christmas.
The berries are bad to eat. Don’t eat them. I like being Holly.
- 16 -
The Wrong Places? by Stan Phillips Wild and wonderful words will not save society. They've all been spoken down the years, those great phrases hung like jewels upon the fabric of time. All the "I have a dream" speeches. All the '"Be the change you wish to see" rhetoric. It's all been said, hasn't it? Wonderfully eloquent wisdom that gives the world something to listen to while it does the same old thing. The same old bloodletting. All the old "An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind" encouragement. All the "We will never surrender" inspiration. It's all been shouted from the rooftops of history and echoed down the bloodstained passages of time. And been ignored. Perhaps the answers are found in our silence, rather than in our noise? Or perhaps we have been looking in the wrong places?
Stan Phillips is an 80 year old poet, musical podcast maker, part-time wannabe male model, and occasional stand up comedian. “I used to be a psychotherapist/counsellor when I had an honest job. I was born into prewar London, and attended 17 schools (my father believed they couldn’t hit a moving target) and I eventually finished up here in Ireland. Still wondering what I will be when I grow up — but enjoying writing my quirky poetry as I do so.” Discover more about Stan on Mom’s Favorite Reads website: https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/stan-phillips - 17 -
Travelling to Krak des Chevaliers, Syria by Ceri Bladen If any of you have read my previous articles, you know that my family of five like to travel. This diary extract, and photos, are from our trip to Syria. We travelled through Turkey into Syria in our trusty Fiat Doblo in the winter of 2010. Little did we know that less than a year later, the country would be torn apart by war. The kind Syrian people and wondrous places we visited will forever be in our hearts.
2nd February 2010 Today, I was excited as we were off to see the Crusader castle, Krak des Chevaliers, apparently one of the most important preserved mediaeval castles in the world. TE Lawrence once simply said, "The finest castle in the world.” The thought of seeing this fortress was one of the main reasons my husband could persuade me to travel to Syria with three young children! We got up early and after breakfast and packing, we left the hotel at 8.30am.
It was 4c/39f, and the weather was dullish with enormous clouds in the sky. Hope it does not snow... After travelling east of Tartus, it took us a while to find the castle. I was not expecting that! There were no signs along the roads, or even sight of the supposedly impressive castle. After driving aimlessly around for a while, I eventually read in the tour book that the castle is not locally called ‘Krak des Chevaliers’, it is called Hisn (fort). After retracing our steps, we found it up a very steep mountain—obviously! We all crossed our fingers that our Fiat, full of luggage and kids, could get up the 650-metre-high (2,130 ft) mountain! It did not let us down. The first sight of Krak des Chevaliers was breathtaking. Excited, we went to the entrance. One of the weakest points of any castle was its main gate, but Krak des Chevaliers was an exception (and I have been to
- 18 -
a few castles being a Welsh girl) First, there was a lengthy approach corridor, covered by walls with arrow-slit windows. Then attackers would have been slowed down by the slope, which turned at right angles, three times, before they would have come up against a series of four gates protected by an iron portcullis. When we eventually got inside, we paid s£150 (approx. £1.50) for the five of us to look around.
knowledgeable young man, we could also concentrate on the children, making sure they did not fall of the walls as it was very windy, and by this point, freezing cold! The castle started life as a simple fort to house a garrison of Kurdish soldiers serving under the Emir (Prince) of Homs in 1031. It was built to control the socalled ‘Homs Gap’—the gateway where Syria communicated with the Mediterranean (it connects the cities of Tripoli and Homs.) Due to the Emir’s garrisoning of Kurdish troops at the site, the castle became known locally as "Ḥiṣn al-Akrād" (Fortress of the Kurds.)
I got out my two trusty tour guides of Syria (with the kids mumbling, ‘Not the blue books again…’ lol), but as the place was so big, and there were no labels or information, we eventually hired a guide. Good move. While we kept an ear to the very
In January 1099, the Emir’s men attacked the people taking part in the First Crusade as they made their way through the area towards Jerusalem. The Crusade was led by Raymond IV of Toulouse to recover Holy Land from Islamic rule. The following day, Raymond marched on the fort, but found it deserted. The Crusaders briefly occupied the castle in February of the same year but abandoned it to continue their march towards Jerusalem. When they - 19 -
left, the Emir of Homs and his garrison returned. Eleven years later, the Emir was given the complete push when the Christian knights in the area had strengthened and attacked. Permanent Hospitaller occupation began around 1110 when Tancred of the First Crusade (later, the Prince of Galilee) took control.
After acquiring the site, the Knights of the Order of St. John expanded Krak des Chevaliers and replaced the former Kurdish fortification. It housed a garrison of around sixty Hospitaller knights, around two
Around the middle of the 12th century, the First Crusaders were replaced by the elite Order of the Knights Hospitallers* (the Knights of the Order of St. John.) The stronghold was given to this mediaeval military order in 1142 by Raymond II of Tripoli. Along with Krak des Chevaliers, the Hospitallers were given four other castles along the borders, which allowed the order to dominate the area – although Krak des Chevaliers became one of their most important. The Order had an agreement with Raymond II, which stated that if he did not accompany the Knights of the Order on a campaign, the spoils of war belonged entirely to the Order. If he was present, it was split equally between the Count and the Order. The Order also stated that Raymond II could not make peace with the Muslims without the permission of the Hospitallers. - 20 -
lands". He was so impressed that he gave a yearly income of sixty marks to the Master and forty marks to the brothers. Richard I of England (Richard the Lionheart) was also a visitor at the castle during the Third and final Crusades. In the 1250s, the fortunes of the Hospitallers at Krak des Chevaliers took a turn for the worse again when a Muslim army of approximately ten thousand men ravaged the countryside.
thousand foot soldiers, and provisions which could last up to five years. They made it into the largest Crusader fortress in the Holy Land, with a threemeter-thick outer wall and seven guard towers approx. ten meters thick. The inner ward, which was rebuilt in a Gothic style, included aqueducts, cisterns, large halls, storerooms, living quarters, a meeting hall, a chapel, and stables that could house up to a thousand horses.
By 1268, the area, previously housing around ten thousand people was deserted. The Kingdom of Jerusalem produced little income for the Order and there were only three hundred of the Order's brethren left in the east. A couple of years later, in 1271, the fortress fell into the hands of Mamluk Sultan Baibars. After one month of fighting, he presented the castle’s defenders with a forged letter from the Crusader Count of Tripoli ordering them to relinquish the castle. It was a clever trick. The Hospitallers walked out and all Baibars had to do was walk in!
Drought conditions, between 1175 and 1180, prompted the Crusaders to sign a two-year truce with the Muslims but during the 1180s, raids by Christians and Muslims into each other's territory continued and became more frequent. Fighting in the surrounding area continued, and although the Crusaders fortunes changed when Saladin (Al-Nasir Salah al-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub or Salah ad-Din, a Sunni Muslim Kurd) faced the combined forces of Guy of Lusignan, King Consort of Jerusalem and Raymond III of Tripoli and won—where he was personally responsible for the execution of Raymond in retaliation for Raymond’s attacks against Muslim caravans) the Order still held onto Krak des Chevaliers.
Shortly after, the Knights Hospitaller left the Middle East and relocated to a new headquarters in Cyprus. Meanwhile, Sultan Baibars rebuilt the damage his own forces had done to Krak des Chevaliers and made it into his command headquarters in Syria. The Ottomans took over during the 1516 to 1918, housing a company of elite infantry units (the müstahfızan/ janissaries.) Several Turkmen and Kurdish tribes were settled in the area and by the 18th century, the area was mainly controlled by the Dandashli family of local notables. In 1894, the Ottoman government considered stationing a company of soldiers back at the fortress but decided the castle was too old, and access too difficult, so they moved their capital to Tall Kalakh and left the fortress. Not much is known about Krak des Chevaliers fate for a while.
When another earthquake struck in 1202, the castle was remodelled again. The 13th-century work was the last period of building and gave it its current appearance. Crusaders who passed through the area would often stop at the castle, and probably made donations. In 1218, King Andrew II of Hungary visited and proclaimed the castle the "key of the Christian
When renewed interest in Crusader castles began in - 21 -
the 19th century, interest turned to Krak des Chevaliers. By the 19th century, over five hundred villagers had made their settlements inside the castle. When architect Maurice Pillet and Paul Deschamps began working on the Krak des Chevaliers in 1926, they were concerned about the damage being caused by the settlement. They persuaded France to buy Krak des Chevaliers from the Alaouite State on 16 November 1933 for one million francs. The money was used to compensate the villagers who had been turned out of their homes. The Krak was now in control of the French Alawite State and managed as a French historic monument. A period of cleaning and restoration took place. In 1946, when Syria declared independence, it assumed control. Today, a village called al-Husn exists around the castle and has a population of nearly nine thousand people.
We explored Damascus in the evening – exciting, but you had to watch out for the traffic. Walked to the bustling al-Hamidiyeh souk (market.) It was packed. As we walked with the crowds, purchasing some silk scarves, we noticed lights coming through the roof—they looked like twinkling stars. Later, we found out that the vaulted iron roof was riddled with bullet holes from the machine guns fired by gunners in French planes during the nationalist rebelling in 1925!
In 2006, the castles of Krak des Chevaliers and Qal'at Salah El-Din were recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. We left the castle after about two hours--after the kids rummaged through the trinket shop. We defrosted in the car, and as usual, the kids were starving, so we stopped on the side of the road to get some lunch. We had five small pides, two cheese pides, three small pizzas, and two Indian pizzas for S£200 (£2).
Exhausted, we went back to the hotel, while Marc and Thom went to get food. They also brought back cream cakes. They were delicious – six huge cream cakes for £1.50! The French influence was apparent in the desserts. Played Top Trumps with the kids, before watching a film.
We arrived in Damascus just after 2pm. It was absolutely chaotic! It was better to close my eyes than to acknowledge the two lanes of traffic bulging into six lanes. I was glad I was not driving! Eventually, Marc decided to leave the three of us in the car to look for somewhere to stay, as it was impossible to drive around. He took 1 ½ hours to find something, so we read and played card games. When he returned, we drove to our hotel, which was on top of a police station. The police were friendly, advising us where we could park.
Looking forward to tomorrow’s adventures… *The Order of the Knights Hospitaller probably emerged in Jerusalem as a religious order that cared for the sick. Later, it looked after pilgrims in the Holy Land. - 22 -
After the success of the First Crusade, many Crusaders donated their new property in the Levant to the Hospital of St John. It is suggested that around the 1130s the Order became militarised. A papal bull (charter issued by the Catholic pope) between 1139 and 1143, indicated the Order hiring people to defend pilgrims -- along with other military orders, such as the Knights Templar. Update: Krak des Chevaliers was taken by opposition forces in the Spring of 2010. For two years it was used as a rebel command and control centre, a weapons storage facility, and as a transit base for foreign fighters entering the country from Lebanon, around five miles away.
In 2014, as government forces closed in, most of the one hundred and thirty-three rebels inside struck a deal to flee to Lebanon, leaving just seventeen foreign fighters holding the castle. Krak des Chevaliers' feat of impressive military engineering--its appeal to rebels—proved to be their downfall. A minimum of a hundred fighters are needed to adequately man the fortress. Eventually the rebel fighters, after blowing up mediaeval doorways and staircases, fled to Lebanon. Krak des Chevaliers is now back in the hands of the Syrian government and is being restored by the locals. It is welcoming Syrian visitors.
Ceri Bladen originates from the lovely Welsh village, Caerleon, before she moved to Swansea to obtain her teaching degree. After having twins and another child, seventeen months later, her family moved to Turkey for a slower place of life. Here, in between looking after numerous street dogs and a kindle of street cats, she enjoys researching history and writing. Ceri loves romance, so most of her books contain elements of it, whether in the form of historical, contemporary, or fantasy.
- 23 -
A Closer Look At: The Day of the Triffids by T.E. Hodden John Wyndham’s most famous and enduring novel has been adapted several times since published in 1951. Most famously as a monster movie in 1962, with Howard Keel as a suitably matinee idol American hero, and great swathes of the book slashed and discarded, to make a pacier, adventure film. Too pacy, according to legend, which says the bplot of a couple stranded on a lighthouse, a new invention for the movie, had to be invented to bulk out the film to feature length. Most recently, in 2009, it was adapted as a prime time thriller, with Dougray Scott in the lead, concentrating on the book’s background threat of a dangerous villain using the disaster to claim power, and recruit an army.
deep rainforests, where they were worshipped as gods (as per the more recent incarnation), but the results of genetic experiments, smuggled across the iron curtain by a keen defector, only to have his jet shot down, and the seeds scattered to the winds.
But, the most faithful, and the best, of the attempts to put the story on screen, was the six part series of half hour episodes first shown in 1981. Written by Douglas Livingstone, and produced by David Maloney, it made very few changes to the source text, tweaking it a little (mostly to the dialogue, but a few other changes to account for changing attitudes), to ground the show in the 1980s.
Bill works on a triffid farm, where herds of the monstrous plants are kept from wandering by fences and stakes, tapped for their oil. A close encounter with a triffid’s sting blinds him, temporarily, and as such, he is in a hospital bed, with bandages over his eyes, when the rest of the world watches a shower of shooting stars, that light up the sky, and… blinds them permanently.
So, as with the book, we have the triffids, strange moving plants with a poisonous sting, that have been a part of daily life for decades. They first appeared in Bill Masen’s (John Duttine) childhood, sprouting all over the world, and would have been eradicated soon after they were identified as a danger, were it not for the remarkable quality of the oil they produce.
In the following days the world descends into chaos, and Bill finds himself caught up with Jo (Emma Relph), one of the few remaining sighted people, while opposing forces try to wrestle for control and order, while society crumbles quickly away.
Here they are not aliens who arrived on a comet (as per the film), or ancient monsters discovered in
Without power to contain them in the farm, the - 24 -
Triffids break free, and swiftly spread out into London. A looming threat that Bill struggles to make others take seriously, until it is too late. Much like modern zombie movies, the show moves swiftly through the fall, never lingering on the horrors, but never letting you doubt that they are there, off screen. It is clear through the sterling performances that the characters are struggling to keep moving, and not look back, to focus away from the unimaginable horrors. Unlike horror movies most of the victims of this apocalypse are all too alive, and all too human. Being blinded has not extinguished their souls, nor made them lesser, which makes the scenes of shambling crowds and confusion an entirely more terrifying prospect than most dystopias, and one that is uncomfortable to watch. When we do meet the ‘good’ survivors, the military officers, and upper class academics, who are gathering in a university buildings, there is an unnerving sense at how quickly they have written off the victims as ‘others’, to be abandoned. Their ‘enemy’ Coker, is a pragmatist, trying to save the victims that he can. Some of these characters feel starched and old fashioned, in the mould of a very middleclass apocalypse already out of date by the eighties, but starched and old fashioned in a way that we will all have seen in politicians and authority figures today.
As you might expect from a forty year old show, some aspects have aged better than others. As a simple adventure story, it is well told, and well filmed, with monstrous walking plants that are well realised, and remain pretty effective. There is something about the practical effects and model-work, that has become ‘vintage’ rather than ‘hokey’ in a way that some CGI monsters wont. The triffids remain scary, and eerily alien. There are of course, some scenes that would be considered differently today, as one would expect from the book. The pacing lags, and the latter episodes drag on, to a conclusion that although tense and taut, is on a smaller scale, and less exciting than what has gone before. Is it worth revisiting? Yes, more so than the film, or more recent adaption, and it is a satisfying yarn, but not one that is without its troubles.
T.E. Hodden trained in engineering and works in a specialized role in the transport industry. He is a life long fan of comic books, science fiction, myths, legends, and history. In the past he has contributed to podcasts, blogs, and anthologies. Discover more on Mom’s Favorite Reads website: https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/t-e-hodden/
- 25 -
Europe by Book by Hannah Howe
The Beatrice Stubbs Boxset Two (Beatrice Stubbs Series Boxset Book 2) by JJ Marsh For lovers of intelligent crime fiction, three more heart-racing European adventures in one boxset. Beatrice Stubbs of Scotland Yard: detective inspector, metaphor mixer and stubborn survivor. Battling crime by day and her own demons by night, the question is always the same. Justice or the law? Cold Pressed: “Two things people fear the most? Change and death.” Santorini. Turquoise seas, ancient ruins and beautiful sunsets. And a woman thrown from a cliff. The violent death shocks fellow passengers of the Empress Louise, a grand cruise liner packed with British tourists. DI Beatrice Stubbs flies to Greece to assist. When another lady is killed in her cabin, terror spreads like contagion. Murder is aboard and someone has Beatrice in his sights. Revenge is a dish best served cold. Human Rites: “Judgement is in the eye of the beholder.” Adrian Harvey has a stalker. Someone is stealing his post, vandalising his shop and making allegations to
the police. And who is that nun? When DI Beatrice Stubbs is dispatched to Germany to investigate art theft, Adrian seizes the chance to flee the city. Yet the stalker is still on his heels. Adrian runs from danger to the remote island of Sylt. But danger follows and Adrian has run too far. Bad Apples: “Some people are just rotten to the core.” A police conference in Portugal is hardly a dangerous assignment, so Beatrice Stubbs invites family and friends for a holiday. It should be the perfect work-life balance. Until one of her colleagues is murdered. An eclectic alliance of international detectives forms to find the assassin. But are they really on the same side? Meanwhile, tensions rise at the holiday villa. A clash of egos sours the atmosphere and when a five-year-old child disappears, their idyll turns hellish. Trust can be a fatal mistake.
- 26 -
The Supreme Victory of the Heart: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Synchronicity by Sharon Rawlette When her French fiancé told her about the other woman in his life, she began to wonder if there was more to love–and the universe–than she had dared imagine. At 29, Sharon Hewitt was about to see her dreams come true. For the past decade, she’d been living the academic high life in New York, Paris, and Boston but struggling to feel at ease far from her rural roots and the religious faith she’d left behind in college. Now, engaged to a Frenchman and about to settle on a beautiful farm in the rolling countryside of Brittany, she felt she’d finally come home…
sorrow, sympathy and steely resolve, Sharon found herself plumbing the depths of human love, as well as encountering the distinct possibility of something she’d given up on long ago: a higher purpose behind it all. This book tells the story of her challenging personal journey, and of the intriguing synchronicities that left her with a growing suspicion that love just might be destined to emerge victorious after all.
…until a girl her fiancé had known in high school unexpectedly resurfaced, changing everything. The Supreme Victory of the Heart is Sharon’s candid account of the months following her French fiancé’s tearful admission that he wasn’t sure he could marry her after all, when she stood to lose not only the man she deeply loved, but the country she had inwardly adopted as her own. Torn between rage and
https://books2read.com/u/bP958j
Hannah Howe is the author of the Sam Smith Mystery Series, the Ann's War Mystery Series and the #1 international bestseller Saving Grace. Hannah's books are published by Goylake Publishing and distributed through Gardners Books to over 300 outlets worldwide. Her books are available in print, as eBooks and audiobooks, and are being translated into ten languages. Discover more on Mom's Favorite Reads website: https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/hannah-howe
- 27 -
Mom’s Favorite Reads Author Linda M James A WRITER’S TALE
stories in her head kept her awake at night, so she resigned her post, sold her house and moved into a flat overlooking the sea. Here, she wrote her first two linked historical novels set in WW2
Linda M James grew up on the coast in Swansea, South Wales - listening to stories in the sounds of the sea while lying in bed at night, and listening to her grandmother's predictions for the family's futures in tea-leaves in the day. It was years before she realised her grandmother was a simple spinner of tales and not clairvoyant at all because most of her predictions became true!
. ‘The Invisible Piper’ and ‘Tempting The Stars’ which concentrate on the lives of two school friends who go into the RAF together and the impact the war has on them and their families When the novels were both published, she was floating on air. Since then, she has moved many times and written many more novels, non-fiction books and screenplays. She’s delighted that her adaptation of her intriguing psychological thriller ‘The Day of the Swans’
After living abroad for ten years in Malta, Germany and Vienna, she returned to the UK and was an English Lecturer for a number of years. However, the
- 28 -
is going into film production in 2022/3, set in London, Gower Coast, S. Wales and Budapest. It questions whether your memories are really true.
This year, she’s had a poetry anthology ironically called ‘Justice’ published. It focuses on women who have been unjustly imprisoned. You can see the powerful book trailer here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyqUmhapuaM
She is now working on an adaptation of her crime thriller ‘A Fatal Façade’; a novel which focuses on the lives of four people who become enmeshed with a 30-year-old wealthy narcissistic art dealer who is killed in his marbled bathroom in Chelsea, London. Here’s the intriguing book trailer.
This is a project very close to her heart as her birth grandmother was imprisoned in Holloway Prison in 1944 for stealing a tin of salmon because she was starving. Linda is donating £1 for every copy sold to the charity ‘Women in Prison’. Please spread the word as it’s an important topic. She would love to connect with American readers so please contact her via her webpage.
https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=Ngv6zG4IU_w&ab_channel=EmpathicProduc tions
http://lindamjames.co.uk - 29 -
The Ring by Jenny Sanders I’ve been nursing this mug of coffee on my lap for the past half an hour. Daft really. Of course, it’s cold now. It’s funny how the time goes. Slowly, mostly. It used to rush past; a fizz of activity and deadlines, responsibilities and demands; but that’s all gone now. Mostly, I sit in this chair and my mind goes off in strange labyrinthine directions. I catch myself sometimes, disappearing down a backlit memory lane, wondering whether it’s real or imagined. Oh, it all happened, I know that, but did it happen quite like my flawed memory plays it out? I’m not so sure. They say old people have ‘rose-tinted spectacles’ – that’s the phrase, isn’t it? A way at looking at things that cherry picks the happy bits, the special times, the upbeat encounters and interactions. Do I do that? Perhaps.
curtains but I don’t have the energy or inclination to do anything about it. Right now, I’m staring at the coffee table. There’s a stain on it; a perfect circle from a mug or glass carelessly placed. It’s been there years now. It was Tom, of course; I never could get him to use a coaster. Could never get him to do much if I’m honest. That cupboard door is still wonky; he never did fix it before he went to the hospice. I still have to shove the kitchen drawer with my good hip to get that in properly too. Another job that never happened.
I don’t think I’ve accomplished anything this morning. Well, I got up, that’s true. Did the usual: visited the bathroom; washed my face; peered at my reflection in the mirror and wondered who that wrinkled person could be. Strange; you don’t always notice those lines arriving on your face; its just one day they’re there, and there’s not a single thing you can do about it. Unless you’re a Hollywood actress of course. Then you can pay silly money to have them ironed out, or plumped up, or filled in with some noxious combination of chemicals, I don’t doubt. I don’t run with that crowd. Truth to tell, I’m unlikely to do any running these days; not with this hip. You have to laugh.
If I look at that ring for too long without blinking, it turns into two rings. That’s weird. Was it a mug, or was it a glass? I forget now. We’ve drunk a lot of tea and coffee in this room; sometimes while watching a quiz programme together, or one of those wildlife ones where you get to see underwater, or deserts, or jungles, right close up. I’ve never been so far away from home, but those nature fellows take you right there without leaving your own front room. It’s amazing.
I used to take the bus sometimes. Into town on market day. We used to love our fruit and veg from there, especially when Tom couldn’t do the garden so well any more. He still managed potatoes, and onions, and carrots. I was glad about that because they’re awfully heavy to carry home again.
Every now and then my mind comes back to this room with its familiar furniture and comforting objects. There’s a fly buzzing somewhere behind the - 30 -
Perhaps it was a wine glass. It might have been from when we celebrated our Matthew’s engagement or Corinne’s graduation. Did we celebrate an anniversary here? I suppose we must have done; after all, we were married fifty-eight years so the chances are high.
that’s going to happen now.
I remember he took me dancing one year. Quite a formal affair as I recall: a 'Dinner Dance‘ they called it. Wonderful meal; it came in five courses. Imagine! I felt like a queen. No washing up either. And then there was a band playing the music. Not like now when they have someone standing there just playing records, or discs, or whatever they are. I don’t see the point. You could do that at home.
You can’t see it now; it fits exactly.
If I put this mug down. There.
Now I see another ring here; this one on my finger. It doesn’t fit as well as it used to. I think we must shrink as we get older; I’m sure it used to be snug, but now I can twirl it around and around. And I do. I can’t take it off though. Wouldn’t want to but my arthritis has made the joint swell too much anyway.
Tom wore a suit and a tie that night; he looked as handsome as when we first met. Oooh, that takes me back! And then he ever so gently pulled out my chair and held out his rough hand as he invited me to the dance floor with him. A proper gentleman. I slipped into his arms as easily as anything. Natural; easy; comfortable. I can feel the rhythm of that music even now. Swaying and twirling; my dress swishing against his jacket; his eyes bright. Those eyes were always my downfall. I’d have given anything to stay there for ever; safe in his arms, nestling in to that sweet spot where the lines on his face were crinkled in a smile; the warmth of him, the smell of him…
Funny really. Two rings and both of them take me back to Tom. It’s a comfort to be honest. We fitted together just as neatly as the mug and the one on the coffee table do. People said you could barely see the join when we were together. Don’t know what to do with myself some days. I feel as though I’ve lost a limb, but what can you do? Learn to live with it – or without it – I suppose. Like one of those soldiers caught up in some terrible ambush who come home with half an arm or no legs and then climb mountains or run marathons. I don’t know how they do it. You see them on the news. So determined and courageous. I admire them; I really do.
I wonder if I could get that stain off there? I must have tried before. Baking soda? Vinegar? Probably needs sanding down and re-polishing; I don’t think
Jenny Sanders is a writer, speaker, encourager and mentor and mother of four grown-and-flown children which gives her more time for writing, reading and walking in nature whenever she can. She’s married to an adventurous changeagent with whom she’s travelled around the world. For the past several years she’s lived between the beautiful cities of Bath, UK and Cape Town, S Africa. She wrote a newspaper column for 12 years, blogs at Dancing Through Chaos https://dancingthroughchaos.wordpress.com/about/
- 31 -
Adventures of the Acorn Family Written by Sylva Fae
Acorn family creations and photographs by Gez Robinson.
Gez is a talented wildlife photographer, from South Yorkshire, England, who has featured in a few of Mom’s Favorite Reads editions. He is also a doting grandad to his two grandchildren, Noah and Minnie and is always finding creative ways to entertain them. Gez remembered making acorn figures when he was young, and when he saw a Pinterest page depicting acorn people in different scenes, it sparked his imagination. He gathered some acorns, and soon Mr Acorn, his family and Woody the dog were created.
“What’s the matter, my love?” Mr Acorn asked. “It’s such a lovely, peaceful day, and for the first time in many years, you don’t have to cook Christmas dinner for the whole family.” “Oh, but that’s the problem. It’s just too quiet and I miss not being able to feed the family. It’s not Christmas without the tap of little feet scurrying about, even if they do drive me mad at times with their excited chatter.” Mrs Acorn sighed and sipped her mug of dandelion tea.
Needless to say, the grandchildren loved them. Gez started to take the Acorns with him whenever they went anywhere, photographing them in different scenes. Gez also set up a Facebook page so that the grandchildren could follow Mr Acorn’s adventures online, when they weren’t with him. Many other people now follow Adventures of the Acorn People via the Facebook page:
“I’m sure we’ll enjoy the day,” Mr Acorn assured her, “I’ll take Woody out for a walk and feed the birds, then we’ll make a start on cooking dinner together.”
https://www.facebook.com/inthewoodland/
A Quiet Christmas for Mrs Acorn It was early Christmas morning in the Acorn household. Mr and Mrs Acorn had eaten breakfast and given each other presents. Mrs Acorn was happy with her new acorn hat, with matching handbag, but she still looked sad. - 32 -
Mr Acorn took his paper with him – he liked to sit and read while the birds had their breakfast. Sometimes the mice and Sammy Squirrel came out to say hello too. Today, he struggled to read though, he was worried about his wife, and he agreed, it was far too quiet in their little cottage. He’d thought it would be nice for her to have a break from all the fuss and noise, but it was the absence of fuss and noise that was now making her sad.
“It’s not too late if you let me help. You are always so kind, bringing food for us birds, it will be our pleasure to help out. Don’t you worry Mr A.” Billy chirped loudly, calling for his friends to help.
First to arrive was a pair of starlings. Billy quickly took charge organising the birds and sent them off to get Mr Acorn’s son from the village over the hill.
“What yer reading, Mr A?” asked Billy Blue Tit trying to see the paper. “Not much really. I can’t concentrate on reading when I’m worrying about Mrs A. She’s missing the kids and the grandkids, but it’s too late to get everyone over for Christmas dinner now,” Mr Acorn explained sadly.
Word spread across the garden and soon Billy had messengers flying to get Mr Acorn’s daughter and grandchildren and even the Acorns’ nieces, nephews and cousins. Everyone loved Mrs Acorn and couldn’t wait to surprise her.
- 33 -
Of course, the mice wanted to help out too – they liked to be involved in any adventure Mr Acorn went on. They promised to help Granny and Grandad Acorn make the journey down the long country lane. It was a lovely ride in the summer, but today there was a chill in the air, and Mr Acorn was worried it might start snowing.
“Of course, food!” Mr Acorn exclaimed to Billy. “We are going to need lots more if everybody makes it for Christmas dinner.” “I’m on it, Mr A,” Billy said with a wave of his wing. Why don’t you go fishing and I’ll see if the Bramble Mice will share some of their berries?” “Great idea! Come on Woody, let’s go catch some fish for dinner before the snow starts…”
Over the other side of the village, there was great excitement as starlings, robins, blackbirds and blue tits passed on the message to all of the Acorn family. Mr Acorn’s nephews were the first to hear of the surprise Christmas party for Mrs Acorn. Without hesitation, they set off running, eager to see their favourite aunty.
A sleepy Sammy Squirrel was next to arrive. “I’ve heard the news, Mr A. I figured with all these extra mouths to feed, you’ll need some more food. I’ve brought you some nuts from my winter store – happy Christmas Mr A. Give my love to Mrs A.” Sammy yawned, waved, then scampered back up the tree to his cosy dray.
- 34 -
And Granny and Grandad Acorn were so relieved to have a little help from Mrs Mouse.
Next to make the journey were Noah and Minnie the grandchildren. They zoomed along the country lanes, with Noah riding his skateboard and Millie wobbling along on a penny farthing. Mum and Dad struggled to keep up with the excited pair.
Far over the other side of the big hill, Mr Acorn’s niece was just listening to a very excited robin explain the plan, when the snow started. “Not to worry,” she said with glee, “this is a great excuse to try out my new skis.” And off she set with a squeal… “Wheeeeeeeeee!”
Cousin Acorn managed to fix his motorbike just in time to make the journey with his new girlfriend.
- 35 -
Back at the Acorn household, Mr Acorn apologised to his wife for being on such a long walk. “It’s almost time to make lunch, where have you been all this time?” she chastised him. “Well, I’ve actually been fishing so we’ll have plenty to eat, and I’ve got a big pile of nuts in my wagon for you to make your famous nut roast, and berries for pudding,” he replied.
“You daft thing! That’s far too much food for just us two, how will we ever eat all that?” Mrs Acorn said shaking her head. “It’s just as well we’ve got a few extra guests to help out then,” Mr Acorn said giggling, and threw open the door.
Minnie helped her gran and grandad cook dinner, while the rest of the family played in the snow. Noah made a snowman that looked just like Grandad Acorn, and Woody danced around chasing snowflakes. Everyone had great fun in the snow, then squeezed around the table to share a delicious Christmas feast. At the end of a long day, Mrs Acorn hugged every member of her lovely family and sighed a happy sigh. “Today has been the messiest, the noisiest and the busiest Christmas day ever! And you know what? I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Thank you all for making this a very merry Christmas.
“Surprise!” the Acorn family called in unison to a very surprised Mrs Acorn.
Sylva Fae is a married mum of three from Lancashire, England. She has spent twenty years teaching literacy to adults with learning difficulties and disabilities, and now works from home as a children’s writer and illustrator. Sylva has published several children’s books and also writes a blog, Sylvanian Ramblings. Her debut book, Rainbow Monsters won the Chanticleer Best in Category award. Discover more about Sylva on Mom’s Favorite Reads website: https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/sylva-fae/
- 36 -
Chess Supplied by Chess.Com White to move. How do you resolve the tension on e5 to win material? Clue: it’s a five move combination.
Supplied by https://chess.com the #1 chess website. Used with permission. For more chess puzzles please visit https://chess.com
You can find answers for this activity on Page 72 - 37 -
Christmas at the Front Submitted by Hannah Howe Written by Rhys Age 14
Just carols and wonderful gifts, Covered in crystal white snowdrifts. Corporals, colonels and captains, Give each other little brass tins, Bearing the words ‘thank you’, With chocolate treats for us to chew.
The year is nineteen-fourteen, This is a sight I’ve never seen. Laughing, singing, dancing and a quiet front, And a nice football to punt.
Whether you are German or Austrian, Serve France or Great Britain, We all celebrate from privates to stripes, As a Scotsman plays the bagpipes.
In the trenches they sing a beautiful song, We all then agree this war is wrong. No guns, knives or artillery, There is no sense of misery.
The night arrives, candles are lit, A German says, “Eine heiße Schokolade mit…” An Englishman adds, “A prayer and a song, Let’s hope this war will be over before too long.”
Bells ring with joy and charm, Therefore, there will be no harm.
Picture credit: The Christmas Truce in 1914, during World War I, as depicted by the Illustrated London News. - 38 -
Mum’s Christmas Mincemeat Submitted by Joy Margetts This is a recipe, passed down form my mother in law, for a festively fruity ‘mincemeat’, used by us Brits to fill our traditional mince pies at Christmas. It contains no suet (shredded animal fat) so is vegetarian, and healthier and lighter that what is traditionally sold in food stores at this time of year. It can also be adapted to make it suitable for vegans, by substituting the butter for a vegetable oil based spread. It is also less sickly sweet! It keeps for a month in the fridge, and for three months in the freezer (if it lasts that long!). It can be used straight away but does benefit from ‘sitting’ if you can bear to wait.
Method: Add dried fruit, nuts, sugar and spices to a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl add the grated apples and sprinkle with lemon juice and rind, turning it to stop the apple discolouring.
Ingredients: •
In a frying pan, gently melt the butter over a low heat. Add the chopped bananas and heat slowly to soften. Add cherries and mix in.
I lb 8 oz of mixed dried fruit and peel (any combination of dried fruits works – I add cranberries to the usual mix)
•
½ teaspoon each of salt, mixed spice, cinnamon, ground nutmeg
•
2 oz chopped almonds ( I use flaked – easier to chop!)
•
4 oz brown sugar
•
2 large apples (washed and cored and grated with skin on)
•
Juice and rind of 1 lemon
•
2 bananas (peeled and finely chopped, not mashed)
•
3 oz butter (or spread)
•
2 oz glace cherries, rinsed and chopped
•
Sherry
Add apples and banana mix to the fruit and mix well. Add enough sherry to soften the mix to a soft dropping consistency (have a festive swig yourself to keep your strength up!). Now your mincemeat is ready to be stored in an airtight container in fridge or freezer, or to be used in pies, crumbles or baked apples. Making this mincemeat marks the start of Christmas proper for our family, and the smell of it cooking still makes everyone come running.
- 39 -
Festivities by Allison Symes This was an obvious topic for December but it ties in with last month’s theme of Memories. Festivities are based on stories we remember (such as the birth of Christ in the Christian tradition). So how can we show festivities in our flash fiction given we haven’t got room for lots of lovely details? The focus needs to be on the most important aspect of the festivity for your character. If it is having dinner at a set time with a set menu, what happens if he/she/it is late? Or the dinner is ruined? Or no matter how wonderful the meal, your character hates it or just decides this time they’re not eating it? What would their family think? This has so much potential for humour.
Festivities could also be a backdrop. An odd detail here, another there, and your reader builds their own picture. Festive stories can be joyous ones. I have Christmas related flash pieces in both of my collections, some of which are connected to Santa and his helpers. Others are connected to the Nativity. (One of them, Time to Be Off, shows a discussion where an older shepherd is coaxing a younger one to leave the sheep as they’ve got to get to Bethlehem). These are great fun to write.
What are the details a reader must know? You can show salient points by, for example, contrast. If your character usually has soup for their main meal but the next day they have a huge turkey or vegetarian dinner, you know there must be some festivity.
Different cultures approach festivities in varying ways so you could draw on what you know here in creating your story. What is a festive season for one character might be a season of dread for another. See below.
We’re often encouraged to use the senses in our stories. Sound is a great one here. Certain sounds are associated with festivities - jingle bells, carols, pop songs, none of which we come across at other times. If you’re inventing your own world with its festivities, try to have the latter mirror what we have here. It will help the reader picture it and give more “manoeuvre room” for implying things to your reader, saving on the word count. Taste can come in here too - there are few festivities without food and drink!
Being Different ‘Oy, you! You’re wanted. Finally. The big boss is calling for you. It’s party time!’ ‘What me? I’m never wanted. The rest of you make that pretty clear. I think the big boss only keeps me on out of pity. And I don’t do parties. I can’t wait for the party season to be over. I might get some peace and quiet then.’
Think about what a festivity means to your character. Do they find it difficult to celebrate such things after losing a loved one? Do they struggle with other issues yet still have to “keep up appearances”? - 40 -
‘Yes, probably, he’s like that, but this year is different, isn’t it? And maybe if you weren’t so miserable, you might enjoy the party season.’ ‘How is this year different? I’m only miserable because you lot…’ ‘All right, all right! Maybe we have been too harsh. Anyway, it’s foggy out, the job must be done, and Santa wants you and your great big glowing hooter leading the sleigh tonight. Now off you go, Rudolph. It’s your turn to shine at last!’
Ends. Allison Symes - 2021
fiction story based on it. It’s now a video on my YouTube channel!). What I have shown in the above story is two differing perspectives over a festivity. Best done via conversation between two characters. The only clues it’s the festive season are the words party time, Santa, glowing hooter, and Rudolph but those are the details that matter!
Also notice how the mood of the story changes as it goes along. What turns it into a humorous piece is the word Rudolph. It transforms the mood of what precedes it. Have fun here and I look forward to reading your festive flash fiction.
For a short piece like this, just using dialogue is effective. I get across what the reader must know and dialogue has its own pace. There is something about dialogue that encourages a reader to keep reading. I love reading dialogue. It’s like eavesdropping on a conversation. (I don’t mind that. I recently overheard something that irked me on a train trip and wrote up a flash Allison Symes, who loves reading and writing quirky fiction, is published by Chapeltown Books, CafeLit, and Bridge House Publishing. Her flash fiction collections, Tripping The Flash Fantastic and From Light to Dark and Back Again are out in Kindle and paperback. She has been a winner of the Waterloo Arts Festival writing competition three years in a row where the brief was to write to a set theme to a 1000 words maximum. Website: https://allisonsymescollectedworks.com/
- 41 -
Festivities
Nativity By Maggie Cobbett
Shaking with nerves, Tom answered the knock on the door. The robed figure outside opened his mouth to speak, but Tom got in first. “Come in,” he said. “I’ll tell Mum to put the kettle on.” There was a moment’s silence and then a roar of laughter from the audience. Well, when the innkeeper is only five and in his first nativity play, surely he can be forgiven for a little improvisation.
- 42 -
Ready for Christmas By Joy Margetts
It had taken me hours but at last we were ready for Christmas. Ready to welcome the family to our new home in the country; set in a sea of fields with stunning views of the mountains and sea beyond. The tree was up, the turkey defrosting in the fridge, the cake iced and ready for its last minute fancy additions. And I had been up and down ladders all afternoon, in the biting wind, putting up what seemed like a million fairy lights that would bathe our dark parking area with festive cheer.
prepared for having to wait for the turkey to cook, painstakingly slowly in the oil-fired range. I hadn’t prepared for a very different Christmas, plunged into chaos with the failure of the electricity supply to our wonderfully remote new home. But it was one of the best Christmases ever. Quality family time, laughs, and stories. Forever memorable, if a little chilly. My only real disappointment had been those fairy lights - but I needn’t have worried. ‘Look!’ My husband said, leading me outside on that freezing Christmas Eve night. The sky above us and for miles around was ablaze with millions upon millions of stars, made even brighter by the lack of any other light. A Christmas light show better than any other, and put on just for us by heaven itself.
I thought I had prepared. I hadn’t prepared to let the children loose on ‘decorating’ the cake by candlelight. I hadn’t prepared for huddling around the wood burner wreathed in blankets, listening to carols on an ancient battery operated radio. I hadn’t
- 43 -
The Scent of Pine By Sylva Fae
delicious surprises. Alfie checked the room was clear, then crept quietly in. He had learned to look where everything was to make future raiding trips quicker and safer. Nuts and fruit on the table, biscuits on the mantelpiece, shiny wrappers on the tree – lots of them! He allowed himself a moment to taste a couple, then grabbed all he could and darted back next door.
Alfie sniffed the air. The familiar earthy scent of pine coming from next door, tingled his nostrils. He sighed with relief and smiled; he would eat well for the next few weeks. It was Alfie’s father who’d taught him that the arrival of the tree meant food in abundance. Dad was gone now, but Alfie cherished memories of sneaking into the neighbours together, to feast on the biscuits, fruit, nuts and chocolates left out on glittery surfaces.
The next few days followed the same pattern and Alfie’s stash of sugary contraband grew. He felt slightly guilty that the littlest child was getting blamed for his thieving, but Alfie stayed focused. Finally, the scent of pine was masked by a million different tantalising smells. The big feast day was finally here! Hidden from view by the piles of crumpled paper under the tree, Alfie scampered across the floor and took up his position under the table ready to capture falling food. His long whiskers twitched in anticipation – Christmas was just the best time to be a mouse.
Alfie’s tummy rumbled at the thought of sweet, sugary treats. Patience would yield a much bigger haul of goodies, enough to last for weeks if he was clever. He couldn’t risk being caught; it was better to wait… Finally, the tree was sparkling and branches hung low to the ground, weighed down with shiny things that twinkled in the lights. Best of all were the ones wrapped in crinkly paper, these held - 44 -
Let the Festivities Begin By Maressa Mortimer
The last step was the best, the one that gave me the most pleasure. Many of the receiving people were out of work, their homes smaller and neighbours closer. It took me a lot longer than anticipated. I persevered, though, for I would never keep the packages for myself. I was determined to brighten various Christmases. I hesitated over the iPad. It was larger, but the house it came from didn’t have anything smaller stashed under their tree, so I extracted the smallest box from their mountain.
I would make the perfect serial killer. Or burglar. The thought flashed through my mind as I cleaned the corner of another window, pretending not to see the lady's surreptitious glance at me as she hid her door key. She needn't have bothered; I knew where it was already. The incident sparked something, and soon I had the plan worked out.
A few days before Christmas, I decided I had achieved what I had set out to do. The last little box was added to a bare Christmas tree, and I imagined the joy when little hands would find that special present that could only come from Santa himself. There would be no name. There would be no way of identifying the cheerful giver. Just one incredible present for each household from a household that would most likely never miss that one package. Let the festivities begin!
I started small, nervousness making me move faster than I planned. By the time I finished the rest of the windows, I regretted grabbing the first present that caught my eye. It wouldn't happen again. That evening saw step two of the plan. As a topnotch window cleaner, getting fingerprints off packages wasn’t hard. I re-wrapped each present but left no name on them. - 45 -
Santa’s Reindeer By Cherime MacFarlane
“Baby, sit up. Hurry and you can see his reindeer.” “What?” The herd of caribou, all with antlers, ran across the gravel road.
Little feet drummed on the seat. “I wanna see Santa.”
“Wow!”
“Honey, we need to get home before dark. It’s late and getting cold.”
“Don’t expect to see Santa. He’s calling them in to ask who wants to pull the sleigh. And you missed Rudolph, he went by first.” Silence filled the cab as the last of the herd ran across the road. She took her foot off the brake with a smile. Time to go home.
“Noooo. I gotta see Santa.”
The light of the full moon outlined the shapes before her headlights caught them.
- 46 -
A Christmas Surprise By Val Tobin
Alan Henning waits in his cabin aboard the giant cruise ship while the crew searches for his wife. If only he hadn’t left for breakfast without her. But she’d promised to meet him in the dining room. She swore she’d only be a few moments. A tap sounds on the door and Alan opens it to let in the head of security. “You’ll have to come with me,” he says. “Did you find her?” The man shakes his head and insists Alan follow him. In the security office, he’s handcuffed. They tell him he’ll be arrested when they return to port. They’ve found evidence that proves Alan tossed
His wife overboard. He protests, screams out his innocence, but they don’t listen. The evidence is strong. When Alan views it, even he starts to believe he might done it. Within two days, they reach port in Florida. As they escort her husband away in handcuffs, Linda, in disguise, strolls into the extra stateroom she’d booked under an assumed name before leaving home. She’s made sure he’ll never return to that tramp he’d been seeing. In jail, Alan sobs over his wife’s loss. This Christmas he’d planned such a tremendous gift for her, and now she’s gone. How can he carry on without her? He buries his head in his hands. His chest heaves as the grief presses down on him. His biggest regret is that he’ll never be able to surprise her with the new villa he’d bought through that lovely young real estate agent.
- 47 -
Wasatch Winter, Utah by Melanie P. Smith
https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/melanie-p-smith/
- 48 -
© MPSmith Publishing
- 49 -
Genealogy: Meet My Ancestors by Hannah Howe
Jane Dent My 2 x great grandmother Jane Dent was baptised on 9 October 1870. The eldest daughter of Richard Davis Dent and Sarah Ann Cottrell, she lived in Whitechapel during the terror of Jack the Ripper. The police investigated eleven brutal murders in Whitechapel and Spitalfields between 1888 and 1891. Subsequently, five of those murders were attributed to Jack the Ripper, those of Mary Ann Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Catherine Eddowes and Mary Jane Kelly, the murders taking place between 31 August and 9 November 1888. Jane’s father, Richard Davis Dent, died in 1883 when she was twelve so Jane lived in Whitechapel with her mother, Sarah Ann, and younger brothers and sisters, Thomas, Arthur, Eliza, Robert and Mary. The 1881 census listed Jane as a scholar, and it’s likely that she became a domestic servant after her schooling.
The murders attracted widespread newspaper coverage and were obviously the major talking point within the Whitechapel community. What did that community look like and where did my ancestor, Jane Dent fit in? By the 1840s, Whitechapel had evolved into the classic image of Dickensian London beset with problems of poverty and overcrowding as people moved into the city from the countryside, mingling with an influx of immigrants. In 1884, actor Jacob Adler wrote, “The further we penetrated into this Whitechapel, the more our hearts sank. Was this London? Never in Russia, never later in the worst slums of New York, were we to see such poverty as in the London of the 1880s.”
The Dent family lived in Urban Place. Their neighbours included a toy maker, a tobacco pipe maker, a French polisher, a vellum blind maker and a cabinet maker. These people were skilled artisans, so it wasn’t the roughest of neighbourhoods. Nevertheless, did Jane and her family discuss Jack the Ripper and his latest atrocities over the dining table? Almost certainly they did, and mothers throughout the generations have echoed Sarah Ann’s warnings to her daughters.
In October 1888, Whitechapel contained an estimated sixty-two brothels and 1,200 prostitutes. However, the suggestion that all the Ripper’s victims were prostitutes is a myth. At least three of them were homeless alcoholics. The common thread they shared was they had fallen on hard times.
Did Jane meet Jack the Ripper, socially, at work or in the street? Possibly. Did she have a suspect in mind? Her thoughts were not recorded so we will never know. Did she modify her behaviour and - 50 -
avoid Whitechapel’s network of dark and dangerous allies? It is to be hoped that she did. Although there are numerous suspects, from butchers to members of the royal family, it’s unlikely that we will ever discover Jack the Ripper’s true identity. The police at the time were led in the main by retired army officers, and were not the brightest detectives. Forensic science was basically unknown, so evidence gathering was limited. Nevertheless, the police’s failure to identify Jack the Ripper does raise some serious questions. Was there a cover-up? It’s likely that members of the royal family did visit prostitutes – this is a common theme over many centuries – and the government would have issued instructions to the police to cover-up any royal association with prostitutes for fear of a public backlash and revolution, which was rife in parts of Europe. Any royal cover-up would have hampered the investigation, but ultimately Jack the Ripper evaded arrest because the Victorian police force did not have the skills required to solve complex murders. By 1891, the Whitechapel murders had ceased and Jane had married William Richard Stokes, a cabinet maker. The couple moved to Gee Street, in the St Luke’s district of London where they raised a family of nine children, including my direct ancestor, Arthur Stokes, and Robert Stokes who died on 26 June 1916 at Hébuterne, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France during the First World War.
memories of his murders must have remained with her for the rest of her life. After all, she was only eighteen years old, an impressionable age in any era. She died on 6 June 1950 in the London suburb of Walthamstow. As for Jack, I suspect that either he took his own life in November 1888 or, unknown as the Ripper, he entered an asylum at that time, and remained there for the rest of his life. Jack the Ripper was a compulsive murderer. He didn’t stop killing, something stopped him.
Jane Dent survived the terror of Jack the Ripper, but Hannah Howe is the author of the Sam Smith Mystery Series, the Ann's War Mystery Series and the #1 international bestseller Saving Grace. Hannah's books are published by Goylake Publishing and distributed through Gardners Books to over 300 outlets worldwide. Her books are available in print, as eBooks and audiobooks, and are being translated into ten languages. Discover more on Mom's Favorite Reads website: https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/hannah-howe - 51 -
Coloring Page By Adrian Czarnecki Though I love dreaming up and putting together my Siberian Husky themed children’s illustrated picture story books, Adventures of Hot Rod Todd, I don’t think of myself as an ‘author’ or as a ‘writer’. ‘Story teller’ sounds better. My books are so dependent upon the illustrations. That’s where illustrator Cameo Anderson http:// www.cameoanderson.com/ comes in. Cameo really can see into my mind’s eye interpreting my often rambling page descriptions into works of art; there’s a saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words” and with a children’s book that is so important and Cameo nails it every time and then some. So, for your enjoyment, here is a page from the Coloring Book featuring some of the characters and scenes from the books.
Coloring Book FREE PDF download available via website www.adventuresofhotrodtodd.com
Adrian S. Czarnecki is a semi-retired writer of Siberian Husky oriented children’s books based on an actual litter of 6 puppies born to his Dam Empress Maya and Sire Damien Czar on March 14th 2019. Born in Huddersfield, England, Adrian has travelled the world extensively pursuing careers in journalism, photography, PR / Marketing as well as print and sales. Adrian now lives in Idaho, USA with his wife Meta and their Siberian - 52 -
- 53 -
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Christmas by Christine Larsen Author’s Note: The plan had been to continue my series of tales about kangaroos, but it is nearly December, and Father Christmas has just arrived in the city of Adelaide, South Australia, last weekend to a riotous welcome by 35,000 big and small children (including anyone young at heart!) And so I interrupt with a Christmas story with a difference for your enjoyment. At least the rural theme continues. Happy Christmas folks, and I hope I continue to bring you pleasure with my ‘roo stories in the New Year. Just to whet your appetites, I’m thinking the next one will be about my first successful rescue and his amazing first year or so of life alongside my first puppy, with both of them believing they were some kind of human children to Kanute and I.
"Our usual early-morning get up and go was delayed by what? A couple of hours?" "Mm-m-m," Kanute answers. He folds his arms, clearly showing he’s still in denial of how our most careful dreams and schemes fell apart at the seams. "We were so damned sure we had it all worked out."
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Christmas
Plan A was a normal milking on Christmas Eve before the cows faced a lengthy stretch between milkings on Christmas Day, when a later morning start, maybe as late as 8.30 am was planned, followed by our usual chores in double-quick order. (Some, like the feeding out of hay, was done the night before and that paddock locked up. Next, spruce-up time and off to our festive lunch in the city, 2-1/2 hours away. Our only regret was that we needed to be home before dark to successfully bring the cows in for their latest ever milking.
"Never really a choice, was there?" "Oh-no! Not once the power went off… and stayed off." I pull a long face and roll my eyes. An involuntary groan escapes me, echoed by a hearty sigh from Kanute as we remember the year we were going to my brother’s in the city for Christmas lunch. The event demanded much planning, well in advance. It’s no mean feat to change your routine milking to try to accommodate something as special as Christmas… home or away. - 54 -
All began to unravel with a power break—at our all -electric dairy! No-o-o! Not today… please, please NO! This is impossible. It can't be happening. We looked at each other in deepest despair.
time, we hastily reversed the order of our chores— like giving greedy calves their buckets of milk; chooks fed and water topped up; extra meals readied for dogs and cats. Phew! So far, so good.
A desperate phone call to our electricity supplier confirmed what we dreaded to hear. It was hopeless. The duty officer had no idea when supply would be resumed. "On this day of the year…" he said reluctantly, and somewhat sheepishly, "the downtime is totally unpredictable. It's anyone's guess how long it'll take to round up the guys to check the lines… and then find where the problem is. Sorry, but can't even make a guesstimate." Contingency plans were desperately thought up, examined, and most discarded. Through phone calls to our family, we kept up a positive and optimistic attitude and belief that we would be only a little late. "No problems," said my brother cheerfully, "... just drive safely." With no milking possible during our enforced 'wait'
Back in the dairy, Kanute hopefully flicked a switch. In the deafening silence, his eyes reluctantly met mine. "Still no power." He sighed heavily. - 55 -
"The last resort… the monster!" I feel the tension build behind my eyes once again. It was an early vintage petrol engine to power the milking machine and the milk vat's refrigeration and agitator in an emergency when all else failed. It seriously was a monster. So hard to start you'd wonder which of you would bust a part first. So loud you had to shout yourself hoarse to be heard. So smelly from fumes that couldn't escape fast enough you were near asphyxiation, with teary eyes to make it an even more emotional experience. "Maybe having our bath now would cheer us up a bit?" I knew this would be risky business, probably inviting all manner of disasters of the messy kind— but it was possible we might get lucky just this once.
"I suppose so." His tone was extremely doubtful, still he began ticking off the potential for our dairy clothing to keep us clean. "Our 'beanies' will cover our hair okay; overalls, big 'dairy' apron and rubber boots for the rest… Maybe we could wash up bright and shiny again after milking." I pushed myself hard to sound enthusiastic. “Better to be actually doing something positive instead of moping around feeling sorry for ourselves,” I said. Even almost believing it. As expected, the bath relieved much of the worsening strain in bodies and souls. We cheered up as our best clothes were laid out, Christmas presents packed into the car, and drinks put back into the refrigerator to continue chilling until the last possible moment. With this flurry of activity done, it was back to the dairy, muttering prayers and pleas for a happy outcome. But nothing had changed. Still no power. Another phone call to my brother, with a news update about a revised plan of action. Thankfully, another Christmas Eggnog or two helped to keep him jolly through all these bad tidings. Plan B roared onto the scene.
The cows were terrified of the monster, sharing their 'gut feelings' most generously. My nose twitches with its own indelible memories. A combination of pleas, bribery, threats and in the end, brute force enticed the poor girls into the dairy to be milked. In their abject terror, most tried to hold back their milk flow - with varying degrees of success. Some expressed their outrage by lashing out with deadly aim towards anything approaching their udders. These were the halcyon days when we manually washed teats thoroughly before putting the milking cups on whilst our girls simultaneously performed quite impressive 'dancing' entertainment for us. Automatic ‘anythings’ waited for fatter pockets. "Lucky we were light on our feet back then." I chuckle as I picture our ducking and weaving to avoid flying hooves and other unmentionables. Against all odds, we were winning. Until the monster abruptly coughed and spluttered a few times and expired. A loud, grievous and smoky death meant no resuscitation was possible. Colourful epithets rang out loudly in the sudden embarrassing silence of the dead monster. Our stomping around was as heavy as our hearts, accompanied by the whole herd's mooing protests. There was no choice but to accept the inevitable. It was after all, Christmas Day. Everything was closed and empty, and everyone was somewhere important, sharing all manner of special food and drinks and presents. Everyone… except us! - 56 -
Plan C was sadly and reluctantly conceived. Our only option was to let the cows out into a small paddock to wait; clean the dairy to make it possible to milk the rest of the cows when power was resumed; and phone my brother once again, to ask them to please not delay their lunch.
"Hmm… before dawn," I repeat. "Funny how heroic a dawn awakening seemed before we had kids." We exchange knowing glances. We'd had so much to learn. Back then, the unimaginable bliss of a break beckoned. To skip the night milking altogether, enjoy ourselves into the evening and come home as late as we chose. The cold reality of a pre-dawn start next day would still inevitably await us, but that mattered not at all. A whole milking off! No price was too high to pay for such a luxury.
"We'll definitely make it later in the afternoon," I said, through gritted teeth. It took much to summon up my last reserves of courage and cheerfulness. Was it just my imagination, or did he sound tinnily tight-lipped when he agreed?
At long, long last, on this most unusual Christmas day, the power was restored. We milked the rest of the herd with electricity and alacrity, had another bath, washing and scrubbing away all evidence of our traumas from the dairy (no success in the ‘stay clean’ department, sadly). Finally, a joyous phone call to my long-suffering brother—"We're on our way!" And we were.
Now was the time to simply wait calmly for however long it was going to take. And make some lunch. Yes well-ll... the refrigerator yielded some Fritz and cheese, a few slices of bread that had seen better days, tomato sauce and some pickles. The decision was made for us. The choice for Christmas lunch would be sandwiches. Not even toasted. Imagine, pre-microwave days, having a large chest freezer full of solidly frozen meat and vegetables with no way to thaw them.
From this moment on we enjoyed nothing but pleasure for the next happy hours of celebration. A safe trip brought us to a joyous late afternoon and Christmas evening dinner with our beloved family— and some extremely unusual dinner conversation with stories of our 'never a dull moment' life to share. As always, the descriptions grew much funnier in the telling than they had been in reality, embellished more than a little with the assistance of the odd drop of Christmas cheer.
So, this was Christmas. Our first Christmas meal on our own farm. Not quite according to the Master Plan—not according to any plan at all. The old adage - it’s no use crying over spilt milk -had rarely been so appropriate, becoming a saying we would use more than a few times in the decade ahead! "Didn't even care that we'd have to be up again before dawn for the next day's milking." Kanute arches one eyebrow. "Were we keen, or what?"
A novel 'Holy-day' indeed.
Christine is an Australian in the middle of her seventh decade - a writer, farmer, wife, mother, grandmother - now on their retirement farm, and returning from an absence to reignite her works. Christine’s three main genres are - Memoirs of growing up in the 1950's in Australia, of farming, and of treasured collections. Children's Stories - mostly for middle-school age readers, but also excellent read aloud stories by parents, siblings, grandparents, babysitters, teachers. Short stories + Flash-fiction (and non-fiction) Collections - a range of almost every genre, encompassing every emotion from humour to deepest sadness. - 57 -
Gift Idea — The 7Puzzle Game By Paul Godding Designed and produced by Paul Godding in the summer of 2010, the 7puzzle game is playable by all ages and abilities.
We were extremely proud when the Techniquest Science Discovery Centre in Cardiff approached us and asked permission to produce a larger version of the game to become a permanent exhibit at the centre. Since being unveiled in 2011, it has been earning rave reviews by the general public and visiting schools.
As the signature game of the 7puzzle company, and one which is regularly used during our school workshops, the 7puzzle game is our most famous and popular creation to date.
We were also very flattered when receiving an email from an American university professor praising the 7puzzle game and the general use of games & puzzles in education.
It has been specifically designed to be flexible as it is perfect for children aged 7 years and above, but also extremely challenging for older children, adults and the more experienced puzzle enthusiast.
Lean more about this educational game here http://7puzzleblog.com/the-7puzzle-game/
As the 7puzzle game played an integral part of our school workshops, it has become very popular with children, teaching staff and parents.
- 58 -
Paul’s Puzzles By Paul Godding The Main Challenge
The Target Challenge
Try this 10-step number trail involving the four arithmetical operations and all the numbers from 1 to 10.
Can you arrive at 315 by inserting 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 into the gaps below? (◯+◯)²×double◯+◯×◯ = 315
Start off with the number 27, then: •
divide by 3
•
subtract 1
•
multiply by 6
•
add 2
•
÷10
•
+8
•
–9
•
×4
•
add 5
The Mathematically Possible Challenge
•
÷7
Using 4, 7 and 11 once each, with + – × ÷ available, which FOUR numbers is it possible to make from the list below?
The 7puzzle Challenge The playing board of the 7puzzle game is a 7-by-7 grid containing 49 different numbers, ranging from 2 up to 84. The 2nd & 5th rows contain the following fourteen numbers:
6 7 8 16 17 21 28 48 50 55 63 64 81 84 How many multiples of 5 are listed?
The Factors Challenge
1 4 9 16 25 36 49 64 81 100
Which TWO of the following numbers are not factors of 315? 3
5
7
9
11
13
#SquareNumbers ***
15
Solutions: http://7puzzleblog.com/answers/ Hello, my name is Paul Godding. I am a full-time professional private maths tutor based in the south-east of Wales who delivers face-to-face tuition locally as well as online tuition to students globally. It would be lovely to hear from you, so feel free to click paul@7puzzle.com if you wish to secure maths tuition for you or your child. Alternatively, you can ring/message/WhatsApp me from anywhere in the world:
- 59 -
And then Jesus talks about bringing division even within families, not because he wants such division, but because the demands of the kingdom will inevitably bring about change in the lives of those who respond. There is often conflict between the ways of God’s kingdom and the ways of the world; those living out the values of one rather than the other, threatening even the closest bonds of family and friendship. It is not a threat from Jesus, but a description of the reality of human nature.
Gentle Jesus, meek and mild, look upon your little child. Pity my simplicity, suffer me to come to thee. Amen. I can still say that prayer today, though the images it conjures for me are very different to those I have of Jesus when my granny taught it to me close on sixty years ago.
I am a priest and minor canon at Sheffield Cathedral. My last post prior to retirement from stipendiary ministry was as the Multifaith Chaplaincy Coordinator and Anglican Chaplain at Sheffield Hallam University, where I worked for 12 years. https://imaherblog.wordpress.com/ Twitter @IanMaher7 - 61 -
December Books by Mom’s Favorite Authors Coming soon! The Big Fang Anthology By Cherry Christensen Stories range from laugh-out-loud adventures to whodone-it mysteries, and every story in the anthology has a rescued or adopted animal in it, including dogs, cats, pig, ferret, horse, birds, snake, and bunny. All sales proceeds will benefit Harbor Humane Society. Located in West Michigan, Harbor Humane Society is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Each year, Harbor Humane takes in over 3,500 animals and has a 100% placement rate for adoptable animals. In addition to taking in stray and owner surrendered animals in Ottawa County, Michigan, they also transfer in animals from other shelters in Michigan as well as from shelters in other states like Tennessee and Louisiana to help with overcrowding or natural disaster situations. An independent shelter, Harbor Humane Society officially took on the responsibility and the duties of a no-kill animal shelter in 2015. Recently, Harbor Humane was featured in “Tails for Joy 2” on the Hallmark Channel.
- 62 -
Contributing Authors: C.K. Fyfe – “A Hare-Raising Haunting” Allison Deters – “Notorious B.U.G.” Melissa H Blaine – “Mullet and the Nope Rope” Cathy Wiley – “Follow Your Nose” Joseph S. Walker – “Like a Good Neighbor” Gabriel Valjan – “Where All the Bodies Are Buried” Steve Shrott – “Catastrophic Crime” Adam Sales – “The Bust” D.L. Rosa – “The Show Must Go On” Michele Bazan Reed – “Sweet Revenge” c.j. petterson – “Firebug” Jayne Ormerod – “Wag More, Bark Less” Sandra Murphy – “He Was Framed, I Tell You!” Michael Allen Mallory – “The Marks of Zorro” Catrine Kyster – “Landing on His Feet” Shari Held – “The Parrot from Primrose Lane”
Wendy Harrison – “Yo Ho Ho” Kate Fellowes – “The Midnight Crier” Tracy Falenwolfe – “Five-O” Tammy Euliano – “The Fetch Connection” Lesley A. Diehl – “An Educated Pig” Mary Adler – “The Gentleman Thief”
About the author E.K.P. is five-years-old and lives with his mom, dad, little brother, his two dogs, and his cat in Texas. It’s like a country, but it’s really not. It’s a state. He loves his momma and daddy. He likes to play with his little brother. He wants to be Captain Cornfield when he grows up. He also wants to grow up and drive a car. He wants to work with his daddy when he grows up. They’ll make puppets together as a family and plant more corn and other food together. When asked how it felt to see his story in a real book, he said, “This is crazy! I’m so excited! Mr. Phillip and I make a great team. Look at his book, Momma, it’s amazing. It’s probably the best one ever.” - 63 -
We Are Melody by Stan Phillips
I am a poem,
Then you came at last
born long ago at the birth
and became the music that
of the universe .
made me a new song.
And the words of me
Hark, our serenade
wandered long, and unspoken
of love echoes in the stars.
through creation.
We are melody Stan Phillips is an 80 year old poet, musical podcast maker, part-time wannabe male model, and occasional stand up comedian. “I used to be a psychotherapist/counsellor when I had an honest job. I was born into prewar London, and attended 17 schools (my father believed they couldn’t hit a moving target) and I eventually finished up here in Ireland. Still wondering what I will be when I grow up — but enjoying writing my quirky poetry as I do so.” Discover more about Stan on Mom’s Favorite Reads website: https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/stan-phillips - 65 -
Delivery by Penny Luker I wouldn’t recognise the delivery driver again, as he was dressed in motorbike leathers and a shiny black helmet with a tinted visor. I stooped and picked up the package clearly addressed to me. As it was nearly Christmas I wasn’t surprised to receive a gift, but when I opened the package there was ten thousand pounds. Life had been hard since I’d lost my job and I was a month behind with my rent. For a few seconds, I allowed myself the luxury of thinking I had a guardian angel, and all my troubles were over, but then reality kicked in.
Monday. He seemed pleased, but then he said, had his little gift helped? Had I paid off my rent arrears? ‘Did your little gift come with an anonymous letter and a warning not to tell anyone?’ I said.
The anonymous note said not to tell anyone about the money or there would be big trouble. So I knew it wasn’t honest money. It might be a gift to me, but probably by someone not entitled to it. I packed it back into the package and placed it in a small box that looked like a book and stuffed it on the overcrowded bookshelf, while I thought about what I should do.
‘Yes,’ he replied. Apparently, he’d been delivering a package to someone and had to take the payment back to Giles Pound, of the string of ‘Lightlife Nightclubs’ fame. Even I knew not to mess with someone like Giles Pound and I don’t mix in that part of society. I told him to give the money back, but he said he was too scared and he’d wanted to help me, as he’d never been a dad to me. I told him that stealing from a recognised villain was not being a dad and I would try and find a way to return the money, but he argued that I mustn’t get involved.
It was a dilemma and I can’t tell you how tempted I was to go and pay my rent arrears, but something stopped me. Two things happened the next day. The first was, I was offered work at the local college as an administrator, whose job was to find reasonably priced accommodation and negotiate fair contracts for the students. After phoning to accept, I called my lovely landlord, Thomas Winchgate, and told him my good news. Landlords often have terrible reputations, but mine had been like a father to me. He was a gentle giant, who had a quiet wisdom, and I respected him.
I hung up. Now I have quite a few good friends, but none I thought would be able to help me return the money safely, and then I thought of Thomas. He was older and wise. If he came with me to return the money, I knew I’d feel safe. It was a lot to ask, so I went round to see him and told him the whole sorry story.
The second thing that happened was that Eddie Markby rang me. I only managed to contact Eddie last week, after years of searching. He’s my biological father. We haven’t actually met up yet. I’m not quite sure what he does for a living and he’s a bit vague about where he lives. Still he seemed interested in how I was getting on in life.
The next day I waddled into the Lightlife Nightclub where we knew Giles Pound hung out. It was all decked out with glittery decorations, which seemed so strange, when I was scared stiff. Thomas was by my side, a foot taller than me and almost as rotund. He has the most friendly smile you can imagine, but he wasn’t smiling. We asked the guy on the door if we could talk to Mr Pound about some money that was owed to him and were told
When he phoned, he asked me if my troubles were sorted, so I told him about starting work on - 66 -
to sit at a booth near the door. I was reassured we were near the door, although whether I could’ve run if there was any trouble, I doubt. We waited about ten minutes and then Mr Pound came and stood over us. ‘So I don’t think you owe me money. What’s this about?’ I was so intimidated I couldn’t speak, but Thomas said quietly, ‘It’s about the money that Eddie Markby was delayed in getting to you.’ Mr Pound sat down, but his sidekick Big Ben stayed standing nearby. Thomas continued, ‘Eddie wants to deliver your money to you, but he wanted to check if you receive the full ten thousand pounds, that you and he would be square.’ ‘Of course we would be,’ Mr Pound laughed. ‘At least I’d say we would be, until I got the money back. Do you know where he is?’ ‘No, Mr Pound. We don’t, but we do know where the money is. If you say you’d be square with Eddie I’ll get you your money and I’d trust you. I’m sure you’ve far more important things to worry about than a shrimp like Eddie,’ I said. Mr Pound laughed, ‘My dear young lady. Nobody has trusted me for thirty years. I like you and I’ll give you my word. Now you go with Ben and get the money.’ Ben stood there and looked inscrutable. I looked at Thomas and he nodded. I whipped up my tunic and unclipped the bag from my waist.
it.’ ‘That won’t be necessary. If it isn’t there our deal doesn’t stand. Thank you for bringing it back and tell that Eddie to keep away from here.’ ‘Thank you, Mr Pound,’ I muttered. ‘Have a Happy Christmas,’ he replied, raising one eyebrow, in a sardonic gesture. Thomas gently took my elbow and we quickly made our way out of the club.
As we walked back Thomas said to me, ‘You know you haven’t even met your dad. He tried to do something nice for you, but he didn’t think it through and actually that could’ve turned nasty. Why don’t you tell him that you want a dad who’s not afraid of telling you his address, and one who has a legitimate job and well, just take things a bit slowly? I don’t want him messing up your life.’ ‘I’m going to take things slowly, but I do want to know him. Until he’s sorted himself out I don’t think I want his address.’ I thanked Thomas for coming with me and turned into my road. ‘You’re welcome, little one. Come over for lunch on Christmas Day. My wife and I are on our own this year, but we’d love to have your company.’ ‘Thank you. I’d love to,’ I said, thinking what I could get them as a present.
As I went up to my doorway something made me turn round. Thomas had walked on, but there was the delivery driver again. He slowly passed my house and waved. Maybe one year I’d spend Christmas with him.
‘Here it is, Mr Pound. It’s all there, but please count
Penny Luker is a writer and artist from Cheshire. She writes novels, short stories and poetry for adults, and also writes children’s stories. You can find her work at www.pennyluker.wordpress.com or author.to/PennyLuker
- 67 -
Writing Prompt By Angela Abraham
Descriptionari Quotes and Descriptions to Inspire Creative Writing
Discover, Share, Connect
Upon the Christmas tree was a winding pathway of light from base to starlit top.
Creativity is the weaving of random into a new and wonderful dish. Descriptionari helps you to fill up your idea cupboard with new ingredients, unleashing your inner Masterchef! And so, in keeping with our fantastic festive flash fiction theme, tongue firmly in our extended-puncheek, here are a few nibbles!
By Angela Abraham, @daisydescriptionari, March 18, 2021.
Christmas "light" is something we feel inside, seen with the soul, elevating us from within.
*****
By Angela Abraham, @daisydescriptionari,
The Christmas ornament was a simple handmade gift of the heart and all the more special for it.
November 19, 2019.
By Angela Abraham, @daisydescriptionari, December 24, 2020.
Angela spent the past 10 years building Descriptionari one flash of inspiration at a time. She is now focusing on the creation of fiction novels. Her dog Oliver says it is all a complete waste of time and can he go for a walk now? - 68 -
Mom’s Favorite Reads Author Joy Margetts If you would like to keep up with me, my writing, my life in general, and other books I have enjoyed reading … check out my blog!
I am a fifty -something wife and mother of two grown children, and have just become a grandmother for the first time. Despite being born and raised in Southern England, I have lived for the last twenty-five years on the gloriously wild and beautiful North Wales coast. I was a nurse and midwife for many years before pursuing other things. I am a committed Christian, and have an active role in local church, spending many hours preparing teaching materials and sermon outlines for use in the church. And in teaching the Word of God myself, to my great delight.
http://www.joymargetts.com/blog Creativity Matters: Find your Passion for Writing
I have always liked expressing myself creatively with words; writing stories, poetry and songs, and journaling extensively as part of my devotional life. I have always wanted to write a book, and have had many ideas over the years, but I have never before been brave enough to write for others. I love study, and teaching, and most especially I love the Word of God. I have lifelong interest in history, particularly medieval history, and love visiting ancient monuments and ruins, and reading and studying history. I am privileged to live in an area of Wales that is absolutely steeped in history; especially spiritual history, with its old churches, pilgrim routes and holy islands. Besides writing, I love all things creative, including crochet, baking and card crafting. I am an unapologetic dog lover, and share my home with a feisty Jack Russell cross, who definitely rules the roost. Oh, and with my husband of course, who is the rock and the constant in our lives, and very forgiving when the writing takes over, and his dinner is forgotten!
My debut novel. Receive a paperback first edition, personally signed. The price you pay here is the purchase price of the book at £9.99 plus £1.50 for 2nd class postage within the UK. For customers outside the UK please contact me for postage costs. I can post anywhere in the world!
Thrilled to have a chapter included in this anthology, written by writers, for all with an interest in writing. Receive a paperback first edition, personally signed. The price you pay here is the purchase price of the book at £8.99, plus £1.50 for 2nd class postage within the UK. For customers outside the UK please contact me for postage costs. I can post anywhere in the world!
The Healing
https://joymargetts.com/shop/ - 69 -
Cloudy Day by Sylva Fae
https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/sylva-fae/
- 70 -
© Sylva Fae
A Modern Carol by Jenny Sanders A Modern Carol: with apologies to William Chatterton Dix, author of ‘As With Gladness Men of Old’ As with joy of yesteryear Childhood memories full of cheer I recall those Christmas lights Shedding hope and beaming bright. So this Yuletide let them be Breaking through the gloom I see. As with hope I rose that morn My room with morning light adorned Grabbed my stocking with great glee Full of treats and goodies for me. Thoughts of school just fled my head Filled with family warmth instead. Off to church on Christmas Day With the saints, to carol and pray Celebrate the new born King With our own exuberant hymn He, the centre of our feast Cares for all the lost and least.
Round the table, voices raised Potatoes roasting, cabbage braised Slice the turkey, pass the sprouts. Above the clamour, laughs and shouts Can you hear the angels sing “Glory to the Christmas King”?
Casting doubts and fears aside Gather round the fireside Push aside the troubles and strife Reflect on every blessed life All the kindness we have known All the love that we’ve been shown.
Jenny Sanders is a writer, speaker, encourager and mentor and mother of four grown-and-flown children which gives her more time for writing, reading and walking in nature whenever she can. She’s married to an adventurous changeagent with whom she’s travelled around the world. For the past several years she’s lived between the beautiful cities of Bath, UK and Cape Town, S Africa. She wrote a newspaper column for 12 years, blogs at Dancing Through Chaos https://dancingthroughchaos.wordpress.com/about/
- 71 -
- 73 -
National Day of the Horse by Melanie P. Smith
December 13th
•
They can take you places you may never see otherwise.
•
Riding a horse is great exercise. Anyone that thinks the horse does all the work has never ridden. Riding also improves balance, coordination, and flexibility.
•
Caring for a horse teaches children responsibility and compassion. It proves them with the tools they need to succeed in life. Children who own and care for horses learn accountability, patience, self-discipline, empathy and kindness.
•
Owning and caring for a horse helps reduce stress for people of all agers. Like any pet, horses offer unconditional friendship, provide a stabilizing influence, lower stress and provides purpose.
Cover design created to honor National Day of the Horse National Day of the Horse was established to encourage US citizens to be mindful of the contributions horses made to the economy, history, and character of the United States. According to the American Horse Council — •
There are 9.2 million horses in the US
•
4.6 million Americans are involved in the horse industry in some way
•
2 million people own horses
•
The industry has a $102 billion impact on the US economy
I’ve been riding all my life, In the image above I was around 6 years old. While the list above is true, for me the best reason to ride a horse is for the adventure. There’s nothing as beautiful or relaxing as a peaceful ride on a sunny, day sitting on the back of a horse, exploring the wonders of nature. If you get the chance, I hope you’ll give it a try. You won’t regret it.
Not only did horses contribute to the advancement of civilization in America, but they cleared forests for farmland, led the way westward, marched into battle, diversified hunting habits, and defined the western cowboy. Today, there are a lot of reason to ride a horse.
We are excited to announce that Goylake Publishing has teamed-up with the Fussy Librarian and in partnership we are offering you 20% off your first book promotion with the Fussy Librarian. To qualify for this promotion, your book must be either permafree or listed free during a special offer.
In our experience, the Fussy Librarian is the best book promoter in the business. When we promote with him, our free books always reach the top five of Amazon’s genre charts, most often they reach the top three. We promote with the Fussy Librarian every month and will continue to do so into the foreseeable future. Prices start from as low as $15, minus our special discount of 20%. Click here: https://authors.thefussylibrarian.com/?ref=goylake for full details. And, at the checkout, be sure to enter this code: goylake20 to claim your 20% discount. Thank you for your interest. And good luck with your promotion! - 74 -
Brought to you by...
The 4th and final edition of 2021. Find amazing interviews, new releases, short stories and more. It’s entertaining and its FREE!
Marketing seems to be one of those areas that every author struggles with. It’s the same struggle companies world-wide have been dealing with for decades. How do I get my product in front of my target audience? Connections eMagazine can help. The publication is free to readers, bloggers and to authors looking for a little extra exposure. Visit our website for details. https://melaniepsmith.com/
https://melaniepsmith.com/emagazine/
Connections eMagazine is a FREE quarterly publication founded by authors Melanie P. Smith and Rhoda D’Ettore. It is currently produced entirely by Editor, Melanie P. Smith. Over the years, the magazine has evolved and it now features promos, freebies, blog articles, and short stories in every issue.
Discover more about Connections eMagazine on their website here: https://melaniepsmith.com/emagazine-landing/ - 75 -
Editor In Chief—Hannah Howe The Editor-in-Chief is the key figure in every publication. Hannah Howe works closely with the editorial staff to ensure the success of each publication. She is the author of the Sam Smith Mystery Series, the Ann’s War Mystery Series and Saving Grace. Get to know more about Hannah, her projects and her work on Mom’s Favorite Reads website here: https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/hannah-howe/
Executive Editor | Graphic Designer—Melanie P. Smith The Executive Editor / Graphic Designer is responsible for developing the layout and design of MFR eMagazine. She also works hard to create new covers each month that captures the essence of each publication. In addition to the editorial staff of Mom’s Favorite Reads, Melanie P. Smith also produces Connections eMagazine. She is a multi-genre author of Criminal Suspense, Police Procedural, Paranormal and Romance novels. Get to know more about Melanie, her projects, and her work on Mom’s Favorite Reads website here: https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/melanie-p-smith/
Managing Editor, Art Director & Proofreader —Sylva Fae Our Managing Editor oversees the physical content of the magazine and coordinates the production schedule. She administers the day-to-day operations of the publication, manages submissions, sets realistic schedules and organizes each edition of the magazine. Sylva is is responsible for the amazing graphics that appear throughout the publication each month. She works hard to ensure the images capture the spirit and message our author's convey in their articles and stories. In addition, As Copy Editor, Sylva works hard behind the scenes to correct any grammatical, typos and spelling errors throughout the magazine. Sylva Fae—Mum of three, fairy woodland owner, and author of children’s books. https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/sylva-fae/
Copy Editors / Proofreaders — Wendy H. Jones and Sheena MacLead Our Copy Editors for Mom’s work hard to ensure content is appropriate and free of grammatical and spelling errors. Wendy H. Jones is also our Feature Editor and works hard to provide content that is interesting, informative and profession. She’s the award winning, international best-selling author of the DI Shona McKenzie Mysteries, Cass Claymore Investigates Mysteries, Fergus and Flora Mysteries, Bertie the Buffalo children’s books and the Writing Matters books for writers. She is also a writing and marketing coach and the President of the Scottish Association of Writers. You can learn more about Wendy on her website: https://www.wendyhjones.com/
Sheena Macleod lectured at the University of Dundee, where she gained her PhD. She now lives in a seaside town in Scotland. Reign of the Marionettes is her first novel. She is currently working on two additional books: Tears of Strathnaver and Women of Courage—A Forgotten Figure—Frances Connolly. You can learn more about Sheena on her website: https://www.sheenas-books.co.uk/
- 76 -
Story Editor—Allison Symes Allison Symes works diligently each month to generate flash fiction writing prompts that will stimulate creativity in our authors and entertain our readers. As Story Editor, she also ensures each entry is professional and polished. Allison
Symes is an award winning, published flash fiction and short story writer. She also writes a weekly column on topics of interest for writers for online magazine, Chandler's Ford Today. Allison's fiction has appeared in anthologies (CafeLit and Bridge House Publishing) over many years. Allison judges competitions, runs workshops, and is always happy to talk/write about flash fiction writing. https://allisonsymescollectedworks.com
Marketing Director—Grant Leishman Our Marketing Director, Grant Leishman, oversees marketing campaigns and social media engagement for our magazine. After an exciting career in accounting and journalism, he now focuses on his true calling—writing. Get to know more about Grant on Mom’s Favorite Reads website here: https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/grant-leishman/
Young Writer Content Editor—Poppy Flynn Poppy Flynn works hard each month to generate ideas, proofread submitted content, and provide stories, articles, poems and other pieces that are creative and relevant from young writers around the world. Get to know more about our Young Writer Content Editor on Mom’s Favorite Reads website here: https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/poppy-flynn/
General Content Writers Our Content Writers are freelance authors who contribute articles, short stories, etc. to the eMagazine on a regular basis. They work hard to make our magazine interesting and professional. Get to know our Content Writers here: T.E. Hodden — https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/t-e-hodden/ Val Tobin — https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/val-tobin/ Stan Phillips — https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/stan-phillips/ Father Ian Maher — https://imaherblog.wordpress.com/
Discover more amazing authors… https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/
- 77 -
www.facebook.com/momsfavoritereads
www.moms-favorite-reads.com
https://youtu.be/s0CNofMbQdM www.tinyurl.com/momsfavoritereads-subscribe
- 78 -