Winter Solstice mash-up

Stephanie did a post yesterday about different ways to celebrate the holidays, and I wrote a piece for it.

You can read it at http://thecoexistcafe.com/2012/12/blessed-yule-a-winter-solstice-mash-up/

Kindled my heart

I've wanted a Kindle ever since my Dad showed me his over a year ago.

Why?

Because it's the only eReader that's accessable to the visually impaired, and makes so many more books available to me.

Well, I have one at last!

I'm so happy about it!

So many books are now just a click away!

Horray for my new Kindle Keyboard 3G!

My books are on Amazon too now

My books are now available on Amazon!

So that means my books can be brought from Amazon, Apple, Barnes And Noble, Blio, Diesel, Kobo, Nook, Smashwords, Sony, and WH Smith now!

The Pineapple Loving Dragon

The Magical Chapters Trilogy, Book 2: The Pineapple Loving Dragon

Genre: Fairy Tales And Fables/Young Adult Fantasy

"Everyone knows the mountains are full of dragons, and everyone also knows those dragons are dangerous monsters who eat people. So when the
people from the town notice that one of them has a young boy with it they set out to rescue him. But Daisy isn’t like other dragons; she’s sweet and kind,
and just happens to be a vegetarian. Unfortunately, the only people who know this are a 9 year old witch named Paige, and a 10 year old orphan named Luke.
Can Paige and Luke convince everyone else that Daisy isn’t dangerous?"

Published: 1st December 2012.

Already available via Smashwords in all formats they offer, and soon available elsewhere too.

Interviewed by Stephanie

I participated in an author interview with Stephanie V of "Steph's Book Retreat" today (29th November 2012).

You can read it at http://stephsbookretreat.wordpress.com/2012/11/29/author-interview-victoria-tori-zigler/ if you want.

Willow turns 8

Willow Moonshadow is now 8 years old.

She seems to be happier back with Mam, but not healthier. I suppose her happiness is what counts most, but it doesn't stop me feeling guilty that for all the vet trips we couldn't help her. It just proves that even the best medical care isn't enough when an animal is miserable.

Happy birthday to me, I suppose

Today is my birthday, but I don't really care.

The stuff they gave me to stop the bleeding when I went in for the blood transfusion at the end of September isn't working properly any more, and I'm already starting to feel the effects of bleeding again. Also, they found nothing new in the tests, so I've requested a hysterectomy and am waiting for approval for it. They're reluctant because of my age and weight, which is understandable, but frustrating.

A part of me still doesn't want it, but if I don't stop the bleeding I'll be lucky to make it to 30!

I don't want to die!

Even if it means giving up my chance to be a Mother one day.

Toby's Outing

Toby’s Tales, Book 3: Toby's Outing

Genre: Social Issues/Special Needs

"Everyone is excited about the trip to the aquarium. But not Toby. Toby’s sure he won’t have fun, after all, aquariums can’t be fun for blind
people… Can they?"

The “Toby’s Tales” books are designed to show children - and adults too - the struggles and challenges faced by people who are blind, or who are adjusting
to sight loss, while also being useful tools to educate those close to someone who is blind or adjusting to sight loss.

Published: 4th November 2012

Available in all formats via Smashwords, and soon available via other retailers.

Interviewed by Dayla

I participated in an author interview with Dayla F.M. of "Confessions Of A Book Addict" today (2nd November 2012).

You can find the post at http://bookaddict24-7.tumblr.com/post/34862549410/bookaddict24-7-welcomes-tori-zigler if you want to read it.

Tamara turns 19

Tamara is 19 today.

The time is going so fast!

I can't picture her as a grown up 19 year old; I still see the shy 9 year old I knew when we were over in Canada, and even Kelly's descriptions of her photos on Facebook can't make me picture her all grown up!

Toby's Monsters

Toby’s Tales, Book 2: Toby's Monsters

Genre: Social Issues/Special Needs

"Toby’s world is scary and full of monsters his mind has created. If he wasn’t blind he could see what the monsters really are, but he is,
so he can’t. Can he find a way to battle his monsters? Or will he spend the rest of his life afraid of every unexplained noise?"

The “Toby’s Tales” books are designed to show children - and adults too - the struggles and challenges faced by people who are blind, or who are adjusting
to sight loss, while also being useful tools to educate those close to someone who is blind or adjusting to sight loss.

Published: 21st October 2012

Available in all formats via Smashwords, and also via other retailers soon.

Just some riddles - for fun!

Question: I live in Winter, and die in Summer, and I grow with my roots facing up. What am I?
Answer: An icicle.

***

Question: What gets wetter and wetter the more it dries?
Answer: A towel.

***

Question: What can you catch but not throw?
Answer: A cold.

***

Question: I can run but not walk. Wherever I go, thought follows close behind. What am I?
Answer: A nose.

***

Question: What goes around the world but stays in a corner?
Answer: A stamp.

***

Question: Give me food and I will live; give me water and I will die. What am I?
Answer: Fire.

***

Question: What can run but never walks, has a mouth but never talks, has a head but never weeps, has a bed but never sleeps?
Answer: A river.

***

Question: You use a knife to slice my head, and weep beside me when I’m dead. What am I?
Answer: An onion.

***

Question: I went in to the woods and got it. I sat down to seek it. I brought it home with me because I couldn’t find it. What is it?
Answer: A splinter.

***

Question: I’m light as a feather, yet the strongest man can’t hold me for more than a minut. What am I?
Answer: Breath.

***

Question: Until I am measured, I am not known, yet do you miss me when I have flown. What am I?
Answer: Time.

***

Question: What walks on four legs in the morning, two at mid day, and three in the evening?
Answer: A human does. As a baby, it crawls; in old age, uses a cane.

***

Question: What is it that, after you take away the whole, some still remains?
Answer: The word "wholesome."

***

Question: What jumps when it walks, and sits when it stands?
Answer: A kangaroo.

Had to have a blood transfusion this time

I always saw myself having children some day, but now I don't think it's going to happen.

The bleeding issue is getting worse, and this time I didn't manage to avoid a blood transfusion.

I ended up going to A&E again, then was in hospital for 4 days.

It took 5 bags of blood and a stack of pills to get the bleeding to stop and stop the dizzy feeling that made it feel like the ground wanted to rush up and hit me.

They've done loads of tests, but if they can't find anything new then the only option to stop the bleeding will be a hysterectomy.

It hurts that I have to give up my dream to live, but that might be the case. I have to stop the bleeding, and if that's the only way to do it then it will have to be done.

I hate it, but I can't live like this any more!

Toby's New World

Toby’s Tales, Book 1: Toby's New World

Genre: Social Issues/Special Needs

"Toby has just learned he’ll never see again. Now he’s learning just how frustrating it can be doing even simple things when you’re blind.
And it doesn’t help when his big brother Jake, and little sister Emma laugh at him when things don’t go right. But there’s always a way to make things
easier… Isn’t there?"

The “Toby’s Tales” books are designed to show children - and adults too - the struggles and challenges faced by people who are blind, or who are adjusting
to sight loss, while also being useful tools to educate those close to someone who is blind or adjusting to sight loss.

Published: 6th September 2012

Available in all formats via Smashwords, and available elsewhere soon.

Jayde and Lucy are 7 today

It's hard to believe, but Jayde and Lucy are seven today!

Yes, really!

I miss them.

Jayde is very happy with Grandma, and Lucy is happy with Helen and Tom, but I still miss them.

Not as much as I miss the cats, but still a fair amount.

Making my blog private instead

I've decided not to delete my blog, but instead to make it private. Maybe one day I'll make it public again, but for now it will be a sort of online diary for me. I'll still write like I've got an audience though because I like the writing style.

IMPORTANT! Please read!

It's amazing how difficult this post has been to write. I've put it off as long as I can though, and promised myself it will get posted this time. So, here goes.




*Takes a deep breath*



I've been blogging now for over six years. Sometimes it feels like it can't be that long, and other times it feels like I've been blogging forever. Whatever the case though, I know it's been a little over six years, and I know I've made a lot of friends through my blog. Some of these friends I stopped having contact with by my own choice, others sort of drifted away never to be heard from again, others I only now speak to because they're on Facebook, and others will read this post. The point is, I've made a lot of friends - many of them great friends I don't want to lose - and shared a lot on this blog; good times and bad.



Six years ago, when I first started blogging, I had no idea what I'd post about, and I didn't blog much even though I only had a couple of blogs to follow. Then I lost my eyesight and became bored and depressed. I clung to my blog like a lifeline; I needed the routine of posting every day unless I had a very good reason not to, and I needed the knowledge that somewhere out there someone cared enough about me to take the time to check my blog. I became obsessed with posting every single day. I told people I had no idea why, but I said that because I didn't want to admit the truth. You see, the truth was I was scared that if I didn't give my readers something to read each day they'd think I was one of those people who had dissappeared from the blogs, then they'd stop coming to visit, and I needed them to visit. But then I came out the other side and found myself feeling like it was all too much. So I started disappearing for a few days leaving posts up for my readers. Except then I felt guilty for not being around to read their blogs. It got to the point where blogging felt like a chore, and I haven't enjoyed blogging for some time.



I don't want to do this any more. And by this I mean blogging.



I want to do what I have been over the past couple of weeks; go to events nearby (like the charity coffee morning we went to near the start of August), take walks with Kero, jump on the train with Kelly and Kero to go in to Hastings, sit at a cafe outside the train station and have a drink, go down by the sea and just sit there listening to the waves and seagulls, have my brother visit and play scrabble and BattleTech with him without worrying about whether the post I scheduled went up OK, and so on. I want to be able to just drop people a quick note to tell them the things I think worth mentioning without feeling guilty because there's been nothing from me in days. But I don't feel I can do that with a blog. I know plenty of people do, but I don't feel I can. With those feelings combined with the fact blogger's new "improvements" have made it extremely difficult for me to do a blog post, I've had enough.



I've almost deleted my blog so many ttimes since the start of this year it's not even funny. What stopped me was that I don't want to lose touch with the friends I've made on here. So I took some time off from the blogs to think things over.



I've decided I will be stopping blogging. I'm sorry, but I feel it's the right choice for me.



My blog will remain up for a few weeks to give everyone time to see this message, but after that I will be deleting it for good.



For anyone who wants to keep in touch with me, here are the places you can find me, and ways to get in touch with me once I delete this blog:



My website: http://www.zigler.co.uk

My Smashwords author page: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/toriz

My Goodreads author profile: http://www.goodreads.com/toriz

My Facebook profile: http://www.facebook.com/tori.zigler

My e-mail: toriz at talk talk dot net (obviously without spaces, and with the "at" and "dot" changed for the appropriate spaces).



NOTE: If you usually use a nickname on the blogs and haven't let people know your real name in the past, please make sure you let me know it's you when contacting me. For an e-mail you can do this by putting your nickname in the subject line, and for Facebook you can do this by sending me a quick message when adding me as a friend. I think Goodreads has a box you can use when adding someone as a friend.



Yes, that's right, I'm keeping Facebook. The reason for that is, quite simply, that it's how I keep in touch with most of my family and some family friends. Plus the fact that it's gotten to the point that Facebook is easier to use (especially now that I've figured out how to sync my mobile phone with my Facebook account, so I can update my status and reply to comments people leave on it without even needing to connect to the internet).



Anyway, that's how things stand... I'm deleting my blog, so if you want to keep in touch you need to grab my e-mail address or add me on either Goodreads or Facebook.



To keep up with book news, keep an eye on my website, my Smashwords author page, and/or my Goodreads profile. I will also be posting any news about my books on my Facebook wall, and will e-mail anyone who wants to be e-mailed when new books are published.

Willow's with her Mami

Willow is back with her "Mami" now. She was missing her so much and we think that was at least part of her issues with how she kept biting at herself until she was bleeding. We hope she will do better now. It's all we could think to do to help her. Kelly

Frank The Friendly Ogre... 100% Free!

Frank The Friendly Ogre

Genre: Children's Books/Fairy Tales And Fables

"Frank knew he didn’t belong in the swamp. He’s never been like the other ogres. He’s clean and polite, and they... Well, they’re not. So, one day, Frank set off in to the world to find somewhere he could belong. This is the story of that time in Frank’s life; join him as he searches for a place where an ogre like him can belong. After all, there has to be somewhere in the world where he can belong, doesn’t there?"

This book is available in all formats Smashwords offers, and is 100% free... No catch, no hidden costs, just a free book for your enjoyment! If you want to, then you can grab a copy of it at Smashwords by going to https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/214013

Puss In Boots from Shrek 2

Got to love this cat!

The Game Challenge #7

This time the challenge at "The Game" is Bingo:

Using the board I'm about to post, pick 5 in a row in any direction and make a card. Here's the board:



I picked bottom left to top right: make a card, free space, digi image, twine, and paintr.

Here's what I made:



Sorry if the picture isn't too good; we had trouble getting a good shot again.

Anyway, the card was from Craft Planet if I'm not mistaken, the cat image came from the ones June has on her "Olde Curiosity Shoppe" blog, the red paint is glitter paint of a brand that's unknown to me right now (all I know is it came from one of the 2 bottles of glitter paint I got among my craft stuff at Christmas), the blue paint is Ultramarine Blue paint from the collection of Game Colour paints that we have for use when painting our figure gaming figures, and the twine that I used for the bow came among a bunch of craft stuff Susan sent me at the end of last yeaSo, now you've seen my creation, why not pop over to "The Game" and see what the rest of the design team has done for this challenge? And, hey, why not have a go yourself? You never know, you may be the one to win the mystery prize I'm providing for this

The Game

and see what the rest of the design team has made?

And how about giving it a go yourself? You never know, you may be the one to win the mystery prize I'm providing for the winner of this challenge...This time the challenge at "The Game" is Bingo:

Using the board I'm about to post, pick 5 in a row in any direction and make a card. Here's the board:


I picked bottom left to top right: make a card, free space, digi image, twine, and paintr.

Here's what I made:


The card was from Craft Planet if I'm not mistaken, the cat image came from the ones June has on her "Olde Curiosity Shoppe" blog, the red paint is glitter paint of a brand that's unknown to me right now (all I know is it came from one of the 2 bottles of glitter paint I got among my craft stuff at Christmas), the blue paint is Ultramarine Blue paint from the collection of Game Colour paints that we have for use when painting our figure gaming figures, and the twine that I used for the bow came among a bunch of craft stuff Susan sent me at the end of last yeaSo, now you've seen my creation, why not pop over to "The Game" and see what the rest of the design team has done for this challenge? And, hey, why not have a go yourself? You never know, you may be the one to win the mystery prize I'm providing for this
The Game
and see what the rest of the design team has made?

And how about giving it a go yourself? You never know, you may be the one to win the mystery prize I'm providing for the winner of this challenge...

Creatures from British folklore

Creatures of English Folklore A Abbey Lubbers Abbey lubbers were spirits who haunted the abbeys of 15th century England. They were said to be the cause of drunkenness and debauchery amongst monks. They especially haunted the abbey wine cellars. The Apple Tree Man The spirit of the oldest tree in Somerset orchards, he was responsible for the orchards fertility. B Barguest A fiery-eyed black dog with a shaggy coat, it was seen as a death portent. Black Annis A fearsome hag who haunted the Dane Hills in Leicestershire. She had iron like claws and lived in a cave, which she hollowed out with her claws. It is said that she ate children and hung their skins on the cave wall. Boggart A type of brownie, who caused poltergeist activity, they were common in Lancashire, and many places are named after them. Boggart Clough, near Manchester, The Boggart Stones, Boggart Lane etc. Bogies Another class of shape shifting spirits who tormented man. Boggles Evil goblin like creatures. Bogey and Bogey Beast Also an evil goblin type of creature more readily associated with the Devil. Brag A shapeshifting goblin from the North of England. Brownie A generic term for fairies in England and Scotland, they were generally benevolent but could turn bad if they were neglected. They were small in appearance and wore brown clothing. Bucca, Bucca Boo A Cornish goblin like creature. C Capelthwaite A black dog localised to Westmorland, that has shape-shifting abilities and is as large as a calf. Cheney's Hounds Hounds belonging to Cheney, a leader of the wild hunt in the Parish of St Teath in Cornwall. He was a squire in life with a cruel reputation. Church Grim A black dog guardian of church yards, they were often seen as a death portent, they protected the dead from the Devil and evil spirits. D Derricks Fairies who resemble dwarfs, they are small in stature and localised to Devon, Berkshire and Hampshire. The Devil's Dandy Dogs Demon dogs of the wild hunt from Cornwall, they are seen as the most dangerous because they hunt for human souls. The Dandy dogs breathe fire, and leave trails of blackened grass behind them. Dobby A hobgoblin belonging to Yorkshire and Lancashire. Dobby stones were stones onto which fairy offerings were placed. Dobie A type of Brownie. F Fetch A phantom who takes on the appearance of the person who sees it. It is said to be a death portent. Feriers A Suffolk name for the fairies. G Gable Ratchets Phantom dogs of the wild hunt. Gabriel Hounds A Lancashire term for packs of spirit hounds from the wild hunt, who rode across the skies making eerie howls. They where said to have human faces. Galley-Beggar A name given to a frightening spirit in Somerset and Suffolk. Gally Trot The name for a supernatural white dog the size of a large calf, from the Northern counties and Suffolk. Gindylow A Yorkshire water spirit that can drag people under the water. Grant A shapeshifting goblin with flashing eyes. Gurt Dog A Somerset name for a benevolent phantom black dog (it haunted the Quantock Hills). Guytrash A phantom cow with saucer eyes, it is said to be a death portent. H Hairy Jack The Lincolnshire name for a phantom black dog that haunts lonely places. Herla's Hounds Phantom dogs of the wild hunt, they are white with red ears, the colour of traditional otherworld creatures. Hinkey Punk The Somerset and Devon version of a Will o the Wisp. Hobbedy's Lantern Another name for the Will o' the wisp or phantom lights, which lure travellers into treacherous areas. Hob A general name given to fairies in the Northern counties. They often haunted caves and other lonely places. Hobgoblin A mainly benevolent sprite who can also be mischievous if neglected. I Ignis Fatuus The Latin name for the Will o' the Wisp or fairy light. J Jack in Irons A Yorkshire spirit who haunts lonely places attired in heavy chains. The spirit was said to attack travellers. Jacky Lantern The West country name for the Will o' the Wisp. Jenny Green Teeth A Lancashire water spirit who drags people down into the water. Jenny Burnt Tail Another name for the Will o' the wisp or phantom light, which lures travellers into treacherous areas. K Knocker A Cornish mine spirit, which was said to knock at the richest lodes. The knockers were mainly benevolent, but if ignored and neglected they could turn malicious. Knuckers The name for the Old English Swamp Dragons. M Mermaids Dangerous female water spirits who are half fish and half human. They were often said to lure young men to their deaths. Mermen The male equivalent of mermaids, there are few stories about them. N Neckan A river sprite. Nixies Water sprites. O Oakmen Wood spirits of Northern England. Old Bloody Bones A Cornish spirit who haunted holes and crevices. Old Shock A Suffolk name for a phantom black dog. P Padfoot Yorkshire name for a large phantom black dog, it was as big as a calf and haunted lonely roads. Peg o Nell The spirit of the river Ribble in Lancashire. Peg Powler The spirit of the river Tees. Pinket The Worcestershire version of the Will o' the Wisp. Piskies A Cornish word for the fairies, Piskies were generally small and mischievous, they haunted lonely and ancient places, and often tricked travellers into getting lost. They are Pixies in other southern counties. Pixies The West Country name for the fairies. Portunes Tiny farming spirits who are only half an inch in height. Puck A Will o' the Wisp type of spirit. R Raw Head and Bloody Bones A Lancashire and Yorkshire water spirit who haunted deep pools, anybody getting too close to the edge would be pulled under. S Shag Foal A Lincolnshire spirit in the shape of a donkey with flaming eyes. Shuck / Black Shuck The East Anglian equivalent of the phantom black dog. Its appearance was seen as a death portent. Silkie A brownie like spirit who haunted specific areas. In some cases it was identified as a ghost. Skriker A Yorkshire and Lancashire version of the phantom black dog, it was large with saucer eyes. Spriggans Dangerous fairies from the West Country, they were said to guard buried treasure, and to lead travellers into dangerous places. They were stunted and ugly in appearance. Sprites Generic term for a spirit often elemental. T Thrummy Cap Cellar dwelling spirit from the North of England. Tiddy Ones A Lincolnshire name for the fairies. W Waff The name for a double spirit in Yorkshire. Wight Germanic word for an earth elemental. Will o the Wisp The most common name for a fairy light. These strange lights associated with swamps were supposed to be spirits who lured travellers into dangerous areas. Will o the Wikes The Norfolk name for the Will o' the Wisp. Wish Hounds The Dartmoor phantom dogs of the wild hunt. They were often described as headless. Wryneck A Lancashire and Yorkshire name for an evil spirit. Y Yarthkin A Malevolent earth spirit. Yell Hounds Phantom dogs of the wild hunt. ______ Creatures of Scottish Folklore

B Baobhan Sith A very dangerous female vampire who haunted the highland regions. Bean Nighe The Scottish version of the washer woman at the ford. She always wore green and had webbed feet. She was not always a death portent, and would grant three wishes in certain circumstances. Baisd Bheulach A shapeshifting demon who haunted the Odail Pass on the Isle of Skye, its howls could be heard in the night. Blue Men of The Minch Water spirits that haunted the straight called the Minch, between the Shiant Islands and Long Island in the Highlands. They lived in clans in underwater caves and were blamed for shipwrecks. Bodach A dark grey humanoid figure who was thought to foretell the death of members in a clan. Bodachan Sabhaill (the little old man of the barn) A spirit who haunted barns in Scotland, in common with a brownie he would occupy his time doing farming chores. Boobrie A gigantic black bird, which is supposed to have lived in the lochs of Argyllshire. It had webbed feet and fed on cattle. Booman The name of a brownie in Shetland and Orkney. Brollachan Scots Gaelic for shapeless thing, a creature of the night. Brown Man of the Muirs A supernatural guardian of the wild creatures from the Border region of Scotland. He wore brown clothes, and had a shock of red frizzy hair and wild eyes. Brownie A generic term for fairies in England and Scotland, they were generally benevolent but could turn bad if they were neglected. They were small in appearance and wore brown clothing. C Cailleach Bheur A blue faced hag of the highlands associated with winter and a guardian of animals. She may represent a crone aspect of the triple goddess once worshiped by the ancient Britons. Cait Sith A supernatural cat from the Highland region, the creature was as big as a dog and completely black apart from one white spot on its breast. Perhaps the belief is related to some of the mystery black cats that have been caught in the region. Caoineag A banshee like spirit attached to the clans of the Highlands, who could be heard wailing at the bottom of waterfalls before there is death or catastrophe within the clan. Her name means 'the weeper'. Caointeach The Argyll version of the washer woman at the ford, a banshee who foretell death in the clans. Ceasg A Highland mermaid whose contact, in common with most mermaids, is perilous to mankind. If captured she would grant 3 wishes. Ciuthach A cave dwelling spirit localised to the Highlands. Coliunn Gun Cheann (The Headless Trunk) A huge hulking monster with no head who haunted the Macdonald lands near Morar House. Travellers would often be found mutilated by the creature. The creature was banished after defeat by a clan member. Crodh Mara Highland fairy water cattle. Cu Sith A green phantom dog who haunted the highland regions. The creature was the size of large calf and could hunt in silence. Cuachag A dangerous river sprite that haunts Glen Cuaich in Invernesshire. D Direach A monster with one leg and one arm who haunted Glen Etive. Doonie A shape shifting Scottish Fairy, who could take the form of a pony or an old man or woman. Dunters Similar to the Red Cap these creatures haunted the old fortresses of the Borders. They are thought to be the folk memory of foundation sacrifices. E Each Uisge The highland water horse of the sea and sea lochs. It would usually appears as a fine horse, anybody trying to mount it would become attached to its adhesive skin. It would then rush into the deepest part of the loch and devour its victim. F Fachan A highland spirit with one leg and one hand standing from a ridge on its chest. Fideal A highland water demon which inhabited Loch Na Fideil near Gairloch. The creature used to drag women and children under the water and devour them. Fuath(an) A generic term for Scottish water spirits who dwell in the sea in rivers, and in fresh water and sea lochs. G Gentle Annis A spirit said to cause the gales in the Firth of Cromarty. Ghillie Dhu Gille Dubh A benevolent fairy who was said to haunt a birch grove at the end of Loch Druing near Gairloch. It wore clothes of moss and lichen and had black hair. Glaistig Fairies with golden hair who helped around farms. Grogan A highland brownie who helped around the farms. Gruagachs A highland brownie who helped around the farms. H Habetrot A border fairy associated with spinning. Henkies One version of the Orkney and Shetland Trow. J Joint Eater An invisible fairy who sits next to people and eats their food so that they gain no benefit from it. K Kelpies A shapeshifting water horse that haunted Scottish rivers. It often appeared as a horse but it could take the form of a man and leap at passers by. L Loireag A water and spinning fairy from the Hebrides. Luideag A dangerous water spirit who haunted the loch of the black trout on the Isle of Skye. M Morool A Shetland sea monster with many eyes, probably a misidentified fish or sea creature. Muilearteach A blue faced hag who takes several forms, she is similar to the Cailleach Bheur. N Noggle / Nuggle The Shetland version of the water horse, it was often associated with water mills. Nuckelavee A hideous creature part horse and part man with long sinewy arms. The creature had no skin and its muscle structure and veins could clearly be seen. It had an aversion to fresh water. P Peallaidh A Perthshire water monster. Pechs Another name for the Picts, who were often seen as fairies by the conquering Scots many hundreds of years later. Powries Another name for the Red Caps who haunted the Border regions. Puddlefoot A Perthshire water spirit who haunted a pool near Pitlochry. R Red cap A fearsome spirit who haunted the old border castles, he was wiry and small, with Iron claws and a red bonnet. They dipped their hats in their victims blood to give them their red colour. S Selkies Seal spirits who could take human form on land. They often intermarried with mortals. Shellycoat A male water spirit from the Borders region. They wore shells and could be dangerous. Shony A sea spirit from the Isle of Lewis. Shoopiltee A water horse from the Shetland Isles, they took the appearance of a small horse. Slaugh A name given to a group of very dangerous spirits from the highlands. They were known as the unforgiven dead. They were always malevolent and sometimes thought to be fallen angels. Spunkies The lowland name for the Will o' the Wisp. T Tangie A shapeshifting sea spirit from the Orkney and Shetland Isles Tarrans Supposed to be the spirits of babies who have died without baptism they manifested as lights, localised to North East Scotland. A similar explanation is given for the West Country Pixies. U Urisk A spirit very similar to a faun in that they are half human and half goat. They are said to haunt pools and waterfalls. W Water Wraiths Female water spirits who drag people down into the depths. They dressed in green and had withered faces. Wulver A Shetland supernatural creature with the body of man and a wolfs head. They were said to be benevolent. ______ Creatures of Welsh Folklore

A

Afanc The Afanc is a monster that used to haunt a pool called Llyn yr Afanc, on the river Conwy. It was lured from the waters by a maiden, and banished to Glaslyn Lake on Mount Snowdon".

B

Bendith y Mamau A Welsh name for the fairies it means 'the mothers blessing'.

Bwbachod A Welsh Brownie.

Bwca A Welsh Brownie.

C

Coblynau Welsh mine spirits like the knockers of Cornwall, they were good natured and knocked at the richest lodes.

Crimbols A fairy changeling left in place of a human baby.

Cwn Annwn The Cwn Annwn, are welsh phantom dogs seen as a death portent. Their growling is louder when they are at a distance, as they draw near the growling grows softer and softer.

Cyhyraeth A Welsh banshee who groans and wails before a death or a tragic event.

E

Ellylldan Welsh spirit similar to the English Will o' the Wisp, it appears as a light and misleads travellers from their path.

Ellyllon Welsh Elves

G

Gwartheg y Llyn White fairy cattle with magical attributes.

Gwarch y Rhibyn A banshee with long arms and black teeth. She is said to walk beside people and whisper the name of the person who is about to die.

Gwaragedd Annwn Female water spirits who are described as beautiful with long golden hair. They interact with humans, and unlike many water fairies they are benevolent.

Gwyllion Female mountain spirits who sometimes try to lure travellers off the road.

Gwyn ap Nudd Although technically a god he is the king of the underworld and ruler of the fairies.

L

Llamhigyn Durr The water leaper, a water spirit who breaks fishermen's nets and lines.

M

Morgens Welsh mermaids.

P

Plant Annwn A term used for the fairies, they are the inhabitants of Annwn, ruled over by Gwyn ap Nudd or Arawn.

Plentyn-newid Changelings left in the place of human babies by fairies.

Pwca A welsh fairy similar to a Will o' the Wisp.

T

Tylwyth Teg A name for the fairies it means 'the fair family'.

______

From: http://www.mysteriousbritain.co.uk/

Nice looking building nearby

This building is a few streets away from us. I saw it when I was out and had the camera with me. I thought the architecture looked nice so grabbed a photo of it. What do you think?

Kelly

Old Church By Vet

Here's another church near to us. This old church is between us and the vet where we take Willow and Kero. Well, Kero hasn't had anything done there yet (though he has his shots coming up later this month) but you know what I mean. Anyway it's a really big old church so I took a lot of pictures to try and get it all in. Hope you like them.

Kelly

My Friends Of Fur And Feather

"A collection of 50 poems – ranging from amusing to emotional - written for some of the various pets my family or I have had.

The pets mentioned in this collection include 4 hamsters, 2 rabbits, 4 dogs, 7 cats, a guinea pig, and a budgie. All poems are captioned with details of the pets they are about.

Featured on the cover are Butterscotch Pudding the Syrian hamster, Castellan Keroberous the West Highland White Terrier, Myskanco “Chance” Silva Flame the Oriental cat, Stew Pot the Dwarf-Mix rabbit, Charlie’s Angel the Budgie, and Gwydion the Silver Agouti Teddy guinea pig."

Published August 6th 2012
ISBN: 9781476201474

Buy it at Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/212317

Barkers On Sea (Kinda FD)

"Barkers On Sea" is a combination pet shop and dog grooming place..  It's a couple of streets away from us.  It looks like a nice place, and if the groomer who comes to the house to do Kero ever can't make it, we'd try taking him here.  Anyway, here are a few photos if you want to see the place.

Church by post office

This is a church near the post office in Hastings.

Kelly

Council Church Building

This is another church in Hastings. This one has been turned in to a building for the council. It's a nice looking building though so I thought that I would share a photo of it.

Kelly

A church in Hastings

Here's a photo I took of one of the churches in Hastings.

Kelly

Book reviews... 7 of them!

A Magical History by Emma Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A bit of spell checking is needed, and the ending was a bit too sudden for my liking, however, despite that I have to say this was a really good book, which I enjoyed reading!

***

Bogamus the Troll by Nathan Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a really amusing and entertaining story; I loved it!

***

Family and Pets - A collection of poems by Stephanie Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great collection of poems; some funny, some sweet and a bit emotional, but all of them enjoyable to read.

***

Amputeddy Helps a Friend by Kate Policani
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A sweet little book, which can serve as a great tool to get discussions going with children - and perhaps also adults - about amputation.

***

Amy And The Unicorn by Mark Stephens
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I'm not sure why this is being called a short story; it's more like a short novel. But that's got nothing to do with why I only give it 3 stars. The simple fact is, it would be a really good book if it was properly edited. There are so many places where words are missing from sentences so they bearly make sense (and sometimes only do because you can figure it out from what comes next) that I lost count, which is very distracting and makes it difficult to enjoy a story. Also, I think there were too many long-winded flashbacks. Flashbacks are great, but I felt the first half of the book at least had more flashbacks than story progression; you don't need more than the most important information with flashbacks, and only need to be that detailed if someone is really going back in time to live through it. Like I said though, it is a pretty good book, and could be a really good one with proper editing.

***

Zeus by Frederick Ross
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


An entertaining and amusing little story.

***

The Old Woman in the Shoe Moves by T. D. Hilliard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A really cute little book!

Award from Sunfire

Sunfire gave me this award (you can see the post here).

Thank you Sunfire!

I'm supposed to thank the person who gave it to me - which I have. Post the logo for it - which I have. Post 7 things about myself - which I'm about to do. Then pass it on to 7 others.

So, let's see... 7 things about me...

Some of you will know at least a few of these.

1. I have Congenital Glaucoma, which means I was born with the eye condition Glaucoma. So I've had poor eyesight my entire life, and finally lost my sight almost 5 years ago.

2. I've been married for a little over 9 years, having married my hubby when I went to live in Canada for what ended up just being a few months back in 2003.

3. I used to consider myself a Wiccan, but have recently re-labelled myself as a "Nature Witch" - which is essentially an Eclectic Pagan, but I like the term better. Labelling doesn't really matter, but with my self-chosen label I feel more free to take bits and pieces I believe and work with them as I feel is right.

4. I miss having cats. I'd love a cat again; any cat! Though my favourite breed is Siamese, and the type of cat I'd love most is a lion. I have a better chance with the Siamese though, I think.

5. I've now published 3 books, with several more close to being ready for publication. Visit my author page at http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/toriz for more details, and to keep an eye out for new books as I publish them.

6. When I was 7 I sprained my ankle. The doctor told me I'd have been better off breaking it. I asked if I should try, and he jokingly said to go ahead. Not realizing it was a joke (hey, I was 7) I tried, eventually succeeding in doing the same thing again at the age of 12, only this time badly enough that I had to be in a cast instead of just having it strapped up for a few weeks. It's never fully healed, and is weak enough that sometimes I can sprain my ankle just by not being careful enough putting it down when I stand up. And that, ladies and gents, is why you should be careful what you say to children!

7. I could easily live without technology as long as I have a way to read and a way to write. Give me an unlimited supply of braille books, an unlimited supply of braille paper, and a brailler (a sort of old fashioned typewriter that writes braille, for those who don't know) and I'll be happy!

As for passing it on... I'm going to cheat, since most of my friends have a "no awards" policy. If you haven't had it and think you deserve it, then it's yours!

New cover requirements from Smashwords

Smashwords used to require covers of 600x800 pixels minimum, and to keep the file size down we went with the smaller size when creating the covers for my first 2 books.   But then they announced that because of the new high-resolution eReaders, they would be requiring larger covers; they suggested 1600x2400 pixels.  We found out about it in time to do the larger cover size for my third book, and they said it wasn't essential that the older books have updated covers, however if I wanted to udate their files (to fix typos, to add details of other books in the series, etc) then I would need larger covers.  Of course, I wanted to update "Witchlet" to add the details about the fact it's now book 1 in the "Magical Chapters" trilogy (yes, I've decided just trilogy).  But, wouldn't you know it, the people who helped me out last time aren't able to for various reasons - understandable ones admittedly.  Luckily I have a very good friend who was able to help.  And so, I present to you, the new covers for "Mr. Pumpkin-Head And Other Poems" and "Witchlet":

OK, so admittedly part of the reason I'm posting them here is because I need the html codes to update the images used on my "Where To Buy My Books" page, but either way you get to see them, so it doesn't matter.

Kero's PAWty post 2012

Hi humans, this is Kero.

For those who - due to visiting via Parsley's blog for the PAWty - may not know, I'm an eight year old West Highland White Terrier. No, not a "Scotty Dog" a "Westie"... And, yes, there is a difference!

Anyway, Parsley invited us to show our paws, and to share a bit about ourselves, or maybe a funny story. So...

Here's my paw:

I've already told you a little bit about me, but that will do on that, because I want to tell you today about the story of how I got revenge for my neuter.

Where we lived at the time we went everywhere by bus, including the vet. I never knew until we got in to town whether we'd just be going on a nice outing or I was in for a vet trip. This particular day, of course, it was the vet trip.

If it wasn't bad enough that I had to go to the vet, my Mami left me there. Isn't that just cruel?

Anyway, the vets gave me something that made me go to sleep - even though I didn't want them to. And when I woke up I hurt so bad! I cried and cried, but it took ages for Mami to come and get me.

When she finally showed up she said she was sorry. I didn't buy it, so decided to teach her a lesson.

When they got me out of the cage I was in, I let my legs go out from under me like I couldn't stand up. Every time they tried to coax me to do so, I let it happen again. Eventually Mami just picked me up and carried me.

Now, the vet was down the bottom of the hill, and the bus stop was at he top. So she carried me all the way up the hill (with a backpack full of my food on her back, since she'd picked it up on the way to fetch me).

When we got there she decided to try me on my paws again. I wasn't having it and just continued to let myself fall in a heap on the floor.

She sighed and picked me back up.

On the bus she kept trying to lay me on the seat beside her. But every time she did I cried until she picked me back up again.

When we got off the bus she tried putting me down again. And again I just let myself fall to the floor.

She had to walk up another hill from the bus stop to the house we lived in at the time. By the time we got there she was puffing and panting; I could tell she was exhausted from carrying me and the backpack full of food up the two hills. But, once again, when she tried to put me down I wasn't willing to even stand.

She somehow got the door open and got us indoors with me still in her arms. She then gently laid me down on my living room bed before removing the backpack and collapsing on to the nearest chair.

At which point I jumped to my feet and began chasing the cat; tail wagging happily.

Ha! That'll teach her!

Licks and sniffs,
Kero

P.S. Don't forget to go to Parsley's blog and join in the PAWty fun!

Chrislyn's 1st bloggerversary giveaway

Chrislyn - my friend and fellow design team member at The Game - is hosting a giveaway to celebrate her 1st bloggerversary!

The giveaway ends on August 13th, and she has some great things to give away!

Let's help her celebrate her 1st bloggerversary... Check out her giveaway by clicking here!

And, don't forget to tell her I sent you!

Lughnasadh 2012

Whether you call it Lughnasadh, Lammas, The First Harvest, or something else entirely, I hope you are having a fantastic day today, filled with love and creativity!

At the beach - July 22nd 2012 (FD)

As I've mentioned over the past couple of days, when Kelly, Kero and I went to the beach for the air show, the weather was beautiful! And I think everyone around here must have agreed, because at least most of the people in the area were either at the Pirate Day event or along the seafront itself!

There were people enjoying drinks at the cafe that's along the seafront, and on the benches along the promanade.  The play area that's down at the edge of the beach in Hastings was full of children playing, while their parents were nearby.  People were sunbathing, or just hanging out on the beach itself.  Others were walking dogs of various sizes; great big ones, and little tiny ones.  And still others were out in boats fishing, while gulls circled nearby waiting for the fish to surface in hopes of grabbing a quick meal.

It was a good day; fun, and beautiful weather! Of course, with the fact I hadn't been walking much in the couple of months before it (because of the anemia issues; dizzyness, etc), I was exhausted and in pain by the time I got home.  It was so worth it though!

Anyway, I managed to persuade Kelly - who was in charge of the camera because of the pirates and planes - to grab some photos for me, and here they are...

People enjoying the beach:

Seagulls flying about:

A tiny little dog someone was walking, which we thought was seriously cute:

There was a great big dog we liked too, but we didn't think to ask if we could get a photo of that one until after we'd put some distance between us (we were going one way, they were going another).

And here's a photo of me and Kero :

I hope you enjoyed the photos! :)

The Red Arrows' air show

So, why were Kero, Kelly and I heading to the beach on the 22nd of July?

To watch the air show, of course!

The Red Arrows were doing an air show above Hastings for the first time in - if my sources are correct - 25 years, as the grand finale for the olympic celebrations in this area.  We wanted to be there to witness it, so we made our way along the seafront, photographing pirates as we went, so as to be on the seafront near Hastings in time for the show.

It was a perfect day for it; the weather was beautiful! And it was an awesome show (even for someone who couldn't see)!

Kero was an angel, and I was so proud of him!

His ears were constantly up and down (down means he's afraid or unsure, up means he's curious or happy) but other than that he was fine.  He wasn't trembling, and his tail wasn't tucked under him, so I think he was more unsure than anything.  I kept giving him ear rubs and reassuring him the whole time though, just in case.

Anyway, while I was in charge of making sure Kero was doing OK, Kelly was in charge of the camera.  So, here are the photos he took:

A couple of times they came so low over where we were that I almost felt I could have reached out and touched them...

Near the end of the show they did the sign for the olympics in the sky...

Then a heart...

I thought afterwards I could have used my phone to get an audio clip to go with the photos, but it was too late by the time I thought about it... We were at home by then and the show was long since over!

I hope you enjoyed the photos though!