Summer break over, the children are back to school, and I have two last weekends of calm and serenity before the following eight weeks fire up into a plethora of signing and selling activity.

Starting off on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th October I’m in the Corn Exchange at the Rochester Art Fair, where I’ve been invited by Under the Rainbow events to sell my novels etc. Chicken Wizard will be making his first appearance at a Regional event and I’m excited for his next step towards fame and forture. (8) Facebook
 
Not that I’m sitting around doing nothing till then. Week day evenings are spent line and developmental editing client work. Weekends are spent editing my next novel Between Here and Hell and overseeing the illustrations for Shea Pingle and Mustard and Marmalade picture books. In between, I work, do Karate, and attend writing groups.

I’m too frightened to write at present. I know if I sit down another novel will be spinning off my fingers. I already have twenty-four more sitting on the laptop from fantasy novels to comedy scripts and more picture books stories. Most people get writer’s block. I wish. What is the opposite of that? What is running away writing called? Writer’s diarrhoea? Maybe not.

Give me a word, a phrase, a sentence, and I’m off. A hedgehog in my garden last night becomes the first pilot on a rocket ship into space. A four-year-old child grows wings and flies off into the sky, while her parents look on in horror. A candle on the dining table melts, slowly grows legs, jumps down off the table and runs away. Mice build a school. Clouds have the ability to speak to certain folk. Mountains do move and Rome was built in a day – by aliens. There is no end to my imagination, or yours. You can write anything, about anything – if you want to.

It depends why you write or want to. Yes, I’d love to be wealthy from being an author, but in these days with every man, and his non-binary dog, fairy, hedgehog, or four-year-old with wings able to read or write, the ability to get published is like winning the lottery. In fact, winning the lottery is a lot easier and more likely. I should know I won £100 on the Premium Bonds this week and still publishers/agents don’t know I exist. I’m an unknown.

You might write your life story to leave a legacy for your family and friends, but to be perfectly honest. Nobody cares. Everyone alive has had an interesting and varied life. Everyone thinks they are the only person ever to experience terror, depression, suicidal thoughts, and conversely ecstasy, happiness, love. But human emotions can be experienced in numerous events and situations. They don’t all have to be Hell on Earth.

So, why write? You might be like me, and you can’t stop. I also would like a tiny part of me to exist when I’m dead. After about ten years I’ll be forgotten, along with most of us. My hubby assures me he will follow my wish and get me turned into a diamond when that happens. I could end up as the new diamond primary drive on a starship to Alpha Centuri. That might be my writing diarrhoea starting up again.

You can write for yourself, but why? You can write for family/friends, but why would they want to read it? I’ve watched those antique shows where relatives bring in beautiful items from their recently dearly departed and flog them. There’s no guarantee they would read your words, instead they might use them to light a fire to keep warm. There are certainly enough books in the world now.

I put my work on-line, but I know electricity won’t last forever. One day that boat will sail too, but maybe for longer than the fire. Writing is demoralising, too many people trying to get their work out there with too few publishing houses. Places that can be so choosy. If I’d been born over a hundred years ago, I would have nailed it. Charles dickens wouldn’t have had a hope.

So, I’m back to waiting for my lottery tickets. Of course, if I win the lottery I will become wealthy. Will I write then? Probably not. Unless my second husband is a hedgehog pilot, and my four year old daughter flies off to Alpha Centuri with her non-binary dog.
​
Till next time
 
 
 
 

 Not as much accomplished as I'd hoped over the last four weeks. True one of those was spent onboard the MSC World Europa Cruise Ship. Boarding at Barcelona to join 6,999 others, (Its a hop-on, hop-off style cruise) we travelled to Marseilles, Genoa, Naples, Messina and Valletta.
Quick recap - Staff wonderful, clean throughout. Certain countries don't know how to restrain and distract  their children, preferring to let them run and scream (yes I mean scream) throughout the whole place, including the resturants. Relaxing? Not so much.
They also don't care if they get drunk under 16 yrs old either. I watched one European mum passing cocktails to her obviously drunk son after I saw the bartender make it with enough vodka to put me to sleep.
Add to that smoking is permitted in certain areas which sadly meant I couldn't go near them and we will be looking for an over 18+ no smoking ship next time - if there is one. 
I'd personally like to thank Marko, the cruise director, staff in the British Pub, Mixology bar and our cabin staff.
See my Podcast on YouTube for highlights of the cruise. (carol m. salter)

Last week saw me volunteering the whole weekend at the Heritage Sprint Betteshanger. My husband volunteered as mid-track marshal for the whole weekend too, so I didn't see much of him. I became floating volunteer for the majority of the event. That meant standing outside on the roundabout directing traffic for several hours, and Sunday  doing my own bit of marshalling in an attempt to prevent collisions between wayward campers and folk on demo electric bikes.
Made a new friend too, saying Hi to Paul at Oakley Motorcycles. You really should consider going for a test ride with Oakley M/C. I understand they do traditional bikes as well as electric bikes.

This weekend saw me with a table at St Peters Church Sandwich. There was a bit of a mix up, probably on both our parts, but the staff at the venue were great and set me up. My thanks to all of them and the lady who bought me a lovely cup of tea.
Did you know the church is now run as a second-hand shop with book area and craft stalls on a permanent basis? Its well worth a dip inside if you're ever in Sandwich. Their stock has a rapid turn over and there's always something to catch my eye. Curtains, lamps, small occasional tables, gallons of toys, ceramics, even three seater sofas have been known to arrive and vanish in days. Currently there's a glut of nice small dining tables if you need one. Add to that the craft stalls; semi-precious stones, jewellery, cushions, ingenious wooden craft stall at the back of the hall and there's gifts and presents abound if you're ever at a loss for birthdays etc. 
For me, ever the glutton, there's a welcoming café area with scrummy home-made cakes, they do gluten free too. Plus sausage rolls, scones, crumpets. My mouth is watering at the thought. And the prices? Beats Costa any day. One time I purchased a complete ginger cake and took it home. Told you, the glutton. Didn't take me long to eat it either.

Back to my writing, since I now have several editing projects coming in, I'm going to start sectioning my time. Weekends for my own work, and week day evenings for professional editing stuff. Otherwise, I find myself avoiding doing one or the other. Its funny how the inside of the bins looks interesting, and my son's disgusting dirty sock collection fascinating when you're subconsciously trying to find alternatives to work.

Well I'm here now, sort of because I've now become distracted my my blog, noticing its 21st of the month and I always blast off one a month. Another delaying tactic? Maybe. I'm going to open Between Here and Hell now because my husband will be in one hour asking for food.
Till Sept,

I'm excited to report the Chicken Wizard launch went amazingly well. Hope I haven’t jinxed anything by saying that. I’ve already sold over quarter of the large print run, and I’ve yet to attend several large events booked for 2023.

Locally, the uptake as been humbling, with friends, schools and shops accepting copies. I took a couple of copies to Birchington Primary on behalf of local author Kaz H who donated them. I donated two copies to Holy Trinity & St John’s school, in part to thank them for hosting the Lausanne School Reunion and because I went to the original Holy Trinity Primary school myself.

I’m so glad school holidays are here because I’ve a lots to get through these next few weeks, having not one, Shea Pingle and the Swarm with the illustrator Ellie, but also Mustard and Marmalade Dachshund Dog Detectives; their first case, The Missing Fillet Steak. I was delighted when Ellie told me, and then showed me that she could illustrate these characterful dogs. Seems there are no limits to her skills.

I plan to feature a page of photos of Dachshunds inside the back cover, so if you have such a doggy and would like them to be part of this exciting adventure feel free to send me a lovely photo of them. Bear in mind there is no payment, and by sending the photo you are agreeing to it being shared in the book without copyright. On the positive side, your dog will be around for years and lots of folk will admire and enjoy their image.

Inspirations Writers Group is going from strength to strength with Indigo nearing completion. Every members is working hard to get this, our sixth anthology off the ground. There are a lot of exciting pieces and poems which highlight how much the members skills have increased since joining the group.

In-between critiquing Inspirations work, I continue apace with my own work nearing the end of my current novel, Between Here and Hell. I’m also involved with developmental editing work elsewhere.

I’m pleased that I’ve a short break coming and plan to re-commence my Sackful of Dragons novel during that time. It’s about twins in foster care who find a sack of baby dragons in an alley in Margate, and decide to raise them without their foster carer, Grace, finding out. Not as easy as it seems, especially when the local gang get a whiff of Terri and Todd’s shenanigans.

And if you know any traditional agents or publishers, give them a push in my direction.
​
Till August.

PS - click on the photo to see it in full.

These last few weeks have seen things moving backwards and forwards so rapidly I’ve almost given myself an stomach ulcer.

The main focus of my month has been the publication of Chicken Wizard. Its been fraught with emails zooming between myself, my formatter, and the new printing company for my picture books—Swallowtail.
I wanted to use my current printing company but sadly they were unable to furnish the thicker paper that is needed for picture books (who knew!)

I want to take this opportunity to thank Faye and Geoff for their input working on that specific element. Also, to Ellie for her amazing illustrations, and Lucie and Geoff (again) for their efforts making the cover and content so professional. Thank you all of you.

I’ve already taken several pre-orders.

Seems that a remarkable bird wearing a wizarding hat, is collecting some interest, no doubt about that!

Launch Date
Saturday 8th July 2023
 
At 10 am to 12 midday at The Classroom Bookshop, Westgate. CT8 8QY
 
At 1 pm to 3 pm at Taddy’s Barn Eatery & Cafe, Margate. CT10 3BN
 
Whilst Chicken Wizard has been in negotiations, I’ve been attending various events in East Kent. First, the Kent Fest at Quex Park, and though it had a good range of music, food and stalls it wasn’t as good as I hoped.
I’m attending the Kent Country Show on the Sunday 27th & Monday 28th August, also at Quex park so hopefully that will be better as Chicken Wizard will have joined the party.
​
I did really well at the Sandwich Le Weekend event just gone, selling a good amount of books. Next on my list is back in Sandwich on is the 1st and 2nd July at the Folk & Ale Festival. The craft fair is situated inside St Peter’s church in the centre of town, you can’t miss it.
 
Books aside, I’m also involved as a volunteer at the Heritage Sprint Weekend, a bike race event being held at Betteshanger Country park, near Deal. If you book tickets on-line its £5 cheaper.
 
Finally, for those who love Aquasapien, you might be excited to know, I was caught by the writing bug and started the first chapter of book Four – Legacy. In between editing Between Here and Hell, of course.

You can pre-order Chicken Wizard using my contact page.

Till the Launch.

​You’ll be pleased to know Chicken Wizard is about to be printed. I have already taken pre-orders for this book, my first picture book aimed at 7- to 9-year-olds. Like all first print runs this is likely to do well.
I’ve seen Aquasapien 1st Edition going for £22 second-hand via on-line book shops.
 
If you’d like to pre-order just leave your details on the contact page and I’ll contact you as soon as they reach my hands.
 
I’m all set to start my next picture book, Shea Pingle and the Swarm, aimed at 9-to 11-yr-olds. Shea Pingle is a fairy who works as a Bee Botherer. Her job is to wake the local hive each morning, then travel around the flowers during the day to wake any bees caught dozing.
 
I’ve been super busy these last few weeks despite recovering from my spine issue and paralysis. On 22nd April I was at a craft fair in Herne Bay selling and signing. The last weekend in April I went to Reeth in North Yorkshire to support my husband doing a charity walk.
Each year he, and five veteran chums, walked the Squaddie hike in Aid of the Queen’s Regiment Benevolent Fund. In the ensuing twelve months one of their number passed away from Bone cancer. Add to that one of our local buddy’s died of the same condition, and my hubby decided to walk the fifteen-mile distance alone in aid of the Bone Cancer Trust.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tan-hill-walk-for-paul
 
Monday fifteen of May saw me dashing up to Bluewater after work, following an invitation for Ewa & Louise to display and sell my work at the Under the Rainbow Art Exhibition and fashion show. The pieces of art on show are incredible. If you manage to get up there, do go and visit the exhibition.
This uplifting exhibition showcases both professional and emerging talent from across the UK. Alongside over 60 exhibiting artists, there will be other displays including local schools and community projects, as well as donated artwork for sale in support of local charity, My Shining Star.
The exhibition is open daily in the Lower Rose Gallery from 11 am to 8 pm Monday to Saturday, and 11 am to 5 pm on Sundays.
https://bluewater.co.uk/articles/under-rainbow-art-exhibition-returns-0

This Saturday just gone, I attended a signing and selling event at the Festival of Transport Faversham, and on the Sunday did a bit of recon at MarvelSC Comicon at Quex Park. It was busy and expensive, but it looked like everyone was having a good time. Plus, they have a marquee full of authors, so maybe next year, despite the cost. When I factor in hotels and travels, the large cost for a stall didn't seem quite so large.

On Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th June I'm at Kent Fest, Quex. I’ve got a Craft Fair at Sandwich on 10th and 11th June, and another pop-up Bookshop in Broadstairs on 25th to 27th June.

Meanwhile, I continue to write. I'm waiting for Ellie, my latest illustrator to come back on-line once she finishes her art assignments. Then we'll begin illustrating Shea Pingle. I'm still editing the heck out of Between Here and Hell which slowed a bit following the dislocation of my thumb two weeks ago. Did I forget to say that?
Till next time, stay safe and well. Carol. M.

So much has happened in the last four weeks, it’s hard to believe it.

Today, was my day for spinal surgery, a discectomy. Removal of a herniated disc that was impinging on one of my spinal nerves. As I’m writing you can see that never happened. To recap, sciatica six months getting worse. Surgery today and 2nd MRI and 2nd consultation to confirm the week beforehand.

That all changed on Monday 13th March when the pain became intolerable. I couldn’t stand up at work. Had to be collected and taken home. I remember lying curled up in my hallway waiting for the analgesia I’d taken to work so I could crawl upstairs to bed.

As the pain eased, so did all sensation down my entire right leg. I’d never been so happy to be pain-free. Was this the price I was going to pay? I wondered. At that point I didn’t care. I didn’t even consider not being able to ride my Harley ever again. I was still in awe of no more pain.

Problems began when I tried standing the next day. Wanting to go to the loo, up till then I’d been out of it on meds, and crawling. The outer side of my thigh, back of my knee, outer side of my calf, outer side of my foot, entire sole, heel, and three toes didn’t exist. I know. I took my sharp embroidery scissors, and points open, poked them in the entire length to check. Nothing. A few specks of blood is all.

Standing got easier. No pain. Lovely, but also no feeling. Returning to the doctor for his comments on the second MRI I was informed my body had done the surgery for him, and it was no longer required. He had seen it happen a couple of times. It appeared my vertebrae, unhappy with the state of affairs had taken matters into their own hands—or should that be bones—and excised the offending piece. He advised me that it would remain floating around in my back.

That statement made me re-consider something that happened 24 yrs ago. I slipped a disc lifting my son off the floor when he was a baby. A short while later, a lump appeared on the left side of my back. It’s still there today, like a piece of gristle. I’ll let you know if the same happens on the right side.

Its weird because I made my first incantation a few days earlier asking my body to pull together in sorting this out. I also decided afterwards, for a really silly reason, to go out on my motorbike one last time, realising I might never be able to ride one again. The potholes might have had something to do with it, but I was careful.

Consultant says, the paralysis is normal, (wish he’d told me that before), and sensation should gradually return. If it doesn’t, I’m planning to discuss my first tattoo with a local artist, phobia be dammed.

This issue has overshadowed my month, but I still managed to complete Chicken Wizard. It’s at the cover designer and formatter now. Already lined up my printing company as my usual one can’t cover picture books the way I want them. Would love an agent for these, but I know it’s not going to happen. Deep into Between Here & Hell. About to start Shea Pingle and the Swarm.

Other activities continue apace. Been to a Ladies night. Did a signing and selling event in Faversham, have another in Herne Bay on;

Saturday 22nd  April at Herne Bay High school.

Did a ride-out to the Heritage Sprint event at Betteshanger Park. Was a bit dubious but managed fine. Luckily I’m left footed, so always lean to the left. Right foot only ever use inner part of foot and big toe. Amazing what you discover, even at my age.


Managed to get to grips with the layout for my writing group’s next anthology Indigo, so that’s in progress. A new layout and newly designed cover being developed.
​
If you’d like to keep up-to-date on my blogs, reviews, and podcasts, please consider subscribing to my email list. I’ll ensure you recevie a copy directly they are created. Use my contact page on the back of my website.

​ In 2020, the Faversham Eye on-line newspaper announced a competition. We had Covid going on, so they aptly entitled the entries, Life After Covid. 

It was a dark time. I had plenty of time of my hands, my mind, and my imagination. So I entered, not thinking I'd get anywhere. I hadn't got anywhere in the other comps I'd entered over the years.

Following the country's mood, I decided to make it dark, very dark. I considered worst case scenarios, and as usual followed my instincts, not knowing where the story was leading me.


I didn't expect to win. I actually found out by mistake. A few weeks after the closure date, I decided to get the courage up to read the winning entries in their paper. I'd received no contact from the paper, so assumed someone else had won. I almost fell off my chair. I had to re-read it several times. I read the runners-up. They were okay, not emotional, not urgent like mine. More descriptive. 

I was elated until I noticed they'd spelt my name wrong. I contacted them to tell the paper it was me who'd won and also request they amend my surname. They could do this on-line but not in hard copy because the print run was done. I wish I'd been their proof editor!

Its taken me some time to float down on my airy cloud after that. Nothing new has happened. I purchased several hard copies of the edition it was published in. I name dropped - a lot. It made me feel like a proper writer at last. Someone actually liked it. I like it too. I've had a number of folk ask me for the book, seeing this as the first chapter in a dystopian world - which it is.

Currently, I'm really busy with From Here to Hell which is going to need such a re-write no one is going to recognise it.  Chicken Wizard is around the corner. Shea Pingle in in the wings (literally), and Mustard and Marmalade are poking their heads above the parapet. Had enough clichés?

My illustrator for CW is doing Shea Pingle too. Check out the blurry draft image on the Shea Pingle page here. I'm  currently interviewing a 2nd illustrator for Mustard and Marmalade - no confirmed name yet.

The pop-up Bookshop in Broadstairs did quite well, I sold a few copies. Chris Horn plans to run another couple through the year. I ended up buying 4 books, and it was fascinating to meet all the writers and feel part of a 'tribe'. Yes I learnt some new words last night on a writers social. Just trying to keep you updated, we don't want to fall behind on the world social scene. Tribe describes, your social group these days. I also received an education on Gammon and Karen which left me speechless. In turn I shared my word, which a couple of folk didn't know, vivarium. Not on a par with the others but still I knew it, and they didn't, so I had a brief nano-second of smugness.

On a personal front, I'm likely to have some time to move the above novel onwards due to heading off for spinal surgery in the next four weeks. Yes I'm terrified, but if I wait any longer I'll be part owner of the companies who manufacture, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Codeine, Tramadol, Co-codamol, & Voltarol at this rate.
I'm more gutted about not being allowed to do Karate, street dance and yoga for a minimum of three months. No driving for 2 - 4 weeks and worse still probably no Harley out for eons. Sad face emoji.

Till next time.
Please give me a thumbs up if you like my words, sometimes I feel like I'm writing in a vacuum. Or should that be hoover? Feel free to comment.

In January, I was thinking I had a few months to relax before the start of my hectic author signing commitments for 2023. I’ve booked twenty-three events so far. Along with my literary festivals, and weekend-long ComiCon’s, I’ve a gaming convention, classic car weekend, and a large number of craft Fairs dotted around the county.
We’re in February and my first event now starts next weekend. Chris Horn, another local author, is taking a leaf out of my book. This time he’s beat me to it and managed to organise his very own Pop-up Bookshop. And he’s invited yours truly to sell her books there. Thanks Chris.
The event runs from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th February, at 27 Albion street, Broadstairs. There are books to suit everyone’s taste, including mine of course. Twenty-three authors are bringing their wares, and many, like me (I’m doing Saturday afternoon and Sunday all day) will be there to sign their books so you can get a unique copy.
My Aquasapien Metamorphosis signed copy is currently selling for £22 on Book Depository and Amazon. I’ve realised what I need to do is sign them and put them direct on Amazon myself for £22. I knew I’d gone wrong somewhere!
Please consider coming to visit the shop over the weekend, just putting your face in the door to support us would be amazing. Its near Bradstow Mill pub I believe.
On another topic, writing (what else LOL) Last night saw me finish my seventh novel renamed Between Here and Hell. Originally, it was Between Worlds because that’s where they go, but I decided it wasn’t the whole story so renamed it. I’ve got to think of a cover next and of course edit it until I’m brain weary. Can’t believe at 75,000 words I was thinking it’s not far from finished, I’ll just do a few more pages and that will be it. I finished it at over 98,000 words and I’m guessing it won’t be ending there once editing changes are made.
I’ve noticed a pattern in this blog I didn’t see at the beginning. It’s the year 2023. I’m doing 23 events, there are 23 authors going to the Pop-up bookshop and I’ve written 23,000 words. If the lottery comes up with number 23 in it this week, let me know, and if you win millions think of this aspiring writer who assisted you in reaching your dream. A few bob would come in quite nicely about now.

Where did Christmas go? Yesterday, I was looking for pressies to give to relatives. Today, I’m wondering what exciting thing to give my loved one for Valentine’s Day.

I know it is a sign of getting older when the days race by. As a child, a day took a week, a week a month, and a year was so far off I couldn’t remember it. Now, as each days passes, it vanishes like an hour. The whole phenomenon in reverse, as a week becomes a day, and a month a week, and a year? Feels like yesterday.
 
So, am I going to sit and watch my life flit by like a concertina? The hell I am. This year, resolutions ignored. I’m doing more than ever. So far I’ve booked over 23 events with 5 local organisers, and am considering not two, (my usual amount) but five Comicon events in 2023. Okay, I might not do all of them due to expenses of hotel, travel etc, but I’ve already booked the South-East Collectors and Gaming convention in October at Ardingly showground.
 
Comicon-wise I’m defo going to Wyntercon, but also maybe Portsmouth, Birmingham and Bournemouth. I’m looking at Fantasycon 2023 too. Fantasycon rarely comes out of the USA. The last time it came to the UK and I went was 2014 I hadn’t published anything then. I met Terry Pratchett, Robin Hobb ran a writing session, and Brian Aldiss kissed me on the cheek. (Yes, I have washed it since.) Just gutted I didn’t have one of his books with me. I met and made some fabulous friends that weekend, some of whom I’m still in contact with today. I’d love to go again this year, with six novels under my belt, I feel more bonefide as an author.
 
In addition, Book wise, Chicken Wizard half-way complete. Shea Pingle and the Swarm written and waiting to begin illustrations. Between Worlds proceeding slowly and Mustard and Marmalade Daushund Dog Detectives is hassling me. Sackful of Dragons is on the back burner whilst I get the picture books out in preparation for the summer shows.

Hi everyone.
First, I would like to give a huge thank you to the eight people who gave me a thumbs up on my last blog. It’s a first for me. It made me feel so humble to know that someone out there does actually read my words—I was beginning to think I imagined it—and also took a couple of seconds at the end to click LIKE too. Thank you who ever you are. Because of this I’m going to continue blogging. I’ll admit I was starting to get a teeny bit dispirited.

Christmas is almost upon us, and before you ask I haven’t written a Christmas story, but I have completed Shea Pingle and the Swarm, hot on the heels of Chicken Wizard (WC). That’s two new children’s picture books written. I just need the illustrators to make them a reality. Ellie is hard at work getting through the pictures for WC (not to be confused with Water Closet) but there’s only so much one girl can do. I know she is trying to do her college work too and I don’t want to mess that up for her.

Mustard and Marmalade Dachshund Dog Detectives are still in my head at the outline stage. The first two books are rhyming stories, and I haven’t decided yet whether to continue the theme with The Case of the Missing Fillet Steaks. Not sure how much rhyming I can do around a butcher’s shop, but you never know.
I’ve finished all my signings and selling for 2022, and sadly haven’t got any bookings for 2023 until May. Unless you know someone who’s got an event I could fit in between now and then. You can of course order books through Waterstones or contact me direct. I’m happy to deliver locally.

I actually get most of my ideas and do a lot of my writing whilst at signings and Comicons etc. I think it might be the overwhelming environment of creative people within eye and earshot. The colours, the activities, the sounds. I also can’t resist purchasing items, either for myself personally or as set dressing for the table (that’s my excuse). Only last week I ended up buying a eight-foot furry caterpillar whilst I was in a toy shop. Do I need it? No. Is it for someone else? No. Is it set dressing? No. It needed me, and I needed it. Currently, Cleo the caterpillar is gracing our king-sized bed—my husband is so understanding!

I’m not sure whether I’m eccentric or still in child-mode—probably a bit of both— each room in the house boasts at least 20+ fluffy toy animals. Each is unique. Each has a name, or a function in a number of cases. For example, a blackbird on top of the sofa means one of the downstairs windows is open and needs closing before we go out. Okay, maybe that is the only one with a function, apart from the four or five animal doorstops. One cat, one mouse, one panda, one horse, one kingfisher. (I didn’t include them in the room count.)
I believe this all ties in with my love of fantasy. The famous Toy story films are right up my alley. I love things that make me go “ahhh”. Only the other day at work my colleagues announced that I was so easy to buy Christmas presents for. I wasn’t sure whether to be pleased with that statement or slightly irritated that I’m such a predictable person. I like to see myself as slightly edgy and unpredictable, but apparently not, judging by their smiles when they made me open the present in front of them. Yes, another of my weaknesses is hairbands and they purchased me some hum-dingers. I couldn’t make up my mind which one to wear for the rest of the day. Thank you ladies – I love them. That brings my hairband count to well over 50+

I’m sure there are folk reading this who also have there own unique indulgences. I’ve heard of people who collect owls, hedgehogs, elephants, tigers, (not real ones) and other curiosities. I myself have a few cats (I have a lot of cats!) from a specific pottery in Cornwall. They adorn the mantlepiece, the display cabinet being too full of other animals (and cats). Is it something we do as we age? I don’t think so. I think people have an affinity with a certain item, an element, something that calls to them and gives them enjoyment, to see it, hold it, interact with it, like books. Some come with memories, like ornaments from grand parents or aunts, some come from holidays, I have a blue goose in our downstairs loo from Disney World in the 1990’s. Some just speak to us. To me.

I’d love to hear what other people collect and how they choose to take home that specific object.

Anyway, till next year. I hope you all receive that one thing you want for Christmas, especially if its for your collection. Take care, keep safe and remember, we are all unique. There is noone else like you in the world, but someone else might just like fluffy animals too.