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I’ve been interview by the Romance Magicians! They don’t do tricks – they’re romance writers!

I came across the website back in 2009 and was enchanted by all the different personalities (they’re actually a Southern chapter of Romance Writers of America). It’s a lovely mix of published and waiting to be published writers who take turns writing blog posts and sharing their experiences and knowledge or latest novels. [Read more…] about Interviewed by Romance Magicians…

I did have a Flicker account (past tense), but I kept forgetting I had one (it really has been that sort of year) so that was money down a black hole. I’m now sharing favorite photos on 500. I don’t know why it’s called that, but I love the number five so it works for me. It’s super easy (and it has a good free version), so (if you’re interested) when I’m not sharing photos on my blog I’ll also be sharing photos there (you can see the photos as large as your screen which I love). Most so far are older ones, but I was in Stamford on Friday and I found some really magical shots by the river (or I should say reflected on the river – minor details). It was a long exhausting day, but it was gloriously sunny and I found a few books at my favorite bookshop (St Mary’s Books). They sell all sorts. Everything from cheap paperbacks to rare collectors items. I nearly fell over the book ladder, but I managed to retain my dignity (which is just as well as I was wearing a knee length skirt and purple tights).

I was researching an old book by E Beresford Chancellor (trying to find if anyone had read it before I spend money buying a copy) when I came across a new book out this year (I’ll have to get) titled “Literary Celebrity, Gender, and Victorian Authorship, 1850–1914” by Alexis Easley about literary tourism in the Victorian age and how that affected the wider culture. The page that popped up mentioned a poet named Christina Rossetti. My brain came to a stop as it tried to compute a female name before Rossetti (the famous painter Dante Gabriel who apparently was also a poet – I missed that somehow, but then he’s not one of my favorite artists). I had no idea he had a sister who was a famous poet. Being a curious wench, I had to look up her work. It’s very Victorian! For all curious people who love glimpses into the forgotten past I highly recommend her poem A Bird’s Eye View. I imagine the author (an aging spinster dressed in black silk – the stiff bombazine sighing with every slight movement) sat in some room made dark by heavy blood red velvet curtains half drawn; her corset holding her so rigidly straight only her head can bend down over the small desk holding her paper and ink well. How could she not write depressing poetry with a neck ache?

I’m now off to read more!

Morning sunlight is burning through a passing patchy blanket of clouds. My corner of England is forecast rain later today. I haven’t decided whether I should return my library books or wait another day. I suspect in either case it will rain. Hello November! The perfect day for ‘November Skies’ (by the Danish artist Tomas Barfod). I LOVE this song (listen till the lady starts singing before deciding whether you’ll like it or not – there’s something about the layers of sound – it makes me feel like I’m snuggled up inside where it’s warm while the rain lashes the windows. Lovely!

Cari’s addendum: A big thanks to all of you who listened to my brother’s song! The contest closed Nov. 9th. He started the contest a month in, but still manged to get 2189 points which I think was brilliant. Who knows what may or may not happen next, but he got lots of lovely feed back so I’m hoping it inspires him to keep writing music and playing his guitar. If you’re curious to hear him there’s a link below. 🙂
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My little brother Jason has entered a singer/songwriter contest on line (with a seriously great prize – which I of course think he deserves – though I am admittedly biased). The first round is judged solely by how many different people listen to the whole song. He only discovered the contest a month in so he’s got a lot of catching up to do. Have a listen and tell me if you think I’m crazy! This is Jason with his guitar (he’s self taught) playing and singing his own songs. I rocked him as a baby for countless hours playing (and singing) Elton John songs hoping it would influence his taste in music, but it didn’t work!