2016-02-03T20:07:15+00:00

Author: Judy E Martin

Hello, and thanks for stopping by. I am Judy, in my (very) early fifties and decided that life definitely gets more interesting as it goes on! I am a wife and a mum and have just finished University as a Registered Nurse, after having worked as an Associate Practitioner in the NHS. I am also a poet and the author of my debut book, 'Rhymes of the Times.' I love to laugh, and I love rhyming words too, so I joined the two together, and my book was born. I am currently working on another book in the series also. I am a prolific blogger and enjoy writing funny stories, anecdotes, and anything really that takes my fancy.

Quote of The Day Challenge: Day 1

February 3, 2016/Judy E Martin/16 Comments

I have been nominated by the lovely Funsie from Simply Me to take part in one of my favourite challenges. Why not pop on over to her blog and say hello. She has lots to keep you entertained on her blog whilst you visit.

The rules for this challenge are as follows:

1 – Thank the blogger that nominated you.
2 – Share one new quote on three consecutive days on your blog. They can be from anywhere, anyone, or anything.
3 – On each of the three days, nominate three more bloggers to carry on with the fun! No pressure; nominees are free to decline.

I have decided that I will be using quotes from the wonderful Maya Angelou. A lady of immense courage, wisdom and fortitude that battled many challenges in her life, yet rose above them all. I’ll kick off with this one:

The best part of life is not just surviving, but thriving with passion and compassion and humor and style and generosity and kindness.

Maya Angelou

My nominees, should they want to participate, are:

Tonya from Fourth Generation Farm Girl

Rosema from A Reading Writer

Daffy from Wild Daffodil

Henry Worsley. Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Wacky Word Wednesday

February 3, 2016/Judy E Martin/27 Comments

Henry_Worsley_in_2010 — Henry Worsley. Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Welcome to another (rather late) Wacky Word Wednesday! This is my chance to find a wacky, weird or wonderful word to give another airing. Today’s word is one that is not used that often anymore, but it has a wonderful sound to it and trips off the tongue nicely.

Bodacious. The intrepid explorer going off into dangers unknown, courageous and confident, maybe even a little cocky at times. The dashing and daring hero, valiantly venturing on momentous missions to win the heart of his love.

It is notorious and noteworthy, lionhearted and lairy, ballsy and brassy! Someone who is brave and bold, undaunted and unflinching about what is ahead. The kind of person handy to have around in a sticky situation, as they are gritty and gutsy and game for anything!

As I was writing this post, it came to me that ‘bodacious’ pretty much sums up the explorer Henry Worsley. Tragically, he died recently as he attempted to cross the Antarctic, solo and unaided. He was only thirty miles short before he became severely dehydrated and had to call for help. It was too late to save him.

He tried, though, and not only that, raised a hell of a lot of money before he went, for injured service men and women (he himself was a lieutenant colonel). An amazing adventurer, officer and gentleman who will no doubt, be sorely missed.

Photo courtesy of Mads Pihl. Greenland Travel. https://www.flickr.com/photos/greenlandtravel/14990374447

THE GREAT BOOK OF LISTS, CHAPTER 2.0 : DREAM TRAVELS

February 3, 2016/Judy E Martin/33 Comments

Norther Lights — Photo courtesy of Mads Pihl. Greenland Travel. https://www.flickr.com/photos/greenlandtravel/14990374447

The poor Duchesse has not been well this week and has been suffering with her back. Hopefully, she is on the mend now and out of pain.

Her book of lists for this week concentrates on dream travels. Now, I am a dreadful wimp in that I am terrified of flying which kind of limits me a little when it comes to travelling to some of the places I would love to go to. However, this is about our dream destinations, and here are some of mine:

I would dearly love to see the aurora borealis or ‘Northern Lights’ as they are more commonly known. They are so stunningly beautiful, and the fact that they are a natural phenomenon just adds to their appeal for me. The spectacular colours set off against the dark sky must be mesmerising.
Sweden. These Nordic countries really appeal to me, despite the cold. In fact, that is part of the appeal! I would love to stay at the Ice Hotel. The way it has been designed intricately carved from the ice into elaborate rooms, each with a different personality, would surely make for a unique experience.
Canada. This is a country that has always appealed to me as it has so much to offer. spectacular scenery, mountains, lakes, and of course, Niagara Falls. There is a rich history and a wealth of treasures to explore here too.
Australia. Again, this country has so much to offer. I would particularly love to visit some of the gorgeous, uncrowded beaches and have a swim in the sea that appears so inviting. There are so many animals that I would love to see there, koalas, possums and kangaroos to name but a few (and many that I wouldn’t too, lizards and spiders, oh and SNAKES)!!!

Photo courtesy of Mads Pihl. Greenland Travel. https://www.flickr.com/photos/greenlandtravel/14990374447

Wikipedia

There are so many wonderful places in the world that it is difficult trying to narrow down some of those that I would like to visit. It is not just the country itself but its people, history, culture and traditions that add to the whole experience. I did actually get on a plane once (well twice if you count coming back) to Istanbul. It was quite a culture shock for me at the time, being quite young. The people were so friendly, and the food so tasty and full of flavour, quite unlike what I had been used to. The places I visited told wonderful stories of bygone ages…Hmmm, I really must conquer that fear of flying!

Waiting for Spring

February 2, 2016/Judy E Martin/28 Comments

I thought I would join in with Carole’s idea of writing a short poem with spring as the theme.

Longer days are coming

Bright and sunny early dawns

Nature shrugs off winter

As it stretches and it yawns

Waking from a slumber

Dusting off the gloom

Time to come alive now,

To blossom and to bloom

Spring has brought new outfits

For all the naked trees

Flowers are making pollen

To please the busy bees

Birds are coming home now

It time to meet a mate

It looks like spring is coming

And I for one, can’t wait!

Ronovan’s Writes Weekly Haiku Poetry Prompt #82 ‘Star’ & ‘Child’

February 1, 2016/Judy E Martin/44 Comments

What lovely words we have for Ronovan’s weekly haiku challenge this week, ‘star’ and ‘child.’

I am going to make Ron shake his head again this week!

Osmonds_1971 (1) — Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Just Jot It January 31st – Clumsy

January 31, 2016/Judy E Martin/48 Comments

Today’s prompt for Linda’s Just Jot it January is ‘clumsy’ which, as you might have guessed, I suggested! It really was the first thing that came to mind.

Being clumsy ever since I can remember, doesn’t make it any easier to deal with, although I now just try and laugh it off. The more nervous I get, though, the clumsier I become, so meeting people for the first time or being in stressful situations can make me worse.

I remember years ago, staying at a boyfriend’s house for the weekend and meeting his family. The mother was very house proud and welcoming, so of course, I ended up knocking my coffee all over the carpet! His sisters rallied around, cleaning it up before I had chance to move, probably limiting any more damage that I might do. I was mortified.

Another time I remember was when I was being watched carrying out an aseptic procedure to be signed off by a senior nurse. That in itself made me nervous, but I had set everything out on the trolley, created my sterile field, and as I popped a bandage out of the wrapper, careful not to touch it, I squirmed when it caught the edge of the trolley and rolled onto the dirty floor! The stern glare from the Sister didn’t help my nerves either!

I could go on and on giving examples as there are so many, unfortunately, but I am sure you get the picture. Still, it has in the past, got me out of drying up the dishes!

TJ’s Household Haiku Challenge – Bucket.

January 30, 2016/Judy E Martin/23 Comments

This week we have been given ‘bucket’ by TJ for his household challenge. The only bucket I have at home is the bog standard mop bucket we all have kicking around! Not very exciting.

I then realised that I had made the ‘bucket’ bag not that long ago to keep my knitting in, but that had already starred in a haiku of its own, so it is time to think of something else.

We had to nip out this afternoon to get some bits from the supermarket, and look what we saw….yes buckets of flowers! Ok, they aren’t technically my household object, but I am going for poetic licence on this one!

Beautiful flowers:

Fresh, vibrant colours displayed

in dull, black buckets.

Just Jot It January 30th – An- #SoCS

January 30, 2016/Judy E Martin/32 Comments

Today I am going to be combining two of Linda’s challenges, Just Jot it January and Stream of Consciousness.

Linda has suggested that we use the letters ‘an’ for today’s prompt and either use it as a word in itself or find a word that has those two letters together and use that as our theme.

The first word that had come into my brain is ‘anti-social.’ Oh, that is a bit of an unfortunate one to have for my theme, but I suppose it does pretty much sum me up most of the time!

It is not so much that I am anti-social, but more that I am shy that makes me avoid most social situations. Even when I am with my family, I sometimes get a bit overwhelmed with all the chatter and the noise, and long to retreat back home in my little ‘cocoon’!

At work, though, I am different. In, fact, I was just saying yesterday to one of the students we have with us, that I feel we owe it to our patients to go into their homes with a cheerful and friendly manner. After all, we might be the only person they have seen or will see for a while, and who wants to see someone that has a face like a smacked arse and miserable manner to match?!

I don’t find it difficult to be more outgoing at work, probably because it is a different environment and we have got many things to talk about. Yes out in a pub or bar, with a load of other, I often tend to retreat a bit, preferring to watch from the sidelines, so to speak.

I am pretty rubbish at small talk, and even if I am really interested in talking to someone to find out more about them, I end up with my words coming out wrong, showing myself up.

However, I do actually like people, so I am not totally anti-social!

Just Jot It January 29th – Ghost

January 29, 2016/Judy E Martin/32 Comments

We have ‘ghost’ for Linda’s Just Jot it January post. I was not really sure what to write about for this as I have never seen one, nor would I ever want to!

I have decided instead to write about the film ‘Ghost.’ You know the one with Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore. I have to say that I am a dreadful softie when it comes to soppy films, and I bawled my eyes out when he came back to visit her from the dead! I would like to think that when we die that it isn’t the end. I hope that I will get to meet up with my dad and grandparents. It would also be wonderful if we were able to still keep an eye on those that are still living, although it would be frustrating not being able to help them in any way.

I would like to think that when we die that it isn’t the end. I hope that I will get to meet up with my dad and grandparents. It would also be wonderful if we were able to still keep an eye on those that are still living, although it would be frustrating not being able to help them in any way, or even contact them.

What would be awful, though, is if I were doomed to roam around haunting some old, spooky building or something, rattling chains or howling, or something! That is not my idea of fun at all!

Free For All Friday

January 29, 2016/Judy E Martin/22 Comments

Well, here we are with another week having whizzed past and the end of January approaching at breakneck speed!

I have had quite a busy week, all in all, but have still found some great posts to share with you. As always, please go and visit these blogs if you haven’t already, and have a good old rummage around!

Kyrosmagica Marje had me in stitches with this post. I am sure you will love it too.

Ronovan Writes This was a very helpful and informative post. Ronovan shares some hints and tips with us on good writing. He is a real fountain of knowledge and a great help and support to other writers and bloggers as well. He also manages to find time to host his ‘Flash Fiction Fridays’ and also his ‘Weekly Haiku Prompt’ which is personally one of my favourite challenges!

Terri Webster Schrandt Some more useful tips for bloggers struggling to find inspiration.

So there you have my short and sweet nibbles for this week. Enjoy!

Happy Friday!

Rhyme and No Reason!

Blogger, author and rhymester who likes to find the humour in life.

Author: Judy E Martin

Quote of The Day Challenge: Day 1

The best part of life is not just surviving, but thriving with passion and compassion and humor and style and generosity and kindness.

Wacky Word Wednesday

THE GREAT BOOK OF LISTS, CHAPTER 2.0 : DREAM TRAVELS

Waiting for Spring

Ronovan’s Writes Weekly Haiku Poetry Prompt #82 ‘Star’ & ‘Child’

Just Jot It January 31st – Clumsy

TJ’s Household Haiku Challenge – Bucket.

Just Jot It January 30th – An- #SoCS

Just Jot It January 29th – Ghost

Free For All Friday

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Blogger, author and rhymester who likes to find the humour in life.

The best part of life is not just surviving, but thriving with passion and compassion and humor and style and generosity and kindness.

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This is me!

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Thanks for visiting

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