Christmas Kitchen

Mum's got her apron on again
She's up to her elbows in flour,
The preparations are 'revving up'
With every passing hour.

The turkey has taken up residence
In the larder, behind the door,
On the sideboard there is evidence
Of treats that are in store.

We're enveloped in a spicy fog
From the steaming and the brewing
Of Christmas puddings, mulled wine
And cranberries gently brewing.

Potatoes and sprouts are trimmed and peeled,
Stuffings and sauces mixed,
Trifles and jellies are revealed,
The fairy lights are fixed!

There's carrots and some Christmas cake,
Some milk and a few mince pies
All set for Santa Claus to take
On his journey through the skies.

Sorry Nigella, Delia, Jamie too,
Raymond Blanc and all the rest,
Forget the fancy ballyhoo,
This kitchen is the best!

The Garden Fairies

I'm looking forward to my new book and woke up this morning thinking of the garden where Mary Kindly, one of the main characters tip toes out into the garden in the early hours of the morning. This is the time when the world is quiet, all is peaceful and there is time to think. Lost in her thoughts, Mary is gently awoken from her quiet reverie by the dawn chorus, maybe the sweetest alarm call of all.

Though they don't feature in this particular story, I wonder if  Mary would have noticed the garden fairies...

   When the night is drawing closer
   And the moon glows in the sky,
    The stars above are shining,
   Here, the garden fairies fly.

    With dresses made of rose petals
    And gossamer for their wings,
    They land upon the dewy grass
     And dance in fairy rings.

   Sprinkling magic fairy dust
  They dart amidst the flowers
   Tending all the garden plants
   Through the night time hours.

   And in the morning, all is well,
  The fairies' work is done,
    Sweet peas and daisies, all in rows
   Turn their faces to the sun.

A New Day and a New Book

I have to admit it. I have been a very lazy 'blogger.' However, I am back here again with renewed enthusiasm and intend to keep my posts more up to date. I do need your help though. I would like to share my blog with more readers and if you are kind enough to enjoy any of my posts I would love it if you could spread the word!
I have to confess to an ulterior motive though. I have been working on my first novel which is due to be published this month (July 2014). I first had the idea for 'Tea at Raphael's' some years ago. I wrote the first three chapters and then left them languishing in a drawer. Some will say that we cannot accomplish what we aim for until the time is right and I decided to start writing again during some testing times. I think Gabriel, the central character in my book was looking over me and encouraging me to complete his story, and I thank him for that!
   Here are a few words about my story.....
                                 
                   ... Mary Kindly unexpectedly becomes the proud caretaker of Raphael's Café after new friends encourage her to turn a deserted building on Dove Street into a unique teashop. When customers walk through the café doors, their lives are changed forever.

People from all walks of life are drawn to the calm atmosphere of Raphael's café, and the kindness of the new friends they meet there, but just who are Raphael and Gabriel, and their band of helpers, who seem to appear just when they are needed?...

Take yourself, just for a moment, to a place where kindness and nourishment go hand in hand and no one is turned away if they can't afford a cup of coffee. I'll meet you at Raphael's!