To all my readers who celebrate Christmas – Merry Christmas. This is my re-write of 12 Days of Christmas for the Southern African experience. Thank you to Kaye Lynne Booth for hosting.
Author: robertawrites235681907
I am a writer of young adult fiction and poetry
Roberta Writes – Reblog: “The Soldier and the Radium Girl Part 1: The Bloom of Youth, Chapter 1: Enlist in haste, repent at leisure (cont. 10)” by Roberta Eaton Cheadle
Thank you to Nolcha Fox from Chewers by Masticadores for sharing part 10 in my story.
Jake Tanner
Letter from Private Jake Tanner to his fiancée, Kate Henderson 20 October 1917
My dearest Kate
I can hardly believe that it’s only been six weeks since we said goodbye. So much has happened in this short time, I feel as if a lifetime has passed.
I arrived in England ten days ago and have been waiting for transport “over there”. Yesterday, we got our orders to entrain for Southhampton Docks. 1 I am mailing this letter to you today, and tonight I will be boarding a channel boat and crossing the English Channel to Le Havre. The next time I write to you, I will be in France. I hope the French food is better than the English food. The Tommies said the French, whom they call Poilu, eat snails and frogs’ legs. I sincerely hope I am not expected to eat either.
I am still with Joe, Mike, Beau, and Will, and they are also well.
Continue reading here: https://chewersmasticadores.wordpress.com/2025/12/19/the-soldier-and-the-radium-girl-part-1-the-bloom-of-youth-chapter-1-enlist-in-haste-repent-at-leisure-cont-10-by-roberta-eaton-cheadle/
Roberta Writes – Reblog: Different Kinds of Art – Resa McConaghy’s Enchanting Holiday Art Gowns Part 1
Hi everyone, its Robbie Cheadle with you today and I have a wonderful holiday treat for you. The multitalented Resa McConaghy is sharing one of her spectacular Art Gowns in celebration of the holiday season.
Welcome Resa!
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Happy Kwanza, Merry Solstice
To all who celebrate anything this time of year, have a good one!
Continue reading here: https://latinosenglishedition.wordpress.com/2025/12/22/different-kinds-of-art-resa-mcconaghys-enchanting-holiday-art-gowns-part-1/
I’ve closed comments here so please comment on Latinos USA.
Roberta Writes – Reblog: Photography Nature
Hi everyone, it’s Robbie Cheadle here with you today with my December post in the Nature Photography section on LatinosUSA – English Edition.
Next week, I am featuring photographs of Buildings and Architecture.
If you have a photograph to share in the Buildings and Architecture section, please email me at cheadlerobbie@gmail.com and use the title Photography – Buildings and Architecture. Please also include a short write up about your photograph.
Egret at the Beach by Darlene Foster
This beautiful photograph was contributed by children’s author, Darlene Foster. You can find out more about Darlene and her exciting Amanda books on her blog here: https://darlenefoster.wordpress.com/
Some of Darlene’s books are on sale until 1 January 2026. You can learn more about it here: https://darlenefoster.wordpress.com/2025/12/08/end-of-year-book-sale/
Egrets are a type of heron, a long-legged, long-necked, wading bird. They live in freshwater and saltwater habitats, such as marshes and wetlands, where they spend their day wading in shallow water, catching fish and other creatures. Most species form lifelong pair bonds with their mates and nest and roost in mixed species groups. Although they are found on most continents, Egrets avoid the coldest regions, high mountains, and deserts. They nest in tall trees over water with 10 to 30 other pairs. Most species are relatively vocal, making harsh croaking sounds and squeals. They feed in flocks, waiting in shallow water for fish to swim by before thrusting their beaks to catch their prey. Most animals don’t mess with these large birds; they find safety in numbers by staying in large communities. We often see them here in Spain in orchards, on golf courses and by the beaches.
Continue reading here: https://latinosenglishedition.wordpress.com/2025/12/19/photography-nature-2/
Roberta Writes – d’Verse, CFFC, Thursday Doors and The Flower Hour
Punam’s d’Verse Poetics Tuesday prompt is Looking back. This freestyle poem is a synopsis of my year.
Sandwich Filling (freestyle poem)
January starts with
an international bond offering
long workdays interspersed
with school collections
Dad, aka au pair, continues
in a rapid downward health spiral
until he reaches a bed bound state
culminating in a series of tests
during a three-day hospitalisation
pulmonary hypertension the diagnosis
untreatable as a condition but
continuous positive airway pressure machine
restores a level of normalcy
***
February, a month of conflict
with legal advisors and underwriters
everyone in my house
succumbs to the latest flu bug
lazily doing the rounds
and laying people low
birthday trip nearly ruined
but I gulp down pills
and try to make the most
of splendid leopard sightings
returning home to work chaos
and a very sick mother
***
March kicks off with Mom
on her fourth antibiotic
I leave my team to manage
bond closure best they can
and rush Mom to the ER
where she is admitted with
pneumonia and a fractured rib
fortune smiles and 24-hour delay
enables me to pick up work pieces
I can’t visit Mom as issuance must close
guilt wrestles relief as colleagues celebrate
***
Sinus operation in early April
much worse than expected
doctor drills a drainage hole
through bone and cartilage
recovery long and difficult
ten full days off work
yet sick leave far too short
I struggle to regain my strength
restorative trip to bush
fraught with unseasonal cold
but I got exceptional misty shots
***
May, a most unhappy month
fall out with work colleague
lack of appreciation soul destroying
I contemplate my future
while absorbing Buddist philosophies
on coping and disengaging
they don’t help me at all
is it time for me to retire?
I finish my buffalo painting
Perhaps I’ll have an exhibition
***
June passes in a flash
both sons writing mid-year exams
stress levels high at home
disillusionment with work increases
TC escapes it all, as usual
a week working in Cape Town
followed by two weeks in Amsterdam
as I hold the home together alone
he offers a holiday in London
and a few days in Brussels
as a peace offering
I take Michael with me
***
July is fabulous
London is vibrant and busy
we visit art galleries and pubs
tour of Flanders cemeteries
bucket item ticked off
horror of World War 1
mitigated by visit to Bruge
and chocolate tour in Brussels
we leave Europe to its summer
and return home to deep winter
***
August is a busy month
final school year dance
students decked out
in eveningwear and finery
champagne corks pop
celebration swings to examinations
preliminary exams followed by finals
days and days of anxiety and stress
24-hour art examination
Michael produces a masterpiece
***
work agitation settles down in September
for once promises made are kept
I feel more settled and happier
maybe I’ll last the further five years
my company is hoping for
I’m not committing though
hope always brings disappointment
Mom finally seems to be rallying
after six months of poor health
she’s so tiny and frail
I’m afraid she’ll disappear down drain
along with the bath water
perhaps I should make her shower
***
October filled with work challenges
another bloody bond issuance
my least favourite of all transactions
lots of lawyers and advisors
this one fraught with challenges
and a team new to these deals
coaching and training take on
a whole new meaning
both boys writing examinations
TC swans off to Japan
for two weeks of work and play
***
November, the heavens open
it rains day and night
the rain in Spain
takes up permanent residence
in South Africa
will the sun ever shine again?
the latest bond finally closes
on the last working day of the month
no rest for the wicked
as year-end rush commences
Michael has three visits to the hospital
and Dad has one
***
December arrives at last
with its promise of yearend shutdown
here I am, practically alone,
holding the fort and resolving
last minute catastrophes
the office shuts tomorrow
will it end, I wonder?
at least there is Christmas
something to look forward to
lots of good food and company
and a holiday to the bush
to watch the turtles hatching
watch this space!
CFFC
Dan’s CFFC prompt is Summer and Winter. You can join in CFFC here: https://nofacilities.com/2025/12/15/cffc-a-look-back-one-year/.
I’m combining CFFC with Thursday Doors this week. You can join in Thursday Doors here: https://nofacilities.com/2025/12/18/more-christmas-from-osv/
These are photographs of paintings by Vincent van Gogh taken by me at the van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.
It is the amazing Rebecca Budd who inspired me to share my photographs of van Gogh’s paintings. You can find Rebecca in her Reading Room here: https://rebeccasreadingroom.ca/2025/12/16/jane-austen-at-250-emma-and-the-art-of-missteps/
The Flower Hour
I’ve been saving these red roses for Christmas. You can join in Terri’s The Flower Hour here: https://secondwindleisure.com/2025/12/16/the-flower-hour-11-last-chance-holiday-florals/
I was trying to be artistic with the sun on the raindrops.
Roberta Writes – Reblog: Simple Pleasures: Reading and Eating – A Homemade Christmas and a Christmas Wreath by Carol Ann Taylor
Hi everyone, it’s Robbie Cheadle with you today and I’m sharing my review of A Homemade Christmas by Carol Ann Taylor. Carol has also contributed one of the delicious recipes from this book. Thank you, Carol!
My review of A Homemade Christmas by Carol Ann Taylor
A Homemade Christmas is a delightful collection of recipes from an excellent cook and baker. This book is a treasure trove of delicious traditional recipes from the supporting dishes like garlic buttered peas, cranberry sauce, three kinds of gravy, and sage and onion stuffing, to the main event which could be turkey, ham or roast pork. For the more adventurous, there are a few recipes with an Asian flair to spice things up such as beef brisket with an Asian twist and Thai fried peanuts with basil leaves.
Well known Christmas snacks including pigs in blankets, sweet mincemeat, and sausage rolls make an appearance, together with recipes for traditional Christmas cake and homemade marzipan, Christmas pudding and fruit salad, for those watching their calory count.
Continue reading here: https://latinosenglishedition.wordpress.com/2025/12/17/simple-pleasures-reading-and-eating-a-homemade-christmas-and-a-christmas-wreath-by-carol-ann-taylor/
I’ve closed comments here so please comment over at LatinosUSA.
Roberta Writes – Guest Post: Yvette M. Calleiro with The One Redeemed
Today, I am delighted to welcome author, Yvette, M. Calleiro, to Roberta Writes with a guest post about her latest book, the last in the Chronicles of the Diasodz series, The One Redeemed.
Who are the Diasodz?
The Diasodz are special beings created by the Goddess to heal and protect humans. There are two classes: Altorus (the warriors) and Curatus (the healers). Diasodz live the first eighteen years of their lives as humans. Around their 18th birthday, they experience a “death day,” where the human part of them dies and the Diasodz part takes over. Not every Diasodz survives their death day. Most Altorus receive a tattoo with their weapon-to-call after their death day occurs. The tattoo awakens when danger is around. When the Diasodz touches his/her tattoo (or its area), the weapon appears in his/her hands, ready for use.
With Lucifer’s influence, a faction divided from the Diasodz and became known as the Raizyns. While there are many characters throughout the series, I want to introduce you to some of those who play an integral part in Drake’s journey. (All images are generated by AI.)
Drake is our main character of The One Redeemed. He is the Raizyn king and the catalyst that sets all other events in motion. He is obsessed with Valerie, Nolan’s wife, and tries unsuccessfully many times to make her his. Because of his actions, chaos ensues and families are torn apart.
Drake has the power to inflict pain and create paralysis through touch. He can control lava and earthquakes and can bring darkness, sadness, grief, despair, and anger to others. His weapon-to-call comes from a tattoo of a flail with three maces hanging from the tip. His tattoo is located on his upper right butt cheek.
Damiana is the Raizyn queen. As much as Drake is obsessed with Valerie, Damiana is obsessed with Drake. She is even willing to kill to make sure he remains hers. Her jealousy and need for total dominance drives her.
Damiana has the power to cause pain physically and mentally. She can create electricity through her fingertips. She also can seduce others through touch, making her irresistible.
Valerie is happily married to Nolan. Valerie was courted by both Drake and Nolan and chose Nolan. Drake never accepted the loss. Valerie endured great heartache because of Drake’s actions, but she never wavered from her love for Nolan and her loyalty to her family.
Valerie has the ability to heal minor injuries. She can also provide temporary strength to others. Her weapon-to-call is a bow and arrow. Her tattoo is located above her left breast.
Nolan is wholeheartedly in love with Valerie. He is loyal to his family and will defend them at all costs. He is just as comfortable fighting battles against the demons and deminions as he is staying home and spending time with family.
He has the power to manipulate objects and make items disappear and reappear. He can transport himself from one place to another. He can also transport an embryo from one womb to another. His weapon-to-call is two blades that come from the tattoo of blades on his wrists.
Liana is a Curatas, which means she does not have a weapon-to-call or have any powers. She is meant to heal others through herbs and the energy nature shares with her. Infatuated with Nolan, Liana is used by Drake to create chaos in Nolan’s life. Liana later plays a role in Damiana’s plot to hurt Valerie, but in the end, it is Liana who has the most influence on Sofia’s choices.
Sofia is the one believed to be the savior. She was raised on Earth with Liana. Sofia is human for most of the series. Her powers come to her before her death day. She controls fire. She can also combine other Diasodz’s powers to fight darkness and evil.
Rafe is believed to be Damiana’s son. He is raised as a human and knows nothing of the Diasodz world until his death day. He has the power to manipulate the earth and trees. He can make someone faint if he touches them. His weapon-to-call is an ax that is located in his tattoo behind his ear.
Angel is Liana and Nolan’s son. He is raised by Nolan and Valerie to give him the opportunity to be born into the Altorus class. He has the ability to manipulate emotions. He can control all forms of water. His weapon-to-call is a dagger that he can pull from his tattoo which consists of three daggers forming a ‘y’ at the bottom of the back of his neck.
Ar’ch is the son of Valerie and Nolan. He is in love with Sofia. He has the power to read minds and communicate through thoughts. He can enter dreams and compel others. He controls air, can make objects fly, and can create storms and clouds. His weapon-to-call comes from tattoos of swords on each hip bone.
Kamali is our newest character. She is appointed by the Goddess to help Drake on his journey through the afterlife. She is able to read Drake’s thoughts. She also has the power to transform into other people by borrowing some of their essence.
I hope this introduction helps you to visualize the characters as you read about their roles in Drake’s story.
Blurb
Drake had been an agent for chaos, a tyrant who focused only on his desires, even when they hurt those he claimed to love the most. Would dying to protect his daughter redeem him? Or would he spend an eternity reliving his biggest regrets?
Electrifying pain coursed through Drake’s veins as he sacrificed his life to save his daughter. When he becomes conscious again, reality sets in. He is dead. While he is overcome with grief, his mortal enemy, Goddess, offers him a path to redemption. In order to find his way back to his children, he must first revisit his past and atone for his choices. The journey will be brutal, and his outcome is not guaranteed.
Failure is not an option for Drake. He will do anything to get back to his children to make amends for his actions, even if it means sacrificing himself all over again.
Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G5HZX97B/
About Yvette M. Calleiro
Yvette M. Calleiro is the author of the Chronicles of the Diasodz fantasy series, HYPE, and a couple of short stories. As a heavily addicted reader of both young adult and adult novels, she spends most of her time pseudo-living in paranormal worlds with her fictional friends (and boyfriends).
When she’s living among real people, Yvette M. Calleiro is a middle school Reading and Language Arts teacher. She’s been sharing her love of literature with her students for over twenty years. Besides writing about the various characters that whisper (and sometimes scream) in her head, she enjoys traveling, watching movies, spending quality time with family and friends, and enjoying the beauty of the ocean.
Although an avid traveler, Yvette lives in Miami, Florida, with her incredible son who has embraced her love for paranormal and adventurous stories. She also shares her space with an assortment of crazy saltwater animals in her 300-gallon tank.
To follow along with the rest of this tour, please visit the author’s blog. Thanks for supporting Yvette M Calleiro and her work!
Amazon Purchase Links
Hype – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09L7BFNXG
The One Discovered (Chronicles of the Diasodz, Book 1) – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I4L2Q40
The One Enlightened (Chronicles of the Diasodz, Book 2) – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00R0QI51I
The One Betrayed (Chronicles of the Diasodz, Book 3) – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0191O1892
The One Revealed (Chronicles of the Diasodz, Book 4) – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NBKJHIO
The One Awakened (Chronicles of the Diasodz, Book 5) – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0781WT73J
The One Redeemed (Chronicles of the Diasodz, Book 6) – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G5HZX97B/
The One Chosen – A Diasodz Short Story – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0986Q6P1D
Breathless – A Short Story – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BLVDHQX
Karma Doesn’t Kill – https://www.amazon.com/Karma-Doesnt-Kill-Yvette-Calleiro-ebook/dp/
A Christmas Homecoming – https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Homecoming-Short-Story-ebook/dp/B0DQK23BT8
Escaping the Woods: A Short Story – https://www.amazon.com/Escaping-Woods-Short-Yvette-Calleiro-ebook/dp/B0B558WVKX
Amazon Author Page – https://www.amazon.com/Yvette-M-Calleiro/e/B00I4RJMUU
Social Media Links
Author Blog: http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/YvetteMCalleiro
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yvettemcalleiro
Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/yvettemcalleiro.bsky.social
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7800735.Yvette_M_Calleiro
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/ycalleiro
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvette-calleiro-7303846/
Roberta Writes – Reblog: Street & Other Public Art with Brieuc Martin-Onraet from Equinoxio
Brieuc Martin-Onraet from Equinoxio, A blog about magic, fiction, and art, kindly allowed me to share this post. You can find Brieuc’s (aka Brian) latest blog post here: https://equinoxio21.wordpress.com/
Brieuc is also a contributor to This Is How We Work: Stories, Memoirs and Poems about Social Dimensions of Work anthology compiled by contributing editor, Yvette Prior. You can find my review of this meaningful collection on Amazon USA here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R2VAZFX1HLTANS
Argentina had only one god: his name was Maradona.
Continue reading here: https://latinosenglishedition.wordpress.com/2025/12/15/street-other-public-art-street-art-buenos-aires-by-brieuc-martin-onraet/
Roberta Writes – Reblog: “The Soldier and the Radium Girl Part 1: The Bloom of Youth, Chapter 1: Enlist in haste, repent at leisure (cont. 9)” by Roberta Eaton Cheadle
Thank you to Nolcha Fox from Chewers by Masticadores for sharing part 9 of my story.
Jake Tanner
16 October 1917
It was raining. It was always raining in this godforsaken place, miles away from home.
Jake was sitting propped up against his bulging backpack, with his inadequate covering tucked around his shoulders. The rough grey wool of the army-issue blanket reeked of mold and felt clammy to the touch, but small discomforts like these had ceased to bother Jake days ago.
The light of his small piece of candle flickered and danced in tribute to the icy wind sidling through the gaps caused by the ill-fitting tent flap. Fat droplets drummed steadily on the waterlogged canvas exterior of the tent, and Jake shuddered at the thought of the icy rivulets he knew were streaming down its sides. The trenches he and Mike had dug to stop the water from flooding their sleeping quarters had already been full to overflowing the previous night.
Continue reading here: https://chewersmasticadores.wordpress.com/2025/12/12/the-soldier-and-the-radium-girl-part-1-the-bloom-of-youth-chapter-1-enlist-in-haste-repent-at-leisure-cont-9-by-roberta-eaton-cheadle/
Roberta Writes – Reblog: Photography – People
Hi everyone, it’s Robbie Cheadle here with you today with my December post in the People Photography section on LatinosUSA – English Edition.
Next week’s photography section will feature nature. If you have a photograph to contribute, please email it to me at cheadlerobbie@gmail.com and use the title Photography – Nature. Please also include a short write up about your photograph.
Continue reading here: https://latinosenglishedition.wordpress.com/2025/12/12/photography-people/
roberta-writes.com 