Category: Uncategorized
Roberta Writes – Reblog: Treasuring Poetry – Meet talented poet Paul Cannon
Today, I am delighted to introduce talented poet, Paul Cannon, as my first Treasuring Poetry guest of 2026.
Thanks for hosting, Kaye Lynne Booth.
Hi everyone, welcome back to Treasuring Poetry 2026. My first guest of the year is talented poet, Paul Cannon, who I met through the d’Verse Poets Pub. You can find the latest d’Verse challenge here: https://dversepoets.com/2026/01/15/its-open-link-night-and-our-live-session-is-just-around-the-corner/. d’Verse hosts three challenges a week and they are all very interesting.
Tell us a bit about Paul Cannon. How and why did you start writing poetry?
My earliest memory of my interest in poetry is my parents encouraging me to listen to them reading poetry to me from the Children’s Book Of Verse. I remember in later primary school having to memorise poems like Coleridge’s ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’ and Southey’s ‘The Inchcape Rock’ along with Patterson’s ‘The Man From Snowy River.’ Poetry captured my imagination.
Later, in high school, we were introduced to many poets and forms from around the world. We were also tasked with writing poetry which I enjoyed. One poet who I continue to read from that time is Robert Frost, I love the way he draws me into observing human behaviour and feelings, and how he observes nature.
After high school I continued to write. The incentive was, naturally, love interests. My girlfriends were always polite about my writing, not least Lyn my wife to be. From the time I married in 83 to the mid nineties I was hit and miss with writing, what brought me back in earnest was my journey into becoming an Anglican priest and the pathway of training to be a spiritual director or companion for those needing a sounding board for personal discernment. This journey opened me up to the poetry of Mary Oliver, R.S. Thomas, Denise Levertov, Blake, Milton, Edwina Gateley, Noel Davis, Rumi, Hafez, Layli and many more. These poets inspired me and I became intentional about my writing at this point.
I didn’t go online with my poems until 2017. I was writing prose on Face Book and switched to WordPress in 2013 and it was through the WordPress community that I was encouraged to take the plunge into poetry after posting some tentative pieces.
Continue reading here: https://writingtoberead.com/2026/01/21/treasuring-poetry-meet-talented-poet-paul-cannon/
Roberta Writes – Reblog: Review of Gratitude & No Fairy Tale: Just Her Poetry Book Three by D.L. Finn
Picture caption: Cover of Gratitude & No Fairy Tale: Just Her Poetry Book Three by D.L. Finn
What Amazon says
Explore D. L. Finn’s poetic journey, from her newest to earliest works. Part One immerses you in a combination of her photography and symbolic poems. Peaceful winter days, forests, and sunsets illuminate her search for the magic of life. Part Two retraces her journey from her first poems. Her life is revealed through free verse poems and photographs that were featured in her memoir, No Fairy Tale. She discovers gratitude on her path to happiness. Join her as she explores her reality through emotions and nature in this special collection.
Continue reading here: https://latinosenglishedition.blog/2026/01/14/review-of-gratitude-no-fairy-tale-just-her-poetry-book-three-by-d-l-finn-by-robbie-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: 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: 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 – Reblog: Famous Artworks – Walking Through Winter with Vincent van Gogh by Rebecca Budd
Hi everyone, it’s Robbie Cheadle bringing you an interesting reflection by Rebecca Budd on Walking Through Winter with Vincent van Gogh. Rebecca has a keen interest in art and artworks and shares wonderful articles on her blog, Chasing Art. You can find her latest art post here: https://chasingart.ca/2025/11/28/a-gift-of-small-kindnesses/
Walking Through Winter with Vincent
Landscape with Snow by Vincent van Gogh (Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons)
Winter comes in quietly. It does not rush in so much as settle, as if the world is taking a long breath after the brilliant months of autumn. When the first snow falls, everything seems to pause. The noisy parts of life drift away, and what stays is the gentle invitation to pay attention.
Continue reading here: https://latinosenglishedition.wordpress.com/2025/12/08/famous-artworks-walking-through-winter-with-vincent-van-gogh-by-rebecca-budd/
Roberta Writes – Reblog: Guest Writer Spot
Thank you to talented writer, Esther Chilton, for sharing a delightful post about Something Fancy and a wonderful review. Esther has several excellent books, both fiction and non-fiction, which you will find on her site.
Esther is a very generous and supportive blogger and has a Guest Writer Spot on a Friday where she shares stories, poems and promotional articles by various bloggers. In Esther’s words:
“If you’d like to be included in this slot, please get in touch: estherchilton@gmail.com. Poems can be up to 60 lines and prose 2000 words. If you’d like to add a short bio and photo, then great. All I ask is that there’s nothing offensive.”
This week’s guest is familiar to many of you. Robbie Cheadle is a prolific writer and so supportive of other bloggers. Please give her a warm welcome as she shares her new book, which I’ve just read. You’ll find my review below. For now, over to Robbie:
Something Fancy, A Winter Wonderland Celebration book 1
Christmas in South Africa
Christmas in South Africa is a different experience to Christmas in the Northern Hemisphere. It is summer here and the temperatures on Christmas Day are frequently in the mid 30 C’s. Our Christmas menu is designed for hot weather and tends towards salads, cold meats, and light desserts rather than the hot meal enjoyed in colder climates and the heavy puddings. That being said, my family always have a traditional Christmas Cake to enjoy on and after the day. We also usually have either a chocolate house or a gingerbread house on display which goes down well with the children.
On several occasions, I have used a summer fun theme for my Christmas confectionaries. One of my favourite Christmas cakes features Santa on the Beach.
Continue reading here: https://estherchilton.co.uk/2025/12/05/guest-writer-spot-188/
roberta-writes.com 