Miladysa

RoYds Vol 2 - Wild Flowers

2009-12-18T00:30:00.003Z

1945

Some days Peg just wanted to fade away -- into the background, into herself, into oblivion. So far, today was not one of those days.

The little white dog, which for some unknown reason had befriended Hughie and Peg, ran on ahead, splashing through shallow puddles as they lagged behind, gathering twigs for playing Pooh Sticks at the little bridge that crossed the river farther down the cinder path. Peg's senses were romanced by birdsong, laughter and the faint scent of blossom. The sun's rays washed across the top of her head and shoulders.

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Prayer

2009-12-10T23:34:00.004Z

A very scary thing happened to me today.

I woke up this morning to the sound of thunder, not the big bang when the thunder breaks at the end but the rumbling noise that precedes it. Not being fully awake I didn't think it strange that the thunder was happening in our bedroom, nor when I felt the first drops of rain. Then something switched on inside my head and I thought, this isn't right...

My face was all wet. When I raised my hand to wipe it I realised that it wasn't rain - but blood!

I can't tell you how frightened I was.

My body went through the motions of getting out of bed, waking my husband, telling him that I needed to go to the hospital. I don't remember my husband making a telephone call but I do remember calling my youngest son and insisting he meet us at the hospital.

I was surprised when the ambulance arrived. I kept insisting that I didn't need one. I was a bit dizzy and driving wasn't advisable but my husband was going to take me.

Something registered when one of the paramedics told another one that my blood pressure was 220/160 or was it 180? Can't recall - just the shock at 220!

I thought it was a stroke
a brain bleed
something that would kill me
and I didn't want to die.

The little voice inside my head told me that I wasn't going to die - well I was - just not yet!

The voice kept speaking, I concentrated on listening to what it had to say.

Remain calm
very often it's not the cause
but the shock that kills
they're just doing their job
have to rule things out.

It would have helped if they hadn't looked so concerned and if the blood had stayed still. It was the trickling movement inside my head rather than the drip drip drip down my neck which concerned me the most.

If you don't believe in the power of prayer - I will tell you that you've never tried it. At times like this, it's as natural as breathing.

So I kept breathing and praying.

I prayed to see my little girl grow up
to see my grandchildren grow up
to see Christmas
to see 50

I promised that I wouldn't moan about the preparations for attending a wedding next weekend, or about Christmas - the shopping I had yet to do, the organising, the planning. All that mattered was staying with my family.

After a while, the doctor at the hospital told me that I had a perforated eardrum. The numbness was due to the pressure in my sinus and ear. The tiredness due to the infection and high temperature. Everything was going to be fine with the help of antibiotics and rest.

He forgot to mention prayer but I have it on the list.

Wednesday Witterings

2009-11-25T20:54:00.007Z

Quite a lot has been happening in my life lately - I keep meaning to blog but something always comes up. Here's a quick round up of my news.

Refuge of Delayed Souls Book Cover

1. RoYds, Volume One of Refuge of Delayed Souls has now been released as an Ebook on Smashwords - I am over the moon about it! Do you like the cover? The design is by
Erica Bercegeay (Elizabeth artwork by Gail Southworth). I think Erica did a brilliant job!

2. You may have noticed that I have been Missing in Blogging Action over the past week or so. I went down with the dreaded lurgy and it may have left me with shingles :(

I have a strange tingling sensation and numbness on the left side of my face and a slight rash. I've been to see the Doc and we are just waiting to see if little blisters develop.

3. My youngest son is now single. The break-up with his partner came as quite a shock, especially as they both seemed to be well suited and settled in their own home. I think that they have made the best decision. These things are never easy but thankfully there are no children involved. Single ladies - watch out ;)

4. My eldest son and his partner have just announced that I am to be a Grandma again! This has come as a surprise especially as they are not settled in their own home - although they soon will be now LOL

5. Happy Thanksgiving to all my American blogging friends and their family!

6. & Happy Weekend to everyone else :)

Blog of Note

2009-11-18T20:41:00.012Z

Refuge of Delayed Souls is a Google Blog of Note!

Glass of Champagne anyone?

Thank you all for making this possible x

*dances*

Refuge of Delayed Souls - Volume One - RoYds
is now available as an ebook on Smashwords!

RoYds 27 - Spooked!

2009-11-17T23:20:00.001Z

2007

Moorlands Hospital, a former local authority care home and prior to that, an infectious diseases hospital, was set back from the main road and accessible via a smaller private road of its own. To either side of the main entrance were two long, timbered sun lounges which, judging by their corridor style appearance, were additions to the older structure of the building sometime in the 1970s. Most of the windows were boarded up.

The main building was built of grey stone. Above the third storey and just under the apex of the stone-slated roof was a date stone which read, “Moorlands Workhouse 1868”. The exterior of the building was bleak and foreboding, having long fallen into disrepair and been neglected for a number of years –- a decade, possibly two.

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RoYds 25 - Problems

2009-11-13T21:48:00.001Z

2007

Elizabeth looked across her desk at Paul Sharney; the young man sitting opposite her, and cast her mind back to the last evening they had spent together. A wave of nostalgia washed over her and carried her back through time. In an instant, she was sitting on a stool watching him play bass guitar and singing along with the other members of the band. His long brown hair curtained his face and gently danced upon the shoulders of his white cheesecloth shirt. He looked across the room towards her and smiled. They both knew it was over between them. The only problem would be in finding the right words.

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RoYds 24 - Creature of the Night

2009-11-10T23:55:00.001Z

Winter 1690

Lady Mabel Theawicke paced the room like a cat possessed and fought to regain some control over her senses; all emotion apart from rage appeared to have abandoned her. Her killer leaned nonchalantly against one of the heavily ornate posts of the bed, his arms folded across his chest and a smirk fixed upon his handsome face.

“You cheated me! You promised to make me one of you!” she screamed at him.

“I promised nothing of the sort –- you cheated yourself!” His words were calm and confidently delivered.

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Bonfire Night 2009

2009-11-09T11:25:00.010Z

Mini MiLady with a Sparkler

Bonfire Night was last Thursday, on the 5 November, and it came close to not happening at all this year. It had poured down all day and only stopped just after it went dark.

This one is for you Jeevan

The bonfire gathering we attended was held in the village square and organised by The Red Lion, a pub known to locals as the Cat.

The Doctors Crypt

The bonfire setting was moorland next to the cobbled rake leading down from the cemetery. The stone steps and pathway leading up to it was treacherous due to the rain. Only the very brave made it to the top. We took shelter in the grounds of the Doctors Crypt and watched the flames from there. I plan to tell you all about the Doctors in another post.

Tatty Pie and Black Peas

It was a dark, cold and wet night, the kind on which you need good, traditional, Lancashire food to keep you going. Sir H is tucking into potato pie with black peas. The black peas have to be eaten with lashings of salt and vinegar - it may not be politically correct, but eh bay gum, it hits the spot!

RoYds Part 23 - Remembrance

2009-11-08T08:22:00.003Z

Heav'n's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

1 July 1916 - The Somme - 07:15

The crescendo was building all around them. The artillery barrage, which although constant of late, had increased dramatically in the last few hours.

Stanley Thomas Birch tipped back his head and stared into the heavens straight above him. A light mist broke to reveal a clear blue sky. It was going to be a beautiful summer’s day. He permitted his mind to float home and pictured his wife cradling their son. He longed to return.

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***You can find my interview on Cafe Wednesday Here - please check it out :)***

Café Wednesday

2009-11-04T14:08:00.005Z

It's nearly killed me keeping this secret for the past few weeks but now I can let you all know that I was recently interviewed by the lovely and talented AM Harte over at Café Wednesday!

Please do go over there and read the interview, there's a couple of photographs too!

I've agreed to answer further questions in the comments section and I would really appreciate it if you could help to make my day even better by leaving a comment for me there. My nerves will not be as bad if I can see some familiar faces :)

Right - I'm off to see if there are any questions waiting for me yet - wish me luck!

Halloween Horrors

2009-11-01T23:18:00.001Z

I wouldn't like to meet this bunch on a dark night!

RoYds - Part 20

2009-10-31T17:05:00.000Z

2007

Elizabeth sat bolt upright. Her heart was racing and she fought blindly to focus her eyes. Grispheran was sitting nonchalantly in the passenger seat beside her. His presence unnerved her to such a degree that she struggled to regain any semblance of composure.

“You frightened the Living daylights out of me, you bloody idiot! What the hell are you playing at?” As she recovered from the shock of his sudden appearance and physical contact, she began to boil with anger and her green eyes flashed.

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Happy Hallowen Everyone!

RoYds - Part 19

2009-10-31T00:05:00.003Z

You can now become a Fan of Refuge of Delayed Souls on Facebook :)

2007

It was already dark by the time they left the wine bar and although the bar itself was pitching and heaving with people, the street outside was deserted. Linus had parked his silver Porsche 911 in the car park at the rear of the building. They decided to go in just the one car and as Linus drove off, it started to drizzle.

During the short journey, Linus explained how some of the workmen had seen shadowy figures, tools had been moved and he himself had once heard a child crying somewhere in one of the buildings. Elizabeth listened interestedly, and tried to prepare herself for whatever lay ahead.

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RoYds - Part 18

2009-10-30T00:23:00.002Z

December 1944

Billy knocked, entered the dark cell-like office and scoured the floating dust particles in an attempt to make out the figure on the other side.

“Welcome... Welcome, Lawrence. Please take a seat.”

Billy was unsure whether to sit or not. Friendly officers and welcoming committees had not been his experience of prison so far.

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Refuge of Delayed Souls - The Casting Poll 2

2009-10-28T22:37:00.004Z

You can now become a Fan of Refuge of Delayed Souls on Facebook :)

Continuing the casting of RoYds for the (we know it will happen one day) BBC production

*drum roll* Let the voting commence!

Nominations for the role of Archibald Templeton:

Christopher Eccleston

David Thelwiss

David Jason

Nominations for the role of Peg Lawrence:

Pam Ferris

Dawn French

Imelda Staunton

Nominations for the role of Hughie Nuttall:

Simon Pegg

Jason Merrells

Paddy Mcguinness

Next round Lady Mabel, Linus Howell and Elizabeth - nominations still open :)

RoYds - Part 17

2009-10-26T20:22:00.002Z

2007

It was Mabel who eventually discovered Kerry after reading a report in the local paper about a group of high school students who had seen a ghost on Mill Lane and claimed it was the Grey Lady of Heyleigh Hall. It was Stanley who approached Elizabeth.

“Ah! Elizabeth, erm... I’m afraid we've got a bit of an unusual case involving the Living this morning.”

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Readers Poll Results

2009-10-26T18:30:00.002Z

The results of the Refuge of Delayed Souls Readers Poll

*drum roll*

The part of Stanley Thomas Birch goes to:

Sean Bean

The Role of Billy Lawrence goes to:

Jude Law

The role of Grispheran goes to:

Richard Armitage

The role of Tashreil goes to:

Rupert Friend

Anyone surprised by these results?

Refuge of Delayed Souls - The Casting Poll

2009-10-20T09:38:00.012+01:00

I have to admit that the discussions surrounding the casting of the film version of RoYds has been one of the highlights of my blogging career to date!

Many thanks for suggesting such marvellous actors and for all your fun comments.

Now *drum roll* let the voting commence!

Nominations for the role of Stanley:

Philip Glenister
(A last minute (exceptional) nomination!)

Kevin McKidd

Mark Sheppard

Sean Bean

Nominations for the role of Billy:

Collin Farrell

Jude Law

Tim Roth

Nominations for the role of Grispheran:

Aidan Turner

Richard Armitage

Gerald Butler

Nominations for the role of Tashriel:

Rupert Friend

Mathew Goode

Brad Pitt

More to follow! If you have not already done so please let me have your nominations for Hughie, Archie, Elizabeth, Mabel and Peg. That request includes you lurkers too :)

RoYds - Part 14

2009-10-19T00:31:00.002+01:00

Winter 1690

Lady Mabel Theawicke flirted with her reflection in the looking glass and decided on the cream-coloured pearl drop earrings. How they accentuated her long white neck! Her pulse quickened slightly.

Beads of snow continued to fall beyond the stone lintel window and the grey-green-washed landscape of the day had been transformed into a sparkling sea of powdered white. She walked over and knelt with one knee upon the window’s cushioned seat and gazed dreamily through the diamond leaded panes. The almost greenish glass was so thick in places that it slightly distorted her vision in the early evening light.

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Refuge of Delayed Souls

2009-10-10T11:04:00.011+01:00

Illustration by Gail Southworth

Part 11

By popular request (it feels strange writing that) RoYds will now post 3 times weekly until we are up to date.

Please do comment and let me know what you think of the story following the edit and rewrite. I have received quite a bit of feedback saying that it is a lot darker than it was before . *wicked cackle*

Also

A reader has emailed me and suggested another actor who is a possible Grispheran. I have added him to The Casting Post below - whatdaya think?

Don't forget to continue to comment (or email) your suggestions regarding the remaining characters - that includes you too Molly ;)

This is fun!

Tuesday Titbits

2009-10-06T10:26:00.015+01:00

A few things I wanted to share:

Wildflowers at Sunset

Breathtaking is an understatement for this magical photograph by the talented and lovely Lana! I have been a fan of Lana's art and photography for quite some time now and every time I visit her blog Eye Candy: The Photography of Lana Gramlich I know that I am in for something special!

3D1D

How long would it take you to write a book? Do you think you could write one in 3 days? You would have to be mad to write one before an online audience is 3 days wouldn't you? Meet my mad Twitter Friend MCM who will be writing his next book Typhoon as project 3D1D which you can follow online via his Website, Twitter account @1889ca and on the blog The Dispatch

This is going to be a really exciting project and a great feat when he pulls it off! I am looking forward to joining in by answering a random series of questions in the competition MCM is running as he goes along, and in doing so, helping to play a part in the story development.

Chapter 6 is being sponsored by a banner for Refuge of Delayed Souls
If anyone would like to sponsor a Typhoon Chapter there are still a few banner spots remaining.

Weblit.us

"WebLit.Us is a clearinghouse for promotion and cross-promotion of web-based literature, weblit for short. If you write short stories, novels, essays or memoirs that are primarily web-based, and you want to get the word out about your work, you've found the place to share and pick up ideas."

Refuge of Delayed Souls - The Casting

2009-10-02T19:28:00.012+01:00

Melissa and I have been casting RoYds for the BBC production - I am confident it will happen one day!

Here is the cast so far:

Kevin McKidd as
Stanley Thomas Birch

Aidan Turner as
Grispheran

OR

Richard Armitage as
Grispheran

Rupert Friend as
Tashriel
(Melissa you're a genius!)

OR

Mathew Goode
as Tashriel
(I can see where you're coming from Janoda)

Simon Peg is
Hughie
(blooming genius that Melissa)

Then there's Billy

Melissa suggested Collin Farrell

Sir H suggested Jude Law

Lurker (yes that's you Donna) & Jessica think Tim Roth

Of course there are the other characters to cast too: Elizabeth, Mabel and Gemma to name but a few. It's all such hard work *feigned sigh*

If you have any suggestions of your own please shout out or forever hold your peace :)

***Refuge of Delayed Souls - Part 9 is now up!***

Tuesday Ten

2009-09-29T09:48:00.014+01:00

1. As you can see I have yet another template! How Luna puts up with me is any body's guess, she is always wonderfully patient and a real Lah-Di-Dah! (Star) Thank you Luna!

2. As well as designing custom blog, wordpress and website templates Luna also has some pre-made ones and special offers on at the moment. Please support Luna in her drive to save towards a convention she dreams of attending and help spread the word.

3. Did I mention that I was on Twitter? I joined up to tweet about Refuge of Delayed Souls, writing updates etc. but I have not been able to contain myself. You can find me @Miladysa I know a few of you are also there. If I haven't discovered you already please let me know your twitter name and I shall follow!

4. I am now a Great Auntie! My lovely niece had a baby girl last week and I am looking forward to blowing raspberries on my great niece's tummy!

5. Someone tweeted this: Bank of Imagination and I am hooked!

6. The night's are drawing in early and summer almost feels like a dream - perhaps it was!

7. Melissa has cobwebs on her blog!

8. Have you heard La Roux yet?

Aidan Turner

9. As some of you know, I have fallen in lust with Aidan Turner following his portrayal of Dante Rossetti in Desperate Romantics! I do hope the BBC film a second series soon because when I start casting for RoYds Aidan will be too busy playing the role of Grispheran to consider working for anyone but moi!

10. Did I mention Melissa has cobwebs on her blog?

Refuge of Delayed Souls...

2009-09-23T15:01:00.004+01:00

... has returned!

Please nip over and let me know what you think of it so far

***Parts 1 - 7 now online :)***

Death is Nothing at All

2009-09-19T00:51:00.010+01:00

"Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Nothing has happened. Everything remains exactly as it was. I am I, and you are you, and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by the old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is absolute and unbroken continuity. What is this death but a negligible accident? Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just round the corner. All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before. How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!" - Henry Scott Holland

I remember sitting on the cold stone step looking out onto the garden. Several ants were scurrying to and fro, my long hair was obscuring part of the view and the sun was blasting down, making me squint. I have no idea if I was waiting for you but I do know that I wasn’t surprised when I turned to see you walking down the street, rucksack over your shoulder and a broad smile galloping across your face. I remember running and then being offered to the heavens, my pony tail swinging round and round with my giggles. I treasure that first memory of you.

Only the other day I was speaking of your wonderful bedtime stories, no books for you though - the bedspread was your medium. A landscape of adventures for our hero as he battled all kinds of terrible monsters and rescued the little princess from their grasp. Was there ever a hero greater than you? I don’t think so. No monster could ever get close when you were around.

You always understood me and yet we were so very different in many ways. My world of colour and yours of monochrome. My world of fantasy and yours of fact. From you I learned survival in a different way than you possibly intended. How to live and how to live with my mistakes - I’ve certainly made plenty. No regrets – what’s done is done – pick yourself up and move on.

You are still there whenever I need you. A little voice at the back of my mind, urging me on or ordering me to stop. Confidently guiding, pointing out that I know the answers I need. So in many ways it’s like you never went away but we both know you did.

It still feels like it was only yesterday instead of seventeen years ago - seventeen years that sometimes feel like seventy. I’m not complaining though, I know what you would say, no regrets – what’s done is done – pick yourself up and move on. So I’m still moving – you’re still pushing.

Some days I wish that I could just see you for an instant, look into your twinkling blue eyes , hear your contagious laughter, see that galloping smile and then I remember that all I have to do is close my eyes. So I do. Especially on days like today.

Thank you for such fantastic memories Dad.

I’m still moving.