Our move has proved a nightmare with no disabled features to the house like wide doors or wheelchair ramp, a low toilet I have to be transferred onto by a trained carer, plus weeks without internet. My desktop is still in storage as no office imminent, so I’m writing this one-fingered on a laptop barely in reach.
And the new wheelchair keeps dying on me at inconvenient moments.
The flash-drive with my current novel went AWOL during the move, and other backups are proving elusive.
My health is suffering and paying for carers will cripple us… unless my brother acts out of character.
However, I must reassure the Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh that this announcement is not ‘ffarwel’.
Anyway IWSG.Remember, the question is optional!
July 6 question – If you could live in any book world, which one would you choose?
A few come to mind from Narnia to Earthsea to a galaxy far, far away. But as Tolkien is my early writing inspiration, I choose Middle Earth… well, a safer region, The Shire.
Is that my yearning for rural England on which The Shire was modelled? Home?
Except my heart is in North Wales, where my Sparkle stories are set. Can I live there, please?
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Finally, don’t forget to visit more active writers via the IWSG site:
This month’s WEP/IWSG Challenge was as inevitable as the dreadful and ongoing tragedy in Ukraine. I’ve attempted to continue my tale of two aviatrix cousins from April, using the suggested approach of ‘correspondence’ – nowadays emails etc.
However, I was unable to catch the emotions involved as others did so well last Challenge. Also, I failed to edit down to 1,000 words.
My excuse… tomorrow, June 1st, we complete on our new mobile home, and we move the following day. So, I’m scheduling this in advance of the Challenge deadline and may be offline for some of June, while we await internet connection.
I’ve prayed for you since the steelworks defence became desperate though brave. Can I believe in a miracle with help and consultation from the angels of the deep?
Please believe dearest brother. Mariupol will be liberated. We will be together.
With my winged sisters Vasy & Kalyna, I helped retain control over most of our airspace. Now Russian air activity focuses on southern and eastern Ukraine. We will harass then drive them back across the border.
Love, blessings, and prayers.
Ksenia
We will have a good day when we win.
Slava Ukrayini.
One of the Ukrainian soldiers under siege in the Azovstal steelworks. Photograph: Dmytro Kozatsky/Azov Special Forces Regiment
Saturday, April 30th – Cold Lake, Canada
Leonid Sokol lsokol@chaykair.ca
To: ksokol@chaykair.ca
Darling Kalyna,
May this find you fighting fit. The kids share the family’s concerns for you both. Dispel our anxiety as news from Ukraine feels unclear. You must be on the Eastern front, halting renewed Russian attacks.
We watch President Zelenskiy’s addresses, hoping the war ends soon. We read the Ukraine’s Armed Forces report on nine Russian attacks repelled in the last 24 hours. Guess the reborn witches were somehow involved in the destruction of multiple enemy ground and air units.
I know you cannot reveal military secrets, but we have to know you’re safe. Please answer, lyuba.
Chayka Air thrives, despite your absence. Seems our eldest, Aliona has your PR talent, making the most of pro-Ukrainian sentiment. Chayka Air displays are raising funds for humanitarian aid.
Promise you’ll keep the secrets and the memories we cherish in the deep.
We didn’t mean our silence to feed your fears. Yes, we maintain some military secrecy when another victory is being devised. The welfare of defenceless and innocent civilians must be paramount.
We are well and love you all. Stay safe and secure yourselves.
Today, the Ukrainian government confirmed the last civilians trapped in the Azovstal plant were evacuated. But our remaining brave defenders appear unlikely to surrender as they vowed to stand until the end – even if many are severely wounded, some crippled. We fear the Russians will capture any who survive and surrender. With their Azov association, they could be imprisoned or worse… executed.
If that happens, please ask my father if he can legally help defend at least one of them: Kyrylo Zelenko, the younger brother of our wing-sister Ksenia. He is not a member of Asov, nor does he share the beliefs of comrades with far right views. Our own clashes with neo-Nazis in Canada has been a warning of irrational reactions. Too late, too late. A fool could read the signs.
We must arrange a virtual meeting. Is tomorrow too soon?
Our hearts are with you all. Mine is yours forever.
Vasy.
Slava Ukrayini.
Women evacuated from Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol stand next to service members of pro-Russian troops at a temporary accommodation centre in the village of Bezimenne. Photograph: Alexander Ermochenko/Reuters
Sunday, May 8th – Chayka Air Virtual Meeting
Cold Lake, Canada (15.00) and Luhansk, Ukraine (00.00)
Vasy Holub: Apologies for making the family wait while we honoured the Fallen.
Leonid Sokol: No problem. The time difference means we were running fund-raising aerobatics in aid of Ukraine.
Marko Holub: For our Motherland. Which is why your father will assist Ksenia’s brother and comrades. But he warns there are risks. The far right here in Canada could misuse this support.
Ksenia Zelenko: We’re still grateful. Kyrylo wanted to join us, but the siege hardly pauses. Life is dire. Starvation, infected wounds, and when their water runs out the inevitable end.
Marko Holub: A desperate crisis so our government must act. We hear Zelenskiy’s pleas but feel powerless. You three… night witches are fighting for everyone. We’re relieved our prime minister Trudeau visited Kyiv today—
Leonid Sokol: — and agreed to expand economic and defence cooperation.
Kalyna Sokol: We’re proud to be Canadian and Ukrainian. Especially on this Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation marking the end of World War II. Let’s hope Putin doesn’t escalate this war in his Victory Day speech tomorrow.
Vasy Holub: Which could play into far right hands. Ironic this invasion has strengthened their influence. I fear what lies ahead. More death and devastation.
Ksenia Zelenko: And a false peace if Putin is allowed to seize our eastern provinces. We will only have a good day when we win outright. Slava Ukrayini.
1944 Polikarpov Po-2 of The Shuttleworth Collection, United Kingdom
Ukrainian Air Force Su-27 at the RIAT 2018 airshow
Thursday, May 12th – Sievierodonetsk, Ukraine
Kalyna Sokolksokol@chaykair.ca
To: lsokol@chaykair.ca
Darling Leonid,
News services will show footage of our latest blow to the invaders. You gotta reap just what you sow. I know you all fear for our safety, but rest assured we’re safe.
Today, we flew a dawn raid to help our ground forces repel multiple enemy attempts to cross a strategic river here in the Donbas. Our forces inflicted heavy losses, but the Russians will retaliate. Sievierodonetsk may be targeted. So, we’ll move to another temporary airstrip. Witches keep flying.
My love forever. I miss your arms around me.
Kalyna.
Slava Ukrayini.
Friday, May20th – Mariupol, Ukraine
Kyrylo Zelenko kzelenko97@psu1.ua
To: k.zelenko99@psu2.ua
Lyuba Ksenia,
This may be a farewell message. I dread never seeing you again, dearest sister.
We have orders to surrender our positions to the enemy.
Inevitable as we’re struggling in unsanitary conditions, wounds bandaged with non-sterile rags, no essential medicine or water.
Our fate might be worse.
I dread being executed for war crimes… as a ‘neo-Nazi’. You know I’ve never been one. But I must stand and die with my friends, some holding views I ignore. First we fight for freedom and Ukraine. Only when we prevail can we argue politics.
Will they herd us to prison, stage a show trial, then death? Or a bullet as we surrender beside a mass grave?
This is a final plea for help. Is it too late to pray for that miracle?
It’s crazy how it all turned out. We needed so much more.
Love, regrets, and hope.
Kyrylo
You will have a good day when our people win.
Slava Ukrayini.
Ukrainian servicemen carry a wounded comrade as they are being evacuated from the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, Ukraine, 17 May 2022.
1,012 words FCA
As with the April Challenge, I’ve slipped a few lines of Please Read the Letter lyrics into my digital interactions.
Invasion of Ukraine
Events have moved on since the date when my flash ends, and it’s been difficult to write this as the horrors Putin unleashed continue every day. I keep the live update from The Guardian open on my PC but feel powerless. All I can do is use my writing to express my support.
May I plead for donations to Medecins Sans Frontieres, who work worldwide and are often the first charity in and last out: https://www.msf.org/
How this terrible crisis ends is hard to foresee, especially with the daily threat of escalation as Ukrainians find the will to resist, but the Russian attacks continue to wreak destruction on another Motherland. Somehow, I will attempt to find the positive conclusion to my Ukrainian story that mirrors reality.
A resident stands next to debris of an open market destroyed by a military strike in Sievierodonetsk. Photograph: Serhii Nuzhnenko/Reuters
Time for the monthly Insecure Writer’s Support Group post and an update on my situation… although this is written and scheduled a week in advance.
My health issues are worse as I’m still struggling to stay comfortable in my powered wheelchair… and I can’t sit at my desk long enough to get much writing done.
The new wheelchair from Malaysia arrived but won’t work in our current office. So, it’s in store until we move… in a week or so as I write.
The relocation became more chaotic and stressful as our planned move to one trailer park kept being delayed. Frustratingly, the new trailer failed to be delivered = months of waiting. But we’ve sold our house. Completion on July 1st, unless we pay $8,500 to stay on a month.
Ridiculous. So, we found a refurbished trailer for sale in another park, where one of my wife’s sons lives with his family. Fortunately, we were able to pay cash from our sale proceeds and we move in around June 1st… with a month to clear our vacated home, which the buyers are refurbishing.
Hence this June IWSG post is rushed, and July’s might be scrubbed unless we get the new office set up.
But I should manage to do the June WEP/IWSG Challenge as I’m aiming to write and schedule before moving, body willing.
As the question is optional, I’m tempted to answer… briefly.
June 1 question – When the going gets tough writing the story, how do you keep yourself writing to the end? If have not started the writing yet, why do you think that is and what do you think could help you find your groove and start?
I must be repetitive and ask you to agree these guys are the best. Why not? Well, they are – especially as they all have concerns, fears, and insecurities. But they struggle on, so ticker-tape applause for all of them – plus toasts with the best brew available.
Purpose of IWSG: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience, or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something.
For more on the IWSG monthly post and links to other participants visit:
My health issues are no better, perhaps worse in that I’m struggling to stay comfortable in my powered wheelchair… no longer relaxed enough to sleep without spasms. And I can’t sit at my desk long enough to get much writing done.
However, a new wheelchair is in transit from Malaysia, which will support me far better, allow me to be upright and work at a standing desk, and to lie flat, all while strapped in safely.
Life is also becoming more chaotic and stressful as we are down-sizing in a planned move to a busy trailer park… sadly, not the dream rural retreat. Frustratingly, the new trailer has yet to arrive, but we’ve sold our house. Completion on July 1st, so time is getting tight.
Although the June IWSG post looks feasible, July’s might be scrubbed.
But I should manage to do the June WEP/IWSG Challenge.
As the question is optional, I’m tempted to answer… albeit briefly.
May 4 question – It’s the best of times; it’s the worst of times. What are your writer highs (the good times)? And what are your writer lows (the crappy times)?
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair …, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way …”
(A Tale of Two Cities, Para.1, Line, 1)
Best of times: when I retired as a journalist and was able to concentrate on my fiction writing, having Spiral of Hooves published, and producing a ‘legacy’ of new draft novels, short stories, and flash pieces. The era of wisdom, belief, Light, and hope…although, there were low points like poor reviews and sales.
Worst of times: as my health deteriorates and my productivity declines, but not my thoughts and ideas. The spiral into foolishness – false dreams; incredulity – empty promises; Darkness, and despair… but there’s Light as in comments from followers, and listening to good audio books.
I must be repetitive and ask you to agree these guys are the best. Why not? Well, they are – especially as they all have concerns, fears, and insecurities. But they struggle on, so ticker-tape applause for all of them – plus toasts with the best brew available.
Purpose of IWSG: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience, or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something.
For more on the IWSG monthly post and links to other participants visit:
Burned buildings marked with bullets holes and shrapnel fragments show the evidence of a brutal battle that occurred in Borodyanka. Photograph: Matthew Hatcher/SOPA Images/REX/Shutterstock
What would my fictional Ukrainians do – Kalyna and Vasy Chayka, the heroines of Feathered Fire?
How can I be repetitive asking you to agree these guys are the best? Well, they are – especially as they all have concerns, fears, and insecurities. But they struggle on, so ticker-tape applause for all of them – plus toasts with the best brew available.
Purpose of IWSG: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience, or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something.
For more on the IWSG monthly post and links to other participants visit:
Writing Wings 