Nadolig Llawen

December 25, 2024 by Roland Clarke

Slate Heart – http://www.welshgiftshop.com

Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda i chi i gyd!

This means ‘Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all‘ in Welsh, as my heart is still there even though I’m an Anglo-Chilean now living in the USA…. seven hours behind Wales or anywhere in the UK.

I should have posted this some days ago, but I’ve been trying to finish the next episode of ‘Freedom Flights’, which might appear later this week.

Instead, here’s a Ukrainian seasonal greeting.

Вітаю вас з Новим роком і Різдвом!

This means ‘Congratulations to you on New Year and Christmas!’

If you wish to see more graphics and learn more festive Ukrainian phrases, visit: https://www.ukrainianlessons.com/merry-christmas-in-ukrainian/

Dathliadau

March 1, 2024 by Roland Clarke

Today is a double celebration in our home, so I’ve been signing off my carers with a line sketch of a daffodil.

Some of you might know it’s St David’s Day, when the Welsh celebrate the Patron Saint of Wales. We may not be Welsh, but our hearts are still there. Daffodils are among the most recognised symbols of Wales, plus the red dragon.

Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant

More important for me though, today is my wife Juanita’s birthday. My carers have ensured she has received flowers and chocolates… as she richly deserves. My present is awaiting collection in the postbox at the other end of the park. Hopefully, one of her sons will bring the post later. Another of my carers is planning a celebratory meal this evening.

In my next post, on Wednesday/IWSG Day, I’ll use a photo of my present and it’s Valentine partner. Until then, here’s my favourite photo.

Quetzal Tribute

June 25, 2023 by Roland Clarke

Our beautiful Cavachon fur-baby Quetzal was born on February 13^th, 2014, in Garndolbenmaen, North Wales, U.K.

I had already seen photographs of her parents and some siblings but knew my choice. So, when Juanita brought her out to show me, it was ‘love at first cuddle’.

Although the breeder’s son called her ‘Curly Sue’, we chose the name Quetzal after a game which Juanita was playing ‘Quetzal Quest’ about the search for a jewel likeness of the exotic Quetzal bird, whose feathers were prized by the Central American natives.

Likewise, we prized our gorgeous fur-baby, who has left us with a wealth of memories, from dashing around in the rain, to trying to catch squirrels. When she was a puppy, she liked to climb via my lap, onto my desk between the keyboard and my monitor. However, one of our cats loved this spot as well, so, every day became a race for this prime location. Fortunately, my lap was almost as good… and came with a stroking bonus.

Over time, Quetzal outgrew the desk. Plus, she had a new privilege: walking in the forest at the mountain biking centre, where she was treated to a venison burger – yes, dogs were allowed in the cafeteria.

Her other sport was chasing tennis balls… inside… and destroying them. By now, we had our second dog, Treeky. We also replaced tennis balls with rubber ‘kongs’ that fooled both dogs by bouncing erratically.

When we moved to America, Quetzal & Treeky travelled in style on the liner Queen Mary II, with two Kennel Masters for all the dogs, and a Poop Deck for walks with a UK lamppost and US fire hydrant.

Sadly, as my health declined and I became bed-bound, I could no longer walk Quetzal. She could though, use steps to climb onto my bed and snuggle. Most nights she slept cuddled on or beside me.

I won’t forget her squeezing herself between me and my bed-desk to reach me and curl up. Every time I was trying to eat, she would bob and weave behind the desk to get tidbits, or a hopeful face would appear from under the desk.

Last photo of Quetzal sharing love and attention

An adorable face I will never forget, to infinity and beyond.

TO BE CONTINUED – QUETZAL GOES CAMPING

QUETZAL 2014-JUNE 17th 2023 R.I.P.

June 18, 2023 by Roland Clarke

It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we have to tell you that our sweet fur baby Quetzal went over the rainbow bridge at around 7:00 pm tonight. She just laid down and was gone. Juanita found her and it has hit us both so hard.

RIP Quetzal we will never forget how gentle and sweet you were.
Feb 13 2014 – June 17 2023.

— in Boise, ID.

My tribute follows when my thoughts aren’t jangled by the loss of my most precious fur-baby.

TRIBUTE: https://rolandclarke.com/2023/06/25/quetzal-tribute/

Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus

March 1, 2022 by Roland Clarke

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_David%27s_Day

#WEP/IWSG December Challenge – Narcissus

December 10, 2021 by Roland Clarke

I feared my entry for this month’s WEP/IWSG Challenge would be too late, but then as I wrote this short piece, I realised I had to post today. The reason might become relevant on reading the last scene. As for the theme, I found a Welsh element to tie elements together for Sparkle and Kama.

This 2021 Year of the Art theme has provoked some interesting thoughts – and trips down rabbit holes.

Although this year’s posts are not another ongoing case for Sparkle Anwyl and Kama Pillai of the North Wales Police, I’ve attempted something else involving them. So, once more I’m going down the stand-alone path with my dynamic Welsh duo.

But this time, I’ve tried a change of genre – well, perhaps. Also, this is a response to my editor pointing out an oversight in my Fevered Fuse novel – the lack of personal growth.

As always, apologies if I’m slow to respond or slow to visit your posts.

Plus, ensure you visit all the other writers in this challenge via:

https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com

BLURB:

Uplifted by daffodils, two women affirm their love and pledge to fight for human rights.

MIRRORED PRIDE

2016

Saturday, 10th December

I stare at the unfamiliar reflection and wince. Pain comes with the job,but I can’t go out like this – not to celebrate.

Stupid. Some guys never give up easily – even cuffed.

Does it matter how I look? I purse my lips. Perhaps. I’m not vain, but tonight is special.

I reach for the makeup bag. Should I use some yellow concealer to hide my black eye? The icepack helped, but it’s still obvious. People might jump to the wrong conclusion. Abusive partner.

My fingers touch the slash on my cheek. Is a scar a turn off or a mark of courage?

Will Kama care? My whisper echoes round our bedroom.

“Of course not, cariad.” Kama replies in the doorway. I swivel and smile as she walks over, then kisses me softly. “You’re beautiful whatever happens.”

Then she sits down beside me at the vanity table.She traces the cut, then my nose. “At least, he didn’t break your mischievous feature.” She continues caressing my face.

The perfect excuse for my own daring exploration for hidden pleasure.

“Leave something for later. We need to get dressed up not down. After dinner antics are best.”

“Haven’t we always eaten first.” I slow my teasing hands, then add, “We never break the rules.”

“Except speeding on our bikes. That’s an unbroken addiction.”

Motorbikes brought us together nearly five years earlier – as did crime and our first case together.

I let our lips meet, and I enjoy the taste of minty cardamom. Long and lingering, and then I ask, “Do you ever regret the life we lead?”

“Never. I’m proud to be your partner. Both as a wife and a cop. You have doubts?”

“No longer, chellam. I admit my heart has wavered – doubt can be a mischievous trickster – was once. But we’ve proved ourselves as women, as lovers, and as crime busters.”

Kama clasps my hands. “Now we can be open with our pride, despite the risks.”

“Risk is our adrenaline and will be forever. And there are tests ahead, but we have each other. Still, I’m covering up these blemishes before we go out.”

“The table is booked for eight so I can pamper myself too. And then I’ve a present for us downstairs. Seasonal light for the cottage.”

***

https://www.dutchgrown.com/blogs/planting-tips/christmas-paperwhites-amaryllis

A floral feast fills our front room. Dozens of displays of daffodils, not yellow but white blooms.

Kama beams with the flowers. “It may be eleven weeks until St David’s Day on March 1st, but why wait until our Welsh National Holiday?”

“Paperwhites – I love these daffodils. Perfect Christmas light bringers.”

“And I bought some bulbs to plant for the Spring as well. Plus, I added some which might flower on New Year’s Day. Those bring good fortune according to Chinese legend.”

“A bonus – even if having each other is our valuable destiny already.”

“I’ll echo that sentiment, cariad.”

***

We arrive on time at the Italian trattoria to celebrate and ‘Stand up for someone’s rights’ on a day when we are lucky to be in Wales.

When our cocktails arrive, I toast all those who fight for justice. “Not just on Human Rights Day but at every moment, chellam.”

“And together, we can take a stand for more humanity.”

On the wall behind, the face of Caravaggio’s Narcissus looks down through his pool of water at us and the vase of paperwhites on our table.