βi want back my rocking chairs, / solipsist sunsets, / & coastal jungle sounds...β
A poem by Renee Nicole Good, who was murdered by ICE earlier today.
lithub.com/renee-nicole...
Second-hand books are the best. A useful haul in todayβs post.
A βworkingβ copy of Octobiography by my muse, an anthology edited by founder of the Glenesk Folk Museum and the Cairns Craig volumes.
In the 140th anniversary of your birth dear Helen, I WILL get the book drafted.
#scottishliterature
We are delighted to publish Issue 6 of Paperboats Zine, Nature's Voice.
Edited by @alexnye.bsky.social and Ian Grosz and featuring a host of wonderful writers and poets.
Brew yourself a cuppa and settle down for an inspiring and uplifting read.
paperboats.org/category/zin...
Leaf mould black-brown, an upturned Peacock butterfly damaged; gently uprighted, plumage glows. A fleeting life. Rose-leaf stretchered to a geranium bloom grave, I bow my head in gratitude.
Ten minutes pass, maybe more. On my return it is gone.
What the heck. Inspired by this lovely place I've shrugged off writers block and penned a wee essay at the last minute for #WordsOfTheWild comp. Not my finest - but words have been written. Now on with the main project.
Gorgeous poesie.
π€ NEW PODCAST!
The latest Nothing But The Poem podcast is a Norman MacCaig special. @samueltongue.bsky.social takes a deep dive into two of the most famous poems by one of Scotland's most beloved poets to see what lay beneath the bonnet.
www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/podcast/noth...
Summer solstice salutations. Hereβs a wee poem penned three years ago having spent the solstice eve by Loch Laide in Abriachan.
Poem published in Pushing Out the Boat Issue 17.
Stands ayont the βreid brae risinβ in HBCβs The Ponnage Pule.
Morphie?
neoprene on the extremities always good - let us ken how you get on.
You wonβt need a wetsuit in Loch Laide. So shallow and scorchio tomorrow - will be like a bath. Enjoy x
Bricht and blue through the canopy of the old garden apple, budding plenty for the autumn ahead.
An #Otwituary for #LorettaSwit, βHot Lipsβ Houlihan in M*A*S*H
I heard you served with the 4077th,
an instrument of sanity in the madness
of operations gone wrong, in a show
we would like to forget but cannot,
a tragedy wearing comedyβs scrubs.
That was a dangerous plan.
To celebrate the life of Lesley Storm friends are hosting an event which will commence at 3pm on Saturday 7th of June at St Vincent's Chapel, Edinburgh. PLEASE SHAREπ
Event Details: leamingtonbooks.com/lesley-storm
A graphic showing an extract from the winning entry of the Scottish Wildlife Trust's Words of the Wild Competition 2024. The extract reads: "Time feels still as I stand frozen. What a crown jewel he is, and so close to me. His body is a jubilee of turquoise feathers, mistletoe green edges and an autumnal orange belly. He is radiant, even when diving for seconds. My dad always said the kingfisher's beauty blooms without the need for spring, is stunning in summer's glow, enchanting in autumn's fire, and peaceful on a snowy winter's day." Written by Hanna Murphy.
A graphic showing the submission guidelines for the Scottish Wildlife Trust's Words of the Wild nature writing competition 2025. The guidelines read: Submissions must be: No more than 1,000 words, an original work, related to Scotland's wild waters or wild animals who live there, submitted before 12 July 2025.
'His body is a jubilee of turquoise feathers, mistletoe green edges, and an autumnal orange belly...' π
Last year's winner, Hannah Murphy, perfectly captured that frozen moment when wildlife takes your breath away. Could your writing be next? βοΈ
π Enter today: buff.ly/uphRCZW
#WordsoftheWild
I didnβt expect to see my face and poem at the reception desk of Inverness Central Library this evening.
A fine evening listening to poetry and song hosted by the ever joyous @kittyjomac.bsky.social
Fruit and veg corner. Verdant in the much needed shade of the old apple tree, twitching with hungry birds. Makeshift seedling protection using long-ago coppiced hazel, scraps of yarn and mouse-eaten fleece - a perhaps futile effort to deter the cats and hen. Rhubarb from our old garden bedding in.
0018hrs.
57.33N
Trees backlit by a streetlight beyond the mill burn cast leaf shadow.
Simmer dim.
Looking for your next job opportunity? πΌ
We're looking for a strategic thinker with excellent communication skills and understanding of early years in Scotland to join our team.
Find out more and apply here π
www.scottishbooktrust.com/about/vacanc...
Looking after nature = looking after the garden.
βCarol used to look after the garden with such care.β Judgement from one of my new neighbours, clearly missing the point.
#nomowmay etc.
Now to tackle the streetlight issue.
Waiting out in the last-light to hear the first tawny owl call of the night. 9.45pm and drawing out.
Iβm delighted to be part of @paperboatswriters.bsky.social 5.
Thanks to all involved in this excellent, honest project.
@byleaveswelive.bsky.social
@asls.org.uk paperboats.org/2025/04/07/b...
If you are a Scottish based poet who hasn't had a full collection yet, why not apply for this:
stmungosmirrorball.wordpress.com/2025/04/24/a...
Offering words to inspire action for nature on World Earth Day we give you Issue 5 of Paperboats Zine: Our Power - Our Planet. Edited by Polly Pullar and Linda Cracknell and launching today: paperboats.org
We open for submissions for Issue 6 in autumn.
Looking forward to it!
Procrastination Central.
No time for a dook today sadly - just a wee toe dip. Recycled glass green and as clear as Iβve seen a river. A longer stop off on Saturday is called for to wash away the week of visitors.
Loch Beinn aβ Mheadhain, Glen Affric.
Dook, family picnic and a daunder.
