patsy

Wednesday word of the week – Orcadian

An Orcadian is a native or inhabitant of the Orkney Islands. This beautiful place is where Gary and I will be living (in the mobile writing retreat aka photographic base aka campervan) which I hope qualifies us as temporary Orcadians. While we’re here, we plan to see many of the sights, eat the local food, and learn something of the history and culture. So far we’ve met some lovely people, visited several fascinating places and discovered Orkney sunshine frequently comes in liquid form!

We’re not complaining about the weather btw. We had an idea what it would be like and came prepared, the wind and rain are part of what makes the place so spectacular and beautiful, plus the breaks in the sunshine encourage us to get on with some work.

patsy

It’s a sign

While on South Ronaldsay I picked up a piece of sea glass, which I thought looked very like a standing stone. Obviously that was a clear sign that the Ring of Brodgar needed to be one of our next stops after photographing some ships of course. (If you’d like to see the ship photos, follow Maritime Photographic on Facebook.)

I was right, wasn’t I? It does look like a stone.
And here’s how some of the other stones in the circle look.

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A bridge to nowhere

OK, it’s not a bridge and it does go somewhere, but don’t you think it looks as though crossing over might take us into a different world, time or dimension? There must be a story there!

It’s actually one of the ‘Churchill Barriers’ built during WW2 by Italian prisoners, both to link some of the smaller islands onto Mainland Orkney and to protect Scapa Flow – doing a better job than the ‘block ships’ which can still be seen. (Google is sure to be able to provide a more detailed history lesson, should you want it.)

We got across safely, and returned later to swim in the beautifully clear, and breathtakingly cold, sea. We’ll do that again when we get the chance, and hopefully visit the nearby Italian chapel – something else built by the prisoners of war.

patsy

On Orkney

We intend to see as much of Orkney as possible during our trip. One of our first stops was St Mary’s Hope on the island of South Ronaldsay (reached by a causeway). We photographed a ferry, than had lunch watching ducklings bobbing about in the bay. I think they’re eider ducks.

After that, we headed down to Burwick, which is the southern tip of Orkney. The land you can see in the distance in one shot is mainland Scotland. We did part of the coastal walk towards Sandwick, which is incredibly beautiful. Then we photographed St Mary’s church, before finding a place to park the mobile writing retreat / campervan for the night – and yes, I did do some writing!

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Nearly there

Pictures taken on the route up to Scrabster, where we’ll catch the ferry. And yes, this is still writing related as in addition to writing on route I’m also scouting out a location for a future book in my cosy mystery series. And yes, I’ll be using those two excuses a lot over the summer.

patsy

On the way

Here are some photos taken, at RHS Harlow Carr, on our way up north.


And here are some taken at the nearby Brimham Rocks, (and not Birnham stones or Brinkham Rocks, as we’ve been calling it!)

If words are more your thing than pictures, you might like this book of mine, which is currently on sale for 99p / 99c

patsy

Wednesday word of the week – Rollick

Rollick means to behave in a carefree, boisterous manner or to have a frolicksome adventure.

I often have a rollicking good time on our campervan adventures (I’ll spare you the details of any frolicking which may occur)

patsy

Heading north

Actually I’m already quite a way north, but these pictures were taken at Stowe Gardens on the way up. They’re writing related, because I’ve included some of The Muses, and Shakespeare – but mainly because I’m not just swanning around in the campervan. I’m going to do A LOT of writing, when we get where we’re going.

patsy

Crime In mind

I have a new short story collection out today!
Crime In Mind contains 24 short stories, and is a sister publication to Criminal Intent. If you like one, I’m sure you’ll like the other.

Here’s the blurb –

There are a huge variety of crimes, committed for many different reasons. Those which seem justified or are at least understandable. Others for which there can be no possible excuse. Some crimes are calculated and deliberate, others unplanned or even accidental. More still are planned but don’t happen. Then there’s behaviour so bad it’s against all moral laws even if not technically illegal.

There are also multiple ways for the criminal to be caught out or made to pay for what they’ve done. The police, an amateur detective or even their victim might bring them to justice. And sometimes the perpetrator gets away with it.

Criminals, victims, and agents of law and order each have a story to tell. This book contains 24 of them.

As with all my books, except the free ones, Crime In Mind is available as as ebook, paperback or through kindle unlimited. You can also order it from bookshops, or request it in your local library. (I really hope some people do that – I’m a big fan of libraries!)

I’ve had one early review on Goodreads – and it’s 5 stars! “Short stories with a hint of crime, most quite amusing & one or two quite dark. I got a few good laughs as well.”