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The Last King of France: Louis-Philippe 1773 – 1850.

The Last King of France.  Louis-Philippe 1773-1850 Louis-Philippe was just 17 at the start of the French Revolution in 1789.  His father, the Duke d’Orleans, was a staunch supporter of the Revolution, as indeed was Louis Philippe who, aged 20, led Revolutionary armies and was recognized for his skill and bravery. Perhaps influenced by his […]

Important conversation. Do you talk to yourself ?

  Me : stop playing with your drawings and get on with writing your new book Myself: Grumph ! Me: if you don’t get on with it, it won’t get done Myself : ugh … Me: oh go on!  You’ll be pleased with it once its out there. Myself: duh … Me: why are you […]

Guest blog: Shelter Box.

Supporting flood-affected families in Bolivia BOLIVIA/TRINIDAD. MAY 2014. Many flood-hit families are temporarily staying in ShelterBox tents across various camps like this one in Trinidad. (Jon Berg/ShelterBox)ShelterBox has been working with Oxfam and Rotary in Bolivia to bring emergency shelter and vital supplies to families forced from their homes due to widespread flooding.   Earlier […]

Snippets of French history: Charlemagne AD 742 – 814.

  A fictitious, modern, and highly romanticised picture of Charlemagne. It may be that he was indeed a good-looking warrior king, and there is no record of him being otherwise, but we don’t know. The exact date of birth of Charlemagne is not known, but historians think it was probably 742, though it may have […]

Snippets of French history. The Dark Ages, 486 – 987 AD.

After the Romans left France, which they called Gaul, the country was overtaken by Germanic tribes called the Franks in around 486 AD.  They were really Chieftans who ruled tribes all over what then became Francia, from 486 to 987 AD.   As their power and knowledge grew, so grew their administrative and kingly abilities […]

Snippets of French History: Charles Martel c.688-741 AD.

Continuing with my series of French History in a nutshell.  Today I have chosen Charles Martel.  It occurs to me that perhaps I should first of all give a brief explanation of how what  we now call France was divided and who the various rulers were … perhaps I’ll do that one tomorrow.  Meanwhile:- Charles […]

How to cope with rejection. Remaining positive.

The first thing you need to tell yourself is that it would be odd indeed if everything you did was accepted first time.  Or within the first 10 times, or the first 100 times. Rejections are just a normal part of your personal evolution, and of the evolution of your product. Discouragement. As a writer […]

Getting mugged in Guatemala.

This was just typical !  Here I am, a great supporter of women’s strengths, female independence, and the right to be unafraid … and I go and get mugged and robbed. I am the first to admit that it was my own fault.   I have travelled all over the world and I know perfectly well […]

Red parrot sketch, Rio Dulce, Guatemala, Central America.

Part 13 – Greece, Turkey and goodbye.

  Our little grandson with a front tooth missing.  Even Istanbul fairies bring some money – did you know ? We stayed in Greece for 6 weeks, and spent the greater part of the time in the campsite just outside Pylos in the very south.  We were parked virtually on the beach and George just […]