willowdot21 – An insight to a heart mind and soul.

Gloria meets a nearly centenarian

Gloria is from The Aquaroom which is in New England, where she helps Jennie Fitzkee of A Teacher’s Reflections.

Jennie and I came up with the idea that the children in the Aquaroom might like to find out about England..well my part of England. So we hit upon the idea of Gloria coming to stay and I can show her around. The Aquaroomers can follow my blog … And I will fill her Journal with stories and photos, for those who are there in Jennie’s class now and also future Aquaroomers. Jennie and I think this is a great idea. So does Gloria. Below is a post aimed at The Aquaroomers I hope you and they like it!

Day 4 Gloria meets Jingles and Ozzie

Gloria and Earl were having a chat. “Gloria, have you ever met a nearly centanerian?” Gloria looked confused “A nearly centanerian Earl, what’s that?” “It’s someone who is nearly one hundred!” “No Earl I have not, have you? ” Earl beamed and said ” yes Gloria I have, would you like to meet one, infact would you like to meet two!” Gloria thought about this question her eyes lit up and then she replied! “Yes please I would”

So Earl disappeared for a few minutes and came back with a photo of two very old and senior friends.

” Now these are Ozzie and Jingles, Gloria and they would very much like to meet you!”…

“Let’s meet Jingles first…he is looking a little different from this picture and he can tell you why”

” Hello Gloria I am willow’s old Teddy Bear. I have known her all of her life”Gloria thought for a moment then said “well I know willow is old but she is not nearly one hundred years old! Is she? ” “No” replied Jingles laughing, ” but I am because I was someone else’s Teddy before I met willow. Her name was Margret, she was my first little girl. We Teddy Bears often have more than one owner 💜” “Oh!” Said Gloria. ” I didn’t know that. Can you tell me why are you all called Teddy Bears .” “Now that is an interesting story Gloria. Teddy bears are named after President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt. Apparently Mr Roosevelt was on a hunting trip. He refused to shoot a cornered bear. The story was made public and a candy shop owner Morris Michtom from Brooklyn decided to create a stuffed toy, calling it “Teddy’s Bear” with the President’s permission. Ever since then we have been called Teddy Bears.” Gloria was really excited. ” So all Teddy Bears are named after an American president… That makes me proud! But Jingles you look so different to your picture .. What happened to you.? “

“Well now Gloria it’s a rather nice story. willow’s hubby knew that she loves me very much and that she was sad that I was looking so old . He searched the internet and found a Teddy Bear Hospital . I was sent off by parcel post to a lovely place in Cornwall were a lady called Angie looked after me and restored me to health. She was really kind to me, she washed and mended me. She call what she did, a sympathetic renovation! Willow was so excited when I came home because she had no idea I had even been sent off. She said it was a wonderful surprise. And she cried because she was so happy. To be honest I cried too but no one saw “

Just then Earl came in with Ozzie who really looked in a state of poor repair. Poor Ozzie he needed to sit in the chair.

“Oh! my goodness” said Gloria “what has happened to you ?”

“Well said Ozzie, nothing really I just got old. I was truly loved by willow. Jingles and I have been the very best of friends forever. I also belonged to Margret before I was given to willow. ” “Oh! my goodness ” said Gloria.”are you the same age as Jingles?” “No Gloria, I am older and that’s what happened to me I just got old! Not long after I arrived at willow’s home her daddy made me a new suit out of one his socks. My old suit was blue and it had become very tatty”

Gloria thought long and hard then she looked at Earl and he nodded to her. Gloria them said. “Jingles and Ozzie I am Gloria and I am very pleased to meet you both. I come from America and I live with Jennie and all the children in the Aquaroom” Jingles and Ozzie both bow their heads and said that they were both very pleased to meet her too and they wanted to hear all about the children in the Aquaroom.

Earl noticed that Gloria looked a little sad he put his paw on her arm and asked why she looked sad, was she missing the children in the Aquaroom and Jennie. ..Gloria nodded, yes she was but she knew she was going back to them after her holiday so that was okay. No she was worried about Ozzie!

“Oh! No need to worry about me Gloria. I am going off to Cornwall in April to see Angie and be sympatheticly restored even though I am not a Teddy Bear…no I am a Rabbit 🐰” Everyone including Gloria laughed. Then it was time for everyone to read Goodnight Moon ….

Aquaroomers, who are those two bears on top of Gloria’s hat…. We will find out another day.

Gloria has a meal out.

Gloria is from The Aquaroom which is in New England, where she helps Jennie Fitzkee of A Teacher’s Reflections.

DAY 3 Gloria goes out to a pub.

Today we were due to meet friends and Gloria came with us. When we got up Gloria asked if she was going to school. Earl told her that no, she was on holiday and instead of going to school she would be doing different things. Gloria’s eyes lit up and she asked me what were we going to do today. I told her we were going out to lunch with friends and would she like to come with us. I could see Gloria was thinking 🤔 then she looked at me and smiled. “Yes please she said”

As I went out of the room I heard Gloria and Earl talking. “What is a pub Earl?” “It’s like a big house with comfy chairs and tables with cushions . You can get food and drink in there too” “Ewe ” said Gloria “is the food and drink free Earl?” “Well it is for us dogs but humans have to pay for theirs” Gloria looked at Earl and asked “Will I have to pay ?” ” Of course not , I know willow and hubby will pay for you” Gloria rubbed her hands together with glee! “Oh! Goody I am hungry today. Are you coming Earl” “Not today Gloria I have some jobs to do.”

This made me smile as I walked into the kitchen.

Gloria was very excited as we pulled in to the carpark at the pub. We were lucky as the rain had stopped for the minute. Gloria sat up and said. “I like the look of this pub … it’s just like Earl said a big house”

We went into the pub and we were greeted by the waitress. Gloria had lots of questions for her.: Are the dog biscuits and water free? Where are the menus , why do you have a computer, Oh? Is that the bar where the drinks come from, do you have a big kitchen, who does the washing up. The waitress was very pleasant and she answered all of Gloria’s questions. Then she showed Gloria how the computer worked. It has the names of all the people who are coming in for meals and which tables they would be sitting at. Also all the prices for food and drink. Then Gloria greeted a few customers, she smiled at them, gave them a menu then showed them to their tables. I think Gloria really enjoyed herself she certainly seemed very happy!

Then our friends arrived and the waitress showed us to our table. When we were all seated . Gloria spent time studying the menu.

In the end Gloria asked if we could share the pork and rice with vegetables. I was delighted to because I like a light lunch.

We all had a lovely meal, hubby had Slow cooked steak pie, and one our friends had steak and the other had a mixed grill.

When we got home Gloria was ready for a rest and she was really pleased to see Earl ( who had finished all his jobs). I went out to make a cup of tea and when I came back Earl was reading Gloria’s favourite book Goodnight Moon to her.

Cinquain Poetry Prompt 43: REBEL is your inspiration.

Wild child
No rules for him
Always bucked the system
Those eyes flashing green, a warning
Watch out

Rebel
Don’t toe the line
Thinking outside the box
Wearing red no uniform grey.
Freedom

This is part of Ronovanwrites American Cinquain Challenge.

Gloria discovers the Union Jack.

Gloria is from The Aquaroom which is in New England, where she helps Jennie Fitzkee of A Teacher’s Reflections.

Day two.

This morning Earl and Gloria were sitting at my big front window. Earl was telling Gloria all about the birds and wild life that visit our garden.

They saw the Squirrels who visit every day with the birds.

They also saw one of our more unusual visitors. One of two Parakeets who have taken up residence.

© willowdot21 A squirrel and a Parakeet.

While they were chatting Gloria spotted a tall white poll with a Flag fluttering at the top. “Oh! said Gloria , stopping Earl in his tracks. “What’s that Earl” . Earl looked across. “That’s a flag Gloria”. Gloria looked and then looked again. Then she stood up and announced. “That flag is wrong! Where are its Stars and Stripes?” Earl smiled and said, “It doesn’t have any Gloria because it’s a Union Jack flag ” “What is that ” asked Gloria who was confused. Earl smiled “It is the flag for the UK .”

Gloria said to Earl “I need a closer look I want to see this Union George” Earl coughed and corrected her, “Jack it’s a Union Jack”

So out the door went Gloria followed by hubby and myself. Quick as lightening Gloria shimmied up our next door neighbour’s flag pole to inspect the flag. When she came down she told us that it has the same colours as the Stars and Stripes but it’s a different pattern.

I explained that it’s the flags of England including Wales, Scotland,and Northern Ireland. That makes the Union part of the name.

The Jack,” a term for a small flag flown on the bowsprit of Royal Navy ships. It became commonly known as the “Union Jack” in the 17th century

So I asked Gloria what she thought of our flag and she said it was very nice and she loved the colours because they were just liked the Stars and Stripes which is the flag for the United States. Which has 50 white, five-pointed stars which symbolize the 50 states of the Union. Stripes: 13 horizontal stripes (alternating red and white) represent the original 13 colonies that gained independence..

“Well” I said to Gloria “we have all learnt something today haven’t we ” Gloria agreed with me. After all that excitement everyone was tired so I read Gloria her favourite book. Goodnight Moon.

One-Liner Wednesday – A burning question Dog?,Doll? Or Gloria.

Conversation between my friend and I. My friend Lou has known that Gloria has been coming to stay with me for weeks. We have discussed it at length. Unfortunately we have totally missed understood each other? The day before yesterday we went out to lunch and a glass of wine. Eventually we finally ironed things out…

L. When is Gloria coming? And how long is she staying.

Me. Soon , and I don’t know yet.

L. When did you say you were picking Gloria up?

Me. I am not picking her up. She’s coming straight to my house.

L. What no quarantine ? (Shocked look)

Me. No? …What quarantine? ( Thinks, what is she on about) Why quarantine .. she’s been to the dry cleaners! ( Trying to make a joke)

L. What ? The dog? The dry cleaners?

Me. What dog?

L. GLORIA!!!!!

ME. Oh No! Gloria is not a dog she is a doll.

L. Silence.

Both of us fall about laughing .

Part of LindaGHill’s One-Liner Wednesday.

Time for a hearing test. ???

Gloria Has Arrived .

Today Gloria arrived! Yes Gloria from The Aquaroom which is New England, where she helps Jennie Fitzkee of A Teacher’s Reflections.

Jennie and I came up with the idea that the children in the Aquaroom might like to find out about England..well my part of England. So we hit upon the idea of Gloria coming to stay with me and I can show her around. The Aquaroomers can follow my blog … And I will fill her Journal with stories and photos, for those who are there in Jennie’s class now and also future Aquaroomers. Jennie and I think this is a great idea. So does Gloria. Below is a post aimed at The Aquaroomers I hope you and they like it!

GLORIA’S ARRIVAL!

I was out all morning having a pre op assessment for Lazer surgery on a cataract . That went well and I am having the op 30th of this month. I am not looking forward to this so I am delighted it is so soon and I won’t have time to chicken out!

Well I digress when I got home there was a ring at the back door bell. AND IT WAS GLORIA!

After Gloria had had some tea and cake I made sure she felt safe and welcome. I read her, her favourite book. Goodnight Moon. Gloria had to help me because my eyes were still blurry from the drops at the eye clinic!

Then we went to visit my sister who has just moved in to a new house and Gloria was very welcome there too. That’s the thing if you are a nice person people like you. Well Gloria helped unpack on of the boxes and my sister was delighted 😄

This evening at bedtime Gloria and Earl read Goodnight Moon together…Gloria was very tired.

More to come 💜

#TankaTuesday Poetry Challenge No. 55, Ekphrastic Poetry, 3/10/26.

This week Colleen is our host for Tanka Tuesday, here is what she has to say. “Let’s write syllabic poetry using a piece of art as our inspiration! You can either use the painting below, OR… Find a piece of art and write your syllabic poem! Don’t describe what is in your painting; instead, let the colors and brush strokes inspire your words.

I found this piece of art on Facebook. I don’t want you to use AI art. That’s too easy.

You can find art on Wikipedia, Met Museum.org, and other sites. We also have talented artists in our poetic community: Robbie and Smitha both paint. You might ask them if you can write your poem using one of their paintings for inspiration. Just make sure you give the artist credit for their work.”

Thank you Colleen I do love an Ekphrastic poetry prompt. I have written too Haiku to describe night time fears of mine. I have used Colleen’s choice of painting and one of my favourites.

Facebook Pages: Watercolour Unique Arts: 7/1/2025

slowly peace descends
eyes close as the mind opens
on eternal flight

*****

let me wake, escape
the monsters are closing in
swallowing me whole.

The madness of doors. By Dorothea Tanning

Dorothra Tanning

This is part of Tanka Tuesday.

Song Lyric Sunday: I’ll name that tune in one.

Well if you had not guessed Jim Adams our esteemed host for Song Lyric Sunday has asked us for songs with iconic intros! He will explain all all about this week’s prompt and the rules over at his blog newepicauthor. Thanks once again Jim for such a great challenge this week.

Long before Top of the Pops and Ready steady go, or even The 65Special ( which I was not keen on) there was Juke Box Jury which was first broadcast on BBC Television on 1 June 1959. Hosted by David Jacobs, the popular British music panel show featured celebrities rating new pop records as “Hit” or “Miss”. It originally aired on Monday evenings before moving to Saturday nights in September 1959, running until 1967. I used to love it I remember watching it with my brothers and sisters. …

Okay it’s a cop out because it’s an instrumental but I am sure people of a certain age from the UK would be able to name that tune in two seconds.

Hit and Miss” Composed by John Barry, it was a breakthrough success for the English band, featuring a distinct pop-rock sound driven by guitar and brass.

Hit and Miss” as The John Barry Seven plus Four, UK No. 10 (first charted March 1960) Used as the theme for Juke Box Jury.

Its so very much of its era and instantly recognisable because of its guitar plinky plinky sound and nervous strings. I love it and dance to it even now when I hear it!

Anyway there are so many great intros I have whipped a compilation off of you tube for us all to enjoy!

There are loads that are not here but I am sure they will be done by someone!

Then here is arguably one of the best , Richie Blackmore explains how the riff is often played incorrectly.

I can’t finish without another favourite! And this one has Lyrics in the video.

“Sound and Vision” is a song by the English musician David Bowie. It was released in January 1977 by RCA Records on side one of his 11th studio album Low. RCA later chose it as the first single from the album. Co-produced by Bowie and Tony Visconti, the song was recorded at the Château d’Hérouville in Hérouville, France, in September 1976, and completed at Hansa Studios in West Berlin in October and November. The song began as a simple G major chord progression that Bowie gave to the backing musicians, writing and recording his vocals afterward. It features backing vocals from Brian Eno and Visconti’s then-wife Mary Hopkin.

HAPPY SUNDAY EVERYONE 💜💜💜

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The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS March 7, 2026

Ping went my phone : it was LindaGHill with her prompt for SoCs . Here’s what she said.”Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “distance.” Use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!“

The distance grows
As hatred flows
We need to stop
We need to think
The words increase the distance
Hate makes futile any resistance
We need to stop
We need to think.
Why are we so stupid and so blind
Were all the same we are all mankind
We need to stop
We need to think.
Still the distance grows
Still the hatred flows

Above a tip of my hat to our famous friend Clive

#TankaTuesday Poetry Challenge No. 54, Imagist poetry, 3/3/2026

Robbie is host for this week’s #TankaTuesday challenge. This week, we’re writing Imagist poetry. Robbie says “I was introduced to this interesting poetry form by Lindsey Martin-Bowen who explained this concept as being a poem wherein the poet focuses upon creating an image with the poem. In other words, the poem is about a specific object and describes that object. You can read Lindey’s post and poetry examples here“: https://writingtoberead.com/2026/01/07/lindseys-writing-practice-3/

Robbie thought it would be great fun to create a syllabic imagist poem. She has written two examples of an imagist poem here at Tanka Tuesday.

Kouta (小唄, “little songs”) are short, traditional Japanese poems or songs originating in the Edo period (1603–1868). Characterized as four-line, concise verses with either a 7-5-7-5 or 7-7-7-5 syllable structure, they often focus on light, lyrical themes popular among commoners, distinguishing them from longer, formal poetry.

I have chosen the Kouta as my form for my Imagist poem. It is s a love song or song of awe to a Glacier we saw at Frans Jozéf in New Zealand. I felt it was a female and she was beautiful. There is no title needed with a Kouta.