The new year saw the publication of my latest novel. What a brilliant way to start 2024.
As we enter this year the world is a troubled place. Every day brings disturbing news.
My resolution is to treasure those that I love, family and friends, and try to be there for them in every way I can.
I can't build a bubble to protect them, but I do have a bubble I can escape into.
My writing. My happy place. Thank you for joining me there by reading my books.
Love Sandra
Happy New Year
2023!
After all the restrictions and worries of the last two new years it was uplifting to experience a magical start to 2023. We went to the Cinderella experience at Belvoir Castle with our family on January 1st.
Seeing the old fairytale unfold through the magical tableaux staged in the magnificent rooms was enhanced by the reactions of the three-year-old in our party. "Wow!" was the word of the day. "Come on family, look at this!!" echoed through the ancient corridors.
The pre-Christmas rush was over. This was the last day and there were only a few visitors. The guides had time to chat and point out the treasures housed in each room, as well as letting us linger to take photographs of the displays.
The three-year old even got to handle the glass slipper! The real one, we are assured.
The lovely gentleman in the gift shop explained that Santa had left on 24th December, but his workshop was still there. He opened it up, switched on the lights and led us through to the magnificent, recently vacated grotto. Such kindness is rare.
Our visit concluded with a visit to the delightful tea shop. Fine china, gilt cutlery, delicious cakes and an excellent blend of tea helped us end a perfect day.
So, we had the perfect start to 2023. Can we keep this up? Fingers crossed, we can.
Wishing you and all you love a happy and heathy new year.
Sandra x
Happy Christmas
Sending you every good wish for this holiday season. May you find peace, warmth, love and happiness.
There has been a busy run up to the holiday period for my family, which, after three years of lockdowns, restrictions and Covid infections, is more than welcome.
Our visit to Sleeping Beauty pantomime was magical. It is lovely to see it all unfold through the eyes of young children.
A visit to Chatsworth House to visit their Christmas Market and see the decorations in the house was uplifting.
Our decorations are modest in comparison but mean so much. Our tree must be at least twenty years old, but it serves us well each year.
The tree ornaments have been collected over the lifetime of this Johnson family and each one has its own story.
The angel is, by my reckoning, at least 35 years old. Known by all the family as Angel Gargie, it brings to mind those no longer with us. There may be a few tears as she is put into position, but they flow because the memories are so sweet.
With my love to you all,
Sandra x
22. Oct, 2022
My first public appearance as a published author proved to be an uplifting experience.
6. Sep, 2022
When a small time crook is intent on expanding his evil empire people are going to get hurt.
10. Aug, 2022
For Richer or Poorer, the sequel to For Better or Worse, is coming soon.
7. Feb, 2022
I've also managed to track down those pesky missing links for you.
5. Jan, 2022
Another 2021 milestone. My wonderful publishers, Extasy Books, published my novel For Better or Worse. I get to share the news now, January 2022, post COVID.
23. Nov, 2021
The first card that Teacher X received would not be opened. It would be torn in half and thrown into the bin. "I don't do cards," Teacher X would say.
Latest comments
02.12 | 16:03
Congratulations Sandra - so wonderful that you have fulfilled that ambition. The blurb sounds intriguing, I shall look forward to reading it
08.10 | 02:39
Congratulations, Sandra! Looking forward to reading and reviewing it.
05.10 | 19:27
Congratulation on your book.
14.10 | 20:15
Hi Sandra, really missing you at our zoom meetings x
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