A lovely start to a new day.
Hope it manages to keep going the same way.
No backward sliding to words unsaid.
No, wishing you had never left your bed.
Forward to ideas fresh and new
That others might share with you.
Good morning to everyone!
© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
Sitting calmly relaxing on the seat.
A wasp descended to send her on a terrifying retreat.
Arms flapping upwards in terror.
When the buzzing stopped,
She dared to return to sit.
Just as well she did as lying in the sand,
Between the benches guardian Owls.
A treasure much loved and cherished by her she found.
An earring lay sparkling and twinkling on the ground.
A lucky return.
2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Picture with the permission of Jane Risdon
Take me by the hand into that wonderland,
Where the grass is always green and flowers proudly stand.
As we wander to the place,
Where children laugh and shout,
Whizzing around on that super roundabout.
Running to and fro,
Playing hide and seek until found out.
Stopping to play hopscotch drawn upon the ground.
Climbing onto swings, flying higher,
Higher with squeals of delight.
On a rocking horse,
Proudly king of all I can see,
With you pushing me.
Then the moment comes, time to go.
“Oh no! Please can I have one more go, just one more go?”
Soon, we wander on our way to tea,
Storytelling and bed.
I can’t help looking back at the wonderland,
That had been such fun for you and me!
2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
Hello Wobblers, we have just finished an Audiobook especially for you!
It contains 30 children's stories. Most stories are true and some have a slight fun twist.
Enjoy listening and have fun!
You can find the Audiobook at Kobo:
Link - CHILDREN´S STORIES ON A JOURNEY WITH PENNY WOBBLY
🐶 🦊 🐯 🐸 🐱 🐻 🦁 🐵 🐮 🐼 🐭 🐹
Penny Wobbly and team WobblingPen
Mr Frog was out later than planned, and was hopping back to the pond when he heard a rustle and a call, “Help me, someone, help me!”
With caution, he hopped nearer, pausing to listen. It certainly sounded like someone in trouble, but who?
“Help, please help me! I am over here.”
He hopped closer and saw a snail lying upside down on its shell. “Oh my, what happened to you?”
“I was having a lovely munch on some fresh runner bean stalks, when I was plucked away by a big crow. I was terrified, as I could not see the ground. Another crow came and attacked the one carrying me, and he let go. I was falling, falling, then bounced on a small bush out into the open ground, upside down, defenceless. Can you help me?”
“Yes, of course I can.”
Mr Frog hopped around the snail, trying to see the best way to help.
“I have got it. If I puff my chest forward, you can reach out and slide yourself upright again. Do not linger too long as I am ticklish, and your slime is difficult to wash off; no disrespect as I know you cannot help it. Let’s go; quick as you can, as those crows might be back to take both of us this time.”
Mr Frog took a big breath to extend his chest, and the snail reached out and slowly slid upright again.
“Oh, thank you, thank you.”
“OK; enough of that. No time to waste; head for the pond. There is a big rock on the left, with a damp hiding place underneath, big enough for you to stay safe. I have checked you all over, and your shell is not broken, so you should be ok. I am jumping into the pond to wash this icky slime off. Take care; see you around.”
With a couple of leaps, he disappeared beneath the lily leaves and, after a bit of thrashing around, settled under one, ready to capture for supper any stray insects which might be flying around.
Welcome to WobblingPen Trilogy AudioBooks
Listen to this collection of poetry and prose is divided into 3 audiobooks and takes listeners on a journey through the stories about life. love, emotions and much more...
This audiobook is read by the author Penny Wobbly.
You can find the at Rakuten Kobo:
Link - WobblingPen Trilogy AudioBooks
Penny Wobbly and team WobblingPen
This has been the strangest holiday.
My husband started with the flu, two days before we left, I struggled with a one-sided sore throat on the plane. We both spent 4 days in a B&B in bed, coughing day and night, miserable.
We moved to a lovely small hotel where we were looked after very well. When our health improved enough we took the local sparse bus service, to some interesting places.
They turned out to be quite a bit of fun, one way and another.
Next, we went south to the Hotel Esmeralda, a much larger modern hotel. The rooms are spacious and welcoming. Lots of free-movement areas inside and out. Several swimming pools, hope to, try one out today.
However my hair became a mess, my usual hairdresser had left and the new one was given a free hand. It was entirely my fault because I was so tired I did not pay attention to what she was doing. She cut it so badly that I will have to wait for it to grow back. It looks like a bush.
Then a rash of spots started on my nose increasing it's size and colour turning it bright red. My front tooth lost it's filling. Reduced smiling and caused a sore tongue from the rough tooth. Due to partaking in a copious amount of food, with not much holiday self-control, my waistline expanded.
So putting all this together, the only good thing I can see is, I would only need a gin bottle, to be ready for a part as the old hag in a historical play. No makeup or wig is needed.
Does anyone have a part?
© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
No one is knocking at my door; not now for sure, since my health stopped my going out anymore.
One knock from the postman whom I know, who gives a cheery smile and a quick “How are you doing?” The reply is mostly, “Fine,” as he has no time, though willing to hear a story of mine.
I have to buy what I want online nowadays. They seem to arrive mostly on time, with drivers thrusting a gadget at me for a quick sign on the line, before jumping in their vans and speeding out of sight down the lane. If the order is incorrect, I have to have a conversation with an unknown voice, explaining the things delivered was not my choice. Sometimes it is easy, others it is not, to return the offending article to the depot.
An unexpected knock gives my heart a bit of a thump.
Till, parting the curtains to look out the window, I see the three-in-one electricity, gas and water meter man, as he grovels through the understairs cupboard dividing the coats, Hoover, and umbrellas to reach the meters and a good view to do what he has to do.
Now we know one another, as I am always in, we exchange a word or two.
Even when I am poorly, no doctor comes to call; it’s all done through the internet-linked phone. I have to listen to instructions, now oh so familiar, which at that moment I do not need to use at all. To be told by a measured voice I am now number seventeen in the queue. I wait, worrying if I will still remember what symptoms I am calling about by the time, I am that oh-so-important number one in the line.
Oh, there are the leaflets that clatter through the letterbox, without a word being said.
Once night falls, I bolt my door, barring all. I won’t open it to anyone that might call. As I make my way to my solitary bed and snuggly tuck myself in.
You see, there was hardly any comforting knocking at my front door.
Till I joined my local Voluntary Care Service Scheme; their knock is oh so welcome now.
If you are a driver with a car and want something to do, something that brings conversation, joy and laughter to others, as well as you, Please ring 0208-397-6298.
Then it might be you knocking at my door to take me out; I can’t wait.
2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
Are you lonely tonight, do you miss them?
Are you lonely now that they have gone?
Saying goodbye is never easy.
When you don’t know when they may return.
They are the people you love most dearly
The ones you call Dad and Mum.
Are you anxious till you have that phone call,
Saying they have arrived safe and sound.
Are you lonely now the longed-for visit is over?
Don’t be, start planning for the next joyful one.
2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
WHERE IS LILY?
The neighbourhood has been alerted as Lily has not been seen for days.
It was amazing she never knew how popular she was, till he failed to appear on her familiar rounds.
So Lily set off to explore, got herself into a mess when through an open door she decided to explore.
The gale slammed it shut, at first, she did not mind as there were smells to investigate.
A cosy chair to take repose, but as the hours' passed, hunger and thirst made her pace and call out in disgust.
“Open up someone and let me home.”
No one came till day four, Lily was feeling rather poorly, and despair was creeping in, kept alive by a drip of water collecting and falling along the back wall.
Suddenly she was woken from her despairing doze.
The door swung open, Lily was up and as swiftly as she could manage, slid out the door, homeward bound.
Grateful to have her freedom and home back, which she was not going to stray from for a while.
Everyone was delighted to see Lily back, she had never had so much patting and cuddles before.
2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
I sat watching the television, having just had a curry, when my husband handed me my dessert: peaches in evaporated milk, a favourite of mine.
Partaking of my first mouthful, I registered a difference in texture. Looking down, I saw some brown bits floating around in the milk.
My tongue and taste buds were trying to detect what the floating bits might be; they required a bit of chewing. The conclusion was crushed nuts of some kind, and I carried on eating.
Once completed, I asked my husband if he would like a cup of tea; he replied in the affirmative. Taking my tray into the kitchen and clearing it, and waiting for the kettle to boil, I saw a packet of brown sugar lying on the countertop, so I decided to fill the almost empty Kilner sugar jar.
While pouring it in, I noted it was a different consistency to our normal golden brown sugar, and assumed my husband had been sent Demerara instead in our food delivery from the shop.
I remembered we had some white granulated sugar left in the cupboard, so I added that to the jar to make it easier to use for tea. Once the kettle had boiled, I made the tea, adding one spoonful of sugar to mine.
I carried them to my husband and relaxed to watch TV and drink my tea. As I took my first mouthful, realisation dawned. I had had this experience already, with my peaches and evaporated milk. What on earth is it?
I turned to my husband and asked, “Did you open a packet of brown sugar earlier?”
“Yes. Why?”
“It is not sugar!”
“Better look at the name on the packet,” he said.
Together we went to investigate. I grovelled in the kitchen bin, retrieving the offending packet which declared itself to be crushed goji berries, almonds and pine nuts.
Mystery solved, but what to use this mixture for with its addition of golden and white sugar? We now had a jar full of it.
The decision was taken and the topping from the jar could be scattered on ice cream and other fruit concoctions. We were lucky; it works quite well, just not in tea.
We have had some other mishaps by helpful friends with the Kilner jars: salt is definitely not a good substitute for sugar.
However, it was a very good causative element for great merriment and application of contents labels.
2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
One day a couple came to the kennels enquiring about a dog. Millie was brought out for yet another inspection. At first, she could not be bothered to show what a lovely dog she was.
She had had her hopes raised too often. However, there was something different about this couple. It was how they crouched down to her, and allowed her to sniff their hands before they touched her. Showing her respect, talking quietly and gently, perhaps this time it would be different.
She started to wag her tail, as they put a collar and lead on, before taking her for a walk around the grounds, to see how she behaved on the lead without other distractions.
She began to raise her head, and walk more briskly; she liked this couple but did they like her?
On returning to the kennels, to her great disappointment, the collar and lead were removed and she was placed back in the cage.
The couple left, but they did smile and pat her saying kind words. She sadly curled up in a ball in her cage ‘What am I doing wrong, why don’t they like me?’
She did not know that the couple had agreed to have her but needed to wait for her to be spayed. The operation and recovery would take about 2 weeks, then they would be back for her.
The day finally came and to her absolute delight, they arrived to collect her. She could hardly believe it. She was going to have a forever home.
When she arrived at the house, she ran around sniffing everywhere, there had been a dog here once, but not anymore.
There was a large garden, a horse, cows and hens, there would be some adventures to be had. Millie knew at that moment, that she was going to have a very happy life with her new family.
There was only one problem, Millie had never learned to play ball or bring back sticks. Maybe in the past, she had been trained as a sheepdog, another reason why she loves long walks and runs.
NOTE:
When talking about Millie being spayed.
Spayed was written first, but a typo changed it to sprayed.
Entirely the wrong word, the dog was not going to be sprayed by a hose pipe, as that would not solve the problem.
2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
TROUBLED SLEEPLESS NIGHT
The cat who wishes to be mine paid a visit outside my upstairs window.
She knew I was awake and started up a loud conversation at 4.45 in the morning. I stayed still, hoping she would stop.
She was determined to have my attention, the cries got louder and more instant.
Slipping out of bed I paraded down the stairs, every door, and stair seemed to creak, and every key made sounds which I was sure would raise the household.
I gave her a drink she was very thirsty, we had a friendly pat and a cuddle before parting. I told her, her alarm clock needed adjusting, as it was far too early to be out and about.
2023 © by Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
LILY AND OLIVER TWIST
The cat who wishes to be mine put in an appearance, performing her usual antics for some food, not once but twice, like Oliver Twist.
As she has been missing for a few days I spoilt her. I have a suspicion she has found another willing victim to support her when we are away.
© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
The early morning mist the sun has kissed, meeting the river to die.
With the gentle sigh of bird wings as they flit importantly by.
A chorus of birds chirping delicately at first, gathering voices to give their songs a full burst.
Welcoming the new day full of cut and thrust.
The dews heavy coating in drought, encouraging insects out of their hideouts to stray.
So begins this morning the new day.
2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
I LOVE YOU!
The last line,
‘I never said goodbye.’
Plan for that day,
And always say I love you!
2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
SAILING ALONG
Sailing along in my little blue boat,
Along a river so fine.
Cuddled and cosied along the banks,
By lush green tree branches.
Sailing, sailing,
Till we meet the bright blue skyline.
Out into the freedom and expanse of the sea.
Having a truly most memorable time.
2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
I hate it when he leaves the house and locks the front door,
As I have no idea when he is coming back again for sure.
The first hour is not so bad, I settle and have a snooze.
Then I start my parade I have many rooms to choose.
I pop up on the settee to see out the window.
Dash up the stairs to jump on the bed and lie watching on a big soft pillow.
At the slightest noise, I fly down the stairs in a flash.
To thrust my nose through the letterbox to sniff if it is him coming back at last.
How I hate his disappearing never knowing when he will return home.
When he does I give him such a fantastic frantic welcome, in the hopes he will never ever want to leave me on my own again.
2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
INSIDE EVERY POET
Inside every poet
There has to be
An understanding of truth.
2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
Oh boy, what day it has?
I feel as if I have run my legs off.
What a day I had yesterday,
I made so many friends, it was amazing.
I have exhausted my sniff mechanism,
As it seems a bit slower,
As for my tail, it just wants a rest.
I am not going to agitate for a walk today either.
I am so tired,
Back to sleep for me before Lily comes in,
Or she will keep me up talking.
I just need an hour or two longer in bed.
2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
Telephone boxes are now unused
When once we stood in queues
To connect with loved ones
Far away over land and sea.
Appointments had to be made
To connect up at a special time
On a special day
Or we had no connection.
If there was a storm
Wires would come down,
Our tears would flow
There would be no conversation.
Now in our pocket
Or bag we slip a phone
In constant action,
Never losing contact with you.
2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo by Anna Almeida
YES! YES, IT WAS YOU!
Yes, yes, it was you!
I knew it was you at the very first glance.
You swept me into your life entranced
Round and round with the very first dance.
Years have slipped by not all bliss,
Just enough for me and you.
Money was tight and we had the odd fight.
Yet we loved well and stayed true.
Yes, it could only be you!
I knew at first glance,
Love moved in unexplained,
To last and last!
Yes, yes, it was you!
I knew it was you!
At the very first glance.
You swept into my life,
Round and round,
With that very first dance.
Today we are back here once more
To celebrate all that has gone before
Memories we have treasured amongst friends,
As we glide across the floor
For our anniversary waltz together.
Yes, yes, it was you!
I knew it was you at the very first glance
Love moves in unexplained to last and last.
As you swept me into your life
And around the floor at our very first dance.
2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
Growing older on your own creates new demands, with no one there to call on. You put yourself to bed when you like with a glass of water, pills, spectacles, hearing aids, book and denture pot.
Occasionally when tucked up snug in bed you realize one or two of these you have exasperatingly forgotten. Fighting the bedclothes, struggling free and upright, sometimes happens more than once.
Another trip to the loo is fitted in, after all the to-ing and froing before you settle again for the night.
Who needs physiotherapy? Don't forget to switch off the light.
2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
OUT OF TUNE
What is love?
When I don’t sing the right song.
When everything I do does not meet,
Your new standards, it’s wrong!
As I try to placate,
Another challenge is made.
My hands start to shake,
Food dances on the plate.
Failure is now the norm,
Every request becomes a storm.
Thoughts are confused,
I retreat into my own space.
Trying to contemplate,
A future without you!
For the sake of others and myself,
I have to regain confidence,
And strength to step out,
And find my single self again.
2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
I often sit for afternoon tea
With no cake placed in front of me.
I’m Gluten-Free!
Watching others devouring
Small decorated tasty delights,
With small noises as they disappear
Appreciatively out of sight.
Today surprise, surprise!
I cheekily asked for any Gluten-Free.
Yes, we had a McMillan bake in today!
So on offer is chocolate
Or pistachio Gluten Free cake.
Shrieks of delight burst from me.
As I enjoyed and took full part
In the Afternoon Tea.
Thank You!
2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
What do you say to a leg that has been with you since birth.
Supporting, lifting, moving you around. Protecting your landing when you jump off, with risk and adventure onto the ground.
A graze or two you have suffered when miscalculations were made. You have stood upright for ages in school attendance parades. Disaster when it came caught the whole of me in it’s grip, Yet you alone managed to keep your muscle attachments, in check.
As nerves rattled and shook out of control taking my balance away on my left. You stayed calm and strong with the occasional tweak and squeak of pain. As I tried to stand and move my body painfully along.
So it continued through out my life, yet my left leg suffered more in the disaster than you. Not fair it is true, it had to cope with multiple injuries over time too.
Now old age is making itself felt, for the first time you are the one complaining. Arthritis is attacking you, not fair after all you have had to endure. I certainly do not want to lose you, if there is anything we can do.
So a walking stick has become a bit of a reliable saviour, helping us to soldier on for goodness knows how long. Thank you right leg, for all that you have done and are doing for me. You have been truly amazing.
© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
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Love is on my mind, it is such a powerful emotion.
For generations, it has been talked about, written about, sung with musical scores about, painted and sculptures made about.
It has been longed for, lost, rejected, and slow to appear.
At other times it arrives with a glance, a touch, a kiss that lasts a lifetime.
Amazingly love can move compassion across the World to people and animals unknown and unseen to us.
That is powerful!
Its power is in how it affects us in our relationships through life, starting in the womb with our mother and later with our husband or wife and our children.
It is not plain sailing, jealousy, gentle letting go, total rejection and loss hang on this emotion called love.
If not handled carefully can blight others over time.
Love is like sand in your hand, some sticks, the rest with no feelings left to slip off.
How does love fit in your life now?
What benefits does it give to you?
What care and knowledge about this emotion long studied and experienced called love, can you pass on?
See what a difference you can make in the name of love.
2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
DANGEROUS GAME
Looking out of my window a stealthy movement caught my eye along the edge of the trellis marking the boundary of our home. It looked too secretive to be a squirrel.
It was Jake, a small cat I was friendly with. What's he up to? Watching patiently, I spotted a lovely little Robin red breast sitting on the top of a section of the fence.
Jake with his eyes firmly fixed on the robin and his paws gripping hard to maintain his balance on the narrow fence top-edged towards him.
The Robin sat waiting, with one eye on the cat. Once Jake got too close for comfort, he flew to the next section of the fence and awaited the arrival of the stalking cat.
When it finally looked as though disaster would strike, the Robin flew onto a revolving clothesline he alighted on the arm farthest away from Jake. There the little bird fluffed up all his feathers, to make himself look as large as possible.
Jake the cat, eyed the distance between them and realized he couldn’t make it without jumping to ground level. He was a small cat and the thought of the long drop to the ground scared him.
He started retreating along the fence, with several scathing backward looks at the triumphant Robin.
Score: Bird one, Cat nil.
Quite a change!
© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay
I want to be loved,
Not left.
I want to be cherished
Not abused.
I want to feel safe.
Not insecure.
I want to give love.
Watch it blossom.
See our feelings
Slowly grow.
That is the love
I want to share
And know.
2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
GLASSES
The days arrived that I've always dreaded.
My arms aren’t long enough to get my needle threaded. I have to screw up my eyes till they are horizontal slits, trying to make out the constantly shimmering little blips. I try to manoeuvre till I am in bright light, but I have now to admit I am losing my sight.
So it is off to the opticians and it's glasses for me, long-range and short, two pairs it will have to be, so that, I don't greet total strangers as though they belong to me. I might then be able to keep a comfortable distance between myself and the TV.
If any of this is familiar to you, it is time you went to see who you know. You'll be amazed at the difference it makes; just don't scream too loudly, when you first have a glimpse through glasses of the contours of your face or catch sight of the marks on the kitchen's clean white surface.
2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
MARRIAGE
Marriage is one of the important decisions as individuals, we have to make.
There is no advanced training expert, following the best examples of your parent's or family member's marriages.
Trying to avoid the pitfalls.
Keep love and trust strong.
‘Never go to bed on a quarrel,’ an old saying that helps.
‘Marry in haste, repent at leisure,’ is another, not my words.
Remember your marriage may be the example for any of your children to follow.
Give them the good parents and life however humble, children long for.
2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
