40 Comments

Thank you to everyone who responded to the Binding Spell and for reading my Substack works. I am eternally grateful to those who take time to read my endless scribblings. Substack is also a Muse in itself!

Dwina xxx

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I am trying to have the courage to write and show it. I will try, no guarantees ☀️😀

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Astrid, writing is a way of stringing thoughts like pearls on a necklace, start with your first thought, make it a word, then a sentence, and proceed, make it heartfelt, creating something special, each one leading to the next one with its own beginning, middle and end. Be conscious of the continuum and the changes. Go for it! Good luck.

Dwina***

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I appreciate your encouragement to give writing a try. While I'm eager, I often grapple with the fear that my writing might not meet standards, given my family's cultured background. My brother's expertise in theater and Shakespeare adds a unique layer to this, though his kindness is reassuring. Despite the internal struggle, I believe in the value of self-expression through writing. I once mentioned my desire to write to my mother, who remarked that talent is a prerequisite. I am trying...

thank you so much

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English is not my native language...

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There are great writers in all languages. I have read translations from both ancient and modern languages that I loved. You have excellent command of English already just in your correspondence.

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Really wonderful thank you Dwina...and love your painting too

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Niccola, you are such a lovely poet yourself and I hear you have started painting too!

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The illustration is compelling as well.

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The little boy with the lamp is in The Forest of Souls to comfort a little lost soul. XXX

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Ah, how excellent!

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My goodness, that is a beauty. may i copy it down in a book for my wedding poems? There is only one other poem, and it is a lonely thing.

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Yes, of course you can, just put Dwina at the end of it. I don't think there are that many by that name in the world. My name was Edwina and my mother took the E off so People wouldn't shorten it to Eddie. My father was Edwin. He was always Eddie or Ned! ***

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i am so glad. I will give credit to you when my son gets married someday.

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I have found a copy of Cormac book 1, looking forward to reading it xx

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Hi Jonathan, I do hope you enjoy it as much as I loved writing it. I have Cormac The King Making...book 2 for you and I am finishing Book3 Cormac The Sage! Well done, finding it!

Dwina***

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Dwina, it is fantastic! I'm a fan of James Stephens writing but yours has a little more magic, It's like fine chocolate cake for the soul for me as I love being in the world of Irish myth.

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I LOVE James Stephens writing! Crock of Gold a firm favourite! Xxx

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Wonderful xx

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I also love James Stephens!!

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I am so glad. I immersed myself in it, wearing period clothing like a method actor, living with the characters. It became like a real world to me. Thank you, Jonathan. You also adorn yourself with the symbols and clothing. I can relate!

Dwina xxx

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I can tell- wonderful xx

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Have you read or do you like Jorge Luis Borges, Julio Cortázar. Cortázar has a short story called: Casa Tomada. Extraordinary....

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Yes, I am studying blind harpers and bards at the moment and the poetry and stories of Jorge Luis Borges are fascinating. He went blind in his 50s. So many wonderful story tellers came out of Latin America. 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez from many years ago, and the poetry of Pablo Neruda, Marjorie Agosin from Chile and Ana Enrique Teran from your country. More of her poetry needs to be translated into English.

Dwina***

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If someone wants to delve into Latin America, especially the Caribbean, García Márquez is the go-to option. His writings not only capture the essence of the Caribbean but also feel like a trip down memory lane, like revisiting my own childhood. I will look up Ana Enrique Teran.

The idea of blind harpers and bards is fascinating.

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I've read this over a couple of times since you first posted it, letting it sink in. I love how it is a mutual connection of so many layers. And the layers are equal to and between each other. It's very lovely.

I also wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday! May your day be filled with joy and laughter xx

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Thank you, I had a lovely birthday with my sister-in-law, friends and family, at a local Italian restaurant, complete with an accordion player. We sang Italian and Irish songs and Caitlin moved us all singing Danny Boy. The amazing Chef surprised us and sang in Italian with a rich baritone voice. My son sang one of his father's songs and one of his own that moved me to happy tears. Singing and Birthdays go very well together!

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Oh that sounds just lovely! Nothing better than celebrating with friends and loved ones. And I agree, singing and birthdays go very well together, indeed!! And an amazing meal always tops it off!! xx

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Beautiful,

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Looking forward to your visit next year, Nancy. xx

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I can’t wait already packing. See you soon.

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Beautiful!

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I am pleased you liked the poem. It was one of those times when I did not need to work the words... they just flew out.

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Your painting is so beautiful and the words just seems to fill you wiith inspiration. Really enjoyed it.

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The painting is from a story I wrote called The Star Child... and I decided to make it a card to send to people. For some reason I received many letters about it and how it spoke personally to them. When they were feeling down it gave them hope when they saw the child with the light. Thank you.

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Beautiful xx

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Hi Jonathan I do have cards and some prints of a story of four clans of little people in Bigwood Forest. A story not published yet. I know you know John and Caitlin. Perhaps we can connect through them. My trees are mythical and in the Star Child series in a Forest of Souls. Thank you for your interest.

Dwina xx

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Wonderful, I shall look forward to that connection, how exciting! xx

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I have trees in many of my paintings. I have grown some trees, somehow much easier than caring for house plants. They would rather be outdoors!

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If you have prints or cards of the art work I would love to purchase it xx

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