On the ninth day of Christmas Tamsyn Murray adds a toy soldier to the RNA tree...
My favourite ornament is this wooden Toy Soldier from The Nutcracker. It was a gift to my daughter when she was about five from an aunt and, despite the fact that it doesn't sparkle and glitter like the other decorations, it has found a place on our Christmas tree ever since. If you look carefully, you can just see the red string hanging from the bottom - pulling it makes the soldier leap in the air as though he is dancing in the ballet. My daughter was fascinated by him and made me tell her the story of The Nutcracker over and over, although she always questioned the wisdom of fighting an army of mice with gingerbread soldiers.
It soon became one of our Christmas Eve traditions, as much a part of the celebrations as leaving sherry and a mince pie out for Father Christmas, or trying to sneak a stocking full of presents into her room without waking her up. She's too grown up for such things now (apart from the stocking, because you're never too old for those) but I'm looking forward to introducing my newborn son to the Toy Soldier and the story of The Nutcracker in the years to come. If nothing else, at least he'll learn never to rely on gingerbread soldiers.
Tamsyn's latest book is My So-Called Phantom Lovelife. You can find out more about it and her at www.tamsynmurray.co.uk.
When fourteen-year-old Skye Thackery meets Owen Wicks, it’s not exactly love at first sight. She’s getting over a broken heart and he’s – well – a ghost. But as Skye gets to know him, she can’t help wondering what it would be like to kiss him. Dating a ghost isn’t easy, and things get worse when Owen declares he’s found a way to stay with Skye forever. His plans make her uneasy – the shadowy organisation which claims to be able to help him is bad news, and it seems Nico, her ex, is involved too.
As Owen prepares to risk everything, Skye begins to wonder if she really has a future with him, or if his desire to be more than just a ghost will cost them everything.
I knew the boy was different when I saw him walk on water…
When fourteen-year-old Skye Thackery meets Owen Wicks, it’s not exactly love at first sight. She’s getting over a broken heart and he’s – well – a ghost. But as Skye gets to know him, she can’t help wondering what it would be like to kiss him. Dating a ghost isn’t easy, and things get worse when Owen declares he’s found a way to stay with Skye forever. His plans make her uneasy – the shadowy organisation which claims to be able to help him is bad news, and it seems Nico, her ex, is involved too.
As Owen prepares to risk everything, Skye begins to wonder if she really has a future with him, or if his desire to be more than just a ghost will cost them everything.
A cute story.
ReplyDeleteThe Nutcracker was the first ballet I ever saw - I've always loved it.
Liz X
Aw, this is lovely! Thanks, Tamsyn.
ReplyDeleteLiz - I'm not a massive ballet fan, although it's a beautiful form of dance, but The Nutcracker is one I love.
ReplyDeleteLuisa- Thank you! X
What a lovely story. I saw the ballet of the Nutcracker when I was about twelve - what a hero!
ReplyDeleteI love the Nutcracker too, and harbour secret dreams of seeing Son Number One dance in it one day!
ReplyDeleteThis is my wish for you,peace of mind, prosperity through the year, happiness that multiplies, health for you and yours, fun around every corner, energy to chase your dreams, joy to fill your holidays.So, enjoy your holiday with your family and friends, and make it unforgettable.
ReplyDeleteHave a Happy Holiday
Dearest Esteems,
ReplyDeleteWe are Offering best Global Financial Service rendered to the general public with maximum satisfaction,maximum risk free. Do not miss this opportunity. Join the most trusted financial institution and secure a legitimate financial empowerment to add meaning to your life/business.
Contact Dr. James Eric Firm via
Email: fastloanoffer34@gmail.com
Whatsapp +918929509036
Best Regards,
Dr. James Eric.
Executive Investment
Consultant./Mediator/Facilitator
BEST URGENT EFFECTIVE LOVE SPELL TO GET YOUR EX/HUSBAND/WIFE BACK FAST AND TO SAVE YOUR MARRIAGE NOW CONTACT LORD ZULU ON WHATSAPP DIRECTLY +1 (424) 361 7554
ReplyDelete+1 (424) 361 7554 Hi everyone I’m here to testify of a great and powerful spell caster called Lord Zulu I was so confused and devastated when my husband left me without word, I needed him back desperately because I loved him so much. So a friend of mine introduced me to this powerful spell caster who had helped her in getting her lover back, so I contacted him and he promised that in less than 72 hours he will come back to me. After I did all he asked, to my greatest surprise my husband who had refused to speak with me came to my house and asked for forgiveness for all he had made me go through and now we are living happily together, if you have any relationship problem I will advise you contact him for your testimonies. Below are his contact details. Contact him on.
EMAIL:Allsupremepowersolutionhome@gmail.com
WhatsApp OR Call:+1 (424) 361 7554
Link:mywa.link/lordzulu
You can get your ex back and cure your infertility problems with Dr Reethesh. When I met Dr Reethesh, my husband had divorced me because I was a barren woman at 32 years of age and I have been married for five years. I went to many hospitals and all the doctors I met were telling me that i'll not be able to give birth again. The doctors were telling me that I am affected with Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Uterine Fibroids. They were advising me to go for child adoption. I was devastated and confused as a woman of my age. I went online to look for help on how to get my marriage back then I met Dr Reethesh. Within a few weeks of contacting Dr Reethesh, my ex husband came back home and pleaded for me to forgive him and take him back after six months of divorce. I accepted him back and then I told Dr Reethesh of my bareness for him to help me. He did the spell for fertility. I took the herbs he sent to me. And after some months of finishing the herbs, I conceived. My husband got me pregnant and I gave birth to a handsome son. Presently, I am a mother of a handsome son and I am happy in my marriage. All thanks to Dr Reethesh and his wonderful work. Contact Dr Reethesh Via WhatsApp: +2349012999010 OR Email: reethesh60@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteHow Dr Wale made life easy for me. I was in love with my highschool girlfriend. We grew up together with strong love and sweet understanding. We were living peacefully together with ourselves. But here is how things started going wild for us. My woman works in a different city far away from me, So the best way of getting in touch is through communicating on the phone. But after five months, Our communication started slowing down. Whenever I call her she'll say she's busy and that she'll call me back when she's done with everything. That day will finish without her calling back, It's continue for months till I decide to pay her a surprise visit in the city where she works. After some few days with her I found out that my woman has been having an affair with his boss in the office. When I tried to question her about it, She told me that she was done with me and she doesn't want us to continue anymore. Those words broke my heart into pieces to the point that I almost took my life. Before going to my city she blocked me on all her social media handles. I went back to my city with deep pain inside of me, I was depressed and felt betrayed by her actions. After some months still living in pain and bitterness I told a friend of mine about the issues, My friend told me he'II introduced me to Dr Wale he said that Dr Wale is the only man that can bring back my happiness. He said to me his marriage is perfect today with the help of Dr Wale. When I reached out to Dr Wale and told him everything that was going on he told me to be calm and that I'II be a happy man again. Dr Wale instructed me to make payment for Items needed. The magic started when my woman gave me a call two days later crying on the phone begging me to please have mercy on her. She said she doesn't know what came over her that made her behave badly. We're now back together living happily again like we used to before. I wanna give all thanks to Dr Wale for making everything possible and for bringing my woman back to me. If you need any kind of help Dr Wale is the right man to contact. His WhatsApp/Viber: +2347054019402 OR Email: drwalespellhome@gmail.com
ReplyDelete