Look After Each Other!
Saturday, 12 July 2025
Asking Copilot for information…scary!
Monday, 19 February 2024
Books by MARILYN L RICE
Hello Everyone,
Lady M here. I thought it was time to update you on all of MARILYN L. RICE'S books.
Way back in 2001she published Time &Tide on her 50th birthday. This book is now out of print but second-hand copies are available on such places as eBay and Amazon.
'TIME AND TIDE' tells the story of Irene Joy Stephenson, born on January 1 1950. The Prologue sets the scene for her fiftieth birthday; chapter one goes back in time to her birth. She realizes that life is cruel at an early age when her mother attempts suicide and her brother dies on his first birthday. When she is ten the family move from a Nottinghamshire village to a country estate, owned by Lord Fordingham, where her father takes up the post of Estate Manager. She, and the gardener's son, Daniel become childhood sweethearts. They plan their future together; they both pass the 11+ examination and take up places at the local Grammar School. They are inseparable until he is killed in a car accident. She returns to school as a sixth-former, takes the 'A' level exams and then attends the local College of Education. In her final year she meets Philip White. They qualify as teachers and marry in 1972 before taking up posts in Birmingham. On her wedding night she realizes that it has all been a mistake. She does not love him but was infatuated by his similarity to Daniel. They drift apart; he has an affair with a sixth-former from his school. He and Irene divorce and he leaves the area with his pregnant girlfriend in disgrace. Irene is left devastated and alone again. Her Head of Department helps her pick up the pieces of her broken life. Their relationship develops; they marry and are happy but it is short lived. He has a tragic accident before he finds out he is to be a father. Irene returns to her parents at Fordingham and gives birth to a son who only lives for a few months. The local vicar tries to help her through the trauma. She becomes involved in the Church and eventually marries him. As the vicar's wife she feels that she has found her true vocation in life. In 1993 the Rev. Alistair Duncan finds that he cannot come to terms with female vicars. Priesthood for him is a male domain. His solution is to tell the Bishop telling of his crisis of faith and his wish not to be found before disappearing. Irene spends the last years of the nineties just waiting for January 2000 when seven years after his desertion she will officially become a widow. She must carry on with her life in the new century because 'TIME AND TIDE' wait for no one'. Throughout the story, in the form of a diary written by Irene's mother, is a concise history of events, changes and discoveries during the second half of the twentieth century, possibly the most dynamic fifty years in our history.
No Regrets was published in 2003 and Stay in Touch in 2005. They are both available on the Internet or message her!
NO REGRETS
"When we meet the heroine, 30-something Joanna, she is newly divorced and trying to rebuild her life. We share her innermost thoughts, as she realises that she has to come to terms with being an available single woman for any predatory male among her neighbours and at the school where she teaches, a hotbed of professional and sexual duplicity. How she reconciles her new role in life, copes and fails to cope with the challenges, results in a diary-based novel startling in its frankness. Marilyn L Rice brings acute observation to her story which moves along at a pace, fully involving the reader. Many will identify with the agonising decisions facing professional women. This is reality in today’s world." John Jenkins
STAY IN TOUCH
"Sofia Haslington is a 36-year-old mother and housewife kept under the thumb of her priggish, anal-retentive husband, Derek. Living by a second-to-second timetable and under strict rules enforced by her husband, Sofia decides to visit a well-respected clairvoyant, hoping for a bit of respite from her otherwise dreary existence. But what she is surprised to learn that day not only changes her life...it changes her. "
"This book answers the question," Is there 'life' after death?" Sofia has died, but come back from "upstairs" to watch her funeral. What a revelation! To be able to see and hear what people were saying about her now that she was dead and they had no idea she could see and hear them. And Derek? Well, if ever there was a hypocrite it's Derek. Her father, Scott was with her and while Derek was, trying to be the centre of attention, reading a passage from 1 Corinthians at the crematorium, Scott blew smoke rings in his face. He tried to shout above the smoke rings. It was hilarious..."
But to quote from the blurb,
"This stunning book series delves into karma, the afterlife, and more things in heaven and earth than you have ever dreamed!"
I noticed that I was getting a lot of those 'like' clicks and friends seemed to be enjoying my humble daily offering. I had an idea… put all of my posts into a short book and publish them. I have placed one of the 'Words of Wisdom' on each page and the' Life is…' quotations follow with some illustrations, either photographs from my albums or downloads from the Net under creative commons licence. All the acknowledgements may be found at the end of the booklet after information on my books.
I hope that those of you who download this will delve into it on the dark days and find that it puts the smile back on your face.
How would I describe it? Humorous, philosophical, satirical, stimulating, inspirational, illuminating, intriguing, thought-provoking, fresh, invigorating and delightful.
Enjoy!"
"The uproarious saga of the singing horses begins when they leave the paddock in Alabama and travel to Memphis for votes because they all want to win The Best Equine Author of the Year contest. Although they’re competing to win, they work together in the entertainment industry as the famous singing horses’ troupe. They are widely known for their escapades throughout the United States and Europe, causing mayhem wherever they go. Each horse has a number and a special talent, such as #00, the dancing queen, #23, a ballerina and filly friend of #7 who is related to the racing legend, Red Rum. They ride on the Orient Express to Venice, where they face the paparazzi who chase them, so they go into hiding. The paparazzi put up a €10,000 reward for information on them. A McDoodles employee takes a photo of #7 eating chips and sends it to the paparazzi, forcing them to gallop away again. They flee to Moscow, on to Athens and then to the donkey sanctuary in Cyprus, all the while performing and neighing for votes. During the long wait for the announcement of the final ten authors, they travel to New Orleans, where they enjoy numerous cocktails and much merriment. Ultimately, the announcement of the winner is a big surprise to everyone but the judges! The remaining contestants refuse to leave their lovely paddock and stage a neigh-in. Bulldozers and diggers arrive to destroy the paddock, but the paparazzi stand in protest with the equine."
The Singing Horses is a delightful story full of hilarious adventures to delight readers of all ages." Out of print but copies still available from the author. Please leave a message.
THE SAD LITTLE FOAL
This story was written not by a human but a small orphan foal, #7, who has little legs, is only eight hands high, and loves chips. We think it is based on his life with fantasy as are most stories. Have you ever read anything written by a young member of the equine community? #7 entered his foal story in a competition. He was delighted when Mr. J. invited him to ‘The Paddock’ to take part in a contest for a much coveted prize - a publishing contract and the title, “Best Equine Author of the Year”. The story of that contest is THE SINGING HORSES. #7’s foal story, THE SAD LITTLE FOAL, caused the website to crash as every human and equine wanted to read his manuscript. Now it is published all may read it. It is about a foal meeting his mama for the first time, falling asleep by her side. When he wakes his mama has gone. He is very sad and waits for her to return. Alas, she is in equine heaven. This little foal waits for his papa to come and teach him all the little foal things he needs to know. He’s surprised to discover his papa is a celebrity… In this book, THE SAD LITTLE FOAL you may read information regarding the author, an introduction about the story before you read it, the foal story, two chapters from THE SINGING HORSES, extra information about the special equine language and etiquette. Finally, and naturally information about the author’s other books. Enjoy.
Suitable 8 -99! Only available as an eBook at the moment and from Amazon
The author frequently sees secondhand copies online!
Happy reading to all of my followers.
Love Lady M xxxxx
Tuesday, 2 January 2024
Helping the BHF
Tuesday, 11 July 2023
The Sad Little Foal
#Amazon #sadlittlefoal, #singinghorses, #foalstory #equine #booklovers, #readers #shortstory #horses #foals #unique #different #kindle #greatread #whattoread #movingstory #smile #adelight #mustread #AmazonCart
Hello everyone
Yea! #10 published. E-book only. #7’s story from the THE SINGING HORSES is available for all, at last. Enjoy.
This story was written not by a human but a small orphan foal, #7, who has little legs, is only eight hands high, and loves chips. We think it is based on his life with fantasy as are most stories. Have you ever read anything written by a young member of the equine community? #7 entered his foal story in a competition. He was delighted when Mr. J. invited him to ‘The Paddock’ to take part in a contest for a much coveted prize - a publishing contract and the title, “Best Equine Author of the Year”. The story of that contest is THE SINGING HORSES.
#7’s foal story, THE SAD LITTLE FOAL, caused the website to crash as every human and equine wanted to read his manuscript. Now it is published all may read it. It is about a foal meeting his mama for the first time, falling asleep by her side. When he wakes his mama has gone. He is very sad and waits for her to return. Alas, she is in equine heaven. This little foal waits for his papa to come and teach him all the little foal things he needs to know. He’s surprised to discover his papa is a celebrity…
In this book, THE SAD LITTLE FOAL you may read information regarding the author, an introduction about the story before you read it, the foal story, two chapters from THE SINGING HORSES, extra information about the special equine language and etiquette. Finally, and naturally information about the author’s other books. Enjoy.
Suitable 8+ - 99!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRYFTB44?ref_=cm_sw_s_fa_ud_sem_HMCGHQG4V94YS565RQ8Y#_=_
Tuesday, 11 April 2023
On Your Own Doorstep--- The Library of Birmingham
The Library of Birmingham
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Yes Sofia here, Lady M has summoned me back for one week only to tell you all about her visit to the new Library of Birmingham. At Christmas a friend enlightened her regarding the use of the concessionary bus pass for Senior Citizens. She had never bothered to collect one because buses are not as convenient as her little car BUT she discovered that the bus pass can be used on the Metro and trains in the Central Network area. So, she applied for hers and last week managed to find the tram and had a free ride into Birmingham. She returned on a 129 bus which took the scenic tour round Warley and about an hour to get back to West Bromwich. Since then she has been boasting that she no longer has a virgin bus pass! Really!
The second city, Birmingham is on her own doorstep. It's only five miles down the road but it now costs a fortune to park the car which is why she stopped going into town. However, this new library was a good reason to venture into the city. What did she see? Take a look at the pics below.
Looking up from the Amphitheatre |
Vietnamese? No problem |
The Book Rotunda |
Chinese! |
Discovery Terrace |
Centenary Square and the War Memorial as seen from The Discovery Terrace |
The canal as seen from The Secret Garden
If you can get there, go and see for yourself!
Love Sofia xxxx
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Wednesday, 25 January 2023
Burns Night
Today is 25th January and an important day for celebrating in Scotland regardless of the weather. It is Burns Night. Robert Burns, the Scots poet, (it is Scot and not Scotch as one of my friends once said, she was a person not a glass of whisky!) was born on 25th January 1759. Scots all over the world celebrate his birthday with music, dancing, haggis and whisky.
Robert Burns was born at Alloway, a village in Ayrshire. His father was a farmer, honest, intelligent and God fearing. He wanted the best education for his sons and coerced some of his neighbours to join him in engaging a Mr Murdoch, a teacher from Ayr to come and teach the boys in a hired room in Alloway; this lasted for two years. Later in 1772, Robert attended Dalrymple parish school to improve his writing. In 1773 he spent some time with Mr Murdoch in to revise his English grammar and study French. However, in between his education he worked on the farm with his father and at 15 had become his father's chief labourer but he would always have a book with him and when possible would read a few verses of poetry.
Mr Burns, senior died when Robert was 25. Robert, with his brothers and sisters moved to another farm at Mauchline. He found friendship with many of the educated men in the area and discovered that writing poetry was his niche in life. He was never going to be a successful farmer. He published his first book of poems in 1786; it was a huge success earning him £20! The ploughman became famous as a poet.
In 1788 he married his long term girlfriend, Jean Armour. He then moved to take up a position as an excise officer in Dumfries which involved the collection of duty on spirits and beer. He enjoyed his new life style and the opportunities it offered. Weakened by drink and dissipation, he contracted a fever and died at the age of 37 (1796).
So, to all Scots everywhere... Happy Burns Night!
Friday, 5 August 2022
On Your Own Doorstep... Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Okay, so you don't live near Birmingham but do you know what is available in a city or town near you whether it be Manchester, Liverpool, Amsterdam, Salzburg, New York or Canberra?
Until next week, I leave you with this thought:
Tomorrow is not promised to us so make the most of today!
Wherever you wander just remember to take a good book with you!
Love, Lady M xxxx
Friday, 29 July 2022
On Your Own Doorstep...Grand Central
Hello Everyone,
Originally posted six years ago. Wow! Time flies. I can’t believe. I am reposting it today because Birmingham is an exciting place to be right now. On Monday I watched the Commonwealth baton carried right past my house on the way to the Sandwell Valley. The baton was carried through Sandwell on Monday before Solihull on Tuesday and onto Birmingham for the start of the Commonwealth Games. Grand Central and the Library, the largest in Europe (posted last week) will be visited by numerous peeps from around the Commonwealth this week. Enjoy.
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Yes, it's arrived...August and we all know what's round the corner. I won't mention it, well just say the 'C' word and leave it to your imagination!
I'm continuing with my theme of 'On Your Own Doorstep' and last week I went into Birmingham, on the Metro, using my concessionary pass, so it was FREE. Don't you just love that word! Free travel, one of the perks of old age in the UK. The Metro now goes through Birmingham city centre stopping at Bull Street and Corporation Street before terminating at Grand Central for New Street Station.
Birmingham, approximately five miles from home, so on the doorstep, has undergone much regeneration over the last decade or so. Grand Central is the masterpiece on the site previously known as The Pallasades. What used to be a cold, uninviting concourse with central escalators leading to New Street Station is now a vibrant, lively, inviting area full of eating places and surrounded by attractive shops. It used to be a boring thoroughfare to the station. Now, it is a hive of activity with an electric atmosphere.
The Birmingham of the 'swinging sixties' has disappeared to be replaced by a twenty-first century one. I was meeting a friend for lunch and a chat. While waiting I wandered out onto the main entrance to the station and surveyed the view. It was hard to believe it was still Smallbrook Queensway. The massive concrete block opposite the station had disappeared with new modern buildings in its place. There were only two features remaining, the iconic Rotunda building and The Odeon cinema, the only red brick building in sight. I was really impressed. In fact, I am going to make a prediction! Bearing in mind that the NEC is on the outskirts of Birmingham and its location in the country my prediction is that by the next century Birmingham will have replaced London as the capital of England. London will be a tourist attraction.
I will leave you with that thought and some of my pics.
The red brick Odeon midst the new Birmingham |
The iconic Rotunda |
The very modern roof on Grand Central
Have a great week,
Lady M xxxxx
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Friday, 24 June 2022
On your own doorstep - Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings
The Town House 15th Century style |
Hello Everyone,
Isn't the weather glorious this week in the UK? Let's enjoy it and venture forth, (if or while we can afford it!) Lady M has got a bee in her bonnet about visiting local places. This week she has found her favourite museum in the archives. She last visited it in 2017. Covid has a lot to answer for.
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This week I would like to take you to the Avoncroft Museum near Bromsgrove. I have visited it a few times during the last thirty years and I remember my first visit when the shire horse, Lloyd, the one used in the banking adverts was stabled there. Since then, the museum has grown in size. Now it has a model railway and The National Telephone Kiosk Collection as additions to its buildings. I just love the windmill, toll house, ice house and the prefab house, buildings which take you back to the past. In fact, when I first saw the prefab house in the early eighties I remember thinking that the bathroom was better than mine. Since then, I've had a new suite installed.
Anyway, on my recent trip I strolled round taking some pretty pics before enjoying lunch in the Edwardian tearooms and then wandering round the gift shop. I would like to share some of my pics with you. There is one place which always amuses me because I thought unisex conveniences were a modern thing... apparently not!
The Mission church |
Chimneys! |
Part of the Telephone Kiosk collection |
Toll prices pre M6 days! |
The Toll house |