When I saw this feature on the BBC website celebrating their favourite images of the year I just had to share my favourites with you. 2021 has been tough but I hope you all have a wonderful 2022. All photographs from Getty Images and subject to copyright
This explosive image is Joey Logano and Cole Custer following an on-track incident at the Nascar Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in FloridaThis scenic shot is of USA’s David Colturi diving from the 27.5m rock platform at the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Mayo, IrelandTaken in March, Players of the Ordynskoye district ice hockey team and HC Sibir Novosibirsk take part in a friendly on the frozen Orda River in Russia’s Novosibirsk regionThe inspirational American gymnast Simone Biles captured using combined multiple exposures, warming up prior to the women’s balance beam final during the Tokyo OlympicsBritain’s Emma Raducanu tosses a tennis ball to fans just after beating Maria Sakkari to reach the US Open women’s final. She would win the final two days later, in my sporting highlight of the year. China’s Zheng Tao competes in the men’s 100m freestyle on day two of the Tokyo Paralympics. He winning 4 gold medals in the Tokyo 2020 ParalympicChina’s badminton team cheer in a circle before the Uber Cup final against Japan of the Thomas & Uber Cup in Aarhus, Denmark. China won 3-1. Germany’s Tobias Muller falls in this brilliantly timed photograph as Austria’s Johannes Aujesky competes in the men’s ski cross at the FIS Cross World Cup in Zhangjiakou, China
Though much is taken, much abides; and though We are not now that strength which in old days Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are; One equal temper of heroic hearts, Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
The much celebrated English Poet Lord Alfred Tennyson (1809 – 1892), who was Poet Laurette during much of Queen Victoria’s reign.
Hey everyone. I wanted to share this interview I had with the wonderful Tomes and Tales blog I discovered recently. As you can imagine from such a bibliophile, the questions were varied and perceptive and it was a pleasure to answer them all. Please click below to see it.
A few months ago, I had the chance of hosting the book Always Never, Rarely Sometimes on its blog tour. I loved the varied tales and their assortment of memorable characters and imaginative dialogue. On reaching out to Welsh-Mexican writer Alexander Raphael, I was thrilled when he agreed to do an interview feature for Tomes and Tales.
INTERVIEW WITH ALEXANDER RAPHAEL
1. From journalism to poetry and short stories, your writing career spans the spectrum of genres and forms. How do you navigate the different styles? Do you have any preferences for a particular form?
I think it all starts with a love of language. I’ve always loved the way different words can set a scene or describe a person, whether that’s in fiction or non-fiction, news or creative. And then it all comes down to audience really. In journalism it’s about being informative, accurate and succinct. Whereas when I…
This delightful image was taken by Dutch/Swedish international photographer Geert Weggen, who has been specialising in squirrels for the past few years. You can find more examples of her work here. There’s been a lot going on, so sorry for not being on so much recently.
As someone who grew up a huge fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, I just had to share this incredible shot of one from the Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. It was taken by specialist underwater photographer Aimee Jan, and won the Ocean Photographer of the Year 2021, as run by Oceanographic Magazine.
Last month I used the wonderful Rachel from Rachel’s Random Resources, who specialises in promoting writers by highlighting their work to literary bloggers. I wanted to thank all the reviewers for their time and effort in reading and their thoughts on my work. I would totally recommend all their websites too.
It means everything to hold this trophy and I don’t want to let go right now.
Newly crowned US Open champion Emma Raducanu. The 18-year-old Kent-based teenager broke numerous records including being the first qualifier to win a major (male or female) and winning a major in fewest attempts. She is also the first British woman to win the US Open since Virginia Wade in 1968.
Wow, another year already! I’m blowing the candles out as we speak! Just wanted to thank you all for making this place the wonderful community it is. I know I haven’t been too much recently but I will catch up soon with you all.
Trigger: And that’s what I’ve done. Maintained it for 20 years. This old broom’s had 17 new heads and 14 new handles in its time. Sid: How the hell can it be the same bloody broom then? Trigger: There’s the picture. What more proof do you need?
Roger Lloyd-Pack and Roy Heather in the hilarious long-running sitcom Only Fools and Horses (1981 – 2003). Set in Peckham, each of its 64 episodes was written by its creator John Sullivan and told of a loveable market trader and his brother’s dreams of becoming millionaires.