Writer
Everyone loves to know that someone is thinking of them, and this time of year is the perfect opportunity to send good wishes to all the special people in your life whether with a card, an email or a text. 😀
Happy Christmas to you! Lucia x
This e-card is available to share so feel free to use it for your own Christmas messages. Just copy and paste the image.
The illustration is by Anne Bowes (annebowesillustration.com)
Are you looking for a new story to read to children, a tale of magic, owls, with a touch of spookiness and a race for justice? Look no further than our book, Cedric in Amsterdam with wonderful illustrations by Anne Bowes. Cedric the bear* sets off on a quiet trip to Amsterdam to support his friend, Thomas, who is recovering from eye surgery, but it quickly turns into yet another fantastic adventure!
All illustrations by http://www.annebowesillustration.com
*Katie Eggington is the designer of the original physical bear, Cedric. You can find out more about Cedric and his other adventures at http://www.cedricthebear.com
I’m delighted to announce the arrival of http://strabismus-support.co.uk created to support strabismus patients, adults and children. Do take a look. Phase One focuses on the psycho-social impact of this complex and poorly-understood eye condition.
I am very grateful to Psychologist, Dr Silvia Riva, for her collaboration and to Prof Saurabh Jain , Consultant Ophthalmologist and leading expert in strabismus, for his endorsement and support.
If you have strabismus, this site is for you. If you are the parent of a child with strabismus, we want to help you, too. If you are a professional stakeholder in the treatment of strabismus sufferers, adults and children, I hope you will find this site useful, too. If you have conducted research related to strabismus that you feel would be helpful to the general public and is accessible via a free library/free article, I would be pleased to add this to the Strabismus Library page that I am developing. Do get in touch via my contact page for more information.
The http://www.strabismus-support.co.uk site has been created to support patients; we also hope that this site can be a catalyst for positive change.
If you are struggling with strabismus, please don’t suffer in silence.
Francesca and I are delighted that the diptych illustrating my experience of living with strabismus has been selected as the Image of the Month in both The Ophthalmologist and The New Optometrist magazines (online and print versions). I’m also proud of the fact that it sits alongside an important article written by Alun Evans featuring Mr Saurabh Jain, Consultant Ophthalmologist. Mr Jain is a collaborator on Face to Face with Strabismus and also advised me on the medical aspects of Reggie Ruby, the Pirate of the Trees.
Let me explain the story behind this image; on the left is what should have been my reflection in a mirror. On the right is what I saw every day with diplopia caused by strabismus. This distortion troubled me every day and yet people around me could not guess what I was dealing with. That frustration led me to create the concept behind this diptych which is based on an original photograph by Francesca.
Other strabismus sufferers have told me how tough they find their daily life. It is made harder by the lack of awareness about strabismus which, in turn, results in a lack of support which continues to this day. I am working hard with others to raise awareness of strabismus and to improve care for patients. If you suffer with strabismus, look after yourself and do make sure you get all the support that you need.
Lucia x
I am delighted to announce the publication of Cedric in Amsterdam, the second book in the Cedric series, which is available on Waterstones, Amazon and many other online bookstores. Whilst writing this book, I became very interested in owls! I had some great conversations with http://www.rspb.org.uk (in the UK) and with http://www.vogelbescherming.nl in the Netherlands. Do check out their fantastic websites if you, too, are a fan of our feathered friends!
Cedric in Amsterdam is illustrated by Anne Bowes (www.annebowesillustration.com), created in collaboration with Katie Eggington, the original creator of Cedric the physical bear, (www.creative-threads.co.uk), and written by yours truly! Lucia x
It’s a myth to think that children’s books can only be enjoyed by children! I often hear from adult readers who confide that they regularly return to the books that they loved as kids. I do it myself! Moreover, children’s books can provide a respite from tough times and we all need a bit of respite these days. In times of stress, reading can offer escape and solace; reading is good for your mental health! With warmest Christmas wishes to you! Lucia x
Now available on Amazon
Face to Face with Strabismus is an exploration of this poorly understood eye condition. Strabismus (which means to have misaligned eyes and is commonly referred to as a squint) is often dismissed – even within the medical community – as a cosmetic problem. This has resulted in inadequate support and unnecessary suffering for patients. Some patients have been incorrectly informed that the condition is incurable.
Through the patient interviews and photographic portraits, Lucia and Francesca have offered insight into the human story behind this condition. Consultant Ophthalmologists, Dr Giovanni Battista Marcon (in Italy) and Mr Saurabh Jain (in the UK), leading experts in the treatment of strabismus, have shared their knowledge and observations whilst also examining the reasons why strabismus patients are not getting the support and care that they should.
The book also discusses the topic of self-esteem and self-image, how some patients can suffer with poor self-image and ridicule in social situations because of their misaligned eyes. Psychologist and Lecturer, Dr Silvia Riva, has provided illuminating commentary through her study of the patient interviews and in her discussions with Francesca and Lucia on the impact of living with strabismus and the wider theme of what we see in the mirror when we are face to face with our own reflection.
Francesca Cesari, photographer, and Lucia Wilson, writer, are the co-creators of the Face to Face project. Lucia is a former strabismus patient.
I was delighted to read an extract from Cedric and the Button Bear with Anne’s lovely illustrations. Cedric and the Button Bear is one of the three stories from our book, The Adventures of Cedric the Bear, which is available on Amazon, Waterstones and many online sites.
Please click the link below and enjoy Cedric’s adventure with his friends!
Cedric and the Button Bear – from the Adventures of Cedric the Bear
With warmest wishes for the Christmas season from Lucia, Anne and Katie xxx
And from me! Cedric x
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I love writing stories for children, and I also enjoy reading aloud to them in schools and groups like the Brownies. My first aim is to write a page-turner, to keep my readers interested, but I also like to include social themes and health matters. These topics then become an interesting basis for a discussion after each reading. It’s so interesting to hear what children have to say and they never fail to surprise me!
My latest book, Reggie Ruby, the Pirate of the Trees, with wonderful illustrations by the very talented illustrator and stained-glass artist, Frans Wesselman, is about trees and saving the urban forest. It also has a subplot related to strabismus (also known as squint). As an adult sufferer of strabismus, it’s a topic I know something about. Eye Surgeon, Mr Saurabh Jain, kindly advised me on the medical content.
If you are interested in inviting me to do a reading for children (in person or online), please do get in touch. I’d be happy to discuss it with you.
Warmest wishes, happy reading! Lucia x
Illustration by Frans Wesselman from Reggie Ruby, the Pirate of the Trees
x
An art-loving friend and I visited Pangolin London in Kings Place for the first time recently and we were delighted to see the marvellous work on display, especially the fascinating creations by Danish artist, Merete Rasmussen. These highly coloured, swirling sculptures are fluid, continuous strips of colour and quite hypnotic. There’s so much movement and joy in these stunning, ceramic and bronze pieces; do catch this show if you can. Pangolin also has a wonderful sculpture trail, providing meditative artworks and quiet headspace in the middle of the clatter of Kings Cross.
Feast your eyes, feed your soul. Lucia x
It was great to learn about Shepherd.com and its unique approach to serving the book-loving public. I was delighted to be invited by Ben Fox to share my top five children’s books with underlying social themes. You might be surprised to know that one of my choices was in French – pretentious, moi? Not really, have a look at my review and you’ll understand why!
I really like the way the site guides me towards other books in my areas of interest and introduces me to new authors – very clever! It’s a great place to explore from the comfort of your armchair. Have a meander!
Lucia x
Burmese Rubies
When Robert Renconta arrived in England from Burma in 1957 with his beloved wife, Emily, and their three children, he was easily the most handsome man in the Customs Hall. He wore a formal, grey three-piece suit with a pristine white shirt; he looked like a diplomat. The only flamboyant feature in his appearance was the deep red twinkle of his ruby tiepin. It was a gift from his mother just before they left Rangoon.
“Burmese rubies, Robert, the finest gems in all the world,” said his mother through her tears. Robert’s hands trembled as he put the tiepin on, then gently pulled her towards him for one last embrace. Her body seemed so small and frail that he felt his heart would break. They slowly moved apart without saying goodbye or making promises to see each other soon. They knew that they would never meet again.
********
Twenty-five years later, Jenny Renconta sat quietly in her beautiful ivory gown as she waited for the wedding cars to arrive. She’d sent the bridesmaids off to another room because their hysterical chatter was driving her mad. A look of anxiety crossed Jenny’s face and tears threatened to spoil the expertly applied make-up.
“Sweetheart?” whispered her mother as she entered the room. “What is it?”
Jenny looked up at her and smiled.
“Don’t worry, Mum, I haven’t changed my mind!”
“Thank goodness for that! Daniel is such a wonderful man. Is it your father, are you thinking about him?”
“Yes….I wish he could have lived to be here with us today,” she replied, as one tear slipped down her lovely face.
“Oh, my darling! I know. He would have been so proud to walk you down the aisle… but, listen, listen…. I have something for you. I wanted to give it to you earlier, but the jeweller only managed to finish reworking it this morning and rushed it over to me in a taxi. I wasn’t sure if you would want to wear it today, but you might…?”
Jenny opened the dark blue box that her mother handed to her. She gently lifted out a beautiful bracelet made of delicate intertwining threads of gold with tiny sparkling droplets of something red.
“Are they… rubies?”
“From your Daddy’s tiepin. He had always wanted you to have it”.
Jenny put the bracelet on and hugged her mother hard.
“Burmese rubies…” her mother murmured.
“… The finest gems in all the world”, whispered Jenny.”
Burmese Rubies, written by Lucia Wilson, with an illustration by *Anne Bowes, is an extract from A Journey into Jewels.
If you would like to read another story about love and jewellery, The Karloff Tiara is available on Amazon.
Anne Bowes is also a jewellery designer.
Spring has arrived! How are you feeling? Have your shoulders loosened? Have you put away your heavy winter coat in favour of something lighter, brighter? Covid restrictions are still in place but we need to dream, small or big.
My big dream is of travelling, but that’s not an option right now.
A smaller, more achievable day-dream is to think about my little garden and how I can wake it up from its winter slumber. I really enjoyed choosing some packets of seeds in the hope of re-shaping the view that I look out on.
Nature is our friend and her kind embrace is never far away. Even if you don’t have a garden, find your nearest park, feast your eyes and soothe your soul. Let Mother Nature give you her warming hug. Before too long, we’ll be sharing real hugs once more. Lucia x
Arms twitch with the thwarted desire to pull in close a loved one. Covid rules dictate, with the power of reason and a brutal command. We hold back, protecting life while hearts break. Lucia Wilson 2020
As this horrendous year draws to its close, I wanted to reflect on one element that will have affected us all, the loss of human touch; a hug is the simplest expression of love in all its forms. It made me think about all the lost hugs of 2020; the saddest example of all must surely be where people have died without an embrace from their loved ones.
Here’s to 2021 when, in time, we will be able to hug again.
Lucia x
Alarm clock
Bathroom mirror
Dodgy reflection
Breakfast TV
Chirpy presenters
Caffeine injection
Underground warriors battle for seats
Struggle for dominance
Office door
Computer switch-on
Lights and…
.. ACTION!
Email, voicemail,
males and females
Greetings, meetings,
decisions, decisions
Outcome, plans and
human factors
Negotiation,
confrontation,
solutions and laughter.
Some flirty lies, as time flies, the day
nearly over
The players bow to mute
applause, retreat commences
Journey reversed
routine well-rehearsed,
with occasional abstentions
Alarm set
eyes close as sleep lays prey
But here’s a thought before you
sleep
Have you seen the sky today?
It’s generally considered that clouds are a negative but I have always been inspired by the sky and clouds, in all weathers. So often, we humans fail to look up and miss out on the positive benefits this simple act can bring in terms of our wellbeing. A few weeks’ ago, I took a photograph of a stunning cloud formation from my roof terrace as you can see from my not -so-brilliant picture below.
By chance, a few days later, I saw a BBC interview with the Cloud Appreciation Society (yes, there really is such a wonderful thing). I contacted them to share one of my poems and a very nice person called Sheena paired my poem, Have you seen the sky today? with a much better photograph by Adrian Wakefield. By sheer coincidence, without knowing what was in my original photo, Sheena paired my poem with a photograph of the same cloud formation that I had photographed! I now know it’s called a mackerel sky and you can find the proper name on the site via this link. You can also find more wonderful photography and poetry by visiting https://cloudappreciationsociety.org/
It’s important to take care of ourselves, so, don’t forget, if you are in need of a stress-free, cost-free moment, all you have to do is look up! Lucia x
Lucia Wilson