
On the way home from a hospital visit in 2020, I stopped at Balmedie beach.
Balmedie Beach
I crossed the boardwalk slowly, being careful not to catch my slippers in the gaps between wood. My foot is a lot better, though I still can’t wear proper shoes or put my heel right down on the ground, but I was determined to walk on the beach.

I made wee slipper footprints in the sand as I went. And then stood and stared out at the wind turbines on the horizon.

The low winter sun made dark silhouettes of the dunes.

There was a tideline of shells. I liked them. I poked them. And I put one or two in my pocket.

And then shuffled back through the soft sand to the car, and home to hot chocolate.

Reviews
There’s two new reviews of The Mermaid and the Bear up on Rosie Amber’s site. They’re both quite profound. I am blessed to have such deep thinking people take the time to write down their thoughts on the book.
The first, from Jenni here: “A narrative about the hurt that can be given carelessly, and the pain that can be survived. A fairytale, and a myth, and a Shakespearean epic all rolled to one—The Mermaid and the Bear is a delight for those brave enough to tackle it. 5/5, would re-read most any day of the year.”
And then from Claire: “I loved this book much more than I thought I would. It has a depth that I did not expect but at the same time, it had an open-heartedness and generosity that I’m not used to when compared to my usual contemporary fiction reading.”
I hope you all have a good festive time, if you celebrate, and stay well and cosy and eat lots of good food.

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Beautiful photos.
🙂
You have done it again. Your photography is as good as a holiday. May your holiday season bring you much happiness. In other words, thank you for you. I also liked your quote from the Mermaid and the Bear.
Thank you. I hope you have a happy holiday time too 🙂
I’m glad that you liked the latest reviews of your book, thanks for sharing them with your readers. Merry Christmas,
Rosie
They were such well thought out reviews. Merry Christmas to you too 🙂
Gorgeous photos, looks so peaceful. Hope your foot continues to improve.
Thank you 🙂
So beautiful ♥️
Glad you like 🙂
Wow♥️
Very glad to hear that your foot is improving. You live in a beautiful place and thank you for the stunning photos. I can never walk on a beach without picking up shells and pebbles! Enjoy whatever celebrations you have at this time of year.
Thank you. I hope you had a good time too 🙂
Such beautiful beach photos. I can see why you’re drawn there. Congratulations on your book’s latest reviews!
Thank you!
You’re welcome!
Beautiful!
🙂
Very Beautiful
The seaside is always beautiful, is it not?
I agree with both reviews of your book. I was very positively surprised about the attitude of the girl. That is not so typical for our present time … or maybe it is, again …
Indeed it is 🙂
Good to see you’re on the mend. Be well <3
Thank you 🙂
Book purchased on Kindle (through the link on your site). I cannot wait to read it!
Hope you enjoy 🙂
I miss the shore… enjoyed this walk with you. Lovely photos.
The beach is such a special place.
The ocean is such a Healer. 🙂
Agreed.
Thanks for sharing these photos and the reviews of your book. I hope you have a cosy and nice Christmas big hugs
Thank you 🙂
Lovely photos and glad to see you are on the mend! I would be looking at those shells all day long.
They are rather mesmerising!
Your perception and sensitivity is lovely. Thank you for sharing.
I’m glad you liked.
I always enjoy reading your posts and looking at your photos, Ailish. Continue healing and writing.
Thank you 🙂
Stunning beach photos. The light is wonderful.
It really was.
Incredible visuals. As I was looking at them, I sensed that they were peeping into my very soul!
Shakti
Wonderful!
Hot chocolate after a beautiful beach visit. Sounds divine!
It was 🙂
Wow, love the scenic views!!! Especially the wind turbines in the distance. ❤️ The excerpt about the mistletoe is absolutely amazing! Love that!
Thank you 🙂
I’m glad you seem to be recovering.
Thank you 🙂
Hiya. Thanks for liking my post on that Alice book. Love your photos, by the way. Best wishes, Guy
You’re welcome, and thank you 🙂
This is beautiful ❤️
Thank you 🙂