Melvin the Reggae Master

Okay folks.. Well I urge you to please visit and check out my YouTube channel to watch and now listen to my Melvin The Hairy Frog videos and songs... Here is the latest Reggae Tune with Melvin

Enjoy

Kissed a frog

They say "You have to kiss a lot of frogs before you meet your prince' well wait no longer... Meet Melvin.... #MelvinTheHairyFrog

Melvin is potentially going to be with us for a long time. 

I have published just one of a few stories about this handsome chappy. The following one will make it's entrance in the coming weeks. 

Please make sure you watch out for the new Melvin the hairy frog stories on Amazon. However, for the moment, there's still the original Frog Tale to read. 

Jasmine

Sweet young Jasmine. Retired racer through injury, she was sidelined and not much of a prospect. Now, we have her and love her to bits...
Full of life, mischief and love. She is enjoying life, being in her 'forever home', getting fussed over, very much spoilt.
She is quite different to our RosieG, she barks, especially at the telly if there are dog noises... She plays with toys and loves her ball. She also eats very well. We are so pleased she's eating well. She was so scrawny and in poor condition when we first homed her.
Unlike Rosie, she's not a fan of dentistix, she does like pigs ears though (yuck!)...
Same breed but such different, individual characters.
Jasmine is such a tale wagger, it's more like a 360° rotation at 100 mph... So cute but so dangerous.. She has a little of her tail missing, right at the tip! I am sure it must have been a traumatic amputation: we had the bloodbath the other night. It was like a scene from a thriller where the killer has knifed someone to death and there has been a struggle!! A 'massacre' at home... It wasn't but it could have been. There was blood everywhere.
The splatter was a fine bloody spray in our bedroom, the hall, stairs and landing, dinning room and upstairs bathroom. Who knows what she had hit but it was very evident.
To complicate things a bit more, we had a house viewing the next day (we are selling our place) so we had to plan something.... Julie had to work so she thought it best to clean when she was back home.
I thought I'd save us time by cleaning the blood where I could get to it : mirrors, furnishings, doors, walls...and dab the marks off.
Big mistake!
The dabbing on the walls was 'inefficient' so rubbing was required and it worked, on the white walls. The walls in the hall, stairs and landing are blue and the rubbing caused more of a problem, the paint rubbed off... Revealing the undercoat so desperate measures were needed, I'll use the spare paint left over from painting that area a couple of years ago, no problem.
I looked for a tester pot in the shed and found it, dabbed all over the areas affected and hey presto, done!
Wrong.....the walls were now like a blue leopard print!
I thought the paint was the right shade but was just taking a little longer to dry when in fact it was around 5 tones darker!
Panic ensued, I had a couple of hours to fix this, I am not driving so I hobbled with my walking stick, down to the DIY store, found the tester pots and then, more anxiety: 'which one is the correct shade? what if its not? I can't afford to waste any more time or energy running back and forth so I bought 4 shades of blue.
Problem solved? I wasn't going to get away with it as easily as that!
They were all a tad darker or lighter but not the same, the leopard print was now more interesting as the lighter shades differentiated the darker spots to make it, well, damned obvious something was wrong!!
Panic
I was broken at this point and Julie cane home.
You can imagine what she said and how she felt, well not as bad as I did.
We went of hunting for different shades of blue. A hue that was now no longer available!
Thankfully, Keiron and Aga came round. They said not to panic, took a couple of photos of the walls with the camera on the phone, went down to Homebase and half an hour later, a perfect match, good enough for the house viewing.

So what happened to the culprit, Jasmine, not me...?
Well she had foam pipe lagging and a dressing applied to her tail which was successful in protecting and healing her tail.
We now try not to get her too excited or at least, steer her from any obstructions when she is in full helicopter mode!!

Family visits

My cousin Jessie and her youngest daughter, Jenna, came to visit today. It was great to catch up over a few hours of chat, laughs and memories.

It's Jessie's birthday tomorrow and I cannot believe it's been 'that many years' since I held her in my arms as a young lad myself... She was only a couple of days old and just been sent home from the maternity unit in Gibraltar.

All these decades later, we remain tight and closer than ever in our exile in the East of England... Self exile BTW.

She is the mother to two wonderful young ladies, Anya and Jenna.
It's hard to accept the 'little ones' are in their teens now. They were my 'testing crowd' for my material. Little jokes, stories and magic tricks I'd put them through (sorry girls).
Julie and I honed our grandparenting skills on them. Although not officially our grandkids, we treated them like they were. Taking them to places, testing our pram skills and enjoying every minute with them.

They are too old to stay at our house now, like they used to.. It's not hip. We used to lie in bed and make up stories, adding bits to the story line as we went along until the story was no longer what it set out as... Like a story line chinese whispers.
However, should they need to, they are always welcome.

They are great kids and have wonderful parents in Jessie and Tony and we are always there for each other...
We may not have lots of money, fast cars, flash jewellery etc but we have pride, love and family... Xxx

Life is not all bad at times ...

A gorgeous, sunny valentines day in England, my temperature gauge said 11c. Quite remarkable, considering it was freezing cold and snowy a little while ago.

Rosie has been out in the garden laying down as I collected up dog poop (well I can't say shit as I don't know who is reading this...).

Brilliant isn't it... Rosie, Smudge and Jim have been capping away in the back garden and I have to pick it all up!
I should have joined them, pooping in the garden, then I'd feel less peeved!
It's a good thing I can't bent too well because it all looked revolting. However, it would be a wired world if dog poo was 'nice'...

Despite the plethora of crap, the atmosphere is quite relaxing and spring-like as the sun shines down and nature blossoms.
There are loads of beautiful birds  singing away, celebrating the abundance of sun. So, are we over that weather hump now?
I fear not.
I've know it to snow much later than this... Well even last year, when I woke up from my coma in late March, I could see snow out of the ward windows through my blurry eyes.

However, it's Valentines day and I wrote Julie a card and she did one for me.. Yes, after 35 years of marriage, our love is solid and strong. Its endured many troublesome times, and no doubt there will be a few more but do you know what? We are there for each other and as the years add up, I am so pleased we are growing old together and have a great family that has blossomed from our branch of the family tree.
We have not only joined families together but also cultures. We've loved together, fought together and laughed together. We have forged our strong unit and produced two more generations thus far... So pretty good work wouldn't you agree?

So I agree, this is an over commercialised day, so no flowers bought!
It is a chance though to stop, take stock and see how lucky and beautiful life can be...

Anyway, her card: was wonderfully written as always, full of sentiment, it brought tears of joy to my eyes and an ache in my heart... I am blessed!

So with this in mind I will take this opportunity, seeing as it's my blog anyway, to say 'Happy Valentines Day Julie' and I wish everyone will have the chance of long lasting love and happiness... X

A perfect weekend so far

What makes a perfect weekend?
It's waking up to and with, a smile. That lust for life and joy at being alive and sharing the moments.
We have seen all our sons (3), all our daughters-in-law (3) and our four grandchildren
Their laughter, smiles and quick learning is amazing and we are blessed to have such a wonderful immediate family as well as our extended family
Together, they make a dynamic team and we love them to bits... Family is precious, we need to learn to love and enjoy them for what  we are together. Amazing  ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you

Tuning up

The passion for music is something that never leaves me, no matter what... Listening to the melodies, the words, guitar rifs and drum beats all mixed in, I love it.
Drums are my passion...
I was brought up in Gibraltar and home was a modest flat so not much room for a set of drums so... I eventually got a guitar.
Why guitar, I liked it too and it was easy to play, no extra storage and a good sound would be emitted  who knows, I could be the next Michael Schenker, Richie Blackmore or Clapton!!!
I have been playing guitar since I was 16, buying my first guitar with my first wages as a student nurse.
I bought a black guitar, no amp with it and no case, just a large cardboard box. A shiny new axe!
The music store did provide me with a strap and a few picks so a good start. Would you believe I cannot remember the make!

I got it home and tuned it up and... It was dreadful  I was dreadful
The sound was far from sweet, I had a lot to learn.
The next thing on my list was the amplifier. It was massive and a great sound, a Marshall amp. I'd sit on it in the living room and ay LOUD.. 🎵
Next was an effect pedal, a Wah-Fuzz... Awsome.
I also had a Red Base guitar and quite liked playing that... Easier!

I played my guitar every day for a couple of years and then I left home, Gibraltar, leaving it behind.
Over the years, we purchased a couple of second hand acoustic guitars and I'd play 'smoke on the wayer' and other 'easy' tunes for my boys when they were little.
Keiron plays guitar and he is awsome... I now rely on his little tips to help me out and take his seconds
Paul used to play keyboard although he's not played for a fair few years. Sean bought himself a drum kit in his teens and was nevour too devoted to it.. In fact, I played them more, after all , always dreamt of it.

I have picked up a few tricks over the years but never had any formal training. Time has also been pretty scarce when you have parenting duties, work etc.
Hence one of the great things about  retirement.
I love my acoustic and I play that one the most, then I have one of Keirons old guitars, a nice 'Fender Strat style'... I love it. There's a cool effect pedal and a small practice amp, can't sit on that one.. Not with my back 😜

Time is finally available for me to tune up and bang out some tunes, Supertramp, Pink Floyd, America, the Stones, MSG, Scorpions... The oldies!

Who knows, maybe the next career as a musician?
I doubt it!!!
However, I am enjoying the tunes

So sorry

I am so sorry for the lack of entries  and updates.
Since my encephalitis, it's left me a little 'frazzled'.. My excuse but it's true.
I'm on it again so will update you all.
In the meantime, as Christmas approaches, please be sure to consider giving a little something different... Yes, one of my books would be great but far more would be great.
What?
Peace and love to all but more importantly, tell your loved ones You love them.
Xx

Encephalitis and me...

Apologies for not posting much over the last 6 months.
The reason being, a stay in intensive care, unconsciousness, in an induced comma, waking up confused, dazed and scared, festooned with tubes everywhere and no recollection as to why.
Its been a  sereal journey. The time since has been hard.

One day I am Ram, the next moment, a shell of who I was... Gloomy yes but that's what it felt like.
From being free and able bodied to being dependent on many people, predominantly my wife Julie.
One day, I had influenza, next I'm waking up two weeks later in intensive care????
I'm slowly getting back to myself but there is still a way to go...

Life's been very busy with recovery and physio, memory issues and lots of tests, investigations and  reviews by all sorts of specialists. Then there has been all the exercise, 'strengthening my core' due to the vertebral fractures I have...

No idea when or how I got these but, they are there.

I don't think there's any orifice that's not been scoped or organ that has been radiologically checked out by xray or scan.... The barrage of blood tests I've had is also remarkable that I've not needed a unit or two of blood to replace the 'arm fulls' of claret extracted from my thrombosed veins!!

I've become a patient and it is truly eye opening to be in this position.
I'm in the process of chronicling it and maybe making an attempt at writing a true story about this all. The Encephalitis Society have been very helpful to Julie, my family and myself giving us support and direction. I am indebted to them all, especially Julie who has given me the love and support I have not always returned as well as the strength to carry on. Thank you xxx.
My boys and their wives as well as my sister in law Val and brother in law Tony, as well as my mother and father in law Claire and Henry, who have been there for me. Becks and Mo for their help as well as Ambe, for his help and guidance during the acute phase... My mum, dad, brother and sister who came over when I was ill and all my friends Alan and Helen, Douglas and Irene, Jim, Linda, Jill, Catriona..... The list goes on, Cheers!!
To all my fellow Dr's and nurses who got me over this rather unplanned and dark hump, I thank you all.

I know this may read like an acceptance speech at an award ceremony but in a way it is. It is in deed an award of thanks from me to you all.

As a family, all the help, encouragement and direction we have received from everyone has been humbling and fantastic. The hard work from community services, Louise and Magda as well as the GP services, Nuffield House and Debbs has been amazing to Julie and I. The NHS is a great institution and I have given so much for so many years to it but it has paid me back when I needed it. Thank you 😌 (I'm not very good at choosing the appropriate EMOGI).
Anyway, having this perspective of healthcare professional to patient may be worthwhile to undertake, especially for me!
I'm in a space I hope no one gets to experience... I appreciate the alternative is RIP but this is not a bed of roses either.
Despair, pain and anger need to be managed and I am not always good at it.
Society imposes on us to be strong as men and as professionals... This is not always easy but hayho, life goes on.

It's not been all bad: I got to see the world cup 2018 on TV even though the team I was backing came third... Though most important of all, I got to meet our fourth grandchild, the beautiful little lady Eliza, who joins Heath, Cass and Daisy as the new leaves in our ever expanding family tree.

I have been writing a little, reading even less but painting and drawing a lot... One of my friends helped me conjure up the word 'Encephalartist'... I don't think it's been used before and I'm going to take the bizzare honour of claiming it... 😁

In the meantime, I leave you with some of my art... And a promise to get some more posts in sooner than they have appeared lately.
In the meantime, enjoy the rest of the summer, reading and creating life.... I hope you consider reading one of the books available on Amazon
If you do, please leave a review and make sure you tell others that these books exist and are in the public domain to be read and enjoyed by everyone.

Peace and love 😘

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to one and all
A time of festive cheer and having a ball.
A time for remembering, giving and sharing
Where it's all about kindness, love and caring.
Spare a thought and a prayer
For those who aren't there.
Festive wishes of good cheer
Thoughts to last all year.
Reminded of those who go without
And peace and love to the world throughout.

As we enjoy time with family and loved ones
Remind yourselves you are the lucky ones.
Never forgetting the joy in giving
Is special and better than receiving.

Seasons greetings which will endeavour
May peace and love reign forever.
Merry Christmas...

© Ram Gulrajani 2016

Have I told you lately...

That I love you!!!
Lol,  only kidding.
The Van Morrison song is only a teaser to get your attention.

The real reason I have asked is... Have I told you lately... About my books?
Of course I have.
Legally Lucky, Phobic Wars, Mental Dental, Obsession of the damned, Phantasms in the Infirmary and the others.
All can be accessed by clicking on the Amazon website.

Van Morrison not included though.
Happy reading.

Poem... MONEY

My first flirtation with writing was Legally Lucky.
It addresses the true riches of life,  money being low in the list of importance.

Here's a poem I wrote about it...

Access to the book

Easter sketches

I had some down time so did a bit of ink sketching of my two grandsons.. Heath, who was one on 26th and Castiel aged 6 months.
Quick sketching...  Thought I'd share them...

Legally Lucky

Legally Lucky
A book based on chance. What are the odds against winning the lottery?  They are stacked against you at several million to one.  So winning multiple draws is near enough impossible.  However, the main character in this novel is lucky enough to have won three draws.
Exciting times ahead, or are they?
The twists and turns in this story will have you turning pages and engrossed at this meticulously engineered book.
Click on the link to access this journey of fate and fortune.

Happy New Year 2016

Happy New Year to each and every one of you
May 2016 bring you peace, love, happiness and success.
Feliz año nuevo...
Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku

Recap of the holiday season

It's been a busy time in our household, last minute decorating & painting,  shopping galore, preparing for Christmas, cooking and lots of eating.
Lovely having our first Christmas as grandparents with our two grandsons Heath and Castiel.
It was the first time they were together and it was beautiful.
We had a great family reunion with 20 in our dining room,  fed and watered.... Brilliant.

The writing icing on the cake is seeing my books doing well, a great bonus.

Fantasmas en el Hospital is still in the top #100 in the Hispanic American Literature chart on Amazon....

It's available in English too,  let's not forget. So if you have read it,  experienced it and enjoyed it... Please write a review and share your thoughts.

Thanks

Merry Christmas to you all

Merry Christmas to you all.
I wish you all well and hope you have a wonderful Christmas with those you love.
May peace and goodwill prevail.
God bless

Lottery dreams at pre-Christmas

Lottery
UKllottery dreams are alight again.  A rollover waiting to be won.
So what if you were lucky enough to be the big winner?
Surely this would be a dream come true?
Legally Lucky is a fictitious twist to the aspirations of money and all its trappings...
It will take you to the world of the winner and reflect the truth about the fact we are all winners.  Life is enough to be happy although money helps but it's not the be all and end all.
Money is not everything and this book highlights the joy of family, love and friendship as the  true treasures.
Read it and start to live life for what it is hhowever, good luck with the lottery...

Legally Lucky revisited weekly

Life is one big lottery and Legally Lucky, my first book addressed some of these aspects whereby one concentrates on financial success and stability as a marker of quality of life.
Many strive to make money to live and some aim to make it big, the bigger the better.
By this I mean that success and quality of life is quantifiable by the amounts of money in their bank accounts.

Now, if we are realistic, no one would say "No" to a large amount of money at their disposal... however happiness is measured in many ways.
If we look at the possible jackpot for Friday's EuroMillions draw which is a whopping £110,000,000 it would be life changing for anyone.
However, to me, quality of life is measured in special moments. these are precious moments with our loved ones. Yesterday evening, there was a lottery draw, I won nothing with my numbers but I was happy.
Happy to be surrounded by my wife, eldest son, daughter-in-law and my eldest grandson.
Seeing them bond, have fun and spend priceless time with them was equal to and better than having an obscene amount of money in the bank.
These moments cannot be bought.
They are happiness at their peak and precious.

Legally Lucky explored the true meaning of life and happiness. It challenged the modern idea of happiness based on finance and successfully described happiness as love & friendship with the aims of becoming rich being a secondary outcome.
Yes play the lottery but do not overlook how rich you are and live the moments.

Rich does not make happy...

Growing up

We've just left Poland, having spent a few days meeting our new grandson, Castiel.
Hes a little smasher.

Now sitting on the plane listening to my  stored music on my Samsung galaxy note 4....
Among The many classic tunes,  Yeah  by Usher just played.
This always reminds me of our three boys and the first time we went clubbing with them...  The song holds connotations of the transition from little boys to young men.  Seeing them throw some shapes on the dance floor to this song.
Appropriate as we are leaving our little man and his parents behind.  Sad but also many happy memories now that will take us to the next time we meet