Crafting Poetry One Syllable at a Time
Posted on June 29, 2017 by Colleen M. Chesebro
I have started a new feature on my blog, called Author Spotlight – Guest Posts. As you can see from the image above, I am looking for themed posts about fairies, myths, and magic. If you are an interested author and would like to be featured on my blog, please click HERE to find out more.
I am proud to introduce my first guest. Her name is Robbie Cheadle, author of the Sir Chocolate books written for children. During my International Fairy Day celebration last week, Robbie and I got into a discussion about the mystical beings in Africa. I thought it was intriguing that fairies didn’t figure into their mythology. Every country, or in this case, continent, is unique in the telling of their myths and fables. Robbie has done some amazing research. She also knows my love of poetry and wrote a poem about this mythical creature called the Tokoloshe. Enjoy!
In Africa, we don’t have fairies and elves, trolls and ogres. In Africa, we have the Tokoloshe, Tikoloshe or Hili.
Image courtesy of the Daily Sun newspaper
Various legends exist with regards to the Tokoloshe. In Zulu mythology, the Tokoloshe is a dwarf-like water sprite which can become invisible by drinking water. According to a Sangoma (a colloquial term used to describe all types of Southern African traditional healers) from the North West province of South Africa, the Tokoloshe is a powerful and evil creature and is made from all sorts of things like imvovo (leftovers from traditional beer), ipapa, needles, grave soil, dolls or even water used to wash a corpse.
A Tokoloshe can appear in many forms such as a dog, cat or even a baboon. The Tokoloshe of the Zimbabweans is large, covered in fur with long talons and a bony spine reaching all the way down its back from the top of its skull. It also has glowing red eyes, emits a foul stench and speaks in a rasping voice.
Yet another explanation is that the Tokoloshe resembles a zombie, poltergeist or gremlin and was created by South African Shamans (a person who is regarded as having access to, and influence on, the world of spirits and who practices divination and healing) who have been offended by someone. This version purports to have gouged out eyes. The Tokoloshe is said to have obtained its power from a hot poker thrust into the crown of its body during creation.
The Tokoloshe may come in various shapes and forms, but all the legends agree that the Tokoloshe is called up by people of bad intention to cause trouble for someone else. This trouble can take the form of scaring children, but the Tokoloshe also has the power to cause illness or even the death of its victim. Generally, the stories claim that the Tokoloshe will climb into a sleeping couple’s bed, biting off the sleeping man’s nose and having its wicked way with the wife.
The Sangoma from the North West province said that only a powerful Sangoma can face a Tokoloshe by making a muthi (a term for traditional medicine in Southern Africa) from a certain tree found only in the middle of some rivers. According to legend, the only way to keep the Tokoloshe away at night is to put a brick beneath each leg of one’s bed. This enables people to see a Tokoloshe hiding underneath the bed before they go to bed for the night. The brick beneath the leg of the bed also protects the bed and its occupants during the night.
The Western practical explanation for the mysterious overnight deaths that were historically attributed to the Tokoloshe is that the myth stems from many years ago when cattle dung was burned for warmth in the traditional Zulu mud huts. These Zulu huts had no ventilation, and when the opening was sealed during cold weather, carbon monoxide was released from the fire and would accumulate inside the hut. Carbon monoxide is heavier than air and would, therefore, gather just above the floor level. People sleeping higher up would be less at risk of death from asphyxiation than those sleeping on the floor, and this is where the myth originates from.
Sources: Wikipedia, Daily Sun newspaper, The story of the African Tokoloshe by Shona Taboos, The Citizen newspaper
Tokoloshe is a mythical man,
Whom every African fears,
The mention of his name,
Reduces the children to tears.
His eyes are gouged out,
Yet he’ll find you in a flash,
If you make him angry,
Your things he’ll savagely smash.
He’ll climb into your bed,
Make you sleep and never wake,
So don’t forget to raise it,
There is far too much at stake.
©2017 Robbie Cheadle
Robbie Cheadle was born in London in the United Kingdom. Her father died when she was three months old, and her mother immigrated to South Africa with her tiny baby girl. Robbie has lived in Johannesburg, George and Cape Town in South Africa and attended fourteen different schools. This gave her lots of opportunities to meet new people and learn lots of social skills as she was frequently “the new girl.”
Robbie is a qualified Chartered Accountant and specialises in corporate finance with a specific interest in listed entities and stock markets. Robbie has written a number of publications on listing equities and debt instruments in Africa and foreign direct investment into Africa.
Robbie is married to Terence Cheadle, and they have two lovely boys, Gregory and Michael. Michael (aged 11) is the co-author of the Sir Chocolate series of books and attends school in Johannesburg. Gregory (aged 14) is an avid reader and assists Robbie and Michael with filming and editing their YouTube videos and editing their books. Robbie is also the author of the new Silly Willy series the first of which, Silly Willy goes to Cape Town, will be available in early July 2017.
“The adventures of Sir Chocolate and Lady Sweet in poetry form. Michael came up with the idea of Sir Chocolate and Lady Sweet and many of the characters contained in the books when he was ten years old. His ideas were such fun that Robbie decided to turn them into little verse books for his entertainment. The book contains recipes for children to make with adult assistance.”
“Book 2 of the Sir Chocolate series: Sir Chocolate and Lady Sweet find a lost baby cookie monster. Join them on an adventure to return the baby to its mother and learn how to make some of their delicious recipes at the same time.”
“A greedy snail damages the flower fields and the fondant bees are in danger of starving. Join Sir Chocolate on an adventure to find the fruit drop fairies who have magic healing powers and discover how to make some of his favourite foods on the way.”
Robbie Cheadle – Amazon Author
Blog: robbiesinspiration.wordpress.com
Twitter: Robbie Cheadle @bakeandwrite
Facebook: Robbie Cheadle
Thanks for stopping by. ❤
Category: author interviewsTags: Author Interviews, Author Spotlight Guest Posts, Robbie Cheadle, Robbie's Inspiration, Sir Chocolate book series, The Story of the Tokoloshe, Tokoloshe
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“A good poem is a contribution to reality. The world is never the same once a good poem has been added to it. A good poem helps to change the shape of the universe, helps to extend everyone’s knowledge of himself and the world around him.”
—Dylan Thomas
Click: What is a Rhyme Scheme?
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Colleen M. Chesebro is an American Poet who loves crafting paranormal fantasy and magical realism, cross-genre flash fiction, syllabic poetry, and creative nonfiction. Colleen sponsors a weekly syllabic poetry challenge, called Tanka Tuesday, on wordcraftpoetry.com where participants learn how to write traditional and current forms of haiku, senryu, haiga, tanka, gogyohka, tanka prose, renga, solo-renga, haibun, cinquain, Etheree, nonet, and shadorma poetry. Colleen's syllabic poetry has appeared in the Auroras & Blossoms Poetry Journal, and in “Hedgerow, a journal of small poems.” She’s won numerous awards from participating in the Carrot Ranch Rodeo, a yearly flash fiction contest sponsored by carrotranch.com. In 2020, she won first place in the Carrot Ranch Folk Tale or Fable category, with her story called “Why Wolf Howls at the Moon.” Colleen is a Sister of the Fey, where she pursues a pagan path through her writing. When she is not writing, she is reading. She also loves gardening and crocheting old-fashioned doilies into works of art.
Great post! I love Robbie’s blog and her Sir Chocolate books are great!
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Thank you for your kind comments, Ritu. Hugs.
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😚😚😚
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I bet you have some fabulous stories you could share, Ritu. A great way to share your poetry book too! ❤
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One day Colleen! My school holidays start soon too!
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That would be marvelous! Great idea! ❤
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Thanks, Ritu. She is so creative and artistic. It was fun learning about the myths in Africa, too. I love this stuff! ❤
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❤
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Reblogged this on Robbie's inspiration and commented:
Thank you Colleen Chesebro – Fairy Whisperer for sharing my story and poem about the Tokoloshe. I am very excited to be part of your new series about mythical creatures and legends.
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Robbie, I so pleased to have you as a guest. I loved learning more about you and the myths present in African culture. Your books look amazing and would make the best gifts for birthdays or other holidays. It was a pleasure having you. ❤
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This is such a wonderful idea, Colleen. I am really looking forward to reading about the mythical creatures of the world. Thank you for featuring the Tokoloshe as your first magical creature.
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A great pleasure, Robbie. These myths are what formed the basis of our culture. I love this stuff. Thanks for teaching us about the Tokoloshe. ❤
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Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
For lovers of fairies and other mythical creatures, Robbie Cheadle shares the story of the Tokoloshe…. fascinating and not to be read at bedtime…..
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Thank you for sharing this article, Sally.
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Pleasure Robbie.. xxx
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Thank you for sharing Robbie’s exciting post about the Tokoloshe, Sally. ❤
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Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
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Wasn’t this interesting? Thanks for spreading the information about the myths of Africa. ❤
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Thank you! Yes it was very interesting. Never read before, but i had some anxious moments watching the image. 😉 Michael
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LOL! He is a scary looking creature. ❤
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Oh, yes! 😉
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What a great legend and a wonderful poem to accentuate the myth. I loved the explanation as well. Always a pleasure to read Robbie’s work.
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Many thanks, Vicki. I couldn’t agree more. Thanks so much for stopping by. ❤
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You’re welcome, I loved the posts. I will be back!!
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Excellent, Colleen. Congrats Robbie.
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Thank you, John
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🙂
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Thank you, John. I’m always up for guest posts. I bet you have something springing from your fingers at the typewriter. Write about fairies, myths, and/or magic and I’ll be glad to share your work on my blog, along with your books. ❤
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thank you for the invitation Colleen. 😀
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You’re welcome, John. ❤
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Great idea for promoting authors Colleen. Fantastic read and detail from Robbie about the Tokoloshe.
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Thank you, Marje.
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🙂
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Thanks, Marie. After you publish, you must write an article for me about magical crystals! ❤
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I’d love to, in fact I’ve been doing a bit of research today on legends and myths about crystals. So fascinating! Found some interesting ones that I’d love to share once I’ve published. Thanks Colleen. MJ x
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Perfect. I’m featuring an author a week, if I get enough. I’ll always have room for you! ❤
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Sounds wonderful, look forward to it Colleen. 🙂
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Reblogged this on firefly465 and commented:
A wonderful post by Robbie Cheadle about the Tokoloshe on https://colleenchesebro.com
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wow, I loved this post and it will make my nightly looking under the bed ritual all the more serious, well you never know. xxx
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I was really scared of the dark under my bed when I was a child, Adele. Thanks for commenting.
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I slept with a silk hankie tied under my chin because I was scared something would crawl into my ear. I was about six when I grew out of that fear. xxx
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Oh, man! I hated (still do) spiders! I just cringe.
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LOL! My arm hung over the bed last night and I jerked awake to pull it under the covers… one never knows! I can’t wait to see what you come up with. ❤
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Me too, I’ve got some ideas jotted down xxx
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I’ve met Robbie through her wonderful blog, her stories, and her cakes. What a fabulous story! Thank you for the feature, Colleen.
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I am glad you enjoyed this read about the Tokoloshe, Olga.
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You are welcome, Olga. It gives authors a chance for some free advertisement and we, readers have a chance to learn new myths and legends. ❤ It's a win – win!
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Fascinating! I was unaware of those stories. The Tokoloshe does sound rather scary.
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Thank you, Norah. He is definitely one of the more scary magical creatures out there.
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I thought that it was interesting that there weren’t any benevolent creatures in their myths. It could be more cultural as a way to explain the bad things that happened – such as Robbie described in her post. I will have to investigate further to see if there are other creatures that are more fairy like. ❤
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African tradition believes in the circle of life and the spirits and guidance of ancestors. You will see this featured in the Disney movie The Lion King.
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Oh, yes. That is a perfect example. I loved that movie. ❤
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That’s an interesting point and would be a great topic to research. I look forward to hearing what you discover.
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Thanks, Norah ❤️🌸❤️
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I love folklore, myth and urban legends, yet had never heard of the Tokoloshe. A great introduction to a fearsome creature. It’s wonderful to see Robbie and her books showcased here. What an intriguing way to spotlight authors!
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Thank you, Mae. If you are an author write something about fairies, myths, and/or magic and I will schedule you on my blog. Click the link on my menu to learn how to submit. ❤
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Thanks, Colleen. I have a number of books centered on urban legend. I will check out the link!
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Please do. I love this stuff! ❤
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Me too! 🙂
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Thank you, Mae. I am so pleased you enjoyed this post. The Tokoloshe is very well known in Southern Africa.
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Fascinating! I believe I dated his cousin at one time…
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Hahaha, Annette, that is so funny. I think we have all come across a Tokoloshe at some point in our lives.
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LOL! That’s so funny. Glad to sponsor a post for you. I know you have much to tell about fairies, myths, and/or magic. ❤
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Another monster I have just learnt about. Nice description of the Tokoloshe and poem warning about it and one explanation, carbon monoxide, for it.
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Many thanks for sharing, Robbie’s exciting myth of the Tokoloshe. Cheers!
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Thank you, Frank. There is very often a scientific explanation for things – sadly!
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A fascinating post about a brilliant creature I have never heard anything about. Thoroughly enjoyable and eye opening. Thanks Robbie and Colleen. Shared on Social Media
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Many thanks, Paul. I’m glad you enjoyed this piece. Robbie is a gem! ❤
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Hi Paul, it pleases me that I have been able to teach you about something new. I learn so much from your amazing posts. Hugs.
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That is a very generous thing to say. And as you know I love your work too. We will have to form a mutual appreciation society!
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Fascinating, and such a lovely piece of poetry to share. Thank you, Robbie!
Many thanks, Colleen, for sharing this treat. 🙂
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It was a great pleasure, Natalie. ❤
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I am so glad you enjoyed it, Natalie.
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That was fascinating–about the Tokoloshe. I love these myths.
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I am glad you found it interesting, Jacqui.
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They are so fun. The ancients loved their stories. ❤️
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How cool, Colleen! I love Robbie’s blog! I like this new feature and hope to see more magic in the world. I had never heard of this Tokoloshe! Reminds me of the Chupacapra from Mexico!
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Thank you, Terri. A Chupacapra, now that sounds interesting. I would love to know more.
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Robbie, check this link. Believe it or not, I first heard about it on the old show
the X-Files. https://www.livescience.com/24036-chupacabra-facts.html
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Thank you, Terri. I am going to head over and watch this right away.
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Oh, that would be a good one for someone to write about. Hint, hint… 😜
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It’s amazing how many myths and superstitions can be done away with when modern science is applied.
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True. Yet, we hang onto those old stories. They must appeal to the ancients in all of us. ❤️
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Fantastic to see Robbie here Colleen. I read part of the story and because it’s after midnight and I’m a scaredy cat, I’ll come back and read the rest in daylight, lol. ❤
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Thank you, Debby. I am also a scaredy cat and often have to put books aside at night to continue in the light of day.
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Lol. Good to know I’m not alone. 🙂
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LOL! I don’t blame you! ❤️
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🙂 xx
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Hi Colleen and Robbie❣️What a fascinating post! I’ve never heard of a tokoloshe. Robbie did a great job with the information. I love this idea!👏😁
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I would love for you to write something on fairies, myths, and/or magic. Check out the tab on my menu. ❤️❤️❤️
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That sounds like fun, Colleen! I’ll work on that. Thank you! ❤ xx
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You’re welcome. I’m going to do one a week. *hopefully 🤗
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Yay!
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Hi Vashti, I am really pleased you found the Tokoloshe interesting. I learned a few new things when I did the research for this post.
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That’s what I find fun about research. You always learn something new. Nicely done!
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What a lovely idea Colleen to have featured authors talking about the magical and mysical fairy world.
I had never heard of a tokoloshe before but it sounds horrendous to say the least! It was fascinating reading and finsihed off beautifuly with Robbie’s poem! 🙂
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Judy, I know you are a busy lady with school and all but if you can dream something up about fairies, myths, and/or magic, I would love to have you on with some of your poetry. And, of course to talk about your book. ❤
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Thank you, Colleen, how lovely of you. I will definitely try and come up with something 🙂
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I would love that Judy. Check out the page on my menu about the Author Spotlight. It will tell you everything you need to know. ❤
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I will do, and thanks again, Colleen 🙂
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Thank you, Judy. I am glad you enjoyed this read and poem.
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Yes I did, 🙂
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Not a nice guy at all. Thanks, Robbie and Colleen for the great post. 🙂 — Suzanne
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You’re welcome. ❤
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I don’t know how I missed Robbie’s story of the tokoloshe, thankfully now found it! … yes, much feared here in South Africa. And perfectly true about the bricks under the bed ..
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What a great monster myth. I loved it. Shhhh… I look under the bed now! LOL!
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Hi Colleen,
I consider Robbie a friend. She certainly is a supportive community member. She was recently nominated at the Bloggers Bash. Now I know why. Impressive! Thanks for letting me learn more information about this amazing woman and her literature.
Janice
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You are so welcome, Janice. She is an especially talented lady. I’m so glad you stopped by to read her story of the Tokoloshe. This is my new feature. I’m glad to support my fellow authors.
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Great research on the topic.it was a wonderful read
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Thanks. I started this series as a way for authors to share their writing skills in for some, a different genre. Robbie did great, didn’t she? ❤
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Marvelous post, Colleen and Robbie. And a bit of folklore with which I was completely unfamiliar. Mega hugs.
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Thanks, Teagan. I really loved this glimpse into an unknown creature. ❤️❤️❤️
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Hi Robbie and Colleen!
I love this post! It tossed me back nearly half a century to When I lived in South Africa. I was about 14 when my dad brought home a puppy. He was a bulldog/alsatian mix, and, as he was obviously going to grow up to be a terror, we named him Tokoloshe!
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Wendy! I forgot you had lived in South Africa. How cool is this??? OMG! ❤
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