Frances Roberts Reilly

Hi Penny. In UK it’ll be 5 hours behind our EST. So that is 2.00pm GMT.

Please join me for a reading and discussion of my poetry Anthology, Parramisha about my Roma Welsh Kale. That’s on April 2nd at 7.00pm EST.

To register for the zoom link: newprovidence.librarycalendar.com/event/roma-w...

Thank you, European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture - ERIAC.
I am now accepted as a member of an arts organization that is "built as a home for Roma creativity and talent — a symbol of the power and potential of our community, and a space to reimagine our collective future." Chuffed.

Confession. When travelling, meeting and dining with Americans we talk about Cuba and how wonderful are the Cubans, while in crowded elevators we speak in French Canadian🇨🇦. I also wear my Cuba baseball cap and watch people’s faces. I know. I’m such a piss taker. It gives this grandma a wee smile.

Chuffed. My book, Parramisha: A Romani Poetry Collection is now on the book shelves at The Canadian Museum of Immigration for the upcoming Roma Migration to Canada Exhibit. Other libraries are National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth, Wales and the library at the Canadian Embassy in London, UK.

In Wuthering Heights, Heathcliffe is described as a “dark skinned Gypsy, in aspect” and a “black haired child”by Mrs. Earnshaw. While Hindley, Mrs. Linton, Joseph and Edgar othered him. One of the few #Roma characters in English Lit is erased & written out of history & again exploited in the movie.

Harrumph! I’ve been invited to Harvard University in Boston. However, as an activist of 50+ years, a filmmaker about human rights and a Roma/Gypsy author, I have declined to cross the Canadian border into the US, risking aggressive questioning or worse detainment by Homeland Security.

Packing up here in Ontario 🇨🇦 because the red cardinals are back, chirping at 4.00am. Spring is on its way.

Remembering the victims of the Roma Holocaust on January 27th.

Welsh Rom Manfri Frederick Wood, our familya, part of the relief of Bergen-Belsen said:

"When I saw the surviving Romanies, I was shaken. Then I saw the half-charred body of a girl. In one awful minute I saw what had been going on.”

Honouring the Old Ones who spoke our Welsh Gypsy language with a recording of my ancestor Manfri Wood. He lived in Bala, North Wales on the lake and is talking about fishing.

A lifetime as an activist, Roma poet, writer and filmmaker for human rights, I’m grateful for membership into PEN Roma through the valiant efforts of ERIAC - European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture.

PEN Roma's membership of PEN International promotes literature and freedom of expression.

Thank you. After my heart surgery, my health, energy and creativity have returned.
Wishing you all the best for 2026.

Chuffed that my #Roma poetry collection, ‘Parramisha’ is slated for discussion by Roma Words Roma Worlds Book Group at New Providence’s (NJ) Library in April 2026. Happy that after five years my book has found its place on a library shelf and will be shared by 60 affiliated libraries.

In conversation with a genealogist friend who’s getting three inquires a week from Americans seeking facts about any Canadian bloodlines. Presumably to facilitate possible residency in Canada. 🇨🇦

Twice now when reading manuscripts AI prompts and nudges, req if I would like it “simplified”. No. I prefer to linger and savour the beauty and gorgeousness of the writing of someone who has contemplated every single word in the creation of their ms. Can i block AI on Word and .pdf?

Takes deep breath. I’ve been invited to represent my Welsh Kale Romani/Gypsy tribe at a Roma Nation meeting. The foundation of which is seeking representation of all Roma at the United Nations
#TeuluAbramWood #WelshKaleHeritag
#Romahistory

Two Roma authors meet in Toronto for a kushti lunch to discuss many possible collaborations. #LynnHutchisonLee

@madelinepotter.bsky.social Introducing #LynnHutchisonLee Roma author of speculative fiction and artist. She’s also into the horror genre.

Sitting in on ERIAC conference that respects, honours and cares about Romani language and identity. Welsh Kale is invited and represented on a transnational basis.

I love reading your book. I’m slowly savouring every truthful word while feeling like I’m coming home because as a Romany, I belong.

Photo of the cover of Fight Night. The title is in bright pink lettering on a dark purple background. The author's name is in mustard yellow.

Always recommend Canadian author @authormiriamtoews.bsky.social's novels. The L.A. Times called this one the "Ted Lasso of novels".
#AlphabetChallenge #WeekPForPink #BookSky. 📚🍁

80th birthday photoshoot for my book cover and upcoming appearances at readings, storytelling and spoken word.

Donated💚

Inspired by Mozart’s pet starling whose song he used for piano concerto 21.
So for my next book about birds & #Roma nomads, I’m downloading bird songs to transpose onto my harp, putting words & music together. Well, guess what? The birds are appearing and I’ve already sketched out four new poems.

Cute kitty.
Vesta loves her playpen on the balcony.

Canadian Roma: A People Uncounted

My article “A People Uncounted” about the Harvard University study of Canadian Roma is now live online.
Mentions: Travellers’ Times LynnHutchisonLee.bay.social

www.travellerstimes.org.uk/news/2025/09...

And our workers are better educated; all qualify for universal healthcare.

Travellers' Times feature on my Poetry Wales Award Winning poem - Ils/Eels for Tea. Written in English & Welsh Kale Romanes, respecting Harry Turpin Wood, fisherman & rabbit catcher.
"For a Welsh Romani poet, this national award in Wales is a rare honour."

www.travellerstimes.org.uk/news/2023/11...

Light of Iris. Georgia O’Keeffe. Graces my bedroom wall.