I am craving some BIG chat. I'm not quite certain what I mean yet. That is, I know what I mean, I am just not quite able to articulate it. Its that kind of conversation that rolls off itself and onto more and more. Where I feel I have a lot to say and everyone is excited by what we are saying and it feels thrilling and meaningful.
I have been listening to some podcasts today. Just conversations between enthusiasts - or maybe just enthusiastic people? Anyways it got me thinking and wanting some inspiration and inspiring conversations. Just putting it out there. Perhaps it is the end of the lazy hazy days of summer? Wanting the gritty of working conversations. Wanting to get back into it all.
And another thing I thought as I sat at my computer, working. I don't really enjoy working at a computer. Really not my thing. I did however, enjoy inventing dishes out of what I have in the house. I really enjoy that. The cooking and the inventing. I made a stir fry with pudding rice, onions, grated carrot, some sweet potato, peas, ginger, garlin and tamari and an egg. It was delicious.
I am really enjoying emptying out the fridge. Eating it down. Something clearing and decluttering about it. We have such a tiny fridge and often that annoys me. But actually we still throw food out - which I HATE!! And its so nice to look in and see everything. And know that I am not wasting anything. And I was thinking about SUCCESS and how important it is that we define it ourselves. I do enjoy the occasional hotel visit and putting everything on expenses. Well, you know, taking the cab, getting the laundry done, eating out. Being extravagant. But I would not love that to be all my life. I enjoyed making something out of 'nothing' today. I like to be creatively frugal as well as extravagant. I like to not waste stuff and buy second hand things. Not ALL the time, but not none of the time either. So I got to thinking about my own success. I would like to have my finances sorted so that I am not running on empty, or borrowing from savings to pay for everyday expensese. and I don't like to work that much. I don't want a full time job and I don't want to have to rely on childcare and cleaners and so on. But I would like that some of the time. And I want to go on nice holidays and stay in Hotels and to eat out.
I want a simple lightweight business. I want to spend time being creatively frugal. I want to earn a lot of money too. And I want to go on lots of holidays. And I want to work out of the home and work with people. I'd like to create stuff and share the joy of the doing of the thing. I want to be around inspiring folk who like to laugh and cook and eat and be healthy as well as have wine or dance or do yoga and all. These are the things that make my life enjoyable. And to have lots of cuddles and affection. And hot baths!! and lots of sleep.
I think the next step is to get the loft converted and rent that out. And also to do more art journaling courses. Because I love that. And to work with people. I like them. I feel a bit odd having spent today working from home on my own.
So regarding the art journaling. I am going to be doing day long workshops - not weekly drop ins. Or a course. I may do a course. Perhaps this is something to do online after all.
Lots of love. Just musings.
Tuesday, 30 August 2016
Monday, 29 August 2016
Settling Back
Coming back down to earth. And gearing up for a new year. Because it always feels like the new year in September.... Even though its not quite back to school yet. Its kind of nice to have this last week. Which is partly work ish, and partly not. To begin to land back down to work.
We went to lunch at the Chilli Pickle yesterday -as a treat. And then out to the pub early evening. So we are not quite back into real life yet.
Summer is very expensive and our earnings are at their lowest so it feels quite squeaky in the finances. But the graft has not yet begun and nor has the budgetting it seems! But it will. I am forever determined to sort the accounts so that we are not playing catch up. And this must happen via a two pronged approach. i.e. earning more and spending less. And working out so that we pay off the (small) debts and save up the same amount so that we don't dip into debt in lean months. Both of our incomes are so erratic that its hard to budget consistently as we feel either broke or flush. And neither are true but finding the balance is hard with no consistency.
However I do believe that this Autumn we can muster a low expenditure and high earning scenario, and (hopefully!) next year bear this in mind when it comes to keeping some reserves by for the Summer months. Though hopefully next year we will holiday in Croatia which should be cheaper than France and Spain..... that's the plan anyway!!
And the loft being done and next year earning some air bnb dosh from renting it out. Again. another plan.
We went to lunch at the Chilli Pickle yesterday -as a treat. And then out to the pub early evening. So we are not quite back into real life yet.
Summer is very expensive and our earnings are at their lowest so it feels quite squeaky in the finances. But the graft has not yet begun and nor has the budgetting it seems! But it will. I am forever determined to sort the accounts so that we are not playing catch up. And this must happen via a two pronged approach. i.e. earning more and spending less. And working out so that we pay off the (small) debts and save up the same amount so that we don't dip into debt in lean months. Both of our incomes are so erratic that its hard to budget consistently as we feel either broke or flush. And neither are true but finding the balance is hard with no consistency.
However I do believe that this Autumn we can muster a low expenditure and high earning scenario, and (hopefully!) next year bear this in mind when it comes to keeping some reserves by for the Summer months. Though hopefully next year we will holiday in Croatia which should be cheaper than France and Spain..... that's the plan anyway!!
And the loft being done and next year earning some air bnb dosh from renting it out. Again. another plan.
Sunday, 28 August 2016
Holibob Adventures
Holibobs is what Bub called it. It was very exciting. Until this year our summer holidays were - very relaxing. And there were some relaxing bits most definiately. But it was a very exciting holiday. Challenges were met and faced!!
The main thing for me was the whole driving up a mountain thing. Honestly I am terrified of mountains. At least that is the story in my head. Perhaps it is growing up in Suffolk, - so flat and unhilly - that did it? I have nightmares about falling off mountains. Being up one, gives me vertigo and a continuous anxiety that I am going to fall. So I knew that this house we are staying in was high up..... so I started fretting about it, long before I got there.
I was nervous driving a left hand drive car, driving in Spain - from Barcelona to France - anyways. Let alone driving up a mountain.
And when I got there, the road was virtually one track and wound up and up. Not too bad though, it had trees at least. No Alpine sheer drops! - At least not that I could see!!! But I was following the Sat Nav and the last mile or so took me up a dirt track, so over grown that the grasses scraped the bottom on the car, up hair pin bends on rocks and stones, no tarmac, just 2 strips of concretem that were buckled up and not quite wide enough for the car. I kept going, swearing as I turned each corner, each hair pin bend. But I got there. Phew! High high up the side of the valley. An incredible view, the main route into Spain far in the distance below. Fort Bellegarde in full view in the distance. One way in, one way out.
Or so I thought! We stayed up the mountain the next day and I began to relax. Or I began to make friends with the mountain home we had. I walked the perimeter of the house, I explored the paths up the mountain, I cliimbed the rocks. I picked up two quartz like stones to ground me. I drank the water (sprung from the mountain well!) I took off my shoes to feel the engergy of the rocks beneath my feet.
The day after we were planning a trip to the beach. (we are staying sharing this amazingly beautiful french house with friends, 2 other families) There is enough room in a van for me and Bub to travel (Hub has gone back to the UK to work post Barcelona btw) and the anxieties came back. I wasn't sure whether I would prefer to get a lift back down or be in control. I had horribly imaginings in my head of - bascially falling off the mountain in all sorts of ways!! I knew it was unlikely, but I could not stop!! I lay awake full of fear and anxiety!! Unable to stop the movies in my head!
So the next day, at least it was going to happen. I thought that I would go in the van with my friend driving as she is used to driving in the Alps and has done it before and that I would just hang on and close my eyes and face it. And of course the whole thing was NOTHING like the movies in my mind. Turns out my imagination was extremely out there and the reality was easy in comparison. Not ONLY that, but the route I should have followed was mostly an actual road!!! And had no hairpin bends either. I had come up the unused back road!! no wonder it was terrifying!!!
Hilarious really.
And so there is more to the holiday . Like a hike UP the moutain (beautiful, wild, stunning) and a more hairy trip when my friends husband drove (slow down!!! not so fast!) And getting lost walking back to the out of town car park outside Collioure! My friends husband and son accidentally going to Spain and not having their paperwork on them when stopped by customs.... wasp stings, grazes, a flat tyre (well nearly) on the way back down the mountain....
As well as exceedinly healthy and delicious food, much wine and belly laughs. It was a great trip. At the end, I didn't want to leave, but I guess its good to leave a place feeling like that. And actually, being back home also feels good. And its warm still, and by the sea still. Yes.
The main thing for me was the whole driving up a mountain thing. Honestly I am terrified of mountains. At least that is the story in my head. Perhaps it is growing up in Suffolk, - so flat and unhilly - that did it? I have nightmares about falling off mountains. Being up one, gives me vertigo and a continuous anxiety that I am going to fall. So I knew that this house we are staying in was high up..... so I started fretting about it, long before I got there.
I was nervous driving a left hand drive car, driving in Spain - from Barcelona to France - anyways. Let alone driving up a mountain.
And when I got there, the road was virtually one track and wound up and up. Not too bad though, it had trees at least. No Alpine sheer drops! - At least not that I could see!!! But I was following the Sat Nav and the last mile or so took me up a dirt track, so over grown that the grasses scraped the bottom on the car, up hair pin bends on rocks and stones, no tarmac, just 2 strips of concretem that were buckled up and not quite wide enough for the car. I kept going, swearing as I turned each corner, each hair pin bend. But I got there. Phew! High high up the side of the valley. An incredible view, the main route into Spain far in the distance below. Fort Bellegarde in full view in the distance. One way in, one way out.
Or so I thought! We stayed up the mountain the next day and I began to relax. Or I began to make friends with the mountain home we had. I walked the perimeter of the house, I explored the paths up the mountain, I cliimbed the rocks. I picked up two quartz like stones to ground me. I drank the water (sprung from the mountain well!) I took off my shoes to feel the engergy of the rocks beneath my feet.
The day after we were planning a trip to the beach. (we are staying sharing this amazingly beautiful french house with friends, 2 other families) There is enough room in a van for me and Bub to travel (Hub has gone back to the UK to work post Barcelona btw) and the anxieties came back. I wasn't sure whether I would prefer to get a lift back down or be in control. I had horribly imaginings in my head of - bascially falling off the mountain in all sorts of ways!! I knew it was unlikely, but I could not stop!! I lay awake full of fear and anxiety!! Unable to stop the movies in my head!
So the next day, at least it was going to happen. I thought that I would go in the van with my friend driving as she is used to driving in the Alps and has done it before and that I would just hang on and close my eyes and face it. And of course the whole thing was NOTHING like the movies in my mind. Turns out my imagination was extremely out there and the reality was easy in comparison. Not ONLY that, but the route I should have followed was mostly an actual road!!! And had no hairpin bends either. I had come up the unused back road!! no wonder it was terrifying!!!
Hilarious really.
And so there is more to the holiday . Like a hike UP the moutain (beautiful, wild, stunning) and a more hairy trip when my friends husband drove (slow down!!! not so fast!) And getting lost walking back to the out of town car park outside Collioure! My friends husband and son accidentally going to Spain and not having their paperwork on them when stopped by customs.... wasp stings, grazes, a flat tyre (well nearly) on the way back down the mountain....
As well as exceedinly healthy and delicious food, much wine and belly laughs. It was a great trip. At the end, I didn't want to leave, but I guess its good to leave a place feeling like that. And actually, being back home also feels good. And its warm still, and by the sea still. Yes.
Thursday, 18 August 2016
Off Off and Away
I slept so badly last night. We are going on holiday. Well, Bub and I are going on holiday and Hub is joining us for a little while. We have cat sitters and Guinea Pig sitters all sorted. We are going late.
My main, er, excitment, is that I have to drive a left hand drive car in Spain and France, which I haven't done driving abroad for a long time. In fact the last time I drove in France was in the 1990's and that was in my own car. That was fine. And the left hand drive car was in Athens also in the 1990s. But if I can do that - drive in Athens - I can drive anywhere, right?
Still I am nervous about it. I am nervous about a lot of things, remembering everything, the house we are staying in, driving up a mountain, how Bub will get on, how Barcelona will be. All sorts of things. I thinkI couldn't sleep because my brain is continually going through lists of things to take and things to do. I think in all honesty the whole thing is really well organised and anything that isn't will be just dandy. But never the less. My brain is a whirr with checklists. And despite my efforts no amount of writing them down and deciding what to do will settle it.
I know also that there is a thin line between nervousness and excitement. That really its just the same sensations with a different mindset. So lets say I am really excited.
My main, er, excitment, is that I have to drive a left hand drive car in Spain and France, which I haven't done driving abroad for a long time. In fact the last time I drove in France was in the 1990's and that was in my own car. That was fine. And the left hand drive car was in Athens also in the 1990s. But if I can do that - drive in Athens - I can drive anywhere, right?
Still I am nervous about it. I am nervous about a lot of things, remembering everything, the house we are staying in, driving up a mountain, how Bub will get on, how Barcelona will be. All sorts of things. I thinkI couldn't sleep because my brain is continually going through lists of things to take and things to do. I think in all honesty the whole thing is really well organised and anything that isn't will be just dandy. But never the less. My brain is a whirr with checklists. And despite my efforts no amount of writing them down and deciding what to do will settle it.
I know also that there is a thin line between nervousness and excitement. That really its just the same sensations with a different mindset. So lets say I am really excited.
Monday, 15 August 2016
decluttering continues
And when I say got rid of - I used the Hanover recycling method - in that we put stuff on the street with a please take sign and - or post it up on the Hanover Community Noticeboard on FB and off it goes! I am selling the really nice stuff. (anyone in Brighton want a gazebo for £10?) and the rest of it is going for free.
Many Good Things
I have had a lovely lovely lovely weekend.
I had a camping weekend in Suffolk, with family and a few close friends who have been part of my life for a very long time, . It took some organising and despite my choosing it as what I thought would be the easiest and simplest way to get everyone together, it still took a lot of work. People arrived from Thursday afternoon, through Friday and through Saturday at at each point this was tea or meals and then on Saturday evening there were 35 ish folk to be fed and watered. The garden to be decorated and all. But I didn't do it alone.
The wonderful thing, and what makes me well up at the memory of it, was that everyone helped so much. Everyone did so much. And the weather was kind. Imagine that. Summer in England!
People brought decorations and things for kids to play with. trays of skewered veg and delicious cakes and desserts and salads. Hub organised the boules olympics and a game of touch rugby with kids and adults. A huge fire was lit after dinner.
It was a sort of pre (big) birthday event (given that October is not great for camping) and I am honoured and touched beyond words to have such wonderful friends and family around me. Thank you all so very very much. I am going to cry again now. I love you. I am incredibly lucky.
I had a camping weekend in Suffolk, with family and a few close friends who have been part of my life for a very long time, . It took some organising and despite my choosing it as what I thought would be the easiest and simplest way to get everyone together, it still took a lot of work. People arrived from Thursday afternoon, through Friday and through Saturday at at each point this was tea or meals and then on Saturday evening there were 35 ish folk to be fed and watered. The garden to be decorated and all. But I didn't do it alone.
The wonderful thing, and what makes me well up at the memory of it, was that everyone helped so much. Everyone did so much. And the weather was kind. Imagine that. Summer in England!
People brought decorations and things for kids to play with. trays of skewered veg and delicious cakes and desserts and salads. Hub organised the boules olympics and a game of touch rugby with kids and adults. A huge fire was lit after dinner.
It was a sort of pre (big) birthday event (given that October is not great for camping) and I am honoured and touched beyond words to have such wonderful friends and family around me. Thank you all so very very much. I am going to cry again now. I love you. I am incredibly lucky.
Friday, 12 August 2016
Doing Something.
I rather like this nutter! Rob Greenfield is doing something positive in the world and I like it. While I am not up to living entirely as he does - well I have a child for a start... Its always good to see the more extreme things that can be done, and even he has a 12 easy things you can start doing straight away list. Here it is. Feel free to share;
1. Eat a whole-food, plant-based diet. Eat more veggies, fruits, grains, nuts, and less animal products.
2. Start riding a bike, walking, and using public transportation. Stop driving.
3. Go local. Eat local, shop local, play local.
4. Reduce-Reuse-Recycle – In that order. Recycling comes last! Trash sucks. Don’t make it!
5. Share! Share your stuff and share others’ stuff.
6. Buy less stuff and purchase used stuff when you can.
7. Conserve water and electricity. Just be conscious of your usage. There are 100’s of ways to cut back. Look it up.
8. Don’t use one-time-use anythings (bags, take out containers, bottled water, straws, napkins etc.)
9. Positive consumerism. Buy from businesses that are using business as a medium for positive change.
10. Simplify. The less you need, the easier it is to be friendly to our earth.
11. Be conscious. When you make decisions take into account where things come from and how they were produced. If you don’t know, then find out. Take action by putting the information you find to good use.
12. Live beyond yourself. How do your actions affect other humans, animals, and the earth? Make your decisions based on the well being of everyone and everything, not just you.
It’s a process to transform a lifestyle, but there is no time to wait. Start today. Start now!
Inspire others by sharing!
——
Inspired by this list, I am going to make an effort to use less of the one time use things that crop up in my life. Can't promise to do it all the time, but just a less approach will do me. Reducing my 'trash' - which means paying attention in the supermarket.
And I am seriously on the decluttering tip just now. Using the brilliant Hanover Recycling scheme of putting stuff out on the street with a please take sign. I managed to clear about 3 boxes of stuff. I am left with some batteries which work and a bread board. I will take the bread board to the charity shop. We have a whole loft worth of gubbins that needs sorting and getting rid of. Most of it is baby and kid stuff. But not all. A lot of it is packaging boxes, kept for..... I don't know really. So that is going to go. When I am back home next week a lot of sorting and getting rid of and recycling is going to be done.
I would like to shop more local too. We have some great shops nearby and so I will walk to them to by fruit and veg and stuff. I don't eat much meat, but the meat I buy will be from the local organic butchers. And with this I will be buying from folk who are using business to make a difference in the world too.
We already buy used stuff when we can. I am proud to have - pre-loved - a sofa, washing machine, dishwasher, cooker, front door, kitchen table, chairs, rugs, some clothes, guinea pig hutch, garden furniture, some beds etc. Not everything we have is secondhand, but I think we have done pretty well. If we do buy new from now on, I am going to buy the best and most long lasting of things. if I can, of course.
1. Eat a whole-food, plant-based diet. Eat more veggies, fruits, grains, nuts, and less animal products.
2. Start riding a bike, walking, and using public transportation. Stop driving.
3. Go local. Eat local, shop local, play local.
4. Reduce-Reuse-Recycle – In that order. Recycling comes last! Trash sucks. Don’t make it!
5. Share! Share your stuff and share others’ stuff.
6. Buy less stuff and purchase used stuff when you can.
7. Conserve water and electricity. Just be conscious of your usage. There are 100’s of ways to cut back. Look it up.
8. Don’t use one-time-use anythings (bags, take out containers, bottled water, straws, napkins etc.)
9. Positive consumerism. Buy from businesses that are using business as a medium for positive change.
10. Simplify. The less you need, the easier it is to be friendly to our earth.
11. Be conscious. When you make decisions take into account where things come from and how they were produced. If you don’t know, then find out. Take action by putting the information you find to good use.
12. Live beyond yourself. How do your actions affect other humans, animals, and the earth? Make your decisions based on the well being of everyone and everything, not just you.
It’s a process to transform a lifestyle, but there is no time to wait. Start today. Start now!
Inspire others by sharing!
——
Inspired by this list, I am going to make an effort to use less of the one time use things that crop up in my life. Can't promise to do it all the time, but just a less approach will do me. Reducing my 'trash' - which means paying attention in the supermarket.
And I am seriously on the decluttering tip just now. Using the brilliant Hanover Recycling scheme of putting stuff out on the street with a please take sign. I managed to clear about 3 boxes of stuff. I am left with some batteries which work and a bread board. I will take the bread board to the charity shop. We have a whole loft worth of gubbins that needs sorting and getting rid of. Most of it is baby and kid stuff. But not all. A lot of it is packaging boxes, kept for..... I don't know really. So that is going to go. When I am back home next week a lot of sorting and getting rid of and recycling is going to be done.
I would like to shop more local too. We have some great shops nearby and so I will walk to them to by fruit and veg and stuff. I don't eat much meat, but the meat I buy will be from the local organic butchers. And with this I will be buying from folk who are using business to make a difference in the world too.
We already buy used stuff when we can. I am proud to have - pre-loved - a sofa, washing machine, dishwasher, cooker, front door, kitchen table, chairs, rugs, some clothes, guinea pig hutch, garden furniture, some beds etc. Not everything we have is secondhand, but I think we have done pretty well. If we do buy new from now on, I am going to buy the best and most long lasting of things. if I can, of course.
counting blessings
beautiful sunshine and no rain forecast
help
looking forward to guests arriving for a camping weekend
ability to cook whatever we want to eat
delight
happy guinea pigs
help
looking forward to guests arriving for a camping weekend
ability to cook whatever we want to eat
delight
happy guinea pigs
Thursday, 11 August 2016
People are GOOD
So - as you know, I have been trying to avoid FB lately. I have snuck back on here and there, because, its hard not to, but generally my time is not wasted there too much these days. I left because I was fed up with the world, and politics, and brexit. And posts about it, or other bad news. But today I did sneak on to have a look, and there a little video stuck out, I am definitely trying not to spend time looking at stuff, but because the title was PEOPLE ARE GOOD, I was drawn in. Luckily it was about the goodness of the world. I love this guy's 'simple idea' that people are good and the world is a good place. How simple is that!? Anyways, here it is, because its rather a good message I think.
And its a story I prefer. I can be, despite the perkiness of my posts sometimes, somewhat beleaguerd by doom laden thoughts, (one such thought is that - "I am not being ' authentic' by just writing about positive things ' for example) but you know, if I do think about it, which i try not to, I still feel deeply saddened by the whole Brexit thing. Proper low. And it compounds with other stuff in the world (Trump, anyone? - funny not funny) . And there is..........a whole heap of things, that I don't want to go into - because writing them down just gives them weight and...... what is the point of that. .... So I am not going there. Instead I am going to choose the story that People are Good and the World is Good. This is the story I am choosing. Because (mostly) I do think its true. And I am choosing to look at the good stuff. So there!!
And its a story I prefer. I can be, despite the perkiness of my posts sometimes, somewhat beleaguerd by doom laden thoughts, (one such thought is that - "I am not being ' authentic' by just writing about positive things ' for example) but you know, if I do think about it, which i try not to, I still feel deeply saddened by the whole Brexit thing. Proper low. And it compounds with other stuff in the world (Trump, anyone? - funny not funny) . And there is..........a whole heap of things, that I don't want to go into - because writing them down just gives them weight and...... what is the point of that. .... So I am not going there. Instead I am going to choose the story that People are Good and the World is Good. This is the story I am choosing. Because (mostly) I do think its true. And I am choosing to look at the good stuff. So there!!
Small good things
I was brought a cup of tea in bed this morning
Bub came running in to wake me up with a cuddle
Yesterday - I got an early night again. I love an early night sometimes!
Bub enjoyed the soup I made. So did Hub!
People were friendly in the shops we went to.
I saw an Asda employee help an old feller who was unable to bend down to a lower shelf. He did it with a smile. The old feller was very grateful.
hmm. I probably I ought to do this in the evening as I can't remember much about yesterday. I went to asda and we went to the garden centre. I made soup. It wasn't a very exciting day! But at the same time it was very lovely and relaxed. Bub was a bit ill in the morning, and got a brick dropped on his head - (it had been holding down the cover for the guinea pig hutch and fell off as he lifted the cover) He watched a film from his sleeping bag on the sofa in the morning and seemed to feel better in the afternoon. Had another early night and he seems back on form this morning. hurrah.
Today Bub and I are off to Suffolk. Hub is going to do the training i deliver.
Not delivered by me, obviosuly. That will be interesting! I hope he really enjoys it.
Bub came running in to wake me up with a cuddle
Yesterday - I got an early night again. I love an early night sometimes!
Bub enjoyed the soup I made. So did Hub!
People were friendly in the shops we went to.
I saw an Asda employee help an old feller who was unable to bend down to a lower shelf. He did it with a smile. The old feller was very grateful.
hmm. I probably I ought to do this in the evening as I can't remember much about yesterday. I went to asda and we went to the garden centre. I made soup. It wasn't a very exciting day! But at the same time it was very lovely and relaxed. Bub was a bit ill in the morning, and got a brick dropped on his head - (it had been holding down the cover for the guinea pig hutch and fell off as he lifted the cover) He watched a film from his sleeping bag on the sofa in the morning and seemed to feel better in the afternoon. Had another early night and he seems back on form this morning. hurrah.
Today Bub and I are off to Suffolk. Hub is going to do the training i deliver.
Not delivered by me, obviosuly. That will be interesting! I hope he really enjoys it.
Wednesday, 10 August 2016
Counting Tiny Blessings
I read a lovely piece the other day. Well, yesterday actually. About "enoughness" and how we are so programmed in our culture to always be striving for more. And as a consequence we miss out on all that we have.
It said, that because we tend to remember the big bad stuff, and this can over shadow the goodness that predominates, we need to switch focus, to more appreciating all the wonderful good things that already exist in the world. In your own world. To take time to make a note of the little expressions of kindness, especially the little things. Like if someone at the counter smiles as they serve you. Or my husband gave me a kiss before I left this morning. Or someone held the door for me today. To "record and honour the victorious weight of all the little kindnesses that are all too often unnoted and invisible..."
I thought it charming nd delightful.
And so this is my current experiment.
Outside right now the rubbish is being collected. I live in a town where they collect my rubbish and take it away. That is good. Also, later the recycling will be collected by a local company committed to recycling as much as possible. I love Magpie Recycling.
This morning when I woke up my son was delighted to say good morning to me. Last night I was able to get a really early night. I love these, every now and again.
Bub is singing with happiness. I have a beautiful duvet cover. I am sitting in bed, with a fresh cup of tea, enjoying writing. Later I am going to visit my parents. Hub is currently putting a wash on. He takes the laundry role very seriously and I never have to think about it, from washing to putting clothes away.
I bought a sat nav yesterday. That works in Europe. Cool.
It said, that because we tend to remember the big bad stuff, and this can over shadow the goodness that predominates, we need to switch focus, to more appreciating all the wonderful good things that already exist in the world. In your own world. To take time to make a note of the little expressions of kindness, especially the little things. Like if someone at the counter smiles as they serve you. Or my husband gave me a kiss before I left this morning. Or someone held the door for me today. To "record and honour the victorious weight of all the little kindnesses that are all too often unnoted and invisible..."
I thought it charming nd delightful.
And so this is my current experiment.
Outside right now the rubbish is being collected. I live in a town where they collect my rubbish and take it away. That is good. Also, later the recycling will be collected by a local company committed to recycling as much as possible. I love Magpie Recycling.
This morning when I woke up my son was delighted to say good morning to me. Last night I was able to get a really early night. I love these, every now and again.
Bub is singing with happiness. I have a beautiful duvet cover. I am sitting in bed, with a fresh cup of tea, enjoying writing. Later I am going to visit my parents. Hub is currently putting a wash on. He takes the laundry role very seriously and I never have to think about it, from washing to putting clothes away.
I bought a sat nav yesterday. That works in Europe. Cool.
Monday, 8 August 2016
Dreaming of a Wonderful Future.
I wrote this this morning. With my cup of tea - in bed. Thinking of a Dream Future - because - Its just good to think of a bright future full of delicious delightful things. All sparkly and appealing.
In my future
Holidays are spent visiting my friends who have houses in beautiful places. We rent out our house while we are away and make money while we holiday. We go on family trips as well as friend trips. There are 'cool' trips to cities and northern places and 'warm' trips to sun sparkling on the med hot places where wine and cheese are cheap and delicious.
My work is engaging, fun and helpful to the world. I earn £16,000 a month and work 8 months of the year and no more than 3 days a week. I also teach a yoga class and I go dancing (free style) every week. I run Wild Art Journaling sessions regularly too. My classes run according to term times and are booked up in advance.
I go to a yoga class regularly and I go to a dance session regularly as well.
My house is clutter free and beautiful.
We have functioning financial systems that run smoothly and we are on top of. They are simple and easy to use.
We have a cleaner.
I get my clothes made for me. Out of beautiful fabrics.
The house is dry and the walls are insulated. We are moth free. The floors are super repaired and insulated and beautiful.
Our loft room is super delightful and stylish. We have a new kitchen, and the extension room out the back is amazing and so beautiful. I can host yoga classes and art classes in my own home!
I have another side business which runs itself and is profitable.
We are all fit and healthy and happy. We are learning new things and enjoying life. We eat delicious nutritious food. I have plenty of time to cook. We eat out at least once a week and really enjoy that.
Work feels like being on holiday or hanging out with the best people doing stuff I really enjoy. Really engaging exciting, creative work.
I have an office space I can go to - to focus on thinking stuff. Its clean, bright, very functional, and near a great cafe so that I can get good cofffees, juices and lunches easily.
I get to talk to fabulous friends and great people in my work. Inspiring people. I feel very inspired.
I sleep really well every night. I feel energised in the day.
My posture is super good. I feel tall and long and light and lifted. I enjoy being in my body.
My son is happy at school and really engaged and interested in life. He eats well, has great friends and is active and healthy. I am so proud of him.
In my future
Holidays are spent visiting my friends who have houses in beautiful places. We rent out our house while we are away and make money while we holiday. We go on family trips as well as friend trips. There are 'cool' trips to cities and northern places and 'warm' trips to sun sparkling on the med hot places where wine and cheese are cheap and delicious.
My work is engaging, fun and helpful to the world. I earn £16,000 a month and work 8 months of the year and no more than 3 days a week. I also teach a yoga class and I go dancing (free style) every week. I run Wild Art Journaling sessions regularly too. My classes run according to term times and are booked up in advance.
I go to a yoga class regularly and I go to a dance session regularly as well.
My house is clutter free and beautiful.
We have functioning financial systems that run smoothly and we are on top of. They are simple and easy to use.
We have a cleaner.
I get my clothes made for me. Out of beautiful fabrics.
The house is dry and the walls are insulated. We are moth free. The floors are super repaired and insulated and beautiful.
Our loft room is super delightful and stylish. We have a new kitchen, and the extension room out the back is amazing and so beautiful. I can host yoga classes and art classes in my own home!
I have another side business which runs itself and is profitable.
We are all fit and healthy and happy. We are learning new things and enjoying life. We eat delicious nutritious food. I have plenty of time to cook. We eat out at least once a week and really enjoy that.
Work feels like being on holiday or hanging out with the best people doing stuff I really enjoy. Really engaging exciting, creative work.
I have an office space I can go to - to focus on thinking stuff. Its clean, bright, very functional, and near a great cafe so that I can get good cofffees, juices and lunches easily.
I get to talk to fabulous friends and great people in my work. Inspiring people. I feel very inspired.
I sleep really well every night. I feel energised in the day.
My posture is super good. I feel tall and long and light and lifted. I enjoy being in my body.
My son is happy at school and really engaged and interested in life. He eats well, has great friends and is active and healthy. I am so proud of him.
Sunday, 7 August 2016
Purposeful Play
Abraham Maslow. He said that All Creativity involves Purposeful Play. I love that. I am fascinated by play. But it being purposeful. That is interesting. I wonder what that even means. I have a friend. Ex colleague actually. Who is fascinated by Work. What is work? Its an interesting question, especially if your work is Creative Work.
But play is the thing that fascinates me. Well, one of the things that fascinates me. Purposeful Play. That is somehow even MORE intruiging. My art journaling, its great for me, because I take the end point out of it. Which kind of makes it free of purpose. But that it has no end point, or specific direction - that IS the point to me. Or maybe its purpose. The purpose of it, is to play and be present and immersed in the present and the joy of the doing of the thing.
I am going to muse on this idea of Purposeful Play. Its like a paradox. And I do love a paradox.
But play is the thing that fascinates me. Well, one of the things that fascinates me. Purposeful Play. That is somehow even MORE intruiging. My art journaling, its great for me, because I take the end point out of it. Which kind of makes it free of purpose. But that it has no end point, or specific direction - that IS the point to me. Or maybe its purpose. The purpose of it, is to play and be present and immersed in the present and the joy of the doing of the thing.
I am going to muse on this idea of Purposeful Play. Its like a paradox. And I do love a paradox.
Saturday, 6 August 2016
Spam Texts
I just got my mobile bill, which has suddenly gone up from around £9 to £23. Turns out that I was getting uncalled for premium texts. I may have accidentally subscribed from some pop up on a free game (sudoku - I blame you) on my phone. Or it may be a total scam. Either way I got charged £24 over 2 months for these texts.
Just in case it happens to you, if you get something that says free msg you have subscribed to ..... which will cost you £3 per week or whatever... don't delete the text. it has info you need on it. Also don't just block the number - which is what I did as they will still charge you for sending you a text.
You can text STOP ALL to 7726 or you can check it out - money saving expert has a helpful page on it. you can find it here. and check out the number on phonepayplus see here.
Yes I spent my evening unravelling what happened and who the hell Zamano Solutions were. Apparently Ofcom allow them. But it seems like a scam to me. Why I would subscribe to Celltaun Babes for £3 a week I do not know!!! I did some research on tinternet and called up my mobile service provider. From what I can gather by other's experience with these companies, it does seem that if you call the number for customer services they will stop the texts and they will also refund you the money you ask for. Well, lets see! I will let you know if they stop texting me and if I get my money back. I suspect its just something they chance and back out of if anyone notices or asks for their money back. Dodgy arses I call it.
Annoying that they can operate at all.
Just in case it happens to you, if you get something that says free msg you have subscribed to ..... which will cost you £3 per week or whatever... don't delete the text. it has info you need on it. Also don't just block the number - which is what I did as they will still charge you for sending you a text.
You can text STOP ALL to 7726 or you can check it out - money saving expert has a helpful page on it. you can find it here. and check out the number on phonepayplus see here.
Yes I spent my evening unravelling what happened and who the hell Zamano Solutions were. Apparently Ofcom allow them. But it seems like a scam to me. Why I would subscribe to Celltaun Babes for £3 a week I do not know!!! I did some research on tinternet and called up my mobile service provider. From what I can gather by other's experience with these companies, it does seem that if you call the number for customer services they will stop the texts and they will also refund you the money you ask for. Well, lets see! I will let you know if they stop texting me and if I get my money back. I suspect its just something they chance and back out of if anyone notices or asks for their money back. Dodgy arses I call it.
Annoying that they can operate at all.
Thursday, 4 August 2016
things that have popped into my mind that need to be done
empty my office of everything and start again. clear stufff away. massive declutter.
visualise the elearning fully. live it. be in it. imagine being the receiver of it. get a massive white board and draw it up big. see it entirely.
start a yoga class on sunday mornings at 10.30am. do it at the Hanover Centre in the upstairs room. it is an hour and 15 minute class. yoga basics. ask Jim if that would be OK. do it as a support class. a feeder. basics. open to everyone. suited to beginners.
paint angels on my spare paintings and put them up for sale on etsy. or maybe just birds. I like birds.
Make the loft a beautiful stylish place and rent it out on air bnb or similar.
book Jane's place for 24th and tell people about it.
re write my website. but first have a good clear vision of what it will say. think about it on holiday. I'd like to bring the impossible within reach. ground the dreams and make them happen.
how to be a startist. Lisa Wright. this is such a good word.
visualise the elearning fully. live it. be in it. imagine being the receiver of it. get a massive white board and draw it up big. see it entirely.
start a yoga class on sunday mornings at 10.30am. do it at the Hanover Centre in the upstairs room. it is an hour and 15 minute class. yoga basics. ask Jim if that would be OK. do it as a support class. a feeder. basics. open to everyone. suited to beginners.
paint angels on my spare paintings and put them up for sale on etsy. or maybe just birds. I like birds.
Make the loft a beautiful stylish place and rent it out on air bnb or similar.
book Jane's place for 24th and tell people about it.
re write my website. but first have a good clear vision of what it will say. think about it on holiday. I'd like to bring the impossible within reach. ground the dreams and make them happen.
how to be a startist. Lisa Wright. this is such a good word.
Actually it's my Computer
I spent some time yesterday having a massive declutter of the kitchen. I really wish I could do that in my 'office' which is also my 'studio'. Its way too crowded in here and I am finding it deeply frustrating and annoying. I NEED to get rid of stuff in here.
I am a distracted bunny at the best of times and I find it hard to focus. But the worst place for me, is the computer. I come up here to it and on my way I have a very clear idea of what it is I need to do. But - tabs open syndrome - I get my eye caught on something else and before I know it , I'm off and doing something entirely different.
Its not just the office. Its my computer too.
Lesson is. Turn off the tabs.
I am a distracted bunny at the best of times and I find it hard to focus. But the worst place for me, is the computer. I come up here to it and on my way I have a very clear idea of what it is I need to do. But - tabs open syndrome - I get my eye caught on something else and before I know it , I'm off and doing something entirely different.
Its not just the office. Its my computer too.
Lesson is. Turn off the tabs.
Wednesday, 3 August 2016
Findhorn
The next day I went to work with two lovely people Catia and James who have created a game called The Miracle Choice Game. Its a game for personal development and discovery. Inspired by the Course in Miracles. A book I have never read, but have heard mentioned by many.
Meanwhile my Husband and Son had an amazing adventure. They had booked on a boat trip to see the seals. Sometimes this boat trip would catch a glimpse of other sea creatures, such as dolphins or even whales (small ones!). They were followed for quarter of an hour by a pod of 15 bottlenose dolphins! Leaping and playing beside them.
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| (not our photo - this is from http://www.whitewolfjourneys.com/weave-the-web/time-between-worlds/) |
The other thing that happened was - well, to go back a little bit, when we discussed going to Findhorn, Hub recalled a childhood memory. He had been given, or got, a small ceramic penguin from Findhorn. He had named it Pecky, and he'd loved it. For several years he'd loved it, until finally it broke. So he decided that in Findhorn he would look around and find and buy a new Pecky. He was quite obsessed with the idea! And when we arrived in Findhorn village he set about looking for the gift shop.
But in the village there were no gift shops -at least that he could find.... but that afternoon, they went to the Findhorn Community and there, was a pottery and shop there. So he asked, you don't by any chance have any penguins? And the woman replied that - normally they didn't, but that just 2 days ago she had decided to make some. And she had 2 in the kiln being fired at that very moment!
So Hub got a new Pecky the penguin from Findhorn. And I have still to go and discover what its really like!! That evening we all got into the bright red Fiat 500 and drove back to Glasgow. I did pick up a stone from the beach though.
Tuesday, 2 August 2016
Back from Scotland. and What Feels Sparkly???
Back in Brighton now, and the weather is resolutely Scottish. Cold, rainy and dark!! At least it stayed more or less fine when we were in Findhorn!
Hub wants to move to Scotland. But I am not at all sure that I do. I love Brighton, perhaps even more right now. I am having a good old think about what it is that I do want. It seems we are growing out of our little house here. The idea of moving to Scotland was born of the Brexit. And the fact that Scotland seems a more left wing country. I shudder at the the cheap Americanisation of England. I mean that in the worst view of Americanisation. Not the enlightened version of the States, but that built on business, money is everything, shameless subservience to Capitalism that just doesn't work for society sort of idea. The turning of schools into Academies and the low taxes and the lack of idealism in government. I fear the loss of the NHS and some sort of sell off the family silver for short term gain sort of behaviour. I don't see any government that seems to see into the future and paint it good at the moment. Ha. But there is the whole thing to be getting away from. Stop! And its a sink hole of thoughts! I didn't feel bright and light about living in Glasgow. Not that its not an option. But right now it didn't feel sparkly.
But there we are. The question is -what does feel sparkly? What sort of future do I want to build and where is it? I know i have quite a few Mondo Beyondo type dream lists here. Perhaps it is time for another one! I want to see a bright future for our family and this country. Society as a whole. How can this be a better future? So this dream question is the one I want to ponder. Where is the future sparkling? and bright. And green and caring and sustainable. In every aspect.
One thing that happened was that we drove a bright red Fiat 500 to the North. That felt bright and sparkly. So, all I know about the dream Bright future so far is that in it I have a bright red Fiat 500.
I'm off to coach an academic in London today. Helping him tame his inbox, and in his words, to feel "Lighter" and better. Simple, lightweight business. Yes. That feels sparkly. Ta-ra for now!!
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