Part of my inspiration for getting up early in the new year

Why I Wake Early

Hello, sun in my face.
Hello, you who made the morning
and spread it over the fields
and into the faces of the tulips
and the nodding morning glories,
and into the windows of, even, the
miserable and the crotchety –

best preacher that ever was,
dear star, that just happens
to be where you are in the universe
to keep us from ever-darkness,
to ease us with warm touching,
to hold us in the great hands of light –
good morning, good morning, good morning.

Watch, now, how I start the day
in happiness, in kindness.

~ Mary Oliver ~

Last few reverb thought provokers as we enter a new year

THE LAST ONE WE ARE HERE .....NewYears Eve
Prompt: Core story. What central story is at the core of you, and how do you share it with the world? (Bonus: Consider your reflections from this month. Look through them to discover a thread you may not have noticed until today.)

My six word memoir Grow with Courage and 'let go'

reverb10.com
Wow initially i wrote a lot and thought to myself ' have you got a few days to read this answer'...However i then discovered the 6 word memoir so yes my central story is probably one of healing after loss.... i think it is central to who i am how i think and why i value what i value and believe what i believe. My 6 word memoir capturing this would be ''Grow with courage and 'let go''

I believe in listening to people 'tell their story' and in this fast noisy world sometimes time can be short to allow this to happen.. i know how good it feels to be listened to and encouraged to talk as i have needed encouragement and space to do this and without it would have been in a very 'different place' to where i am now.
I believe the mind is such a powerful healing tool and that you can replace very negative emotional feelings with more positive feelings.I also believe that being a part of someone's journey in life, or towards the end of life is one of the greatest gifts one could ever have in one's own life. Love is the only thing that is really real.I believe we are all spiritual beings no matter which god or religion we follow.
I value growth and conversation epecially 'therapeutic conversations'.I also believe that the valuing of oneself and others around you is key in life it can enable one to follow a more courageous path...I do have a deep 'love' of myself and 'my values' and this is a good base to work from.. I love and value others very freely......I believe self awareness and balance are key to 'surviving' in this life.

I value interdependance rather than independance, i 'm evolving in my ideas about this but i do believe all is interconnected, nature, man, the universe, energy....i'm so grateful to these things and i have valued the support i've recieved from others sooo much in my life.

Although not a crusader of any sort i am a creature of the universe and believe in contributing to the universe in a positive and loving way.

Future tool: Susannah Conway’s Allowing Dreams} Today is the final day of #reverb10. Thank you for your reverberations this month. Keep an eye on your inbox at the end of January 2011 for something from HQ.}




Prompt: Gift. This month, gifts and gift-giving can seem inescapable. What's the most memorable gift, tangible or emotional, you received this year?
reverb10.com

Now i am struggling with this......i think i'd go for emotional gift...again it would be support from Chella and Kirsty...tangible gifts heck i'm not good at thinking in a tangible way about gifts especially those i've received i'm thinking hard i think the painting mum did me ...i'm still wanting to put it up in my craft room...it is a lovely open flower against a sky blue background.

{Future tools: Lifehacker’s Free Tools to Manage New Years Resolutions and Gretchen Rubin's Questions to Help You Make Effective New Year's Resolutions. We're in the last 48 hours of #reverb10!




Prompt: Defining moment. Describe a defining moment or series of events that has affected your life this year .I think being supported in realising my dream to do the summer fares we completed this year felt like a self defining moment Kirsty and Chella made it happen...I felt quite overwhelmed but would have done it alone and then the support was there...i do not have a big circle of support i don't really ask for it often ...i find it hard and i've often bitten of more than i could chew and completed something but felt burnt out and frazzled and less inspired to repeat the experience...so guys thankyou you were so much a part of my achieving and having a defining moment this year!

I like this carefree tune by Eliza Doolittle pack up your troubles it struck a cord with me this year......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzY0-I4Gq5w



reverb10.com{Future tool: The 99%’s How to Budget for an Irregular Income. For the next 3 days as you round out your year, we’ll share one tool each day to help you plan your year ahead.}

'Life, even with its suffering, is so beautiful, so absolutely dazzling, there’s nothing to do but sit in awe. ' liked what Lorilynn wrote

http://lorilyn.wordpress.com/2010/12/31/core-story/#more-1827

A little walk in our Winter wonderland

Free picture slideshow made with Smilebox

Thankyouuuuu smilebox as i still haven't figured out how to upload my movie into a file from windows moviemaker ... I will consult my i.t. guru and the video i've worked very hard on editing might yet make it onto the blogspot...until then this is a heartwarming collection of photo's of our 'blow the cobwebs off ' walk it takes of place in reminding me what has brought me peace, calmness and joy this christmastime.

What do you wish for in the New Year ...2011.................

http://jamieridlerstudios.ca/wishcasting-wednesday-what-do-you-wish-for-the-new-year

A different sort of wish for me...i'm feeling enthused as I incubate a new project..
I am in the process of planning to conduct some 'lifestory scrapbooking' and 'memory box creating' for others.I would like to do this as not only a hobby but as a regular activity and I have a plan to mail out some letters inviting this to happen in Spring of 2011.....it is a dream and passion of mine that lifestory work can be shared in a therapeutic way and i soooo want to facilitate this.I have done a lot of reflecting and exploring and i have a list of 'i can's' and practicalities to my wish.......

I can create a vision board... to embody this more
I can create some nice stationary to invite care homes and hospices to participate.
I can devote some time to this from February of this year as my working hours reduce.
I can work less in my everyday job and focus more on this dream.
I can draw confidence from my exeriences of groupwork and everyday care work.
I can gain support from my friends through sharing my ideas with them.
I can prepare by looking into what has worked in the past with the use of lifestory work especially with the elderly.
I can create a program i can deliver and personalize with some of the individuals willing to participate in this project.
I can breathe.........
I can 'positively' evaluate even the smallest step toward this goal
I can enjoy sharing in someone's 'life story'
I can enable others to feel affirmed and valued by helping them to share there lifestories and express thoughts/feelings.

I can doooo this ... so as i say goodbye to the old year of 2010 ( which has been a lovely year) i start the New Year with enthusiasm and some life experience in addressing this project with balance. Sending my wish out there into the world of wishcasting Wednesday seems to 'bless' it.............Thankyou..

More reverb prompts as we reflect and manifest for 2011

http://www.happiness-project.com/happiness_project/start-.html

A Happiness Manifesto
To be happy, you need to consider feeling good, feeling bad, and feeling right, in an atmosphere of growth.
One of the best ways to make yourself happy is to make other people happy; One of the best ways to make other people happy is to be happy yourself.
The days are long, but the years are short.
You're not happy unless you think you're happy.
Your body matters.
Happiness is other people.
Think about yourself so you can forget yourself.
"It is easy to be heavy: hard to be light."—G. K. Chesterton
What's fun for other people may not be fun for you, and vice versa.
Best is good, better is best.
Outer order contributes to inner calm.
Happiness comes not from having more, not from having less, but from wanting what you have.
You can choose what you do, but you can't choose what you like to do.
"There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy." —Robert Louis Stevenson
You manage what you measure.
I've joined the happiness project....................



Prompt: Achieve. What’s the thing you most want to achieve next year? How do you imagine you’ll feel when you get it? Free? Happy? Complete? Blissful? Write that feeling down. Then, brainstorm 10 things you can do, or 10 new thoughts you can think, in order to experience that feeling today.
reverb10.com

I would love to actually conduct some 'lifestory scrapbooking' and 'memory box creating' with a few individuals.I really want to achieve this and have a plan to mail out some letters inviting this to happen in Spring of 2011.I'll feel so satisfied when i manage this and sooo proud of myself ..it is a dream and passion of mine that lifestory work can be shared in a therapuetic way and i soooo want to facilitate this.
I'll feel 'complete' in this aspect of my life and self fulfilled.


MY Brain storm..thought shower etc...

• I can create a vision board... to embody this more
• I can create some nice stationary to invite care homes and hospices to participate.
• I can devote some time to this from February of this year.
• I can work less and focus more on this dream.
• I can draw confidence from my exeriences of groupwork and everyday care work.
• I can gain support from my friends through sharing my ideas with them.
• I can create a program i can deliver and personalize with some of the individuals willing to participate in this project.
• I can breathe.........
• I can 'positively' evaluate even the smallest step toward this goal
• I can enjoy sharing in someone's 'life story'
• I can enable others to feel affirmed and valued by helping them to share there lifestories and express thoughts/feelings.

woops thats 11!

{Future tool: Gretchen Rubin's Start Your Own Happiness Project (and be sure to visit the Happiness Project Toolbox!). For the next 4 days as you round out your year, we’ll share one tool each day to help you plan your year ahead.}

Can you prioritize these life categories in the order that is most important to you? Will you?
1.Home
2.Travel
3.Creativity & Self-expression
4.Love & Relationships
5.Beliefs
6.Education & Self-improvement
7.Money
8.Work & Career
9.Health
Caz: 9,3,4,6,5,8,7,1,2.
Chel: 8,7,4,9,3,1,2,5,6





Prompt: Ordinary joy. Our most profound joy is often experienced during ordinary moments. What was one of your most joyful ordinary moments this year?


When i share ordinary moments with my friends and family and we share 'that moment' when we truly are synchronised in what it is we are smiling about or laughing about or sharing being inspired, emotionally touched or passionate about that is soooo special to me, it brings me so much joy.I value the people i spend time with and communicate with soooo much... i have shared such joy in 2010...i like 'your song ' and would love to send it to all those i've shared joy with and thank them !
"Some folks make the world a better place by simply 'being' in it"
Thankyouuuuuuu and continue to scatter the joy in 2011

MMM Lovely ...

Yoga time...

Reverb for Christmas ..reflect and manifest

Prompt: Soul food. What did you eat this year that you will never forget? What went into your mouth & touched your soul?
reverb10.com
{Future tool: Sark's MicroMOVEment Support Sheets. For the next 6 days as you round out your year, we'll share one tool each day to help you plan your year ahead.}



You are never going to believe this....... celery...I've had an obsession with celery this year i'm stil on 2 packs a week minimum! now although soul food encourages me to think about comforting rich tasting food stuffs my beloved celery has hit the spot this year..now i've become a conoissuer as they change taste ..some not hitting the spot quite as much.At the moment i've a few packs of celery hearts and they taste lovely they have an 'earthy' overtone...i did have the odd ones that had that bitter taste they're not my favourite but i still keep munching! then there were a few sweet thirst quenching packs they were my total favourites and were availble in the summer months! I was a bit taken aback with my celery fixation this year and tried to find out what it might have in it that my body might be craving. I feel good when i'm eating it regularly and not soooo good when i miss it for a few days it's benefits with regard to the relief of 'Brain fatigue' is what i think it hits for me!

Celery is a vegetable that belongs to the parsley family and is known by the scientific name of ‘Apium graveolers dulce’. It is grown mainly for its stalks, which are edible and used for consumption purposes. Celery boasts of a very pleasant and distinctive odor, the reason why it is used as an ingredient in stews, in salads, in soups, as mix in cocktail drinks, etc. However, may few people are aware that celery holds a high nutritional value and accords a number of health benefits to those who consume it. In the following, we will provide you complete information on the nutrition value and benefits of eating celery.


Consumption of celery has been found to be associated with lowering of blood pressure, making it good for persons suffering from the problem of hypertension.

Celery is believed to provide the effect of calmness.
Since celery helps in the clearing of uric acid from painful joints, it is said to be helpful in treating arthritis and rheumatic problems.

Celery contains very less calories and is the perfect food for those striving for weight loss. Infact, drinking celery juice before meals helps suppress appetite.

Celery is a very good source of Vitamin C and thus, strengthens the immune system and is also good for those suffering from cold.

Celery has anti-inflammatory properties and is an antioxidant. Grated or raw celery provides relief when used on swollen glands.

Researches have suggested that celery has anti-cancer properties.Celery has also been found to be useful in the treatment of the following ailments:
Acidosis
Anemia
Asthma
Brain Fatigue
Catarrh
Constipation
Diabetes
Dropsy
Kidney Diseases (nephritis)
Liver and Gallbladder Diseases
Neuritis
Obesity
Pancreas Diseases
Pyorrhea
Rheumatism
Tuberculosis












Prompt: Photo - a present to yourself. Sift through all the photos of you from the past year. Choose one that best captures you; either who you are, or who you strive to be. Find the shot of you that is worth a thousand words. Share the image, who shot it, where, and what it best reveals about you.

Oh i sooo loved this moment...Chel and I were on a boat trip on holiday ..chel had arranged it and booked it .. it was a dreamy hot day , melu was with us but doing his own thing ...soooo relaxing we saw some dolphins and it was just simply lovely...Chel asked someone to take the photo so i've no idea who took it but it is a beautiful photo and soo a big thankyou to them for that.It reveals that that i love living in the moment and i love the tranquility of the sea and time spent with my soul mate Chel...




reverb10.com
{Future tool: Soul Biographies: Thoughts Become Things. For the next 7 days as you round out your year, we'll share one tool each day to help you plan your year ahead.}


Prompt: Everything's OK. What was the best moment that could serve as proof that everything is going to be alright? And how will you incorporate that discovery into the year ahead?
reverb10.com

I have more than one moment here i think...sometimes things are hectic and going a little bit pear shaped! or not according to plan and then as if by magic something serendipitous happens...it can be someting like being late for an appointment/or a double booking only to find it wasn't on that day or one of the people cancels..it can be feeling pretty harrassed or despondent about another long and busy working day and then seeing the sunshine radiate from behind the clouds on the way to work or between visits..it can be seeing a big glorious moon at 3pm.. it can be a kind word from a work colleague or an expression that indicates graditude from a client...those moments are not controlled but are such amazing feedback in every day life I love them.. they enable me to feel alive and feel the real world has hope and positivity! They are simple but i am a simple person who wishes to enjoy a simple non overscheduled life.
That is the discoveryi have made over the last few years and i love my life more since i discovered this! so i will carry on my life..simplify..living life slowly and savouring moments in order to see the positive....and continue to feel inspired by those magical moments and I know my creative work will blossom as a result of this.
{Future tool: Gwen Bell - How to Create Your Personal Manifesto. For the next 8 days as you round out your year, we'll share one tool each day to help you plan your year ahead.
creating a vision board...
1. Gather the necessary supplies. Magazines of all genres, glue, markers, pens, cardboard in all sizes, scissors, water, music, snacks
(Yes, you're going back to Kindergarten for a few hours) (Note: I have made massive vision maps and travel-sized vision maps that I carry around in my bag. Also, if you want both you can always scan a massive one in and carry the printed version.)
2. Put the magazines in the middle of the room. You get an hour to cut out any image that speaks to you. Inevitably an article will catch your eye that you want to keep. That's good. Cut it out and put it to the side. Don't engage it right now. Focus on cutting out images that resonate.
3. Once the hour is up, take a break. Get some air. Drink water and then get the cardboard and paste and markers.
4. Assemble your vision map. Don't be afraid to glue things that make no sense. Pretty images, frightening images. Doesn't matter. If it speaks to you, put it on there. I've seen all sorts of maps - those with a lot of white space, those (usually my own) with so many images I run out of space and have to start pasting on the back.
5. Share with the group what you've created. Why a particular image speaks to you. What you see yourself doing over the next year, five years, ten years.
6. Have your map laminated. Refer to them during days when you don't know what you're doing with your life (we all have them).
7. Note: a good moderator will keep judgements to a minimum. Even when you share an "example map" it's good to let people know theirs will look nothing like yours. They are intensely personal.
8. Note: add a photo of yourself to the map - will help you really visual yourself living this life


Prompt: New name. Let's meet again, for the first time. If you could introduce yourself to strangers by another name for just one day, what would it be and why?
I love this idea ....mmmm i think i'd call myself Larissa something a little bit different with a gentle vibe to it ! i don't really know why ...i just like this name!
reverb10.com
{Future tool: Chris Guillebeau's How to Conduct Your Own Annual Review. For the next 9 days as you round out your year, we'll share one tool each day to help you plan your year ahead.}


Prompt: Travel. How did you travel in 2010? How and/or where would you like to travel next year?

Chel and I travelled 'to chill' land...It's super to see a new place and relax... enjoying taking in the sights...now this could be anywhere... but we went to Tenerife in 2010 and it was the best 'chill out ever'...I would love to do that again in 2011
reverb10.com{Future Tool: New Year’s Goal Questions for No-Goals Creatives from Jeffrey Davis. For the next 10 days as you round out your year, we'll share one tool each day to help you plan your year ahead.}

My wish for you all

http://jamieridlerstudios.ca/wishcasting-wednesday-what-is-your-winter-wish

I am a little late with this! i'm not going to start to express how i feel about there not being enough hours in the day to do all i would like to do! it is still so important for me to make my wish even if i do not make it on time i am sending this out into the universe and i know it will be received as it comes with a good and well meaning energy....

I would like to make a wish ...i'm not so sure whether i can express 'what' i want to wish for.In the first instance i wanted to make a wish for 'others' as i see so many people experiencing so many different harshnesses, problems, and challenges.. and my heart really goes out to them ..although i know i've worked caring for others for years i've never ever stopped feeling like this...... it is a part of me...I couldn't possibly begin to explain in any depth the individual wishes i would like to make...Putting such a lot of energy into this does make me very grateful for those around me... my closest friends and my family as they are my buffer.. my support line and i sometimes do not have as 'much energy' as I would like to have for them...they deserve my winter wishes as well so here is my simple winter wish for everyone......

Wishes wishes.... too many... to few?

I send my warm winter wishes to you..

In these dark winter months i wish radiant warm light ..

The sort that shines through, warming a soul through the night.

I wish smiles and some laughter to brighten your day

A sprinkling of this chases the winter blues away...

'Someone to love' i wish will come your way

As caring is a gift that brightens any day

Snuggly apparel is a must in the cold

so wishing your wrapped up well as you step out your door

..and that there's a warm fire to gather round to soften a cold frozen core

These winter wishes are simple, i know

but may simplicity embrace you and help you to go with the flow ......

A big thankyou to all wishcasters and Jamie as i believe the community of wishcasting to be powerful way of realizing one's dreams .....

My mum is a fresh 70...

My mum is a wonderful human being! I cannot beleive she is 70 I am hopeful Lynn and I have a good selection of her genes! Here we are the three of us just like old times.It is going to be a challenging christmas time for her this year but we are on hand... ''so mum know that we are always here, Lynn and I, and don't let your fierce independance get in the way of asking for help if you need it.. I'll be keeping an 'emotional eye on you'......''

Super super night

Make a free photo slideshow

We've been practicing our Dance moves...

It's a time for movin' n groovin'

What a party weekend...had a great night dancing on Thursday and Chel had a 4a.m walk home in the snow on Friday ...and Melu and I had lovely family 70th birthday with mum.Thankyouuuuuu so much Melu for coming with ,me it made grandma's day special.

How do I wish to soar....

http://jamieridlerstudios.ca/wishcasting-wednesday-how-do-you-wish-to-soar

Thankyou wishcasters i would have struggled to examine how i wish to soar but reading other's wishes and listening to some comforting vibes allows me to percieve things differently...It has been another long day and there was conflict at work today..I was on the outside of the conflict but s i felt the energy build up and i was aware things were getting pretty hot before there was the actual explosion! There is likely to be some sort of fall out from the explosion.......

I strugggle to see myself soaring with regard to my 'path' 'my dreams' 'my creativity'... I feel as if I may be in a sort of 'free fall experience' for all sorts of reasons ....so i wish to find my wings and soar in a gentle way, not loosing sight of my 'bigger picture'. So as I gently soar with my wings open I will glide as I soar , catching the wind currents as i travel and I will be able to see a bigger picture, and naturally i will follow my path, I'll have a birds eye view on the way, I will take in the sights and travel slowly so that i can gather inspiration and ideas allong the way ...wishcasting is a powerful tool thankyou Jamie and wishcasters.

I loved listening to some more of the zero 7 music K posted on her blogspot

This reflects what i didn't put into my vision board!

I'm with this young man...and would feel more optimistic about the future of this country if he were a part of the coalition...

I may find i am distracted from my creative path over the next few years as i feel so emotional about what a mess of a society we will potentially have if the government are allowed to make the cuts they are doing...

REFLECT and MANIFEST for 2011

I am unable to sign up for reverb but can see others participation so will visit their blog spots and play along as best i can catching up with prompts..... what a great way to see the new year in

Prompt: Beyond avoidance. What should you have done this year but didn't because you were too scared, worried, unsure, busy or otherwise deterred from doing? (Bonus: Will you do it?)
AVOIDANCE ... I avoid arguments and loud agressive energy...I have not evolved enough to be able to be around this sort of energy for long ... I worry a lot about all sorts of things mainly with regard to what i percieve to be my shortcomings! or mistakes and I am a 'scaredy cat' I kind of don't want to change all of this...but I would like to be 'BOLDER' in 2011.. I don't want a life that is busier I don't want to keep up, or compete with others but i do enjoy the company of others.... I think i do avoid some social situations because of this and perhaps i'd like to challenge myself with some of the 'uncertainty' of some social situations....now i'm not a recluse no no I think deep inside i'm just a quiet peace loving slow moving person and the world just spins a little too fast for me sometimes! I will be 'BOLDER' in all I do in 2011.




Prompt: Healing. What healed you this year? Was it sudden, or a drip-by-drip evolution? How would you like to be healed in 2011?
MMM i'm more a drip drip evolution person...i had a revelation as regards healing around 3 years or so ago..I learnt to relax and prior to that i came to terms with a lot of the loss i had had in my life.Now I am conscious about patterns of thought that are not helpful i wish to continue to evolve healing myself and enabling others to heal in 2011.I wish to continue to be creative and use creativity as my healing tool.




Prompt: Try. What do you want to try next year? Is there something you wanted to try in 2010? What happened when you did / didn't go for it?
I wanted to reduce my working hours in 2010 i had it in my 5 yearplan i created when i did a rather wonderful workshop on line with BigPicture.I feared i would not be able to do this and am still a little worried as my hubby and I are likely to have some job changes with working in the public sector..but i have now arranged it with my manager so as from February 2011 I will work a 9 day fortnight i'm doing my bit for the economy as well in taking the initiative and reducing my hours...


Prompt: Friendship. How has a friend changed you or your perspective on the world this year? Was this change gradual, or a sudden burst?
I am soooo very grateful for my friends i do not have a big social circle..i unconditionally love my friends three come to mind immediatley as being my very very good and trusted friends...i have another few i love spending time with and some friends of friends i feel inspired by and enjoy the company of... I struggle to be accepting of support for myself and i married my soul mate so always tend to lean toward him for support... I'm fearful of being hurt but over the last couple of years I have friendships that have grown a lot in a reciprocally supportive ways. I made contact with an old friend who is was a kindred spirit many years ago (it was lovely to find Sitch hadn't forgotten me as i'd such fond memories).I am also overwhelmed by the supportive environment my online friends provide and my running buddy who is bright, intelligent and full of energy and we've been buddies for a long while now carrying each other when needed i continue to be my kooky self i've learnt a lot about 'reciprocal support' and about feeling accepted for being who I am over the last year....

December 15 – 5 Minutes Imagine you will completely lose your memory of 2010 in five minutes. Set an alarm for five minutes and capture the things you most want to remember about 2010.
The summer craft fayres with kirst.
Sharing the odd nights company with Melu my son he is such good company and i love him and his company soo much.
Chella's listening ear and tolerance.
Our holiday in Tenerife.
Comedy night at 7 cafe.
The day out in Whitby with mum for my birthday.
Going to see Lynn in Manchester.
The World Cup!
My walks round the 'countryside block' in Autumn before the nights drew in.


December 14 – Appreciate What’s the one thing you have come to appreciate most in the past year? How do you express gratitude for it? '
I soo appreciate the time i spend with my mum...i'm grateful to her for soo many things and i try to express it by 'being there' when she wants me to be.... by trying to be as unselfish as possible i my actions and responses...and show my love and appreciation of all she has done and given to me in raising me the way she did ...i love you mum.




December 13 – Action When it comes to aspirations, it’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen. What’s your next step?
To give myself more time to be creative and explore my next step and sooo work at my 'job' and learn to live on less financially is my next step.


December 12 – Body Integration This year, when did you feel the most integrated with your body? Did you have a moment where there wasn’t mind and body, but simply a cohesive YOU, alive and present? (Author: Patrick Reynolds)

I think the last time i felt this was listening to GRACE and singing along to it in the car ..... although crafting gives me this amazing sense of flow and integratedness... and probably creating my vision board gave me that same feeling most recently ..


December 11 – 11 Things What are 11 things your life doesn’t need in 2011? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 11 things change your life? (Author: Sam Davidson)

This is hard and i'll probably only get a few done now.....
1. Allowing other people's energy to effect me for too long.....be mindful of this and self aware practice disconnecting from this.

2.Low self esteem......whenever i feel it creep in again be soo very aware that this is what it is and check and recheck myself, my thoughts, my behaviours and give myself time to generate good thoughts and feelings.

3. The need to please! mmmmm perhaps just be clear about why i am doing something and limit my circle of people to please...cos it is a nice to make people smile.

4. Fear.... i am quite a fearful person... i don't know why and again weighing up risk more objectively would be good for me......

5.Old patterns of thought and behaviours with mindfulness and reflection.

6. The need for more! what is that all about ...i actually don't want or need more of anything other than balance.

7.Fighting tiredness....give in go to bed!

8.Comparing myself to others...i am a child of the universe .... and as Chel says you are as good as anyone else.



December 10 – Wisdom Wisdom. What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out? (Author: Susannah Conway)

To reduce my working hours!

My first Vision board

It was soooo satisfying and energising completing this board tonight it was the first thing i dived into the moment i got in from work!I had been thinking about my images and choosing them over the last few nights and with a little seasonal magic they fell together beautifully.I wish to keep a record of my vision baords throughout the coming year so i've out them in an album...thankyou for this great opportunity to join in.

What stood out for me about this vision board was the balancing feature of the legs and arms at it's base and an overall sense that 'perspective' on things is a pretty powerful mind tool! .... the images evoked good emotions, but i did choose sme images that evoked some difficult emotions i didn't add them as i wanted this process to transform my mood rather than express anything else!... and i loved the idea that i or a person viewing the board might feel a sense of holding or balancing good emotions alongside the sense that it is how we view things that colours our world, i guess.I loved the image of the old fashioned boys n gals looking at their distorted images in a 'hall of mirrors' it is something i remember from being a child...and the running person from a different 'glass bottomed perspective.

A Rockin' Christmas... blast from the past my era!

What do I wish to transform...

http://jamieridlerstudios.ca/wishcasting-transform

Thankyouoooo for making me think .....my mind set is a little on the 'darker side' right now.... i would like to transform my mind set into a brighter more positive one....I have a stamp in my collection it says ''we don't see things as they are we see things as we are'' this is sooo true for me ...and a lot of my thoughts represent that darker mind set so I am going to transform it! I would like to action this by ..
1. Using this stamp in my vision board.... which is in the form of a page in an altered book i create in.
2. Getting home early and, because tea is already prepped, i can craft...yes crafting for ME tonight.
3.Breathe..breathe..breathe

Snow.. snow.. everywhere...

Non of us are going anywhere!...Wow what a challenging week for all ...today i'll take leave and cancel all my appointments...... my car is abandoned at work and an ace gal from work braved the drive home and I'm soooo grateful to her .......My mum is stranded here with us since returning from her holiday very late on Monday evening...we are so relieved she and her partner made it back and we managed to get all her medicines yesterday... her poor partner fell ill on return and we have him in a hospital in Leeds, he is feeling better and sounded good yesterday.Yesterday was a day of much activity and co-ordination and arranging of things for clients and for family and there were almost not enough hours in the day to do this but do you know things worked out really well...i thank the universe for that and my lovely Chella and the patience and kindness he always shows.....I love seeing mum here she's a trooper and she is coping well but she soooo wants to be home with all that's familiar and its hard for her to be here, I know.







What i've really enjoyed seeing is how helpful people are on the way home there was a 'white van with a few young lads and the were stopping every few minutes to help push cars up the hill that we were going down.Even my son helped push cars up the hill near to us....A big thankyou to all those Good Samaritans out there .....

Wishcasting Wednesday

http://jamieridlerstudios.ca/wishcasting-wednesday-where-do-you-wish-to-go-slow

Phewwwww what a day i'm not sure i can answer this right now.I'm trying to process the last few days activities and this means slowly processing and generating a positive perspective on some of life's events..so this is where i wish to go slow.These are not serious life threatening events and were opportunities to demonstrate love and caring to those that we do love and care about but you know the space, calm and quiet to be creative is my sanctuary and when there are challenges to this I get a little scared of losing it but if I go slow in how I respond and give my self time to process things i'll do just fine.....My guardian angel is hovering and things are working out just fine...
Going slow with my inner mind processes so i can make good decisions and balance a few plates and juggle a few balls right now is what I wish for ...I feel better already!

Vision Board

http://innercreativevoice.wordpress.com/what-is-a-vision-board/

Jamie Ridler has an amazing community of simular minded creative souls following her activities i am hoping to join in with this vision board as i was a little late for the new moon dream boards and this is a wonderful opportunity.

Week 14 What would ..errrr... do to be happy?

Read and recommend.... I may be slow at this one as i am a really slow reader infact i'd say i can only read when i go to bed so this will take me some time...my buddy K and the book group have invited me acouple of times to join but i'm not good for reading and only remeber how i felt about the book never objective clever opinions about what the book was about but i might be brave and see if i can join the book club...watch this space.

The Happy Book: Week 15 from Jamie Ridler on Vimeo.

I listened to Jamie again and think i approached the previous task from a different perspective... again i focused on making someone else happy!
So I am re examining this as i do have someone I admire who helped me change my life
..Sheila... what would make her happy? perhaps a long walk in the fresh air some good company a clean and tidy peaceful environment, again.. travelling abroad,retreats and being creative, reading and being spiritually aware... I often think of Sheila when I am having a difficult time and I do think 'now what would she do?' .. what did I learn.. how do i tap into that self that i need to be or that part of myself i need right now..thankyou Sheila x

The Next Chapter: The Happy Book Week 14 from Jamie Ridler on Vimeo.

Feeling a bit stuck here need a little time to think about this one do i have a hero or heroine mmmm think i'd like to think about what my sister would do to be happy..we are two very different flowers from the same garden and i soooo wish she could be happy.She has a good life filled with going to the gymn, dating, going out and travelling but may not be as happy as we are tempted to think.So let me think.... she loves 'nice things' and she has an amazing figure she's worked hard on so I would love to be able to give her a personal shopper experience and shopping spree with a sky is the the limit budget.I think then she would love to have a holiday every month maybe a week in a sunny place to top up her tan and relax sipping cocktails..she has expensive tastes though so it would have to be the very best hotel in a very special resort!She would have the service of an escort every night to take her out shower her with his attention and take her to the best places.These feel like only possible in my dreams.I have struggled for a large part of my life in trying to think about what makes others happy ..it was my job as a child and young adult ...but an impossible task as i find it is only truly oursleves that can bring about the feeling of happiness from within However, if it were about some more realistic ways of her achieving happiness i think the main thing is possible and that i would wish for my sister is to meet a lovely guy... the man of her dreams who showed her all the love and affection and tolerance she deserves and would share her life enjoying the simple things in life like love, companionship and perhaps the odd bottle of Rioja!I know she speaks of really wanting this from the bottom of her heart so i'm sending out good vibes that tis does indeed happen.

Lighthouse Family ...revisited

Everyday Grace

Simon webbe's 'grace' is lovely and this video reminds me of that everday sense of grace we can have in this interesting world in which we live and experience things in........

Wishcasting Wednesday

http://jamieridlerstudios.ca/wishcasting-wednesday-what-do-you-wish-to-invite-in

I'm wanting to invite in my angels! I am reconnecting with my spirituality and three particular angels represent what i wish to honour, acknowledge and attract into my life at the moment.

1. GRACE , a cherubin, i wish to honour this wonderous feeling that is only possible through having an open heart.This feeling occurs in a moment or only for a moment it radiates from inside and enraptures you momentarily reminding you of home and urging you on through difficult times or a dificult day thankyou... Ananchel.This energy also allows expression of feelings and elimnates guilt ...i would like to hnour this about my life and be thnakful for it.

2.HARMONY , a mother's angel, Charmiene...I wish to acknowledge this 'blanket' of a feeling.The embrace of self love and acceptance is sooo healing and what i have nurtured in myself i am thankful i can now give to others as a gift through my work .BALANCE is such a journey and it is something i acknowledge and wish to invite into my life...

3.CREATIVE POWER...a greater angel energy Jophiel ...'The world is but a canvas to our imaginations.Dreams are the touchstones of our characters' by henry Davud Thoreau.

I wish to invite in this energy and light and to co-ordinate my creative actions and express myself through them.

Dream board phenomon

http://jamieridlerstudios.ca/full-moon-dreamboards-the-full-frost-moon

I would like to create a dreamboard but may not manage it this time...I have however chose 3 images of angels and wish to reconnect with my spirituality.A number of years ago this was such an important part of my journey as i was in a very healing phase .I gathered much wisdom and intuitiveness from the use of crystals, reiki and some deep relaxation and visualisations, i used my angel blessing card and a tarot deck to guide me. have never lost this i still remember this part of my journey as being soul enriching and really changing my life... it was such an important part of my life.My spirituality runs very deeply within my creativity and it was during this phase in my life that i rediscovered my creativity....i have not expressed myself fully for sometime in my work as i've focused on creating for others, which i love but I would like this new moon is a time for me to look forward to balancing my needs with 'others' needs... i will start to express myself again through my art work.

What fun being a tourist in our own Town!

Thankyou to Jamie Ridler for this weeks chapter out of the Happy Book ...We had such fun this weekend being a tourist in our own town!

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What's next from Jamie..favourite recipe mmmm

The Next Chapter: The Happy Book Week 13 from Jamie Ridler on Vimeo.

There can only be one favourite recipe of mine! I love making this carrot cake as folks enjoy it soooo much i've even used the recipe to make carrot cake muffins.. it takes some time to grate those carrots though i sometimes do them the night before or I draft 'my guys' in to grate the carrots!
Ingredients
150ml/¼ pint sunflower oil

100g/4oz soft light brown sugar

2 eggs, lightly beaten

75g/3oz golden syrup

175g/6oz wholemeal self-raising flour

1 level tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground allspice

½ tsp ground ginger

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

200g/7oz finely grated carrots ( or 10 OZ and omit the sultana's)

75g/3oz sultanas


For the topping
150g/5oz cream cheese

40g/1½oz icing sugar

Preparation method
Preheat oven to 160C/325F/Gas 3. You will need a greased and lined 18cm/7in round or square baking tin.

In a large bowl or electric mixer, whisk together the oil, sugar, eggs and golden syrup until totally combined. Mix in the remaining cake ingredients and pour into the prepared tin.

Bake in the oven for 45 minutes for a round cake, or 30 minutes for the square, until nicely risen and firm but springy when lightly pressed. Insert a skewer through the centre if you're not sure. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Leave the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

While the cake is cooling, make the topping. Warm the marmalade in a microwave or small saucepan until melted. Beat it into the cream cheese with the coconut cream and icing sugar. Place in the fridge to firm up, and when cold spread over the cooled cake.

For a final touch, grate over some nutmeg or dust with some ground cinnamon. Because the carrot cake has been made using oil, it will stay moist for quite a few days in an airtight container if you can bear not to eat it straight away.

30 mins to 1 hour
preparation time

30 mins to 1 hour
cooking time

Makes 8-12 slices

What do you wish to celebrate

http://jamieridlerstudios.ca/wishcasting-celebrate

I would like to celebrate life...my life.
-I feel such joy when i think of the people i love and that know me well and accept me as i am.
-I feel proud that i worked hard in my nursing career and have touched and been touched by so many life stories.
-I feel relieved that i haven't lost the ability to laugh and have fun...i'm laughing a lot at the moment and you know i soooo like it! when things are hard you forget how good it is to laugh ..the team of folks i work with are good fun and I celebrate that.
-I feel so thankful that i have my health i have time's when i have not felt well and so am sooo grateful and mindful that my health is intact.
-I am so very happy to live where i do... getting here was a journey I still remember the days of living innercity struggling as a young family and taking so many risks to be where we are now.
-I am so thankful to have my very own 'earth angel' my Chel...
-I feel so priviliged to be a mother...it's so long ago now but what a journey that was, i can think back and feel a distance from the emotion and i celebrate that, as it was painful but the pain is in the past.I love my son soo much and my 'growing' alongside him 'growing up' has enable me to evolve as a person.
-I'm soo happy i've lot's of love to give...I can be a little gushy at times but there's such a lot of loving emotions running through me its hard to contain them! and i send it to the universe and celebrate my life with love, light and soooo much gratitiude.

Jamie Ridlers Happy Book Week 12

The Happy Book: Week 12 from Jamie Ridler on Vimeo.

IF......

http://www.magpie-girl.com/20100422/8thingsif-then/comment-page-1/#comment-40848

I'd have a nice Sunday dinner ready IF only... I hadn't spent soo long perusing the internet and pondering life. (Then: will get changed and get a cooked chicken from Morrisons asap)

I'd have repaired the tie backs on the curtains in the front room If only i'd not found a hundred and one more interesting things to do this weekend. (Then:will enlist a little help from my DIY guru)

IF only I were fitter i'd have made it round that Horsforth circuit yesterday without having to stop and walk. ( THEN: will fit in another run midweek and up the anti a little)

IF only I had more time i'd have an organised and tidy house. (THEN: Take a look at the two areas i actually de cluttered and feel positive!)

I'd not be as stir crazy as I am.. IF only i'd gotten out earlier. (THEN: talk Chel into a walk before that Sunday dinner!)

I'd have finished that job for K by now IF only i'd not gotten into this rather ace game... (THEN: Crack on with the last two pages and binding tonight as it is a pleasure to do)

IF only i could find the picture hanging kit i'd have hung that lovely painting of my mums in my craft room by now. (THEN: Ask my DIY guru for a favour)

If only I were not sooooo distractable (THEN call it a day and get productive!)

Energetic Anthem!

Love this tune ....

Merlin and Jazz!

My cat Jazz has had a buddy for some time ...Merlin.... together they are so funny he often calls first thing on a morning at the back of the house... he waits for her and then off they go rolling around,chasing each other and play fighting! It really cheers me to see them first thing...my hubbie and son are usually still in bed and Mel often says he can hear me chatting to them (he did comment on this being a bit silly to say the least but hey.....) these two make me laugh they are soooooo sweet (Merlin does try to sneak in and polish her breakfast off though!)

Crafty clearout

I was up early in the dark on a mission today....last night i wrested with the clutter in our bedroom and today it was the turn of the craftroom to be cleansed!The energy is really shiftng through the house .... and me....!

The happiness book

The Happy Book: Week 11 from Jamie Ridler on Vimeo.

I have been thinking about 'shoes' with not actually having the 'happiness book' i do hope i'm not taking what Jamie asked for in week 11 to literally....So my 'Ruby red slippers' equivalent mmmmmmmmm? firstly i thought of my favourite Dr Martin black shoes that i loooove so much.. they remind me of how i value comfort and i can walk for miles in them without feeling uncomfortable.. they've been my favourites for at least 10 years they magic me back to jeans and t shirt weather and mooching around carnivals and fete's in the summer months and walks in Whitby...then i have another pair of favourites some beaded flat leather sandals from Kenya ...well Kenya airport actually the beading is so pretty and i have lived in them on holiday despite taking other footwear...they magic me back to hot holiday weather beach and seashores days.... shoes to chill in make me happy.......

Wishcasting Wednesday

http://jamieridlerstudios.ca/wishcasting-grow-older
Growing old mmm .I instantly think about growing old gracefully..about embracing the peace and calm that comes with wiseness and age balancing it with the fears I have of loneliness and dying.The verse in the Desiderata reflects this for me

.....Take kindly the counsel of the years,gracefully surrendering the things of youth.Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.Beyond a wholesome discipline,be gentle with yourself......

I think about my mum of nearly 70 and feel she is a great example of how i would like to grow old....valuing being healthy and able, demonstrating my loving and having time for those around me i love, keeping a youngish outlook not being afraid to laugh, joke and try new things. My mum was born in the 40's and she loves this poem

WARNING

by Jenny Joseph
WHEN I AM AN OLD WOMAN I SHALL WEAR PURPLE

With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.

And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves

And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.

I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired

And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells

And run my stick along the public railings

And make up for the sobriety of my youth.

I shall go out in my slippers in the rain

And pick the flowers in other people's gardens

And learn to spit You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat

And eat three pounds of sausages at a go

Or only bread and pickle for a week

And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes
But now we must have clothes that keep us dry

And pay our rent and not swear in the street

And set a good example for the children.

We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.
But maybe I ought to practice a little now?

So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised

When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.
Taken from the book

When I Am An Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple

Editd by Sandra MartzPapier Mache Press--Watsonville, California 1987

On a practical level i need to plan gowing old and stay well ! and i must admit to living so much in the present that i struggle with thinking about this in a constructive way!

-I wish to live more and work less

-I wish to plan to retire early

-I wish to grow old with my Chel

-I wish to grow old with my health

-I wish to grow old lovingly and purposefully.

-I wish to feel proud of the life I'm leading.

Monday Moochings...

Soooooooooo loved seeing mum yesterday and hearing from Lynn,

my sis, on the telephone.
My son is soooo tall mum and i are smallies!



Today i'm definatley on a go slow am still in my pyjamas knowing that in the next hour i do have to get dressed and out am savouring every moment............

Chella's scooted off to work and the front room still looks like an extension of my craft room!

For Chel! Thankyou

Alanis Morissette - Everything
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Shape of my heart....................

Have had a day off work...and have another one off on Monday..ohh so love this space and have listed some of my albums on ebay... i soooo wish everyone could have an opportunity to try a little scrapbooking it allows you to standstill, enjoy reminiscing and feel good... savour and enjoy life's moments and memories.Am finishing off my albums for Cherished for Mia and Emma and K's New York Project is well underway...plenty to keep me occupied and in the zone...............
listening to more music while i create have always loved this one ...

What do you wish to enjoy

http://jamieridlerstudios.ca/wishcasting-wednesday-what-do-you-wish-to-enjoy

I have to think hard about this......
I enjoyed seeing the sun shine through some stormy looking clouds yesterday morning and i enjoyed listening to Simon Webb's Sanctuary on the way to work....what else do i wish to enjoy? I find it hard to 'plan' to enjoy something i'm more familiar with enjoyment of a moment ....
I wish to to contnue to be able unpick and reflect on a moment in my day and acknowledge it as being enjoyable.
I wish to enjoy the company of others....
I wish to laugh more.........
I wish to enjoy snuggling up in bed and sleeping soundly.
I wish to enjoy cuddling u to Chel
I wish to enjoy that first cuppa in the morning
I wish to enjoy the end of the working day and enjoy unwinding
I wish to enjoy my days off this week ....
I wish to enjoy that walk at the weekend.
I wish to enjoy completing some memory albums in my days off

wow i didn't realise how many things i had to look forward to

"Between The Minds" by Jack Savoretti
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This song has a comforting and appropriate vibe for someone i'm supporting at the mo...

Catch Up on Happiness

I am officially addicted to Jamie Ridler Studios......... I've scrapbboked about these things and now find myslef wanting to share this process...but you know i struggle to find words or be able to explain things... I am quirky and expressive but just not in words! Jamie Ridler Studios is soooooo great at making this accessible to all so i include them in my journey ...i've been here so many times before and these sorts of inspirations and prompts evoke such a lot of positivity they just have to be shared.


MMMmmmmmmmmmm 'favourite words memories from books i've read...i love reading poetry if i read a book and it grabs me then i cannot put it down there are only a few that stand out in my memory...i cannot remember the words or paragraphs but in A thousand splendid Suns by Khalid Hussain, nearing the end, there was apart of it i felt totally overwhelmed by....see if i can explain...The maturer woman (wife)sacrificed herself for the younger woman(wife)to set her 'free' from the living hell they were both experiencing and the younger woman returned to a place that brought back the memory and feelings it was sad but inspirational that the sacrifice was acknowledged in such a magical and beautiful way ...i thought it was an amazing life story reflecting so many issues. My favourite words are those from the Desiderata of Happiness - that poem has kept me going soooo many times in my life when i've struggled .........


Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.


Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.


Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.


Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.


You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.


Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.


With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.


Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.

The Happy Book: Week 10 from Jamie Ridler on Vimeo.

MMMMM Comfort...i have so many comforting things in my life i'm so blessed cuddling up to Chella is tops.. wearing snuggly socks and curling up on the settee with the fire on is second to none, being in bed...and anything warm on toast with a cup of tea or even better a milky coffee is the other they are my top four..toast and milky coffee are special as when i have them i remember my grandfather George (my male role model in life who'm i adored!) and my loving grandmother Mary from my dads side(who made a trip to my paternal grandparents more than worth while i've such fond memories of her).

The Happy Book: Week 9 from Jamie Ridler on Vimeo.

The Happy Book: Week 7 from Jamie Ridler on Vimeo.

This is great ....focus on what makes you happy...those small moments that make you smile, feel warm and evoke positivity...
I love these moments and one stands out for me this week................I looked after my good friends 'house'cats this weekend and my son came with me one day (by default) i looked on with a warm smile and a good feeling as this 'macho' young man instinctively got down on the floor found the cats toy basket ( which i hadn't a clue was there!)and played with the cats, he was so patient,gentle and fun loving with them...i rarely see him these days (even when in the same house he only usually sits with us to eat as he has a social life that we are just not part of now)and I was sooooo touched when i saw this it made me 'really happy' ...I've added it to his 'so you think you know me album'
I'm already gathering post its with my moments for this weeks...started on Sunday with my lovely walk through the farmland at the back of where i live...and Mondays snuggle with Chel after a long monday at work and Tuesday... today's girly giggle and laugh in the office with Bev and Doreen chortle.. chortle...