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