Another New Year

        As a writer, as well as a psychic in a former life, it's impossible to ignore the fact that tonight is New Year's Eve. This is the last day of 2014, tomorrow is the first day of 2015. A brand new year, a clean page, as yet unwritten upon. We all know it's just a day like any other, yet it can't help but be imbued with special signifigance...a fresh year, a new start, another chance to do better than before. It's a sort of 'slates wiped clean' sort of time. Of course it isn't, but strangely....it is!

         We party, if we are able. We celebrate with a drink or a kiss at midnight, better yet, both. We try to spend it with friends, or family. With the people we love, those who we hope to have even better times with next year, than last. If not with people, at least it's a time for reflection, for a girding of the loins for another year Most of all we make resolutions...although some of us will staunchly refuse to do that. But it's still there, in your head, around you, saying go on, go on. Make some resolutions, promise yourself to be better at this or that. At the very least it's tradition. At its best, it's a great opportunity, not to be missed.

         As a writer, ideas intreague me, customs interest me. As a psychic, who saw and felt the kind of spiritual changes that happened on that bigger new beginning, for the millennium of 2000. I know its significance, I realise its opportunity, its importance. Let's face it, why would any sensible person ignore a positive opportunity. No one would, of course not. Yet it's a well known fact, that of those who make a whole raft of new resolutions, few are kept beyond the first month. Before they fizzle out, or are forgotten, just given up on. That doesn't mean you shouldn't make some thought. I think we should. Maybe we should be a little more subtle, a little bit realistic...or, as I like to think of it, smart! By smart, I actually mean that instead of making neat, tight resolutions, you should be sweeping, be grand, be...impressive with your imagination. I actually dislike the word realistic a lot! Mainly because when I am trying to explain about being positive, about attitudes being important, about having a more 'gung ho' attitude to life, people respond by saying ' you have to be realistic.' Well...not if that means you must accept what you have now as being the only possibility for you, the only reality. Not if it means you stop yourself improving, in growing, in allowing the magic in. No, folks, forget your ideas of realism, dream big, without fencing those ideas around with the mundane. Fencing them with what your head tells you is achievable. 

        Yes, I know, it's complicated from the outside. You do have to have a little trust in the Universe, to let down the boundaries your life has taught you to erect...for safety's sake, the 'just in case' things. Also to realise that very small changes in attitude, can allow the big dreams to grow and flourish. Words are important, so watch what you say. Either to yourself, or to others. We all know that if you tell others your new resolutions they can and do chip away at them. So we try to keep them secret, or at least I used to. For example, if you say 'right, I'm going on a diet, I am only eating proteins,' or 'cutting the carbs' or 'the sugars'. Someone is bound to say, 'have a biscuit, a cookie, or, 'come out for coffee and cake.' Or, 'once won't hurt you' or even, have you lost any weight yet?' How demoralising is that when you are struggling, it always was to me. Instead, say 'I am slim, fit, healthy'. Or, some phrase of your own imagining, as long as it is all positive words. You can still calorie count, or follow a plan, but it's the words and attitude which is important. Believe, believe, believe, visualise yourself slim, fit and perfect. Why not, you can be, the world really is your oyster. Yes, yes, I know, 'gobbledygook', but you really have to trust yourself, your inner you. Trust the knowledge and instinct we all have inside us. Then, follow your vision, follow your nose, trust! The right answers and opportunities will come, I promise you.

          You know, we all have things we must overcome, it may be a temper, a bad habit, a bad home life as a child, or a personal disaster lurking in our background. It may be anything at all which causes us to feel 'less than'. Most of us have something, few of us are positive flowers of enthusiasmn and confidence. I had many things, you wouldn't know to look at me through my life, because I was a strong woman, I had to be. Although again, it took me many years to acknowledge my own power. Nevertheless, I had many 'black holes' it was only too easy to fall into at times of stress. Each crisis in my life was hard won, many times there was only me to sort out the problems for me and my children. At those times when a good friend did step forward to support me through a dreadful day, or a family member say or do something to help me, or help me feel better, are well remembered and cherished. I'm like the elephant, I never forget. But...those time, those problems and hardships do not define you, it is not who you are.

       Tonight, this new year, sit down and write your perfect life. Perhaps as a list. Not writing what you think is achievable, but writing exactly how your perfect self and your life IS! Don't worry about how that could happen, where the money has to come from. In fact don't  even consider how, what steps and miracles are necessary to reach there. Trusting the Universe, you never have to think of how it can come about. In fact every time one of those doubts or questions pop into your head, dismiss them. Build anew the full picture of the perfection you envisaged. Go through your list every day, ten times a day if you can, build it strongly. When you look back in a few months, you will be surprised how much of the things are already yours or within your reach.

          Trust me, trust this information and trust yourself. The world is yours. All you have to do is believe it, and tell it you believe it. Happy days folks.

           HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL. MAY IT BE THE BEST ONE EVER.

Sitting by the beach at Christmas.....😎🎁🌅😎

        Funnily enough, for one the worlds least domestic goddesses, it s a great relief it's over..Christmas I mean. It's not that I haven't done it all before. The big family meals, the full table, kids of all ages...paper hats, presents, the turkey, the pud, wine flowing...a lot of it on the tablecloth....I have. It's just that you get beyond it. To be honest, despite how this year fate delivered me, with the task again, I would really rather be sitting down in a fancy restaurant, with attentive waiters and no mess in my kitchen at all. Best of all, no planning, shopping, or cooking. Well that's me being more than honest, but it all about family isn't it, so something must be done if you love them..which I do.

           Yes, Christmas, It's a vastly over rated occasion. Although it is better here, in Brasil, not anywhere near the commercialism. Religion? Well, I don't think that's the driving force anymore. Not in most families anyway. Instead, there is so much expense, so much work, so much worry that people will be comfortable and have plenty to eat. But, for some reason, it seems I am again, in charge. Drat fate!😎. Being pragmatic, I just swing straight into the process. I've done it so often before, I can do it again.

         I had the perfect plans for this year. The family were coming, along with (my suggestion ) inviting two lovely people I really like..the female of the couple,said she was keen to do the honours and cook, I discover. A bonus as far as I was concerned. It was to be in my house, which as it's the biggest this year..made sense. I spent considerable time and money upgrading and enlarging the outside seating. With new hammocks, loungers and sun shade  (it's only rented), I bought crockery and glasses (I own next to nothing, as it's only temporary for now), then, borrowied the big pots and serving dishes etc. Then, our good friend became ill, we thought recovered again, but not to be. Suddenly, at the last minute, it's all off. No special friends coming, and no one planning the food, or cooking it....help!!!!😎 sun or not...help!😟

         I was devastated.....I had prepared everything as perfectly as I could, now I had to start thinking 'food'....ah no! I live alone, it was my house, so who had the shopping to do. Yes...ME! My daughter in law, the only other woman, just opened a new business, her head was not in Christmas at all! I went around the supermarket, in Brasil not that brilliant a choice anyway, it's definitely not Waitrose, or even Tesco. Trying to find some sort of inspiration. One son was bringing the giant prawns, ( thank god for the fish market in Porto) I had fresh salmon, wholewheat pasta, brown rice, lots of garlic, cream, onions, olive oil, butter etc, etc, as you see, they wanted seafood pasta. But I bought wine, beers, soft drinks, salads, fruits....no such things as Christmas pud in the supermarket here of course, or Turkey. Although I did find, at the last minute, a lovely small ham, which I just had to have. Faced with a heavy load, I tried in very bad Portuguese to ask for delivery. Well that was fun, but I eventually got it all put to one side..but hell, they left the ham sitting there as well. I had no idea how to sort that one out, as it would do no better outside with me in the sun.😎

       Suddenly discovering my son was in town, my daughter in law, brasilian, who speaks Portugese...YESSSS, I thought. Result! they had shopping to do too, more beer, more fruit, another third stacked on my shopping hill by the door. It's all ok she said, it's being delivered in two hours, all organised. So relieved, we all sloped off for a drink, well it is Christmas and we deserved it. Although it's not quite the same, sitting outside in the sweltering heat, watching scantily clad holiday makers pass by, I still enjoyed it. Well anythings better than shopping in a busy supermarket. After two hours, I'd better go, I said, by this time my other son had turned up. Deliveries nearly due I said..no! Six o clock daughter in law said looking quite adamant. What? Another two hours? Well she speaks minimal English, we speak bad Portugese, my other son speaks good both languages,  so he backed her up, no six o clock she says. ahhhh relax again, somewhat uneasily. After all we must have food tomorrow..😎

         Before six I was there at home, at the security gate, which has to be hand operated by my key, waiting for the delivery. It didn't come. I tried phoning the number on the receipt...no comprende? the girl said and put me on hold. Nothing different there then. An hour later,  with several other phone calls and after running back and forth up and down four sets of steps, looking for the van, I was tearing my hair out. My landlady said, 'give number to me, I will get them'. She tore them off a strip for a good ten minutes before saying, 'they come!' But two hours later and ready to go out for the evening, they still had not come. 'Ahh Biaha' she said, which is what everyone says when people fail to show when expected here....ahh Biaha..what else can you expect, manyana land. Tomorrow is as good as today, next week as good a last week....which is all true. But...it's my ham! My food! The old Christmas panic! Lots of people coming, no food..... I was stressed, but had people waiting so off I went, locking the door behind me.😎

          Returning still stressed about it, after midnight, very tired, there was the shopping stacked at the door. Someone had let the delivery man in to the complex, but not into my house. What sat on top of the load, but the precious ham, after how many hours or sultry heat? Next day, my landlady said 'I saw meat, if bad..return, they change! Oh yes, I thought, that's all I need. So, there I was, getting on for one o clock in the morning, carrying in stacks of beer, bottles, vegetables and all, trying to fit it all in the fridge. Of course it wouldn't all fit, but I did the best I could.😎 at least we now had food.😋

           The next day, after much walking to view my sons new property, we walked more, the length of the beach..in the scorching sun. The beach was crowded, Christmas Eve is supposed to be the big one here, the official exchange of presents big, but the beach was packed as usual and I for one was very pleased to finally find somewhere to sit, under an umbrella. I think we all had a busy week, because instead of returning to the house after a couple of hours, people turned up and we stayed and stayed. Still being there when the beach bars started stacking chairs at early evening. We were chatting, putting the world to rights, as you do, starting on the Baileys, that tastes just as nice in the sun as in the frost. Finally moving away fro. The beach, no taxis left, so another big hill to climb..I walked miles that day. We had to rest again of course, in the bar at the top. This time with coffe. Asaie, and more friends. Eventually, we all decided we were too tired, and went home to respective homes having snacked on rubbish and little else all day. I was relieved I must say...I certainly couldn't have eaten then, let alone cook.😎

               The next day, I was up early making chicken stroganoff, brown rice, egg salad, getting beers cold, making green salad, setting tables, then when my son and daughter in law arrived she had a mad session making sea food pasta, I made white pasta (for the children) cut the ham, served drinks as my other son and family arrived..finally it was Christmas Day. Who would have thought it. Christmas Eve just didn't happen, and we had Christmas Day celebration as always. With my often too forward granddaughter, saying 'I didn't know you could cook?' Ahh, God save the young who know it all!  How did we ever manage to live so long, without their wisdom.😎

                But, as always Christmas happened, it always does. The young got another bit of useless information about their family, as they always do, and I survived unscathed, or reasonable so, for another year. Everyone loved the garden furniture when it came time to relax after lunch cum dinner. I was able to see a happy and contented family sprawled out, content in the warmth of our tropical Christmas. After all, isn't that why we really do it all....family. But I am sorry our friends didn't make it. May his health improve with the New Year.😎

         Happy New Year everyone....won't be long now! Next year is going to be wowser!🎈🎉🎊🎈

              

           

Stealing .....taking what is not yours

       This week my daughter was mugged in London. It's a great word mugged isn't it. To a Londoner, or an English person, to be 'mug' is to be stupid. If someone 'takes you for a mug', they make a fool of you in some way, treating you as an idiot.  Following on from this, to 'be mugged', is to be robbed and often beaten or hurt in some way. The greater act of being taken advantage of. This is the act perpetrated on my daughter just last night. By someone cowardly, who thought she would be an easy touch. By someone who wanted what she had, or what they thought she had. In reality she has to struggle for every pound she has. With her disposable income being about as low as it can be. Nevertheless, on a rare night out, they cleaned her out and abused her.

         I know it could have been worse, and for the fact it wasn't, I am extremely grateful. She could have been seriously hurt, raped, even killed. Thank you all the powers that be, that she wasn't. That's the positive of the situation. The negatives are of course that she has had a frightening experience, which only time will tell how she copes with it. As a Mother, I am frustrated that I couldn't protect her from it, even though she is an adult. Also that I am not near her to give other than comfort from a distance. It is at these times, that living in a different country is the worst.

         I cannot be ruled by anger, or by fear. I can only hope that she, my lovely daughter, is struck by the same spirit of defiance. I wish with all my heart that she can maintain an ability to see and expect the best in her life. Even more so, that she has up to now. That she does not allow this crime to colour her attitude. Violence, robbery, coming in contact with cowardly people who are willing to lie, cheat, hurt or attack the weak for gain, can happen to anyone. It is a random mischance, or a series of bad decisions or incidents that come together to help creat a small...or a large disaster. She no doubt was in the wrong place at the wrong time. She had the misfortune to look as she had something worth stealing. She is a smart, well dressed girl. Then the worst misfortune, she caught the attention of a selfish, unscrupulous thief. Someone who thinks, if they think at all, that it is acceptable to take what they want, how they want.

           This person, I think a female, spiked her drink at a bar. The next thing she knew, she was on her knees in the toilet, with vomit over her shoes and her bag, or her money, was gone. With no memory of what happened in between the two. How dreadful and frightening trying to make sense of that scenario must have been. How cowardly of the person responsible to target her, drug her, bundle her into the toilet and rob her. Without one thought of her injuries, her state of mind, or her ability to manage, injured and without money. She was injured, spending the night in hospital, she has been left afraid and in a muddle financially. The assailant has, for now and probably for good, walked off scott free. No doubt well pleased to have got something for nothing.

            I read somewhere today, just by chance...which of course is never by chance. That every commandment, except one, in the Ten Commandments is about theft. I find that an over exaggeration,  but nevertheless, many do refer to taking what is not yours. There is straight theft of goods, theft of a wife, theft of a life, taking the day of rest as a working day, taking the good name of your parents, even wanting, coveting what is your neighbours. The majority do refer to wanting what you have no right to have. In the case of violence, or a mugging, the taking of a persons peace of mind too.

              Well, I said they probably got off 'scott free', perhaps Karma will hit them back at some point. That is not for me to say, but they do say 'what comes around, goes around'. Sooner to later, I think it does go full circle, as I have seen in many instances of this for myself. You are supposed to 'turn the other cheek', as if to say....hit me again if you wish. I can't go along with that. But I won't wish them ill, I won't be as they are. I only wish my daughter well and stronger, even richer, than before.

               I will remind you all to take sensible precautions about where and when you travel, or spend your time. Just to be sensibly cautious, to keep most of your money elsewhere than your purse. To keep your keys separate, not to flash expensive things in public if you can avoid it. To be vigilant with your drinks, don't leave it unatended. In fact, be very aware of who is near and what is happening nearby. It can be worse than the Wild West out there, but that doesn't mean you should be a prisoner in your own house. Learn to use your instinct and if something feels wrong, it probably is! Don't be fearful, as fear draws disasters, but walk confidently, stand confidently and feel confident, but be smart, be aware. Even if, like my daughter, you are abused, or taken advantage of, remain strong. Remain better, stronger and more able than the scum who would like to take what is yours. Including your peace of mind.

                Be safe out there....sending you all love and protection.....especially my daughter.

                 

Living in a new country

        There is nothing so educational, or mind expanding as travel. I, for one seem to have been born restless. Or, is it adventurous, yes maybe I can agree with that. Too adventurous for my own own good perhaps, certainly as a child. I ran a little wild I think, or was allowed to. Maybe it was having a Father away for many years, or spending the early years in my Grandmothers house. Either way, my Mother and I were not close...is the only non abrasive way to put it. Then my Father returning, with all the problems of them having to learn to live together again, must have been difficult. With me, always too sensitive, keen to disappear from the house whenever possible. An adventure my brother was always ready for, if not already involved in.

         We lived in the country, remote from even the village. Trees, the pond and the river were my/our habitat. I and my brother, both with lively imaginations were always busy, often independently of each other. Our paths crossed for various games. But often we adventured alone, with me often as not at the top of some tree. Me, being the eldest by just over a year, was supposed to be the responsible one. A job I was expected to take seriously. Which with my brothers perchant for disaster, was onerous. He did everything backwards, dangerous or without planning. You can imagine the result. He fell off narrow bridges into the river six feet below, often because he insisted on walking backwards. He fell into the deep mud at the side of the tidal river, luckily on his back, not on his face. Where he lay spread eagled with arms outstretched until I could fetch a grown up to rescue him. He lassoed a big tree branch, swinging on it until it fell on his head. This resulted in another run for help and several stitches. He dived headfirst down haystacks attracting the wrath of my Grandfather and the destruction of the stack. He walked through fields of the deepest snowdrifts, up to his chin, both arriving home, frozen, wet and with the hot aches as the blood supply came back. Or toiled hip deep through streams, lined with tall grasses, pretending we were a boat on a river in the Amazon jungle. He/we dug deep holes in my grandmothers rose garden digging for Australia. He set off a rocket on bonfire night, setting light to the nearest straw built pig sty. Another run for help, rather more serious as the pigs were still in residence. It was almost roast pork for supper, the farmer was not amused. All happenings with me either beside, or behind him, well someone had to rescue him and it was my job. He always went at life full pelt, although I wasn't innocent by any means. I was around and involved in some way in all the mishaps. Eventually he discovered motor bikes, when he went roaring off in another direction. Before his twenties were out, sailing for New Zealand.

         Me, well I was more of a dreamy child if left to my own devices. I liked being at the top of the tallest tree, swaying in the wind...for hours. Or discovering if I could walk from the branches of one tree into the next, along a whole avenue. Or, spinning on a hilloc, before falling on my back to waltch the sky spin around above me. Or running through corn fields with our dog. I liked to find baby rabbits, snowdrops or violets, catch tiddlers in a jam jar, or watch the birds build nests. I spent hours alone in the top of my grandmothers house, playing with old stuff stored there. Or drawing and cutting paper dolls and designing clothes for them from magazines at my grandmothers table. I was keen to learn how to wallpaper at ten-ish when my grandmothers house had its annual spring clean. Yes, we had a lot of freedom, in which school, which I hated, was only an intrusion. Although once I learned to read, I became an avid reader. By nature, without my brother, I would have been a naturally solitary child. We just grew like two wild weeds..and stayed that way, I guess.

            As I said, he emigrated quite early, first to New Zealand, later to Australia. But with a London Father and a Norfolk Mother, we always travelled more than anyone else in the village. London was always our second place of destination. A place we were quite at home in too. I may have been naturally solitary, but I wasn't afraid of anything. Not the streets, the buses, the bustle, or the tough London kids. I was always far too interested in everything before my eyes. I liked to make sense of what I was seeing, to understand why things were as they were, why people behaved as they did. Then despite marrying early, I moved to live in london with my family. Not for me, one house for always. I moved so many times, for reasons beyond my control, I thought nothing of it. Of course, once I could, I travelled everywhere in Britain, then later....around the world.

              Each country is an adventure and I have lived in quite a few. Each country is a whole new learning experience. Each country offers me wonderful new friends, new ways of living and new opportunities. I tried living back in England for a few years..I've only recently escaped again. I really mean that, it was an escape. I cannot live there any more. I consider myself a World citizen now and happy to be so. It's great to travel, it's great to see how others live, to learn new cultures, to fit in and be happy.

              One thing I will stress, is that in none of the places I lived did I ever ask the government to keep me. Nor do I expect hand outs of any sort. I earn my own money, I keep myself and I fit in with the culture of the country. I never expect any country to offer me special privileges of religion, custom of home, or anything I may have had in my home country. I know if everyone who went to live in new countries had the same attitude, there would not be the unrest with emigrants we are finding so often today. Travel,  broaden your mind, expand your knowledge and awareness of the World. But ask no one for special privileges. The new country should not be expected to change to accommodate you! Your task should fit in as seamlessly as you can, to take what you work for, but to give back respect and honour to that country who has let you stay, who has welcomed you.

              Viva the world, viva travel and new experiences. The world has so much to show you. All I can say is, see all you can, for somewhere...is the perfect place for you. Or...perhaps the perfect places. Because everywhere you travel is an exciting adventure. Far more so, than the all the practice adventures we had as children. For that was pretend, now I am able to have the real thing.

 

Loss...is a big and emotive subject

       After all, it can be any kind of loss I'm talking about. The loss of a contact. A friend, a loved one, parent or sibling. It can be a permanent loss, a temporary one, or outcome unknown. It can be the loss of something you value. Such as a personal possession, or a lost opportunity. Worse sometimes, it can be loss of confidence, or trust, loss of self esteem...a loss of  self. Yes, there are losses of all kinds. As there are reactions of all kinds to each loss. Your reaction could be stoic, devastated, even an emotional breakdown, or any combination of a dozen vastly different emotions.....but for me, I must say that it's usually an emotional reaction. Even if it's only one of anger, or frustration, even if only fleeting. Or, it can be one of refusal to accept loss at its worst....the 'why, me?' Syndrome. 

         Many of us are unable to accept higher forces at work, ones you are not able to change completely. The having to accept drastic change was necessary, when you can't see it, when you think they, or you did not deserve it. As I was told long ago, so...it's not fair, well...who said life was fair? This life can be many things, but fair is not one of them. It's not been unknown for me to rail at the skies in anguish. To shout out my anger, frustration or helplessness at its unfairness. Which doesn't help...does it? You know, especially if you lose a loved one long before their time....except it's never before their time. If they have gone from this vale, then it was their time, hard as that may be to accept. I believe you go when it is your time. No, I know, that doesn't help to make it easier either, because it's not always near, or pretty. Really we are only very small cogs in the big wheel that is the Universe.

          We know we cannot get through life without loss of some sort...but that doesn't mean we have to wait for it. I know people who go through every day, expecting and saying they expect the worst. Oh, that won't work, this won't be good, this will be a disaster. Or this must crash and burn, No, it's dangerous, don't do it. You can't live like that. I believe one of the greatest things you can give anyone, is hope. That applies to yourself too, allow yourself hope instead of constant apprehension and fear. Relax into trust....go with the flow, even the worst things must be followed through to its conclusion. Those vibes you send out, attract others on that same wavelength back to you. So, my friends...raise your expectations and the rewards will follow.

           No, it won't stop the deaths, disasters and set backs. But it will enable you to get through them with the minimum stress. Give thanks they are no longer suffering, or the last fun time you shared, or a sunset you saw together. No, we don't have to be destroyed by them. My attitude always is, go through life with a positive attitude. Expect the best results, the best things to come your way. I know, you can't sustain it every second of the day. But, when the opposite emotion strikes and you feel fear, or dread search it! Search through the situation, the fear and find something you can applaud, something you can give thanks for. Because it's when you get beaten down by circumstances, or life, without picking yourself up, that worse disaster strikes. Further disaster, bigger problems and horror. Honestly, the only way is to be positive...even when it seems futile. Build up the positive picture...see everything happening in the perfect way, in your minds eye.

            That's a wonderful expression isn't it....in your minds eye. That is exactly IT! As you see things in the eye of your mind. Not your actual vision. But inside your head.....with your higher self...all that airy fairy stuff, as some call it, really works. You never have to profess what you're doing, just do it. So, never mind what you see before you, skim over it, replace it...'in your minds eye' with the perfect picture. It works for me, it can work for you. It only takes a bit of practice and self belief. The best things in life are yours for the taking. The best support system, the best health, the best situation, anything my friends, anything! The more you can persuade yourself to believe, the more you can achieve. So, change what you can and accept what you can't change.

         So, if a loved is injured or in hospital, give thanks they are receiving treatment and will survive. Or, give thanks it is only them and not their child, or the whole family. Give thanks they are having a break, some sort of rest they badly need. It may not be in the best way, but the body is sneaky entity. It will organise a way to get what it needs. Give thanks they are in a place with either affordable, or good health care. If it's a financial disaster, give thanks they are healthy, they can earn again. Or that they know where to get help, or have good friends supporting them. Give thanks they are young enough to begin again, or have the imagination to find another way around the problem. If they cannot do any of those things, then give thanks that there is a need to make drastic changes in their life. Which in time, will prove to be for the best. 

         Sometimes, in the midst of a distasteful, or a setback we cannot see any positives. Yet that is the exact time we must do so. The exact time we must search the hardest for any glimmer of hope, or any sliver of a positive viewpoint. Accept calmly, give thanks for all the good things in your life and trust......Trust that you will come through this and emerge stronger, no less! Yes, because it's as they say...whatever does not kill you, makes you stronger! I've seen that proved many times. So...trust, chill and be positive. Believe and accept that what comes after, will be better, than what you had before.........BELIEVE........and it shall be so.

            To anyone with any problems, worries or setback tonight, I am sending love, strength and healing. May the Universe be at one with you at this time. Tap into its strength and believe.

            Sleep well, rise well and spend your day well.

Christmas is coming? Really?🎅🎁🎄🎆🎉🎈🎅

       I can't believe it's the fourth of December already. That means twenty days until Christmas...I know it's different here, it's a hot country and not what we, from the Northern Hemisphere expect for Christmas time. Yet, a hot country is not that unusual for me. I have, after all, spent many years in both Australia and New Zealand. So Christmas is definitely cropping up during Summer time there. It's just that in South America, especially in this small place in Brasil, it seems even more unusual, or unlikely. It just doesn't feel like Christmas should, nor look like Christmas should.🎅

         One good thing here, is that Christmas does not start before we have had Halloween, or Guy Fawkes night. As it always does in Great Britain, or......where I lived in, England. Well, let's be clear, they don't even have a celebration for catching Guy Fawkes here. Catching out Guy and those involved in the famous gunpowder plot, before he was able to blow up Parliament. Of course not, that was British politics, not South American. Halloween here, I wrote about was great. Nothing pushing its way in long before it was due. No, it was purely Halloween celebrated, definitely no sign of Christmas decoration about then. I tell you, it's actually quite wonderful,  not to have that big money making machine shoved down your throat for the best part of three months. The magazines, TVs and the rest. The decorations, the few there are here, went up in December. RESULT!🎄

          Of course, as in the Antipodese, the usual decor are lights on a fir tree, Santa in a red coat, plus various depictions of Santa and all his merry band of reindeer, sleigh, bells, elves...whatever. Copied exactly as in England, America, Holland and various other countries. Strange isn't it, Santa is always fat and cold, wrapped in fur trimmed red coat......well, jolly as well I suppose. Let's not run him down. Maybe because of the lack of advertising, shop displays and films depicting Christmas, there is just not the same build up....the same excitement. Its actually good not to have the kids all stirred up with a big list of wants. With a bit of luck, it may pass without the usual crazy expenditure. It's long past time that someone put a stop to large,  expensive presents. It's really all gone completely mad during the past twenty or so years. With parents spending hundreds of pounds on children. Even if they can't afford it, they believe they must get it debt to do it. It's necessary......why?....Crazyyyyyy......🎅

          Now, how can that be enjoyable? Worried about where the money is coming from, or how it can be paid back after the event. I can understand thinking you must get into some debt for covering expenses in a business, or illness, family emergency, that kind of thing. But for buying children presents they were brainwashed into wanting. No, I just don't see it. I've heard very little whinging about 'I wants' those, I stress from children who have spent Christmas in England for many years. Indoctrinated, that's for sure. Let's hope they will align themselves with their peers who don't expect to need so much here.🎁

        In the meantime, I, for one am going to enjoy a last minute Christmas, without the dragging on for months of all the build up. Then I shall look forward to a cruisier Christmas with friends and family. I'm not a Religious person, but I shall say my own thanks to the Universe for all the good things of this year. Then send good wishes to all, as I enjoy relaxion, laughter and nice food with loved ones. May you all enjoy many blessings this year and next.🎈

Yes......seems to be working

       Not my best effort, and the machine swallowed four ready to go blogs...then I wrote that last posted one on friends, quickly. Tomorrow is another day and now the thing is working, I shall soon be back in the swing. My whole iPad had to be reformatted and restored...a long job. Thank you dean. What would I do without you. I was thinking it was throw it away time. Don't you hate this throw away society. I do.

       You've had it how long......? My goodness its time you had a new one! What were you thinking? Nasty hey.

No...I want the old one. I want to get a new one when I decide to upgrade for whatever reason. Not because it reached the end of its (to me, very short) shelf life.

     Look out for me soon folks.....I've got lots more rubbish to spout yet. Oops! Shouldn't have said that!

      Love you all...really I do. It's such a relief to reach you all again. How can you be a writer, with no readers.

      Thank you one and all.

       Also, on the subject of friends....welcome back one dear friend who has turned up from the past. Seven years since I last saw him, a truly good and dear friend. Marlon.

       

Getting sick of this

......tried to use something called blogsy, to help me post my blogs. As the normal method was not obliging. Curses....all its done is wipe out the four completed blogs that would not post. Well thank you very much, I don't think! Just what I didn't want.

Positive...positive...positve my blog works perfectly

Testing, testing

      I'm am having troubles. The blog will no longer post. I now have four in a line....sitting doing nothing.

 It says error 400 I have no idea what that is, or how to find out....anyone out there know?

Ok maybe it's the photos I enclose, so here goes nothing....

Testing, testing

The alikeillylooks one went off with no pics.

Energy...positively...the eb and flow

            I guess my energy levels have done a nose dive....is it what's happening around me, so much on the verge of happening, of changing. But not actually happening. I feel as if I have been on a carrousel going around in circles, getting nowhere fast. There are times I don't know which side is up, in which direction to look, or hope for answers. Although I know things have changed, will change more. Is it I am impatient for what I think will be better situations for me. Is it just the non stop rain and the incessant headache hovering around my temples. Is it being damp, the clothes in the bedroom, the bed itself slowly sinking into mould through the incessant damp. Sometimes with all all this rain and things never getting properly dry, I feel as I too am going mouldy. Is it the extremely sad little tale of a teenage suicide pact I only just finished. Or, is it the fact my own book seems to be on the precipice of taking off, or dying a stagnant death. Really when trying to self analyse, the possibilities are endless. Might they also be useless? Everything feels useless tonight!

             Is it that I have relied too much on other people rather than making my own decisions just recently. I feel that I am being dicked about and am angry at myself for giving such power of my happiness or sadness to someone else. Ms positive...not so positive right now. This afternoon, everything was a box of birds, now I'm wallowing in...what? Confusions and frustrations. I have lost direction and am stir crazy at being confined too long in the house, alone. That's certainly quite enough for a start. Too much concern for others only ends in tears for yourself as you sit alone, waiting for something that's not going to happen. Mainly becasue no one was considering you and what your needs were. Ha ha, too busy out there doing what they want! Why wasn't I?

         We all have these ups and downs. Why just yesterday I was counting my blessings and itemising the stack of wonderful things in my life. Which are legion,..no exaggeration. It's all about attitude isn't it. Nothing dramatic has changed, no disaster struck. Which is why you have to keep building up your positive attitude, your independence. Your inner strength in effect, your core of cofidence. I have no explanation, no coherent reason for losing my balance, my confidence and with it my equilibrium......my well being. For inexplicably waiting for something from people around me who are perhaps incapable of it. Perhaps I am more Ms gullible, rather than Ms positive. No doubt I expect more than most people can give...that would be it, wouldn't it? Expectations....some clever person said to me once, 'expect nothing, then you won't be dissapointed.'

          I was going to say I wish I could live like that, with that attitude. But I don't wish that, I would hate it. I need hope, I need dreams....I think we all need dreams. What a dull life it would be without hope, without magic  Why else were we given imagination? Without which asset we would have achieved nothing, no changes from being cavemen....and before. I like having expectations, excitement, some fantasy, I like to look towards the night sky and wondering. I prefer to look forward to the day, to have possibilities! Expecting some excitement and pleasant opportunities to be mine for the taking. 

           Ok, it means every now and again, you may run out of hope and enthusiasm, just temporarily. Just as I have done this evening. I have enjoyed some wonderful high points in my day but it's not those that weighted down the scales. By evening I felt its been a frustrating day, with many little disappointments. Too much rain, too much time alone. Some time alone is vital for me, too much, with no sun and constant wet and damp is not so good. The solution is a couple of hours pumping music and at least that much time writing it out of my system. Hence this particular blog. It's bound to strike a chord with someone out there.

          So much has been going well and promising better for me, that it seems important to point out a dangerous pitfall. For those of us living with positive expections.Those of us who are working at creating our own reality, instead of accepting anything that happens to reach you as you float by on the tide of life. We work daily on creating those situations we want in our lives. We are positive in every aspect. The circumstance, the health, the wealth, the people, the changes. There are no limits to what you are able to create, to achieve if you believe in the power of your thoughts and your words. You work consistently and tirelessly on your expectations. Then like tonight, you hit a down curve, when you cannot seem to believe. When nothing makes sense any more.  When all of your old, long held fears, rise to the surface to boobytrap you! It is the final mile, the eleventh hour! But this is the very time you can lose it all. Return to the old ways of fate and bad luck.

          That's is why it was imperative I pulled myself out of the morass of my droopy, black, defeatist attitude. Important I  got myself back into a position where I could feel that positivity welling up. To where I can begin going over every dream, plan and expectation for me and my life. Build back up that which eroded tonight. It's a little like a diet, it takes you ages to take off vital pounds, then a session of weakness and you have piled back all the pounds you strove so hard to shift. That's not going to happen to my dreams, my positive aims. No way! I'm reinforcing all the good stuff, starting right now. All the plans I worked so diligently at creating are not being lost at the eleventh hour. Tomorrow could bring the fruition of all my aims, it could be the day everything I want is mine!

             Ok my friends, watch this space, because I'm almost there.....I'm not losing focus now.

Plan your aims clearly, picture them, write a list, build a picture book, aim high....there are no limits, except those put in place  by your own lack of imagination and self belief. Dream big, aim high, be positve and never give up! Never......

              

     

Brasil...land of religion

        If I look at Brasil through the eyes of a foreigner, which is what I am here, then it's a country where religion lives, LIVES! Capital letters. It's as if it's difficult for me to get through a week without being drawn into some sort of religious practice or involvement. The fact of me having family here, as well as being more than a 'tourist' is the reason for that. Of course I could refuse to be drawn into anything, but I find it interesting. I like the new, I like the different and to me, this is both. Strange as it's also so old, so well established. The Jesuits bringing western religion here in the 1500's. But religion grows in different ways, depending on the country and it's culture. My experience is that Brasil has such passion, which makes for lively services, ardent worship. As they do with much of their life, be it dance, music, emotions, whatever...it's done with passion. Maybe it's the African mix of people here, maybe the native Braisilian freedom in a hot tropical country.

                             Bahia, Brasil....much still carved from the jungle

       Maybe religion is stronger here because in some ways, Brasil is not as modern as Europe. Maybe it's merely more visible. I think we were once the same way with religion taking up a larger part of our lives, being more important. I know from what I read, that in many parts of Europe the hold the church has on the people is considerably weakened. Conversely, I read this week that 8 put of 10 people believe in the/an after life. I thought those were pretty amazing figures. Heartening in a way, perhaps a bit of a stick and a carrot for becoming the best person you possibly can. It's human nature to strive for reward rather than punishment. From what I have had to do with religion here, it seems most believe that a person carries on after death in some way.

         I am not a religious person, but I like to think I am a Sprititual person. I was christened Church Of England, the religion that old Henry the Eighth created. Dating from the time he broke away from the Catholic Church of Rome in the 1600's. But with me coming from a small village in Norfolk, England, the church was quite a serious affair. With strict rules about everything from birth to death. Of course the church was long used as a means of controlling the common man. Along with the feudal system of land ownership and surfs to work for the Lords. People were not educated, they needed the priests to read the bible to them, to tell them the way they were supposed to live. The powerful families did the rest, because everything was to do with power. The ignorance of the people suited the church for many eons. Education not only gives people the freedom to read for themselves but the means to think for themselves as well. Some of that attitude remained for a long time. 

          Quite unusually, our village was a long street rather than a compact square or circle. The one church was all we had, not anywhere near the centre, or perhaps the centre moved over the years. As the church was positioned quite close to the one school, so it could have happened. Both were located quite a way out at the end of a 'strung out' village of the one main road about five or six miles long, not that easy to reach from one end to the other! Although people did walk more then, it was necessary too. Even we children walked nearly two miles each way to school every day. That was before the days when children were ferried everywhere. Here in Brasil, the clock is reversed on that too, people walk more, or bycycle.

          Perhaps it was the fact that I was exposed to two quite different cultures, via my country Mother and my town Father, that made me different. I can see how it would have made me question the 'status quo'. In the village, I was considered neither chalk nor cheese, fish nor fowl, that was me. Or, if you look at it differently, doubly blessed, with a foot in two camps, both quite different. We travelled regularly between Norfolk and London, at a time when people seldom moved many miles from home.  It did mean I was truly neither, certainly many in the village spoke of my Father with suspicion. 'What? that Londoner, that soldier.' Despite the fact that he lived there, with a local girl and their children, for nearly twenty years, counted for little. Suspicion and small mindedness of parochial people was rife towards everyone, especially us. We were unique in the village. Even though I did not understand it at the time, we were ostracised to some extent. My mother marrying a Londoner was viewed askance, as were those girls who became involved with Americans....the common opinion was it was wrong, or bad.

                                             The River Thames, London

       But even so, I noticed the difference between the two families, the two communities, town and country. I was ever the child who said little and saw too much...sometimes looking back, I think I knew nothing on either count. The village, had the one church, a high church. Almost Catholic in its practices, with incense, communion, choirs and all. It was where the better off of the community worshipped. At that time religion was trying to maintain its grip on a people who had gone through two World Wars, begun to see other lives and countries, going into a period of great change. Transport and tv were, as always the great educators. This country church was backed up by both Bethesda and Methodist chapels, although it was strict competition between them. It was known in the village, that the organisers or congregation did not mix, one with the other. Did not support each other verbally, or financially. In fact, I thought them 'daggers drawn' in their attitude towards each other. It was cold distain for the misguided who worshipped n other ways. I puzzled over it then, but now I see no reason to distain anyone's choice of worship. If you ignore the dogma that has built around them over the years, the message of love and care is central to all. Isn't it?

           Both chapels were closer to the centre of the village, so it was where we children were expected to go on a Sunday morning, children's service. Get em young, must be the motto. We had the usual, harvest Festivals, anniversaries, when we were expected to recite something religious, dressed in our Sunday best. In a small village everything you did was under a microscope. The old ladies who knew the entire history of you, your family, including any scandals past or present. They kept a wary eye on we girls, judging our progress through our maturity, or past it. All I wanted to do was escape. The village policemen, stood prominently, keeping a wary eye in any places the boys congregated. Ready to slap a head or two if any got out of line. In those days, there was still respect for adults. It was a simpler way to organise village life. I remember rejecting a lot of the rules before I was sixteen. Already feeling there were other truths, other ways. Of course, I was already a sensitive...seeing and feeling things around me others did not seem to see. It was not acceptable to say so of course. Perhaps that's why brasil speaks to me, they accept so much of what my own culture denied.

                The bareness and wide open spaces of Norfolk and the River Ouse.

           So, here I am in Brasil, many years later. With many things about the set up of the community, striking a chord with me, from that time, that era past. The only difference is the moral climate here, certain girls and their lifestyles are tolerated, integrated, absorbed naturally. In ways they never were in England, or anywhere in the U.K. Extra children are welcomed into families with little fuss. There often being a central home where all the children of the family are welcome. The drug culture too, widespread here, as well as through other countries is barely below the surface, also widespread. Nevertheless, the church here is strong within the culture. Being primarily a Catholic country, it seems to have fragmented into many different sects, or cults as they call them here. 

            The difference is, from what I have seen, is that it's done with passion...and I like to see it. It's done with joy and affection....I like it even more. Perhaps too many years of me observing a Western religion. One where if you were spiritual in a more unconventional way, fear and suspicion arose. Going into Psychic fairs and gatherings there were always demonstrations against what some narrow minded religious people considered wicked behaviour. I knew most of the people involved well, they were primarily good, normal people except for how they believed. They were not bad, or evil, not trucking with the devil as the demonstrators believed. At least they were not burnt as they would have been a few hundred years before, Here, it's all done with such open mindedness. There are churches dedicated to healing, churches to all kinds of worship, in all kinds of ways. Having been to a few such services, even a gathering at someone's home, I can attest that all are carried out with real fervour, commitment. To be involved, to watch, is being privileged to see true believers experience real communion with their God. 

          A man with an Indian headress of Brasil

           It may be a little strong to an English girl like me, watching trembling hands shaking to the sky. Or, seeing eyes closed in order to commune more fervently, to watch healers whose whole attention is on the recipient, stamping feet, speaking strongly. Speaking with passion, with conviction, watching others, legs weakened by passionate belief, take refuge in kneeling. Seeing lips move in involuntary prayer, without being so directed, It's impossible not to be moved. To me, it doesn't mean I am converted to their way of worship. As I believe in a God, in good, in helping and supporting others. In being the best person. I can be. I am content with who I am and what I believe. The bible says, God says "in my house there are many mansions".I believe that means there is more than one way of eeachingrGod. It gives people the freedom to worship as they think best. In a way that's true to their beliefs, to their lifestyle and their culture. How wonderful, how beautiful, how pure. Freedom is a wonderful thing isn't it, true freedom is difficult to acheive.

          As long as none call it wicked, call it wrong, call it evil. As long as people allow others to be true to what they believe and they hurt no one in the process. Then freedom of worship or belief has to be good. Then the World must thrive. How can the way you worship, or what you see as heaven be misguided or wrong. Just do not force your beliefs on others....or allow them to force theirs on you. I wander the World, where I can. I watch and take part in many other religious services, from all I take any part I feel is true. The rest is their particular opinion, or preference.

The day of the dead...or, remembering your ancestors

        I think this is a Japanese custom, or perhaps not quite correct in this case. The church celebrates a holy man, so It's an offshoot of a Japenese man. Now called The church of Igreca, or Johrei. Or perhaps the Johrei part is the actual healing offered. I'm sorry, I just don't know enough of Portugese or the history of the church. Or the man to tell you the full absolutely correct story. I felt I needed to talk of it nevertherless. Primarily it's a cult....a Brasilian word without the connotations we in the West give it. It deals primarilly with healing, you know the 'hands on' healing...well actually, it's hands off, but held up, palms facing you. The gist of this blog is that this church celebrates Ancestor Day on the 2nd November Maybe you guys out there will tell me if this is a bona fide Brasilain day, or not. I could find nothing on Google. But then. Sometimes, I'm 'pants' on Google. I try, not always successfully.

      The nice little building committed to healing. Nearly always manned, by dedicated people.

          After the children's Halloween on last day of October and grown ups Halloween parties on the first day of November, yesterday, the second of November, was 'celebrate your spirit family day.' Or, in other words to remember and call out to your loved ones in the family, who have passed. 'Day of the Dead, someone told me..of course that name stuck.

        The idea is, the names of your passed loved ones are written down, a celebration is held in the evening, in the church. Then......the spirits of your ancestors visit...you there, as you stand in the church. So, you better be ready. That was told me very seriously. That they come to visit....a lovely idea. They say it's rude to call them and then not be there to greet them. As with invites to any guest I suppose. I am not a full member, so forgive me if I get it wrong. They are kind enough to let me attend such things, and give me healings for free, which is wonderful. They can obviously see I am in need. Ha ha. No, really, I'm sure they can. Who of us is not in need of something...even of some sort of healing. I am certainly here in Brasil at this time 'to heal' from all sorts of things, in all sorts of ways. I can only say, it's working for me. Who knows which part of it, so I take it all. The healing from the church, a better diet, of the spirit, more excercise, relaxation, the sun and especially laughter. I feel like a million dollars if I have a good laugh.

              I think the idea is, that by having the church service, we wish the dear departed all the best. Gifting them energy, or love, which it is hoped will provide whatever it is they are missing in their existence right now. If already involved in another life, it may be peace, or water, or help they need...who knows. Life can hit you, or help you all sorts of ways, can't it. If still residing in spirit, it may be strength, or endurance or any of a hundred and one other things that may be lacking for you, or within you. Isn't that a wonderful idea! I believe in re-incarnation, in an after life...but strangely enough I have never thought that someone I know, or have known may already be embroiled in their next life, or in need of help...that I could actually give them that from here. From here with my puny energy, isn't that an amazing though. I know it may be a step too far for some of you, but I am what I am. As with all good or intriguing ideas, you must back them, get involved, so I did.....you know, if you are going to live this life, you may as well live it fully. Give it all a 'GO' as they say nowadays. Throw yourself right in, boots an all.

               At the end of a busy day, it was a hassle to actually get there. It was tempting to give up, not to make the effort, but how cold you leave a church full of guests waiting? The trip involved a walk away from a very comfortable position on the beach, a taxi, a ferry, and another walk. With all the usual waiting and organision such group things demand. Finally, at the start of the evening, we were there, six o clock start... I wonder who told spirit? Sorry, I'm being facetious. The church was crowded, with extra seating throughout, we were packed in like sardines in the heat, the fans were started, which spoiled quite a few hairstyles. Everyone was dressed in their Sunday Best. They all looked lovely, you could see how special they thought the celebration. Many people acknowledged me, I obviously know more people in the church than I think. Me...I had no idea what to expect, I was along out of respect, as well as along for the ride.

               There was the 'too loud' microphone beloved of the Churches and even private ceremonies  of Brasil. Someone made the witty comment...is God deaf then? I put in temporary ear plugs of tissue (having very sensitive ears) and settled down to make what I could of it. There was a nice little ritual, with very austere persons carrying in beautiful china dishes to place on the alter. Like a pagan ceromony I was intrigued to see. One of salt, one water, one rice (instead of rice, it would have been soil, and fire, representing the elements) a similar idea I suppose, having the staples of life offered, or, given thanks for. Music...'Enya'....is played. Suitably ethereal and very loud. Although the song they sang in English, was about chimney sweeps, there could be a slight connection. With cleaning and making ready. More likely though, no one understood the words correctly. But it doesn't matter, the soul of the ceremony was beautiful. Everyone, very respectful and serious.

             Someone important in the church, young, suited and booted, called Junior......something, gave a speech. A long speech. Of which I understood many words, but not the whole story behind them. Obviously I still have a long way to go before I am fluent in Portugese. My friend tried to explain once what he was saying, but it was too much for her to keep up to speed with. By then, I didn't care anyway. A sensitive, psychic and medium from way back, I was already looking around the church with some trepidation. I have not practiced mediumship since 2000 when I was told and felt it was time for the World to change tack. For humanity to become more positive thinkers and creating their own reality. As well as World health and Eco health. Instead of asking 'what has fate in store for me?' no more passivity, being pro-active in your lives, with the world.

               So, there I stood, in a Japenese founded, Brasilain church, on the coast of Brasil, ready to welcome the deceased. With some trepidation as I say, the lists of names, we had all written of our deceased families in the days previous, were on the alter. Who, if anyone would I see.? As always, there were many I would like to see again, I am only human....honestly....despite the rumours. I lost a beloved brother early, a dear cousin I grew up with. My father, who is always chatting away in my ear, even now. So familier is he in my head, I often wonder who is in there...him, or I? Any of those others I was ready for, as well as half expected my Pa to show.

                My last deceased family member was my Mother, only three months back. She lived until ninety years old, was very ill at the end, it was definitely her time. Also, we had a difficult relationship, she and I, with years living in separate countries. But more than that, I did not please my Mother, in fact nothing I did pleased her. She spent most of her life shaking her head over me. From the time I was little, to the time she left. She finally said she loved me in her final days...when drugged out of her head. But I was lucky to have that, many don't. My brother who deserved it more, did not get it. I'm sure she loved me, loved us, as I loved her. Just situations and circumstances, upbringing...you know. Life is difficult very often. To walk a mile in others shoes...and all that.

                   So, who did I see? Who was the first person to show, about fifteen minutes into the ceromony...with a flounce of a brightly coloured/patterned dress. She loved flirty, floaty clothes, glitter and kitten heels, yes, it was my Mother. I have to say, quite unexpectedly, but the energy she gave out was full of life, happy. My Mother who's energy was mostly low level and passive. She was so close, in my face and I was happy. Happy for her, happy she came, happy she felt so good, so different. Behind her, hanging back, with her, but only guiding her. Obviously taking care of her was her son, my brother. The very one I said often to her, who would be the one to meet her when she passed over. Only hoping he would, wanting to give her hope of an after life, which she did not have. She lost it when he died. I could not have seen anything, or any one better really. By then, the tears were streaming down my face, it's an emotional experience seeing a loved one. Towards the end I had a quick flash of my cousin, not as close by as Mother. She was obviously given the real visit, my Mum came to see me. She said if there was anything in this stuff I had been telling her, she would come and visit....and there she was. 

             Bless you Mother, may you keep that bright and happy energy. You deserve it. You gave me the joy of seeing you....of being answered on Ancestors day. I only hope my/our prayers give you something back too. Now, I know you are content, and know my brother is with you....I shall worry no more of you perhaps being lost......really, I should know better. I'm not religious in the true sense of the word, but none of us are left floundering. All of us are scooped up, protected as we need.

              I'm glad I made the effort to travel that evening and to go to meet my ancestors, for how lucky am I...

May you all be as lucky.....

              Brasil is a country that gives and gives to me...I'm definitely in the right place right now. I think that's the secret if life, to be in the right place, at the right time. 

         

Halloween...in South America

          We have just had Halloween here in a brasil. It was great, my first here, as I have always missed it before. For once this week the rain stayed away, it gave the children a wonderful warm and wonderful night for playing 'dress up'. Like in America, the kids make the most of it. It's good in England, and in NewZealand and Australia, but here...somehow it has the ingredient X which makes it extra special. I'm sure the setting helps a great deal

                             A witch, with Pumkin and bride of Dracula.

           The kds all dress up course, it's what they love to do wherever they are in the World. The twist here is, that instead of the children knocking on private doors, up and down streets, which I hate....it never feels safe to me. They run up and the down the shopping streets in town, popping in and out of shops, collecting sweeties in a plastic pumpkins. They collected prodigious amounts of loot and some were still going strong at eleven or more. One round of shops doesn't seem to do it. They just kept going. Generous shopkeepers I say, and tireless children dragging around exhausted dads and mums, but I think a good deal of socialising went on in all age groups! The benifit of an island type community, most people know most everybody else. 

                         We had a wide variety of ages, and costumes on show.                 

         The costumes were well done. Ranging from shop bought and hired to obviously home made. All showed a great deal of ingenuity. Most of kids paused for me and my camera, and the parents. The atomosphere was electric and very friendly.  The kids had boundless energy, as always. You could see everyone was having tremendous fun, including me...who after a while,  sat at the corner bar and watched the world go by. What a world it was too, ghosts, gouls and magical characters I their dozens.

                    A wonderful fairy and little red riding hood.

        The night began at six with a bang! The smaller children getting started early. The streets which were already reasonably busy, were soon crowded with more children than you normally see around town in a month. As you can imagine, the excitement levels were high. Collecting sweets and candy was treated like gold mining.

              I never discovered why two forks, but he was happy as he leapt past.

         Yes, really he was..grinning all over his face. Don't know how I got him looking so serious. Mothers and daughter dressed alike, even boys, quite big boys were dressed up. No seemed to worry about image, or  embarrassment. They were all too focused on collecting nice things to eat. Some of the bigger kids had plastic bags half full. It must have cost the shop keepers a pretty penny. 

    

                        A cute mother and daughter combo.

          All in all, it was a lovely night, nice energy, friendly energy. Not one was trying to spook anyone else...

        Although on lookng back at my photos, the camera was really playing up. It was smudged, indistinct. These photos are the few remaining from dozens which didn't come out at all. Or came out in blur of smudged colour.....what wa that all about then? I guess there was some extra energy going the rounds as well as excitement from the children.

       This was how the majority of my nights work came out....stranger and stranger.....hey?

      The next night it was the grownups turn..there was a big party at at the local club. The party began much later, around eleven. With no collection of sweets and I must say their costumes were truly amazing. Sad to say, there to have fun myself, I couldn't carry my iPad. Also it poured down all night, there were some soggy ghost and skeletons tonight. Now, at past four in the morning, it's still raining and the music in town is still pounding away, me I'm in bed..I have a heavy day at the beach in the morning. No better place to recoup a lack of sleep.

         Brasil.....I love you. You are quite unique.

          

          

Rain. Rain.......go away

         Yes. I Know...we need it, no good telling it to go away. I just miss the sun...I'm addicted to the sun...not the rain. In the city of São Paulo, here in Brasil,  there is no water at all, and hasnt been for several weeks. I have no idea how they are managing...it's a problem of massive proportions. Well, water is a problem if you have none....or if you have too much too I guess. The powers that be, just can't seem to get it right. We go from droughts, to floods. Is anyone out there planning? Or do we, as individuals have to start taking more responsibility. Finding our own way to conserve water. Oh I don't mean the green conversation method of turning taps off whilst we clean our teeth, or watering the garden with the water from the washing machine. I mean actually not letting any fresh rain run away down the gutters and into the ground. Today, I have seen gallons of the precious stuff wasted.

           But you know, I see the rain here. I actually got half drowned in the torrential rain today. The worst of it was, I got stuck in a self service restaurant. I was passng when it thundered and lighting and fell from the heavens. So, I ate lovely bar B Q 'frango', chicken lunch. Then I had to stay there much longer than usual, to step outside would be to drown. What bad luck is that, the lady who owns it, very nice to me always, said tranquillo, in other words relax. I had to stay. So, what did I do, I read my book/iPad and ate 'torte d lemone', lemon meringue  pie and coffee. Sitting in a warm room, filled with other souls all sheltering from the storm. I have never seen it so crowded. What bad luck for me ha ha.    

          The rain is heavy, heavy, heavy. It comes down in buckets full, like a hose, it rains cats and dogs. Honestly, much heavier than a power shower. All of those descriptions apply. It's so heavy it's impossible to see through it. The water over runs the gutters, bounces off the cars, setting off their alarms, even the street dogs, ever hopeful for titbits from the restaurant, huddle, bedraggled under any cover they can find. It's not a good day for them!  But as I watch, it rushes down the streets like a river, or builds small lakes on every surface, bouncing up off the pavements. I can't help but wonder why, instead of it shooting out of disconnected gutters like a gushing waterfall, why is it not being captured...stored. In one fairly short rain storm, the streets and gutters and every surface immediately had a problem. I could have filled half a five thousand gallon tank, right there. In the space of just over an hour, on that one street corner.

         I lived in New Zealand for quite a few years, and in Austria before that. They catch the rainfall there. Not just in town resoviours but in household storage tanks, belonging to each house. I believe there is a new law now in NZ that says every new house must have a water storage tank. But there are few houses without one anyway. They were once made of concrete, now they are mostly plastic and are often buried deep in the ground. So as not to spoil the look of the garden.

Underground water tank. NZ

Above ground Water tanks..NZ.

            Where I lived, we had three, large five thousand litre tanks, and one of two and half thousands litres. All filled up over a short period of a few rainy weeks in the winter. Plus being topped up at other times when we had a sudden summer shower. If you ran out of water, you could call a mobile water company for a refill, costing around two hundred dollars. The sediment naturally sinks to the bottom of the tank. The hose, or tap is placed above this level, making the water perfectly good. It was good drinking water, the best for washing clothes and hair too. It worked best in New Zealand because of the steadier, more reliable rainfall. 

         Yet here in Brasil, the rainfall is phenomenal. If they organised their guttering correctly. So that it actually flows somewhere positive, instead of just shooting out at an angle when it rained. Running away down the streets making everyone's feet wet. Then they would have no problems with their water supply at all. You wouldn't hear of towns running out of water before the wet season is actually over. Hopefully, São Paulo has had the same rainfall, and caught some, at least.

           Believe it or not, it's pouring down in this picture. It's not easy to photograph rain.

         But of course, that's just me, thinking I see the answer. After all, they don't even catch the water as successfully in England, the UK. I lived for many years in a house with no water supply. When instead of a small tank outside the back door, where you could scoop a bowl of water from. They could have had a large one, with a few pipes and we could have lived in comfort. Clever old New Zealand I say! Here in Brasil, I am only layman in a strange country. Perhaps there is a very good reason no one cares if most of the good rainwater runs away. Perhaps it's acid rain....no, really it's not is it. It's inefficiency, or the manyana principle. Either way it's a waste f mana from heaven, literally. Come on Brasil, stop wasting such free resources. Someone must care about this wonderful country. Basic infrastructure lack again I suppose. Ahhhh well, four days later, it's still hosing down, not one minutes stop so far.

            The road to the Balsa is super flooded. It's a lake in places, in others a river. Motor bikes must drive on the pavements, pedestrians stand little chance of either wet feet or being swamped by the puddles? (Lakes) as the buses etc. go through. Small cars are of course, conking out. Bless the 4x4 s, at least you can head through it and not worry. Also, at least it's not cold as England would be. I was soaked by the time I gt home yesterday...and no harm. I hear the thunder storms have reached New Zealand. Why does the world seem so small today?

              Ok folks...love you all. Still smiling in Brasil!