Health, Wealth, and Happiness......for all

          HEALTH, WEALTH & HAPPINESS; Isn't it what we all wish for? Firstly to be healthy, for without good health what do you have, how much can you do. We all know how important it is to keep fit and active. Truthfully, you can not fully appreciate how important good health is, until you lose it. Until you can no longer run, or get up and down with ease, or do anything you once did, without thought. Now that, I believe, is something we should/could aim to recover from, even what most consider the natural advances of age should not be accepted as inevitable. Do you think that a strange thing to say? Well. If you accept that we create our own reality, it's not. For then, of course anything in our lives can be changed, or at least, improved more than you think. Please, don't just accept ill health, no, instead strive to deny it, concentrate on improving it.

       I believe it can be done. I for one, am working on just that. I tell you, it is possible to reverse bad health, or better yet, stop the slide into poor health before it happens. If it's possible to do such marvellous things for yourself, to improve the quality of your life, why wouldn't you? We must all stop buying into the universal publicity in our lives. The mind set, we accept without thinking, the stuff you see of becoming grey haired, bent, elderly people at a certain age. Instead keep your attention on the older people who look nothing near their age, and there are plenty of those around today. Only look at many of the older stars, Joan Collins, Gina Lola Brigitta, and many more. As well as plenty more ordinary people around you. We see them every day, if we choose to look. Do not accept that you will show your age in any particular way. After all, our body is constantly renewing itself. Cell, by cell, hourly, daily, annually. There is not a cell in your body that has not been renewed in the last few years. 

        As for illness, no one enjoys being ill, do they. It's bad enough when you get something minor. How miserable then, when it's something more serious to deal with. Even not being able to breath, or sleep properly causes big problems within your normal day. It's even worse if you have something terminal, or long term affecting you. Do you ever wonder how you would cope with disability, say not walking, or blindness. Or perhaps, must endure dreadful treatments of the sort they advocate for cancer. I don't want that, definitely not, I won't see it in my life, in my reality. Of course, I know no one wants it, but I want you to aim towards good health. I intend, indeed, have vowed to myself to keep as fit, active and heathy, as I possibly can. Even to work on reversing those aspects of my health not so good. Who of us knows what is possible. To me, this means building up a fully fit and active picture of myself. Reinforcing that regularly, as I take every opportunity presented me, to improve my health. As once you begin on this positive path, opportunities will crop up to help you. Personally, although at present, I cannot avoid seeing doctors, or all that comes with it, you/I can create a mental picture of yourself healthy, energetic, enjoying  life. If there is a way, we can become fitter, healthier, we would take it, wouldn't we? We will take it surely!

          Secondly, maybe not in importance, but certainly right up there in having a good life, or helping others, is wealth. I know, all of our lives, we are told in various ways, that money is not important. As the song says 'money don't buy you love'. Of course, it's best to be healthy (as I said), its better to have friends, to be happy whatever, but having enough money can cushion all of that can't it. I know wealth is not the most important thing in life, that no one wants to concentrate on money. Yet money, wealth, can be constantly pushed to the end of the queue. As if, asking for it, wishing we had more, somehow diminishes us as a person. We know that we now live in a consumer driven world, yet still the image of persuing money, is considered 'bad form', somehow. The many songs, and stories around, all foster this image, think Scrooge and so on. No one wants to be judged 'shallow', or 'less than' in some way, just don't buy into those assertions, don't accept restrictions.

           Well, you can decide, don't be brainwashed by such stuff. There is no earthly reason you should not be rich. Someone has to be....many people are, why not you? If you don't want riches, how about having enough money to feel secure, not to have to worry every month. Let's face it, if you can actually pay your bills without scrimping, and scraping, how nice, what a relief! If you can help someone else financially, well, even better. Of course, if you can help many 'someone's,' be a real philanthropist, how truly marvellous. I truly do not see the merit in having to wear the same old, worn out clothes, or not be able to afford a holiday for your family. It doesn't make you wicked to be wealthy, not at all. Where's the merit in being poor? If you've been there yourself, you will know how it complicates everything. How hard it makes your life, and takes away your peace of mind. So, why accept it as the way your life has to be. It does not, no, aim for wealth, or comfort. Decide to be free from worry.

          As for the happiness bit, I guess this whole subject includes this more than anything. We all want happiness. We are made to love, not hate. It enriches our lives, our day, our image of the future. Enjoy every bit of affection that comes your way. Whether from a parent, a friend, a lover, or a child. There are so many kinds of love, each one supports the others in your heart. The amount of love you have to give, to share, is endless. There is absolutely no limit. You have enough just to love only yourself, or love three people, or to love everyone on the planet. You don't have a quota you must cut into chunks, and share between those you love. You can love each person, each thing, each situation fully. Without restraint, without constraint. How magical is that? 

          Each one of those things you can plan, and create in your life. You can think health, think wealth, think happiness. Create a life for yourself that is balanced, and full. All it takes is getting you head around how it works, and then working with that image every day.

           Remember the three stages?

           EXPECTATIONS; think clearly about what you want in your life. Visualise it regularly.

           GRATITUDE; give thanks for everything you already have, and for what you want, as if you have that too, already.

           THANKS; say thanks to the Universe, but feel it too. Happiness is a powerful energy, send it out in waves, in clouds, in vibrations.

           There are no limits in life, we put those restrictions in place by our fears, and our past experience. If we remember that life is meant to be abundant. There is enough of everything for all. It does not mean being selfish, or of ignoring the needs of others. It means filling yourself up first, because if you are not a complete, full person, how can you give to others.

           Enjoy life......happy days. Keep sending out those loving vibes, to attract them back.

           Keep in mind....you are the creator of your own destiny. Think constantly, what am I creating?

'

Only you can decide

        You, are turning your life around. You are turning it up quite a few notches. Make it a daily habit, a daily ritual. Get organised for success.

         Try to begin your day, each day, by going through your day ahead. Is there something important going on today? If so, then ensure you think of the coming event with confidence, picture in your head exactly how you want it to happen. What you want. From the first eye contact, to the ultimate taking your leave after a successful mission. It might be a meeting with your boss, an introduction to a new girlfriend of your sons, or organsiing something in your bank. What ever it is, imagine it going succefully. Go so far as to feel the euphoria you feel when you get the best possible result. 

          Don't let your old expectations come into play. Don't be 'realistic' as far as results are concerned. Do not down play it to what you think may be possible- imagine the most, the ultimate you want. Always picture the ultimate success story for this, and every event. There is no need to be constrained by old expectations. After this successful visualization, send as much love towards the other person, or people involved. Do it straight away, and every time you think of them in between now, and the meeting. Love...is without doubt the strongest energy around. Love, beats hate every time. Sending those energy vibrations of expectations, and warm feelings too, will ensure a smoother meeting. A more friendly meeting than it would be otherwise.

           At no point, imagine, or fear failure. That word is unknown to you. If it pops into your head, reverse it, reinforce the love, and success vibration. Do it strongly, see it, feel it, celebrate it! For the remainder of your day, be it more meetings, more outings, or just shopping and domestic events. Imagine each one giving you immense pleasure, and every advantages. Including financial, physical, social or anything else. Why not? Anything can happen if you believe, and program, sending out the right energy. 

           Remember, throughout your imagined day, and your real day, you feel, and have the emotions of a highly successful, happy, even euphoric person. You send those high energy feelings out constantly, whenever you remember. Remember too, at the end of every event foreseen, give thanks, for your good news, your charmed life. Everything goes your way. All the time.

              Saying thanks to The Universe is important. Gratitude is a happy emotion, a hight energy, like love, and joy. Say thanks for everything in your life. Don't say thank you for what you want, and omit feeling thankful for what you already have. Or you are sending a signal that you are without the right things in your life right now. By omission, you are ordering more of those unsatisfactory things. The unpalatable, the disliked, the unwanted. Look around you. Love your bedding? Say it, feel pleasure, Love your clothes, or even one bit of clothing, say so, feel gratitude. Don't think of the rest, there is no rest. Love the sun, love having a car, love going away from the house for an hour...say it. Be grateful, feel blessed, feel happy. I cannot stress enough how powerful an energy it is for bringing more of the same, more of what you want into your life. If you dislike everything around you, then become a good actress. Pretend you love it all, change your vision of it, your perception of it. Imagine what you have around you, is the best, the grandest, the most loving, the most unbandance. Being grateful for what you have already, will bring more good things towards you. Isn't that neat?

              The other major thing to remember is to make this whole process of feeling the joy of all sorts of things, of keeping your mood up, as a regular occurrence. Not just do it once in a while. Do it all the time, make it you favourite, new habit. Use the laws of attraction, and expectation, and gratitude to your advantage. You will soon begin to see, and to feel the positive changes around you.

              At the end of your day, do a similar thing as in the morning. Go back over the events of the day, this time improving anything you felt did not go exactly as you want. Imagine that it did, see it happening the right way, and feel gratitude, and love for the fact. Tomorrow is another day, anything can happen once you believe. Don't go to sleep feeling angry, dissapointed, or guilty about anything. Feel happy, content, joyous, and immensely fortunate. For this is what you are....now!

           Happy, happy days.

The law of energy, must obey you

         Unlike the law of the land, which you must obey, the law of energy....MUST obey you.

        That's a great thought isn't it. One that must be completely liberating. I find it exciting anyway. The reason it must obey is because it has no axe to grind, no likes, or dislikes, it is impersonal. In the same way a magnet works, the laws of energy, and attraction can't resist. Do you remember, whatever energy you are sending out, is what you must come back. It's magnetic, or the same as. 

          Now, here's a scary thought. Your life, your circumstances, in fact whatever you have around you right now, is because you attracted it to you. Deny it, I know you will deny it, I did. Why would you want debt, or to be cheated on, or to fall over, be ill, whatever. Yet you did, however much it doesn't make sense to you right now. It's best to face facts, you need to understand the law. Because as I said, the law must be obeyed.in this case, it must obey what you demand. Whatever you demand. I know it's difficult to get your head around, it is for me too. I practice every day, as many times a day, as I remember. If you/I/we can get it into our head, then it will transform how your life works. Everything will slip into place, as it is meant to. We are not meant to struggle. It should be easy, it should be simple, honestly.

          Do we really want to keep on believing its all to do with luck, be it good, or bad? No, it's all to do with frequency, with vibes, with energy and attraction. With like, attracting like. With choosing how you think. Really, whatever you decide and think about, will end up finding you. Just like a magnet, you the magnet, your experiences, the iron filings. What are you attracting right now? What do you think about all the time, what do you fear? Check those thoughts, police them. They are the law, they must be obeyed.

          Bad things can come into your life, as can the bad things happen to those around you. Everyone is busy sending out signals, attracting events to themselves. If they happen to love ones, they will effect you, we cannot avoid those completely. Yet it's not impossible, or even that difficult. It's mostly habit. It is possible to stop fear, and to stop obsessing about whatever it is you worry about. Just vow to stop, to police those thoughts. To turn around the signals, and to change your life. Then you can start to enjoy the game. The game of your life.

         OK. I know you have too much in your head to stop every stray thought. So, it's best to watch your emotions, they will give you the heads up on what sort of thoughts you are toying with. Have you had a fear strike you suddenly. When your heart drops to your stomach, with a thump. All those things that make you feel bad. The fears, the depression, maybe guilt, anger too, that will do it. You don't want those. So, your thoughts, cause your feelings. If you are having an ambivalent day, it doesn't mean that underneath you are not worrying. You may still be fretting away, or feeling guilty. Only question yourself to discover. 'How do I feel now? You need to be on the ball, aware of  what's going on within you. After all, it's very important to your life. In fact, it is your life. Therefore, if you allow those bad thought to continue, you are sending out the command to head office, to the Universe, for more of the same. How mad is that?

           Right then, you have the bad, you also have the good. We want good, good is good, good feelings are the best! Cause they are. Get that love going, the joy, scoop it to you, send it out, surround yourself with happiness, laughter. There is a great big well of happiness inside you, generate it, make it flow. Feel good about life, anything in your life. You feel good, you feel happy, you are ecstatic. Yes you are! Then, what is coming at you....good stuff, more joy, more positive things, more reasons to be happy. Isn't it what we all want happiness?

            We know, what we want...happiness, joy, the good things. We know, we want to feel it. We understand we want to surround ourself with it, we want to transmit it. It's a powerful energy, it will attract more of the same back to you. It must, it's the law of attraction! Joy vibe going out, joy vibe coming in.

             It's a spiral. We can can spiral up, or spiral down. I had a bad day the other day. Because I am in the habit of taking care of my knee, it's caused me trouble in the past, yes it's a habit. Yes, everyone must be vigilant all the time, especially me. It's no good talking the talk, if I can't walk the walk. Then, I tripped, twisting my knee. Suddenly, my knee, which had been really good lately, was in great pain, it would not take my weight. Laugh if you will, but my fear, a little bit every time I went up, or down stairs, or walked any distance, built up until...wham! Damaged knee, alert, pain, expecting it! I was so upset, angry with myself for putting back my progress, everyone started worrying about how I could manage, how to help me. Boy! what a dreadful day we had. Everything went wrong. Every little ordinary thing, was 'off'. Because we all gave out worry, concern, annoyance, my knee spoiled the mood, and everything turned to custard. A day wasted. That's how much you  must police every little emotion, and turn it around.

              Get it together then. Gather those good thoughts, as I had to. I had to begin to convince myself I felt good, my knee felt good, I was healthy. I AM....healthy! Whatever. Don't stop, feel happy, feel amused, feel prosperous, or love. Look around, note every little thing that gives you any kind of joy and gather it together in a big bunch. The colour of the sky, the bird flying, swooping, a child laughing, a pretty tree, a flower, a smooth stone, an old wall, any old thing, just say I love it! It makes me happy! Lift your emotions, your feelings into JOY. 

              What's that old saying, 'laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone'.  I know which I'm going to be concentrating on. I am having good days from now on.

             Try smiling, it's very hard to feel miserable when your mouth is lifting up at the corners.

              So, smile and be happy out there, and in here ......in your heart.

An era of energy medicine

      I mentioned earlier in the week, as I began speaking of healing, creating your own life, and self, because of how in the new millennium, things had changed. Now, of course, although slow at first, so much has changed, and is still changing. As we went into the new era, there was, according to all the best, and most respected spiritual thinkers, a definite change, an upswing of energy. An awareness that was not present before, pulling us all with it. Many believed that the children born from then on, would be able to do far more than most of us. Something in the direction of the super heroes of the comic book perhaps. Even though, at present it seems ridiculous. So did space travel and pocket ships, when stories of those first appeared. 

         At the least, these new age children should be more aware, or sensitive. To some extent, causing changes within us too. It was at that point, I felt it right to make changes with the way I worked at the time. The way I did things, for over twenty years, or even longer.

         It wasn't easy to do, because it was such a radical change of thinking. An almost ninety degree change of attitude, and methodology. To me, it felt rather like coming out of the Iron Age, I suppose. Being rather stubborn, and as ever, needing my own proofs, I made somewhat heavy weather of it. I knew it felt wrong to continue as I was, but was lost, confused as far as doing it differently was concerned. I was no longer happy with the old way, nor, up to speed with the new. After all, it's all a process of discovery, personal discovery, and growth. We all do this at our own speed.

        Of course, I was given the answers to my queries immediately. As the universe always does, to those who ask, as ask I did. I just didn't recognise it, well, perhaps I did, but found it difficult to get my head around. So I floundered, rejected, looked elsewhere, became separated from my spiritual conviction perhaps. As I said before, everything in my life fell apart, perhaps because as a psychic practitioner, it was what I was. Perhaps, because as everyone changed in subtle ways, their lives had to reflect that. Now, after quite a time, I can continue with understanding. It has to make sense, to be true, to resonate to something within me. I have the need to return to the concept of creating your/our life as one decides. In an effort to help others understand how this new awareness, and upswing in energy, is best used. 

         Of course, I still believed in positive thinking, and lived with that ethos as best I could. Tried to make it work, convincing myself I was doing all right. Even, that it was OK to concentrate on 'real life', and not the Spiritual as much. Naturally I was aware of all the discoveries taking place within the world of medicine. Especially the amazing discoveries relating to genetics. A quick foray into the Internet, can lay those out for you much better than I. The over riding discovery in my eyes, was the discovery of the Genetic human blueprint. Or, the mapping of the 30/35,000 genes making up the human body, the how and why the body worked. From that came such things as HRT treatments, cancer drug therepy, HPV virus. The use of CT scans, MRI scans to map arteries, ways to see CRP levels in the blood warning of heart disease, even a HIV pill to cut down on new infections. There are so many ongoing aspects to both gene therapy, and  genetics in particular, that the next few years will be amazing for us all. Some discoveries, like Alzheimer's, and other nerve/muscle degenerative diseases are still in the early stages.      

         As I say, awareness in general has multiplied, along with infinite possibilities for new discoveries, and directions to explore . Both with health, with science and just about every other direction. Look as well, at the multiplication of uses of the humble computer. Or the Internet, is there a thing you cannot find out there now. Every area of life as we knew it, has sprung forward, like Superman, with a single bound! No wonder I scrabbled to maintain my balance.

         Yes, around, and since the new Millennium, much has changed. Within, and around each of us too, I should say. Especially, in the remarkable way we can utilise this energy increase. Flow with this alteration to the energy around us. Everything in the universe has a frequency. As that frequency rose, so did our potential. The time is right now, right for me, as I understand at last. Perhaps it's right for you to understand too. To align ourselves in the flow, to raise our awareness by doing so. To raise our potential, and our strength, our power. To help not just ourselves, but the world. By concentrating not on the strife, the bad things, but on the healing, the joy. By working individually to sort out our own life, and by so doing, together send out healing, and love to all. Only  believe...

         All that's necessary is to know you can no longer rely on fate, or chance, to carry you through, to try that, is give up everything you have, and are. What we all must do, is take responsibilty for ourselves. I say ourselves, as each of us must see to ourselves. In spiritual terms it can be difficult to understand. But in an emergency, don't you put on your own oxygen mask before your child's? It's the same concept. Protect, and project yourself, then expand to others, and the world.

           Like yesterday, and the days before I ask you to try, trust, believe it may be so.

           Please remember, whatever the mind can conceive, it can acheive.

           Send out the love, and the joy...

           Before you sleep, backtrack over the days events. Turn around anything that did not go as you hoped. Replay each one in your mind, in the exact, perfect way you wanted them to go. For tomorrow, begin giving thanks in advance for what you want to happen, as this boosts the energy levels. Sending out a powerful signal to the Universe. This is what I want for today. 

            Again,  I say: What the mind can conceive, it can acheive.

            Happy days!

The simplest rule, to enlighten and create.

       A quick one today, a bit of a cop out really but helpful I hope. It's the three basic riles for creating the fabric of your life. Or should that be, recreating it. For that is what I am talking about this week. How to draw your life together into some simple form of order, how to make sense of how you got to where you are, and how to get to where you want to be. Remember, I am not talking about taking a journey on the bus here, but inside your self. Inside your head, your heart, your soul, call it what you will, or perhaps I should call it all three. I want to keep it short, and simple. Something I don't always find easy...so let's see where we go.
        The main conclusion I have come to regarding creating your ideal life, is you /I /we imagine you already have it! That's right, celebrate before the event. If you had everything you think you want, right now. How would you feel? Pretty happy I imagine, at least you wouldn't be sitting around scratching your head. I think you might be feeling like celebrating, and already be walking around with a big smile on your face. Of course you would! Did you get an image of that feeling, or the expression going with it then? If you did, hold on to that. That's the one you need.
        So the beginning, of the best part of your life, that you are creating now....is. Yes, you guessed it, JOY! It's the start, the shortcut, the way in, a step in the right direction. I want you to be and to feel happy now. It's absolutely the best way to give your life the kick start it needs. The jolt that both you and it wants.
         Don't say you can't do it, or it's a waste of time. At the very least you will begin it to walk around with a smile on your face, and a feeling of happiness in your heart. That can't be bad, can it. Begin building it now. Whether you do that by getting comfortable and meditating on feelings of JOY, or flicking through the pages of your wishes, we talked of making before. Perhaps even think back to a time when you felt real excitement, or happiness, even if for a split second. Close your eyes, and build that feeling, feel it expand in your heart. Feel the muscles of your face relax, your lips curl into a smile. Let it build until it radiates out around you, sending it into the Universe. Let it flow, do it as many times during the day as you remember.e specially at those times when you are starting to get stressed, or worried, or tired. Take a couple of minutes to gather the joy,a nd happiness, the pure essence of those, and let them radiate out. Don't worry where they end up, they will go where they are most needed, no doubt. Sending out love, can only ever help. If you haven't  already done so, try mustering that feeling now.
         Whenever you do that, simple excercise, you will attract back to you, everything that brings you joy, or happiness. You must, for that is the inflexible rule of attraction. Things on the same wavelength, as you give out, remember. The things that bring you joy and happiness may be many. Abundance will be drawn to you. Good things in your family, positive financial advances, better health, more positive attitude. An abundance of anything you want, anything that brings you happiness.
         You must radiate out that happiness/joy vibe, to bring back what you want. As you radiate that signal out, of pure happiness, they will be sent back to you. Don't let doubt move in and stop you, if you begin to feel doubt of any kind, stop! Turn it around into those feeling of happiness, and joyousness. Believe, believe, believe. Give thanks, every time you send out the feelings, give thanks, you already have the improvements. They are already here. Relax and feel the love.
         Think joy! Think happiness! Send it out to the Universe! Feel it in every fibre of your being! Give thanks! Believe, above all, believe.
          In that small, yet vital way you will begin to change your life for the better.
          Be happy, spread the joy...
       

Programming for success

          You may have noticed, that this week has seen a subtle change of direction from me. Perhaps not so much a change, as a reversal of attitude. More recently, I often find myself writing about the shortcomings of the world around me, of things occurring I dislike, or think unfair. I have a strong sense of right and wrong. One, I find coiling within me, like steam in a kettle. Seeking a realease, an escape before I  explode. By what good do I do? I find myself writing the same as any newspaper columnist, with much the same results. Merely to amuse, or to give vent to my own spleen. At the end of the day, who really cares?

           Therefore, I resolve to avoid doing more of the same, and to revert to writing, or saying something that may actually help someone. Instead of merely rattling cages, I am sad to say, mostly empty cages, for society is in constant flux. We all complain, constantly, as so many things are wrong with this world. We become frustrated, isolated. Those that are the most isolated become drawn into the evil that builds in such a vacuum. They hurt, maim, cheat, lie, and destroy the weaken among us. Those we should protect. These things sometimes feel as if they are piling up on me, on us all, driving us into the dark, and the dirt with their weight. Mankind should not be going in that direction, no wonder so many of us become depressed, unable to cope. Lost in darkness of we know not what. But, our souls know, our souls feel it, and is responding. We should remember, that so many things are also right in the world. If each one if us began to use our light, we could change things. Really begin to change things.

           For many years I taught positive programing. If you like, self development, spiritual awareness, call it what you will. Once you touch on any kind of faith though, you are often judged a loony, or worse. Not that it worries me, I have run the gauntlet of many a demonstration to enter a spiritual fair. I often wondered, why, we, a bunch of mainly motherly women, or scholarly looking men, were seen as a threat? Perhaps the old belief in the power of a witch, or the mistaken belief we were working on the dark side, or whatever they judged us as being. Faith, is not something you can force on another, It's like religion, you believe what you believe. I don't force others to do the same as I, or thnk the same as I. For, there are many paths to The Lord.  Indeed I merely offer my experience, and what I have found to make sense. To me...I hasten to add! it may make sense to you too, we can only follow our own inner instincts. I don't pretend to be religious, or to preach. Sometimes though, it's good to have an open mind. For shuttered minds are scary, too often only reacting to unfounded fear.

          I know some things for certain, having lived by them, or tested them for myself. For I was never anyone's pushover. Always seeking my own truth, my own proofs. Other aspects of life, and the spiritual, admitting I am unable to know everything, I am willing to be open minded about. After all, these truths of mine, are only an extension of ideas and concepts I believe make sense. Every one of us is on a journey of discovery. Learning all we can about ourselves, our strengths, and weaknesses. I think of it as ironing out the kinks..of our soul. Isn't it why we are here?

           Before 2000 I travelled the world involved in psychic readings, and spiritual healing. Even doing  platform work for Spiritual churches, and Mind, Body & Spirtual festivals. Giving proof of 'life after death', as they called it then. I also taught courses, and held seminars on various aspects of spiritual awareness, and self development. After that date, the New Millennium, I did very little of it, feeling very strongly that  'time' had passed. You must always be true to yourself. Then, we were moving into a different era, things must change. We were going into a period where we must take more responsibility for our own future. Yet it was difficult, changing  my former mind set, to what  I now believed it should be. Going from believing we had some choices, to make within the fated parts of our lives. Going into a time where I knew we must entirely create everything we had. Both the good, and the bad. Something I have not found simple to do. 

          It has been thirteen years of lurching, from personal crisis, to major change, and 'some', (actually a great deal) of confusion. Partly because, of many emotional, psychological difficulties occurring in my life. Plus, a great many more spiritual ones, I did not even recognise. Everything changed for me, many times. As well as finding myself caught in a holding pattern, where I felt stuck, unable to make meaningful headway of any kind. I must admit, at times, I became too caught up in the stresses of life. I became ill, always a physical manifestation of spiritual disquiet. So, 'up my own exhaust pipe' was I, I failed to notice, even that. I was lost, but did a good job of hiding it, even from myself.

          You know, I have spoken of 'nudges' the Universe gives you. Trying to direct you into the best path, the one you know you need for your most rounded development. For your true direction. Except, sometimes you are so thick, it fails to register. No matter how many nudges you get. It's like being on stage, forgetting your lines, then forgetting there is actually a 'prompt person' right in front of you, actually trying to attract your attention throughout your 'lost' period. Trying to give you the next word or two, so that you can do the rest, so you can carry on. When you finally remember to look in the right direction, to let it sink in, you see him/her trying to attract your attention. How stupid do you feel then? How could you have forgotten there were prompts organised for you. How? But you did, but  I did! 

          That's how I feel now, I forgot I had help, I forgot to plug into the Universe. I tried to do it all myself, using my experience, and intelligence, in conjunction with my messed up emotions, and confused spirituality. Not clever really is it... shame...we say, but you're only human. So, it's not our fault, right? Wrong!

            You have to keep your eye on the ball. You too easily become lost, driven purely by hard work, and effort. Whilst chasing the God of finance, financial success. Thinking you can achieve what you want by pure determination, basic effort, and hard slog. It doesn't work though, you just get older, and more tired. You are on the crazy merry go round of 'real life'. Well, it's time to jump off, and get on the right track again. Hopefully taking some of you with me. Because you can have everything your heart desires, you just have to plug in, and do it the right way. The effortless, but more...sensitive way. No more bashing through brick walls, getting bruised. Now you must slip through the gaps, as a 'will o the whisp', without physical effort. But with belief, you must believe, and feel that belief, as joy! Don't question just yet, just go along with me for now. Open mind, remember?

              So, you're 'only human?' Do you have any idea how special a gift that is? How much power, and latent ability you have to help yourself, and the world. It's incalculable, it's vast, and it's yours. Pick it up, or leave it lying, the choice is yours too. You are allowed to keep struggling if you so decide. You may keep on the path of hard graft, or use the little spark of the God you were given. If you were given a diamond, would you throw it away? No, of course not. Yet you have something far more valuable, and you...dismiss it. It's like finding a vast bundle of money in your purse, and not believing it's real, not doing anything with it at all. Not even checking it out to see if it's real. At least you should do that, shouldn't you?

             First, let me say again, everything in the Universe has a frequency. All you do, is to decide to change the frequency you are transmitting. The frequency, the vibes (we have all heard of those) you give out, these are your thoughts, your words, your feelings, draw exactly the same back to you. We know the things we want, we know the things we don't want, but which do you talk, and think the most about? Is it 'I am getting better, richer, thinner, happier every day'...at whatever it is. Or is it, ' I feel really ill, angry, sad, annoyed, fed up, fat, tired, or hard up? I know which ones I hear the most. The complaints! Well, I ask you to bear in mind, those negative things, vibes, are busy drawing more of the same to you as you transmit, them.

               So for a start, police your thoughts today, and tomorrow, and the for the rest of this week, and see what changes for us. Let's call it a a little test, just between us.

               Start sending those vibes.....

           

I AM.....it's important.

     Someone said today, that they are always in a rush, not enough time in the day. Now, that is a really common complaint. Thinking of myself in these situations, in the past, I have said these words with some pride. Yes, well you know that pride comes before a fall don't you? Sort of saying, my life is so full, I am so busy...yada yada yada. Stacking up in the old self importance. Even if you don't mean to, it's smoke, and mirrors isn't it. Which is more than a bit sad isn't it. It's all an excuse for not doing what needs to be done.  I just didn't have the time...I meant to do it. Recognise that one? I bet some of you do. Behaving as if there is some merit in being so busy, you just can't fit everything in. When in fact, in creation terms, in energy terms, it's self destructive. Something we just don't want to be, or do. Not to sabotage your own day, your own life. by repeating what a mess you are, how late, how many things not done, how many failures. Goodness, I'm depressed already.

        Plan your day, plan your year, plan your life. Make yourself an AIMS LIST, or a book showing LIFE GOALS. Maybe don't so much plan it, as FEEL it. It doesn't have to be ultra detailed. End results are good! Think it, imagine it, even see it, find pictures to add to the lists, then feel it. Feel the joy, and happiness on reaching those steps, or goals. Imagine how ecstatic you would feel...you do feel. Because you build it in the now. As if it's already done. We can all do that, we have brilliant 

imagination. If not, go through the Internet, or magazines, and find examples of what you want your life to be. Look at the pictures....all the time, frequently! Everyone can look at pictures.

        Think every event of every day, that way, you are not madly rushing out of the door with no clear plan. You know almost exactly what you will do at any given hour. If you rush off, late already, you are already fearing getting in a worse muddle. Becoming later, what else can possibly go wrong with your day? Well, lots of things can. Planning for disaster if you will, is what you are doing. You cannot operate in fear, as it attracts bad things, more muddles, mistakes, things going wrong in your path. It's  a frequency, like radio/tv waves. Attracting more things of the same, to you, things on that disaster wavelength. You must change channels, fiddle the knob on the radio a bit to find something different, a different frequency. A different programme. Change channels, you can do that, OK. I know you can.

           That's how to change what happens around you, to change what's happening in your day. You pause, and recalibrate. Set up a different frequency. Change what you are expecting. Stop, and say " I have every opportunity to get everything done".  Or, " I have plenty of time". Just that will change the programme. Now think ahead, what's next? Set the universe in the pattern you want. In advance, then you are creating. You can do that too, it's only a few moments thought. Except see/visualise/imagine  the right results, the very best ending too. Don't leave it hanging.

             Simple isn't it. It's like the recipe for a cake. Or the mechanisms of driving a car, or fixing a car engine. You open the door, get into the seat, close the door, put on your seat belt, check your mirrors, start the engine, and so on, and so on. It's simple, and it's sensible. Soon. It could be your automatic pilot. You know how that's works.

            Asking, and planning your day, gets it straight in your head too, makes it clear to the universe. Saying, seeing, feeling you have it already, emits the right frequency to receive it, and acheive it.

             Ask....the universe for what you want

             Believe.....build, act to feel as if you already have it.

             Receive....feel the emotion you will feel once you have it. Joy.

            You can do all of that. It's a new, and relively simple set of skills. Try it tomorrow on something simple, and soon you will be creating your next hour, your next day, your next year. Just be sure, you give no thought at all to how it can happen. Trust that it will.

            Then, you are already creating your life in advance.

            Good luck, and be happy. In fact be excited, be ecstatic. There is no reason not to be.

Direction...do you have one?

       I re read a great quote yesterday, one that's been filtering through my stubborn head ever since. It was 'what you obsess on, you attract to you'. Of course, I understand it. I am into all the positive thinking, the creating your own reality. I am even harsh enough to assert, the life you are living, (I am living), is one you/I choose, we created it! That statement is always an assertion that gets everyone going. Of course, if you have anything in your life that is hard, or unpleasant, or lacking in any way, the response inevitably is 'no, I didn't, I didn't choose this..why would I'. Of course you wouldn't, would you. All I ask is that you begin to take note of your words, your conversations, your beliefs. Because we do create our lives, and the sooner we realise how it works, the sooner we can accept that change can happen, and that we can help it. But first, we must leave old habits behind, as we decide what it is we require.

       It's all to do with what you say, what you think, and what you do. Nothing big then, ha ha. nothing to worry about. It's rather like driving, or eating, we get into sloppy habits, so every now, and again, we need to take stock. Which, we do sometimes, with our food, or health, perhaps even with our driving, but hardly ever with how we react to life. We tend to think we are fated, or are unlucky, or 'life is hard isn't it', how many times have we heard that? 

        We have gradually found 'coping mechanisms', as we grow, and we use them constantly, without even realising. The thing to realise is, the ways we react, or cope, are not always as good as it should be. In fact, often many are downright counter productive to having a good life. A potted version of the best attitude is, begin to expect great things, (better things) and you will create your (ideal) life in advance.

          This is an alternative to sloppy planning, or no planning. Of letting things surprise you, reaching you only because you don't think about what you say, or your reaction to what is already in your life. Think of this, would you run across the busy road without some kind of plan, or forward thinking. Do you just shut your eyes, and walk? Do you say,I shall get run over if I cross this road. No! Of course you don't. You have your eyes, and thoughts set on where you want to be on the other side of the road, and why. If there is not a crossing, with a button to press, you must gauge the traffic, think about your speed, what's around, where you will stop in the middle, how long. All the positives, not I am unlucky! or slow! I will be round down. Deciding on these considerations, so you actually 'see' your self doing all of that before you set off. Setting off, reaching the other side, safely, and getting to where you want to be. Never thinking, or saying about not being able to do it.

              Police your thoughts for a day. What is it you constantly think about? Is it money, if you are having a hard time, it often is. Is it health, or fitness, maybe losing weight. There is a lot of pressure put on us today about those things. The key is, to be grateful, happy with what you have now. That's where it must begin. It is the best, and quickest method of bringing what you want into your life. You must get into new habits. Instead of worrying about what is wrong with your life, you have to focus on radiating joy and happiness out into the universe. What you send out is what you get back. It's the law of attraction, everything merely reflects back at you.

           You probably believe you have to work harder, save harder, in order to get more money. You don't . Let those thoughts go straight away, if that's what you continue to think, it must be how it is.

Rather, do not worry about how the money or anything else can/will come to you. Your task, is only to ask, to believe you are receiving, and to feel happy NOW. Replace your worry, your feeling of dread, with joy at what you have, with happiness because you are brimming over with confidence, and happiness.

           Leave, the how to the Universe, it has anything, and everything you care to ask for. The world is full of stuff, all the wonderful stuff you can imagine. Only remember, if you are thinking  or worrying about having no money, or being in debt. Then that is what you continue to have. If you must do something, set up an automatic repayment programs, and then focus on prosperity. Never say, I can't afford that, or as what you focus on, is what you get, then you will never be able to afford it. Say I can afford it, I can buy it. Say it every chance you get. Try it for a whole week, so what happens, try it for a month see what else happens. Brainwash yourself, into looking, and paying attention to everything you say, and think. Spot your dream car, say I can afford that. See a wonderful house, say I can afford that, a holiday, a new wardrobe, anything you wish for say I can afford that. Say it with confidence!

               As you do that, it changes how you feel, you are no longer dragging yourself, and your future down with' I can't' you will feel better, begin to believe you can afford those things, and so change the pictures in your life. Really, if you want abundance, if you want good health. If you want a partner, what ever you want,,,focus on that. Refuse to let the thoughts, or the words that you are without any those things enter your day.

                Bring your dreams, your wishes into the now. The two most powerful words are I AM .

Use them all the time. Say I am happy, I am abundant, I am fit & healthy, I am love, I am eternal youth.

When you conceive something in your mind, it is fact already. It's on its way. You can do anything you want. All your power is in your awareness of that power. As you believe so it shall be.

               Your power is unlimited......only you limit you.

               Just begin, the rest will follow, there are no limits. You want world peace, then don't  think of war. Mother Theresa, on being asked if she would attend an 'anti war' rally, refused. Saying if you hold a 'peace' rally, I will be there. She understood to concentrate on something/ anything is to make it bigger. There is your/our key, to peace, and happiness.

                Be happy out there...

           

Are you a winner?

           Ah the good ole lotto, or similar games of chance. How much money have you spent on it? I must have spent a bit by now, and I am not really a gambler. I don't Iike long odds, and I certainly don't like losing (at anything really) yet I keep trying to win the lotto. Betting against the odds, for my one in a trillion or two chance to come up. What's wrong with that? Oh, I don't bet much  two, or three quid a week, with big gaps in between where I do no gambling for months at a time. Then, off I go again for another few weeks, or months. We don't  think of it if as betting anyway, do we? Overall, I am may lose on the swings, but gain again on the roundabouts. I invariable keep enough in my account for the next few games.

         That's posh isn't it, 'in my account.' That's because I have finally managed to open an 'on line' account, that I can use. I will define that, one they allow me to use. I first opened an account many years ago, when I was living in New Zealand. For some reason, they would never let me into the thing, which meant of course, I could never use it, not once did I put a wager on.  Now, I see that to play, you must be in the UK, or the Isle of Man! If that's the case, why was I allowed to open it, or have the rules changed. I don't like rules for the sake of it, things have to make sense, or should make sense. Ha! As you can see, I am still miffed with the frustration of trying to use the thing, and being barred. Now at last, it's actually working, so it's 'my account'. Oh joy to the world. Imagine, for all that time, actually stopping me from spending my money, no sense in that is there.

         As I said, I don't spend a lot. I put in twenty pounds to start, since then, I have only topped it up once by another twenty. So that's done several months of lotto, and I am paid for the next month in advance. In between, I have had little wins to top up the funds to keep playing weekly. Enough wins to give me hope, and keep me keen. You need a little encouragement whatever you are doing don't you. OK, well, I do anyway. I keep doing it because I am convinced I am due a big win. (nb. Must think: I HAVE a big win) Let's face it, the amount of prize money is obscene. Millions, hundreds of millions sometimes. Which means plenty for me..or for you. At least, if (when) I win, I will know how to spend it, unlike the majority of winners.

           Particualrly in these times of straightened financial circumstances, it is great to dream, to plan. I am a great one for planning for the best, for dreaming, or is it giving it large, as they say in all the best comedy shows. To attract the big win, or, for windfalls of any kind. I am imagining the right luck, or good things dropping in my lap. Why shouldn't they. They have to land somewhere, why not with me? I do a lot of creative visualising. For those interested, read 'The Secret. By Rhonda Byrne', it is a great little book explaining exactly how to turn, and change your luck for the better. Learn how to stop shooting yourself in the foot. As I often tell people, LUCK, is

           L abouring

           U nder

           C orrect

           K nowledge

           In other words, with a little bit of an edge on life, you can work at making good things happen in your life. Never let doubt creep in, and keep visualising that you have everything you wish for. Not forgetting good health, and a safe, and happy family. Never, ever say you NEED anything. If you are in need, you are shooting yourself in the foot. Because to say you are in need, is saying you are missing something. You are without! You must never tell the Universe you are lacking, or it will ensure you are.

            Therefore, my little wins keep paying for the lotto, until the big money is here.....NOW....I have it now!  Always say it is here already. Remember, that tomorrow never comes. So, today, I am spreading my money around the family, and friends, where it will help everyone. Giving it where it will take away all worries, and stress from everyone I love. Ahhh, isn't it great to have plenty of money, to spend time with my happy family, with their, and my good health.

              Happy days everyone. 

              Dream large!

ali keilly writes: Rain, rain, go away......we don't need another day...

ali keilly writes: Rain, rain, go away......we don't need another day...:          We really do not need any more rain now. Everywhere is awash with water. Even the places not flooded in the UK have had enough rain...

Rain, rain, go away......we don't need another day

         We really do not need any more rain now. Everywhere is awash with water. Even the places not flooded in the UK have had enough rain. Enough to last us until the summer I reckon. As I speak this is another day of torrential rain, high seas, and bitter winds. Living on the coast, as I do, you can judge the power of the winds just by looking at the sea. Today, the sea is grey, topped with foamy rolling, and relentless waves. Here at Broadstairs, where I sit with my coffee, the waves slap, and pound the little rounded Pier, and along the length of the beach. The sky, exactly the same colour,  is indivisible from the sea. That means the mist is closing in, soon the sea will only be noticeable if you are out there. Out in the weather,where you can hear the wind, and the crashing waves. Out in the weather, as are too many flood victims struggling to survive.

         The wind this morning, is so strong that it was difficult to keep walking without getting blown backwards. I literally had to battle along. I must say, I was pleased it was only a s far as the car, and not to the bus stop, or walking any further. Now, the thunder is rolling, and crashing overhead, in tune with the waves perhaps. The street is empty of people, except for the odd one, hurrying every now, and then, to escape the rain. No one in here wants to go out there.

          Can you imagine what it must be like for those poor people flooded, trying to maintain a normal life, with school, work, and all the domestic stuff we have to see to. All, having to deal with the elements, and the results of it. Is there somewhere warm, or dry to sleep. Have they all had to move from their homes? Forced to manage with only emergency belongings. Will the foundation of the homes, stand up to this bad treatment by the elements? How, for goodness sakes do they physically get about? Does it mean sloshing knee, or hip deep in water every time they try to leave their homes. Do their cars still work? Are there bus services, or any services still remaining? They must be cold, uncomfortable, stressed, and tired beyond measure.

          Most, I am sure, knowing how insurance companies operate, will be badly out of pocket. Will they be recompensed for the ruined flooring, the living room furniture, the kitchen cabinets, equipment and personal items destroyed. I doubt it, and how can they be, for the inevitable fall in their house prices. Some may never be able to sell because of being flooded. Or insured again without paying top whack.

          I saw people on the TV yesterday totally exhausted both physically, and at the end of their resistance. Not knowing what to do, or where to go for help. As one said "we are not experts, we do not   know if what we are doing is right". It appears to most of us, that they are getting minimum aid.

           The politicians are flocking there, for their photo calls, late, as usual. Posturing is all they are doing really. We, the people can see no reason for paying such vast sums in foreign aid at any time. Especially to countries already richer than we. Right now, it doesn't make sense at all. Those poor flood victims need it now. Divert, or better yet, cancel money going elsewhere. We can no longer afford to do it...if we ever could. The flood victims throughout the country need help badly, not least bodies to do the hard yards, they can no longer do. I know the army is in some pleaces, I can bet it's too little too late...as always.

            It must be down to the prime minister, come on, and do something to sort out this dreadful situation NOW.  Don't let your people sink beneath the waves, of the water, or the task before them. GIVE HELP NOW. Then, for goodness sakes sort out a long term solution, starting by dredging all the rivers abandoned for too long. It has to be done, this water problem is not going to go away!

           Make your voice heard, help those who need it.

           Good wishes, and fair weather to those affected.

         

ali keilly writes: Every day a coconut!

ali keilly writes: Every day a coconut!:         Every day I think, what to write about today? Before many seconds, up pops a subject. Perhaps that is becaus I write about nothing, ...

Every day a coconut!

        Every day I think, what to write about today? Before many seconds, up pops a subject. Perhaps that is becaus I write about nothing, and everything. Ha ha. Anything is grist for the mill with me.  Or, perhaps. I have too many opinions.....yeah, that could be true too. Never mind, I keep going. Stay with me folks, pass me on, and follow if you will. What point is a writer, with no readers.

       For the past few years I have concentrated on writing books. I write mysteries, with a spooky twist. None are published, nor have I tried to have them published. Now, that could just be apprehension. What is no one liked them, what if everyone hated them? Coward hey. The books are my babies though, like paintings. When you paint, you do what you feel, keep going until you it's done, then put it away, and begin another. I felt the same about letting anyone see these in the beginning. It's a baring of your soul. A standing in public with no clothes on. Well, you know what I mean. Of course, I moved beyond that, when they began selling. Now with no room to paint, or leave my easel out with a painting in progress, I write. I have to keep creating something, or explode. I was an Art teacher for several years in London. Then when living in New Zealand, I painted, and gave private, adult lessons. I did psychic/spooky stuff, and gave courses in self awareness, and inner growth and development. Back in England though, it's not so easy.....in lots of ways. Oh never mind, I keep going, what else would I do.

         I have written about four books, none of them published, nor the final paragraph or two completed. That could be because I write on automatic pilot. I never know exactly what it coming next. It's as much a surpise for me, as it will be to the reader.....should there ever be any. Ha ha. After about six years of writing, and eighteen months of solid editing, trying to get all books to a standard I was happy with, I took a compulsory break. I went back to New Zealand for an extended holiday, and t see my Mum, and fell into blogging. Just a refresher, I said. To give me a break from slogging through editing. I found I really like it. Writing about something different all the time, no more waking up in the wee hours, with plot scenarios going through my head. No more sentence structure bugging me. It was a good break, yes, it really was. I think I must be refreshed by now! what, six months later.

           Now, though, it's about time I got back to proper writing. Don't you think? Well, let's face it, it's out of your control isn't it. It's whatever way this head of mine, along with my fingers of course, takes me. It's finding the time too. Perhaps it's all too late, late starter that I am, with everything. Blogging, and life, takes up a big chunk of my day. The truth is, I write just as obsessively as I once painted. I love it, I have to do it, it makes me happy. Let's face it, that's not a bad thing is it. To be creative, and to have the tools to do it. In my case, from easel, and brushes, then laptop, to I pad. It's all a big learning curve to me. Yet how lucky are we, to have such convenient tools to use. Imagine lugging a typewriter. Although I used to carry a book and pen to write. I like that, it was all the transcribing it back to type that broke the spell.

        Ahh, spells, now there's a thought. Perhaps I could conjure a good one to get me going in the right direction. I spent years travelling around the world with my psychic abilities too. A chequered past you think? That was great fun as well, very interesting. People are fascinating aren't they. You see, I am a gypsy at heart. I am ready to travel anywhere, at the drop of a hat.

        Well, do you think I have solved any of my problems today? No, they are not really problems are they. If they are, they are good ones. The thing is, I have decided I have to live to a very great age. Primarily, because there are so many dreams still to spin. 

         All I ask, is the energy to do it, and good freinds, and family around, me.

         Can I include you in that, my reader?

         Good wishes, and may your dreams come true, and endure.

Winter comes but once a year!

         Winter comes but once a year.......thank goodness for that I say. Although we are lucky this year, or are we? No, it's a fact we have had a particularly mild winter this year of 2013/14. We have not had the snow  and bitter cold of last year it's true, although whether that is better, or not, I do not know. It has been difficult in its own way. So wet, then, the bad floods all over the place. At least it seems as if it will be considerably shorter than last year, which will be a boon for us. 

          Last year, winter went on, and on. We were still in the midst of it when Easter came. It was snow, and bitter winds at Easter, by then, we were so worn down, we were past caring. Or, was that just me? Well, that was certainly me, by that time, after almost eight months of hard cold. I did not Find anything much to celebrate about it, even though the snow was pretty. Some of us deal well with the cold well, some don't. I guess you can see, in which catorgary I fall. The combination, of the cold, and the longevity of the season certainly wore down my resilience, and everything else. Made worse, by the fact it was almost as cold indoors, as out. It is not easy to stay warm in old houses. My home being fairly typical of many of the older properties in the U.K.

        Ah, well, my house, that is of course the larger part of the  problem. O.K. Most of the problem. It's a Victorian Gothic building, converted into flats, years ago. I live on the fourth floor, sideways on to the sea. Lucky really, the wind from the sea is in evidence, but not 'full on' as it would be if I faced the sea. To reach my windows, the wind must come from the south east, although it the building is somewhat protected by other buildings on the side, of the facing street. A lady here, who does live facing the sea directly, says her flat actually judders in the high winds. Winds, of the sort we have experienced on, and off this winter. Like a dog shaking itself of water, the building judders, and trembles every half hour or so. She insists that, did it not, then the whole building would suffer, which is no doubt, the truth. She says, perhaps even fracture, or collapse, who knows, not an exaggerated claim. She insists, it is no doubt designed to behave exactly so. As if it is shaking off the strain, and stress of the high gale force winds. A little like street lamps bend, and other high building give to outside forces. Rather than stand rigid, and eventually  become damaged. As we know, modern building have such movement built into them. I can't say, I am as confident about a building built so many years ago. 

         So, the wind finds, and enters these old buildings almost wherever it will, despite some poor secondary double glazing at my windows. The other major factor of buildings such as this, is that it is built of a single skin of brick. This was common back then, around the mid eighteen hundreds. If there were a double skin, then there are no gaps between for insulation to sit. It means of course, that it is difficult, if not impossible to insulate in the modern way at all. Places such as these have no insulation, the cold, as well as the wind enters through the walls, and the windows. Where condensation builds  badly between the secondary set of windows, and the original. Until all you can see is foggy glass. Which, is a shame, with such a spectacular view of the English Channel outside. 

           Although, I love my building, it has such style, and presence. I, along with many living n similar buildings, wish it were easier to keep warm, or get warm. The second fact is, the whole place, has high ceilings, of course, common to Victorian buildings. The proportions of the rooms are wonderful were it a hot climate. Those ceiling would be ideal, as the heat could rise, sitting there, keeping the room cool. The standard method in the heat, for keeping cool rooms. Not that this building is ever warm, you could use it for a giant refrigerator. Thirdly, there is poor heating within the flats. No heat pumps, no gas central heating even. There is only electric heating units, which are adequate. Except no one can afford to run them for long, not with the current exorbitant price of power. I think you will agree, an unhappy coincidence for all. For those of us living in such buiidngs, at least.  It comes down to, do you want to live at a good central location, with views. Enjoying the wonderful common areas, and graceful dimensions of the flat, or do you want to be warm?

            It's a mute point, because there are never any empty flats here. They are snapped up as quickly as they become vacant. It's a peaceful place to live, and the neighbours are nice. It's safe, and secure too, with lifts, another benifit. Enough said I think, people complain about the cold, but put up with it for all of the above reasons. Perhaps it's inhabitants simlply wear more clothes, as I often have do.

            I digress though, I was talking of the actual winter, the weather, and how it effects people. Last year, it was the length of the season, and the level of cold, this year it's the wet. I know for a fact that the extreme damp effects far more people than you think. It upsets joints, and everyone with any form of arthritis finds it more difficult to move, and be pain free. I think the whole world has heard of the floods here in England. It may be mostly in the South West, around Somerset, but the level of water has effected all the country. The amount of water lieing in the fields, and roadsides are extreme. Even without flooding risk, whole swathes of fields are under water, the ground now so waterlogged. Not surprising, as it has nowhere else to go anymore.

           I don't know if it's the same in other countries, but England always seems to lurch from one emergency to another. Often due to weather conditions. We have too much water, we have too little water. There are droughts, or floods, seldom the ideal it seems. Of course being an island, means we have lots of wind, and strange weather conditions. Our weather arrives on whichever wind brings it. From the Antarctic, from Europe, and mores often than you may think, from Russia. Everything blasts it's way across to us.

            We, the inhabitants of this island, go about our regular life, as best we may. We brave the winds, and dodge the rain. We wrap up warm, or as watertight as we can. We forgo umbrellas, as what use are they in high winds? We heat our homes, as much as we can afford, sometimes, more than we can afford. We moan about the weather a lot, or about its effects on our health, or our lives. If we are lucky enough to avoid being severely affected by floods, or any other disaster, then we read avidly the often, heated discussions between, ministers, assorted politians, or royaly, and the victims of obvious neglect, the people. Quite a few of us, join in with debates, letters, or other forms of publicity open to us, objecting to such largesse. Few of the public wholeheartedly support the obscene amounts of money given in foreign aid in our names. We did not sanction it, we do not understand why more is not spent at home. We have as many, or more deserving cases than these other, so called 'third world' countries. 

          We become more like a third world country every day. As it is plain to see. More homeless on the streets, more using food banks, more using short term, high interest loans, which can only lead to more poverty, and hardship. More hardship of every kind, escalating. 

          Politicians...your people are in need. It's time our money was spent on our country. The time has come to care for your own. To stop pretending to richness you do not have. For goodness sakes, when will you see it, and admit. You must redress the balance before it's too late.

           This, then, is a glimpse of an English winter. Or is it British politics, and the financial state of our country. To be honest, is there an difference? They blend in together, as one long winter, or winters....and disasters...... for this country.

            Viva to the Spring...it can't come soon enough.

          

 

Birthdays come but once a year

        Isn't it great to celebrate birthdays with loved ones. Today, it's my eldest sons birthday. For once he is in the country, actually staying with me. Unluckily for him, away from his little family for a while, for business reasons. So, I have him to myself. Something which is a very rare occurrence. In fact, I don't remember the last time that happened. Maybe twenty or more years ago, at least. This year, for he, and I, is a special one. I got to see him in the morning, met him for lunch, and we are going to the cinema tonight. Imagine, a whole birthday with my boy. The cinema is something we both enjoy doing, his choice of film of course. I have already enjoyed half the day, I shall enjoy the rest too. Marvelous! Perhaps more of a treat for the old mother, than the son. Ha ha.

        I find that now I'm older, I no longer care about my own birthdays any more. I really don't want anything in the way of presents, or is that need anything. Of course if someone was to gift me a new car, or a holiday home, or a diamond bracelet, I might change my mind. Ha ha. In my family, as that is not likely to happen, birthdays can pass me by. I have so many toiletries, and bric a brac, I have no where to put anything else. Occasionally, I get something that has been chosen with great care, and I am touched. One year my NZ family gave me a wonderful lacy, lilac scarf. A long one, I can wind around my neck in the winter, and I love it. People used to be able to give me jewelry, but I don't wear it anymore. Earring hurt my ears, and I forget to put on necklaces. All I wear in a few bracelets, each one given me years ago by a close family member.

            I'm not ungrateful, I understand there is not a lot of money to spend on presents. That is why I feel it's such a waste. I would rather the family put that money to their own lives, and not think I expect any sort of a present. A card, or good wishes, a phone call, or a visit I love. That's personal, that means something. I can value that. But to stack up gifts just because it's the done thing, makes no sense to me at all. Yes, sometimes as Is ay, the thought behind the gift touches me. But that is exactly what it is. It is the thought that counts. Exactly right! That's all I want.

             So, today, now it's ended, I can enthuse about. I began this blog half way through the day. Today I got to spend precious quality time with my son. We began his journey together, when he was born, it's great he wants to clock up a little more. He has become more than a son. He is a friend too. We have had more fun time together than many son, and mother get to enjoy. We shared a house a few times. Even different countries a few times. 

              Truly, I am blessed with my children, especially today with my birthday boy. Yes, he will always be a boy to me. Even though he is already older than I admit to being. It's great how that magic of number crunching works isn't it?  It's something you must have to enjoy life to the full. A sense of humour, better yet, a sense of the ridiculous. It gives life a richness, a glow, that nothing else does.

              Therefore my friends, make the most of every special occasion.  Celebrate, not so much the years, but the special bonds. Each celebration adds to your store of wonderful memories.

               We all know there will be not so pleasant memories, harder times that must come to all our lives, but strengthen your family bonds by enjoying every opportunity to laugh, and have fun together.

Today, was just that. I had a. Really great time, and. I know he did too. It will carry me through the years when we celebrate apart.

               Happy days...... Spread the love

Get creative, express yourself...

        Creative is something we can all be, can't we. I have in the past, heard some folks insist they are not artistic, no way! Meaning, there is no way they ever intend to put it to the test, for fear of ridicule maybe. Perhaps narrowing their thoughts down to actual drawing, or painting. When, of course, it's so much more. If you think creative, rather than artistic, it's not quite so scary.  Not that it scares me, although even I, who have drawn since before I can remember, was always a little cautious to describe my self so. Basic insecurity of course. I think it's because, from the inside, what we produce can seem dreadfully lacking in talent, or worth. Where as, when you finally realise you are an artist, or artistic type, to doubt the end result as 'good enough' is common amongst the more creative. 

          Talk to any artist, and you will discover their work is nearly always under a cloud of personal misgiving. For a start, when painting, in particular, the most difficult part of the process is knowing when to stop. Where exactly, is the optimum point, as far as how a painting looks, and feels, to say it's finished. There is an optimum point, when the painting is at the zenith of perfection, displaying what you intended. However, to find that exact spot, without under, or over painting, is not easy. It's so subjective, neither can you easily accept anyone else's opinion of it. It's really a balancing act, to become happy with it yourself, and to the point where it becomes a viable product. Good feedback can be thought of as, perhaps just a kindness, rather than a true assessment. Thereby lies the reason I hesitated to call myself an artist for many years. Surely an artist was an exulted creature, subsisting on love in a garet, whilst creating vast masterpieces. Not a little woman with family, job, and materials stuffed in a cupboard. Perhaps I was only sadly lacking in confidence, but I think not. I thought it took more, more commitment, more risk, more everything.

             Apart from that, it takes a kind of bravado to let people see something you have produced yourself. I was like that with painting. I fully understood while the old style artists of the past, kept their ongoing work covered with a cloth, letting no one see it. I wanted to keep the cover on mine permanently. Silly though it may be, but I was sensitive to criticism, no matter how much I determined not to be. It took quite a few paintings selling before I began to change my opinion a little. It actually took a sea change, when I found, or was it realised, admitting t myself, that I needed to create, to express myself - whatever. I wasn't happy if I was not making something. At that time, I began to be more honest with myself I suppose. Painting whatever I felt, and deciding how to complete it, just from my view point. Then If they sold, they sold. It's funny, but the ones I valued the least, sold first. I'm not sure what that says about me as an artist, or the clients. Except anything creative is very subjective, we all like different things. Or, at least a wide range of things.

          Anyway, I digress, talking about myself again as usual. Ha ha, perhaps that's what bloggers are, self obsessed? I hope not, but whatever, I am what I am. You see, this reticence does pass, mine has done so with age. The older I get, the less I care about the opinion of others. At least, as far as my work is concerned.  Maybe I am becoming bloody minded, and a curmudgeon. Quite a few of us do, as we age, even though I do not have great age as an excuse yet. Of course, It does not mean I am less sensitive, particularly with my writing at present. I think that is one of the reasons I began blogging. It is putting work out there, without asking anyone to pay for it. I get feedback, I can write about something different every day. It is no longer laborious fr me, trying to solely edit, edit, edit.

             I think the real change is because I know, and have accepted the reason I paint, and write, is because I must!  It's a compulsion. It's who I am. I have admitted to myself I must be doing something to express myself. To do something creative, no matter how vague. Almost anything will do, painting, writing, drawing, even gardening, and knitting. Having an end result is no longer the driving force. But, the process is what it's all about. I like to I get lost in it, to be fully absorbed. So much so, the world could disintegrate around me, and I wouldn't notice.

             Therefore, we are back to the title of the blog. We can all be creative. In any of the ways I mentioned earlier, and quite a few more too. To make, is to be be creative, of course it is, creative, is to create. So, whether that is a painting, a cake, a dress, a flower bed, taking photographs, or to design a room, anything goes. Few of us do absolutely nothing of that sort, if you think about it. 

               I think man, as a race is naturally creative, we like beauty. We like to improve where we live, how we live, and how we look, what we wear, and eat. So, the next time you take a photo, or cook a meal, or make a picture, make music, enjoy the process. Become aware what you are doing, and make the most of it. Enjoy every minute, enjoy creativity. Or, try doing something different, just to see if you like it. Everything takes photos today, phones, iPads, laptops, so try composing a few that are not just records of who you are with, but an artistic composition. Take a class, any sort of class. Read a book on 'how to'. Explore possibilities. As I am sure you will find a few hours a weeks spent immersed in something using your hands, and your imagination will set you free. Of course, I am speaking subjectively here.

             The world will be richer for beautiful artefacts, and you will be considerably calmer, and more tranquil within, more complete. Which, in turn helps everyone around you. All those who you come in contact with on a regular basis will wonder...what's different?

              A little story...true. There was a most marvelous singer on one of those talent shows the other week. His voice, mellow, and pure, marvellous. It transpired, now in his sixties, he began singing lessons only  a couple of years ago. Whether he is now too old to become famous, who knows. Except it's not  about that is it, it about being the most you can be. The MOST, not the best.

             You too may have undiscovered talents, things that could give you untold pleasure, and satisfaction.

              Go for it......and enjoy

Where in the world?: DEAL. Kent Coast. England

Check out my other blog: alikeillylooks.blogspot.com/ Where in the world?: DEAL. Kent Coast. England:             Deal, is a pretty seaside town, in Southern England. Eight miles from Ramsgate in the South, and eight miles from Dover in the N...

Mobility scooters on the streets, hazard or boon?

        The other night, driving home through the dusk, where visibility was very poor, I encountered, a strange light approaching me.  It was a single round light, quite feeble, and low to the road. No it wasn't a UFO, although it was almost as puzzling. As it got closer, the road having cars parked each side, and narrow, I slowed my car considerably. In an attempt to make sense of what it was. Uncertain exactly what bulk would be behind the light, as it was slow moving, inexplicable. Then, unbelievably, in the middle of the road, I saw it. With a line of traffic behind, and me approaching from the front, came an old lady on a small mobility scooter. There she hunched, under a wrinkled, see through plastic hood. Seemingly oblivious of the encroaching dark, the narrowing of the road, or the traffic. Chugging precariously along on her scooter. Looking as if she had every right to be there, with all the cars, and lorries, on a main road. Thank goodness, I slowed right down! anything might have happened, there was little space to spare.

          I must admit, it fairly knocked me for six. What she really needed, was a man with a red flag walking before her, to warn us all of her approach. Just as they did when the early cars began using the roads. Instead, there she was behaving as she had every right to be there. Apart from everything else, do the drivers of these little scooters,  actually have a death wish? How dare they do it, actually put themselves at risk like that. Brazenly mingling with the bulk, and speed of normal traffic, aren't they afraid ? In any collision, they would be as fragile as a flower crushed beneath a law mower. For goodness sake, do these drivers actually even hold a driving licence? Is their vehicle insured, or taxed? Are they, in fact, actually permitted on the road with normal traffic at all? I doubt that any of these things are in place. Yet, you see more, and more of them everywhere. All too often off the pavement, and driving along the roads. This is the first time I have actually seen one in the dark though. Is this another, more dangerous step? Heaven forbid!

            After this incident, I began checking. Wanting to know what is allowed, and what is illegal. As often the case, illegalities are being ignored. It appears the police do not hassle the (disabled?) drivers. With some distastrious results. Every year several hundred of drivers of these vehicles are killed on the roads. Caught out doing silly tricks similar to the one I remark on today, I imagine.

            Yes, the vehicle should be taxed, or show it's exempt certificate if driven by a disabled person. Although the general opinion is that owners, and users are often not disabled. But overweight, or with other disadvantages. Perfectly healthy people can drive them too if they wish, there are no restrictions on the state of you health. The only stipulation being they are over sixteen years of age. Insurance is not a must, only recommended. As well as fatalities on the road, they all too often run down pedestrians, negotiating the pavements. As well as shoppers, doing the weekly shop in the supermarket. Another place they are allowed. Not surprising there are accidents, as maintainance is not checked. They have no MOT, WOF, as is the case with cars, there are no tests, and few rules. Then, with more than likely no insurance, it's hard luck on the victim of any such an accident.

              Not all drive sedately, as you might expect, or safely either. You see many taking risks in general, and going too fast for the conditions. Pavements, and supermarkets can be crowded, and roads far too fast for those little vehicles to mingle with them. I know they have a speed restriction on about 6 miles an hour, but bigger, faster machines are already appearing on the market. That speed is quite enough to cause quite a serious collision, as records prove. As well as the number of them in use is increasing all the time. Surely, it would be relatively simple to put some kind of sanctions in place. Making it safe for them, and the rest of us to co habit together. Of course some people need them, I would not advocate banning them. There is nothing worse than being house bound, unable to venture to the shops. But, it needs to be safe, regulated in some way.....doesn't it?

              The thing that worried me, selfish though it may be, is if you were the one unlucky enough to squash such a vehicle, and driver, how dreadful. A picture, a guilt, you would have to carry with you for the rest of your life. As well as the thought of hurting someone, however inadvertently.

               Keep your eyes peeled folks, be ready for the unexpected on the roads. As for those who drive any kind is disabled vehicle, please don't take risks, with yourself, or the other drivers, or the  pedestrians around you. 

               Let's wish us all a safe return to our homes.