Happy Birthday Karen!

Phew, another VIP birthday!  This time it's my 'baby' sister, Karen.  She lives in London, has done since she was 17 and she loves it there, although she hasn't lost her local accent at all !   Karen is always full of enthusiasm and exuberance and really enjoys life.  She can always 'be bothered' when frequently I can't, something I really admire in her.  She too is a musician, as well as having the 'day job' and so parties are always fun!  I am pleased that as sisters and as a family, we are close.  At Christmas I made her a collage of the different generations on each parent's side.  She was so moved to receive it and said it was "better than diamonds."  No expense there then.  This comment, so typical of her, will from now on, be another family gem!  Have a great day Squis, we love you loads!

Happy Birthday David!

The bulk of our family birthdays are around this time of year - not much planning there then.  I won't list them all but it was Joe's last month, Nick's (stepson) earlier this month and today it is David's. Unlike Joe, he is not named after a song (I know!) but after our GP at the time when I was pregnant with him.  Dr H would call often to check on me and so naming our new son David, seemed the logical thing to do and David Doctor was chuffed!  

I don't want to embarrass him (oh yes I do!) but our David has real empathy with people and can, for example, tune straight into my mood, knowing if there is something 'not right' - spooky! He is strong, solid and supportive of me and the whole family. He took up playing the guitar at a very early age (as the collage shows!) and is now a talented musician, whose musics can tap into a range of emotions.  You can see for yourself by going to - http://www.youtube.com/davepilla

His 'day job' working with people with learning difficulties, requires dedication, compassion and a level of understanding I for one don't possess.  From last weekend, the lead up to his actual birthday has been........eventful for the wrong reasons!  So, I can only say 'A Very Happy Birthday David' and that I am looking forward to celebrating with you very soon. Oh, and here's to the new flat and a good night out! xxxx

                        It seems that all I ever did was take photographs but glad I did!

The Hug

A whole week without blogging and I'm not even sure where the time has gone.  I guess having to get everything ready for the workshops and going to my pa's (kitchen being done) took longer than I thought.  Until I am out and about taking photos of places again, I 'm not sure what to blog about - must try harder. There's something new - me being stuck for words - ha!  As today is Valentine's Day though (what, no cards here?), I thought putting this poem on the blog  would be quite sweet and extend the lurrve' to include those other than your own true love (cats included). Surely everyone appreciates a hug and so today, why not share yours around, I dare you!

A HUG

It's lovely what a hug can do,

Cheer you up when you are blue.

A hug can say "I love you so"

or "How I hate to see you go.

A hug is "Welcome back again"

And "Great to see you, where've you been?"

A hug can soothe away the pain,

And bring a rainbow after rain.

The hug: There is no doubt about it,

We scarcely could survive without it.

A hug delights and warms and charms,

And must be why we have these arms!

Hugs are great for fathers and mothers, 

Sweet for sisters, even brothers!

Kittens crave them, puppies love them,

Heads of State are not above them.

A hug can break the language barrier,

and make your travels so much merrier.

No need to fret about your store of them,

The more you give, the more there are of 'em.

So stretch those arms without delay,

And give someone a hug today!

                                                    I don't seem to have lots of 'huggy' photos!

Happy Valentine's Day!

ROYDEN PARK

Short post today but I wanted to remind any of you with kiddies (or even if you just behave like one!) that the steam trains are running again at Royden Park, luv 'em!  Went there for a walk yesterday which was lovely although I stubbed my toe - doh!  I can just hear my mum saying "Pick your feet up!".  I didn't go out with a view to taking photos so only took a few and none of the train, which was a bit daft.  The walled garden will soon be glorious too. You can walk in Royden and onto Thurstaton for miles, so well worth a visit.  Do you think the wall plaque (in the collage) is a bit scary? 
I have quite a few blogs about different parts of the Wirral now so just scroll down the list on main blog page to find one.  Also, if you have somewhere you think would be worth a mention, along with some photos, then just email me and I will go along and then blog on it.  Almost everywhere will be glorious in Spring!

HOW DOES IT FEEL - to be made redundant and become unemployed?

I thought I would round off last month's blogs to do with goals, careers etc with a piece I put together some years ago, which may ring a bell or two with others. This is followed by a few pointers which, no matter how hard doing them might be, are perhaps the best way to start getting your life back on track (I would say 'move forward' but I hate that corporate expression) unless of course you have a winning lottery ticket and I wouldn't rely on that! Wallowing is not an option but knowing you are not alone with your fears and worries can be a bit of a relief. Your personal experiences and opinions might be totally different but if you have anything to add, then please feel free to share your views with us.

How does it feel?:

• To be a bit frightened and fearful about the future
• to feel overwhelmed
• To feel a failure
• To see a lifestyle you took for granted, vanish
• To wonder how on earth you can pay the bills
• To become an expert in juggling who gets paid first/at all
• To dread the postman's visit
• To feel really mean telling the children they can't have a couple of quid (Don't worry, they will survive this!)
• To see your confidence and self esteem eroded
• To be 'tired of'......
• To wonder why you bother
• To feel invisible
• To feel alone
• to find out who your true friends are
• To be open and raw to perceived criticism
• To wonder what you actually DID with your money
• To see that turning these events into 'positive opportunities' is never as easy as the book says
• To realise how expensive it is to be poverty stricken

The (slightly) positive side:

• To have time to examine and re-evaluate your  life and priorities and to learn the difference between wants and needs
• To get to know your family better
• To see the importance of creative, lateral thinking
• To recognise what's important in life
• To understand that whilst money really isn't the measure of everything, having enough certainly oils the wheels and cushions life's blows

Next Moves:

• Put your mind to work and remember your attitude is everything.  You don't have the luxury or feeling sorry for yourself.  Toughen up.
• What you believe about yourself and your life is what shapes your destiny.  Check yours.
• Take action, blame no-one, get organised and you can get past this
• Be kind and supportive - of yourself too
• Be a doer and not a talker
• Start now!

It can be hard I know,  and for some more than others.  These are difficult times but getting through them will make you stronger, you just have to keep at it.  Go back and look at the first blogs around goals and careers too. Good luck.