I LOVE WALES too!

Bore da to you all

There have been a few promo postings about Wales on Facebook this week.  It got me thinking that whilst I am often saying I love the Wirral, one of the additional reasons for this is our close proximity to a place I adore. No, not Cheshire Oaks, Wales! I guess the Welsh blood helps but even so, surely it is one of the most glorious places to see and be?

My visits started in the fifties when, being lucky enough to always have had a car, we used to puttle (have I made that word up?) into North Wales regularly in one of dad's 'interesting' old cars - Austin 7, Opal, Beetle - with these journeys often taking 3 hours or so, mainly stuck in traffic jams, me with my head in a bucket being sick. Oh happy days! And yet, despite this and all those soggy tomato butties, I still love the place and even more so these days as the journey is less arduous!

The first sighting of the Horseshoe Pass or Whistling Sands beach; swimming in rivers; collecting blackberries with the cousins; tobogganing in sensational, hidden places and drinking hot chocolate there; clambering over the rocks at Swallow Falls; trying to see the sea at Blackrock Sands....................amazing. And then there is Portmeirion (one of my favourite places in the world) and those stupendous views of Cardigan Bay........the list is endless!

I have visited quite a lot the past couple of years, the most recent being in June.  This was just before I had to start the bloody chemo regime again and I am sure that filling up with all the beauty and splendour of (on that visit) Borth-y-Gest, Whistling Sands,  Pontcysyllte Aqueduct at Chirk and Betws y Coed helped me.  So very good for the soul!

And male voice choirs! Is there anything more emotional and uplifting to listen to? Well, apart from the wonderful voices of so many of my family - must definitely be something in that Welsh (and Scouse) air!

I have still to visit South Wales and so many other parts too.  Hopefully, I will try next year so if anyone has any suggestions for me, then I am here and waiting for them..................a BIG list please.

Hwyl fawr am nawr! x

PS I forgot the Snowdonian Railway, love it!

The Junk Lady

I have a making and doing (up) mentality.  I love salerooms and can hardly walk past a skip without wanting to trawl through it for goodies to revamp- so sad.  The only thing that really stops me gathering more 'treasures' (okay, junk to some) is lack of space. I love making arty farty bits and pieces too, it was almost an obsession but weekly counselling and drug (wine) therapy helped me. I'm joking..........a bit.

I am managing this new chemotherapy quite well but it does sap my energy so, for now, I'm doing less hiking, having fewer days out (oh, the joy of not working full time!) and hardly any visits to wine bars. Rest assured though, I will make up for it in the New Year! Instead, I have the tidiest drawers and cupboards ever. I rediscovered boxes of arty materials along the way too and I have been having lots of fun using them - well as much as you can have on your own that is, I don't want to sound too sad! I've made cards, Christmas decs, brooches and painted pieces of furniture. 

Before the dastardly cancer started, I was in the throes of a new business which was all about arts/crafts/creativity, alongside the link with better health and well-being. Whilst all these activities are fun, the bigger picture is that spending time being creative (and that includes a whole range of things from music to D.I.Y. too)  is good for the soul and our health. Time flies when you are involved in the process and it can be very calming. Art is therapy, certainly for me.

So, as Christmas is looming, why not bring out the paint and glitter, raid the garden for foliage to make arrangements, get the children to make those lovely paper chains, make yummy sweets, visit one of those fab places where you can all paint ceramics or make some cards instead of buying then? Go on, you know you want to!

PS I'm adding a shop and a gallery in the New Year, mainly for cards and prints of my photographs and maybe the odd piece found in that skip too, ha!

LIVERPOOL LIBRARY - MORE THAN JUST WORDS. A MENTION FOR JOE TOO.

Hi folks

I usually blog about the Wirral but as a Liverpool lass by birth, I do love the place and even more now it has been skilfully revitalised. So today, I hope to encourage all of you to visit the newly refurbished Liverpool Library, it is wonderful!  They have combined the old and the new beautifully and it is very welcoming with activities, facilities and information for all ages.  Parts of it are noisier than libraries once were too, but in a good way! They had some interesting art installations when I was in a few weeks ago. 

In case you don't actually know where the library is (as if!) then Lime Street is the nearest station.  Look out at St George's Hall (too big to miss!) and then go to the right (where the Walker Art Gallery is too) of it, walk across those lovely old cobbles and hey presto, you are there.  This is the entrance, fab eh?

This first collage is a general one.  It will enlarge if you want to see more details. There is a guy lying on the floor, reading. Imagine doing that years ago - not! The old chap with the hat reminds me of our dad.  He loved the place and even wrote a poem about it which I'll dig out sometime.

This second collage includes part of a fabulous exhibition, all paper of course, which was showing when I visited.  Zoom in and look at the middle, longer photo, my favourite. It is simply a large box fashioned (I think) as the place Shakespeare wrote his works and the black figure is the man himself. Those painstakingly made paper scrolls have the names of his plays on them. I love it! Note the size of the feather 'quill' too. I am jealous of all this creativity.......but in a nice way of course!

When you are done at the library, take yourself to the Walker Art Gallery just up the road or see if St George's Hall is open to visitors that day.  You will have a great time, especially if you then walk over to the Liverpool One for some delicious food and drink to finish the day.  Okay, maybe a spot of shopping too!

In conclusion then, can I just say..................Get yer arse down there now!

AND.......... my son Joe, completed a 37 mile ultra marathon in the Lakes (well, the mountains really) yesterday, raising lots of money for Zoe's Place in Liverpool.  Thanks to all those who sponsored him too.  He is currently recovering, slowly.  Can I just say how chuffed I am and so very proud of him and this achievement. I don't have a photo to download yet though but hopefully next time - next blog, not marathon that is! This photo of Joe with his lovely wife Jo, was taken after the Liverpool Marathon (only 26 miles!!!) this summer. Jo, a big hug to you too for all your support, motivation and keeping him well nourished! xxxxx

In Praise of Sheds and Workshops

There is something special about sheds, particularly the ones which double as workshops. To me, they are places of creativity, problem solving opportunities, peace and fun. We grew up surrounded by valves, resistors, soldering irons and all the paraphernalia our dad would need to use his incredibly inventive mind to make a living or just for fun. Unfortunately for our mum, this all took place at home, in a room that also housed a full train set! How patient she was.

Me, posing in front of a 'spaghetti junction' of wires and with my first screwdriver - not that I'm much good at DIY today.

To the untrained eye, these dens may look like chaotic, untidy places. Surely not, you say! But look again and you will see organised chaos from whence nothing shall be moved....in case it alters a very important, creative thought process........or gets lost.

At only 20 or so, my first husband built and fixed motorcycles so his workroom (in his mum and dad's home) housed a large array of equipment, including random pieces of old bikes, lathes and welding gear. With those days long gone, together with a pal, he has had a furniture restoration business for years now.  I find their workshop fascinating and exactly as I would expect it to be - chaotic, messy but very productive and 'arty' in it's own way, just like the first one was.

Last year, sadly both dad and uncle Rao died. In his working life, uncle had been an engineer with British Airways and he had a proper shed, back in the day. Latterly, it housed all his tools; old boxes of nuts, bolts, screws; his paint splattered overalls and rusty tins of dried up paint, bless.  He also had wooden stepladders in various sizes - as you do! Of course, I took a couple of sets and they are now painted and being used again. Clearing the house was difficult but thinking about clearing the shed felt worse somehow. Thankfully, the new owner was a DIY guy and wanted to keep many things, which was brilliant for us. 

As for me, well I've always had somewhere to play, think, work or hide too.  My workshops were full of all my arty farty work 'unfinished masterpieces' which must never be thrown out - just in case I did ever finish them. Even better are the things we keep because 'this will come in handy one day' but I 'm not  sure when that will be....ah, happy days.  

Right, I'm off to buy a shed - or some new shelves at least!

Just for info, the blog is being updated soon and I am probably going to add a shop and a photo gallery. I'm excited!

Long and Winding Roads

Hi everyone

Another few weeks has flown past but I've managed to cram a fair bit of travel into the time!  I've been to Scotland and Worcester so here are a few photos.  Bit rushed but will write more soon. Oh, and the 'long and winding roads' title refers to the journey to Kentallen, near Glencoe.  Now those are long and winding roads!

We did so much on each trip.  My sister, Karen, has moved to Worcs and another dear pal, Lesley joined us there for a few days.  We went to the 3 Counties Show which was fantastic, full of interesting stalls, exhibitions and people.  We forgaged too, what a laugh and how informative Owen, our guide, was.  We only had a bit of a high from the mushrooms, we kept laughing and jumping up and down..........only joking, as if!! In Worcester Catherdral, the organist was practicing for a recital that evening and it was a privilege to listen to such wonderous music. And don't you love the colour of the door!

We do most trips on the cheap but always have great fun and you can cram so much into a few days, hours even.  So, pack that picnic (egg mayo, soggy tomato?) and get out in them there hills, dales and the odd pub of course! xx

Seeking Beauty..............everywhere.

Firstly, the new photo.....is called 'Shark Baby' because my brother, John, calls it 'Hammerhead Baby' .....mean sod, ha. My mum thought the hat was lovely, bless.  Oh, and Hammerhead won't fit in the title!

I really have no time to blog..........well maybe a short one..........I am going to Scotland tomorrow and still have loads to do – but I won't panic, it’s just a holiday!  Of course, going to somewhere warm is much easier, I only took hand luggage for seven days in Tenerife for God’s sake! Going to Scotland (for five days) means you need to take warm, layers of clothing.  Waterproofs, hat, scarf, gloves, big boots, socks, even a vest – well you have to look after the ol’ chest…….  Oh, and then there’s a ‘nice frock’ for the fun nights out!  Maybe clean jeans will do??? Maybe I will be too knackered anyway after all the walking? Then there are the chargers, phone, books and food.  I know they have shops up there too but will they have gojo berries and couscous – ha, gotcha! I have to be up at 5.30am tomorrow and as I can’t remember what that looks like anymore, there will be bloody bells going off everywhere – ha! This was a scene from the last visit, rather splendid eh?

Do I have time for a quick rant? Yeah, ‘course I do!  Well, Nadine Dorris (MP, from Liverpool) is writing a ‘rags to something’ book and had a substantial piece written about her in the Sunday Times the other week. Of course, there was the usual, awful photo of derelict, boarded up houses (yawn, yawn) with a contrasting ‘lady in red’ Nadine posing in the front. I am sure she is very nice but without writing an essay, can I just say that I wish prominent people from here would, when they have the opportunity, also try to show the very beautiful parts of Liverpool too (of which there are many) as a balance to these dark, dismal examples.  There are more listed building here than anyway outside of London and so many wonderful ‘firsts’ to be proud of.  Could she not, for the sake of balance, have found other places to include, in addition to her home street as it is now? Of course not, she is trying to sell a book…………….

In some small way, I would like to try and redress the balance and so I have included a few photos taken last year, mainly around the Aigburth area. There is beauty everywhere and you really don't have to look too hard to find it.  Oh, and do feel free to comment, I am sure there are many differing opinions on this!

And finally, back to Scotland. I’m also taking my lovely pal, Annie, the Thelma to my Louise, or the Patsy to my Edwina!  Well, strictly speaking, as the driver, she is taking me and I bet she is organised and packed already! Let the holiday begin…………….xxx

Where does all the time go.....................

Hi there

I find it hard to believe that it is almost TWO years since I posted on this blog. For those of you who don't know me (yet!) I spent the time from Easter 2012 until November that year either having chemo, an operation or recovering from same. This was followed by almost twelve months free from cancer, until it came back again last October - I wasn't a happy bunny. Coming to terms with the disappointment and shock of having cancer was far harder the second time than it was the first time.  But, you have to get on with it and so once again, more treatment and recovery time ensued, which brings me right up to date. Thankfully, the cancer is currently at bay again.....yeahh!!!! The NHS are pretty amazing but then so are my family, friends and even me on occasions, if I do say so myself!  If anyone has questions about the actual cancer (diagnosis, treatment, observations etc) then rather than discuss it here, feel free to send me an email and I will be happy to chat. Oh, it is Primary Peritoneal, quite a rare cancer but it is treated similarly to Ovarian.

Here's a collage of photos to show some of the lovely things that have been going on during (almost) two years. I intend to get back to photographing and blogging about the places I love and whatever else takes my fancy, or I think is worth chatting about. If you know a place which is interesting and ripe to be photographed and shared, then please do let me know.



I have been about a bit! The collage includes photos from trips to France, Tenerife, Criccieth (for the best rainbows), glorious Malvern, Birkenhead Priory (too close to the docks) various National Trust properties and beautiful Cheshire. David is photographed playing in Liverpool One and Joe after completing the half marathon in Conwy. Ah, they make me proud. We had weddings ......and we have new babies too............. watch this space!

Do look down the left hand side if you want to see previous blogs. For some bizarre reason I can't quite work out, the tags 'Nin' and 'War' have attached themselves to completely unrelated blogs. I will try to sort it but for now.....sorry!

Please come and visit again. See you soon.
xxxxxxx

Weapons of Mass Destruction.....but real ones!

I thought I would tell you what I'm doing to defeat this cancer. There is nothing like illness to focus the mind and for me, this is a war.  I have been invaded, I am really pi**ed off and I have to find my own army to defeat the invaders.  I want to be pro-active and have found an alter-ego but not sure what to name her?? Try searching internet for Warrior Women........OMG!!!  

Firstly though, I have to say that the power of science and the progress being made with some cancers is truly amazing.  Perhaps not so much in mine but I give thanks every day for  the skills and expertise of the medical profession.  I don't consider my drugs to be toxic but instead refer to them as a 'golden elixir' which is flowing though me, killing those ba***rd cancer cells but leaving the 'good' cells alone. Shifting the focus makes me feel better.  However, the chemo can mess with your immune system (as can other things in life such as prolonged stress) and it is this which has to be in tip top condition to fight back, so keeping it strong is paramount.  Other 'weapons' include:

• Not reading the statistics because I am me............ and they can be depressing.  That doesn't mean I am being ostrich-like about this but I know what they are (negative) but don't need them reinforcing, thank you. I am not a statistic.
• I am keeping away from people who are negative/downbeat/moaning.  I know too that the medics have to tell you the bad stuff but really, by the time one of them was only part way through the list of side effects I would probably have, I had to stop her and ask for any good news!  I said I would take the booklets home to read and get back to her if necessary.  I have had two lots of chemo over six weeks and hardly any side effects at all. This situation may change but every day I don't have any is a bonus for which I am extremely grateful. Okay, so I have lost my hair but honestly, it doesn't cause me any pain or discomfort and will grow back. I have heard some really uplifting stories and that's what they do, lift me!  If something or something is draining/depressing you then clear it out of your life without delay, don't wait until you are ill!
• I generally do eat well but for now I am being extra diligent. This includes cutting out (as much as possible) dairy, red meat, alcohol, replacing whites with browns (bread, pasta) and bringing in even more  fresh fruit and vegetables that ever, more cereals, nuts and seeds.  Generally speaking, we are what we eat.
• Exercise.  I was doing lots of walking until November last, but am starting to get back into it again, albeit not the 10/12 miles I was doing a few times a week then.  I am also aware that I don't feel so physically strong so need to work on that.  Maybe weights or pilates?? 
• Laughing a lot!  This isn't difficult for me with my lot really, but I have even bought some comedy DVD's to tickle the 'funny muscles' even more, when they aren't around!
• Music.  I have a very eclectic taste in music but at the moment I try to listen to really upbeat stuff every day.  For me this means soul, r&b and dance - as loud as possible!  I feel it deep in the pit of my stomach so surely the cancer cells in my peritoneum will be rocked to pieces and make a quick exit?  Imagine them being chased out by Earth, Wind and Fire or Beyonce - ha! Last Night a DJ Saved My Life might just prove true for me.....  Without a doubt, music is good for the soul, so put some music on and dance around the house!
• Plans and goals for the future.  Currently these include Joe and Jo's wedding in September, Christmas (which I love!) and then I want to go on holiday somewhere warm and splendid in January or February, where I will throw myself into a warm ocean - bliss!  Everyone should have something to look forward to, no matter how small.
• The continuing joy of being cocooned, supported and loved by dear family and friends.  I rarely take people for granted but I have never appreciated them all, more than I do now.  If you haven't done so lately, then tell someone close to you that you love and appreciate them. Big hugs all round!
• I am also having hypnosis and reflexology.  I do guided imagery and visualisation and find them all helpful in keeping me focussed and positive.  Hypnosis helped me a few years ago when I was having panic attacks about public speaking.  It works for me.

I am still feeling okay which is great.  I had my head shaved (thanks Annie) and it gets cold easily!  I have the next chemo on the 11th but will try and do a couple of blogs before if possible    but you know how I like to be out and about. See, it's still all me, me me!


Finally, whilst I haven't done any photography for a while, I thought I would leave you with this one from a time when children played outside all day and got very mucky - great knees!!

A Touch Of Cancer............

I'm back!  Oh, so you didn't notice I'd been away eh??  It's actually been just over three months since the last blog but trust me, I haven't been idle in that time.  I have had a few shocks, a trickle of tears, a brush with self pity (honestly, five minutes max) lots of laughs, a shed load of cards and even pressies, some amazingly, heartwarming moments ..............and two rounds of chemotherapy thrown in for good measure. I haven't taken one single photo.

First hat.  I do look slightly manic!

 I guess you've worked out why I haven't been blogging then?!  It's a bit of  bummer but I seem to have cancer, or as I prefer to say, a touch of cancer.  This phrase is actually one used by the dad of my great pal, Annie and I love it.  It implies a temporary hitch, nothing too serious and so that appeals to me.  Mine is the peritoneum/ovarian type (of which more in a future blog, mainly to raise awareness).  My mantra at the moment is "Survive and Thrive" which trips off the tongue quite nicely I think!

I have no intention of turning my blog into a platform from where I can whinge or moan about life being unfair or provide an endless stream of detailed, medical minutia about 'living with cancer' stuff (well not yet anyway!).  There are many other blogs which serve that purpose far better than I can, so I will try and stick with upbeat, positive, funny stuff whenever possible.  This doesn't mean I am trivialising my illness in any way (how could I?) but I need to be upbeat, positive and have a laugh whenever possible,  that's the reason - it's all me, me, me!  So, today's blog is short to ease myself back into it, or in truth, re-learn how to do it because they have 'updated, improved' the templates etc.  I hate it when they do that because it takes me bloody ages to know what I'm doing - then they change it - arghhhh!! See, moaning already.

Me in the morning!

As my hair has rejected me for a while, I thought you might like to see some of the hats I now have in order to cover the ol' head and also the very beautiful scarves I have received as gifts.  I feel like an actress, darling!  I considered tattooing it but was afraid I might get carried away and end up with tattoos in inappropriate places!  You may wonder why there is also a photo of a baby monkey with sticky-up, bum fluff hair?  Then I will tell you.  In our family, we can occasionally verve towards 'bad taste' humour and I certainly have over the last few months.  I woke up yesterday, washed my head, towel dried it, looked in the mirror and fell about laughing at the image staring back at me.  I was going to get David to take a photo for the blog but decided it might be a bit of a shock for some readers. Instead, he found the monkey photo which I think sums up the look I have right now, precisely - well you have to laugh and the monkey is far cuter than me!

Finally for today, I do hope I haven't put you off reading the blog again.  Some of you might even have read JoeJo's FoodandBiscuitsblogspot.com so will be aware of all this. It will be interesting and perhaps useful for me and I will try to make it as amusing, fun, informative and entertaining as possible, although maybe not all at the same time!

I will write in a future blog about how wonderful my family and friends are.  I may have cancer but I am also, without a shadow of a doubt,  the luckiest person in the world.

Lots of love

Sue xx

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.

Leeds Visit - The World In A Weekend

My sons live in Leeds.  They went to University there and like many others do, they stayed on. It only takes a couple of hours to commute to and with friends who have children as far away as Cambodia and Australia, I can hardly complain. And well, it is a fab city! You can read more about them at:
Foodandbiscuits.blogspot.com

http://www.youtube.com/davepilla
as I can tend to go on a bit!

So, it was that I found myself there for the weekend, staying with Joe and his lovely fiance, Jo, knowing that I would be well fed and looked after!  On the Saturday afternoon whilst Jo was preparing our Burn's Night feast and Joe and David were celebrating a great win - to do with football and somewhere called Manchester.............I decided to take a walk around the lake in Roundhay Park, which is right by where they live and is one of the largest parks in Europe - see www.roundhaypark.org.uk  

It was the late afternoon of a day that had been very sunny and this often provides good light for taking photos - which as regular readers know, I do - often! Hardly surprisingly, it was very busy and after a while I went off the path up to what is apparently a folly but I thought was the remains of a fortress, and had a good nose about before going through some enchanting woods, then reaching another lake, this time with a fountain. Whilst this was more of a stroll for me, I  very much enjoy walking.  This is because it is a good way, for me at least, to clear my head, chew over worries or generally think about love, life, ideas, dreams and schemes. 

On that day my thoughts turned to what was going on around me and I came to see that this busy park, if only at this moment in time, was representative of an ideal world.  Oh, and how did she reach that one then?!! Well, I reached it by seeing that it was full of:

• Different generations, from tiny tots on tops of shoulders, giggling groups of teenagers, to much older folk, some in wheelchairs and being pushed by friends or family 
• I heard different languages including Polish and French and a few unknowns, in addition to English, with a few different dialects too
• Leeds is a multi-cultural city and this diversity was very evident 
• Different types of families, some clearly 'well heeled' and some seemingly less so
• There were certainly many different breeds of dogs!
• There were walkers, bikers, rowers, joggers, skaters and some prepared for the muddy conditions and some not

It felt safe, ordered, genteel almost and I could sense the presence of people from years ago promenading along (you had to be there perhaps!). Everyone was out to enjoy the same things but maybe they weren't all pondering about them: 

• The beautiful cold, crisp day
• The park itself which even in winter displayed many colour variations through the trees, hills and general foliage
• Being connected to something bigger than ourselves
• The promise of things to come, due to the few early snowdrops and other shoots of crocuses
• Watching a child see different things for the first time, or trying to stay upright on their Christmas bike
• Quality time with family and friends having some fun together

Also during the two days away, we heard the exciting news of three healthy births which was so lovely.  Sadly though, we also had news of the death of a dear friend's mum.  She had reached what many would deem 'a good age'.  She had though, just had a successful knee operation so the manner and speed of her death has left the family devastated.

In just the couple of days I was away, I saw how great it can be when everyone comes together to enjoy the same things rather than become fractured and fight due to the differences. I felt and shared the deep joy or great pain which are also part of the cycle of life. Bizarrely, these lines from a song came into my head too.  They are from 'Nature Boy' written by Eden Ahbez in 1947, made famous by Nat King Cole and featured in the film 'The Boy With Green Hair' (which I have!).  They go like this:

        "The greatest thing you'll ever learn, is just to love and be loved in return"

That is certainly how I felt when I went away for a weekend ..........and saw the world.

Encouraging Creative Children 2

 I have already blogged about this topic but as I am currently designing and trying out new arts/crafts workshops for children, I thought it might be worthwhile updating it. I will do a few more over the coming months too.   Feel free to email me if you have good ideas of your own; want to share anything you currently do with your children; or if they already go to a great arts place then let us all know!  It could go on the blog too.                          

Our children come into the world with remarkable imaginations and an endless capacity to be creative. Can you remember how a chair became a pony, a cardboard box became a den or your ‘microphone’ was really a hairbrush? But creativity isn't just about being able to draw, it’s a thinking process; it’s looking at things in different and imaginative ways; being open-minded and able to ‘lose yourself’ in a task or project for a while.  And it’s fun!  When children create something, they feel a sense of achievement which in turn improves confidence and belief in their abilities.  It encourages them to be active, not passive about life and able to entertain themselves more.  The ability to sit quietly and work on something as simple as colouring or writing is very important. Television, computers and fancy toys are fantastic - but not for use all the time!

                                               

Creativity is like a muscle that has to be worked, so how can you help your children to ‘exercise’ it?

• How creative are you around them?  Perhaps you would like to pick up skills you haven’t used for a while or even learn some new ones.  It is good for them to see this as it will encourage their involvement.

• Make an effort to visit art galleries and museums with them, many of which have terrific workshops, ideas and activities for children which are generally free – a bonus! Merseyside has a wealth of museums so there’s no excuse.  Try the Tam O’Shanter Urban Farm in Bidston too, great fun and they have activity days (see below for details).
• Have materials at home – paints, pens, paper sketch books etc for them to experiment with.   Look in the library or on the internet for information and ideas for projects to do together. Let them be VERY messy and untidy sometimes - you too!
• Find ways to recycle items such as newspapers (great for easy papier mache) kitchen rolls etc.  Recycle old cards which they could then turn into little gift boxes, tags or new cards. Salt dough is cheap and easy material too.
• Encourage them to plant seeds and bulbs and watch their pleasure as they grow.  You could have a small nature table and maybe a place to display their art work. I always loved the nature table in school and wonder if this is still something that is still popular?                 
• Encourage them to make decorations, gifts and cards for special occasions.  It needn’t cost much at all, especially if you collect leaves, shells, recycle things etc. I know from my own family that these things will be cherished for years to come.
• Try not to judge, criticise or laugh at any work they produce, the effects can last a lifetime.  By all means suggest ways they can ‘improve’ things but if they want their elephant to be a green, striped one then why not?
• ‘Silly’ is okay too, in fact the sillier the better! Ask ‘what if’ to encourage them to come up with ideas.  There is no ‘right’ way, only a creative one.

Our children’s physical health is obviously very important, but a safe outlet for self expression is proven to be an important factor in our health too.  The capacity to be creative in different ways is a benefit which will last a lifetime. 

I will be doing 'drop in' craft workshops at the unique Tam O'Shanter Urban Farm in Bidston, on Saturday 11th Feb and full details will be on their website in a week or so.  Do drop by for some fun!  Other venues on the way soon. Now, go and get creative!

John Leslie's Day

Today is my late husband John's, birthday. It is also our wedding anniversary but I'm not going to be maudlin about it. John knew me better than anyone else and I miss his love for me and generally having him around.  I think he made me a stronger and possibly better person too.

Of course, many of you know that we shared some seriously bad times along the way but despite that and for the vast majority of the time, I really loved being married. Whilst I have no real complaints about my life now (it really is very full) I didn't expect to be without him.  But, if life gives you lemons then ......................you run off and find the gin. Only kidding, I prefer vodka!  

A big thank you to those of you who have taken the time to acknowledge today and perhaps at some point, you might raise a glass to John xx

Song to listen to................How We Love by Beth Nielson Chapman.

In Here..........I'm Sixteen. A message.

Firstly, my auntie Vera, who is now in her early eighties, is not in the best of health at present and feels old, miserable and a bit sad.  I've put this collage together to show how timelessly gorgeous she is.

So, my friend's mum is in hospital.  At almost ninety years of age she has just had a, thankfully successful, knee operation.  However, at the moment, despite requests from staff and family she has decided she won't eat. My friend is working on this and has taken nutritious home-made soup in today to try and coax her.  I know why she won't eat, you probably do too. Hospitals aren't the best places to retain your dignity, whatever your age and at ninety, you don't have a lot else to maintain. 

 Old people weren't born old, some of us just find it hard to imagine them being young, and I wish more people in all sorts of settings (not just hospitals and care homes) would take the time to see the young person inside the old body especially as, with some luck, it will be you one day. I was close to my Nin and one of our many conversations was about age and how she felt about it. She said that when she looked in the mirror and saw an eighty year old face, she was often shocked because "In here (tapping her chest) I am sixteen."  This had a impact on me even then, in my twenties and I often think of it and the insight behind the words. I don't have a photo of her when she was very young but I love this one and always thought, no matter what her age, that she actually had a cute look about her!

The second photo is of another pal's gran, Minnie.  She lived until she was well into her nineties but I only remember her shuffling in for her Weetbix in the morning..........This is quite a risque photo for the time so I bet she was great fun and feisty.  Even having your hair down like this meant that you could only be, well, a  brazen hussy!!

I am what I would term 'young old' but with some luck and a few good genes, I hope to be 'old, old' and full of vim, vigour and a love for life.  I though, won't wait for anyone to find and show the photos of a younger me, I will be thrusting them in their faces!  I will remind whoever will look and listen that I too was once a sweet (sweet?) young thing...........and still sixteen in my heart, bless. Actually, I preferred about thirty seven - take me back now!