THE HERBALIST

The visit to Jan, the Herbalist at the Earth Energies Clinic in Ashby,went well and I now have a better idea of what I'm doing, foodwise and generally.

It looks like I do have candida in my gut and it needs to be tackled so I can get my health back and lose that two stone the GP said I should lose. Here's an interesting link for those who want to know more about candida. Glad to say I'm not on the strict diet yet - Jan felt I needed to be built up first and she also wanted me to enjoy the festive season without too many restrictions and guilt trips. I'm also still OK to have our regular Saturday night curry too. Fine by me! LOL

Out of my diet so far are: sugar and sugary/processed stuff; salt and items covered in salt; cut right back on pasta; chips - only occasionally can have spuds; milk/cream - allowed some bio-yoghurt occasionally; cheese (though allowed my fave tuna melt panini at the weekend); coffee and any other caffeine drinks (allowed a cappuccino at the weekend, as a treat); sausages (because of the rusk in them); gravy (though I shall be ignoring that Christmas Day and Boxing Day!) and anything with yeast in it (except for the odd slice of wholegrain bread at the moment). Shopping involves much more packet reading these days!

The regime: instead of toast and honey for breakfast it's porridge oats, made with water, with grated apple or mixed berries or a little cinnamon mixed in - alternatives are wholemeal toast (just discovered I like Warburton's Wholegrain loaf and it doesn't give me indigestion) with scrambled egg or griddled bacon and tomatoes. I'm having an apple a day which Jan said to have mid-morning but I feel hungrier between dinner and tea, so have it then. Dinner (or lunch, if you're posh) is any kind of fish with green leaf salads, celery and other salad stuffs, usually with a little left over couscous or rice. Tea is meat and vegetables with brown rice (basmati rice is OK too) or couscous. As much of the food as possible has to be organic, to avoid the anti-biotics, growth hormones, genetic modifications, pesticides, additives plus the extra salt and sugar that is in much of the food produced today. I also have to drink a litre of bottled spring water a day....... so I'm currently peeing for the whole of the British Isles, not just for England!

Before each meal I take 5mg, in water, of Jan's herbal concoction. I can't remember everything that's in there but the ones I do are: milk thistle, mint (for taste, aid digestion), fennel (help with bloating) and mistletoe. Basically, there's a selection of herbs in there to help my circulation, aid digestion/absorption, stop fluid retention and to help with the weight loss. All I can say is: it's the most foul tasting thing I've had in a long while - seriously dirty stuff - but it does seem to be helping. I've lost a little weight already. :0)

As well as the diet info and dirty medicine I came away with a selection of herbal teas to try, as an alternative hot drink to the coffee I can't have for now. There was another one called Cleanse but I've already drunk that one - looks like horse pee but smells lovely and tastes nice! LOL

I thought I would miss the hot java and caffeine hit way more but, at the moment, it's hardly bothering me at all. Who would have guessed? LOL

As well as DS stocking us up with organic meats (and other things) from Brigg Farmer's Market each month we have also now signed up for a fortnightly organic veggie box from Woodland Farm. Yesterday I used some of those veggies to make a beef and veg stew - no beer added this time, so I got inventive with the cooking herbs and also added some paprika, for a change. Yummy! It must have been good because DH said "that was tasty"...... and he's not usually one for the compliments. LOL For afters I found some pears in the pantry that had gone soft, so I peeled and cored, then roughly chopped them into a pan, added enough Orchard Pig apple juice to cover (sweet enough - no need to add sugar like most recipes seem to call for) and gently simmered it to reduce the liquid, then added a little cinnamon. That was served in glass dishes and topped with Tesco's No added salt/sugar Muesli and a dollop of plain, set bio-yoghurt. Double yummy!

There was enough pear mix left over to have on the top of my porridge this morning - great way to start the day! Plus, as it was a full family-sized slow cooker's worth of stew I made yesterday, we're having what's left tonight with some cabbage (also from the box). Bet my two have to add some chips! *sigh*

With all those changes I'm now well on the way to having the recommended 5-a-day, so that's another plus, and suddenly I now seem to be enjoying food much more - the choosing, preparing and cooking, as well as the eating, so that's another plus. :0) Energy levels can still be a bit hit and miss but that will take time to sort and it's still early days.

I go back for a review and more of the dirty stuff on the 30th and I think more restrictions will come in then too, so wish me luck. ;0)

Yuletide Blessings To All

FOOD FAIR

On Sunday the three of us went to the Food Fair at Lincolnshire Showground for a look-see, arriving shortly before dinnertime.

On the way in there was a large van that was offering small tasters of freshly made pork risotto - very tasy and I made sure I got the recipe leaflet for that.

We paid to get in and decided to immediately look for something more substantial to eat, heading towards the top end of the hall that had cooking smells coming from it. There were several places to get food from, with tables and chairs close by, and we opted for a carvery stall - DH had a pork and stuffing roll whilst DS and I had the beef roll. It was a little pricey but well worth it, as it was the tenderest and tastiest beef we'd eaten in a very long while. Once we were suitably refreshed we decided to have an initial wander round to suss the place out and get a feel for what was on offer before honing in on what we were interested in...... which was easier said than done, to start with, as it was quite busy.

Alex and her family were also there so it wasn't long before DS disappeared off to have a wander round with them.

There was quite a nice selection of food and drink stalls with a few craft type stalls thrown in for those on the look out for gifts. The top end of the hall had a large loading bay style door that was open so people could access the small marquee that was tagged on to the building: that held other eatery places in it, as well as the Gringley Gringo chilli stall. DS came back from there clutching their last bottle of Thai Sweet Chilli Sauce as if it were more precious than a bar of gold (guess who got to carry it? LOL) before disappearing off again.

Once around the hall and we started to collect a few leaflets and make a few purchases. We got a pack of smoked kippers for DH from one of the smoked fish stalls as DS hadn't brought any back from Brigg Farmers Market the previous weekend because DH was going off to Italy.

Next we aimed for the Real Tea and Coffee Company stall where we sampled their Italian blend coffee (lovely, even though it was black and without sugar!) and we succumbed to a packet of that and one of the Rich Hazelnut, as we like to dig the filter coffee maker out over the festive season to have cups of proper coffee with real cream, as a treat (we always have instant the rest of the year). DH also decided to go for some proper tea: the English Breakfast tea and English Afternoon Blend. I wouldn't have minded getting some of their herbal teas as well but decided to wait until after my visit with the Herbalist to make sure I don't drink something that isn't a good combination with the treatments she will be giving me.

Next I made a beeline for the turned wood craft stall, dragging DH along in my wake, so I could check out the staffs and walking sticks he was selling. I'd been looking for a staff for some time, hadn't found what I wanted, so put the idea to the back of my mind - this was another of those incidences where I stopped looking and promptly found exactly what I wanted! I was instantly drawn to a particular one and picked it up to get a "feel" for it, put it back and handled a few more to see whether or not I got the same vibe from them - nope, so I picked the first one up again and asked the Turner what wood he'd used. The wood is Ash and it's finished with a piece of v-shaped Scottish Red Deer antler, which was taken from antlers that have been naturally shed by the stags, and the ends of the v are finished with small pieces of rounded bison horn. The Turner kept giving me some of the smaller staffs to try, as he considered this one too tall for me to comfortably walk with it, but I kept saying no, it's OK because I don't want to use it that way. That confused him no end, so he asked what I wanted it for but I just kept shaking my head, then paid for my staff. He asked one final time so I though OK and said "Pagan purposes" and explained: I want to use it, mainly on the festival days, to dress it in flower garlands or ivy. He started making warding off motions with his hands and backed away whilst saying OK, he didn't need to know more. I started laughing when we moved away and said to DH that I almost said to the guy that he really didn't want to know what I was going to use it for..... and I was right. LMAO In case you're curious: it will go outdoors in warm weather, slightly pushed into the Earth, next to the sacred space I intend to build out there - inside in colder weather, pushed into a small bucket of sand, to stand by my altar and it will be garlanded in whatever flowers or greenery that's appropriate to each festival. Think of it as an alternative decorated tree. :0)

After that came the Il Nutrimento stall where I bought a bag of Kamut couscous to try. The stall holder, a chap with a lovely, rolling Italian accent, told me that it's one of two species they stock (can't remember the name of the other one) that were the main cereal crops grown and eaten in Roman times. I like couscous as an occasional alternative to pasta, rice or potatoes and thought this would be a nice one to try. After this we left the hall to drop the bags at the car and grab a bottle of water, then went back in again....... quickly, as it was bitterly cold and had got a bit gusty. I kept my staff with me though as I'd soon discovered it was extremely useful for warding off buggy pushing people who weren't watching how close they were getting to my ankles - a quick tap on the tiled floor with the metal-capped end a few inches away from my feet had them stopping in their tracks or quickly swerving around me. Result! LOL

Back to looking for more festive goodies. Although I rarely drink alcohol I did want a mulled wine for toasting at Yule but failed to find anything. There were, however, a couple of stalls that were selling other spirits so we wandered over to taste a fruit liqueur. DH succumbed to buying a brandy based blackberry liqueur from one seller but I wasn't overly keen on it, as it was very heavily spirit tasting, with only a hint of fruit - the sip I had made me cough when the fumes caught the back of my throat. DH is obviously made of stronger stuff as he liked it. As we passed another the Lombard Wine stall on the other side of the hall I was stopped in my tracks by two bottles labelled Harvest Moon and Hunter's Moon....... now with a name like that I just had to have a better look, didn't I? ;0) Both are fruit liqueurs with the difference being that Harvest Moon is brandy based whilst Hunter's Moon is rum based. As DH had just bought the blackberry brandy I asked to try Hunter's Moon, sharing the sample with DH. I sniffed and could instantly smell the fruit, then I took a small sip, rolled it round my tongue, swallowed.... and got the tastiest fruity hit ever. Needless to say, we complimented the stall holder and bought a bottle...... and if DH hadn't already got the other bottle we'd have had some of the Harvest Moon liqueur as well. LOL I shall enjoy seeing in the festive season with a small tot of that wonderful taste. :0)

A selection of mini oat cakes (plain, cheesey and wheat-free) were also added to our haul, from one of the cheese stalls, so DH can enjoy his cheese and biscuits in an evening - they're better than cream crackers, healthwise.

DS put in an appearance around now, as Alex and family had left. He had a fair few bags on him, as he'd managed to buy a number of Christmas pressies, and was very happy with his haul. He also came back with bags full of cookies, as that stall holder was wanting to sell up so was selling them off at a cut price and DS can't resist a bargain (no, I won't be helping out with eating them!).

With DS's help we also bought some gifts from one stall (won't say what as Alex may read this blog) then two scented pillar candles from the Tranquility stall (Complementary Therapies and gifts). They're a blend of lavender, orange and ylang ylang - a very relaxing mix. From them we heard about the benefits of cinnamon for diabetics and they told us about the cinnamon chocolate that is OK for diabetics that the Special Edition Chocolate stall were selling, so we headed over there. DH got the last bar of the cinnamon chocolate and also, as he really misses his Terry's Chocolate Oranges, a bar of the cinnamon and orange chocolate. We had a natter with the stall holder and she told us that taking between a quarter and half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day can eventually sort out a Type 2 diabetic (as DH is) but it needs to be consistent and could take as much as a year for the benefits to be felt. It's one of the reasons why they decided to produce the cinnamon chocolate, though she did recommend it was best in moderation and that DH had no more than two squares at a time. DS also bought a couple of bars for gifts too, one of which was a bar of fig chocolate for his Grandpa.

By this time the number of people in the hall had well thinned out and we realised that it wasn't far off time for it to close so we headed for home. It was a good day out which we all enjoyed and we hope they run this event again next year. :0)

Blessings

READINGS

When I felt more like my usual self I sat at a table so Aureen could start her readings. To start with she asked if I could give her something to hold that was mine, so I handed her a ring that I've worn for well over 10 years and that's hardly ever been off my finger in that time. This type of reading is known as Psychometry.

She then told me that my Dad was there, that he'd actually walked in the room with me but she had asked him to wait to speak until after the Reiki session. What came from that reading was that Dad, although not happy at having had to leave us, is happy where he is, as he is with Mum again. He came back because he was worried about me and to tell me it was time to let go of all the anger and grief, that he was looking at things from a different perspective now and that everything happened as it was supposed to. I was to stop making myself ill over it all and let it all go. There was mention of a picture of my Mum and Dad where they were happy and smiling - I knew straightaway it was the one I have on the mantelpiece - and that was how we were to remember them both from now on. We were also to make sure we got our homes decorated up for the festive season (my efforts were half-hearted after Mum passed away and have been less than that since Dad passed, so he got me with that) and make sure we got together and had a party - we were to be happy and have fun because that's how he liked to see us. There were certain characteristics about him she picked up on and mentioned which confirmed for me that Dad was there: how he liked to keep busy, even when he was ill; his straight talking, no nonsense style; his sense of fun; care for his family and similar things.

The name Harry was mentioned and she also asked if someone worked with sheep. I didn't recognise the name and couldn't think of any sheep connection (apart from a family joke but I wasn't explaining that one! LMAO) but my DSis has since confirmed that Dad used to talk about his Uncle Harry and that an Aunt and Uncle used to have a farm and had some sheep. It's not the first time a medium has been able to tell me something about my family/ancestry that I didn't know about at the time but was confirmed later by a family member.

There were mesages concerning my DS: she asked if he'd been looking for another job, as she could see he was unsettled and that there was a lot of negativity around him at the moment. Only the night before DS had come in and announced that he was so fed up with the lousy atmosphere at work and with how slow it was that he'd had enough and was going to start looking for another job! She said he should try and hang on in there until after Christmas but in the meantime he needed to protect himself from all the negativity swirling around him. 2009 is going to be a challenge for him but it will also stretch him and that is what he needs. He would finally find his place and would be much happier. So much was right there: it's boring where he is, even when there's plenty of work to do, and they're not making the most of his skills either, but now it's quietened off because of the "slump" (let's be honest - it's a recession!) he's way beyond bored now. The general feeling is that there will probably be some job losses early next year anyway: one, possibly two, from the yard and one from the office - DS already thinks he'll be the one from the office. Fingers crossed all goes well for the coming year and he does finally find his niche. :0)

There were a couple of messages from Mum and more from Dad but I'm struggling to remember everything and some I'd prefer to keep to myself. :0)

The Tarot card reading was next and I chose my thirteen cards. Lots more came out in the reading, with many of the cards underlining much of what had been said during the psychometry reading and what was talked about after the Reiki session. It never ceases to amaze me just how accurate the cards are.

I shall be more general here, as there was an awful lot of information given: DH and I would become even closer; DS was to hang on to his money because he would need it, to see him through his challenging year; moneywise we will be comfortably off and I shall see some money coming to me next year (thankfully not via an inheritance - I don't want anyone dying for that to happen!); we shall be travelling in the next 3 to 4 months, within this country and for a positive reason (wonder where we're going?); we'll be needing a workman, probably to fix something, around March; I need to stand back, count my blessings and let go of all the negatives (I regularly count my blessings - am working on letting go); 2009 will be better for me and there'll be changes for the positive, I just need to get out there (again, working on it); balance with money and everything else will be achieved by midsummer; I need to stick to what I believe in and stand up for what I believe (this could be interpreted in many ways but I think I know the gist of what it's referring to); a strong connection to Earthly things, fertility (mentioned I need to plant more flowers to attract more wildlife to my garden and spend more time out there - I certainly do feel much better when I can get out there but it's not exactly the weather for that at the moment!), it also refers to new things and new opportunities to make my life more fertile; lots of opportunities will open up to me soon but I'll need to be selective as "all that glitters is not gold", so only go for the best; the last card was the Queen of Swords and Aureen saw her as me, growing and becoming the strong person the card represents.

Next came the Angel card reading.

1. Answered prayer: my prayers would be answered, although not quite in the way that was expected. (I know all about that already, it's why I refrain from spellwork to achieve things - the Universe tends to have a warped sense of humour, giving that wished for in a way that is usually designed to teach us a lesson).


2. Power: using my own, to pick myself up and use it to achieve things - asking Archangel Michael to help when I want to go out on my own;


3. Forgiveness: I wrote "others and myself" before she spoke - she confirmed it. It's all wrapped up with the loss of my parents;


4. Celebrations: referring to the family Christmas etc mentioned by Dad, to bring in light, peace and love;


5. Children: release the child in me and have fun (wonder if that's some of what's behind me buying that drum! LOL);


6. Nature: get out into Nature when I can, planting, going walking with my DH;


7. Ideas and Inspiration: I need to put my ideas and inspiration into action so my life can grow and benefit from them;


8. Blessings: to let me know that I have them;


9. Retreat: although I need to get out more etc there are also times when I do need to retreat and switch off occasionally, to recharge myself, so I need to do this (but not to such an extreme in future LOL. As I'm a typical Cancerian I do recognise that);


10. New Beginnings: these are being brought in, along with new ways of dealing with things;


11. Guardian Angel: she was there and this was to tell me to invite her into my life and to work with her;


12. Self-Acceptance: acknowledge who I am and accept myself for it, warts and all.

Again this all reinforced much of what had gone before. The final comment was for me to plant that picture of my Mum and Dad in my mind and to carry it in my heart. :0)

During the readings we also spoke of things that related to various cards. At one point Aureen asked if I was looking for a Development Circle. I told her that, weirdly enough, it wasn't that long ago that I'd told DH that if I was ever going to do the things I want to do, to develop in the way I would like to along my Path, I couldn't expect everything to come to me. Staying cooped up in the house couldn't continue - I had to get out into the world again, so those opportunities could start to happen. I feel the Universe was listening, as this was one of a number of things that happened that seems to have led me to being in that room, meeting Aureen.

I'll admit there were a few tears at the start of the psychometry reading, as it was very emotional (and unexpected, as I had no idea she was a Spiritualist), but overall the experience was a very positive one that left me feeling much happier and looking forward to what 2009 will bring. :0)

Blessings

REIKI

Last Saturday I went for my first proper Reiki session at the Earth Energies Clinic which is just a few minutes walk down the local High Street. I'm not sure quite what I was expecting but it certainly wasn't what happened. :0)

Aureen, the practitioner, introduced herself and gave me the gist of what she was going to do and asked me to take note of any sensations or feelings I may have, then asked me to remove all metal I could: off came my rings, a necklace, a bracelet with a metal tag and also my glasses. I then laid on a therapy bed, was covered with a fleecy blanket, the blind closed to darken the room, a CD of relaxing music put in the machine and the treatment began.

Initially I laid there with various thoughts tripping through my head: could do with a poster on the ceiling; wonder if I'll feel anything?; how long have I been here so far?; will I get any benefit from this? etc etc. She placed her hands under my head for a while - shortly after I suddenly had to close my eyes, felt myself relax and then give myself over to whatever was happening. I was vaguely aware of Aureen as she slowly moved to work on different parts of my body, gently touching some areas: head, feet, face, heart and solar plexus chakras. Normally I'm very careful about who invades my personal space but I didn't mind her touch at all and had total trust in her - very unusual, especially as this was the first time I'd ever met her.

Some time later Aureen lightly touched my shoulder, gently called my name and asked if I was OK. OK? I was so relaxed I'd almost fallen asleep and was slurring my words so much initially I told her it felt like I'd had a few drinks! She helped me sit up and gave me a glass of Evian water to sip on. Had I felt anything? Well, through most of the session I kept getting the distinct impression there was someone standing over to the right of the table, near the corner of the room, and occasionally it sounded like there was more than Aureen gently walking around in there. I was also thoroughly relaxed, more than I've ever felt in a very long time.

Explanation: the presence I sensed over by the corner was my Guardian Angel, and she's a lovely, pink angel. Funnily enough, though I'm not a pink person and it's far from my favourite colour, for a while now I've been looking for a small carved rose quartz angel to keep in the house, rose quartz being pink and a gentle, loving crystal - not come across one I am drawn to yet, so still haven't bought one, but I'll know it when I find it. Aureen works with angels and she says they were waiting for her to arrive at the clinic that day, eager to work, and all the sessions had gone really well. I told her about the Aura photographer telling me I needed to ask the angels to take me to a healing room to give me much needed. I had asked and it very much looks like my prayers were answered. :0)

What I didn't tell her was that at one point I forced my eyes open to check where she was. It felt like there was someone stood at my head and at my feet but when I looked Aureen was stood by my side, working on my heart and solar plexus chakras. Mentally shrugging and totally unfreaked I just closed my eyes and gave myself over to the treatment again.

What should have been an hours session went on for an hour and a half and it honestly didn't feel like it at all. Aureen explained the reason it took longer: imagine a ball of yarn but instead of wool it's actually made up of tightly wound black elastic that is sat between my heart and solar plexus chakras and that elastic is all the guilt, anger, grief and similar negative emotions that I'm carrying around with me. Trying to remove it was hard work - as fast as she tried to pull it out from me it snapped back because I kept pulling it back, not ready to let go. She called on Archangel Michael to help and started again: as she pulled out the negative elastic strands He cut them off. Unfortunately it's so deeply entrenched they couldn't get it all, so Aureen said I would benefit from a further treatment should I wish it.

Sounds too weird for you? Then look at it this way: over the last few years I've let myself sink deeply into a pattern of negative thought processes that have built up and caused dis-ease to my whole system - this is now manifesting itself in actual physical symptoms (raised blood pressure etc), so I'm literally making myself ill. For the sake of my health and general well-being I now need to accept all that has happened, especially concerning the loss of my parents, and that it all happened as it was meant to; to acknowledge that I can't change anything, so regularly mulling over it is pointless and damaging, and, finally, I need to let go of all that negativity.

Though I'd already worked all this out for myself knowing it's time to let go and actually doing so are two entirely different matters, much easier said than done. Having someone else point it out reinforces the realisation though and whatever Aureen (and the angels) did seems to be working nicely - I was literally buzzing with energy for days afterwards (unfortunately sleep deprivation, due to DH being away in Italy, has taken the edge off that somewhat now. LOL).

I would heartily recommend having a Reiki treatment to anyone - you don't have to believe in angels and chakras or anything like that to feel the benefit of what is a very positive and relaxing experience. Oh and though I am a Pagan I do believe in angels...... they're not solely a Christian concept. :0)

After the treatment Aureen then went on to give me both a Tarot and Angel card readings - again I got way more than I bargained on but in a very positive way. More about that in another post though, as this is already quite a long one. :0)

Blessings

MIND, BODY, SPIRIT EVENT

Sunday 9 November was the last Mind, Body and Spirit Event of the year, over at the Lincolnshire Showground. Off we went with a view to getting a couple of Yule gifts and with my intention of having my Tarot Cards read by my favourite reader. It didn't quite turn out like that.

The atmosphere at these events is always uplifting and this was no exception. There was also plenty there to tempt us to dip into purse and wallet or hit the Credit Card.

My first buy of the day were these four CD's. I love all kinds of music but my biggest passion is anything New Age. Daughters of Gaia and Threefold centre their music and song around Pagan/Wiccan themes and these two were must haves, joining the others of theirs I already have. Juliana is new to me: her voice is lovely and she has been likened to Enya. Sorry but that is unfair, as Enya is by far the best Celtic singer ever (IMO) though Juliana's voice could grow on me. Medwyn Goodall is another artiste I enjoy and have a few of his CD's already - as this was Celtic themed it was another must have. I enjoy listening to music and much of my New Age ones are also great for chilling out or meditation.

It was soon obvious that I wasn't going to get my cards read - many of the readers, including my favourite one, were fully booked. Other folk had obviously had the same idea of having a reading done before the festive season. Not to be daunted I decided if I got the chance I'd have an Aura Photograph taken instead and listen to what that reader had to say. Methinks the Universe was conspiring again, to ensure that I got what was needed rather than what I wanted.

Here's the pic (has scanned a little lighter than the original). Pretty, ain't it? LOL She said there was a lot going on and from this the reader knew I'd recently been on medication (anti-biotics for cellulitis) and had throat problems (sore throat with the flu I had afterwards, plus tonsillectomy in the early 1990's) and was feeling washed out (getting over those and the wrong end of the month - of course I was!). I'm a Blue personality: caring, loving and emotional and would make a good Counsellor....... as I have total strangers come up and suddenly start telling me their life stories then this fits well. :0) I'm also psychic (in my family it was a given, though I have no real control over it) and channeling spirit was mentioned. She then asked if I kept getting angry. I do when I think about how we lost Mum and Dad and the medical negligence that was involved and know I have unresolved issues about it all. It brought it out and made me cry - this led to the reader and her partner giving me a healing.

What can I say about that? I have no idea what they did, or how they did it, but it definitely worked: my eyes closed and my legs gave (not unpleasantly so) and they guided me to sit in the chair whilst continuing with the healing for a few more minutes. It was one of the strangest sensations I've ever felt and also one of the most uplifting - when they'd finished and I opened my eyes again it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off me. Just as startling to me: all through I had total trust in these two strangers and not once did I worry about the room full of people behind us or about being on view through it all, something which has generally held me back from having any of the treatments at these events. I couldn't thank them enough for their help and now accept it's time to let those issues go. :0)

We spent a bit of time sat in the Zone of Tranquility tent after this. The Zone is a little oasis of quiet set aside for taking time out from the busyness of the place: it's lit by fake candles (Health and Safety banned the real ones!) and you can light incense sticks, meditate..... or just sit and sip water whilst chilling, as we did.

Back into the fray and we went to listen to Dragonfly Moon, otherwise known as Scott Jasper and Susan Garlick, perform three songs of theirs. We first heard them at an event earlier in the year and DS so liked their music he bought some of their CD's, which we played a lot whilst on our holiday.
Their songs are mostly based on Celtic mythology and British folklore and their
music is a lovely mix of Celtic, Native American,
Peruvian panpipes and the like, with a didgeridoo occasionally thrown in for good measure - a real hand clapping, toe tapping "I want to get up and dance" medley. Yes, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves during that musical interlude. LOL
And as DS will take his CD's with him when he eventually gets his own place we decided to indulge ourselves and buy our own, so I can now enjoy them whenever I feel the need. :0)

The Dragonfly Moon stall also sells all kinds of musical intruments from around the world, all ethically sourced from Fair Trade co-operatives. DS already has a mouth organ and a Vietnamese mouth harp....... this time he came away with a beautifully carved didgeridoo. For reasons I can't really fully explain I've had a yen to acquire a drum.

Yes, a drum - as in Sacred Drumming. Scott played several for me but I'd spotted this little beauty as soon as I went to their stall and knew it was the one for me - my fingers just itched to get hold of it and play.














This was made by Native Indians in New Mexico so is the genuine article. If it hadn't sold Susan Garlick was going to acquire it for herself, so I apologised for taking it from her but she was very gracious and was glad it was going to a good home. I waited until Monday, when I was on my own, before trying it out and it was so much fun! Good job we live in a detached house is all I can say. LMAO :0)

DH finally gave in and had an electronic acupuncture treatment done. Every show we've been to he'd hover round this, desperately wanting to try it, but ended up bottling it every time (he's worse than me! LOL) but things had gone much quieter by this time, so he let the woman talk him into it. It helped to ease the pain in his shoulder that had been bugging him for over a week and the Chinese herbal linament she rubbed in also helped. That had us sniffing the air, trying to work out what was in it - reminders of Ralgex, Winter Green and Olbas Oil but it wasn't any of those. One of the women was a good salesperson because he also came away with a couple of herbal medicines as well.

This time around I only bought one crystal, a piece of Malachite, which I wanted for help with my arthritis. This was the piece I was drawn to (the best of many bad pics - it just won't photograph clearly):

It's such a pretty piece IRL. When I read the little info sheet that came with it, after we got home, I could almost hear the Universe laughing. Not only is it good for arthritis and swollen joints (the reason I bought it) but it also: helps soothe and calm; is an anti-depressant; instils a sense of courage in times of stress; also promotes inner peace and compassion; will dig out deep feelings, hurts and resentments and will break unwanted ties and patterns of behaviour and it makes you realise the reasons why you are supporting an illness. Yes, I got what was needed, am listening and definitely get the message! LOL

By this time it was late in the day so we headed for the door with DH saying it was definitely time to go, as he'd spent enough and didn't want the Chinese woman selling him anything else. ROFL Just as we were setting off in the car I finally realised what the main ingredient was in the Chinese linament: camphor oil.

Just to round the day off nicely: on the way home we called in at MaiMai Gardens for a Chinese takeaway. LMAO

I was happy but shattered and had a very early night. :0)

Samhain Blessings!

On this day I remember all my loved ones who have crossed to the Otherworld - my life is all the richer for having known them - and honour the ancestors.



Brightest Blessings to one and all. :0)

CRYSTALS

I've always liked certain crystals and gemstones. When I was pre-teen I loved rainbow moonstone and had a necklace which had a piece of this in it....... along the way I was drawn to other pieces too. Back then, and for many years afterwards, I was totally ignorant of the fact that crystals and gemstones could be used for anything other than decorative purposes.

So when did I first start to develop a deeper interest? Well...... I'd gradually been picking up various bits of information, almost by osmosis, over the intervening years whilst, at the same time, questioning more and more of the Protestant indoctrinations I'd received as a child. Then, back in early 2003, I was trawling eBay (as you do) when I spotted all the gems and crystals on there, which then led me to a seller called gaia33. Each of her entries had lots of info on the qualities and usages of the gem and crystal items she was selling and a tiny little light bulb went off in my head.

The first piece I was drawn to and bought for its healing properties was a little green aventurine point pendant (see pic): I'd recently recognised that I was suffering from agoraphobia and panic attacks and needed to tackle them somehow; green aventurine is a good stress reliever, a balancer of male/female energy, promotes mental and emotional well being and wards off anxiety and fear, among other things. Very shortly after buying this piece my Mum was rushed into hospital, where her heart condition was finally recognised and diagnosed. I wore the pendant to each hospital visit.

How do I know it worked/helped? I was agoraphobic, suffered from panic attacks and loathed hospitals but I got to her and back home every visit without a single panic attack in sight. After the first time I wore it, on the first visit to see her, I took it off after getting home and the crystal was so hot to the touch I had to drop it - yet it hadn't burnt where it laid on my skin whilst I was wearing it nor had I been aware of it being hot. It was proof enough for me and from then on I not only continued to tackle the agoraphobia etc but had a deep interest in the positive healing powers of gems and crystals and from then on have actively researched it and regularly used them.

The other piece in the above pic is a smokey quartz tumblestone. It has a multitude of uses, among which: it's a really good stress reliever and helps with fortifying resolve and tolerating difficult times, helps to ground you (so good to hold during meditation) and is a good protective stone. This was also one of my earliest buys and initially I just carried it in my pocket (for protection) but went on to use it as a worry stone - a distraction technique and part of my coping strategy when I am out and about and finding any situation a little difficult, with the potential to trigger a panic attack. It is a lovely, tactile piece that also has a nice "feel" to its energy, and is the ideal size for rolling in my hand - I concentrate on it, taking my attention away from whatever is upsetting me, and my breathing automatically slows and I become calmer and feel better able to cope. It's also discreet - you can practice this technique anywhere and no one is the wiser. :0)


This is one of the books I use for reference. It has lots of clear pics in it, so is useful for identifying any crystals you've put away but forgotten to name (why do I keep doing that!) or aren't overly familiar with. I picked up my copy from The Magick Thread stall at a Mind, Body and Spirit event.

In the listing for each piece it gives details of each crystal's/gem's colour, appearance, rarity and source/s. Further headings are: Attributes - the problems it can help with; Healing - which areas it can help; Position - where to place it for the desired help/relief; Specific Colours - some crystals/gems can come in different colours to the main one, so it gives details of them and their uses as they can sometimes differ.

This book is a recent acquisition. I popped into the local Hospice Bookshop on Wednesday morning and was absolutely gobsmacked to find this copy of Melody's book in the Non-Fiction section. I'm amazed anyone would want to part with this, as it can be difficult to get hold of and is a little expensive to buy new, but I am so glad they did. I've lusted after a copy of this since first hearing about it and I'm still smiling at getting it for the grand total of £2.00. :0)

The timings etc that occured for me to get my hot mitts on this little beauty also make me smile in gratitude for receiving a helping hand from the Universe. :0)

There are no pictures at all in here but what it does have is the most in-depth, all inclusive information of just about every crystal and gemstone produced by Mother Earth and of the properties they hold. A fantastic reference book to have on my shelf. :0)

There is so much more I could write on this subject but I think I'd better call that it for now. If any of my wafflings, whatever they are about, ever have you curious to want to know more or if you have any questions, then please don't hesitate to let me know via the Comments area on this blog. If I can help in any way I can I will - though if I feel it is too personal/intrusive I reserve the right not to do so.

Blessings

CLUTTER!

One of the biggest banes of my life.

Sometimes I feel like Marley's ghost.....

...... only my chain is made up of every scrap of cr*p that has been hoarded in and around this house over the years. At times, despite all best intentions on my part, that chain has just seemed to keep on getting longer and longer...... and most especially with the help of my DH and DS. :0(

DH has a seriously bad habit of storing dead electrical items around the house "just in case they might come in useful some time". I guess it comes from being an electrical engineer and thus having a strong interest in these things but it's still a right royal pain in the ass having these dead items sat taking up much needed space *grrrr*. Well, I finally managed to persuade him that we really don't need them, that we need the space much more, and that they should be allowed to go to the big electronics graveyard down the road.... the electronics skip at the local amenities site. Yay!

Bet you're wondering why I'm making such a song and dance about it. Well..... there are two old computer monitors (about obsolete, thanks to flatscreens), a huge VCR that came from my Dad's (which is definitely now obsolete, even if DH ever did manage to fix it) and an old family-sized George Foreman grill - all of them big, bulky items that add to the overall look of the place that is somewhat reminiscent of a tinkers scrapyard.

He duly took the lot to the amenities site on Saturday afternoon, despite the lousy weather, and while he was going he also took a plastic patio chair with a broken leg and a dilapidated old wicker laundry basket - both of which were stored down the side of the house and were nothing more than tripping hazards. Once that little lot had gone I felt a lovely sense of relief - like part of the weight had been lifted, that chain getting a little lighter. Result! Is it only me or does anyone else feel like that when getting rid of clutter?

In case you think it's all one-sided I can assure you it's not. I've been having an ongoing de-cluttering session of my own for a long time that's seen no end of stuff come out from the backs of cupboards, wardrobes and drawers to depart this house, never to return again. As many of these unwanted items as possible have been recycled in one way or another.

The bulk of things that go to the council's local amenities site, including those dead electrical items, are recycled by them and any money made from this is donated to various local and national charities. There's a deal of satisfaction in knowing that items we dispose of are not only helping to save some of our Mother Earth's dwindling resources, but they will also go to achieve some good in the world too. :0)

I'm also a huge fan of our local Freecycle site and quite a number of things we no longer need have been gifted to people who can make use of them. It's another great way of keeping as much stuff out of landfill as possible....... and the old adage of one person's junk being another's treasure certainly holds true. Some of the items re-homed this way: a cycle helmet, cake decorating items, a chest of drawers to someone setting up their first home, bags and bags full of used bubble wrap and Jiffy bags (these can be used more than once - just cut off the back of a used A5 or A4 envelope for an address label) and, most recently, a bag full of toiletries from a bathroom cupboard clear-out, to name a few. I can recommend Freecycle, not only as a useful recycling venue, but as a nice way of spreading a little good will around. :0)

My battle against clutter continues......

Blessings

Let the Meanderings Commence

Welcome to my little corner of the Web. :0)

At the moment I have no set plans for how I wish this blog to develop - it has been started with the intention of it being a place where I will waffle on, to my heart's content, about anything and everything that affects, concerns or interests me as I walk my Path in this lifetime.

To any who care to take the time out of their busy day to read this blog: I hope you find something to interest you and thank you for your time.

Blessings