posts 23 24 and 25

Day 23 → Something you wish you had done in your life.

Well I dont think I can answer this post.  I still think that I have time left to do some of the things that I want to do.  Until I am no longer able to physically do any of those things, I dont know if there is anything left that I havent done that I would like to.  Does that make sense?  I hope so.  I just feel that its difficult to say I wish I had done so and so because I may still get to do it.

Day 24 → Make a play list to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)

ooooooooh hard.  Ok then lets see

Rainy days and Mondays Karen Carpenter - because sometimes both really get me down.

Cheek to Cheek - Fred Astaire - because that was the first dance of our wedding reception. 

If Tomorrow Never Comes Garth Brooks - because I believe that saying I love you often is very important.

Love Changes Everything Michael Ball (Aspects of love) because the first time I heard this song it made me cry and I love Michael ball

Wind beneath my wings Bette Midler - I have always loved this song and it makes me cry I cant sing along to it without breaking up.

You Raise me up - by anyone who has ever covered it - because it makes me feel so happy and cuddly inside whenever I hear it.

Day 25 → The reason you believe you’re still alive today

I very much believe that we all have a time allocated to us and we don't die until that contracted time.  I feel that we all have lessons to learn and we keep getting put into certain situations until we learn them and then go onto our next lesson.  I believe that angels intervene if we have an accident and it isnt our time as this happened to mum and I a while ago now.  We were on our way home from one of my hospital visits to have my heart checked out when we got a front tire blow out.  We werent going to fast fortunately.  We were in the first lane of the motorway and the car spun around hit the hard shoulder barrier in the third lane and spun back round to end up facing the wrong way on the motorway.  It was on a Monday and we were in the lunchtime traffic.  As we were spinning I was thinking oh god this is it and closed my eyes.  When I opened them we were about to head straight into a huge truck.  Somehow, we never hit it and we finally had the police and the ambulance people turn up.  There was a driver behind us that came to us ( I dont remember mum does though) and he said that he expected us to be dead when he got to us.  We werent, just a few broken ribs and bruises.  I know the angels were there with us that day. 

Ice and Snow

 Yesterday morning we decided that we should go to goulds garden centre and that we needed to do our weekly shop.  We decided that it would be nice if mum came  with us and we had some lunch out.  These first two photos is what was in mums bird bath.  A perfect round of ice.  Rob was the only brave one to hold it while I took a photo.

Then we arrived at the garden centre and snow had fallen.  I saw the pots and someone had made a little snowman on them.  IT made me smile and I just had to take a couple of photos. 

Dont you just think it is the cutest thing. 

Truth posts 21 and 22

Day 21 → (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?

I cant even imagine it.  My best friend and I have never had a cross word between us so to even imagine that we would get into a fight is really difficult.  I guess the feeling of guilt and sadness would be overwhelming and feeling responsible for causing the accident would be excrusiating.  I dont want to spend time thinking about it, I can feel a sense of dread just writing this post. 

Day 22 → Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.

I wish I hadnt been so shy when I was younger and at school.  I know why I was shy.  With all my heart problems and speach problems.  I had a cleft pallet and am partially deaf.  I found it difficult to open up to people beacuse I was teased terribly as a kid.  When I was very little I remember that I used to hide behind my mums legs if anyone spoke to me.  I am sure I wouldnt have half my hang ups that I have now had I been more outgoing.  But, I really like the person I am now and perhaps if I was outgoing I would be different now.  So that is it.  The photos are from my mums garden.  I hope everyone has a great weekend.  It has just started to snow here.  It's not settling but I am excited to see it.  We dont get that much living by the sea.

Day 17 → A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.

For the last few months I have been reading a lot of books on herbs.  I am finding a connection with magickal herbs that has it seems been innate in me for a while.  I am enjoying getting to know the herbs and flowers in my garden in a new way.  I have even noticed how my garden has flourished by the addition of a couple of new plants I got since reading the books.  My lavender has stopped dying on me, coincidence or not that is a good thing.  I have even found that people who I thought would think I am barking mad are actually interested more than I ever guessed.

Day 18 → Your views on gay marriage.

I have never had a problem with any issues relating to Gays and Lesbians.  I have always had them in my life as friends.  My Uncle ran a well known Gay pub for a while and when mum and dad had their own pub (not a gay one) a gay couple thought the world of me and bred me a pair of tiger moths.  I always say unless anyone hurts me personally then it doesn't matter what colour, creed they are.  Live and let live is my motto.  Why shouldn't two people who love each other be allowed to express that.  We need more love in the world.

Day 19 → What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?

Oh god (sorry)  I hate talking of both with a passion.  Religion I will tolerate more than politics.  My mum loves to talk about it but I just switch off.  It always seems to cause rows and as an absolute hater of rows I do anything to avoid them.  It doesn't help that I have different views to my mum.  Normally I always agree with her so its like aaaaaaaaah why are you not seeing my points of view.  Ok next truth please

Day 20 → Your views on drugs and alcohol.

Drugs are bad, bad bad bad bad bad. Don't get me started.  Alcohol is bad, but it tastes nice with a meal! or as the occasional night cap.(sorry but it does)

Ok a person listens when someone says look left and right and left again or you may get killed.  They head the dangers and take steps to ensure their safety and lives.

For some reason, when someone says don't take drugs, they can kill you and so can alcohol.  They (appear to me, to) think oh its against the law lets try it quick.  Then they are hooked. 

Stay away from drugs and over excessive drinking. 

It can kill you.

Ok off soapbox now. 

swap partners allocated

Well the signups are finished and I am pleased to say we have 9 people taking part.

I am having two swap partners.  I have emailed everyone except

http://pathofthemoondaughter.blogspot.com/

Jill can you please email me with your address so I can pass it onto your swap partner.

I am excited to get my things together .

 Have our parcels in the post by Friday the 10th December and that will give everyone time (I hope) to get all the goodies ready. 

Then if everyone leaves me a comment on this post when they have received their parcels we can have a blog party to celebrate. 

what an amazing giveaway from pieces of fate

Hi everyone

My friend Susan over at her fabulous pieces of fate blog is hosting the most amazing blog giveaway I have ever come across.  Click on

http://piecesoffatesusan.blogspot.com/2010/10/huge-1-1-5-blog-candy-beginning.html

to find out more. 

Give thanks party post

The vintage nest is having a give thanks party today for thanksgiving, whilst I am not American I thought it would be a great blog party to be part of and I have a lot to be thankful for.

I am thankful for life.  The chance to live each day as it comes.  Having a heart condition and having had several operations I have gained a great sense of making each day count, even the bad ones.  I am grateful for nature for giving me the calmness and serenity being in it provides.  The animals and the birds that make me go oh wow look at that and take a photo.

Dartmoor ponies.

A family of starlings in mums garden

The flowers that provide the colour and charm in our gardens.  I am thankful for friends andmy mum and my husband.  I am thankful I have my hobbies to turn to when I feel bored and need to do something creative.

http://lifeatcedarhill.blogspot.com/

A cup of tea swap update

Hi everyone

I had an email from someone saying that they needed more clearer information about this swap so here it is

What to include in your swap

A sample of tea

make one item with a tea theme

tea themed goodies "no less than $15.00 and no more than $20.00"


 How many is up to you

add a comment on the original swap post.  There is a button on the right hand side of the blog that takes you straight to the post.  Please help me spread the word

Day 14 → A hero that has let you down. (letter)

Hmm, this is a tricky one.  I dont have a hero in the sense of a popstar or actor actress that has let me down because they havent yet.  I started to look closer to home and I worried for a while about putting it out there on the web incase he should see it, but since we dont contact anymore I decided to.  How can I heal if I dont admit to these things right?  Even if it is painful.

I have two half brothers.  I was never particulary close to one of them but the other, well I used to worship the ground he walked on.  Then something happened.  I dont know what exactly and dont know if he does.  It got to the point that I used to dread seeing him or speaking to him because of the put me downs and his apparant lack of understanding.  That turned my worship of my bigger hero, (hes a police man by the way and is now working and living as a Canadian Policeman). into a complete feeling of inferioty whenever I was around him.  He couldnt even be bothered to send a wedding card for our wedding in June.  His best wishes came via a family member.  He said he wasnt sure his good wishes would be well recieved??????????????? A cop out if you ask me. 

Still all that being said I am happy and that is all that matters.  I hope he and his family are happy too. 

Day 15 → Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.

This is going to be a something not a someone. 

MY STRESS TABLETS
Ok I know what a thing to think of but its true.  I am on Citralipram they are non habbit forming anti depressants but boy oh boy, I am unbareable if I run out or forget to take them.  I turn into some form of jeckal and hyde.  Snappy, irratable and I could win a crying competition  hands down.  and I gain a pound by looking at an orange, what is with that one hey? 

So for a peaceful and harmonious life I am not coming off them anytime soon.  Especially with christmas coming ever closer. 

Day 13 → A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)

Looking back on the memory of

The dance we shared 'neath the stars above  For a moment all the world was right   How could I have known that you'd ever say goodbye  And now I'm glad I didn't know   The way it all would end the way it all would go   Our lives are better left to chance I could have missed the pain    But I'd had to miss the dance    Holding you I held everything     For a moment wasn't I a king   But if I'd only known how the king would fall   Hey who's to say you know I might have changed it all   And now I'm glad I didn't know   The way it all would end the way it all would go   Our lives are better left to chance I could have missed the pain   But I'd had to miss the dance   Yes my life is better left to chance.   I could have missed the pain but I'd had to miss the dance.  Written by Toni Arrita. 

Garth Brooks.  A country singer I came across years ago.  We even went to Nashville to see him at the Grand Old Opry.  The dance and other songs like Unanswered Prayers got me though some very tough times.  When I referred in previous posts about my heart problems and the struggle I had and overcome Garth was there, in music.  He was there during happy times.  Seeing him live was a dream come true.  I dont know how to express how much I love his music, as does my mum.  He still sends a shiver down my spine when I listen to his music.  I have a huge collection of his stuff.  He will always be my favourite and I will always defend him when people say they dont like him.  I have converted a few people. 

thanks for the music Garth.

TRUTHS 10 and 11

My latest bottle I have decorated ready for tomorrows table top sale

TRUTHS 11 and 12

tea swap.

Day 11 → Something people seem to compliment you the most on.

I was not very good a receiving compliments.  So when I first met my husband and he started complimenting me every day, even now he still does.  He notices everything.  I brought some new earings in a sale the other day and wore them.  He complimented on how nice they were.  Now of course I love those compliments.  He even notices things that I do to the house and nearly always says something. 

I also get compliments on my art, which means so much too me.  Not just from my husband and mum but from strangers too.  I am having a table top sale Tomorrow and am looking forward to that.  I hope it goes well and I get a few sales from it.  That is the biggest compliment of all.  When someone likes your stuff enough to pick it up look at it and then buy it. 

Day 12 → Something you never get compliments on.

I dont really know.  I dont tend to notice things like that.  I guess because I am used to having compliments now it doesnt bother me when I dont.  I used to not get compliments on anything or biast ones from my mum.  That used to get me upset sometimes but now with my husband I get the opposite so its never an issue anymore

TEA SWAP REMINDER

Just to remind people of the tea swap I am hosting.  My first ever swap.  If you have any ideas on it please leave a comment.  I am getting a button done to put up so you can click on that and go straight to the post.  Should be up very soon.

Armistice Day

ARMISTICE DAY


Here is a lovely link to explain  why we wear a poppy today.  http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/remembrance/poppy.htm

A huge heartfelt thank you

At 11 am on 11 November 1918 the guns of the Western Front fell silent after more than four years continuous warfare.


What is Remembrance Day?
Remembrance Day is on 11 November. It is a special day set aside to remember all those men and women who were killed during the two World Wars and other conflicts. At one time the day was known as Armistice Day and was renamed Remembrance Day after the Second World War.
Remembrance Sunday is held on the second Sunday in November, which is usually the Sunday nearest to 11 November. Special services are held at war memorials and churches all over Britain.

A cup of Tea anyone

A CUP OF TEA SWAP AND BLOG PARTY

I have decided.  I am going to host a swap/blog party.  I have been wondering for a while what to theme it on.  Then just now over a cup of chamomile honey and vanilla tea it hit me.  A Tea Party.

So you will want to know how to play along. 

Send me an email and or comment on this post. I will need an email to contact you with your swap partner. (I will keep sign up open for two weeks)

Tell all your friends they can play too.

I will email you your swap partner two weeks today.  Tuesday 23rd.

And the list of what to include on your swap

A sample of tea.(Some ideas)

                 

Normal tea, ginsing tea, green tea, herbal tea, your own herbal tea mix if you have one, ceylon tea, lipton tea, fruit tea, twinnings tea.  Any thing.   At least one sachet. 

A handmade tea related item.  Tea cosy, tea pendan,t tea charm, tea ATC ACEO,

Tea supplies art related.  This can be, http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_query=tea&search_type=supplies open to interpretation ie tea stain, tea dyed tags etc

Then when everyone has received their goodies (email me to let me know) I will set a date to do a blog party so we can see what we all get

How much?  no less than $15.00 and no more than $20.00

A HISTORY OF TEA

For more than 4000 years now, tea has been a faithful staple in many cultures and countries around the world. Used as a sustaining liquid for those suffering from infectious disease, there are many believers who have always asserted that tea holds powerful healing properties.  In some cases, they believe that tea can actually cure ailments and sickness. New emerging studies are elevating these assumptions from myth to scientific reality, providing significant evidence that tea is indeed a source of health and contains legitimate healing properties.

: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Stout

Any questions about the swap and blog party, just ask.

Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.

This goes back to my school days again with the mental bullying.  I shan't go on and on about this because I have previously, but they did make my life difficult for me.  I don't tend to hang on to people that treat me badly.  I am strong enough now ( I like to think) to walk away from it.  I will stay with people who like me and get me.  I do get very upset when someone doesn't like me.  I like to know why so that if I can change that aspect of myself then I at least want to try.  I think the upset, how it makes us feel and behave, isn't worth the pain of keeping people, who make your life hell or treat you bad in your life's.  Though I completely understand it isn't always possible to walk away from it.   I like to think that there is always someone who will help us take that step if we need to.

A christmas wreath I made yesterday.  The plastic glittered flowers and balls came from Value house and the wreath from a local florists it cost me £10.00 around $14.00 to make.  I am so pleased with it.

Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.

Hmmmm.  I don't know about this one.  I don't think that there is really anyone.  like I said in day 08 about not staying with anyone who treats us badly, equally I feel like we can't always keep the good friends in our lives.  I feel that everyone comes and goes into our lives for a reason and when they have done their jobs and we have learnt a lesson or two from them they move on.  Very philosophical of me I know.  I truly believe this though so I tend to let go easily knowing that someone else is just around the corner. 

Plus.  I never really had any friends as I was ill a lot and would have to cancel arrangementts made and until a round my college years friends didn't understand.  They just wanted to play and I couldn't so they found someone who could.  Fair enough I guess.  OK enough meaningless ramblings.  I wont bore you anymore, not until I decide to do Day 10 anyways.

A little sketch I did a few months back.

Truths number 6 and 7

Truths number 6 and 7

Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do.

I hope I never have to tell someone close to me that someone close to them has passed away.  I just dont think I could do it.  It was bad enough when I had to call my husband (then fiance) home from work because my nan had passed away in the nursing home she was in.  Rob was a tower of strength for me.  We drove back to mums home 80 miles away (I dont drive) and he just did everything for us.  Even at the funeral he finished my speach because I just broke down and couldnt do it.  I am not sure, no I know, I couldnt be that tower of strength they would need me to be.  I am such a sentative person that I would probably end up being looked after instead of doing the looking after.  I know it sounds selfish and it probably is, and who knows I might surprise myself and be able to, its just I hope I never do have to. 

Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living for.

Well this is an easy one, I have two.  My mum, she has had more than her fair share with me over the years.  One time I remember I had had my valve replaced and the operation was a real success.  I came out of intensive care and into a cubicle on my own.  One tea time I had a sandwich and felt terribly sick and I was.  Then for weeks I couldnt keep anything down the doctors had all but given up hope and said there wasnt anything left they could do.  I went to 4 stone (63ish lbs) 110z.  In my semi conscious state I heard mum say that its just like she has given up.  Well I heard her and said thats a horrible thing to say.  The thing is I think I had because in two weeks I was over 6 stone (93ish lbs) and back home.  So thanks to her I am still here now. 

Secondly is yes you guessed it, my husband.  What can I say.  I was beginning to get worried about ever finding someone (we met on Dateline).  Now my life is so wonderful and I am so happy and I know I am being soppy but I dont care.  He even gets on with my mum, how cool is that.

#4 and #5 truths

                                        Blue tit made with real pressed flowers from the garden

Day 04 → Something you have to forgive someone for.

I have to forgive my school friends and school teachers for bullying me (mentally not phsyically) because I was different.  I was always slow at sports and I used to dread games because I knew I would never get picked and the teachers would demand things of me I simply could not deliever.  One sports teacher in particular didnt believe I had a heart condition.  I guess because my illness wasnt one you could see like only having one arm.  In some ways I think that would almost have been easier.  I used to dread school but I never talked about it to my mum or dad.  Mum would ask but i'd shrug and dismiss it. 

So I guess I need to forgive these people, I can do that, forgetting on the over hand, not so easy.

Chaffinch made with real pressed flowers from the garden

 Day 05 → Something you hope to do in your life

I have always dreamed of being a successful artist.  I would love a little shop, just a small one, which would be a cafe come art shop where I would sell my creations.  I realise I have a long way to go to get there, my art is getting there.  I need to start with places like Etsy and Ebay.  I am doing a couple of local table top sales one on the 13th November and another one on the 10th December.  Once I have created a name there then perhaps I can think about going bigger.  That is if I have the monies to do so.  Then there is my health to consider I would have to get someone in to help when I am not so well.  But there it is that is what I hope to do.  I never say never.  All things are possible

Day 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for.

 A photo taken yesterday of my garden

#3 Something I need to forgive myself for

I found this one difficult.  I guess I need to forgive myself for not being able to do the housework all the time.  Because of my heart condition I sometimes am not able to much at all.  Today is one of those days.  I feel that I should be able to cope that my husband is hard at work in a high demanding job.  I think that I shouldnt have to ask him to cook tea because I am not well or do the housework for me.  Like he says it isnt my fault so I need to forgive myself for that.  I feel like this should be a longer post but I am not really in the writing mood.  I am in the creating mood.  I shall go and make some cards and just have an easy day today. 

Something like this will make me relax.  I love sketching wildlife as much as I enjoy filming it.

Truth #2 and blog award. Yay

TRUTH # 2 SOMETHING YOU LOVE ABOUT YOURSELF

Hmmm something I love about myself.  I love my thirst for knowledge.  I am always interested in learning something new whether it be a new crafting technique or alternative therapies.  At the moment I am very busy collating all sorts of herbal information.  I am looking for the scientific herbalism like if you mix this herb with that herb/flower its good for relieving blocked noses.  I also want to know what herb is good for using in cooking and if I hang a certain herb in a certain place will it ward of negativity.  That sort of thing.  I am going to put all that I find onto a website, probably ning.  If you have any information I would love to hear about it.  email me at Saratwycross@yahoo.co.uk or ningangels@yahoo.co.uk I am finding out some interesting things too.  I am also discovering things about myself by doing these truths. 

   Faerie Sage gave me this award.  I am so happy.  and in true blog award style here are the 10 blogs that I feel are worthy of this award.
http://twistedfigures.blogspot.com/
http://saray-viola.blogspot.com/
http://www.folkandfairy.com/
http://www.bonnieroseartiste.com/
http://seagypsystudio.blogspot.com/
http://thefairytalecupboard.blogspot.com/
http://tinybear-dk.blogspot.com/2010/01/one-world-one-heart-giveaway.html
http://sarahswhimsydreams.blogspot.com/
http://shabbychicinspired.blogspot.com/2010/01/lavender-sachet-2.html
http://faeriesagekitchen.blogspot.com/

The 30 posts of Truth. Truth #1

I found a post called

The 30 Posts Of Truth 

 at

http://faeriesagekitchen.blogspot.com/ 

She wrote her first truth and it was something I could so totally relate to and I thought what a great idea to do this and  a potentially brilliant healing exercise.  She found the post over at   http://blog.sweetsoliloquies.com

    

So here is my first truth. 

Day 01 → Something you hate about yourself.

I hate the fact that I have a terrible guilt issue.  I feel guilty over everything and say sorry for whatever I think I have to apologise for even if its something trivia.  I am having counselling on this and it is definitely helping.  I feel much less guilty but it is still a problem.  I hope to have a handle on it one day.  It really frustrates me that I do it, and my husband tells me off, he says the guilt bus has left town already.  I am sure it comes from the fact that I have a heart condition and can not do certain things.  I know the simple answer is to accept that I cant do them but I have too high a demand on myself that I should be able to do them. 

Day 02 → Something you love about yourself.

Day 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for.

Day 04 → Something you have to forgive someone for.

Day 05 → Something you hope to do in your life.

Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do.

Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living for.

Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.

Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.

Day 10 → Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.

Day 11 → Something people seem to compliment you the most on.

Day 12 → Something you never get compliments on.

Day 13 → A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)

Day 14 → A hero that has let you down. (letter)

Day 15 → Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.

Day 16 → Someone or something you definitely could live without.

Day 17 → A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.

Day 18 → Your views on gay marriage.

Day 19 → What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?

Day 20 → Your views on drugs and alcohol.

Day 21 → (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?

Day 22 → Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.

Day 23 → Something you wish you had done in your life.

Day 24 → Make a play list to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)

Day 25 → The reason you believe you’re still alive today.

Day 26 → Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?

Day 27 → What’s the best thing going for you right now?

Day 28 → What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?

Day 29 → Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.

Day 30 → A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself

The fairy ball and tarot reading

So the weekend.  It was an interesting one.  Saturday saw the psychic fair which I dont know, normally I am in my element at these things but this time I felt completely drained and couldnt wait to get out.  I liked the arrangement of it all and they had a great selection of things there but I left a tad diappointed.  That influenced my mood for the day, right up until we were at the Fairy ball.  The ball was amazing, the bands were fantastic.  There are some pictures of it below.

                         This picture is from Sunday samhain.  My husband did me a reading and it was a very good very honest thought provoking reading.  I got a lot from it and realised what direction I needed to take in answer to my question.

This next picture is my outfit for the fairy ball.  I didnt wear my wings this time as they were a bit battered from the last one.  I need to make a new smaller pair.

The next 4 photos are some of the outfits at the ball.  We had a fabulous time.  The Daughters of Gaia were there as were a local band to us called The Dolmen.  They were fan flippin' tasktic.  Boogied the night away and all on diet coke. 

The last picture is my halloween canvas I made a few days ago.  I had such fun drawing this one and then painting it.  I am going to put it on Etsy.  I know Halloween is over but someone might like it for next year.