Happiness.......

My dream’s always been to make a difference, as I've got older it’s just got sharper...
I’m thankful my thoughts have been many this week... Hence the reason it’s been a little difficult to pin point anything in particular to share. Today during my reflecting-time it became one of my numerous light bulb moments...

I decided I wanted the theme to be based on ‘happiness’ but... I also wanted to put a new twist to my regular ‘thoughts of the week’ Soooooo..... I’ve decided to dedicate this week’s blog to a certain couple... they know who they are.

I smiled at the thought of dedicating the week’s blog to certain individuals, for me it’s going to make it a bit more special than is normal. However, I must stipulate it doesn’t mean that issues discussed within the blog are in any way, shape or form directed towards any specific individual... it just means I’m acknowledging a deep respect in addition to affectionately thinking of them as I produce my latest article. Also along with this dedication is a request for them to know I’m also happily dedicating to them a beautiful but soppy song... Please click on my ‘UTUBE’ (left hand side) where you can type in artists name and title of song. Turn up the volume my friends as I know only too well this will enable you to further feel the whole atmospheric ambience that I so love to create. With that last thought in mind, the couple I dedicate this week’s thoughts to are L & J and their beautiful family J.C.M...

L & J, the song that reminds me of you both is sung by ‘Michael Buble’ it’s called “LOST” I know that J is not overly romantic but as if by instinct I also know that doesn’t mean it’s not nestling there within his very soul... I just think sometimes a person may get a little nervous about displaying certain signs of affection and some of us cringe at the thought of rejection..... Anyway this song is the song I imagine J... dedicating to L... Listen to it together, that’s the key! I also know life is pretty hectic for you right now, but calm deep breaths and don’t forget take time out, drop everything even if it’s for a walk, a meal etc it makes all the difference... believe me!

I chose the theme happiness because so many times I’ve felt we occasionally manage to take that subject along with life very much for granted... It never fails to blow me away the amount of people I meet on a daily basis, who would seriously give everything they own just to glimpse happiness and be allowed to hold it for a few seconds... I also know through my own sensitivity and my experiences of many different levels of life I have personally led... not forgetting my present working role, all constanly remind me of how I'm so unequivocally blessed. Again my friends in life I’ve been at both ends of the spectrum.

I know it may be hard to believe but once up on a time, I was so undeniably sad... I would often twist my hands, wringing them tightly as I wished with all my heart not to be here treading along life’s highway... I desperately wanted to close my tired eyes, see through the black stillness I observed every night during restless sleep. I didn’t want to continue feeling enveloped by wretched misery that I exhaustedly carried around on my back holding it up with my shoulders... I’m very happy to report that was a long time ago... As a consequence I’ve always enthused, you have to live in another person’s shoes to get a true sense of how that particular individual is really feeling... but come on we all know we don’t really want to do that, as for one reason or another some people’s lives are not particularly happy.

My message here today is this... I know without doubt for me happiness is a choice; it’s something we can make for ourselves and others... Have you ever noticed for instance, the smallest things in life including something as simple as a smile, or a warm compliment can and will bring the biggest smile to the saddest face... that’s because in complimenting a person it gives them a pull, they flutter inside and their circulation moves faster, increasing those feel good chemicals... but best of all is this, you’ve personally made that person feel valuable and I sincerely hope we all know how that feels... Spreading happiness by making good choices, especially those that have an impact on people and how their feeling doesn’t have to cost a lot... shopping for someone who’s poorly... supporting someone who’s going through a tough time... listening to someone, being there for family and friends, just using your observational skills by being observant of the people around you... As we all know, there are some really proud people on this planet who feel they’ve failed if they ask for help... So keep eyes and ears open, be sensitive. Remember in helping someone else including yourself, it helps to make a difference... If we all did that, what a continually beautiful world we would all live in.

We’re all realistic; we know we cannot do everything, but one thing’s for sure..... We can certainly do something.

I’m finishing off this week with a couple of inspirational quotes that I particularly like... Hope you do too... they are simple but effective...

“The only gift is a portion of thyself” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson.

“Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve.... You don't have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

My wings are asleep my friend... until next time :) x

Kind Words.........

Whilst sitting still... calmly pondering my week’s thoughts along with its possible theme, I was interrupted by a very good friends email..... Reading it, I knew instantly divine intervention had waited, happily steering me towards my next wonderful message and although the message is the same I have edited it slightly, adding fresh ideas and views appropriately...

One day a teacher asked her students to list on two sheets of paper the names of the other students in the room, asking them to remember and leave a space between each name. Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates and write it down. It took the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed in their paper. That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a separate sheet of paper, and listed what everyone else had said about that individual.

On Monday she gave each student his or her list. Before long, the entire class was smiling.

'Really?' she heard whispered... 'I never knew I meant anything to anyone!' and, 'I didn't know others liked me so much,' were most of the comments.

No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. She never knew if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another.

That particular group of students moved on.

Several years later, one of the students was killed in Vietnam and his teacher attended the funeral of that special student. She had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before. He looked so handsome, so mature. The church was packed with his friends. One by one those who loved him took a last walk by the coffin. The teacher was the last one to bless the coffin. As she stood there, one of the soldiers who acted as pallbearer came up to her.

'Were you Mark's maths teacher?' He asked. She nodded: 'yes.' Then he said: 'Mark talked about you a lot.'

After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates went together to a luncheon. Mark's mother and father were there waiting to speak with his teacher.

‘We want to show you something,' his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket he continued 'They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it.' Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded many times. The teacher knew without looking that the papers were the ones on which she had listed all the good things each of Mark's classmates had said about him.

'Thank you so much for doing that,' Mark's mother said. 'As you can see, Mark treasured it.'

All of Mark's former classmates started to gather around. Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, 'I still have my list. It's in the top drawer of my desk at home.’ Chuck’s wife said, 'Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album.'

'I have mine too,' Marilyn said. 'It's in my diary'

Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group. 'I carry this with me at all times,' Vicki said and without batting an eyelash, she continued: 'I think we all saved our lists'

At this point the teacher finally sat down and cried. She cried for Mark and for all his friends who would never see him again.

The density of people in society is so thick that we forget life will end one day. No one knows when that day will be. So please, tell the people you love and care for, they're special and that they are very important. Tell them, before it's too late.

One Way To Accomplish This Is: Try where possible to reiterate this message, forward it on. If you don’t send it, you may once again have possibly passed up a wonderful opportunity to do something nice and beautiful. The more people you share this with; will enable us all to better reach out to those you care about.

Remember the old saying, you may reap what you sow.

What you put into the lives of others comes back into your own. I will never tire of this message and for those that read my Blog regularly... you will know and understand from its birth throughout its development, I've always tried to put that special message across.... it’s so very important that we take on board the words, meanings and thoughts behind this powerful, and beautiful message... I’ve always felt that trying ones best to instil positivity into someone else’s very soul, is the way forward.

Having previously shared these thoughts... sadly I’m aware; it’s not always possible to inspire each and every human being. There are a few of us living in this sphere who for one reason or another, mistrust. These individuals feel other people don’t do anything for nothing and they go on to refuse to accept another’s generosity thinking the very worst of that person without any real reason or just cause.... I’m afraid it’s their loss, sometimes we have to take that risk or we may go on to live a life full of insecurities and what if’s....I’ll quickly add, It doesn’t mean you have to trust everyone you meet in life that would be silly, we all know not everyone deserves our trust and loyalty... Fortunately most of us are blessed with an inner instinct or radar to help us decide who’s right for us and who’s not, all I’m trying to say is... try not to be rigid in your thinking, keep an open mind and especially try not to be too quick to judge... very often you will be pleasantly surprised.

My other thought of course, is my recent proposal from the greatest man on this planet.... We're very happy and would like to thank everyone for their wonderful cards, flowers and good wishes.... A fabulous wedding is going to take place in a beautiful location... Doug and I are looking forward to sharing our very special day with family and close friends.......

Before I close let me write my wish for all of you.... I sincerely hope we all have a lot less 'snow and ice' so that the country can get back to normal.... I know some of you love this snow... *smile* but come on, enough is enough.... Till next time Mwah :) xxxx

What a week.............

My thoughts for the week begin with that dreaded word.... ILLNESS.... Arghhhhh...

I was a bit poorly and more than anything I desperately wanted a magical Angel to wrap its soft white wings around me and help me get better....... glad to say I'm fandabedozie now. You know it goes without saying we all have to look after ourselves, watch those nasty little viruses... watch those coughs and sneezes because they spread diseases....remember the hand wash code and especially keep those stress levels in check... I spent 4 days in bed and thankfully on the 4th evening it ran its course... On Thursday I was back in work and filling up on the stress levels again...

I say it all the time but it's true.... The weeks are flying!!! When you work full-time I’m sure they fly faster.... For me this wobbly week has been a nice short week. Glad to say the weekend came around that bit faster. And what a weekend we have planned... we had to be up very early today... we had pre-arranged for a guy to come and fit a new ceiling in our kitchen, due to a previous leak... It looks fabulous now.

Then Maddie, our mental cocker spaniel was booked in at the doggy beauty parlour for a right good grooming.... We dropped her off and decided it would probably be the only spare time we could get for shopping with that in mind it was off to Tesco, making sure we got everything on our list and you know what it's like, getting more besides. It was back to collect Maddie then home to unload and stock up the cupboards including the freezer... While Doug was unloading the shopping I was very supportive.... busy getting very important pictures of Maddie’s new look for her fan club. Maddie shot off up the garden to happily show Thomas our black and white cat her brand new look.

So folks, despite a shaky start to the week I'm happy to announce it finished beautifully... Right now I'm in my study having worked a little on my Polly Tucker, which I might add is coming along beautifully..... I also have to dutifully report that from down-stairs I can smell the most delicious aroma of Scottish soup..... Doug is cooking away and I can’t wait to taste his offerings.... Yum Yum.

I am happy to say I have managed to do a bit more writing this week and surprisingly enough not actually when I was ill although during those sleepy periods I did dream up alot of new & exciting ideas ....

Until next week big warm hug and lots of Angel kisses.... Mwah xxxx

Thoughts sent with Love 'n' Light...

Come on you lot... Tell Me... Where does all our precious time go? Where do the hours disappear too? ... How come one minute it’s Monday then its Friday then its Sunday and Blam... Our weekends gone.... It’s scary!!!

Last week was busy, busy, busy... Nothing new there then!!! Again my writing time has diminished and that’s made me feel really sad. Several times I have heard myself wishing for more hours in my day... I tell you this, in my day job I do a lot of driving, it’s always during those times I seem to get most of my insight, my inspiration... I can be going along on any given day... my days are methodically planned... I work by a diary which is also my bible... With the odd cancellation and occasional extra piece work thrown my way.

I can be driving along; it’s so flippin frustrating knowing all these fabulous thoughts are crashing through my brain... I see my story line, I see the characters, I see their roots...their adventures as well as their ultimate endings filled with their wants needs including their desires.... I very clearly see beginnings... Middles... & endings... of story’s I am writing, as well as the story’s that have yet to see ink set onto paper.... The trick for me is to try and remember the way my thoughts went and hopefully jot down what I remember later.... All these great ideas, yet I feel, I can’t progress because I know at this moment in time I have one novel on the go as well as 3 short stories and sadly very little time...

So has you can see some unfinished projects, but I know there’s a lot more where they came from.... Plan of action I think... I need to prioritise. I need to make a list and stick to the plan to see any further progression...

All is well in AngelJanesWorld... Family is good. My beautiful girl has secured herself an apprenticeship so her career starts in a few weeks... much to her joy and mine. My friends are also experiencing good fortune for me that’s always good news... So come on 2009 lets keep experiencing that happiness as well as the joy of hearing welcome news, whether it’s for ourselves or family and friends.

SPECIAL NOTE:
Thank you to everyone for being so wonderfully patient. I know it can be frustrating on my blog sometimes not even getting half a story due to copyright.... you all know my stories are tasters to wet the appetite... So fingers crossed my lovely friends, that at some point the writers world will open its huge cast-iron doors and welcome me in with arms open wide.

I will tell you this... when they do, they wont be disappointed because I know I have what it takes and I know without a shadow of any doubt, I will work extremely hard... My determined, dedication will be given willingly with true devotion.

Right folks really must dash... need to get to grips with 'Nadya's Dream' and maybe a little time for 'Polly Tucker'

Mwah for now Have a great week..... Be with you soon XXX

Big Decision made this week.....

All the things we need time for.... can and do overwhelm us, but the possibilities are endless.

Personally I have always found it a good idea to write a list.... When writing your list... try to prioritise... focus on your needs, wants and must haves...Pin it where you can see it, so that it constantly reminds you of your aspirations and goals.... Then go for it!

The list can be important, for some people. With out it they may not accomplish anything. When the list is complete and your happy... tick things off as you reach your goals giving you clarity and precision to continue.

This week I have felt really strange, one minute high the next minute low... My daily routines have been affected simply by how I have been feeling. On reflection, considering this was my first week back after having some leave... I feel it’s not been too bad.

We enjoyed a good August bank holiday weekend in Scotland; we went to Fort William... Weather was not that brilliant!!! The weekend was a make your mind up time as to whether I was actually going to move to Scotland, or not.... The place was lovely; we enjoyed a fabulous stay in a wonderful, friendly hotel and we did lots of research as well as cruise estate agents .... It wasn’t until I was on the return journey home, sitting quietly in the car (realising I had a numb bum) I shared my decision with Doug....

The weekend had indeed made me realise quite clearly.... I couldn’t leave my family or my friends to live so far away... So a compromise was formed. We are now happily looking to the Lake District for our dream B&B.... So although it’s the same dream it’s just a fresh location.

This week has also brought many little worries to a close and whilst embracing them I have breathed a sigh of relief at those worries becoming manageable.... I still totally believe Life is beautiful and if we can help each other so much the better....

To my Brother If your reading this...
Everything’s going to be alright... you just watch! Mwah xxxx :) xxxx

The thought for this week.....

I saw this cracker on my travels... I have to admit to you I laughed sooooo much.... I just knew I wanted to share it... What a great joke! Something that shakes up (serotonin) like this... you know those feel-good chemicals .... has got to be good.

My week has been very busy both at work and home. My writing on the other hand has unfortunately taken a back seat, which is becoming increasingly difficult for me to live with. I love writing. Strangely enough my thoughts and feelings along with the plots, storylines and characters dont go away just because I dont have the time to write.... they continue to knock, knock, knock on my brain, demanding to be written... So I scribble my thoughts on a special pad, at a later date I go through it gathering the information and making some sort of sense out of it.... At the moment I am working on NADYA... this seems to be turning into much more than a short story, its becoming a novelette... I'm loving the ideas and thoughts about her. My beautiful russian peasant girl, things have developed big time for her character especially since you last peeked a glimpse into her life. Even I love re-reading it time and time again when editing... and re-editing..... its developing brilliantly. At the minute I'm really happy with its progress....

Now what else has happened? Oh yes, earlier on this week I heard a rat-tat-tat on the door.... it was the postman making a very late delivery... It was a book Doug had ordered for me from Amazon... The New 2010 writers Market, I was so excited and yes I'm totally hoping its going to point me in the right direction of finding out new ideas and ways of getting into the writers world etc. I have four projects in competition, I know clearly I wont hear until Oct - Nov 09.
Please note: I am not being negative when I share this with you, I am preparing myself for rejection. I think this is my own protection mode.... If I manage to secure an acceptance I will be totally ecstatic and will have no choice but to take my family & friends out to celebrate.

Work has been a little bit more mad than usual. The least said about that the better..... but I will say this... I love my team, they are the best colleagues on this planet. They all at different times have this uncanny knack and ability to lift me up when I least expect it... Thats why I'm still there!!!! Despite, recently being propositioned... All I can say is this, if I ever left my team, it would have to be for an outstanding post....

My beautiful girl has just secured a job ... one that she is very happy about... then would you adam an eve it... two further invites for apprenticeships fall on her mat this morning making her smile so thats a work in progress and will keep you posted.... I love to see her smile.... :)