Combining food

For someone who doesn't really understand much science, I was fascinated (if also a bit perturbed) by the info given in The Secrets of our food (bbc2) It was shown on Fri but I was out, so only caught up last night. I don't like to consider how yeast works, I'm a bit squeamish. But the whole programme really was interesting and informative and today I will be trying to purchase veggie sources of omega 3. I was also pleased to note how beans on toast is an excellent example of combining grain and protein. When investigating diet in preparation for raising children for whom I wasn't going to cook meat, I discovered the value of combining certain foods. Vit c, for example, increases iron absorption, so a kiwi fruit after scrambled egg means we get 7 times the amount of iron than if just eating the egg.
Worth a watch if you get chance and are also interested in what we feed ourselves :-)

Eve

I bought the book, by Wm Paul Young, cos I have really enjoyed the previous 2 he has written. This one ( no spoilers, the info is given in the title) focuses on the creation story. I will happily lend it to those of you interested, so won't spill too much here in case you'd like to borrow it, I'd certainly recommend it. I don't share some of his views, there seems to be a strong emphasis on marriage and heterosexuality for example, but found lots in this story to enjoy and reflect on and he has done much to highlight the long held oversight of women.

As in all his books, I'm fond of how he depicts God's love as unfailingly tender and complete, never wielding power over us. How in God's eyes we are beautiful and brilliant and yet we often struggle to see ourselves so kindly. I like how the people in his novels are generous and supportive of each other through self doubt (this was a marked contrast with today's Bible reading I had to read out in church, in which the writer felt no-one could be trusted, everyone is out to kill everyone else). I love the affirmation and celebration of every life. I'm encouraged by the message of hope that all of us can know the feeling of being totally accepted. I think his novels, in their modern settings, show us ways we can love one another by reflecting back to people how precious they are, by giving of ourselves in practical support of one another.

This book, I was especially struck by the message of this: when a character realises they had not been trusted and is asked if they are disappointed "Disappointed, no. Grieved, yes. Do you trust me enough to let me be sad without thinking less of yourself?"

Situations can cause grief for others, but that doesn't mean we have let the person down. We can be alongside them in their sadness without taking it on as a personal failing.

As you can perhaps tell, I thought that yet again, he's written a book that's helpful and uplifting. If you want to borrow it, let me know!

if the sky comes falling down...

...  for you, there's nothing in this world I wouldn't do.

I was touched by the many supportive responses that I got to my status on facebook admitting my terror at the dentist and asking for people's tips of how to face such a terror. There have been a whole raft of suggestions that I might try. I was especially struck by those that said to concentrate on your toes as they are far from your mouth. Others suggest music, drugs, breathing, meditation, more drugs. Lots sent love, and one friend has offered - and sounds like she really means it - to come and physically hold my hand throughout. I feel very lucky to have so many people who care about me, who didn't in any way belittle my feelings despite my feeling a bit ashamed at such an extreme reaction when I know other people face much worse things.

This evening I have so many separate places over my body that are causing small amounts of pain for one reason or another, I can't quite think straight. So I'm just going to focus on how grateful I feel to have people who care for me. Hope you are able to notice all you are grateful for too.
xx

Beyond compare

Recently I have been thinking how none of us live a life other than our own. My mind begins to get blown the more I think about it :-) the way I experience what we collectively define, for example, yellow, or salty, might be entirely different from how others experience it, but we would never know of that difference. My concept of a headache could be significantly different from someone else's.

Often when countering people who claim "we should look after our people first" I suggest that our birthplace is an accident of geography. I also believe our lives to be an accident of history. My life is a product of where and when I am. Had I been born a 10o years ago, I would not be on the internet blogging right now, or used my own toilet inside a house I own in my own right as a woman. If I'd been born a few hundred miles south even today, that still might not be the case.

I didn't request to be born in these circumstances, and neither did those who I might - rightly or wrongly - imagine to be worse off. Why do some people live to be 90 years and others only 90 minutes?

It's all a bit incredible when I stop and think...

the little successes

Here are some photos of the little things that have made my day more special.
I hadn't even noticed that my work folder was past it's best, but making coming back to that job afresh today, I spotted that it could be replaced with something more professional looking so now have a new (to me, it's still second hand) one :)

And - sit down - everyone liked the tea I made. I didn't burn it, seconds were had by two of us, and it was given approval to be made another time. And it was so easy I even took a couple of helpline calls whilst it was in the oven. Feeling very proud, and with a bit of organisation and some inspiration for other meals, I think it's going to be ok :)

adjusting

My drum hasn't even been dispatched yet and already the boiler is playing up :( Hopefully it's just a temporary thing to wind me up and all will be well.

It's incredibly quiet here, my boyfriend is working every evening this week - thankfully it's alternate weeks not every week. I shall get more phoneline volunteering in, so that's good, but it's going to take a bit of adjusting! I've already done all the things I like to do (volunteering, reading in the bath and phoning friends) and it's only the first evening...

Warmth on the way

A productive afternoon, despite the frog that nearly put me off the gardening. FINALLY we have put up the curtain rail that I'm hoping is going to keep more heat in the lounge. We'll have to see what the dog makes of having his lookout curtailed now there is a double barrier between him and the window. It probably means that's the end of winter now we have actually got round to doing it.
I've also written an inventory of the freezer. I'm back to being in charge of evening meals for the week, so it was time to get organized :-)
It means I did a good chunk from both sides of my half term list - hurrah!

She knew you were coming so she baked a cake

My baker girly has made an amazing orange cake. I think it's worthy of belonging in a dessert cabinet in any restaurant.  My parents were coming to visit and have had a piece to "cakeaway" too. She wanted to make a special cake, so I said it could be to celebrate my boyfriend's new job, but I'm not sure there has to be a reason for cake.
With 5 layers, it's not finished in the one sitting, so as always, if you want yo visit you'd be most welcome :-)

Shifting focus

My holiday seemed somewhat short, back at it today, tho a study day and hopefully pleasant. There will be endless brews which will be tricky as my latest plan is to cut down caffeine. Ive realised that my consumption of cups of tea has risen without my noticing. I used to have one, maybe 2 a day, now I easily have 4, so it's back down to the one to see if my sleep improves.

Meanwhile I like this quote...

"If you focus on the hurt you will continue to suffer.
If you focus on the lesson you will find the growth"

rearranging what's already there

I love this natural sculpture my girly made yesterday to photograph for a project. I especially like that she then left it for others to encounter - the cones were all there already so it's not like littering, it's merely rearranging, so can be left for others to stumble upon.
It's a talent really, at a metaphorical level, to rearrange what's there so that it can bring more delight than if left alone, as it focuses our mind on the beauty rather than overlook it. We can all do that for one another :)

Love is in the air

Every single time I forget that Giving out love means more love comes back!
This time last year it took me days and days to individually message all of my Facebook friends, and I got blocked from messaging. I didn't want to get blocked again as messaging is a key way I stay in touch with some people. So I have gone for a public announcement of love this year, and already lots of people have replied. Is it that I'm so keen to let others know I love them that my focus is not on the response and I just overlook that likelihood til it occurs? I remember now that it can feel a bit embarrassing - will people think I am fishing for love in return? Well, if that's what people think that's their call. I'll keep on with my love train :-) I know every day, every moment, is an opportunity to let people know how much you love them. Today people can be more sensitive about it, so it's an extra good day to try and show as much as possible. I wonder how many little acts of love I can show today - to my friends, family, strangers, the planet?It's not as cold as yesterday, maybe it's the right day to give out daffodils in the park again?

Love you
Xx

Good start

I finally decided as I didn't want to delay any longer. So that was a different thing to do, including a foreign bank transfer which I've never done before. And I'm already in my PJ's which is unheard of.
Today I've managed things on both sides of the list, I feel content and relaxed, long may it continue :-)

Chakra, solfeggio or ragadesh?

I have a whole batch of happy emotions going on at the moment, mainly due to the tongue drum discovery.
I'm not one for spending money on myself as you know. I've not quite yet spent even half my Christmas money ( I was given a tenner and have so far bought two second hand books). And now I'm about to shell out a small fortune on a single item. But what an item! And so many choices, I'm not sure really if I want a chakra, or solfeggio or ragadesh.
If you too want to immerse yourself in the options, check out tonguedong drums on facebook :-)

Box of frogs

I'm doing well in my drive for difference. I've not had a Saturday evening like that before. We went to be part of "fiction" Billed as a collective dream, I'm glad my dreams are not like that. It was definitely weird. And so an unusual experience. No visuals, being completely in the darker than dark with a bunch of strangers required some trust. Everything was set up to leave us feeling unnerved - assigned seating so we didn't sit next to the person you arrived with. Lots of loud unexpected noises. Whispering - was that just for me or did everyone get that?

Meanwhile I have fallen in love with an instrument. You know I'm not one for wanting things, it would seem that here is an exception. I'm going to get myself one (at some point) even tho they cost a fortune. Here's one in action.
https://www.facebook.com/100008235580907/videos/vb.100008235580907/1693890720895431/?type=3

Creatures of habit

As the dog heads home after his daily walk, he refuses to be on one side of the street - each time he is insistent on crossing over and being on the side nearest home. I think we can all be creatures of habit, falling into well worn grooves rather than summoning energy to do things a little differently.
My worry about this week's holiday at home is that it will feel similar to every other day. Already I have supported breastfeeding mums, I've done washing and tidying, and the sort of things I do every single day. I'm craving the novelty that comes with a change of scene, the break from the same routine. Given that this week I will be in my familiar setting, I will just have to apply a bit of thought to find joy in the ordinary, and to mark the differences where I can. Eating meals on a variety of chairs. Maybe wearing a fancy dress costume when I MOP the kitchen floor. We'll see :-). I've already crossed silly walks off my list :-)

Planning for joy

I have felt confused every day this week as to what the actual day is. Hopefully tomorrow I will be clear all day that it is Fri, and that once I have finished my 3 jobs that's me done for nearly a week. I have a couple of things planned, plus lots of resting. I started a list and am happy with the balance so far :-)

Combination locked

I was hungry by the time I got back from my meeting, several trains away. I'm a sucker for a scone with all the works, and try to convince myself that the whipping of the cream is so labour intensive it surely cancels out the high fat content. So i compiled one, and didn't look too hard for any jam, concluding that the many slices of fresh strawberries would compensate. I was wrong. As my girly later corroborated, there has to be every element for it to taste right. No missing out the butter, the jam or the cream. Today's scone was a cherry one. I might have to repeat the experience later but perfect it :-)

tender

I used the word tender in my blog yesterday and so have been thinking of the word since.
I think it's one of the loveliest ways to be - I appreciate it when people are tender with me, I like it when I manage it with others, and feel cross with myself (rather than tender, interesting) when i don't manage it with others.
And yet it has a range of other uses. We use it to describe how we physically feel when bruised. It can be used to describe meat (bleurgh). And most unrelatedly of all, it can refer to a bid for a piece of work and be successful or not.
Interesting.

* I found out today, from Pointless, that such a word (with multiple meanings ) is called polysemous

Welcome to the cheap seats

I've only just managed to get rid of a song from my head so musnt dwell too much. I'd not heard it in years and then once it was there it stuck. Songs can he like that. I wonder if it bothered me all night as I'm ridiculously tired today.

My book hasn't raised a chuckle yet but keeps surprising me, so I'm enjoying it in that respect. If when I get to the end I think its worth recommending I Will give you the title (just for Heather, who has pointed out there's no point me revising a book if I don't mention its title!)

The day began with my knocking over a glass of water as I turned over to quell my alarm.  Seconds later as I got out of bed to deal with the spill my bare foot connected with a wholly unexpected mound of dog vomit.  This could have set the tone for the day.  But a slight concern for the well being of my faithful hound has left me tender.  I don't know if it's wrong to shower an animal with so much love.  I guess it's fine given the infinite nature of love.  I'm not sure why he's so easy to love since he too is demanding.  Maybe it's simply because he is so content to be stroked and loved.  I suspect loving is easiest when that love is delightfully accepted rather than resisted.

Experiences

An advantage of any relationship - with friends, colleagues, whoever - is that their different likes can encourage you to expand your horizons. I'm now a big fan of Call the midwife, having not hitherto been a tv person as you know. Tonight as most weeks, I blubbed.
Our previous experiences can have us react in ways that become more understandable when those previous experiences are known. A reminder to be as open minded as possible.

I also had a beach walk this afternoon when it's not my destination of choice but all the others like beaches. There were some lovely colours. :-)

Snowdrop walk

I can't believe that I've never before been to lytham hall. It's not far away, the tea room was lovely, and in Feb there are lots of snowdrops. I'm hoping to return very soon with my mum who loves snowdrops. We paused a while to try and spot the woodpecker. There was a charity book stall too and I've bought a Stephen Fry novel as the blurb on the back uses the words fun, humour and chuckles, all of which I need more of.

Not the last time

After a long and difficult week I am very ready for bed.  My girly is not due back for about an hour,  so for the first time ever I'm in bed before she's returned.  I don't know if I will fall asleep.  She left in such a hurry she didn't take a key tho her brother might let her in. And she's bringing 7 of her friends back with her so it's not like I will sleep through their return even if I manage to nod off.
Tea didn't go to plan so I ate alone and much later than usual so have over indulged and might find falling asleep tricky anyway.  And I have laughter envy.  Life's all been rather serious this week,  I can't recall a chuckle let alone a belly laugh.  Maybe tomorrow?

purpose

I've been thinking today that I'm very grateful for the people in my life who help me to be the best me that I can be. Those who listen and encourage, who give me space to work out what it is I want to do, who remind me of all the I am when I can't feel it. Who challenge as well as comfort.
I beleive my (all of our?) purpose is to love one another and to get as close to one another as we can - it requires courage, vulnerability, forgiveness, a whole lot of things. Some days/weeks I get more of a sense of fulfilling that purpose than others :) This is one.
xx

Pass it on

Just shared a fab thing on Facebook. A cartoon about the world hurting, what can I do? Tell someone they are loved, and to pass it on. Awesomely simple and effective. Yay!

Early night for me after little sleep last night!