04 January 2011
24 December 2010
18 December 2010
Bonus
This year I was fortunate indeed to get a bonus from my employer. Most of it has been used sensibly, but there has been one thing I have always wanted to own. I don't need it, I just want it. For years, I had coveted others who owned similar pieces and, when I finally had the money to purchase a copy, the person making them had gone out of business. Recently though I found one that caught my eye and when the bonus was announced, I secretly kept an eye on it and thought if I could manage to do so I would purchase it. Well, the bonus was paid and it was more than I expected, so I took the plunge. Today, it arrived in the post and here, dear folks, it is. It's very heavy, but so comfortable I hardly know I'm wearing it. Yes, it's entirely frivolous, but I love it.
06 December 2010
05 December 2010
A Thought for Others
It is winter, it is cold and with the holidays approaching many find themselves in crisis, for various reasons. There are a myriad of charities out there who help others, especially at this time of year. I wonder though how many people take the time of think of others who need our help.
There was an article this year stating that women, in particular, spend more on themselves at this time of year then they do their friends, which was not particularly shocking to me, given how many people (mostly women) I see out shopping and the amount of responsibility that traditionally falls to women over the holiday season - presents, cards, cooking, decorating. However, I find it odd that we spend so much money on our family, friends and having a good time but some appear to forget how hard this time of year can be for others.
Being on my own, I tend to think of this as a peaceful time and a time for reflection, and nearly every year since I have been separated from my family, my thoughts inevitably turn to those who find winter and the holidays particularly difficult to endure and those are not alone by choice. To this end, it at this time of year I take particular care to find a local charity who helps those in crisis. Usually I choose a homeless charity: some ask for parcels (many supply lists of essential items to help with creating beneficial gifts) or ask for volunteers, either unskilled to help with general matters, or skilled especially therapists, counsellors, advisors prepared to offer their services and skills at the temporary shelters set-up when shops and other businesses shut down.
This year I am thinking of contributing to a charity that assists people who are dealing with mental health issues which can become worse as the holiday period, full of cheer for most, approaches. I am not sure who or how I can help, but I will be spending the next few weeks finding something appropriate.
Just to be clear, I regularly contribute to my chosen charities throughout the year; however, in winter I feel I must try to do more, as I have a roof over my head, central heating and access to everything I need and even though I am alone over the holidays, it is by choice, not enforced as it is for so many others.
I wonder, does anybody else indulge in more charitable acts over the Yule/Christmas/Winter Holiday period?
There was an article this year stating that women, in particular, spend more on themselves at this time of year then they do their friends, which was not particularly shocking to me, given how many people (mostly women) I see out shopping and the amount of responsibility that traditionally falls to women over the holiday season - presents, cards, cooking, decorating. However, I find it odd that we spend so much money on our family, friends and having a good time but some appear to forget how hard this time of year can be for others.
Being on my own, I tend to think of this as a peaceful time and a time for reflection, and nearly every year since I have been separated from my family, my thoughts inevitably turn to those who find winter and the holidays particularly difficult to endure and those are not alone by choice. To this end, it at this time of year I take particular care to find a local charity who helps those in crisis. Usually I choose a homeless charity: some ask for parcels (many supply lists of essential items to help with creating beneficial gifts) or ask for volunteers, either unskilled to help with general matters, or skilled especially therapists, counsellors, advisors prepared to offer their services and skills at the temporary shelters set-up when shops and other businesses shut down.
This year I am thinking of contributing to a charity that assists people who are dealing with mental health issues which can become worse as the holiday period, full of cheer for most, approaches. I am not sure who or how I can help, but I will be spending the next few weeks finding something appropriate.
Just to be clear, I regularly contribute to my chosen charities throughout the year; however, in winter I feel I must try to do more, as I have a roof over my head, central heating and access to everything I need and even though I am alone over the holidays, it is by choice, not enforced as it is for so many others.
I wonder, does anybody else indulge in more charitable acts over the Yule/Christmas/Winter Holiday period?
28 November 2010
No Price on Friendship
I am lucky to know a few people who are talented indeed. Not all are friends, some are acquaintances and some I know only through the internet. One (now lost) internet connection led me to meet a wonderful lady of the witchy persuasion who has become a great friend indeed.
Over the years I have known her, this friend has helped me on a number of occasions and I think we have learned a lot from each other. My friend runs a pagan shop and does relatively well - though she would probably say she would like to do better - and, despite this, she still finds time to look after others. I am one of those lucky people for whom she cares.
When I first moved to London, I developed an annoying reaction to the water during the Winter months: my skin would itch, turn red, blotchy, cracked and papery and, aged just 26, my hands and lower arms would resemble that of someone in their 90s. Over the years, I have sought various treatments for it, GPs, hand creams, homeopathy, oat-filled muslin bags, supplements, etc., but nothing touched it. Last winter, my friend created a cream from ingredients fetched from a local graveyard and the results were magical. Now the winter water doesn't cause so much damage. Every time my hands go in the water I use the cream and my hands are age appropriate, i.e. soft, smooth and sans sores.
I know that this friend, along with some help, spends a fair bit of time collecting the ingredients, preparing them and making the cream, but she never charges me for it, even though she should and I offer. I am ever so grateful to know such a wonderful, talented, caring person I might never have met were it not for the internet, but one whose friendship is priceless.
Over the years I have known her, this friend has helped me on a number of occasions and I think we have learned a lot from each other. My friend runs a pagan shop and does relatively well - though she would probably say she would like to do better - and, despite this, she still finds time to look after others. I am one of those lucky people for whom she cares.
When I first moved to London, I developed an annoying reaction to the water during the Winter months: my skin would itch, turn red, blotchy, cracked and papery and, aged just 26, my hands and lower arms would resemble that of someone in their 90s. Over the years, I have sought various treatments for it, GPs, hand creams, homeopathy, oat-filled muslin bags, supplements, etc., but nothing touched it. Last winter, my friend created a cream from ingredients fetched from a local graveyard and the results were magical. Now the winter water doesn't cause so much damage. Every time my hands go in the water I use the cream and my hands are age appropriate, i.e. soft, smooth and sans sores.
I know that this friend, along with some help, spends a fair bit of time collecting the ingredients, preparing them and making the cream, but she never charges me for it, even though she should and I offer. I am ever so grateful to know such a wonderful, talented, caring person I might never have met were it not for the internet, but one whose friendship is priceless.
25 November 2010
Is the Curse of Tara affecting those who have desecrated the complex?
I have only just finished reading Eddie Lenihan's "Meeting the Other Crowd
", so this article make interesting reading indeed.
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