Smoke and Mirrors

I have always hidden behind my smoke and mirrors to all but a few. Even worse, I hide behind them from myself, refusing to face my demons and my limitations, but truly knowing that I am my own limitation. 

So I embarked on a journey to ... well, myself really (cue Charlene - I've Never Been To Me).

I now have my blogs, each opening different part of me but there is more to be released from their compartments ... in time. 

I have been opening up to my spirituality and bond with nature. Part of this has been to follow a psychic called Steve MacDonald on Facebook and participate in his regular experiments which test his accuracy. He is blowing my smoke away and shattering my mirrors which surround me, as he brings to light that it is I myself who is thwarting my owns plans through my lack of self belief. This has been said to me before but only by people who know me, not a 'stranger' thousands of miles away who has never met me and only has comments such as 'yes please Steve' to read into my psyche. It is time to take action.

Witchhazel x 

Fall Into Fitness Challenge

http://networkedblogs.com/BVTgu?a=share

It's back again so fingers crossed I can make a success of it <];)

Almost August

Yes, I have been neglecting my blog so I will take a little time organise my thoughts and get writing next month.
With thanks to Indigo for the subtle hint :) x.

Spring Into Fitness - Weeks 6 and 7

View of Loch Lomond from Ben Lomond 

The end of Week 7 has been the pinnacle, or rather summit, of the fortnight :). 

My brother has invited me to join him at the gym for many months so I asked him last week if I could join him but he said he no longer went to the gym. He invited me to join him on a walk instead so I agreed on the understanding it would not be too strenuous or long. On that understanding, he, his son and I climbed my first ever munro, Ben Lomond, on Saturday 19th May! I only found out where I was going when they picked my up early that morning, I was away almost all day but surprisingly I didn't feel too much pain after so I lived to tell the tale. 

I'm not sure I really want to know what this does to my broomstick points :). 

Earth 
I've been eating lunch more regularly and having lighter dinners at night and not wanting to snack too much in-between. 
I am still selecting and ironing work outfits in advance of the morning dash to work.

Air 
Again I have spent much more time at work - I overworked and lost the equivalent of over four days work in the last month :( . 

However my climbing expedition, to 990m, did wonders for my lungs!

The views were wonderful too :), except when the clag i.e. cloud/fog came down on us as we climbed the summit ;).

When my friend visited from London during week 6 so we got to chat for a couple of hours, taking a walk to catch up with our own and family developments on a lovely dry evening and even visited my sister. 

Water

I took too much water on the the climbing experience by accident, 2 litres instead of 1, double what was recommended, and my brother insisted on carrying it for me so I felt bad about this. I am someone who makes good use of the ladies facilities, it has been well drilled into me from childhood, but surprisingly being on a mountain for six hours didn't phase me and my body behaved itself!

I crossed more than a few burns and streams on my trek and trudged in the pockets of snow on the summit and then drank hot coffee on the top of the summit with the other climbers as the light snow swirled round us. 

Fire 
After that, and the tiring days, I feel fine, just a little tightness in my calves. My brother advised me to get a protein bar to give me a boost and it would take pain away 'next time round'! 

I spent Sunday at home but did get lots of laundry done :).

When my friend visited from London a week, we went on a, what I will now refer to as, short walk, chatting as we went. 
 x50 (at a guess)


Spirit 

I did think seriously about cancelling the walk, even before I knew where I was going as that is what I usually do - avoid situations that I am not sure about or in control of.
My friend who is very attuned to the energies tried to meet with me  during week 6 but I could never find the time. I felt quite bad about this as I do worry about her however I meet with her this week and all is well - she becoming a stronger woman :).

Last year when my friend visited, we took our own full day tour of Glasgow so it was nice to relax more this time ;). We also paid a quick visit to see my sister, time which all three of us enjoyed :).

Week 5/6 Thou Art Goddess Challenge (Optional) 

Exercise my Elements! I think I shall be repeating myself here, as I find it difficult to remember anything before Ben Lomond. My brother is now calling me 'Mountain Girl'! 

Earth  - striding up, and down, the mountain. Ok, so not striding, and there was a path but not what I would have previously called a path...
Air  - I did walk up some stairs at work but walked down more - I visited my customers on floor 13 a lot over the two weeks. Mountain again - 990m! My brother did most of the talking, providing advice, information and general chat during the expedition - I responded when I had the breath to do so ;).

Water  - Walking over burns and streams and alongside patches of snow - during the Scottish summer!

Fire  - I found the energy for the climb. Can I remember any passion? I'm sure there must have been some ;).

Spirit - the camaraderie of the many climbers on the mountain, everyone sharing hellos and tips on the conditions etc. The sheer vastness of the mountains and the beauty of the views. The absolute silence on the mountain when there was no-one close by on the path - such serenity.

*Ben Lomond Walk Statistics*

Distance         12km/7.5 miles

Time              4.5 - 5.5 hours 

 - My time ascent 3.5hrs, descent 2.5hrs*

Ascent          990m

Grid Ref        NS359986

Spring Into Fitness - Week 5

It has been a busy week, resulting in me falling asleep at the most unlikely times, like Grandpa Simpson, e.g. holding my full wine glass, then being awake when I should be sleeping :).


Earth
The theme of the week has been to regularly miss lunch but, on the plus side, snacking on junk food has been greatly reduced. I was however treated to a meal on Saturday night at my favourite restaurant, The Grill on the Corner :).
I also selected and ironed my outfits for work again, which allows me to spent more time to laze in bed before I get up and dash to work :).


Air
I have spent much more time at work so there has been little chance to surf, just sleep.

Water

I couldn't even think about Venice yet but I did drink lots of water during the long hours.


Fire
Early rises and late nights too drained me but I loved the tasks, even when I faltered. ON Saturday night, following a very welcome hotel room and good food and wine, I could only make it through the first half of the Love and Money concert ;).
 x2


Spirit

I asked a friend for an energy reading, not realising she herself needed energy so I dedicated my consecration of the Goddess and Five Fold Kiss at sunset at Beltane to her :).

Week 5/6 Thou Art Goddess Challenge (Optional) 

Exercise my Elements! Not sure how to go about the challenge.

Earth  - possibly light yoga in the garden? Although some intense gardening would be more productive lol.
Air  - walking up the stairs at work may sound boring but there are 15 flights ;).

Water  - walking, again, in the rain is something I definitely think I can achieve this week, as I have seen the local weather report ;).

Fire  - I think a bit of passion is called for here ;)).
Spirit - mediation or yoga perhaps.


*Statistics*
Height 5ft 3in / 160cm
Date              Weight
25/03/2012   9st 13.1lb / 63.1kg
07/05/2012   9st  9.8lb / 61.6kg

Spring Into Fitness - Week 4

The start of the busy two week period for me, relatively speaking.

Earth

Despite having the elements in place, organised lunches - sandwiches, fruit, orange juice - didn't happen. I guess I have put too much reliance on my better half making lunches over the last few months and this week he didn't - he drove me for my early starts instead, which I had more need of :).

So eating this week has been a bit of a hit or miss, with potato scone roll, yes I know it is bad of me, for most of the week, rushed lunch sandwiches and late snacks when I eventually get home.. Normally during this period, I have lots of sweets, crisps and fizzy drinks to keep body and soul together but this year the temptation to do this has been greatly reduced.
Last Sunday night I did, however, organise and iron my outfits for work - which I haven't done, yet, for this week :(. 

Only one week to go... and then I run out of excuses ;).

Air

I've continued to surf but posting on fb and forum has been greatly reduced, due to lack of available time or motivation - but this enforced restriction has not been a bad thing for me, mentally or spiritually. I am also in a different, closed environment where team working and tight deadlines are key, so I have to be more social as well as task focused. I have found that I can't easily dip back into my normal role in this environment, even when time permits. 

And I booked my summer holiday! Well in advance too, as I normally book a few days before I go on leave.

Water

Not keeping myself as hydrated as I know I should, which is not good for this time period but I try to pick the pace back up next week. I don't have my peppermint tea at hand and I sometimes forget that I miss it  i.e. when I have the opportunity to bring it across but then I miss it at the most inopportune moments when I just can't leave the room to go get it :(.

On the water element/pisces theme, I should perhaps mention that I shall be going to Venice for the first time on my summer holiday :).

Fire

Burning the candle a bit at both ends so must try to concentrate on my health and energy levels. I have done more than the equivalent of two extra days over a five days and it will be more next week too but, on the big plus side, I enjoy it :). I went straight out on Friday evening then managed to sleep later on Saturday morning, making up for the weekday early starts :). After shower and brunch, I walked down into the village to the cobblers and florist, walked back home (uphill) and then spent some time in the garden mowing the lawn and doing some general tidying. Where I got the energy from, I'll never know ;). I then went to bed early for a couple of hours but, surprise, woke again and now can't get back to sleep :(. Hence the late night update, but early update, for Week 4 ;).
 x14

Spirit

I have put some effort into team working but elsewhere, in a moment of madness, I was uncharitable but if I try to make amends, it will make it worse, so I will learn from it and hopefully become a better person :(.

Week 3/4 Thou Art Goddess Challenge (Optional) 

Having fun whilst exercising/What I have struggled with in Week 3.

I have merged the two challenges because I did not do the Week 3 challenge during Week 3.

Yes, I like walking so I think it counts, especially when I have my tunes on at the time, so occasionally dance/walk or move with the beat at least lol. And it was bright and sunny and the cheery blossom trees were in full bloom :).

I did not plan to walk down into the village or back on Saturday but I had shoes repairs to pick up from the previous Saturday, not having been able to do so during the week. I could have taken the lift that was offered or waited for the bus, in either or both directions but I felt energised after the bit of extra sleep and the bright sunny day :). Following a short sit down, I then went into the garden, grass growing like wildfire and long overdue for a trim so it had been my plan, weather permitting, to cut it on Saturday, or Sunday - always delaying the inevitable ;). Afterwards, I felt a sense of achievement - it was not perfect but the key task had been done. Then after that I found myself wandering around the garden removing dead leaves and flowers - not my original intention but still fulfilling and not tiring, my mind freed of 'stuff'. To finish off, I topped up the water in my copper willow tree fountain and tested it for the first time this year. After a small adjustment to allow one jet to flow down onto a willow leaf, my better half and I stood back to enjoy it.

The goal here is to figure out why you are self-sabotaging yourself - always delaying the inevitable ;)

Spring Into Fitness - Week 3 (late)

The pre-cursor to a busy two weeks at work.

Earth

Again my lunches have been more organised, with sandwiches, fresh fruit and low fruit with jelly portions but I have succumbed to more rolls on potato scone and even worse comfort food - one night last week I had a sausage supper! Which is, the uninitiated, two long sausages, similar to hotdogs, deep fried in batter and served with deep fried chips i.e. real potato slices - I added HP brown sauce too, as this is my sauce of choice. Definitely not a healthy option :( . 

Air

Still keeping on top of the housework but not as much as I should. The forum is proving very interesting as one of my comments led another to suspect I was hitting on another. Not true but I felt my ideas about falling in admiration at first sight/meeting echoed some of my experiences.
I also went to my geeky British Computer Society monthly meeting and presentation - turns out that no matter what you do to remove your personal data e.g. photos, text messages etc from your mobile phone e.g. before you sell it on or recycle it, most of the data can be recovered, to a greater or lesser degree. A range of makes and models of mobile phones were tested and data was recovered from all of them :(.
I also went to an elections hustings - the local area council elections are next month. This one was well mannered with existing local councillors and prospective candidates for election forming a panel to answer questions already provided but it made for a different evening.

Water

Still being fluid in my personal and professional life. 

Fire

Keeping up the extra walking but also being more amorous, counting towards the extra broomsticks ;). Burning the candle a bit at both ends so must try to concentrate on my health and energy levels.

Spirit

My spirit is rising again and it shows. My smile still precedes me.

I haven't looked at the Week 3 challenge until now but will give it a go this week - Play ;)

Week 3 Thou Art Goddess Challenge (Optional) 

This week I want you to focus less on your fitness and weight loss goals and more on having fun while exercising. While doing things like running on the treadmill and weightlifting has it's place, I want you to do exercise that makes you feel like a kid again! Go roller skating, play tag, or dance just for the heck of it. Maybe it's not movement that you did as a kid that feels like fun and playtime to you but hiking, rock climbing, or sexy bellydancing. The point this week is to have fun and make exercise playtime! How often every week could you "play" as opposed to "work out?"

Spring Into Fitness - Week 2 (late)

I seem to have skipped a week, without really noticing it.

Earth

My lunches have been more organised, with sandwiches, fresh fruit and low fruit with jelly portions. I've had more organic weetabix but discovered it is not so good for me on some mornings so I've had a late breakfast roll instead. I've not had much chocolate and still don't crave crisps, which may me sad but happy at the same time. There has been a bit more fish for dinner at night so hitting the omega 3 too :) .

Air

Breathing exercises still on the list but housework coming along better. The forum is proving interesting but not so philosophical as I had originally thought or perhaps I am still delving and responding to the easier, more emotive topics :).

Water

Still being fluid in my personal and professional life. I have also stocked up on and taken more peppermint and green tea. Still taking the hot orange to combat my cough and general listlessness.

Fire

I've done a bit more walking in the fresh air, minus mp3 :). But only about 2 broomsticks worth, as I usually walk to and from the bus to work (30mins a day) which I don't count i.e. 10mins from house to bus stop and 5 mins from bus to work, plus lots of walking in my 15 floor office. Yes I have started to use the stairs to go up four floors at the moment but I can happily come down 15 floors without noticing much - yes it is a bit trance like ;).

Spirit

Still listless but cheerier with a smile for people I meet - family, friends, colleagues, strangers - which in turn helps them to smile and pass the time of day too.

I found my violet incense sticks after I updated my week 1 blog.

Spiritual and Environmental Cleansing

Here is a further breakdown for the Spring Cleaning Series Challenge 


Week ~ Area of the Home ~ Area of Life
Week 1 ~ Cleaning Your Spiritual Life and Subtle Body
Week 2 ~ Home Exterior and Repairs ~ Health and Fitness
Week 3 ~ Front Porch/Entryway ~ Personality and Self-image
Week 4 ~ Kitchen and Dining Room ~ The Heart of Your Life
Week 5 ~ Living Areas ~ Entertainment and Social Life
Week 6 ~ Your Bedroom ~ Love Life and Relaxation
Week 7 ~ Kids' Bedrooms ~ Fertility and Parenting
Week 8 ~ Bathroom ~ Beauty and Hygiene
Week 9 ~ Home Office/Den ~ Career and Finances
Week 10 ~ Back Yard ~ Connecting with Nature
Week 11 ~ Front Yard ~ Living Green
Week 12 ~ Garage/Attic/Basement ~ Emotional and Mental Clutter
Week 13 ~ Laundry Area and Closets ~Your Shadow Self

Spring Into Fitness - Week 1

Start small, scale quickly...perhaps ;)

Earth

There is no set eating plan but I suspect there won't be a plan, even by the end of the challenge. I've have organic weetabix (wholegrain wheat cereal) with skimmed milk twice this week and only two rolls on potato scone - a good achievement as this is my regular breakfast at work. Today, after Lent, I have returned to eating crisps - I still enjoy them but I don't crave them, so much, so it is a good start. Chocolate - I can take or leave.

Air

I have bookmarked a couple of web sites for breathing exercises, done only a little extra housework but I have opened the windows to let the fresh cold air sweep through the house. I joined the forum on Philosophy Now and noticed that there is a post on the Happy New Year thread for last year's solstice, which was intended for the traditional January 1st wishes, and a discussion on Is Wicca the way forward? which I think I should join in.

Water

I have been a bit more chilled and tried not to over-think emotionally. I do need to buy more peppermint tea and some green tea for work but I am taking less coffee. I have been taking more hot orange and blackcurrant drinks to combat my dreaded lurgy.

Fire

I've been a bit off colour so exercise is out for now, although I do love the broomsticks! Dancing to Rockin' In The Free World by Neil Young, which was being played by my friend's band Rosewood on Friday night may count ;).

Spirit

Maybe not as caring, considerate and thoughtful of others as I could have been, as I squeak hoarsely and sleep lots to get over my physical lurgy.

Week 1 Thou Art Goddess Challenge (Optional)

I performed The Fivefold Kiss for the first time during the full moon, which was fitting for me to do so as I have been told that I have been channeling Goddess energy for most of the year. Unfortunately, I could not find any of my incense but used candle smoke for Air - which is another reason why I need the Challenge. But I did find my favourite incense today :).

Tomorrow is another day - and the start of Week 2... ;)

Spring Into Fitness Challenge

 I have decided to sign up for the Spring Into Fitness Challenge from Serenity Raven and here are my goals that represent all five elements: earth, air, fire, water and spirit:-

Earth

Better eating plan, especially during work week (April!). Less roll on potato scone for breakfast, more weetabix.

Air

Learn breathing exercises, air house, use your mind!

Water

Everything is fluid, lol more, stress less, chill more. Drink even more water, try green tea again, take more peppermint tea, less coffee.

Fire

Do more of what makes me feel alive, what my passions are! Take some exercise

Spirit

I could say be more alturistic but, in this scenario, it would flow from being selfish thus rendering it not alturistic at all *sigh*. Be more caring, considerate and thoughtful of others. Love and nourish my soul.

The Mid-March Festivals

Being a St. Patrick's Day baby, I haven't given much thought to the the other mid-March festivals which occur during the same week.

Yes, I have been aware today, 15th March, is The Ides of March since school and perhaps before (Saturday afternoon movies). The Ides are the middle of the month but The Ides of March are best known for when Julius Caesar was killed. This was not just artistic licence by William Shakespeare to make a good story.


I was not aware that yesterday, 14th March, is regarded as Pi Day because in American date format 3/14 are the first three digits of π in decimal.

Monday 19th March is St. Joseph's Day, celebrating the feast day of Joseph, the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Shockingly I have confused this date with 16th March, to which I attribute having a childhood friend who's birthday in 16th March and mixing that celebration up with St. Joseph's Day.


And 17th March is of course St.Patrick's Day and my birthday. It is a holy day and also a day of celebration of all things Irish in many parts of the world - including New York, where I celebrated my 40th birthday :)


As my year of the answer to Life, the Universe and Everything draws to a close, I have felt humbled and elated by being so blessed with the love of family and friends. Even today, I have felt embraced by the warmest wishes from surprisingly unexpected quarters. 
Thank you all and I will raise a glass to toast you on St. Patrick's Day ;)


Mon 12 - white/white with green leaves/green suede :)
Tues 13 - purple/green with white and purple flowers/ green suede :)
Wed 14 - white/white with black/white flowers/black leather cut-out :)
Thurs 15 - white/black/black leather cut-out :)

A Week of Buying Sundresses (or month?)

I succumbed to the Tesco sale then an ad-hoc visit to Cyber, followed by an early arrival at Cyber later in the week and a visit to East today increased my dress collection. Some are suitable for work but not all are sundresses ;)


I was also inspired by an article in The Guardian today, which I may pursue for some of my offline work...


So here goes:-
Mon 5 - red/white with red and black flowers/red patent leather :)
Tues 6 - a change in theme for bh birthday meal - wine work dress/wine suede boots :)
Wed 7 - dusty lilac/white with lilac flowers and green/purple velvet :)
Thurs 8 - black dress with dusky lilac flowers/black leather boots :)
Fri 9 - away day uniform


P.S. I can re-assure you that I have now started to streamline the contents of my wardrobe, not just continually add to it ;)

Girls In Their Summer Clothes

March has arrived, full of the promise of spring, with bright days of sunshine but still with a slight chill in the air.


I thought I would wear sundresses to celebrate however I don't know if I have enough which would be suitable for work wear so it will probably be suitable separates.


Unfortunately I thought St. David's Day was Friday, not Thursday, so I hadn't prepared a yellow top and skirt ensemble for the day but I started with black and white. Last year I was better organised with white/lace yellow


So here goes:-
Thurs 1 - black satin/black and white flowers/black leather :)
Fri 2 - purple/white with purple flowers/purple velvet :)


And to accompany my theme for March?


Bruce Springsteen - Girls In Their Summer Clothes

Bruce Springsteen - Girls In Their Summer Clothes (Official Music Video)Bruce Springsteen

Roll on Monday :)


Yes, I know the song is not happy smiley and touched by heartbreak 
'The girls in their summer clothes
Pass me by'

Electric Man UK Premiere

Tonight I went to see the UK premiere of Electric Man at the Glasgow Film Festival.


This, as you may be aware, is the movie done by my friend from my long distant past in Edinburgh. 


Launching the movie tonight, starting to tour with it and trying to get it picked up for national and international distribution is another chapter for the idea that has become the movie and is spawning off a back history to support it.


For me, it was the culmination of seeing the process from the later stage of filming, with no inkling of the creative and crucial fund raising which took place to bring the idea to this stage - the idea transformed into the movie: a product distilled from the essence of an idea; this stage also being the CCA Theatre in Glasgow (a revelation in itself in the Sauchiehall Street of shops). And not forgetting the inspiration to go for your dream. And the hard work it must have entailed...


It was never really about the content or production for me but, knowing the influences, I knew I'd be in for a good story. I don't want to spoil it for anyone but I was not disappointed. 


All the key ingredients were there - mystery, romance, a thug, twists and turns, nostalgia and beautiful scenery. You should hopefully laugh at funny bits - I'm sure they all were intentional?, aah at the romance, be scared by the thug, wallow in the nostalgia, aah again at the Edinburgh scenery and generally come out feeling cheered and perhaps even uplifted.  


As he said, Scotland does gritty well but can do happy movies too! 


SO GO SEE A HAPPY MOVIE NOW!
Electric Man

If it is not playing near you, contact the film team and try to set-up a local screening.


Me - I'm looking forward to the Edinburgh screening at The Cameo with the girls (and after of course, hic). Then I'll just wait on the dvd coming out..

Where did February go?

It is almost the second dark moon of the year and I am wondering where has the time went?

Of course when I think about and look back, it has been a mixed month for emotions - or a busy fun-filled month if you believe the fb posts lol.

So perhaps the underlying message is of hope and love and I'm over-thinking it - what a surprise?

Yes, I'll go with that.

1,2,3 Smile! (...again ;) )

The First Dark Moon of 2012

Fade to Black by Metallica, Back in Black by AC/DC.
There is no end of topical songs to hear on rock radio to mirror the mood. I've been wearing the black t-shirt all day and my grey steak has returned to my dark hair ;)
No, it is the first dark moon of 2012.
'Stay in Light' sounds in my head but I let the music lead me to the dark side - 'in the witching hour' - Animal by Def Leppard.
Alone by Heart is a step too far - more a song for tears and heartbreak, which I have resorted to often.
The dark moon is mischievous, playful and mysterious - not a time for romantic love.
So where will the dark moon lead me tonight <];)

Blue Monday

If you are convincing, you can get people to believe anything.
Today was not a Blue Monday for me.
Sure things were

• tired
• delayed
• busy
• late

I just felt a bit sadly crestfallen today. Not a big issue, just a little forlorn.

So onward and upward! Smile 1, 2, 3

New Year's Day Horoscope - Patterns again

This is the first horoscope I have posted. It might be nice to look back in another year, God willing, to see if I followed the advice from horoscope and re-occurring patterns and how it all works out (or not - haha, failed already ;)).
*Please note there is no Love forecast for today :(

Daily Forecast for Jan 01, 2012 by: Kim Rogers-Gallagher astrology.com

Molting Season Saturn Semisextile Neptune December 22, 2011 to March 27, 2012 It's time to let go of each and every one of those 'useless' emotions. That includes (for starters) guilt, worry, regret and anything even remotely resembling fear. Whatever it is, you can pull it off. All you have to do is believe in yourself.

Energy Saturn Semisextile Neptune December 22, 2011 to March 27, 2012 Yes, situations are passing out of your life now, some of which you weren't planning on living without. Mourn. Grieve. Then move on. It's time for new life.

Career Uranus Opposition Jupiter December 18, 2011 to February 20, 2012 It's the opportunity you've been waiting for, and it's actually arrived. Don't hesitate, not for a second. This is a one-shot deal.