Planes, brains and all very well

Before I write this post I have been reminded by Mick to give myself an award from our boating holiday. On the 2nd or 3rd lock I got off the boat with my cutlass, no, windlass to take charge of the lock. My brain had turned to absolute mush – this happens when everything slows to river pace and I couldn’t work out which gate to open. I stood looking at it hoping it might tell me if it was full or empty, as I really couldn’t get my brain to tell me. I looked at the river either side of the lock but it was all meaningless.

In the end I had to summon Mick from his position at the helm to help me. He, of course, smiled sweetly at my ineptitude and pretended it could happen to anyone. After several locks it became clear that these moments do happen a lot even with very experienced boaty people. My award? The blonde one!

Back to now -

Just over a week ago I was in Kuwait hosting the Beyond Bliss retreat workshops.
I had the most amazing time and consider myself very fortunate to have been invited there by Eman – who is now my agent in the Middle East. Ha ha get me!

I have never been very good at sleeping on planes. This is partly because of excitement (after so many years as a phobic) plus the noise, the constant offerings of food and drinks and the loo door opening and closing causing the light to shine on my head. Mostly, though it is the fear of waking up with a snort and dribble dripping from my chin to my chest. So, although tired when I arrived the happiness took over. It is an amazing place.

Eman took me on a tour and breakfast at the Marina. Later on, after a rest, we went to a girlfriend’s home for supper and to meet with other friends. We had a fun evening of delicious food and much laughing. I left with a bag of gifts kindly given to me by the hostess. These and those from Eman show how generous the Kuwaiti people are. They are very welcoming and kind.

We had an early start on the Thursday for a live TV interview on Good Morning Kuwait. This was fun and everyone was charming and gracious. It was even ok when they showed a short video of lights, energy flows and chakras and the host asked me to comment! After my bit we were shown around the gallery and editing suites (and yes I felt like a luvie) (it was cool). The place was a buzz of activity and I loved every minute of it.

My workshops were held at the Sahara Kuwait - nice – and when I walked into the conference room I had a little squeal (very professional) then took some photos (ever the professional).
Whenever a group comes together the power and energy is palpable and the group here bonded immediately and we had 3 fabulous days of hypnotic meditation, healing, dowsing, auras, chakras, cosmic ordering and more. All interspersed with being fed and watered and every need or desire taken care of. Eman had thought of everything and was a pleasure to work with.

On the last day we created a board for the world and it was a butterfly inducing moment meditating on the words and sentiments from everyone’s heart. We then sent the whole bundle of positivity and love out to the cosmos.

The whole experience was Bliss. In fact Beyond Bliss!


Here are some of the group:




Thank you to Anne Jirsch for having such a kind-heart, generous spirit and the connection to Eman x

Rocking the boat

After we returned from our trip we were keen to book a boating holiday and so hit the button for a short week on the Oxford Canal.
This was a lot of fun. Imagine being in a long cupboard that floats and can reach the rocket speed of 4 miles an hour when there is nothing else about. There is a wonderful sense of freedom that goes with mooring up in the evening wherever you like (pretty much) and, if you are near, strolling to a pub for supper.

We spent a lot of time giggling as we made our way through 24 locks and under several lift bridges. The locks are rather jovial affairs with other boaters lending willing hands.

The comedy award goes to the drunk who wanted to help: very scary as he headed towards the water at quite a pace determined to be useful with his head down – clueless. I thanked him and managed to convince him I’d be ok at which point he got back on his bike and set off along the towpath with his dog racing alongside!

The heart stop award goes to the cyclist that slid off his bike as I was raising the bridge. I thought he was further away and going slower than he actually was. He thought I was continuing over the bridge and sped up. The combination of neither of us paying enough attention resulted in a blood-curdling scream and thud just as the bridge began to rise.

Fortunately there wasn’t a splash or blood! There was however one very apologetic man extracting himself from under his bike and both of us trying to be sorrier than the other.

When you reach a life bridge one stays on the boat while the other leaps; steps, stumbles or with an inelegant combo, gets off, crosses the bridge and hoists it up by pulling on the hanging chain. When it is fully up you have to sit on it to prevent it closing on the boat as it passes under.

Here is one that remains up.



Some of them are fairly small just for cattle or walkers to cross but a couple of them are big and metal for cars to drive over. One of these beasties is at Thrupp Marina. Here there amenities plus a shop and pub and the boats pass under the bridge into its hub. We were there at lunchtime and it was abuzz. I raised the bridge and took my place for Mick to bring the boat under. Along came a motorist. He was a cross bunny having to wait for a few minutes while the bridge was up and started to rev his engine in a huffy growly sort of way.

You’ll be pleased to know that I didn’t hex him or his tyres as the angel of karma was there waiting to do her stuff. Coming the other way on the water was another boat with only one man on it. I beckoned him through and remained sitting on the bridge arm to keep it open so he didn’t need to stop. There were many people about. When he was safely through I lowered the bridge. It was big.

It was heavy. It was very amusing that the idiot in the car set off immediately the bridge begin to close and then the bridge bounced back up. No one really knows how he managed to stop the car and didn’t end up under it in the water. He must have felt the wind from all the head shaking and tutting that reverberated around. He then drove at me looking puffed with anger like Mr Toad with his red-faced wife looking anywhere but at me. He had made a complete fool of himself and caused much merriment. For him, the total idiot award!

All in all a good time was had by all (mostly ☺) …



Our little boat sinking down in the, appropriately named, Somerton Deep Lock. Many people can see a ghost in the top right window!

I have put the comments button back - please join in (nicely :))

Shall I tell you where I am?

As road trips go ours was rather fine. Setting off 1st thing and heading towards an airport can be misery making but we had a mission and so didn’t mind at all. There was the inevitable jam on the M25 but the time passed listening to Chris Moyles with his guest Peter Jones. The catch phrases from the Dragons’ Den are slowly but surely making their way into everyday language as everyone gets it if you say, ‘shall I tell you where I am?’

It is a long way to Holy Island and we had to be there before the tide turned, as when the causeway is covered there is no movement on or off.
Since we visited there has been a news report about motorists getting wet – it really isn’t rocket science. If the tide is in do not drive into it!
It is a beautiful place: very peaceful and calm although probably not so during the day. We had a room booked at Bamburgh View - the one in the picture if you are inclined to look. The room was perfect. It looked like the owners had thought about what they would like from a b&b and created it. Many other establishments should try that!

We strolled about on the island, had supper in the Crown & Anchor, a good sleep, perfect freshly cooked breakfast and were clever enough to leave the island when the tide was out.

We headed towards Berwick but drove straight out again deciding to keep going to Edinburgh, which is stunning but so busy I felt quite claustrophobic. We parked the car in a strange shaped car park on 6th floor and trudged down the stairs. We got to the 2nd floor to see a sign that said, 'shops on 5th floor '...
Two things stand out – I saw a man in a kilt and pedestrians obey traffic signals. I spotted a crowd on a corner and thought they were watching a street artist or something but no they were waiting for the green man to flash them to safety.
On our way back to the strange car park we (ok I) managed to get us lost in John Lewis. Had to buy perfume to recover!

Arriving at Stonehaven we checked into Harbour Side. The town is quite large but we were in the beautiful harbour. Another fantastic evening and night followed by the entertaining Gordon and Marilyn from Canada over breakfast regaling us of their travel tales.
Setting off the following morning on route to Aberdeen we stopped off in a place called Keith.
All very nice and gentle. The Scots are friendly and the shops are fine.
We had decided to get a picnic lunch and The Deli supplied us with everything anyone could ever need. Keith was charming: friendly, chatty with an air of calm.

Stocked up with delicious food we drove to Spey Bay. This is where the river meets the sea and without slipping into gush mode - it is truly amazing. Each place we arrived at seemed more beautiful than the one before. There were swans on the sea and many people having lots of fun.

Loch Ness was our next sleep stop; The Clansman Hotel - more amazing views and moments of awe and another kilted Scotsman. Men should wear skirts – they are cool and if big flame-haired Scots can carry it off then anyone can. Even Gok would approve I’m sure! Nessie didn’t come to play but we had yet another amazing meal, strolled to the water via an underpass from the hotel and reveled in our brilliance at being in discovering all these fantastic places. Sitting by the edge of Loch Ness after dinner trying to comprehend the size of it was mind-boggling. But we managed and after more self praise returned to our perfect (again) room over-looking the water.

From here to Fort William we had a pause at Oich and found a tearoom by the swing bridge. We were becoming more convinced that we fancied a boating holiday and got chatting with the owner of the café.
He suggested we stop off at Laggan and visit the floating pub, which we did and all very pleasing it was too.

On to Loch Lochy to stay at the LetterFinlay Lodge Hotel and, yes, you’ve guessed, another amazing place. The hotel has a private beach and jetty so we were able again to get the water’s edge and bathe in smugness!

The Loch has its own monster called Lizzie who has been spotted many times – not by us though.
I think it is possible that Nessie and Lizzie might be boys and therefore stay hidden, as their girl names are embarrassing! Can you imagine a big Scottish monster rising from the depths only to be thought of as a girl?

And there you have it – our road trip. There are photos on the gallery page of my website if you fancy looking.

Shall I tell you where I am? I’m out x

It's a jolly holiday

The Random House meeting was informative and a bit irritating all at once. People have funny ideas – mostly anyone that disagrees with me! I was the only author so had a different (warped, maybe) viewpoint.

The obvious thing is that the most important people in the book publishing industry: the authors and the readers are expected to flap about at the bottom of pond while everyone else creams off a very nice living, thank you very much. There are a few cash cow authors wobbling about on pedestals whom the publishers fawn over and throw money at but, for those who can’t actually write, their days are numbered.

There are successful authors who have, quite rightly, earned their praises and cheques but there are others who haven’t. There are also many who can no doubt write beautifully but don’t get a look in. This is all going to change as the e-book world grows and allows more writers to show off their skills without needing to somersault through burning hoops to impress a publisher.

As long as the reader likes it that is all that matters and with the ease of producing downloadable books more will be able to be involved and get their words 'out there'.

I have had a birthday that, as usual, was wonderful. My family always get me the most perfect gifts and Martyn excelled himself by doing all the shopping and laying on a party tea. All this while working on his book with a deadline looming was impressive!

In the last few days Mick and I have decided to go away. What and where has taken much thinking; but, after changing our minds several times we have decided upon a trip to Scotland.

1st thing tomorrow at silly o’clock we will set off for Holy Island. We have to get there before 17.40 because of the tide on the causeway.
From there we are going to Stonehaven, Inverness, Port William and maybe a stop off in Buxton on the way home.
I’ve never been to Scotland and am jolly excited. The thought of sipping my coffee while gazing across Loch Ness is butterfly inducing. I expect Nessie to pop up to say hello and will have the camera ready for such an occurrence.

Should I get a picture of an interesting ripple, shadow or big fish I will share when I return.

x

Ding Dong

After several months hiatus I have decided to resume the blog. It has stopped, started, moved and chased its own tail but now I feel the stirrings of actual blogging.
Recapping from the last (ages ago) post I got the laptop back from Penzance station after several phone calls and a car dash. The car dash wasn’t really necessary in sleepy honest Cornwall but it did accentuate the drama. It had been handed in by the wonderful Eileen who left a note. I haven't been able to get in contact with her but am very grateful.

As the country recovers from a mini-heat-wave and wonders whether that is summer done and dusted I am writing my book to be published by my new publisher, O Books. The book didn’t have a title for a long time and then in a flash of lucidity it told me it was called, I Am Psychic. I emailed the name to John Hunt and got back, ‘I like”. Squeal! He didn’t squeal, I did. It is exactly what it says on the tin and I’m enjoying it very much.

Martyn is also writing a book. It is a compilation of true-life extraordinary stories for Summersdale Publishing and the generosity of people who have shared their tales and bared their souls is amazing.

Over the last few months I have had an offer of representation from a TV talent agent, who I will sign with when my book is finished and I have been invited to Kuwait to host a Beyond Bliss retreat – oh yes life is grand.

Tomorrow Mick and I are popping to London as I am going to Random House for a focus group discussion on ebooks. I think the digital book market is going to be huge and I have ‘seen’ in my future wanderings ebook dispensing machines at airports whereby books are downloaded or blue-toothed to your reader instantly. Martyn and I discussed this in detail and he suggested I patent the idea. It seems however that Nokia have already done it - a long time ago.

I'm wondering whether to have my book, Past Life Tourism as an ebook or update it and offer it to a new publisher. I had considered having my own digital publishing house but when I looked into it further it hurt my brain.

Thank you for reading x

Wild thing

I am writing this is a cafe in St Ives looking out at the sea twinkling in the winter sunlight. It is idyllic. Getting here was quite an event beginning with the numnut at the railway station printing out the wrong train times.

Thinking I had a 2 hour gap between trains at Plymouth I settled with a coffee when along came Eileen who shared that she had a half hour wait until her train to Penzance. Ha! Half an hour - I had 2. The next leg of my journey was to St Erth, which is the stop before Penzance. I braved the ticket office despite the numnut instruction playing in my brain, "You are committed to these trains!"
As it happens I could get a train at any time from Plymouth and so thrilled at saving a big lump of time I boarded with Eileen. We chatted and the journey seemed quick and pleasing.

Arriving at St Erth so much earlier than expected I skipped over the bridge to the platform to get the toy train to St Ives but I seemed to be carrying less than before. I was. My Macbook was still sitting on the train. How can anyone forget things of importance ... I've always wondered. It's easy. A moment of distraction; that nano-second of not thinking and it happens.
Not to be fazed by the trauma of losing a computer I did what any sensible person would do. I ran up and down the platform waving at the passengers trying to alert them to find a guard. Not able to work out how to mime that, to them I looked like a madwoman running along the platform, super nanny cape billowing, arms flapping probably hoping to take off. Several waved back with pained looks of sympathy and a few looked about to see if I had a carer.
The driver's door was open but he had pressed the go button before I reached him and calmly said, "You can get it from Penzance."

Please remember all of this was done from the opposite platform to where the train was sitting.

And then it went. The train. Eileen and my beautiful pink Macbook.

Time to phone Mick who was getting ready to meet me at St Ives.

To be continued ...

Change

Changes are occurring. Blog is on a mini-hiatus until there is news too good to not share.

Thank you for your patience.

Birth announcement

The new book has now formed in my head and is on route to the writing slate. As I scratch away so many ideas tumble unrestrained from my mind and it makes me wonder where they’ve been until now. Have they been waiting in the wings for their birth? Or is their creation happening as I get the thought?

Still raining then?
Mick and I whizzed to Cornwall for a few days while the weather was perfect. We visited many beautiful places along the North Cornwall coast and stayed in a small hotel. On the first morning Mick arose early and decided to explore with a walk. After donning his woolly hat and wellies off he set. As he strode past the hotel pool a lone female swimmer exploded from the water to be at Mick’s side in one swift slightly scary movement like the beast from the deep. She then growled at him asking what he was doing. He backed away in case she burst into flames until after a few moments it dawned on her that he was a guest taking a stroll.

The beast shrivelled back to human size and all was well.

She was obviously jiggled by this as she came into breakfast to announce her error to the other guests. Mick likened it to a Fawlty Tower’s moment: much guffawing and nodding followed.

Paul has gone to Thailand leaving me with the lizards … can you feel a déjà vu moment coming? On the day before he left one of the eggs hatched when we’d just about given up. Since he went another little baby bearded dragon has been born. They are very sweet and about the size of a little finger but it is quite stressful making sure they don’t freeze or cook.
So far though so good.

Wind of change

The rain, rain, rain, came down, down, down
In rushing, rising, rivlets
'Til the river crept out of its bed
And crept right into Piglet's.
A.A. Milne

Not just Piglet’s. It’s everywhere. I’m glad we live on the ridge of a hill else we too might be floodier and floodier. We do however get the full force of the wind whipping our sails; well it would if we had sails.

When the wind changes direction it indicates time for change. It worked for Mary Poppins and Vianne Rocher (Chocolat) and it’s working for me.
While dossing about post-recovery I’ve been thinking (never seem to remember how dangerous that can be!) and my 2nd book has taken on a completely different personality: name, purpose, style. I didn’t know books did this but had I thought about it I would have expected a fiction to change course as who knows what the characters are up to when the writer isn’t watching them? But, a non-fiction? I’m still not really sure what has gone on but have decided to embrace the changes and creative process.

Another exciting change is that I will soon be able to see clients again for past life regression and future life progression in London. More details will be posted here as and when but if you are interested please feel free to email me.

Back to reality

Having been knocked for six, seven and eight it has taken a while for my brain to switch back on but it seems to be trying a little.

The venue for the Past Life Tourism workshops is so perfect and was of course right under my nose! It is at Penny’s, Posh Frocks and Parties in Normandy Street, Alton. The first is on the 5th October and all the information is on my website. It will be lots of fun so please mention it to anyone you think might be interested.

Earlier in the week I had a rather fascinating time being introduced to the experience of flotation. It’s very straightforward – you climb into a pod that contains 10” of water with 700lbs Epsom salts, lie back, shut the lid, close off from on the world and relax for an hour. The whole concept is so alien that to begin with I bobbed* about thinking ‘as if I’m going to relax in this’. My mind was all over the place. I visited trippyville and then lost track of … everything. When the hour was up I couldn’t tell if I’d been in there for minutes or weeks.

It was like I was still floating and somewhat detached from reality as I deposited myself back onto the massage table for Sandra to work more of her magic (my treatment began and ended with a massage). When all was finished to say I was in heaven is an understatement. If you want more details on floating or fancy trying it out the link is on the left – Body Check.

*you don’t actually bob about unless you whoosh your arms and legs a bit to check out how the water washing over you feels and to try to make yourself sink (it has to be done). It’s impossible. You do however lose touch of where you stop and start! Lucky me, thanks to Paul for the birthday treat.

My new show is available now at My Spirit Radio. The next guests are being lined up, please let me have your suggestions or if you would like to be interviewed to talk about past or future life ideas or your experiences.

I’d like to share a message from Jenny Smedley – “I'm very happy to announce that I have a book coming out with Hay House.
I will be looking for spiritual stories involving pets and other animals. If you have a story to share I'd be delighted to hear it.”

If you have a story to share please contact her directly from her website.