Oh boy has my blog been negleted or what!  I have promised myself a thousand times that i wouldn't let that happen but happen it has.
So much has past through my life in the months gone by, some good some not so good and i have struggled with much of it....I guess they call it life, and i find myself having to make another decision  that is hard to make but if i want my life to be my own then i shall have to make the right decision whether i actually like it or not.
Nobody said life would be easy, but i seem to have been tested to the limit this year and i for one will be only to happy to see the back of 2012.
Who knows what 2013 will bring but i am hoping that with more positive vibes around me my life will be alot happier.
Blessings
Jx

The Promise

When Life is a tunnel, so twisting, so black
That you can't see your way forward, nor feel your way back
Then just call out to me.
When you stand in such need of a friend
I am the comforting voice in your darkness
The sympathy no words can express
The warm glow around you when misfortune strikes cold
The shoulder to lean on, the hand stretched out to hold.
Whatever your need is, then that will I be
Until you walk forth in the light at the end.

Author unknown

Balance Bundle

I have been 'studying' Native American Ways for a while now, and one of the things in this particular lesson is the 'Balance Bundle' the belief is that to release emotion that stays in the body make a medicine bundle.

Identify the emotion...one of mine for example at the moment would be 'anger' it is suggested that I would need to find a 'twig' and name that twig 'anger' (and so on depending on which emotions I want to release) then break the 'anger' twig and throw it away...saying 'release anger'(& so on until all twigs have been thrown)

Then place inside a piece of cloth a small stone with 'anger' written on it (or whatever emotion it is you're dealing with - on seperate stones)...roll up this cloth and carry it with you to remind you that you have let go of that 'bad' feeling, or that you are in the process of 'letting go'

Blue Moon

Dont forget we have a Blue Moon on 31st August 2012, to learn more about this facenating phase of our moon look here

 

The Journey

Hi people :)
Just bringing you upto date, the BSY Group have agreed to allow me to continue with my Native American Teachng studies, so my new journey begins......

Medicine Man

The medicine man is widely revered by Native American tribes, with often little distinction from the shaman, priest or sorcerer. He is responsible for the health of the tribe & is a fountain of knowledge about herbs and their uses.
Medicine men who see into the spirit world can perceive plants & match a person's aura to the colour of the plant. A key figure in all tribes, the medicine man often goes on vision quests into the spirit world for answers to his patients' emotional & physical problems. The quest is accompanied by much ceremony, & often the medicine man smokes a pipe of sacred herbs & may wear an animal costume.

(taken from my course material... Native American Teachings

What to do!

Well what do i do,  thats not a question its a statement, having spent a large part of my life as a mother & teacher to two well balanced children, both of whom i am very proud, i feel that my daughter is becoming my  inspiration.
I read her blog on a regular basis and find that i can relate to much that she says, it sometimes feels as if i have gone back in time and i am the one that is on a learning curve, she is following much in my footsteps with her thirst for knowledge but in doing so, has sparked my thirst for learning once again.
A few years ago i started a home study course on  Native American Teachings which i thought i had finished, as it happens i hadn't and i have approached BSY Group to ask if after many years if i can  pick up where i left of and finish this course, now awaiting their response.
And so the story continues........

Fairy Green

Another freebie stamp, she's so sweet!

Mellow Yellow

This is a freebie stamp, isn't she just adorable?

 

Rainy days

Hi all
Just couldn't resit posting this card i just lurrrrve this stamp  :)

Nobody can....

Barney....

...the new love of my life :)

My beautiful little Border Collie boy, 12 weeks old,

Maybe....

Its been a while i'm not the 'blogging'  type although i am trying, i think i am worried/scared of letting my inner feelings out allowing all and sundry to read them.
I've just read my daughters blog and it has got me thinking, it doesn't seem that long ago that i too was on a learning curve, one that just had me wanting to know more and more,  i trained and became a Crystal Therapist, i became a Reiki Master over many years,  i learnt many ways of the Native American Indians,  have walked a Pagan path for as long as i can remember,  although at the time i didn't really realize what it was, that came later.
I even learnt Self Hypnosis and for many years i felt 'almost' complete.   I say 'almost' as there has always been a missing link ~ one that even now i don't know what it is.
All this disappeared with the loss of my late husband, it was as if everything had been taken away from me ~ indeed it had, all that i had learnt was gone nothing had a meaning, nothing at all my whole world had fallen apart.
It's now four years on.   My crystals are still wrapped up not being used, after all they were my 'work' tools,  there are only a few  left out and i don't feel that i resonate with any of them,  however, i still wear my crystal pendants from time to time.
Gaia energy is 'my friend'  its the one energy that i feel has stayed close,  i feel as if i have been deserted by all my other 'beliefs' and i am still searching for that missing link.
Maybe, just maybe,  watching the path my daughter is now walking may awaken something within me...perhaps leading me to my own new path.
Blessings
Jx

Village Fun Day

Hi everyone,
 I did my first craft stall on Sunday 22nd July 2012, it was at Narborough Fun Day in  Norfolk, set up the stall inside the hall with my daughter it was a slow start to the day and i must admit to wondering if i/we were doing the right thing, there were quite a few people that looked at the stall as they passed by and many of those that took the time to look it turned out that many of them made their own jewellery.
I managed to sell a little of my jewellery but sadley none of my daughters jewellery sold, which is a bit of a surprise as her things are beautiful.
Managed to pick up a few tips whilst there from other stall holders and met some lovely people.   Great place for people watching thats for sure.
So all in all an interesting 5 hours if not that profitable.   Am i going to do any more Craft Fairs...not sure, the jury is still out on that one!

Be happy :)

Thats me lol

Eye eye

Well at long last after 4 years of saying 'no' I have finally agreed to have my eyes operated on, my first appointment for measurements etc to be sorted out is tomorrow I need to have the 'lens' measured as both need replacing, it seems that my own lens are growing 'thick' not allowing the fluid behind the eye to move around the back of the eyes, this in time could cause cateracts so to prevent this I am having 'my' lens removed and plastic ones put in....this will of course releave the pressure that is building up behind my eyes
First operation is going to be on the right eye on the 19th July, really not that long to go now
It may also mean that i won't have to wear glasses anymore....only time will tell if i shall need them for reading or not, thats gonna be a strange feeling ~ been wearing glasses since my 20's thats many moons ago i can tell you lol

Raising money for the Epilepsy Society

Please take a look at the following link it will take you to my daughters blog  *Charismagick*  she has come up with a wonderful idea on how to raise some money for the Elipepsy Society something that is quite close to our hearts.
For the rest of May 50% of the sales of her  jewellery will  be donated to the Epilepsy Society so if you  are looking for that something special  now's a good time to buy!
Please pop over and see if you can help....thank you :)
Blessings
Jx

Found this amusing so thought i'd share



Two Wolves

Cherokee Story ~ Two Wolves

A Cherokee Elder was teaching his grandchildren about life. He said to them, "A fight is going on inside me... it is a terrible fight between two wolves.

One wolf represents fear, anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride and superiority.

The other stands for joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, friendship, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.

This same fight is going on inside you, and inside every other person, too."

They thought about it for a minute and then one child asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"

The old man simply replied, "The one you feed."

Author Unkown

Handmade work

Thought it was about time i uploaded my handmade jewellery and bookmarks, hope you like them as much as i enjoyed making them

All items are for sale

Rosemary Bracelet £6.00

 Rosemary Earrings  £3.00

 Claudia Bracelet   £6.00

 My Bracelet not for sale

 Bells Bracelet   £6.50

 Fleur Bracelet £6.50

 Samantha SOLD

 Pink Flower Earrings  £3.00

 Lilac Earrings  £3.00

 Angel Earrings  £3.00

 Pink Angel Earrings  £3.00

Lrg  Dragon Bookmark  £4.99

Sml  Maple Leaf Bookmark £3.99

Sml  BlueBell Bookmark  £3.99

  Sml  Blue Angel Bookmark  SOLD

Sml  Mermaid Bookmark £.399

 Spring Bracelet £7.50

Sml. Yellow flower bookmark SOLD

  Sml Skull bookmark SOLD

The Cupboard

Just a quickie today (trying to get myself motivated) thought i'd tell you about  The Cupboard, Chrystal Rose Design Crafts, a great little shop where i get alot of my jewellery making goodies, Chrystal is a lovely lady who is very happy to give help & advice, her little shop  is in a  Norfolk village,  she also does 'mail order' for those of you that are to far away to visit here is the link makes a great cup of coffee too.
Please follow the link and have a look you'll be amazed as to whats in there  :)
Blessings
Jay x

Brighter days ~ I hope

Yesterday was the forth anniversary of my husbands death, 'they' whoever 'they' may be say things get easier as time passes, time heals, but this is not always the case not for me anyway.
Yes, time takes away the initial hurt but the emotions get stronger, well thats what I have found anyway.
But today is a brighter day for me...its the beginning of my New Year...I can now look forward to a beautiful bright Summer with warm breezy days, the delight in finding new flowers in the garden (have you seen my garden lol)  the sounds of birds & bees and the new life that blossoms forth.

My daughter wrote a little piece on her blog about how she felt titled  Belief, her words are wise and can be read here if you would like to read them, her blog covers many things and is well worth a peep :)
I find it hard to 'open up' on my blog but i am trying, so i would like to thank you for reading and i look forward to reading your comments
Blessings
Jay x

The Mention Of Your Name

Do you make them laugh up there?

Does your smile bring them good cheer?

Do you make the sun shine brighter,

Like you did when you were here?

The very mention of your name,

The memories of your smile,

The little things you said and did,

Are with us all the while.

You meant so very much to me,

There’s nothing left to say,

Except that without you here

There is no perfect day.

For no one knows the heartache,

That lies behind our smiles,

No one knows how many times

I have broken down & cried.

I want to tell you something

So there wont be any doubt,

You're so wonderful to think of,

But so hard to be without...

Author unknown

What do i write

Morning everyone,
So what do i write about in my blog?  I've noticed some blogs are about there projects how things are made & some  include blog candie  :)  Others seem to write about all and sundry my daughter being one of them, you can see her amazing blog here where she talks about her life in Oxford, crafting and other things.
Me, i seem to get stuck never quite knowing what to say, tend to keep my posts short and to the point, maybe its time i started to 'open up'  a little..shall have to have a think on that one  :)
Keep warm & safe
Blessings
Jay x

Purrfect

Goodmorning one 'n' all, its a beautiful morning lovely 'n' bright still no sign of the snow...but cold brrrrrrr
Just one or two cards this morning...made these during the last few weeks, been keeping myself busy.
Made this one for my DIL birthday which isn't until March, she is mad about cats and i just luv this one.
Stamped and embossed which was fun for me as i have never been to good at embossing but think this one has turned out just 'dandy' with the little paw prints stamped as the background.
Thought the corner scroll look fab with the little gems in and the added butterfly & pink ribbon finished it of nicely.

Here's the second one 'Teddy in a bag'  oh dear i'm terrible really can't remember where i got the decoupage from, something else i need to 'brush up' on  there really is alot to this blogging lark ... isn't there? but i'm still learning and shall get there in the end i'm sure.

Any really helpful/constructive comments that will help me with my blogging will always be appreciated!

Must try harder

Well here it is the lst February, whatever happend to January?   I haven't been the most prolific of bloggers in the past but am going to try better ( lol, sounds like on of my school reports)
I have made quite a few new cards & have had a go at making some bookmarks with charms etc' will get round to photographing them and getting them up as soon as possible.
Maybe a few more of you will take an interest in my blog if i actually did something with it hahaha.
It's been blooming cold here in West Norfolk as i guess it is pretty much anywhere else, so i'm glad to finally be tucked up indoors for the evening :)
Whatever you are doing stay safe and warm, see you soon.
Jx

Reminiscing May 2004

Ok...you're all going to think I am totally mad and I probably am but here goes...It was such a beautiful sunny morning in May 2004 that I decided to take a stroll along the embankment near where I live and the thought popped into my head
"I wonder what it is like to be a River" so I asked it and the river told me
" I am all powerful ~ the giver of life I travel far through all terrain, I have the power to knock down empire's ~ yet I am gentle and eager to dance with nature ~ I am a never ending journey ~ the peace and calm thats within but can be full of turbulence and emotions that man cannot understand...when will he listen and be at peace"


I thanked the river for sharing it's thoughts with me and promised to return to her soon.

An update...Well I have been back to the river quite a few times since then, the last time being just a couple of weeks ago, it was a bright sunny 'quiet' week day afternoon, I was feeling rather down and needed to be as close to water as I could be...so off I went with hubby for a walk along the rivers side, we were greeted by ducks & swans, one of which seemed to want to walk with us, well who am I to tell a swan that he/she can't do that ~ it just sooooo very strange having a swan following you as you walk...anyway eventually we went past a huge flock of swans and decided to rest and just watch the world pass us by, ~ much to my amazement, the swan that had been walking with us just came and laid beside my hubby and drifted off to sleep, I have never experienced this before, but it was wonderful.


We stayed for a while until my spirits had been lifted ~ then returned home

The Versatile Blog Award

A little while ago my daughter  Charis  sent me the 'The Versatile Blogger' award and now i would like to pass it onto a few of my favorite bloggers...  Roz, Ei  Lyn and Charters !
My daughter has come to visit from Oxford for a few days and has been teaching me various new things to do on my blog, seeing that i had nooooo idea.
So what do you think?

Non Epileptic Attack Disorder (NEAD)

What am i talking about i hear you all cry has she lost the plot, well actually no, this is something that is very close to my heart.
My late husband had this condition and although little is known about it by the general public at large it is something i feel we all need to be aware of.
It is often mistaken as  Epilepsy  the difference being that there is no electrical discharge in the brain,   NEAD  can be very disabilitating & can appear very frightening.
I do not wish to write a chapter on this condition so am pointing those interested in the right direction, you can find out more  here
I am now in the process of making cards to be sold on behalf of this charity and shall upload some shortly,  I hope those that can, will help this charity in anyway they can offer.
Many thanks
Jay

Therapy