My new Christmas tree

Cat has not climbed it ... yet!

Christmas presents

I've nearly finished my Christmas shopping - thanks Amazon. But there are some gifts people need that don't cost money, but they still come at a price - oneself. Things that come from the heart, a smile, a hug, forgiveness, saying sorry, hope love...

The Black Dog

Was it Churchill who called his depression the black dog so that it helped him feel it was not part of him? Anyway I saw this animation floating around Facebook and thought it was quite clever. Somethings are hard to put words to.

Being intentional

Been thinking lots lately about friends - with Facebook there is opportunity to relate to so many people its crazy. Being a people person I could get caught up in happenings of so many events of people's lives I could spread.myself to thinly and not be a good friend to anyone. Scientist say we are only capable of taking an interest in 150 people ... Interesting.

I've been giving prayerful thought lately to who really matters in my life, who does God want me to love. I mean 'intentional' love.

My next thinking is, how can I make sure each one knows they are special to me. 

Different friends respond to different gestures (have you ever read 'the five languages of love'?) it's a challenge but joyful one, not a chore.

You didn't really want to work today did you?

 

Cookie, it's very cute that you've been following me around lately but also kinda annoying sometimes ... only sometimes though, please don't take offence!

Do not worry

 

Wrapping a Cat for Christmas

A friend posted this on Facebook, it made me chuckle!

Post by Sun Gazing.

Neighbours, Connections, fireworks

It's funny how us Brits find it difficult to befriend our neighbours. Some of them are difficult as much as to say hello to. However one of mine has always been friendly, greeting me with a hello as we passed eachother.

My friend who works in the children's centre occassionally got to know her and a few week's ago we went to visit her in her new home as she moved a few months ago., Since she moved we became friends on Facebook and started to strike up a friendship. Whatever people say about Facebook it is a really powerful tool for connecting with people if used in the right way.

Anyway this morning she bought her one year old son up to see the cat and we had a really lovely time together. She has a cat too. It's funny how a cat can connect you with people too, get a conversation started.

Firework night tonight ... poor Cookie was so frightened. I found him under the bed!

Time to go home

All good things come to an end, children to go back to school, adults to work. But not before a couple of stops on the way home. First for a lovely brunch and second for a tour around a chocolate factory, where we were transformed into Umpa Lumpas!

Here's a crazy end to another lovely holiday! See you soon lovely boys!

Stackpole walk, fish and chips and final board game!

We do this walk every year, we love it, it involves, woodlands, water and a lovely sandy beach at the end where we have our picnic. It's lovely to be near nature.

I had a very unsuccessful game of Pooh sticks with my little nephew though, I couldn't see any sticks so I suggested playing 'pooh leaves' instead. We both chose a leaf and after a the wind had died down and stopped blowing our leaves back up they floated down to the water, rushing to the other side we waited and waited for our leaves to appear, but the didn't. Then my mum who had walked on a bit said "Ceri, if you come down here, you'll see why your game isn't working". There were walls under the bridge stopping the water from going through.

I guess that's why when you feel stuck in life it's good to ask a friend how they see things from their perspective

We then went to a coffee shop for coffee and cake - the boys had spider cup cakes! Took a stroll outside. It was the only mild day so we made the most of it!

Then we had enough daylight left to go and see St. Govans chapel a very old church nestling in the cliffs on a rugged beach. Quite a few steps down, about 99! but such an aura when you arrive in the Chapel itself and the view from the little window is awesome.

My littlest nephew and I lay down and found funny faces in the rocks, whilst the eldest braved it and walked right down to the sea which was crashing against the rocks with his dad keeping a close eye..

Then it was back for fish and chip takeaway, a final game of Chinese Cludo with Mrs Wash Hee and Mr. Poo Ding!

Then time to make a start on packing. Already?!

A Walk, a Scoot and a Rolling Stone!

My sister very kindly did some research on Google to find accessible walks. We found one we all fancied walking along the cliffs at St.Brides, some  great views. The walk said 'for adventure scooters' - mine isn't an adventure scooter it's a didi little thing but we decided to go for it knowing I  could walk any tricky bits and my scooter is light enough to be pulled. Oops .. but I hit a large stone on the floor!

Soft landing and gave my nephews much amusement so I didn't mind, if I can make someone laugh or smile, it's been a good day!

There was a bit of a beach at  the end where the boys enjoyed playing in their wellies whilst us oldies drank hot chocolate and ate biscuits! I love watching the boys play on the beach, helps me take in and wonder

about the simplicity and yet the underlying awesomeness of God's creation.

We watched another film with the boys this evening, Spiderwick, lots of Ogres and the like, all good fun!

Porridge, visitors, beaches and the cave!

Christmas music was playing whilst the porridge is being made, but that's my family hey! My brother-in-law makes the porridge every morning, what a star! Will include a photo later if I find one.

Meanwhile I'm still captured by a wooden sign on my bedroom wall.

I like it! Was great to have my brother-in-law's family with us today, Sian made an amazing corned beef pie for lunch then off we all went down to the beaches in the freezing cold again!

Then tonight ... we did it again, at the boys request! We went 'down the cave'!

Seal pup!

Today we ventured to go and see some seal pups. It was freezing cold but after a picnic in the car we braved the elements and ventured down to a cove by the sea. Brilliant photography Sian!

Had a great sighting of little fellas like these. Interesting how they look so free swimming on their backs yet when they are climbing over rocks it all looks quite a struggle for them. Life's a bit like that,m sometimes we need to struggle feeling very undignified and at other times we swim happily and gracefully.

Then we returned to the lovely warm holiday home and went 'Down the cave' as we all affectionately call the game! Good job we have a good living area!

GeoCaching, Roast dinner and greek mythology!

Today we took a wander down to the various beaches nearby, we went to Little Haven and went Geocaching. It was a tricky one this one!

Then we went on to Broad Haven and warmed up in a cafe drinking coffee and hot chocolate. Then we tried the next beach along but the winds were so strong, sand was blowing into our faces before we even reached the beach, at one point I had to close my eyes. There are severe weather warnings in the media about a severe storm coming... maybe it's hitting us first.

Was lovely to come home to a home cooked roast, well done mum and Sian! .... (Aunty Ceri tries to stay on children watch when this is all going on!)

This evening I was introduced to the Percy Jackson - my eldest nephew loves the books, all to do with this kid who's half god and half boy - we watched a film based on a book. Good to be introduced to stuff I wouldn't choose myself. I can understand the attraction of greek mythology fantasy ... pretty harmless, enjoyed all the monsters and seeing the boys enjoying being a bit scared, half hiding behind a pillow!

Rattling Windows and games

Well, I didn't get a good night sleep last night, it was so windy, both my windows were rattling! Nevermind, had a nice lie in. There's WIFI in the holiday home so I downloaded the album 'Best of' by the Proclaimers, having recently gone to see the film of the musical Sunshine On Leith. I'd forgotten how good their songs are - uplifting too!

I spent much of the morning with my youngest (7 yr old) nephew, teaching him how to play scrabble on my iPad. He loves my iPad and he loves words so it was win win ... well until he started losing, he doesn't like losing! It was funny he asked me when the game would finish. "When there's no more letters in the .... 'bag'" ... I suddenly realised if he'd never played the physical version of the game he wouldn't know the letters were tiles in a bag. Weird thing when you introduce a child to the virtual before the real... It's important to play stuff you can do together though.

I stayed and had a warm quiet afternoon while the others went walking and picnicking - was feeling very sleepy.

Played a daft board game tonight ... 'Mysteries of Chinatown' or 'Chinese Cludo' the boys call it, daft but fun!

Holiday time

Been an exhausting busy week so I'm very relieved annual family holiday in a large house in Pembrokeshire.

Think I'll be catching up on lots of sleep though, so this big comfy bed replacing the twin beds was a very welcome sight!

Night!

The cat and the computer

One way to get my attention!

Just tired and loving Adrian Plass

I realise my last postS were much  focussed on feeling 'under the weather', I am lots better now but I am still a bit tired due to a rather long to-do list before I go on holiday and frustration of having to cancel a few things, like a day in  Oxford to catch up with some lovely friends.

I have a deadline looming as to launching a website for a new charity funded by the local Council, but I can't complain too much it's great to have this work and is going to feel quite an achievement when done.

Last night I went to see Adrian Plass, he is a Christian speaker who makes people laugh not just at him but at themselves, scraping away at the superficial 'Christian' pretences, jargon and protocols to help us face up to the reality of who we are and feel able and privileged to come as we are to God with our masks taken off.

Sometimes as Christians we have become so good at beating around the bush and avoiding the sometimes painful realities that plague us as individuals. This hampers our love to go to any depth. Sometimes instead of seeking to understand someone we are quick to judge and that must really break God's heart.

As the song goes "Everyone is searching for intimacy." .... the trouble is it comes at a cost and at a risk. Perhaps the best place to start is to seek to be a safe, non-judgemental, loving listening ear for someone you care about. Then we might dare to let someone else be a safe place for us.

Jesus wants us to do our best follow him but he understands we fail and I think he wants us to talk to him honestly about how we feel about our failings and doubts, ask for his forgiveness and help to try again. "Keep it real" as a young student friend of mine recently said to me.

Finish line to the blogathon!

Was supposed to be at a church website meeting but wasn't up to it but I did manage to do a fair few things at home and also prepared some ideas on an email so I could send in my input.

This is the last day of September - I made it, I did a blog post for everyday. Will I keep it up ... no it's too legalistic. I think it is good to just blog when you want to//have time to. Has it helped my writers block? Yes I'm feeling more free at the keyboard now. It's definitely a good exercise. Give it a go.

Will write again  ... hope you come back.

“So perhaps the best thing to do is to stop writing Introductions and get on with the book.” 

― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Patience

This is making boring blogging, I'm a bit better this evening but wasn't up to going out to church, gutted to miss my friend's baby's baptism. Blocked up ears don't make for easy socialising.

I usually have a few girls around on Sunday night to watch Downton Abbey, but cancelled except for one friend who I knew wouldn't mind seeing me a curled up on the sofa in my PJs. Trying hard not to be grumpy ... talking of grumpy, my dad emailed me to say they are going mad in the states over the 'grumpy cat'. I looked him up on YouTube, it's very unfortunate he looks so grumpy as he is clearly and affectionate little thing.

This little chappy has definitely gone viral though, you can by 'Grumpy Cat' merchandise. Cookie, when are you going to go viral for me?!

"If the person you are talking to doesn't appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear." 

— A.A. Milne (Winnie-the-Pooh)

Still not right

Don't know what it is just feeling well not right. Wish these things didn't get me down cos I always pull through, but when everything feels a big effort... never mind.

Got an email from my parents in Arizona, they've been away 3 weeks now, I'm missing them. Arizona must be so dry but I know they're having fun and my dad will be enjoying the clear starry nights with his keen interest in astronomy. Wonder if they'll bring a cactus or two home?

Monument Valley

Downloaded Michael Buble's new album to cheer myself up. Lots of cover songs but he sings them good.

“Pooh," said Rabbit kindly, "you haven't any brain." 

"I know," said Pooh humbly.” 

― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Under the Weather

Felt really tired most of today, did as much work as I could then popped out for a coffee in town - sanity check!

My Bible reading have been interesting lately, using a book called streams in the dessert and the main theme that's been coming through is dealing with waiting and how when we feel hemmed in like we can't do anything although it feels horrible, like we are out of control. It is often an opportunity to see God at work as we are not able to attribute anything to our own strength.

“And how are you?" said Winnie-the-Pooh.

Eeyore shook his head from side to side.

"Not very how," he said. "I don't seem to have felt at all how for a long time."

"Dear, dear," said Pooh, "I'm sorry about that. Let's have a look at you.” 

― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Visiting and Visitors

Today was really busy seeing friends ... but nice busy. This morning a friend came round who is a real animal lover, so we talked animals most of the morning and about their funny ways. I learnt that tortoises can actually go quite fast in the hot weather. She cut Cookie's claws for me for which I was very grateful - the only thing I can't do for him. Tricky operation.

Then another friend and I went to see a two week old baby girl of a family in church., They also have two little boys one 3 yrs old, one 18 months, We took some books for the boys and I gave this little bunny rattle to the baby, which seemed to be a hit as there were lots of bunnies in the house.

Then this evening I had home group at mine and Cookie was a right clown jumping on people's laps but we had a good Bible study together.

“I might have known,” said Eeyore. “After all, one can’t complain. I have my friends. Somebody spoke to me only yesterday. And was it last week or the week before that Rabbit bumped into me and said ‘Bother!’. The Social Round. Always something going on.” 

― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Gloucester Cathedral

The room we were supposed to have our  lecture in was booked for a board meeting. Our tutor took us down to the Cathedral to look at a few things related to the old testament. Some of the intricate artwork of the stained glass windows of pictures that took us through the Bible. Would have been great for the school children to ponder at as they went from the school through to the main Cathedral for choir.

The artwork on the floor tiles that you look at as you go up for communion also tell a story, they were very mindful of illiterate people when building the cathedral, how mindful are we today? Does the church expect people who come to be literate, this was the question left on my mind.

“My spelling is Wobbly. It's good spelling but it Wobbles, and the letters get in the wrong places.” 

― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Back with Cookie

Had another very lazy day, we got up about 11am to have breakfast then watched a few old dramas on TV, read a bit, wrote a few emails. Had lunch, packed and then in came my sister with my two nephews and kindly took us to the station.

Good train ride back. Had a very enthusiastic welcome from the cat who my friend's son kindly fed while I was away. He couldn't wait for me to sit down so that he could jump on top of me!

It is lovely to be missed, to have someone waiting for you at home, even if it is a cat.

Christopher Robin: You're next, Tigger. Jump! 

Tigger: Er, jump? Tiggers don't jump. They bounce. 

Winnie the Pooh: Then bounce down. 

Tigger: Don't be "ridiccorous". Tiggers only bounce up! 

Sleep

My friend did lots of sleeping today and we made the decision not to much. I went in my Dad's did quite a bit of reading while my friend was happy in the land of Nod! When she awoke we walked over to the White water rafting centre for a coffee but the coffee shop was closed so we went across the way to the big swimming pool and ordered big lattes and cakes while watching the people on the other side of the glass being extremely active and healthy in the swimming pool. It was good to see my friend chill as she realised all her responsibilities had been left behind,

As for me, well it was good to have an excuse to do nothing in particular, I could happily make a career out of giving people a rest! (Not really I get bored easily!)

I remember being very touched though when one of my best friends says she always relaxes when she comes to stay with me as I can't do life in the fast lane, my brain does it but my body won't! It's kinda nice to feel I have that affect on some friends, to help them stop and smell the roses. Rest is so important in today's fast paced society.
We had pizza for tea - we both love pizza and then we settle down for the evening and watched two films. Miss Potter and An Unfinished Life, both lovely stories and easy watching.

“Don't underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can't hear, and not bothering.” 

― A.A. Milne

A break with a friend

A good friend of mine has a pretty full on job and family so a few weeks ago I suggested we both go and stay in my parents place while they are on holiday in America. So after church we caught the train to Cardiff. I love travelling by train and I never tire of the trip from Gloucester to Cardiff which goes along the river Severn. It's beautiful.

When we arrived we had a cup of tea, unpacked our stuff and headed to the pub over the road for tea. She had a big grill and chips and I had chilli. We both had the yummy cheesy garlic bread as a side. A treat! Then we headed back to the flat, put our PJs on, opened a bottle of wine and settled down to watch the long awaited first episode of series 4 of Downton Abbey. A very relaxing evening. My mission for the next few days is for my friend to have a well deserved relax.

“Friendship," said Christopher Robin, "is a very comforting thing to have.” 
― A.A. Milne

Saturdays

Saturdays are usually cosy days for me if I can help it .. Starting the day with watching Saturday Kitchen in my PJs with a cuppa tea - there's something I find quite relaxing about watching cookery programmes. I've observed that Saturday Kitchen disproves the theory that blokes can only do one thing at a time. How that bloke can be a Mary and a Martha by cooking and interviewing his guests at is beyond me. I'm a Martha by the way ... I'll natter away to my friends until the smoke alarm tells me to stop!

Then I did a few houseworky things like, put out the washing, clean out the cat's litter tray, vacuum the lounge. Then something cool happened the sun came out! I walked into town with one of my best friends, we ended up exploring the 99p shop and both of us were quite taken to discover these foreign Cinnamon biscuits and bought a pack each along with a big pile of other biscuits for Sunday school. We both picked up a few other bits on our random lists and ended up drinking lattes in a sunny spot sat at an outside table of a well down coffee shop on the main street, chatting, watching the shoppers go buy.

I did intend to do more write more of my story today but it didn't happen, that's okay though, Saturdays, ideally shouldn't have rules nor room for feeling guilty and besides I have a cat needed cuddling too!

Saturday evening for me is often pizza and a glass of wine evening. Watched Miranda interview Bruce on TV which made a very interesting combination followed by an episode of Grand Designs, which to my frustration the cat and I fell asleep to and never got to see the end result. I now I find myself wide awake at bed time, why does that happen? But all in all it has indeed been a cosy Saturday, how do you spend yours?

“What day is it?"
"It's today," squeaked Piglet.
"My favorite day," said Pooh. 
― A.A. Milne

Sunshine

I decided to put aside the morning to get my head down and work, sometimes I find it helps motivate me if I have something arranged to do later on so I texted a friend who lives about half a mile away and has a very cute 18 month year old and texted to see if I could pop over in the afternoon.

It was a cloudy morning but in the afternoon the sun came out so she invited me to join her in the lovely garden where we drank tea and ate her lovely still warm, freshly baked apple cake from the apples in her garden, so lovely to have sunshine on my face again,, we both laughed watching her extremely agile little boy climb the climbing frame with no fear at all. I was kindly given some apples from the tree to take home. A lovely hour out and came back home feeling all the better for it. Then back to more working at home.

“You can’t stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.“

― Winnie the Pooh

Good Company

Had a lovely lunch out today with 2 friends from church, mother and daughter. Daughter is due to go back to uni on Sunday for her second year, so it was a privilege to spend time with them. We ate in this lovely coffee shop in a little town/village called Newent. I had homemade quiche and coleslaw followed by a rockyroad - their cakes are very popular! The coffee shop is in a Christian bookshop so after we had lunch we looked around the cards and pretty bits and pieces - lots of things with owls on for some reason - coasters and the like. I find owls quite disturbing for some reason, I wouldn't like anything 'owlish' in my house. My friend and I had arranged to visit another friends new baby the following week so we chose some books to buy her older brothers so they didn't feel left out which was a great idea.

We then suddenly remembered the original reason why we came - to look for some study books to use for church home group, one jumped out at us so we bought that one. We had a very leisurely time all in all - good company, good food, a good mouch and no rush - my kind of outing for a cloudy day. Then when I got home it was nice not to worry about cooking. I had a bit of a rest. Then off out again to home-group where we successfully and agreeably made a plan of what to do up til Christmas, which I thought was quite an achievement!

“It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn’t use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like “What about lunch?”

— Winnie the Pooh

Back to School - for me this time

I started a 12 week college course today going through an overview of the Old Testament. I really appreciate the opportunity to learn with others again with a Tutor who has spent endless hours studying the complexities of it. When I read parts of the Old Testament, it's really hard to recognise the God I love, particularly in the bloody parts.

I have loads of questions and I'm looking forward to being able to ask them, particularly as our tutor reassured us there is no such thing as a silly question.

I can't wait to get stuck in. Judges is an example of a book that gives me nightmares! I really enjoyed being in the academic environment again though.

Then this evening I finished something completely different - setting out a website proposal for a new charity - also exciting stuff!

Good day - incase you're wondering I've set myself the challenge of writing a blog post for each day in September to try to get over a block I've developed in writing. Thank you patient reading friend for reading my ramblings!

Stuff like Gideon slaughtering his own people needs explaining to me

“But it isn't easy,' said Pooh. 'Because Poetry and Hums aren't things which you get, they're things which get you. And all you can do is to go where they can find you.”

― A.A. Milne, The House at Pooh Corner

Chaos in the kitchen

When people come to visit for the first time I want everything to go right - particularly if I like them so they'll come again. My friend and I had been trying to fix a date for months but what with holidays n stuff.

We finally did it, this morning was free.

I put two questions out into cyberspace.

1. Why did the tea bag have break in the mug?
2. Why did the cat decide he needed the loo just as we were chatting in the kitchen!

Apart from that all went well, enjoyed seeing her Kenyan snaps. Lovely to see her.

Had a good laugh about the mishaps to my sister on the phone that evening!

When late morning rolls around and you're feeling a bit out of sorts, don't worry; you're probably just a little eleven o'clockish.

-- Pooh's Little Instruction Book, inspired by A. A. Milne

Shoes

Spent this morning ticking off my to do list then popped into town for some shoes as my sloppy old comfy ones are getting really bad for my feet.

I came back with these!

Tigger: Come on, Rabbit. Let's you and me bounce, huh? 

Rabbit: Good heavens! M-m-me bounce? 

Tigger: [joyfully] Why, certainly! Look, you've got the feet for it. 

Rabbit: I have? 

Tigger: Sure. 

[dances hurriedly with Rabbit] 

Tigger: Come on, try it. It makes ya feel just grrreat!  

Lost and found

This morning's sermon was about the parable of the lost sheep. Jesus used stories a lot to reveal deeper truths. I suppose it depends on your personality but I love pondering over a good metaphor/analagy and find that is the way Jesus usually speaks to me as opposed to giving me the literal facts.

It happened to me a few weeks ago when my cat escaped through a window a friend had left open. Cookie is a house cat - he's not streetwise at all. I called my friend across the road and she brought her boys out to look. It was dark. We eventually caught sight of Cookie, sitting about 500 yards away from my flat in the communal gardens. As soon as we called his name he got startled and darted down the dark alley and nobody could catch up with him.

I thanked everyone and suggested we just have to leave him to find his own way back.

My friend came back to my flat with me which felt strangely empty without him, she made us a cuppa, I surprised myself how upset I was feeling, I never thought I'd love a cat (I'm a dog person!) and my friend said she was "feeling sad and it wasn't even her cat." Now he'd gone.

"Six months ago I chose Cookie, now it's Cookie's chance to decide whether or not he wants to live with me."

I left my window open with my old t shirt I kept in his bed hoping the scent would follow in the wind. Unable to sleep I got up to get a drink and was overjoyed when walking towards the lounge  door which was open ajar to see a ginger tail with a white tip. Cookie had returned, this was home for him.

The feeling of seeing him back made me see something of God more clearly. If someone had caught him put him in a box and brought him to my door I would have been happy but having him come back on his own accord was just so special and reassuring.

When God made us humans he wanted a true relationship with us but in order to do that he had to give us the freewill to go our own way, he wants us to chose him (even though he first chose and adopted us), For me, the experience of some of the dark results of the selfish ways humanity has caused and made me realise, heaven is my real home and that's why I try hard to follow Jesus.

Cookie safely at home asleep in his bed

We love because he first loved us (1 John 4:19)

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)

Writing and smoothie making

I am in the process of writing a short Christmas story and want to get it finished this month. I had a good day on it today, I felt inspired.

Then I decided to try my new mini blender which I"m reviewing for Lakeland  I made an energising smoothie with blueberries, spinach, bananas and grapes. It took far to much energy to make though!

Tasted great, look terrible, hence stock photo!

Food maze

Wanted to bring a bit more interest and challenge to my cat's life so... I bought him a food maze but can't get him to have a go, most frustrating. Especially when I woke up this morning to discover he had found the box far more interesting. The food maze remains untouched!

Maybe I should just give him boxes!

A-ha ... I've just found a youtube clip showing the cat's maze in action. I think I've learnt more about cat's and their personalities, my cat Cookie is like the cat on the left. Made me laugh!

Love is taking a few steps backward (maybe even more)...to give way to the happiness of the person you love. - Winnie The Pooh.

Be yourself

Courage

I can finally see a few opportunities opening up for the coming months. Feeling excited but very nervous too. A good friend simply said to me "ENJOY!" ... Perhaps that's the key to being and feeling confident. Focussing not on trying to be brave but rather to enjoy the challenge, have fun!

For anybody who is feeling scared:

“It is very hard to be brave," said Piglet, sniffing slightly, 
"when you're only a Very Small Animal." 
Rabbit, who had begun to write very busily, looked up and said: 
"It is because you are a very small animal that you will be Useful in the adventure before us.” 

 ― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

The Sulk

I told the cat off today for being naughty, he went off in a sulk. He curled up in a ball, face to the wall, shut his eyes and refused to come out. Even when one of my best friends (who also happens to be one of his too) came round, he stayed put.
"Where's Cookie?" she asked, as he always races up to her and jumps on her lap to greet her.
"We've had a row." I laughed. "It's very teenage like behaviour!"
"Come on out Cookie, it's all forgotten about now"" I called out in a high cheery voice.
No response.
About an hour later he still hadn't moved an inch from his sulking spot. I picked up my bag to the go out to the shops (quickly checking in to see he was still breathing!)

When I returned, all was back to normal and he gave me his usual greeting of jumping on my lap and kneeding my stomach with his paws.

You daft old cat Cookie ... How I wish you'd known I forgave you 2 seconds after I'd shouted at you .. which was the very moment I'm sure you said sorry in your own feline way!

“It looks like a bothering sort of day.” 
― A.A. Milne

Rainy days and Mondays...

I didn't see anybody I knew today, and by the end of a day alone I often feel like I loose a grip of reality a bit and negative thoughts start coming into my head and I start to feel useless. I've been reading this really good book though called 'In Search of Significance' by Robert McGee. He points out how irrational negative thoughts can be and their power to be quite destructive really. Thinking good thoughts is important, even when there is nobody around to bounce them off and affirm them.


I did have some lovely emails in my inbox today, including one from a lovely friend I made on a sailing holiday on a tall ship. That bought back lots of happy fun memories, like having to go on Watch on shifts at all hours. I once took turn to steer the ship whilst the sun was rising, that was beautiful. Another shift we did was on a clear but rather rough night (gale force 7 winds). I remember looking up and seeing this amazing blanket of bright stars.It looked like the sky was wobbling, but it was of course the boat. I think that's how I see God sometimes, it seems like he is 'wobbling' when actually it's me, my thoughts, perspective and emotions. God is always steady as a rock.

“Supposing a tree fell down, Pooh, when we were underneath it?'

'Supposing it didn't,' said Pooh after careful thought.
Piglet was comforted by this.” 
― A.A. Milne