mpress

Our House [Webshots]

2009-11-12T04:36:41-08:00

Typical Spanish Village house

by harleewatson
see more photos from this album (40) ...

Looking in out on and up.......

2009-10-28T08:13:00.000+01:00

There is a need for concentration on whatever part of our individual,
mental, or spiritual education needs finishing as we stand on the
threshold of moving into Saturn in Libra and all the radically
different lessons that will bring. It will certainly restructure
whatever area it falls in our charts, with methods moving from known
Virgo routines into potential Libra routines.October has been a dress rehearsal for lessons to come between April
and July 2010, the last time Saturn will be in Virgo until 2036. That
will complete our Virgo lessons and restructuring.Saturn crystalizes all it touches. It gives structure, boundaries,
limitations, and clarity about things through its patient, steady
rhythm of unfoldment. The life principle symbolized by Saturn is said
to be "exalted" in Libra. That means that Saturn finds its "grounds for
greatest growth" in the sign of Libra. If nothing else, it shows the
need for responsibility in all of life's contracts. These include the
"contracts" we make with our Higher Self as well as worldly
involvements.[aquarius papers] So if Libra falls in the sun what does that mean in real terms?? Ansas on a postcard please.....
Well I gotta like this bit :)
Libra's reasonableness and moderation are healthy antidotes for the stubborn selfish extremism that seems so prevalent today.
but I never said I was free of ALL the traps lol
Libra, when freed of the traps of superficiality, vanity, extravagance, timidity, indecisiveness, vacillation, impatience, and getting too theoretical, demonstrate a harmonious, cooperative, agreeable impartial consideration for others that brings a greater sense of belonging to everyone involved.

Despite all that is going on around me I have been able to get some crochet done, a few basics bags n slippers, started on a shawl and then got the urge to start another jacket, Kurt, Ruth's brother is going to take some good pics for me and they are on about putting it together in some kind of catalogue, so much enthusiasm and many ideas flowing...we shall see what actually becomes reality........

I am aware of this totally new energy now in my home, don't get me wrong it aint bad - just very different - something that I need to adapt to and recognise what there is to learn from it, why it is here and now.....fodder for thought

We contacted Julia [Ruth's daughter if you can't keep up or track, not surprising, am amazed I am managing to thus far] earlier to see if she and Selina, her daughter, would come out for a week.....she is thinking about it......

Thinking some more about the J boy, I cannot "blame" him, I was bordering on obsessive when it came to what one got the other did equally, or at least I believe I tried, maybe J & L see it from a different perspective, so all J is endeavouring to do now is "keep the balance"

Ruth & I spent some time this morning talking about how we perceived our kids childhoods and how they see it as they look back, 2 differing realities - so if the differences can be so great between 2 people who have shared a life for many years and to all intent and purposes have shared many of the same experiences - is it not so difficult to understand why people of differing cultures [not shared collective experiences] cannot comprehend each other...

ooooo I have just been handed some fabby German choccy marzipanny jammy thing mmmmmmm, it has been a long day for the German contingency having taken an early flight to Alicante and then go to collect a hire car to drive on down here, so they are all crashing early....zzzzzzz......when the Killers are finished I shall shut down and head for zeds to...........

Wednesday morning and have just gotten back from my sunrise walk with Squidge, all is peaceful in the casa as everyone sleeps and I am feeling so much better that I shall go up to the gym this morning and then see what the day has to bring/offer........

The question of whether we or anyone else deserves something is not really in our jurisdiction. These themes play themselves out in ways we can’t fully comprehend—on the level of the soul, over the course of many lifetimes. What we do know is that the universe has its own way of shifting the balance over the course of time so that all things are ultimately fair. We can trust in this process and understand that when a gift comes our way, it is because we are meant to have it. Otherwise, it would not be available to us. Accepting the gift with gratitude and using it to the best of our ability is true humility.

If you would like to begin to make the shift into half-full consciousness, try imagining your life as an empty glass. This is your life without all the people you know, the work you do, your home, or your current state of physical wellbeing. This is just an empty, open space waiting to be filled. Once you have that feeling of openness in your mind, begin filling it with all the people, things, and places that make up your life. You may be surprised to find your glass overflowing.

Avalon Moment

2009-10-27T10:04:00.000+01:00

Up and out before the sun rose this morning, the mist lying low in the valleys and hiding Alhaurin, Grande y Torre, Cartama and the other habitats dotted between here and the coast, deep red streaks the far horizon with tiny lights twinkling giving away the presence of Malaga, the sun rises blood red from the sea and mountains. After the rains of a couple of weeks ago followed by a true Indian summer, temps back to mid/high 20's, flowers of yellow white and orange bloom brightly amongst the spreading green blanket which covers the mountainsides through winter.

Since Friday I have been not so well, it could have been Lorenzo's balls? [albondigas I promise] dodgy batch of wine? a "bug" doing the rounds? or maybe just a good ole emotional clear out? Take yer pick, anyway s'not nice and I am still getting excruciating cramp occasionally :( As is my wont I spent some time thinking/meditating upon it - all pan in solar plexus region which equates to emotions, reflecting on all that has occurred over the past few months even year I guess and it has all been happening at what appears to me at a whirlwind speed, I'm sure it hasn't really, although the past 3 months do seem to have been constant busy-ness, I noted how certain thoughts/topics/events brought a "gut" reaction - literally, so I am experimenting with different ways of dealing with these issues and I need to learn that there is that which NEEDS to be let out in some physical way, verbally or written and sent!! and other stuff which can be sent to the recycling bin and forgotten about and then I find it has ceased to exist anyway :)
I have come to realise from odd texts from my J that he feels her is trying to keep a balance in his own funny way, Lau will have nothing to do with her Dad which J feels isn't right, so because she stays in contact with me he feels justified in keeping contact with his Dad and not me, in his eyes it is only fair......it is his path to walk although I admit to a little sadness and a little cramping too, hey ho the joys of watching our babes as adults.......

Buzzing buzy bee Val - I have just finished reading The Secret Life of Bees, Sue Monk Kidd, Sarah gave it to me when I was back in Edinburgh, loved it highly recommended!

Well today Kurt and Rufi arrive, Ruth has gone out get in plenty of provisions.....

C came round last night, ah poor lady it is but 6 weeks since her Mum died and she is still in that shocked state, but she could off load to me knowing I knew what she was feeling, in fact her first words to me were......
I never really knew what you were feeling when I came to see you last year, I only imagined and now I know nothing can prepare you for the force of that pain when it hits.........
She needed to talk and so she did, and needs to do some more so I will go see her Thursday, we were interrupted last night as unbeknown to C, Jules had asked if she could come skype her daughter after 8 when she, J had finished work, so C went on her way.......it's strange knowing of someone's pain so intimately - the is another friend who's sister died a few weeks ago and she too will be in the same space, don't fight it go with it..........for me I can't deny I think it was the worst pain I have ever felt, childbirth, operations even being told I had terminal cancer, which certainly rocked my world for a while, still no comparison!! BUT always see the beauty in each day because there always is and plenty of it if we allow ourselves to see it.... end of Avalon moment

Anne and John are back after their summer of sailing and John popped round after a couple of days saying he had been on my roof and spied a few cracked tiles, so although no tiler/roofer with get some cement and mend - he is a perfectionist so I have no doubts to his ability of doing a great job, but how kind is that, bear in mind this gentleman is now in his 70's.....

Meloni - thank you, you come to mind each day, some connection that is to fine for us to see :) Much love

Brightest Blessings

Monday....Tuesday....Wednesday

2009-10-22T10:45:00.000+02:00

Well that was a different birthday - got up went to bank and then gym, back home and by 10 we were on the road to Yunquera to sort out my leccy bill, I have had a year of estimates and just before leaving for Scotland they decided to read it and the bill arrived the day I got back, it would have gone through the bank a few days earlier, and of course there weren't enough funds, so need to speak with endessa so I can pay so much a month blah blah, so nearest officina is up up up and round round round the mountain to get to Yunquera only to be told they don't deal with it any more I need to go to Pizarra or Coin, well back down down down and round round round again and off to Pizarra, the computer is down so can't do anything I will need to phone - a few expletives here - then to the garden centre for a coffee and tapas, leave there to head home, turn the key to start Cecil [the citroen] nadir not a squeak, so we start to push, joined by another lady then a guy, then a car pulls in a 2 very nice young men jump out and take over, bump started - 2 n.y.m jump back in their, fairly beat up ancient motor and drive off, talk about 2 angels appearing a the right time, thanks D xx Stop at supermarket in village, not thinking and same again, very elderly man with stick and shopping hobbles over and helps as does another lady and finally home - Cecil is now sitting facing down the road!! We walked up to the Piscina for lunch, phone call rom Wendy to say she is in village, so we wound our way down to Oasis after a very good lunch, Dougie told me no dog, so Wendy and I sat outside with our wine and caught up on 2 months of absence, a couple of hours of talking??!! I wandered home bumped into Africa, Carmen and Remy who proceeded to sing Happy Birthday very loudly in the street to me - oh blush - I invited them back, Carmen bought cakes - yummy, Zoe joined the party - much dancing and merriment and woke late this morning.........
Yes we did phone endessa, which cost an arm and a leg only to finally get hold of someone who says that they can't do anything either, it is the bank who sorts it out for me arrrrrrrrggggggg

Thank You Meloni your card arrived right on time, much love to you xx

Thanks to you to Val xx I am glad the Harley Bee is a fruit lover :) Thinking of you lots!!

Tuesday was a quiet day LOL, although I was up and about fairly early as I had asked the vet to pop down and start Squidge on her course of injections for her passeporte, our village vet is married to the guy who runs the restauraunt at the piscina so she is always to be found up there serving and helping out, so as we ate up there the previous day I took the opportunity to start the process, so having dropped her children of at school walked down to me and did the deed. Later Julio called by for a chat and cuppa as Amanda is back to work till Friday - Ruth decided to start her 3 day fast!! Her brother and nephew are arriving next Tuesday - a German invasion hahahaha BUT is great for me as her brother likes fixing cars - how fortuitous is that!! I shall also ask them to collect some wood for me woo hoo, 2 strong men who, at least Ruth tells me, will be happy to do this; the following Tuesday Linda and her son arrive from Edinburgh - gonna be a full hoose :)
Obviously I didn't make it to the gym on Tuesday but I was back to normal [whatever that may mean] Wed and met up with Jules when she finished work for a coffee and catch up - Ruth has been reading and snoozing her way through her fast, only way to do it!! And already feeling heaps better.
Lots of rain Tuesday night and as I write this the heavens have opened again, everywhere looks washed clean and smells so fresh......
Brightest Blessings to one and all, we are ALL being offered many choices now - ENJOY xx

Sun Sea & Scotland

2009-10-19T07:35:00.000+02:00

Here I am sitting in Lau's flat in a few hours I will be heaing back to Spain where no doubt the sun is still shining and a little warmer :)

It has been a fab few days, sadly J didn't make it up for one reason and another, hey ho another time!!

Maria has an amazing flat by the sea - couldn't be better if she tried, big airy and bright. Us girls had a lotta fun and Bu Stu coped with us all exceedingly well and at Maria's hoose you certainly can meet a variety of characters - many of whom make me look normal lol - but all beautiful people.

Lau has been a star and I had a perfectly splendid time with her

Interesting reading - mmm, funny how I am a believer but a sceptical believer, you know wanting to beleive but well aware how our emotions will cling to such phenomena which makes people vulnerble........well this lady did blow me away - she had never met Del nor seen pics of him, nadir!!! Yet when she started to read my tarot, she said sh had someone buttung in, noone she recognised {I felt my resistace go up}, I say nothing and she begins to describe this entity to me, big eyes, quite wrinkly, hair how he is sitting what he is doing - it could be no other it was D she was descibing and then she repeated what he was saying using phrases that were personal to him and me.........and my reading was good and if nothig else put me into a very positive place - so onwards and upwards folks.......

I am kinda sorry that I didn't get to see Christine and Sindy, but time gets the better of me every time :)

Can't believe that I wrote the above nearly a week ago!!! So - I landed back last Tuesday afternoon and found Ruth in arrivals no problemo :) What a reunion after 16 years......Zoe's friend Paul left on the Thursday evening, he has now fallen in love with Casarabonela and will be back LOL - he has some splendid photos up on facebook of the village, Ronda and surrounding countryside......

A call from Frank late Thursday afternoon asking if I culd go get 4 rooms and downstairs cleaned - in 6 hours - ha bloody ha - people [I guess some of the family] must have stayed there since I last cleaned, so there was a darned sight more than 6 hours worth of work needed doing!! Hey ho Ruth and I did our best, yep Ruth got hauled in to help :)

By Sat evening I was knackered, also I hadn't had my usual quiet time to process my time away and readjust to being back, so after our visit to Amanda and Julio's for lunch I came home and just wanted to sleep which I more or less did all through yesterday as well......

Yep today I am 54 - gulp - feeling more "myself" and ready to face the gym this morning, before heading up to Yunquera to sort out my electricity bill - oh joy :) at least it wasn't as bad as I thought it might be after a year of estimates only, phew!! Big relief.....

Oh and I got an email from Linda a couple of days ago saying she was coming out on the 5th November with one of her sons for a couple of weeks, she is hoping to take the train up to Madrid and possibly Barcelona while she is here, so I guess she will spend some time here when she arrives and then just before she goes and spend the middle bit traveling and seeing other parts of Espana.....

So life seems full on but I am not complaining........

Brightest Blessings to one and all and heartfelt thoughts to you Jesse xxxx

Harvest Moon

2009-10-04T08:18:00.002+02:00

To those of you who read this as a facebook note you will not
see the embedded link above

Well wasn't it a beautiful moon - I sat up on the terrace and had a
wee chat with Del, did some honest reflection and came to some
decisions!! Yes I do feel better.

Yesterday was a return to summer, all storms and rain clouds
vanished, some great stalls with lots of Moroccan goodies and
a lovely atmosphere in the plaza, we saw the beginning of
Romeria - sadly not releasing of the birds, we stall holders
were confined to the plaza from 10 till 6, well I packed up at
half five, sold the latest red shrug - got
an order for some slippers and another shrug - so we
shall see what today brings, the
dawn this morning was very dramatic and now
the sky is clear - a few whispy high
clouds pink streaks - clean quiet and clear......

Oh Val how you pulled at my heart with your blog -
go read it folks
A Pause for the Aged Parent - such an honest and
real piece of writing

Eli how are you? I keep seeing you!!
Be well my fairy friend xx

Angie - what can I say but I know what you be going
through, just keep breathing and
ride it out xx

Sa hope Xbox day went well, c ya soon xx

Well guess I had better get myself ready and start hauling
stuff back up to the plaza for another long day of sitting in
the sun - Squidge has a great time :) beguiling everyone
into giving her titbits - mustn't grumble LOL

Count down is on......

2009-10-02T20:51:00.000+02:00

till my visit to Scotland on Thursday, before that there is the Romeria and a Bird Fair happening this w/e in the village, I have been asked along with many others to have a stall, they are releasing 4 birds of prey at noon from up at the municiple pool, being about the highest point where lots of people can congregate; as per usual there will be free food laid on as part of the Romeria [lots of people dressed up on horseback gather in the main plaza and then head up to what used to be known as Venta Carmen, now Venta Francis and for those who walk along behind there will be more free food at the venta. I am hoping to get packed up before 2 on the Sunday and head up to V.F. meet up with A & J.

Well it has been an intense week, I thought I was doing OK but Monday and Tuesday hit harder than I expected, but it has to be gotten through. L&K leaving on Wed was quite hard hitting to, I have gotten so used to them being just round the corner, Leigh popping in most days - but - everything constantly changes......

Yesterday I heard from a friend who has been threatening to come over as soon as her job came to an end and suddenly it has, I had to call her quick to stop her booking a flight for next week, life will certainly change with Ruth around, I suspect another interesting experience on it's way!!

Have a good full moon folks - the time to reflect and to give thanks - harvest moon - Blessings Be.....

Redirecting the Eruption

Intense emotions demand intense modes of expression. While there are many outlets for the feelings typically deemed positive, however, there are far fewer methods for constructively coping with anger, frustration, fear, sadness, or stress. Consequently, such feelings can cause us to believe that we are no longer in control of our emotional state. Backed into a mental corner, we may lash out at the first individual we encounter. Most of us will quickly discover that our misdirected outpouring of fury has not relieved the pressure of our pain. Powerful emotions are like the lava in a volcano poised to erupt—held in check with nothing but an eroding layer of calm. Within us lies the power to direct the flood of feeling that surges forth by channeling it into productive, artistic, or laborious pursuits.

Retaking control of our emotions at their height can be difficult because our already negative feelings can convince us that others are deserving of our wrath. But if we consciously look for healthier ways of expressing what we feel, we can both safely dispel our pain and use the energy of that pain to add value to our lives. Anger and sadness, for example, can become the inspiration that induces us to dedicate ourselves to bringing about the change we wish to see in the world. If we act rather than react, we can become effective agents of positive transformation. When we channel our frustration or feelings of stress into outside-the-box thinking and proactive exploits, we are more apt to discover solutions to the issues that initially left us stymied. And if we view fear as a signal that we need to reexamine our circumstances rather than a cue to flee, we may gain new and unexpected insight into our lives.

Channeling your emotions into constructive action can also prevent you from engaging in cyclical rumination in which you repeatedly relive the situation, event, or expectation that originally sparked your feelings in your mind’s eye. Since you are focused on a goal, even if your ambition is merely to better understand yourself, your pain is no longer being fed by your intellectual and emotional energy and quickly ebbs away. You not only avoid lashing out at others, but you also actively take part in your own healing process while honestly acknowledging and honoring your feelings.

Look on the right side of life........

2009-09-27T09:26:00.001+02:00

The rains have returned - didn't get light till nearly 8:15 this morning, as my sleep patterns have all gone awry again I have been up since well before dawn, printing out another 10 copies of Amanda's Recipe book - reading stuff online - sent a card for
Rowan Berry's Bday.
Spoke to La yesterday who is just back from her Bulgarian holiday, which from
what I can gather was an experience!! She is feeling a little weepy as she looks
back on this time last year - the Sunday was when we both went as per usual in the
morning to be told Del wasn't gonna make it and everything was to be turned off
and so we sat and waited and waited.......although I feel great sadness as I remember,
I feel quite distanced - not quite here [no more than usual folks] - I am "content" to

be by myself - lost in thoughts allowing them to wash over/though me - observing -
not holding - just doing what feels right for me - I know I don't want to have folks
trying to take my mind of it, Bless 'em for their kindness and thoughts - but my mind wants/needs to see it through, it is not healthy to try and avoid this process.......
This past year seems to have flown by and I am not sure what I have done or
achieved - on reflection much of it is a blur - what will this new one bring??

Hey I forgot to mention that Anne who stayed a couple of weeks ago was a massage therapist to Lorna - small world and quite a bizarre connection in the greater scheme
of things

Hahaha should see the walking wounded, Leigh is still hobbling with her back and Keith
fell out of a tree and has broken his elbow joint and they are moving house, some folks don't like to make life easy LOL

These quiet days mean I get a lot more crochet done and have now completed a new
Joseph Jacket, a snuggly red "christmas" shrug and a joseph jacket for a toddler,
yes I know photos would be good, but I am still waiting for pics others have taken to
be sent to me, so have given up asking others to help on that score - oh I know they
meant well and are full of good intentions, but life takes over and it gets forgotten.......

A bit of star gazing :)
and we're now in the heart of the storm indicated by
Saturn opposition Uranus. Just remember that we
also have the Sun with Mercury retrograde in late
Virgo offering their influences as well. This makes
for a very complex gestalt, one of high tension, but
also great for illumination through seeing and
understanding things from many different angle
of vision. All of September into early October will
be under this tension. Many polarizations will become
evident.[mmmmm have noticed some of them xx]
Many oppositional situations will manifest. It's a
major face-off between the visible and invisible
Law and Order, both higher and lower.This is an

opposition between structure and revolution, a
lower law versus Higher Law, fear facing freedom,
or tradition, resistance and/or fear confronting genius.
It is experience patiently blocking willful folly, studied
reserve facing impetuousness, understanding countering
lawlessness. There are ten thousand more ways this can
express, so use your understanding of what Saturn and
Uranus symbolize to see how it may be happening in
your world.
For Del

A year flies by.......

2009-09-23T08:36:00.000+02:00

Thursday and Friday were the hardest days - not sure how the 29th will feel when the time comes, but thus far it was the memories of the Thursday and Friday of last year which brought up much emotion, I am aware of how this has had to be done alone, Laura in Bulgaria, J in Ireland and all those other special beings in my life are doing their own thing in their own places - Friday was the worst as that was when D went into intensive and I remember how affected I was - I guess looking back he died then really, last year I was ever hopeful he would pull through, this year I know different........

As I've written in other articles, during a Mercury retrograde
period we all know we're NOT supposed to sign contracts, make purchases
of electronics, make major moves or decisions, and are supposed to hang
out with the energies, seeing that things may not be as they appear,
and so on. That said, there are many things that a Mercury retrograde
period is good for, such as traveling. I have found that as long as one
is flexible, retrograde travel is actually a good thing.

Also favored are research, reflection, review, rehearsals, and
returns from the past. It's also a great time for reconnecting with old
friends, finding people and things thought lost, It's a great time to
explore possibilities, as long as no definitive decisions are made,
since they are usually modified or reversed later on.

It's a good time for doing things left undone, or neglected, from
previous times. It's good for resuming something from the past, as long
as you remember that it may not look like it used to, or requires a
different approach than before. It's also good for doing things that
fill in gaps in understanding or activity, or for doing things that
seem to go in one direction but lead you to entirely new information
and understanding.

It's a good time for resuming things begun in previous retrograde
periods, or for picking up threads that had to be set aside while other
things developed. It usually indicates a time when you need to be able
to build in a time lag with whatever you're doing, since retrogrades
often show that there are things yet to develop that will ultimately
fill in whatever is missing in the present.

Monday was Peace day, yesterday was the equinox {Venus rules the Sun at the Autumnal Equinox. At 3 Virgo, we see there will be some heavy "guardian angel" action this Autumn, as well as inner powers coming forth. Venus semisquare Mars indicates emergent interpersonal friction, as neither is in a sign it does well in. Both are in the signs of their "Fall," showing least growth potential. Stay focused and don't get deflected by distractions. I can't really go into much more detail, as it's just too much information.Overall, the next 3 months are a time of continued polarizations unveiling hidden things that can lead to cathartic experiences where we can purify our personalities so our Higher Self can again shine forth. It's a time to learn, to discipline our mind and speech, and finish up our training preparing to do a larger spiritual work in our world. Many will reveal unsuspected powers latent within, and appreciation will go a long way in unlocking creative potentials as well as the ability to maintain what is good in our inner life.
Autumn symbolizes the harvest, where we move into expanded relationships and social interactions. We can find new ideals, new sense of proportion, and new perspective offering a more balanced way of seeing, relating, or doing. The Moon puts a focus on our ability to transmute the lesser into the greater, the animal into the (super)natural. Be alert to people and situations where there is "undisciplined escapism" or distorted attitudes.} - I am counting my blessings and giving thanks - after last week's storms the weather has changed back - the sun is beaming down on us once again, the car got a great natural wash last week!!
Leigh n Keith arrived back last night, so I guess Barbara dog will be leaving today, she has been a good soul and I have enjoyed our early morning walks/meditations, as the sun rises over the mountain, the bats are "radaring" their way home before the birds start their rallying calls to herald a new day, now is the time when the mist lies in the valleys giving a fantastical quality to the views. No clouds on the horizon - well maybe one little one LOL after a year endessa have finally done the rounds and read the meter, ooo er - ah well just another exercise in not worrying/thinking the worst/going into mad panic. Also despite my efforts to secure birth certs I find I can't order mine as they don't take visa, so a wee job for Lau when she returns from hols and I am still awaiting response about Del's and so still I cannot move forward with legalities, sometimes it feels like I am shackled to the spot....

Thanks to everyone who has sent me messages, I do appreciate them and I will be in touch properly very soon.....none of you are forgotten xxxxx

Getting back in the groove!!

2009-09-17T10:00:00.000+02:00

Well after what seems like a continual stream of visitors for the past few weeks, some of which I perceived to be good and some not so......it feels strange to be alone in the house once again and trying to focus on work and moving forwards, also catching up with friends......some of whom seem to be invoking some strong lessons - we all know that life is simple but knowing it and living it can be easier said than done, some quirk in our human nature wants to complicate everything - resulting in what can seem like a punch to the solar plexus, leaving us winded and temporarily wounded, which leads us to time to reflect and do some "honest" thinking about ourselves, relationships and changes required within ourselves. No matter how much we want to protect those whom we love from the pain of growing it is not possible, or desirable, we must allow each to learn as we all do and due to that "quirk" we all go through painful experiences. All we can do is ensure that we do not keep repeating the same experiences!!

Must be all this mercury retrograde LOL

Talking of stars n things I have worked out that I have 4 planets in Libra and Leo, 2 in Sag and scorpio, doing a little research I realise that some things just aint gonna change in me :)

Making Life Yours
There is no secret recipe for happiness and contentment. The individuals who move through life joyously have not necessarily been blessed with lives of abundance, love, success, and prosperity. Such people have, however, been blessed with the ability to take the circumstances they’ve been handed and make them into something great. Our individual realities are colored by perception—delight and despair come from within rather than without. Situations we regard as fortuitous please us while situations we judge inauspicious cause us no end of grief. Yet if we can look at all we have accomplished without dwelling on our perceived misfortune and make each new circumstance our own, the world as a whole becomes a brighter place. A simple shift in attitude can help us recognize and unearth the hidden potential for personal and outer world fulfillment in every event, every relationship, every duty, and every setback.

The universe is often an unpredictable and chaotic place, and the human tendency is to focus on the negative and assume the positive will care for itself. But life can be no more or no less than what you make of it. If you are working in a job you dislike, you can concentrate on the positive aspects of the position and approach your work with gusto. What can you do with this job that can turn it around so you do love it. When faced with the prospect of undertaking a task you fear, you can view it as an opportunity to discover what you are truly capable of doing. Similarly, unexpected events, when viewed as surprises, can add flavor to your existence. By choosing to love life no matter what crosses your path, you can create an atmosphere of jubilance that is wonderfully infectious. A change in perspective is all it takes to change your world, but you must be willing to adopt an optimistic, hopeful mind-set.
To make a conscious decision to be happy is not enough. You must learn to observe life’s complexities through the eyes of a child seeing everything for the first time. You must furthermore divest yourself of preconceived notions of what is good and what is bad so that you can appreciate the rich insights concealed in each stage of your life’s journey. And you must strive to discover the dual joys of wanting what you have. As you gradually shift your perspective, your existence will be imbued with happiness and contentment that will remain with you forever.
The Daily OM

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Anne, finding we knew people - many of whom I haven't seen or heard about in nearly 30 years, I am hoping she will return for longer at some future date. So the amazing Green Handbook does it again!!
So I am thinking I must write a wee article about the eco-activities happening in Casarabonela to try and save this beautiful village from industry.

The memories are beginning to overtake - Del going up to the gym, feeling so pleased with himself for getting healthy and quitting booze n fags, making plans for the future - all was good. None of us know what is round the corner, make the best of it! I know I will have a strange 10 days as memories move in and out, I will cry and I will laugh, but I will not rage, to rage would not honour Del his choice his path, but I will give thanks - thanks for our time together, the love, experiences and lessons shared, his energy lives on Blessings Be xx

Numerically interesting day

2009-09-09T09:10:00.000+02:00

09:09:2009 - all those nines and an 11 also another 11 for the total, master numbers and whatever your bent there is comment for this day - potent in it's energy - up to you how you use it - we always have a choice and sometimes too much choice, as I heard someone saying on the radio yesterday too much choice creates stress, so the answer is to keep things simple.
Having just come back from a wandering with the mutts and cloud watching, remembering how clouds played quite a part in D's n my life - many years ago we used to practice cloud busting, until we decided we shouldn't really mess with nature unless for a very good reason, so clouds are for answering questions :) and occasionally cloaking an alien!! This morning the low dark rain clouds are swiftly passing from west to easy revealing pale blues and pinks, such gentle colours and reminding us that when the dark clouds pass there will be beauty. We live in interesting times and there is certainly more light - how else would the dirt be shown up and there's been plenty of that this past year and made visible for all to see and change has to occur, there is no turning back and I for one heave a sigh of relief, oh there will difficult times - folks don't like change however glibly we may spout about the only constant in life is change, we just have to "go with the flow" or make our lives no fun at all, simple choice really........funny how the simplest things in life are the hardest to achieve, we can strive to live a simple life and keep our choices simple BUT in the striving we create complications - pictures of hamsters on a wheel :)
Have a powerful day that is beneficial to the ALL, not the one [yep I can hear the voice that says "but by being good to me is being good to all coz I am part of the ALL - moral of the story - do what is right for you and hurt no other in the process]
Light Love and Power [Will to Good]
Here's something for the sisters :)

The separation was conscious and it was part of our support and service to bring your souls and spirit back into alignment – as the journey of the divine masculine was being traversed. The imbalance that resulted was not something that could be foretold – for still as it has always been the freedom and the choice in being conscious or not – in choosing something or something else has rested in the hands of each of you. The journey had to be taken in this way – and now the journey has come to an end in one cycle as another is birthed.And as you enter towards the portal of 9:9 – know that it will be a point of completion. It is a point of pause. Like the Divine Mother that I am but now as the Divine Feminine encompassing all sacred feminine archetypes – it is time during the pause of the 9:9 Divine Feminine Portal to express your Goddess Spark. It matters not whether you are man or woman in body – for this has always been part of your expression not the whole representation. It is the merging of all that is you – in the same way that we have merged all that was Divine Feminine, that we ask you to honour your Goddess Spark.

The Goddess energy is about love through play, it is about nurturing with love, it is about creation with love, it is about abandoning the confines of the mind and merging the mind and heart. The Goddess energy that we emit is light – and bonds with you like sparks of light. Each spark expanding you and supporting the creation of the new you! For it is not just those who are in light who are renewed – each of you has undergone the experience of a re-birthing. The shift in moving forward – and for those who still feel their movement has been prevented or distracted – just understand that you are still moving forward and that the purpose in delay has been the choice of your soul. It is now time to speak to your soul through your heart, with love and bring it forward to be part of this new earth.

As the Divine Feminine energy completes a phase of its cycle during the gateway of 9:9 – we ask that you do not sit in meditation for that work was done during the portal of 8:8 – but instead dance or sing. This way you can enliven your Goddess spark. The law of the universe has not changed – the more you enliven this the more it is drawn to you – and the more we can reflect it back – so the cycle can continue progressing as we move to the next phase of blissful being.

Numerically 2009 is an eleven year. Eleven is the master number that reflects the transformation of the physical into the Divine. This year has involved the greatest influx of Light that Humanity has experienced since........
No matter how oblivious a person may be of his or her Divinity, every person is a Beloved Child of God, which means that all that our Father-Mother God have is ours. We are One. We are interconnected, interdependent, and interrelated. What affects one of us affects all of us. The Universal Law is, "As I AM lifted up, ALL Life is lifted up with me."

These are exciting times and we have the wonderful opportunity to truly make a difference. The date 09-09-09 offers a gift, a portal, an activation and transmission of cosmic consciousness. We the collective have the opportunity to partner with the celestial realms to focus our awareness and intention for the highest and the best to unfold in our own lives and in the lives of others. This is a day to claim and own our power.We live in a sea of vibrations, everything and everyone is frequency. We are becoming aware of our true power to influence the quantum field with our words, emotions and intentions. This truth is especially powerful when we join together as a conscious collective with one common goal and one focused intention for global change.

Usually, Mercury goes retrograde 3 times each year, but this year we'll see another one begin in late December, making this a somewhat unusual year. When Mercury is retrograde, it seems to throw people and situations into a whirlwind of over, under, sideways and down. But does it really? Just what is Mercury retrograde? In the next few weeks we'll discover many things about how Mercury Retrograde in Libra and Virgo affects us.

Mercury retrograde is one of the most misunderstood parts of astrology. Many have heard about it, but don't know what it really is. I've given an introduction about the general meaning of the phenomenon known as Mercury Retrograde in the article, Mercury Retrograde - A New Look at the Guide of Souls. It was written to assist readers to pierce through many of the superstitions and suppositions concerning this repeating phenomenon, and how it works in our lives.

Passing Time

2009-09-09T07:35:00.000+02:00

Now the month of Sept and I am very aware that it is but a few weeks till I have completed my first year without D - quite a few blips and quite a few good 'uns - hey aint that just the way of life, but with a succession of visitors I haven't time to sit and get maudlin which has to be a good thing......first Maria who was such an inspiration and good energy to have here, especially after the emotional glitch I decided to go through - bizarre or what?? After Maria comes Anne - a lady who got in touch via the green handbook and I had no prior knowledge of - but we have hit it off very well and so having had to contend with much that was negative I was then given via Maria and Anne a much lighter enjoyable energy - thanks be to the universe - take the not so good and the good will come round - yin yang - night day - black white - hey ho aint it so with life LOL.......I am getting stronger - the lessons the universe sends my way ensures my place in the school of life.......

This Full Moon falls at 13 degrees Pisces and Virgo. It is said that
the middle third of any sign deals with the social levels of life, and
being the second decan of those signs, invokes a sub-influence of
Cancer and Capricorn. Since the Moon always focuses the light of the
Sun in specific forms, the degree symbols for both are important. The
Sun degree is the illumination or enlightenment of the lunation,
whereas the Moon shows us the potential forms that enlightenment will
take.

The Solar degree Sabian Symbol is "A Strong Hand Supplanting
Political Hysteria." This is a degree where energies are transmuted
through the power of the personality to articulate racial ideals.
Rudhyar comments that it symbolizes "charisma" that focuses "the
collective need for order... into a personage who incarnates the answer
to this need."

So the Light will show as an ability to calm and inspire others,
restoring emotional or social chaos to a form of order. Perhaps this
shows a need to speak to the unconscious, personal or collective. Here
personality is the vehicle for the Higher Mind focused through "voice"
magnetism to exert control over the lower nature.

Dr. Jones says the keyword is POWER and when positive it's said to
be a degree of "consistent effectiveness in dramatizing personal
potentials." We find it is a degree of "the weight of human
personality" as it intervenes in public affairs where drifting or
confusion has set in. Stating "The greatest opportunity for
self-discovery lies in the transient crises of everyday living," this
symbol provides us all a corrective in our personal and interpersonal
affairs.

The Lunar degree symbol is "A Sword in a Museum." It speaks of the
"courage and fearlessness needed in the quest for spirit and real
understanding." We are told we need faith in ourselves, while examining
any feelings of emptiness or dread.

We are reminded that our Will is our ultimate Spiritual weapon, and
used with Love, Wisdom, and Intelligence in an action focusing the
greater good we serve as examples for others to follow in their own way
and time. This symbolizes the ability to become a symbol of courage
that certifies our Spiritual worth.

Mars activates and accelerates the pace of events in our lives. People currently going through dynamic activity, a hectic fast-paced period, or having the hardest time in early September are March Aries, June Cancers, September Libras, and December Capricorns. These signs, as well as others, are also affected during the next 8 weeks.

From the second week of September through the end of the month, this applies to Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn born the first half of April, July, October, and January. The first half of October it applies to these signs born the 3rd weeks of those months. [lau that's u n me!]Beginning mid-October, this applies to Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius born the end of April, July, October, and January. If you were born in these zones, focus on what constitutes responsible action, given these birth periods show more highly agitated energy than usual.

Mars tests us to get a grip on our energy and shows us how well we are demonstrating self-control or not. Mars is our "fight or flight" principle, and symbolizes what aggravates us, so if you are affected by its transit, beware of hasty action, argumentativeness, or impulsiveness.

A way to use what I post here is that if you know your chart, examine the Mars effect in light of planets you have in the signs that are conjunct, square, or opposed to/by Mars. Because this month it moves forward from 4 to 22 Cancer, that span is specifically activated. In October, it will move from 22 Cancer to 8 Leo, activating that span during that month.

For instance, if you have Mercury in a Cardinal sign (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn)[yep mercury in libra] or in the first 8 degrees of a Fixed sign (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius), examine the challenges relative to your mind, interpretations, or thinking patterns, as well as other planets influenced by Mercury. If you have Venus in a Cardinal sign or the first 8 degrees of a Fixed sign, examine what is said in light of your likes and dislikes and other Venus-influenced areas in your chart.

If you have Mars in the a Cardinal sign or the first part of a Fixed sign, regard what is stated in the context of Mars-ruled affairs and activities. This shows an important shift in your Mars cycle, so heads up! You can also apply what follows regarding this month if you have an Ascendant (Rising sign) in a Cardinal sign or the beginning of a Fixed sign.......

September fulfills an old cycle for Libras born in late September through the first half of October. The first half of October, this applies to Libras born the 3rd week of October. The last half of October this applies to Scorpios born at the end of that month.

Interesting times, especially as I will be in Scotland in the first half of Oct. So forewarned as forearmed lol - gotta remember Lau n I are both the 3rd week of Aries and Libra - Sa you should have gone through your stuff hehehe as you are the beg of Jan like J - so keep alert :)

Well the weather has certainly cooled down, bliss even had some rain day before yesterday and most mornings are cloudy and cool, so back to the gym for me. Afternoons are hot and Anne has been enjoying time up at the pool, we have discovered we know a lot of folk - folk from Moffat that I haven't seen in many a long year and maybe a good contact for the crochet.........we shall see......anyway am now working on jackets again - with a new twist to them.....
Now I must take the mutts out for their early morning meander, Barbara dog is here while L & K are back in the UK, and later I am taking Anne up to the lakes for a bit of sight seeing
Brightest Blessings xx

Heat of Summer

2009-08-24T10:08:00.001+02:00

I thought this article in the Olive Press was well worth sharing!!

The People’s Republic of Che Gordillo

Despite 25 per cent of Andalucians being unemployed Gordillo is adamant his town of 3,000 people have no such job worries.

Speaking proudly – appropriately in front of a portrait of Che Guevara that adorns his office – the mayor declares: “The truth is there is nobody unemployed in this town.

“If people lose their jobs they can come to the town hall where we will assign them jobs.

“Be it re-building pavements or laying roads we can give them work that will not only provide them with money but will also improve the area.

“Also, season permitting, there is often work up on the co-operative for those who suddenly find themselves jobless.”

Hundreds of local people are currently working for the co-operative, each being guaranteed 47 euros for a six and a half hour day.

And it is this much-vaunted co-operative that has been heralded as a shining light for towns and cities across the world struggling against the global slowdown.

Called El Humoso, it is located eight kilometres outside of the town and is a crucial source of work for many residents.

It took 12 years of political fighting, however, for the mayor to finally wrestle the right to cultivate the land for his people from the power of an infamous wealthy landowner, the Duke of Infantado.

Nowadays people even come from nearby towns such as Ecija to work as part of the team.

And from the Aquarius Papers

Learning how to transmute negativity in an environment is a worthy work, but it can leave you exhausted. Then it's time to sit still and get/be quiet.

Be diplomatic with an argumentative person, but don't expect them to be different than they are. Some people are just contrary......
Usually the solution to problems comes through creative imagination, not griping about what's wrong in an echo chamber.
Surrender to the love you feel when with loved ones, since you just don't know if this is the last time you'll see each other in this world. And sometimes the loved ones you meet for the first time in this life will instantly be closer to you than those you've known for decades.
For those trying to give birth to a new life, personality, career, job, relationship, or any other new way of experiencing your Being, remember that in any pregnancy the water must break before the contractions begin that will result in a form emerging from within you. Just keep breathing, riding the waves of intensifying and subsiding contractions until you see the form of what you've delivered. Then smile, since a whole new life begins!

***************************

Well guys while you are drowning in Scotland we are still scorchio scorchio LOL
The Cultural week kicked off on Sat night with all things African, food dancers, drummers etc. As Jason came up, supposedly to bring my wine and T-shirt, he forgot them - huh & hahaha, still good to see him and catch up.

Well all I can say is that Del & Lorna must be very sad looking down on their son - as his lies unfold - he hasn't changed since he was a kid, all his Buddhist background hasn't made so much difference sadly......I feel great sadness.......wondering what impels him to behave in such a manner......and that he will continue to leave a trail of pain behind him,
and he will continue to charm - charmers are not always the most trustworthy folks on this planet {I had one as a father and watched the chaos he oft caused while charming the "birds" off the trees, true D was a charmer too but he learnt not to use it to manipulate people}Enough we all have to walk our own path and we can make it as good for others or not.

A week to catch up before another visitor - Maria :) Yep she arrives next Monday, on her own apparently for 5 days of sun rest and relaxation, well that's easy then and the day she leaves there is another lady turning up, this lady contacted me having read the Green Handbook, so after she has finished a course at Cortigo Romero in Orgiva she is heading down here and we will take it from there.

Zoe has an old friend coming over in Oct and he is going to stay here and although I will back in Scotland he arrives just before I leave and leaves a day or so after I return, so Stinkers will have company and if Squidge is OK with him she can stay put otherwise she can go and stay with Leigh - Leigh's Bday today :) Had a peek at friend and looks a cool dude - Thanks Zoe xx

OK time to get things done before heat becomes too much
Brightest Blessings :)

Another visitor

2009-08-12T09:51:00.000+02:00

Funny how life evolves at times - Saturday would have been our 18th wedding anniversary and I was planning a quiet day on my own, I knew I wouldn't be bothered by visitors as there is a charity day going on up at El Oasis [I already explained why I wouldn't be there and have done "my bit" already]. I knew I was working up at L.E. but as it is just clearing up after the guests and as there aren't any others there is no big rush and I can be on my own, well best laid plans an all that, Anne emailed me about coming over quite a while ago and then it seemed she would be the beginning of Sept then on Monday I received an email saying she is arriving this Friday evening - well looks like the universe and I had differing ideas LOL, I have forewarned her I could be a little withdrawn on Saturday.....

L & K are talking more and more of moving - work is scarce and school time looms, parents have to buy all the school books and this can be close to 200euros, would be very strange here without them about, but unlike a few months ago when this thought would have me breaking out in a cold sweat, I find myself sad at the thought, but everything changes and better to roll with it than struggle - they are the closest I have to family here and looked after me so well when D died, Leigh was a star!!

Jo has been in touch saying she has someone interested in my crochet and would I do stuff for the larger lady, so I am not without orders so really should buckle down, tis difficult in the summer what with La Era, visitors, and the outdoor evening lifestyle, afternoons indoors can still be too hot for doing anything but siesta-ing - I have refrained from using air-con completely and fans very rarely - it's visitors who tend to use them non-stop, but that is all slackening off now so I can re-focus my energies

New research shows that when we experience positive emotions ~ love, joy, serenity, amusement, pride, as examples ~ our awareness expands.

“We literally see more, our peripheral vision is expanded,” says Barbara Frederickson, a psychology professor at the University of North Carolina and author of the book Positivity, which is based on her research.

Negative emotions, conversely, can actually shrink our mental capacity and perceptions. According to U.S. News & World Report:
She also finds that people who increase their "daily diet" of positive emotions develop closer connections with others, their resilience and optimism strengthens, and they become less depressed and more satisfied with life, compared with people who do nothing to experience them more frequently.

'Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater. If you give her sperm, she'll
give you a baby. If you give her a house, she'll give you a home. If
you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal. If you give her a
smile, she'll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is
given to her. So, if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton
of shit !!'

Times are tough all over, for some more than others. At the same time, in many areas of human existence, we are more aware and advanced than we've ever been before. "These are the best of times, the worst of times" as it was once put. That seems to be the theme at every important juncture in human history, when the few have accumulated much, and many have little or nothing, relatively speaking. Everywhere people yearn for better lives, but are frustrated by the inertia of the larger environment, which seems harder than it needs to be..........It's easy to go with what we know, even if that deadens our imagination. Many unnecessarily limit their options for all kinds of reasons. Some unnecessary limitations are conscious and justified by the lower mind as it clings to the sources of its own suffering. Some are unconscious, also operating through attachment, aversion, illusion, or pessimism. Here the inertia of the larger environment does not help, since it too is infected with these limiting factors............Our inner response determines our outer response. As we encounter outside influences, both harmonious and frictional, we form attitudes toward circumstances, causes, and ways of responding. Apparent defeats demoralize the lordly mind and its assumptions, which then result in many feelings. Negative experiences are often followed by negative feelings due to conditioning. Our successes also condition us, usually programming us to want more...........Habits usually continue until we tire of them, or they are disrupted by external events. Then comes the void. Great possibilities exist in that moment of emptiness, but again, we are conditioned creatures physically, emotionally, and mentally. How we've been conditioned often limits our imagination so we hesitate, or fear, or wonder, or fall into confusion when confronting emptiness...........

If we willingly avoid looking at our power to choose to change patterns, then our lives stay stuck in past patterns until we are forced by circumstances to change. On the other hand, we can also choose to welcome unknown possibilities, moving into our potential to grow into higher awareness. That yields opportunities to become more skillful in applying our spiritual intelligence in our life, which in turn yields knowledge and understanding. Though many things in life are difficult and we've all had painful experiences, that does not mean we need to perpetuate our suffering

Aftermath.........

2009-08-09T21:35:00.001+02:00

Well woweee what an interesting 8 days that has been - learning curve - I should say so - survived some hurtful behaviour, discovered that some folks just don't change with the passing years and experience, shame,,,,,,,some emotionally charged nuclear fall out etc etc......I am now enjoying some tranquility, reflecting, putting some more light out there, giving thanks....... and getting back into some crochet.

Looks like I could be heading back to Edinboro in Oct. Tim Minchen is playing there and well could I refuse early B'day pressy??

Looks like a few folks have been affected by this last full moon - THE SUN IS LIGHT THE MOON GIVES FORM TO THAT LIGHT - as should WE - and for that to happen we have to go through the fire - be a phoenix LOL

Cute pics of sea shell creations by Rowan

Whole-self well-being is, in part, the result of a harmonious flow of energy between our physical and mental selves. When this flow is thrown out of balance for any reason, the body and mind react to one another rather than act cooperatively. Ongoing stress, sadness, anxiety, excitement, and fear can overwhelm the cerebral self, causing traumatic energy to be channeled into the body. The body then responds by taking steps to organically dispel the energy that has burdened it and expressing it by means of physical symptoms such as illness, fatigue, or disease. In some cases, these symptoms can simply be allowed to run their natural course and recovery will come about naturally. In most instances, however, health and wellness can only be restored by a dual course of treatment that acknowledges both the physical manifestations of energy clearing and the underlying emotional causes.

Many of the ailments we experience over the course of our lives can be indicative of the body’s attempts to process intellectual and emotional energy. Swollen glands, for example, can signal that you are going through a period of emotional cleansing. Even something as simple as a pimple can indicate that your body is ridding itself of toxins and old energy. In Chinese medicine, intense emotions are held in the body’s organs as a matter of course. Grief lurks in the lungs, anger inhabits the liver, fretfulness lingers in the heart, worry is held in the stomach, and the kidneys harbor fright. Particular illnesses and symptoms represent the body’s attempts to clear emotional energy. Coughs or bronchitis can signify that the physical self is clearing away grief while a loss of appetite may signal that worry is being actively addressed. [well I do have a bit of a lung thing going on, but hey we all know most will say it is to do with smoking - so I must spend too much time actively addressing my "worries" lol]

When you feel ill or imbalanced, treating your whole self rather than treating the physical self alone can empower you to determine the root cause of sickness. Since you understand that your physical symptoms may be an expression of emotional discomfort, you can establish a balanced treatment regimen to ensure that you quickly recover your good health.

10 Signs of Spiritual Maturity

1. You are centered and calm when others are ungrounded and upset.

2. You know what you need for inner peace, and you provide it for yourself without requiring others to do so for you.

3. You admire all religions for the value they present to those who follow them.

4. You know that you are spiritual inside and out, with or without belonging to a religion.

5. You have no need to push your beliefs on another.

6. You are able to politely say “no thanks” to those who attempt to push their beliefs onto you.

7. You identify those in need of healing, calm yourself, and allow them to be who they are.

8. You respond kindly when asked to offer advice or healing, without telling the other person what they ‘should’ do.

9. You present options to yourself and others for choices, respecting Higher Self and Divine Will working out a plan that you may or may not know.

10. You are seen by others as primarily happy, content, and going with the flow of life.

Well I try :) xx

Feria Full Moon and Eclipses

2009-08-06T16:33:00.000+02:00

A fab feria was had by all this year, and certainly a different experience for Paul, especially as he arrived after a few days at Samye Ling, sublime to ridiculous comes to mind. Starting on the Thursday night with a great bunch of local lads, which included Zoe's eldest and youngest, OK the sound guy could have been a lot better, but their enthusiasm and kinda punky sound was good. Thursday and Friday we retired at 4, 7 on Sat, and 4 again on Sunday, Monday was Marta Moon's 4th birthday, so Glenys invited us all for a BBQ, Zoe made a very pinkly iced cake and a gentle evening of music and chat with the little one being the centre of attraction and we all started to get our bodies back to normal living, sleeping at night :)

Tuesday Paul and I bombed over to Coin quite early to see a solicitor to get everything explained clearly as to what is required blah blah - lovely guy and came away feeling a lot lighter bout all that stuff. I did offer to take P up to the lakes in the afternoon but he declined in order to go to the pool with a certain lady. He and I went and ate at Pedro's and had a quiet night - at last.

Yesterday morning was work for me so the afternoon was chill time, P & friend spent most of the day together until she was called away. He and I werew going to eat up at Bar Nuevo and watch the sun go down and the full moon rising, sadly it was closed so we popped down to Lorenzo's to get some nosh and was joined by friend.......and learned that Friday night is Lorenzo's after feria party, where he cooks all the left over food he bought in for the feria and gives it away.......music will occur......so P has changed his plans and is now leaving Sat morning rather than Friday......not just coz of free food, he wants another opportunity to jam with Julio, connections with his Pa!! Can't be a late night for me as it is a fast change over at L.E. on Saturday :( Also last night someone asked me for my number as they might need me to help out now and then and today another call about more work all looking good.

Took Paul out to see Julio and Amanda this morning and they have asked me to house/dog/cat sit over Xmas, as there is much happening this year back in the UK that even J is making the effort, another daughter is getting married, A's parents celebrate 50 years of marriage and her Pa is 70, so much to celebrate.........

"All severing of links produces severe reactions. Yet if youu could but realise it, the severing of outer physical plane links is the least severe and the most impermanent of all such events. Death itself is part of the great illusion and only exists because of the veils which we have gathered around ourselves. You, as a worker in the field of glamour [which is the new field in which humanity has consciously to work], have been deeply honoured and trusted. Death comes to all, but not for you should there be the usual glamours and distresses. I would say to you my brother, look not back at the past. In that direction lies glamour and distress. It is the line of least resistance for the majority. But such is not the way for you. Look not either to revelation or the imparted illusory comfort of those who hover on the dividing line between the seen and the unseen. That way is not the way for you. You are not a distressed and bereaved disciple looking anxiously at the seperating veil and hoping to see some sign to come through which will convince you that all is well........Reach up to the heights of the soul and, having sought and found the pinnacle of peace and that altitude of joy whereon your soul immovably stands, and then look onto the world of living humans - a threefold world in which all humanity, incarnate and disincarnate are found. Find there that which your soul can and will recognise. The glamours of one's own distress, the maya of the past distorts one's point of view. Only the soul stands clear from illusion, and only the soul sees things as they are........force of circumstances has driven you to live much upon the astral plane for the past few months in an emotional vortex. Mount up, my brother, into the light and into renewed power and detachment. Find surcease.......in the task of aiding others." [taken from Discipleship in the new age I Alice Bailey]

Was it something I said.......

2009-07-29T08:04:00.002+02:00

a msg from Lau feeling confuzzled - be good to chat - mmmmmmm - well I know from brief look on FB that she had a fabby time at the Wickerman, but nadir to me :( hey ho that's the way it goes, life must have brightened up for her......

Paul arrives tomorrow for a week, it will good to be able to talk to him face to face - hear of his travels and future plans etc.......I have a chance to speak to a lawyer so will take Paul along so he can hear the reality of the legalities and then he can relay it to Sam properly and then get everything finalised once and for all.

Still slogging at L.E but have paid my final installment to Pablo wooooo hooooooo and phew, one major headache out the way

Been and signed on so now I am on the books, all bits of paper duly handed in to the ayunmiento, so now just wait and hope fingers X'd.............

Now I must find the impetus to get this place semi sorted make up a bed for Paul etc etc etc

Short n sweet this time not a lot of time for sitting although there is much to observe but for now not to be spoken of in public - big but subtle changes occurring individually rippling out into the collective........interesting.......times I have had for a chat with friends has been very fizzyloftical!!!! Observational and despite the occasional SCREAM of WHY Del? I sense a greater calm settling on me - bizarre.........xx

Verano dias

2009-07-26T21:07:00.000+02:00

Hahahaha as I start this I listen to the news of a 56 yr old nun being done for speeding 100mph in a 30mph makes you laugh dunnit on the way to the pope :)
Had a great chat with Paul this evening he is coming out her at the end of the month.
The days are passing in a haze of folks visiting and work at L.E. Christine and Sindy appeared last Monday -a trip to Alora on Tuesday - work on Wed........
and I wrote the above nearly a week ago - on the ball or what :) Anyway Sindy went back to Scotland last Thursday, what with friends work and heat I just wanna siesta every afternoon, this week promises to be just as busy..... for those who have heard of the fires here we had our own a couple of weeks ago which destroyed about 70hectacres even jumped across the road, took the fire fighters from 6pm til nearly 10 the next morning to get it under control - quite scary to watch as it was a windy evening, looked like it was heading toward the village and then the wind changed and it snaked down the mountain before jumping across, people were evacuated from there home and sadly the following day the vet had to go up on the mountain and shoot those animals that were still suffering in the aftermath.....
On a brighter note there was a well kept secret in the village of a secret marriage - Carolyn and Bill snuck off to Gib and tied the knot during the week.......
I am also trying to keep up with my crochet as I am now getting orders within the village - then there is the Turistico Rustico which looks like it is finally coming to fruition, so I have yet more paperwork to sort out to apply for a grant.
Thanks Val for the link I shall peruse that properly at some point....
Just a week and it is feria time - and August when Spain seems to close down.....mind you I understand why, come 12 noon and it is time to batten down the hatches and stay coooooooooooooooool

Just one of those days.......

2009-07-01T11:57:00.002+02:00

Making beds argggg wish I was 3' tall, back still aching this morning after being up at L. E. very early yesterday - awoke around 4 - wasn't going to go back to sleep so was up at L.A. at 5.30 and put in 5 hours work, certainly a lot cooler working at that time of the morning, not much for Leigh and I to do to finish off on Friday before guests arrive Sat, for a fortnight, so I guess I will be needed to do a change next w/e, though not guaranteed with all of Franks cutbacks, due to the "crisis" mmmmmm.....hah just learned I will be needed - no children and Americans - they are usually good guests and life is always easier without young children staying, less cleaning - soz kids love ya really........

Had a fantabidosis time with Lau last week, having collected her from the station we headed back to the pueblo where Remi was waiting to follow us out to Roma's whereupon she prepared and cooked us a wonderful paella and then we all chilled on the terrace gazing at the mountains, then Lau and I popped into see J & A on the way home as it A was off to work for a week on the Tuesday and wanted to see Lau, then home and up to Bar Neuvo for a nightcap. Tuesday was chill day,although we did go to gym first thing then just sitting chatting/reminiscing and Are We Human came on the radio, Del was with us[bit of a gulp moment]and then up to the pool for the afternoon, fun n frolics n lots of people watching. Quiet evening as after gym on Wed we got the train to Malaga and found a beach with a nice chiringito. Yes a lovely time just being with Lau. We left the beach in time to wander back to station and have a peek at the shops.....mmmmmm.....Lau had a Bershka moment and we got to the platform just as the train began to move - hey ho - next train at 8.45, so another trundle around the Larius centre a vinto tinto and tapas in a pavement café and got back to station in plenty of time, home to see poor Squidge and then up to L E as I had promised to water the grass and put more tablets in the pool filter, so it was 11 by the time we eventually got home - a couple of galsses of wine to wind down and bed pheeeeew.I woke on Thurs morn to hear poor Lau retching, so a home day on the cards and me playing Mummy ahhhhh nice for me but not so for Lau, we thought it was either sun wine or sardines, but on the radio they were going on about a tummy bug doing the rounds and apparently the same here, so when on Friday she wasn't feeling any better we knew it was the bug, so another quiet day being Mum.
Zoe took us to the airport Sat morn and a bittersweet farewell. As Zalea was closed on our run home we stopped at El Caseron for a coffee and cola coa, when who should drop by but Christine and Wendy, so we sat and chatted a while, Z has been feeling a bit out of sorts of late and the company was raising her spirits, so when Wendy suggested meeting up later when Mark had finished work we said "why not?" mmmmmmmmmm..... we met up at Bar Parada 'bout lunchtimeish - Maria's wedding day, so we had lots to watch, now I am not the kind to cry at weddings -- but I ended up being a blubber puss, Del always ahd a soft spot for Maria and we used to go to her casa for Spanish lessons when we first arrived in the village....anyway I will let the pics tell the story....

Pedro & son above and to the right Zoe Wendy Loli in the background and me
Below the beautiful Maria

The Wandering Minstrels kept us amused for a good couple of hours and much amused others with their rendition of Lily Marlain, they only knew a few of the words, I have never been serenaded before.....finally having consumed much vino they headed off for the weding party being held elsewhere in the village

Mark made quite a hit with this young beauty...... and then the night wore on and got to the oh dear stage as Zoe and Mark decided it had become a self service bar

But we agreed it was a good day/night - just one of those impromptu times and reminded us all of why we love Casarabonela and how much have to be grateful for - admittedly I did spend Sunday very quietly drinking copious amounts of water, so when Leigh asked me join her and Zoe at B.N Sunday I declined, but they had a grand time and Zoe is back up and bouncing again.
Nearly forgot this one - even Z can't remember this bit....... :)

I forgot to add that on the Wed morn I played the cd that Zoe had left - the one that Ed made from the tape I found of Sun of a Drum at Knockengorrach, which I put on, there is a lot of Del on it, making comments as well as performing - I have become accustomed to listening to him now, but for Lau it was the first time so quite a release for her as she had a good cry, but she didn't want me to switch it off.

So now apart from work at L.E. I need to catch up on my crochet, it is too hot to be outside so quiet afternoons keeping cool indoors with the radio and my crochet talking of which I just got a photo from Alyne of Su & I at Folked at Moniaive of us "modelling" our jackets [yep wellies n all]

Sarah do you remember grabbing the madsnapper

Ah well I guess that's me all caught up for a while, better start crochet.........love n hugs to everyone xx

Finance is the art of passing money from hand to hand until it finally disappears.
- Robert W. Sarnoff

Sizzling Summer Solstice

2009-06-20T22:53:00.000+02:00

Wishing you all a very special day/night :)
Yes I have been very quiet for several weeks now, I did hit another low patch, but as always come through the other side a bit wiser - tis the way of life LOL. I am quietly optimistic and ultimately it lies in my hands. Triangles are forming - one of which will be a meditation group, something that has been sadly lacking in my life. I am seeing where my strengths lie and how I am of service to others, not so much on a material/physical - as in my nature I like to work on the more subtle realms, but, being human I like "proof" that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing - and this has come my way in the past week, out of the blue, so I believe it to be true!

Monday Laura comes to stay for a week - it's a long time since it was just her and me on our own and I am looking forward to it enormously :) Then there will be work at La Era phew!

This aftenoon/evening the first summer storm, warm rain and amazing earthy smells that make you want to inhale deeply.

Speak to J Lau and Sarah, think J and Alexa will come over in the autumn, Lau excited about being her next week - life seems to be flowing for everyone.........it is excepted that I need to stay put for a while - thank you to those who were prepared to enable another jaunt back if I wanted - but I need to stay put and keep my focus for the foreseeable future.............things are developing and the cat is sitting on my mouse - radio 6 is playing some cool music, so maybe it is time for me to finish.

Keep with the meditation...........ask and you will be given the answers if you are looking for them xx

Verano - aqui!!

2009-05-16T20:24:00.001+02:00

Woo Hoo the bathroom is now redone, just have to put everything back, and I have made a start on the hallways and stairways. Had a visit from Julio and later Remy and her sister popped by.
The Olive press hasn't given Gary a very good write up - front page news, good photo though.....like everything...it is but one point of view and if you speak to Antonio at Bar Neuvo he would say that the guy who took Gary to court was a criminal and someone else says something completely different again, no wonder there is so much pointless conflict, people should be open and truthful and not greedy and trying to get one over all the time, life is not a competition - I wonder how Nikki is?
Another interesting snippet Richard Branson has been eyeing up Caratraca and the old spa - he is thinking of buying it......
OK now for a few photos of Folked in Moniaive
Starting with Sa and Su prepping for the evening - did the owner of this beer have to leave in a hurry?

Su and I having a sit down and how sunny was Sunday, what a beautiful day

Great reunions with great ladies, Rowan was only interested in eating!!

Great nosh at the Craigie, the George was packed out as was the Green Tea House, so everyone benefited from the w/e

I have sorted my mouse problem, just swapped mine for the one on D's pc as I only use his for the radio and phone so a mouse isn't too important, so having once again control of my cursor - I played with some photos that Eli sent me, which I had given her many years ago.......

Hey Sarah how about this blast from the past - Rowan's naming ceremony

Cor bloody 'ell 1977/78 - amazing what 30+ years can do. Enough time to take the dogs for a waddle and watch the swifts swooping.......strange to think that D's son is 40 today, the age that I met D - 20 years ago - years roll by - sigh - sweet memories

Times are full on

2009-05-15T19:31:00.000+02:00

Since getting back have been out to A & J, had lunch and revised Recipe book, so all go in that; Thursday I decided I needed a day at home finish off putting away winter wear and hauling summer stuff, well that was a little emotional at times because all D's stuff was packed away, so sorting a bag of both his and my stuff for next run to Alora and hand it in to Cudeca, gave the bathroom an undercoat and today painted, also went down to Cartama to get yarn[yes found some more of that turquoise!!] and ink for the printer only to find that it has been feria time and many shops don't open, hey ho got lots of lovely yarn and 1000 sheets of paper ready for printing off A's book, nice man gave me a bag as a pressy for spending 30€, it's nice too!! Have to wait till Monday now to get the ink.......this bloody mouse is driving me crazy think I will swap it for the one on D's pc, where does one buy a mouse here - answers on a postcard please!! Also my cd player is refusing to play anything argggggg, no don't suggest the pc as the cd player in it had fits years ago LOL. Val check out this link Spring Fling - I was up at Melville Brotherston's place while in Moniaive, this is a cracking idea and brings in much revenue for the area.

Hahahaha - Remy [Spanish friend who used to live in the Basque region but has a lpace here] was telling me that the locals think that La Era is "used" by wealthy men to bring their women because it is away from everyone/thing - yep nearly fell off my chair. Typical small village with many who don't really have lives and need some excitement - so the locals think I work in a house of ill repute - yeah right - guess because I am British I am tanrnished with the same brush as what they see/perceive on the news and lets face it the UK is high on sleazey news - as is the way of humans, the individual is judged by his/her collective and look where that has got us!!

Having Barbara dog staying I feel obliged to go out for a walk 3 times a day, which has to be good for all of us AND I have made a start on one of my jacket orders, so I am not suffering from boredom!!

Inspired by Rowan xx
Ahh moment with Rowan
OO such a beautiful boy
You talk & look me in the eye
Steady & Straight
You create
The world as you see it
for me to understand
Like in a 60's sci-fi
I try to land
All I see
is incredible beauty

OK Sa now you can giggle
Friday farting the fear away
as Louise Haye
would say
Saturday Saturated
Cleansed - Contamination
Clear
No fear - Seer
Sunday
SUN-day
FUN-day

Jo & Terry called by bringing me a torso woo hoo that will make my life so much easier when "creating" - did I really say that? They have also left me all the A.W. smellies to sell at markets, gonna miss these guys when they leave, but I think we will stay connected. Well it is nearly time for the News Quiz [radio4] so I am off to listen and continue a little more crochet....hugs n love to one & all - Brightest Blessings x

Whistle Stop Trip

2009-05-13T20:01:00.000+02:00

Well what a great w/e - where do I begin?

Smiley happy folk
Enjoying a drink and a toke
Sharing stories, telling a joke
Reconnections
Recollections
Spanning the ages
Revealing the Sages.

First the rain cleansing deep
powerful & then the sun
Blue Skies
Brought out bigger smiles!

Yes it was a fab time - had a wonderful time with many friends, made many connections. Gratitude to all who made this a wonderful experience and you all know who you are.

Here's one for you Sa LOL

Dodgy Divine
DJ in a PJ
You say
Good Times Good Times Good Times
Ad F***ing infinitums!!!

It's such a perfect day
[so]
Bring on the Clowns

Magical Moniaive
Wesak Moon
Full bloom
Skive Jive come alive
in Moniaive

Beautiful nights
No bites [yep the mozzies were out]
no fights, no blights
Just sights, flights & lights
Thank You

Sublime & Ridiculous

2009-05-04T18:07:00.003+02:00

Below a fine hand dyed cashmere scarf underway, colour isn't good in this pic a better one can be seen at Crochet Crook The other pic is off a selection of plastic bags recycled, strangely enough people really like these, so far I have just been playing with them - again time consuming to fold cut and then knot up into balls and not the easiest of "yarn" to work with.

Was looking for a pattern tother day and came across this, I must have written it not long after the death of Del
Soar high like an eagle
Higher than Jonathon Seagull
I can look into your eyes
and see the disguise
I missed
when I kissed
You knew
Deep within
I miss you
my man
You chose to depart
and now I must restart
A new life
no longer a wife.

Bon Voyage Val xx
See you all in Moniaive very soon.......Full Moon/Wesak.........powerful times

Crochet Crook [Webshots]

2009-05-02T08:18:23-07:00

Crochet for sale, many originals, hats,scarves,slippers,ponchos,shrugs and much more

by harleewatson
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This is what I have been doing

2009-04-29T20:51:00.004+02:00

A week tomorrow I fly back to Scotland so I have been busy crocheting, go check out Crochet Crook for more.
The first Jacket I hope is right for Maria and the second for Su, Rose gave me the idea for the lighter holders, the little bag is not strictly crochet just the shoulder strap as it was made using a wee loom that Sa found for me in a charity shop, I want to make some more but they are quite time consuming.

Well had my last, hopefully, visit to the dentist yesterday and oh boy do I have a sore mouth today, to the point of taking pain killers :( bit of a shit as I was invited to go riding today, but really not up to it and I needed to focus on the crochet putting the finishing touches to Su's getting the pics up on line while I have Leigh's mum's camera and lead.

Despite everything had a fun day in Malaga yesterday with Isy, the intercultural week is going on so lots of lovely stalls to browse lots of oooohs and ahhhs - I had several hours to kill between stuff being done - found a fabby Moroccan tea room gotta take you there folks - having left at 8.30 we finally got back at nearly 6 - phew!!

Hey Raymond how you doing? Haven't heard from you for a while and hope you OK.
Elfmagic I have been back tracking at Multiply and seen all that you have written - wow you have been through some stuff, but if it don't break us it makes us :)
Melonie how is life treating you another wonderful lady ahhhh talkiing of wonderful ladies Eli thank you for the pic of the line up for Wesak - I shall be back in Scotland for the full moon/Wesak
"I read somewhere in the web that in the Wesak, the sun, the earth, the moon and the galaxy are alineated as so in the picture.... I just got really excited having this sense of our beloved energies dancing somewhere there and that this moon is a great moment to feel and sense closer." ELI [for those who don't know Eli is Spanish but writes me in a wonderful Eli English}
Sarah take a look at the pics on FB or crochet crook and tell me what you think re Maria and Su ....
well I must upload pics to Crochet Crook and then time for sleep.......zzzzzzzz ooo and a quick check on that planetary linbe up
hugs n love folks xxxxx

Butterfly

2009-04-26T20:50:00.000+02:00

Yes it was painful, but still very very happy with the result :)

Well this new moon is the mid point of the 3 highest [spiritual] energetic times in the year so I hope that are all consciously creating good stuff, no worries, no fears!! I finally made contact with Mareka on Friday morning and we are to meet for coffee on Monday after I have finished at the gym, a lady who has studied Alice Bailey, Del was my only other to chat of this stuff, she also claims to be clairaudient, I am intrigued, also a psychoanalist who had a large practice in Holland, she is 68 and looks about 48, she has appeared here and know I can't ignore LOL

As mentioned in other articles, the cluster of all the planets except Saturn is focusing things in the areas of our charts where it is located. Wherever transiting Saturn is in our charts is where we are learning a joyous rigor of learning and practicing a skill or two.

As Saturn is still retrograde, it continues to be a time of reviewing and refining, as well as continuing to learn a "venerable standard" we are learning to feel and uphold as part of our destiny. Everything that's happening, whether on a personal, interpersonal, or transpersonal level, is doing this Saturn in Virgo retrograde experiential practicum.

A reminder: This is still challenging our ability to deal with the long wave ongoing Saturn opposition Uranus. Though 10+ degrees apart and getting wider, it's still a very powerful pattern that is revolutionizing our lives and forcing us to adjust, learn, practice, and be very realistic in training for something that is to come. We can build a new interactive yet protected existence if we can do needed adjustments, conform to a plan, and do whatever it takes to live the higher standard we believe is worthy.

A New Moon sets the seed forms for what the following 4 weeks will demonstrate. This Lunation is in Taurus, and is the seed for the lessons of the coming Wesak Festival, the second of the "3 High Moons" of Spring each year. You can find out more about the Wesak in various articles on this site.

This New Moon in Taurus falls at 6 degrees, a point of bridge building, cooperation, and a natural effort to "bridge a chasm" that we are told is part of the landscape of evolution. We should be able to "conquer difficulties and limitations by intelligence," and solve problems by joining our skills with others.

Of course, with Venus and Mars in early Aries, it will echo the promise of last month's New Moon in Aries. That Lunation began a knowledge and enjoyment of a life renewal, a sense of newness and expanding possibilities. It fell at 7 Aries, a degree of finding a good life on multiple levels of existence, versatility and expansion. We've all been finding new experiences in emotional, social, or cultural initiatives.

That began the theme of humor leading us to objectivity, and taking a new look at what we like and why we like it, what we believe is beautiful and what we truly value can bring us insights from prior times. That should continue to be set into motion by Venus and Mars in the next few weeks. This is about preparing for new responsibilities and efforts in a new world of experience.

This is the substantiation phase of what has begun to emerge from an old way of life. The only frictional aspect is from Mercury to the Jupiter conjunct Chiron and Neptune Aquarius cluster. This shows the release pattern for all of the favorable building and specializing aspects mentioned earlier. The void is thrown into Leo and Scorpio, so show heart and love as you continue to eliminate and regenerate whatever you need to.

Get clear about the roles you're playing, and open to an inner knowing of others' subconscious if you must get something across. Do not indulge put downs or undermining speech or behavior, and give voice to what is unclear without exaggeration. We can find geniune dispassion in ways that will allow us to pick up and deliver a higher power in the near future, even while experiencing subtle feelings that link us across generations with other seekers of the highest.

Be efficient, adapt as needed while stabilizing the bridging process, and see the "Spiritual linkage through emotional stress" that has been bringing you blessings after the death of useless things. Concentrate, transform using magnetism skillfully, see the dawning of a new day as you experience it in the NOW, and grow through communing with the Spirits of your ancestors, whether physical or Spiritual.

As everyone is going to be dispersing for the next mnonth, Keith is back to the uK for a month to work, Amanda is back to work, I am back for 4 days in a couple of weeks and when I get back Leigh goes back for a week, so decided to have everyone round for food last night, and then down to Lorenzo's and keep the music going, Julio and Keith had their guitars and Zoe brought her violin, Leigh n I share the shaker LOL and Lorenzo brought his drum out and Leigh tells me we left at 5 this morning, but I have no hangover coz I was sensible and stayed away from the wine, just a bit fuzzy from no sleep - it was a good night it was a happy night

Well I want to upload some pics to Crochet Crook as Leigh finally got the lead to the camera she borrowed from her mother, especially for the Artesana Market last month and I will endeavour to get some more pics of stuff tomorrow, while I have the camera with me :)

Love to everyone, lift the spirit smell the blossom [here it orange blossom at the moment boooooootiful]

Crochet [Webshots]

2008-04-17T01:27:24-07:00

A selection of Originals Naturally. Crochet fashion

by harleewatson
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2008 [Webshots]

2008-02-20T00:53:42-08:00

2008

by harleewatson
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Canary Islands [Webshots]

2007-12-17T02:45:33-08:00

Pictures sent from friends who live there

by harleewatson
see more photos from this album (14) ...