How To Begin Again...

It's been so long since I last wrote anything here and I am trying to think of something to write.

To update you, Michelle, my cousin and co-author of our book and play, was found dead on her bathroom floor by her brother Wayne on Friday, 5th July 2014.  She was 46 years old.  Her post-mortem could not determine what she died of, which gives no closure to her sudden death.  All I know is how much I miss her and feel lost without her.  Without her to turn to when I need someone to talk to, laugh with, life is tough.

I'm left without my best friend and an unfinished book and play with no idea how to finish it.  But if I don't try, Michelle will cuss me from the heavens!  So, I have to attempt it.  I don't know how it will turn out, as Michelle had her own unique way of bringing the pages alive, or if it will be any good once finished, but if I don't try then everything we put into it together will be wasted and I can't allow that.

If only she were here to guide me.  I can only imagine what she would say, but it's good to hear her voice in my head.

' Man is Man!' is too brilliant to let slide and for her memory I need to achieve what I can.

Wake Up And Live!' By Dorothea Brande

Current reads: 'Wake Up And Live!' By Dorothea Brande

This book was written in 1936 and it's great to see it's still in publication.

If you're looking for a practical, easy to read book on how to find that all important happiness and success, this is a fantastic read, with writer's in mind.

The book states that it is the USE, not the quantity of your brains that counts most towards successful living.

It shows you to concentrate on the things that MATTER. Success means different things to different people. One might consider financial rewards as proof of success, where another may consider running a half marathon as their success. No one can really define success as any one thing, as it is a personal achievement.

Dorothea Brande teaches you how to not be overwhelmed by obstacles that grind us down and that success can be achieved by any one of us when we change the way we think.

I enjoyed reading this book and it's one of those that comes in handy as a little reminder on how to stay on course.

This book is available on Amazon in paperback at £5.06 (as of 04/02/2015).

Another book by Dorothea Brande that maybe of interest to anyone interested in writing is 'Becoming a Writer'. Also available on Amazon. I will be writing a review on this book soon

To You...

My Man,  My Best Friend,  My King. 

Thank you for being you. 
Thank you for working so hard for us. 
Thank you for making me laugh. 
Thank you for putting up with my craziness (this happens often). 
Thank you for teaching me to love.
Thank you for loving me...just as I am.  

Happy Anniversary!!!

R.I.P Maya Angelou

"If you don't like something, change it.  If you can't change it, change your attitude".  Maya Angelou.

What a sad, sad day to hear of the passing of Maya Angelou, aged 86.  A true inspiration to many throughout her amazing life and I'm sure she'll inspire many more through her words and works that certainly made me long to be a great writer one day.

The very first book I read that was of my own choosing and not from the school list of recommendations, was "I know why the caged birds sing".  I came across the book in a library and was drawn to its cover.  The title made me curious to know too, why the caged birds sing.  I was not expecting the content of this book, but once read, I was hooked on all she wrote.

As an adult woman, the poem " Phenomenal Woman" spoke to me, as if it was me Maya was talking about.  Still today I relate to this poem and have found no other to replace its fervent message.

She will be surely missed by all who knew her and knew of her.

Another legendary role model taken from us, but imprinted in our hearts.

Blessings

A Woman's Intuition...

Ladies,

Learn to trust your intuition, because that very first instinctive feeling is usually correct. 

It's when we over-analyse and question, that the the truth evades us.  Emotions begin to take over and blur our judgement.  If you instinctively feel something, don't try to second guess it or you will try to find a logical reason to why it can't be true.

And don't act on it straight away.  Sit calm.  Truth has a way of presenting itself when it is least expected.  And don't look for clues or evidence to back you up, as things have a way of looking like what we think they are.  

Don't be anyone's fool neither.

If that very first gut-feeling is right, all will come to light eventually.  Men are not all as smart as they like to portray themselves and they will try to make it into something else, or worst still, deny, deny, deny.

But when the truth comes out, don't be afraid to demand that respect of yourself.  Don't be afraid to walk away from that person who does not fit your standards.  You have the right to demand it because you deserve it.  Don't let him convince otherwise.


He will lie to you.  He will deny everything.  He will give you a story that sounds like the truth.  He will do all this because he doesn't want to be seen for who he really is and because he doesn't want to lose you.  But, don't let him fool you.  He didn't 'make a mistake', he did it out of selfishness.  Out of the inability to control himself.  A man who has no control cannot be trusted.  And if he does have control over his actions and still does it, then he is no man worthy of you.

Sunny Brighton...

Happy Bank Holiday to those of you in the UK and a big Hello to those of you who aren't.

Got to tell you about a play I attended yesterday at the Brighton Fringe Festival with my cousin Jacqueline Crooks.

'Unclouded Moon' is a humorous, but moving play regarding three women over three generations of Irish decent.  The play takes you on a journey of each woman's personal experience, having been defined by the cultural background they were raised in and each suffering in their own way, wanting to break free and justify their own definitive self.

I found this play to be well presented with impacting focus, positioning you right in the heart of the characters.  At one point, I felt a lump try to stifle me as I related to a particular scene and realised that any woman could find a connection with the play where diversity stands.

I came away feeling revived and encouraged.  My cousin Jacqueline, made it an exceptional experience with her insight and enthusiasm.

The weather was fantastic and rather than head straight home, I chose to walk the promenade, treating myself to the great british tradition of fish & chips.

Returning home on the train, I was alone, but felt calm and focused with a clear plan in my head for what I need to do next with my writing.  I realised that I only need to believe in myself and have the confidence to go forward.  I should also stop allowing the opinions of others to overwhelm me and trust more in myself.

I have a passion and regardless of whether it's an actual talent or not, it's the only thing that really uplifts me and sets me free from my own bird cage.  I don't need the approval of others, I only need my own and self-belief can achieve many a wonderful thing.   

Foundations...

The role of 'Mother' is all too often taken for granted.

It's not really understood by all what a mother does in the background, in order for things to run the way they do.

The pride a mother feels when she see's her child take their place in the world and achieve all those hopes and dreams she held in her heart for them, is worth more than any weight in gold.

But, they say they couldn't care less.  They don't need her.  

But, remove the mother and the ground falls apart.  The foundations shatter.  And their need for her love is immense.

From the day you are born, we are bound to you and nothing, NOTHING you throw back at us in anger, frustration or fear can change it.  We'll be hurting and we'll be in pain, but it won't change it.

We will love you til our dying breathe, even if we disagree with your opinions, your lifestyle or your path.  We can only pray that God will guide you when we cannot and protect you where you won't allow us.

We're Mother's - not miracle workers and sometimes we wish we were.  But, all we can give in the face of adversity is a Mother's love.

Don't try to put a price on it, because one day you will truly know just how priceless it really is.