See what so many choose not to...

I read an article about boosting your mood today. What follows are some of the steps featured.

Have a word with yourself!
An Irish saying, "You'll never plough a field by turning it over in your mind" How do you think? was the question... the lesson, take time to think about how to solve your problem as opposed to just worrying about it suggested by Dr Lisa Turner of Psycademy.



This made me recall the film "Patch Adams" during which a guy holds up 4 fingers and asks, "How many fingers can you see?" If you simply look at the fingers it demonstrates your focus is on the problem, never seeing the solution. Instead, if you look beyond the fingers, you see eight (double) you see what so many choose not to see - better able to arrive at a solution.

Read a "tearbook" like "Notebook" by Nicholas Sparks. Tears release emotional toxins that build up in your body thus its better to release them in this kind of controlled way according to life coach Carla Miller, of Space To Be.



Next, indulge in a Danish concept... Hygge ['hoo-ga']: a deep sense of place & well-being; a feeling of friendship, warmth, contentment and peace with your immediate surroundings. It's really about embracing the moment you're in.

For me, over the past 3 years I have actively settled with the past (writing for me is proving therapeutic) and engaged in the present, acceptance being a huge help. As for believing in the future, I remain open.

One heading read, "Try a stress busting sniff" ... source a fragrance based on the scent of cut grass as it works directly on the part of the brain that is linked to emotions. Dr Nickolas Lavidis says it makes you feel happier with life.



Perhaps it is time to reach for the lawnmower!

Silver Surfers' of 2040?

He was all of 70 with age freckles and a jaundiced shade to a weathered tan. His ears long, left lobe emphasised with not one but two medium sized "curtain ring" style pierced ear-rings which prompted me to ponder the question...

What will the younger generation 18 to 25 age group of 2010 be wearing and looking like in terms of accessories/hair styles in 2040?

I couldn't help but to continue with my observation as I'd started. The ear-rings had heightened my curiosity. His silver hair was balding at the top. The back of his neck was mapped with lines whilst there were sagging folds to the front. His beige hoodless anorak was in keeping with his cream-tinged set of dentures, on show as his side silhouette came into view. Bulky PVC trainers, jeans and t-shirt, thick lenses spectacles finished off his desired look.

This was such a contrast to the woman of a similar age that took my attention last week, who was well presented, seemed of a good standing, appearing practical and honest. She had short, straight, silver hair that was layered against her evenly tanned, make-up free face. She did not appear materialistic, wore no jewellery, was very alert to other passengers and readily exchanged a smile. Her grey, soft cardigan could only be cashmere.

After departing my home-bound bus, I soon walked beneath a large magnolia tree with a sprinkling of its petals shed under foot like enlarged confetti. The blades of grass along the verge stood tall towards the blue cloudless sky that was dispersing brilliant sunlight, beckoning me to be quick to down tools.

Carpe diem - Seize the day... What an inspiring thought?

When the bookshop assistant drew my attention to this querky title, “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society”, my curiosity was alerted and her timing was impeccable, as I also happened to be open to explore new authors and type of read. My spontaneous purchase did not disappoint me, in fact it proved most captivating.

The seed for this book was planted quite by accident. The Author apparently, had travelled to England to research another book and whilst there learned of the German Occupation in Guernsey. On a whim, she flew to Guernsey and was so fascinated by what she saw and heard; many years later using correspondence, tells the story of life there under the German Occupation.

I was never in a hurry to read of war or evacuees, but this tale unfolds in such a moving way that left me quite spellbound.

It is a nostalgic journey which features the sufferings, courage and strength of the inhabitants as well as touching on what enabled them to transcend human barriers.

The description of how the German troops landed can be readily visualised as a result. The departure of thousands of babies and school children evacuated to England is candidly outlined with deep routed feelings alongside an indication of timescale of decisions that had to be made leapt off the pages as I thought how helpful these accounts would be to Year 6 primary school children when sourcing information for their war topic. Improvisation and thrifty solutions that enriched lives also made interesting reading. A romance blossoms within the story with an intriguing twist at the end.

Thought provoking observations and statements are shared such as:

“If one cares deeply about someone or something new, one throws a kind energy out into the world, and fruitfulness is drawn in.”

“Dignity can ruin your life, if you let it.”

“Children have a beautiful light, before the Age of Reason gets at them.”

The Daily Mirror sponsored an essay competition, 500 words on “What Women Fear Most” is an integral part of the story. First Prize went to Juliet’s tale of how she was afraid of chickens far more than she was of men! Yes, there is humour too....

This is the only novel by Mary Ann Shaffer, who due to her decline, asked her niece, Anne Barrows to help her to finish it. Mary Ann once said, “All I wanted was to write a book that someone would like enough to publish.” It transpired to be a huge triumph.

Mary’s charm was described as, “her willingness to be delighted by people, their phrases, their frailties, and their fleeting moments of grandeur.

A dimension to your reading list that MUST be included.

The Battle of Minds and Wills...

An 1829 Gold sovereign was tossed to decide which crew would have the Surrey or Middlesex side of the river.

Another chapter in the long history of the Oxford v Cambridge boat race, a 4¼ mile course from Putney to Mortlake.

Apparently the 1st race was as a result of Cambridge challenging Oxford to row from the course at which 20,000 spectated in comparison to ¼ million cheering the crews today.

Between the two crews, the youngest member was age 20 and the oldest was age 28.

The exhaustion can only be imagined by those who watch, but how I feel for those rowing in the team that do not cross the finishing line first. Their pain is so visible, whereas the adrenalin of those who win enables that crew to automatically show their elation and relief.

The Royal Marines saw to the psychological confidence of the Cambridge team as they put them through their paces in readiness for this 156th race.

Oxford have chalked up 75 wins, whilst Cambridge can now boast 80. One race was declared a dead heat, although Oxford feel they should claim that one which would make their score stand at 76.

Compelling TV viewing if you have anything to do with either City, University, the sport or have someone dear to you who has it in their blood.

The quickest speed at which this race has been won is recorded at 16 minutes 18 seconds. Today at the finish line was Cambridge 17 minutes 35 seconds and Oxford 17 minutes 39 seconds - only 4 seconds in it!

What was your take on the race?

Jack Wills "Summer Term" Booklet

I opened a Jack Wills "Summer Term" handbook I'd been given, with its silky, smooth paper and started to read. The introductory text actually read really well as it outlined the melting pot of culture and festivities from which it takes its inspiration. The photography presented a statement of partying, the great outdoors, fun and intimacy.

I think the next step from their range of self-layered vests should be reversible vests. Perhaps you'll get yourself a copy and ponder the concept?

Stripes, floral, brights, frills featured prominently as I turned the pages of merchandise.

The Jack Wills Winchelsea dress took me back to the days when layers of petticoat were a must - what fun! Their Saltwell Shorts and Scotney Boy-Fit Shorts are worth a close look you young girls out there. The Framwellgate Blazer, is an acquired taste but a look that I would go for.

Jack Wills Lilburn Slim leg trousers, Ethelston Beach shorts and Hetton shorts are brilliant items for the male wardrobe.

When I made time to looked up, beyond the glare of sunlight, I saw a "bottled" blond with her long hair fastened to one side, who appeared dreamy as she listened to whatever was playing through her ear-phones. Her pale skin tone made her blackened eye lashes so noticeable, besides the glistening sheen on her lips. As she stood to exit the bus so I could see the full extent of her fashion sense: jeans tucked into beige ankle boots, safari-green cotton jacket with rolled sleeves that revealed a white top. A woolly scarf wound around her neck completed her casual appearance. She slung her large tan bag from her shoulder and strode briskly ahead whilst busily texting on her mobile. I believe she of those people that could throw on anything and look good.

My eyes then went to the seat adjacent to mine where a lady sat, that I regularly see reading for the duration of her bus-ride. Only today, having aborted her read and devoured an entire pot of dip and mini pitta-breads, she wrote copiously onto lined A4 paper. Almost out of character, she had a nostril piercing plus ears that had been subject to triple piercings. She had a very neat bun securely stabbed in place with a long decorative hat-pin. Completely detached from her surroundings she was transfixed to the task-in-hand.

I returned to my more casual read and concluded that Jack Wills "Summer Term" range did have some items that represented good value, irrespective of the stigma that still exists that they attract only customers with a disposable income.

I started my day well... and by mid morning our team were exchanging, not secret Santa presents, but Easter Bunny gifts - the day got even better!