Winter Solstice and the Pagan Housewife

Posted on December 20, 2017 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures from Cheshire

The Winter Solstice is almost upon us, and this year I find my mood changeable and confused. I feel both happy and sad, hopeful and hopeless, and above all, determined to enjoy whatever life throws at us in the year to come.

Solstice Blessings: Celebrating Winter Solstice at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Solstice Blessings: Celebrating Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice and the Pagan Housewife

The Solstice will be a day for relaxing while our children attend their last day of term at school. My husband is off work, which up to now has been a very contentious issue. In fact, only in the past four months have I seen improvements to his work/life balance. Many events unfurled at the end of summer, our autumn was busy and challenging, and I like to think that winter will be a time for calm and contemplation.

We must let go of all that has happened, and look forward to what will come. Our family dynamic will change again in 2018. I have no idea if or when our house will sell, or where we will move to. I have decided to leave the events to happen naturally, rather than try and influence them all the time. I am excited about 2018. It will be a good year. Solstice Blessings, my friends!

Gothic image of a vampire drinking blood from a wine glass while a woman lies unconscious on the bed behind him. 3D eBook cover image for “Christmas with the Vampires” by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green. Vampire stories dark romance.
Christmas with the Vampires by paranormal author Catherine Green

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

Posted in #witchywednesday, christmas, mind body spirit, pagan mother, Random Musings | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Festive Snow

Posted on December 13, 2017 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures from Cheshire

It was nice while it lasted! We finally had a sprinkling of snow here in the North West, and it stuck.

Image of traditional railway station house and signal box. #MummyMonday View from the train at Churnet Valley Railway in December by SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#MummyMonday View from the train at Churnet Valley Railway in December

Festive Snow

Our youngest daughter was amazed to see real, proper snow that she could walk around in and make snowballs with. My husband and I had a snowball fight that got a little bit vicious…whoops! And we tried to build a snowman, but the dog kept eating it.

The snow came down on Friday night and stayed for the weekend while we had a sleepover at the in-laws’ house. Back home, however, it all melted away very quickly, and now it has gone. Ah well, maybe it will return for Christmas…

Winter snow at Christmas in the UK at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Winter Snow at Christmas in the UK

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

Posted in #freeforallFriday, advertising, pagan mother, Random Musings | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Making Paganism Work for Me

Posted on December 6, 2017 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures from Cheshire

I am ready for a break. Christmas is fast approaching, my children are counting down the days until their school holiday, and I have lost all motivation for work. Seriously, I can barely bring myself to switch the computer on, never mind do any writing!

I started to feel quite worried, actually. I mean, if I don’t work every day, my business won’t grow and I won’t sell any books. But then I stopped to think about it.

Image of green holly leaves and a holly tree. Merry Winter Solstice from SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Merry Winter Solstice from SpookyMrsGreen

Making Paganism Work for Me

Will the world really end because my business is slow? No. I am very fortunate that my husband can support our family with his wage, and while his job is not the most pleasant, he does generally enjoy his work. For those frustrating issues that arise, I am here to offer love, support, and reiki to take the edge off his stress. So, really, my work is at home. I knew that all along. I made the conscious decision after the birth of our first child. I run the home, I nurture the family, I do all those little, essential, hidden jobs every single day. I matter.

So then I think about my spiritual work. Am I a bad pagan, or a poor witch, because I am not practising my craft? No. I am practising my craft. Ok, so I don’t do regular spell work, and most of the time I can barely remember what phase the moon is in, but I am still pagan. I walk in nature almost every day. I breath in the fresh air, I appreciate the sun, the sky, the world around me. Everything else will happen when it is supposed to. And for now, my focus is reiki. I take time to meditate, to rest my body and quiet my mind. I can really feel the effects, as well. I have absolutely no desire to rush around and stress about Christmas. Now, I feel the urge to do some crafts, and make some Christmas cards… you have a lovely day!

Image of book covers from the Redcliffe Novels paranormal menage series. MMF romance. Bisexual and gay romance. Gay werewolf romance. Paranormal author Catherine Green.
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author Catherine Green

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

Posted in #witchywednesday, books, Children, family, pagan mother, Random Musings, Spiritual, spiritual growth, spiritual guidance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Reiki and Emotional Healing at Christmas

Posted on November 29, 2017 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures from Cheshire

My reiki practise continues alongside all the other chaos in my life at present. You know what I mean: husband, children, domestic challenges, family challenges, work and all the rest.

I never really took time to learn what reiki healing is all about before I started my journey. I used to think that it was a mysterious, magical “cure all” process that wasn’t relevant to me. How wrong I was!

Green background with graphic of Christmas tree, candycanes, Christmas lights, holly and red berries. Text reads "Reiki and Relax"
Reiki and Relax

Reiki is for the Self

Reiki energy healing works best when you begin with the self. Learn to channel reiki energy, and you will learn how your body feels, how your mind works, and how you relate to the world around you. During the past twelve months, I have facilitated a lot of personal emotional healing using my reiki practice. Last Christmas in particular was a very powerful time for me. I had a lot to learn from my suppressed feelings about my parents’ divorce, my family dynamic as it now stands, and what that means for my children growing up. All of these events had happened many years before, but I had quashed my emotions, ignored how I felt, and kept myself busy with other areas in my life.

We all suppress our feelings to a large extent, I think. And they come out at all the wrong times, or so it would seem. Imagine the scenario where you begin to prepare for your family Christmas holiday. You hurry around from one task to the next, making lists, writing cards, buying and wrapping presents, trying to facilitate everyone’s needs, and somewhere in there, you must sort yourself out. By the time we reach Christmas, you might feel exhausted, drained, and completely disconnected from the family and friends with whom you socialise. And then you don’t enjoy the festivities. You feel ill. You feel angry. You might cry. Reiki helps me to prepare for these big social gatherings. It helps to calm my mind so that I can focus on the present, and if something doesn’t quite go to plan, no bother. We simply deal with the issue and move on.

How do you cope with the Christmas stress? Have you tried reiki healing?

Exclusive Special Offer Discount Codes at SpookyMrsGreen.com pagan lifestyle blog
Special Offer Discount Codes with trusted affiliate partners at SpookyMrsGreen.com.

Did you enjoy this article? Browse the latest exclusive special offers and discount codes from more of my affiliate partners. Click here.

Posted in #witchywednesday, christmas, family, health, holistic health, pagan mother | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Lesbian and Gay Dating in the UK

Posted on November 24, 2017 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures from Cheshire

I find it interesting to observe the habits of my friends and family in their social lives, and those of people that I meet in various places. In small communities like mine, we sometimes find it difficult to meet openly gay and lesbian people.

It must be nice to have the world of Internet dating available to anyone seeking a significant other, whatever their sexual orientation. I think these websites are helpful particularly for people who live in isolated towns and struggle to socialise because they are shy or uncomfortable in so-called mainstream society.

Gay and Lesbian Dating UK supported by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Gay and Lesbian Dating UK

Lesbian and Gay Dating in the UK

For example, there is gay dating in Humberside for single men seeking another.  Moving further north, there is a site for gay dating in Lothian. For my female readers seeking a companion, you could try lesbian dating in County Tyrone,  lesbian dating in County Durham, or at the other end of the UK, we have lesbian dating in Portsmouth. So much choice, I do hope you find a new friend (or more).

Image of book covers from the Redcliffe Novels paranormal menage series. MMF romance. Bisexual and gay romance. Gay werewolf romance. Paranormal author Catherine Green.
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author Catherine Green

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

Note: This is a sponsored article.

Posted in #freeforallFriday, #LGBTQIA, advertising, Business, pagan mother, relationships, working mom, working mother, working mum | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

My #NaNoWriMo Challenge

Posted on November 15, 2017 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures from Cheshire

November is shaping up to be a very busy month, as it always does. This year I am once again participating in #NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month to those unfamiliar with the hashtag, and I am really struggling. I actually think I have writer’s block, and that has never happened to me before.

I mean, yes, I have taken longer to write some manuscripts and the words have been slow to form, but with this one I really am flailing about in the dark without a clue. It will be interesting to see what I have at the end of the challenge.

#NaNoWriMo 2017 Participant LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green of SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#NaNoWriMo 2017 Participant LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green

My #NaNoWriMo Challenge

The weather is turning colder bit by bit, although we do have a few mild days thrown in. We never know what to expect from one day to the next. On Monday the roads and pavements were covered in frost, and yet for the past two days we have strolled along enjoying pleasant temperatures and nice, dry days. I love watching leaves blowing about as they fall off the trees, seeing all the beautiful colours of autumn turning to winter, and growing excited as we inch closer to the festive season.

Maybe I will end the month with the first draft of a new novel, maybe I won’t. This year I can take it or leave it, although at least I will have something to show for my efforts. Happy writing, my friends!

Image of book covers from the Redcliffe Novels paranormal menage series. MMF romance. Bisexual and gay romance. Gay werewolf romance. Paranormal author Catherine Green.
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author Catherine Green

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

Posted in #freeforallFriday, advertising, book promotion, Business, NaNoWriMo, pagan mother, working mom, working mother, working mum, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

#ProductReview: Naipo Massage Cushion Shiatsu Deep Kneading Back Massager

Posted on November 13, 2017 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures from Cheshire

I had the pleasure of receiving the Naipo Massage Cushion Shiatsu Deep Kneading Back Massager for review recently, and blimey did I need a massage!

It has been a while since I visited a spa, and I was in need of something to ease my lower back pain and soften the stiff tension in my neck. Darn kids, causing me stress every day!

#ProductReview Naipo Back Massage Cushion with Kneading and Healing reviewed by SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#ProductReview Naipo Back Massage Cushion with Kneading and Healing

Naipo Massage Cushion

The Naipo Massage Cushion was delivered via Amazon and I love it! I lifted it straight from the box, set it on my chair, plugged it into the mains and away I went. You can sit for a fifteen minute pre-programmed Shiatsu massage, and the cushion heats up nicely to warm you on a cold day. Now, on the online product description it suggests that you can use the massage cushion in the car or while you are reading a book. I’m not so sure that’s a good idea – by the time my fifteen minute massage had finished, I was practically asleep! I certainly couldn’t form a coherent thought for several minutes following the massage.

Naipo Massage Cushion makes a great gift

If you are looking for something to ease your back and shoulders, and if, like me, you deal with a chaotic family and work life, then I suggest you try out the Naipo Massage Cushion. It is simple and easy to use, it is fully portable, easy to store, and it does what it sets out to do. A lovely, deep, relaxing massage. While you are here, you could also consider adding the Limited Edition Naipo Christmas Shoulder Massager to your shopping basket. It looks super cute, very festive, and I am sure it will do a wonderful job to relax you after all the holiday stress.

#ProductReview Naipo Shoulder Massage Cushion at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
]#ProductReview Naipo Shoulder Massage Cushion

Did you enjoy this article? Browse the latest exclusive special offers and discount codes from my affiliate partners. Click here.

Note: I received the product in return for an honest review.

Posted in #freeforallFriday, advertising, Business, christmas, pagan mother, working mom, working mother, working mum | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Winter Romance for Older People

Posted on November 10, 2017 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures from Cheshire

As the weather grows colder and we begin to prepare for the festive season, there will be many older people who are feeling lonely. Some have been coping with huge life changes, others perhaps never found the significant other that they desired.

I have seen friends recovering from divorce and separation that have turned to dating websites looking for a partner, and they have proved very successful.

Older Dating Websites in collaboration with SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Older Dating Websites (Image credit unknown)

Winter Romance for Older People

Perhaps you would like to try a London dating agency, or a Birmingham dating website, or a Manchester dating agency, depending on your location? There is also Edinburgh dating, for my readers who live north of the border. And, for my American friends, try some over 50s dating and see who you find… Enjoy your older years!

Image of book covers from the Redcliffe Novels paranormal menage series. MMF romance. Bisexual and gay romance. Gay werewolf romance. Paranormal author Catherine Green.
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author Catherine Green

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

Note: This is a sponsored article.

Posted in #freeforallFriday, advertising, Business, working mom, working mother, working mum | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

A Halloween Visit to Stokesay Castle

Posted on November 8, 2017 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures from Cheshire

In an effort to make good use of our family subscription to English Heritage, my husband and I recently took the children for a visit to Stokesay Castle in Shropshire.

English Heritage Stokesay Castle affiliated with SpookyMrsGreen.com pagan lifestyle blog.
English Heritage Stokesay Castle

A Halloween Visit to Stokesay Castle

It is a beautiful place, and we had a very pleasant drive down through the countryside from our home in East Cheshire. We met some friends at Stokesay Castle, and our children had lots of fun exploring the old place together. Our dog wasn’t very keen when we took him inside the main hall and up the old, stone staircase to the upper floors. He liked it even less when we took him across wooden walkways between rooms, but there were lots of fascinating nooks and crannies to discover.

Since it was the beginning of our Halloween Half Term holiday from school, English Heritage had set up a craft room in one part of the castle. We spent a good hour or so painting and colouring, and came home a with a very cute pumpkin tealight holder, a couple of painted foam pumpkin decorations, a vampire and a spooky cat. My girls loved it! The adults then decided it was time for coffee and cake, so we visited the onsite café. It must have been unexpectedly busy that day, but we found somewhere to sit and enjoyed a nice, warming hot chocolate. On our way back to the car, we had to do a bit of shopping in the castle gift shop, where I picked up a bottle of my favourite Ginger Liqueur. We are now planning our next English Heritage visit, but that might have to wait until after Christmas.

English Heritage Stokesay Castle affiliated with SpookyMrsGreen.com pagan lifestyle blog.
English Heritage Stokesay Castle

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

Note: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen!

Posted in #mummymonday, advertising, English, English Heritage, family, pagan mother | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

#ProductReview: Letters from Santa with Lapland Mailroom

Posted on November 6, 2017 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures from Cheshire

The countdown to Christmas has officially begun! I have to admit, this year I am feeling rather excited for the festive holidays. I’m just a big kid at Christmas!

And I am looking forward to my daughters receiving their personalised letters from Santa Claus courtesy of Lapland Mailroom.

Santa Stop Here for Christmas at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Santa Stop Here!

#ProductReview: Letters from Santa with Lapland Mailroom

My girls have been (mostly) good this year. They have coped extremely well with ongoing family drama, they work hard at school and are progressing well in their education. They care for each other and their friends, and they do everything that I would want them to do. They deserve a treat at Christmas, and this year they will be delighted to receive a personalised letter each from Father Christmas. My elder daughter will be able to read the letters by herself for the first time, which will add to my sentimental feeling.

Lapland Mailroom offer a great selection of personalised letters from Santa Claus or Father Christmas. You can choose different styles that each come with a personal touch for your child to appreciate. I chose two different ones for my girls, along with a complimentary activity pack to help them start their festivities early. If you order now, your letters will arrive right at the beginning of December, and you can quote this unique special offer code to receive 20% discount: xmaspromo17.

Gothic image of a vampire drinking blood from a wine glass while a woman lies unconscious on the bed behind him. 3D eBook cover image for “Christmas with the Vampires” by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green. Vampire stories dark romance.
Christmas with the Vampires by paranormal author Catherine Green

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

Note: I received the product in return for an honest review.

Posted in #mummymonday, advertising, Business, Children, christmas, family, pagan mother, working mom, working mother, working mum | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment