I used to think that Reiki was a magical, mysterious energy that healed anything and everything. But I didn’t think about it properly.
Yes, reiki does heal you. It is a very powerful, magical and mysterious energy. But you cannot expect it to simply cure all physical ailments, just like that. No, we must do the healing for ourselves, using reiki energy as a tool. It won’t work if we don’t attempt to help it along. And it is an ongoing process, often taking years to implement and more years still to continue.
This Mum needs a Rest
Why Reiki Won’t Cure a Cold
Take the common cold for an example. I am just recovering from a summer cold that I caught from my children. Darn those school germs! My husband had the cold and sore throat as well, so it was inevitable that it would reach me in the end. Of course, I called on reiki to help me shift it. But the illness lasted for almost a week. And that is because I was exhausted. I was burned out.
We are limping to the end of the school term (only a few more days now), I am all cried out with emotion as I deal with the transition from preschool to primary school for my youngest daughter, and I am stressed about the lack of sales interest on our house. Won’t somebody please buy our house soon so that we can move to a bigger one? We need space! And all of this together contributed to me catching a cold. I had neglected to eat healthily, I wasn’t exercising properly, and I haven’t had enough sleep. I need a break. I need a holiday. And that will happen very soon.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green
Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.
Crafting has always been a big part of my life, so it is no surprise that my daughters have inherited my love for creativity.
My mum is a seamstress and fabric crafter, and while I have tried knitting and sewing in the past, my preference is with card making. I also dabble in bead jewellery making, but this has fallen into the background for now.
#MummyMonday Kids Craft Project
A Day Out to the Hobbycrafts Show @thecraftshows
My mum and I make time to visit the ICHF Sewing and Hobbycraft exhibitions in Manchester and Birmingham. It has become a good opportunity for us to spend time alone together away from home, and reconnect with our passion for craft. Last week we took my eldest daughter with us. She first attended a Hobbycraft show with us when she was a baby, around ten months old, and this time she was far more involved with the activities. She discovered the joy of glitter and acetate stamping, PixelArt, and Decopatch.
It was wonderful to sit with my daughter as she tried out these new crafts and learned new techniques. We came home with Pixel Hobby kits, a new decopatch project, acetate designs to use with the glitter and glue that we already have at home, new paints, stamps, and all sorts of other goodies. I am already looking forward to our next Hobbycrafts event later this year, where we will prepare for the Christmas season.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by 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.
Life is a little bit chaotic at present. We are at the end of the school summer term, preparing for big changes when my youngest daughter joins the school system. I just released a brand-new novel, and am the process of networking, doing the sales thing, and writing the other books in the series.
Our house is still for sale, and despite a few people coming to view it, so far nobody wants to buy. So, we are stuck in a place that is getting smaller as my children grow bigger.
Inspiration for the Redcliffe Novels LGBT fantasy book series for adults by vampire writer Catherine Green.
My Spiritual Journey: Fond Memories and Magical Moments
Amidst the chaos of domestic life, where I simultaneously try to nurture a family, support my husband through career challenges, build my own career, and find time for myself, I have reiki. While I don’t find time to sit and meditate at length every day, I at least try to find five or ten minutes here and there to focus my breathing, calm my thoughts, and bring in the healing energy. Sometimes I indulge in a good cry. Sometimes I laugh uncontrollably. The emotion must be released, and acknowledged. I always feel better afterwards.
Yesterday I received a reiki empowerment from my reiki master. I sat in a sacred space, surrounded by fellow students of the craft, and we all experienced the energy differently, and privately. Some needed to cry. Some smiled and welcomed the gentle healing effects. For me it was all about the spirit world. Yes, my ghosts came back to haunt me. Well, they never really went away. Only this time I spoke to a recent ghost, one that I knew years ago. He was content, at peace, and when he left, I felt a sudden sense of realisation.
Back to a simpler time
It all took me back to a beach in Looe, Cornwall, about twelve years ago. I can’t remember the exact date. I was young and in love. I took some photos of my fiancé and our friends as they dug holes on the beach and played in the sand (we were all in our early twenties). My attention was drawn to the scenery, in particular a hill at the far end of the beach, covered with forest that sloped down to the sea. Back then I was never going to be an author. Those aspirations were far beyond me. But something stuck in my mind. That was the moment when Redcliffe was born. Above is the photo that inspired a British paranormal romance series. Pretty cool, huh?
LGBT fantasy book series set in Cornwall. “Love Hurts (The Redcliffe Novels)” #1 by 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.
We have reached the longest day of the year, and what a challenging time it has been. Life is like that, of course.
We thrive on drama and activity, and we grow bored when there is nothing to do. Humans must keep busy. If we become idle, we start to look for ways to create mischief. It is in our nature. And so, we see it happening all around the world.
Summer Solstice
Summer Solstice Blessings
Today I will take time to celebrate our world. It is our home, our sanctuary. Mother Earth continues to grow and replenish as we continue to take and destroy. Many of us try to put back what we take, or are mindful about our activity. Yet more of us simply live our lives in a state of blissful ignorance. Perhaps now we should remember the impact every time we throw something in the bin, even the smallest sweet wrapper. Just a thought…
Well, I am off to light a summer solstice fire, give thanks for the fruits of my labour, and banish anything that is holding me back. Oh, and I might find some time to be with my husband and celebrate our love in the good old-fashioned sense… see you later, and Solstice Blessings, my friends!
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by 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.
Our town is preparing for the biggest event of the year… Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival!
It is always a very special weekend, and I love how the town literally comes alive for the big party. We have been watching the boats arrive in Middlewich, mooring up and settling in ready for the floating market and all the entertainment that is promised.
There is a growing buzz of excitement, a certain low-level hum that is getting louder as the Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival weekend draws closer.
Walking around the Middlewich Folk and Boat festival town
In these days before the festival, my friends and I like to walk along the canal and speak to the visiting boaters and their dogs (very important!). We enjoy the calm before the storm, the quiet canal paths and empty streets, because we know that come Saturday, we will barely be able to step out of our front door without being bombarded by colour, sound and excitement. And we love it!
Put up the marquee for Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival
Later this week we will watch tents and marquees going up, flags and bunting appearing in the streets, and the funfair will roll into town. We have our festival outfits all ready, nice and colourful. Our tickets are waiting, our babysitters booked so we can enjoy watching the Lightning Seeds. All the local pubs and venues will prepare their outside spaces to welcome musicians and gig goers. Oh, and the beer will flow. Cheers!
The Beer Boat will soon be heaving! #BEFAB
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.
My family and I recently visited SEA LIFE Manchester for a family day out. It was our first visit to the Manchester venue, although we have visited SEA LIFE in other UK towns throughout the years. As always, it did not disappoint.
I was very pleased to find that SEA LIFE Manchester is supporting turtle conservation both in the wild and in captivity. Those little critters have always had a soft spot in my heart!
Snake Head Turtle at SEA LIFE Manchester#ErnieTheTurtle #MummyMonday Family Trip to SEA LIFE ManchesterTurtle World SEA LIFE Manchester
Family Review of SEA Life Manchester
SEA LIFE Manchester has been improved and modernised so that they now boast some very cool interactive features. The first attraction we saw was a holographic, and very realistic, female sea turtle laying her eggs on a beach. The SEA LIFE ranger guide who introduced us gave some very interesting facts and information about turtles in the wild, and we loved the visual display. You have to see it for yourself, I could not do it justice with my camera.
#MummyMonday Turtle Babies on a Family Trip to SEA LIFE Manchester#MummyMonday Interactive Turtle on a Family Trip to SEA LIFE Manchester#MummyMonday Family Trip to SEA LIFE Manchester#MummyMonday Nala the Snake SEA LIFE ManchesterSave the Turtles! #MummyMonday Family Trip to SEA LIFE Manchester#MummyMonday Fossil game at SEA LIFE Manchester#MummyMonday Axolotl at SEA LIFE Manchester#MummyMonday Family Trip to SEA LIFE Manchester
Another fascinating feature for me was the assortment of glass bubbles and walk-through tanks. Now, I have seen the tanks where children can crawl through tunnels in other SEA LIFE centres, but one of the tanks near the beginning of the attraction was very interesting indeed. As you approached, it looked like the fish were sort of flying, or hovering, in the air. It was only as we got closer that we realised it was a special kind of tank that protruded out in a sphere. Again, you have to see it.
SEA LIFE Manchester#MummyMonday Family Trip to SEA LIFE Manchester
Essentially, there is a lot to see and do at SEA LIFE Manchester. We walked around in about two hours, although I could have happily stayed longer if the children had allowed me to stop and read the information boards. There are interactive games that children can play, activities to get involved with, and we even got to meet Nala the rescue snake, with her handler. We stroked her skin and learned a bit about her and her rescued companion. We saw interesting fossils and were fascinated by the Rock Pool room, all part of the interactive Ranger Day experience that families can enjoy at SEA LIFE Manchester.
#MummyMonday Rockpools at SEA LIFE Manchester
On a more practical note, SEA LIFE Manchester is designed to be family friendly. You can walk round with pushchairs and wheelchairs very easily, and the toilet facilities are spacious and accessible. There is a very nice soft play area which is enclosed and secure, and we could sit in front of the huge feature fish tank to watch the animals while our children played for a while. There is no café inside the centre, but there are plenty of eateries within walking distance, since it is situated in the Trafford Centre complex, and there are vending machines next to the soft play. All in all, SEA LIFE Manchester makes for a nice, entertaining, educational family day out.
#ErnieTheTurtle Family Trip to SEA LIFE Manchester
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 collaborative article and 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!
When the world becomes too challenging, take a moment to breathe. Join me in a short, easy meditation for self care and rejuvenation.
#WitchyWednesday Nature walk in the woods
Breathe
Take a deep breath, all the way from the bottom of your lungs.
Breathe in…. hold…
Breath out…
And again:
Breathe in… hold…
Breathe out…
Once more:
Breathe in… hold…
Breathe out.
You got this. You can vote in the UK election and know that your vote counts. Our country is safe, despite what the media tells you following the recent attacks. We are strong together, as a national and a global community. Take each day as it comes, live your own life, and love as much as you can. That is all. Blessed Be.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by 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.
Today is my seventh wedding anniversary. My husband and I have been together since we were teenagers, not exactly a high school romance, but not far off.
We took time to live apart, go to separate universities, experience a bit of independent life, and eventually we decided to get married and start a family. Well, I decided. He just went along with it!
Mr and Mrs Green on their wedding day at Chester Zoo
The Seven Year Itch? Not in My Marriage!
Marriage was not on my radar when I got together with my husband. I was reeling from the painful divorce of my parents, and I believed I was strong and happy as a single woman. Well, I can be that, but the love that my husband and I share for each other runs deep. There are no words to describe it. We are soulmates, and we both agree on that point. Of course, we have our disagreements. We both drive each other crazy. We came close to separating three years ago. But we got through it, and every day we work at growing strong again, together. Love really is all we need. Happy Anniversary, Daniel. I love you.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by 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.
This is a very sad week as we process our grief and shock from yet another terrorist attack. Only now it is different. Now it is right on my doorstep. In my city. My Manchester.
OK, I don’t live in Manchester any more, but I spent most of my twenties in that beautiful place, enjoying the social life, the atmosphere, the energy and the life. We only moved away for purposes of work, family and economic circumstances.
View of Manchester City Centre
My Manchester. Our Manchester.
My Manchester. Our Manchester. And those poor families, lives ripped apart so horrifically. I know that these attacks have been taking place for many years all around the world. And I cried each time I heard about them on the news. But they were not my places. I hadn’t visited them. I had no physical link to them. Well, now I do. Manchester was home to my husband while he studied at university, and subsequently I made my way there as well to be with him. We worked in Manchester, lived in Manchester, and loved in Manchester for many years.
My visits to the city are less frequent these days, although I was there very recently with my children when we visited Legoland Discovery at the Trafford Centre. And we had an Easter outing to Dunham Massey on the outskirts of the city. So, I suppose we do visit more often than we think. I am a long-term patient at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, we have friends that still live in the city, it is our home. Our Manchester. And I cried so much when I heard the tragic news. Now all I can do is send loving, healing, supporting energy to those in need. It helps, even if we don’t see it. We stand strong together. We will not back down. We are Manchester.
LGBT fantasy novel set in Manchester, England. “Return of the Vampire Hunter” by 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.
Today I am looking for a fresh start as we begin the working week full of optimism and high hopes. Last week was not the best for me, for various reasons. My pet turtle died, and I am grieving for him.
#MummyMonday “Duck” my pet Yellow-Bellied Slider turtle
Losing a Family Pet
It is very different for me losing a turtle, to losing a dog. I have been processing my feelings over the weekend. I am sad, but I haven’t cried anywhere near as much as I did when my beloved Toby died. I suppose it is because the turtles are sort of distant. They live in a tank, they don’t speak, and they don’t like to be handled. They still communicate, however, in their own little way, and for that I will miss Duck (I also had a turtle called Crispin once upon a time – can you see the joke?!).
What cheered me up was the outpouring of support from my friends on Instagram when I posted a photo at the weekend. We all make connections to our pets, whatever species, and we all recognise that special bond when we lose the pet. I still have one more turtle remaining, Ashton, although he really does not like to be handled and would rather be left alone. Let’s hope he stays around for a while longer. Have a happy week, my friends. Make it a good one!
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by 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.
SpookyMrsGreen 