The Vampire Tarot and Me: Embrace Your Shadows

Posted on October 3, 2014 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures

“It is time to embrace the shadows, listen to their words, and move on towards the light with knowledge, peace and understanding.”

So begins my journey with The Vampires Tarot of the Eternal Night. I have had this deck of Tarot cards for over a year now, but have not really worked with them. Indeed, I have hardly worked with any of my Tarot cards this year. I have been rather distracted with my children and family dramas.

Anyway, today, being the beginning of October, seems a good time to start. And truthfully, I was drawn to work with the vampire Tarot cards today.

Vampires of the Eternal Night Tarot Card book and wooden Tarot card box with a pentagram inscribed in the lid belonging to Catherine Green of SpookyMrsGreen.com pagan lifestyle blog.
Vampires of the Eternal Night Tarot Card book and wooden Tarot card box

The Vampire Tarot and Me: Embrace Your Shadows

I will post a full reading separately, as there is lot to say in this instance. Suffice to say, if you are stuck in a difficult situation, and you are struggling to find your way out, then perhaps this will help. If not, please move on with love and compassion. The cards come to us when we need to hear their message.

Here is the reading in brief:

There is a sense that you are taking one step forward and two steps back at the moment. Life is hard. It would be easy to give up now, but you are not that kind of person. You have already overcome great struggles and challenges in your life. This one is weak in comparison. The choice is yours to make. Break free, move on, and embrace your true potential. Your guides are out there, and you know who they are. Ask them, and they will help, but only if they see you making the effort to help yourself.

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. 

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Are You a Human Being, or a Human Doing?

Posted on September 22, 2014 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures

Today I am inspired to write about something that is always in the back of my mind, especially since I became a mother three years ago.

This morning I read an article in the Sept/Oct edition of Families Cheshire magazine, and the title was Mindfulness, the secret to happy parenting. It was advertising a local parental coaching company, but I totally agreed with the subject in question.

Image of a woman with long ginger hair and glasses, holding a baby girl on her knee as they journey by train. #MummyMonday Family Day Trip on the Train from Manchester to York at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Family Day Trip on the Train to York

Are You a Human Being, or a Human Doing?

Many of my local parent friends have been struggling with feelings of guilt that they are not doing enough activities with their younger children as they did with their older ones. I also partially succumbed to these feelings, until I realized what was happening, took a deep breath, and reminded myself that it is not important. My baby daughter has plenty of time yet to play, explore, develop and grow. She does it every day, and she doesn’t care if we are at home playing with toys, in the park playing on the swings, or rushing about from one social activity to another. It’s all the same to a baby!

During recent months I have taken some time to consider my current position in life. I felt that I should be doing more about my career. Then I felt that I should be returning to regular paid employment to help my husband pay off our combined debts and keep the household finance running smoothly. Then I worried that while I was busy trying to get a job/commuting to work/being tired from work and everything else that my mind conjured up, that I would neglect my children when they are at their most vulnerable. Phew! The human mind, and human emotions are very potent, and often very damaging tools.

Taking stock of my life

So now I am taking stock of my life. Yes, we could use more money in the family. So could millions of other people in the world. Yes, I want to develop my career further (and I refuse to give up on my dream of achieving a Big Book Deal resulting in a film franchise), but you know what? It doesn’t matter. Right now I enjoy cuddles and playtime with my girls. This morning I lifted my face to the sun and rejoiced in the clean, fresh air and the beautiful town in which I live. Right now I am a human being, and that is where I want to be.

How about you? Are you a human being, or are you a human doing?

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. 

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My Spiritual Journey: Powered by the Supermoon

Posted on August 17, 2014 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures

It has been a turbulent week here in the UK. We were battered by hurricane Bertha over the weekend, and I think we are still feeling her effects now, judging by the high winds and sharp rainstorms today. I also finally found time to reconnect my spiritual self.

During recent months I had become overwhelmed with domestic challenges, parental responsibilities, and various other minor issues that came together to distract me from my journey. Well, I say distract, but truthfully I know this is all part of the experience.

#WitchyWednesday Blue Sky and Green Grass copyright Catherine Green of SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#WitchyWednesday Blue Sky and Green Grass

My Spiritual Journey: Powered by the Supermoon

On Monday night I put my children to bed, wandered downstairs, and noticed that I could see a beautiful large full moon from my front window. She caught my attention, and I found myself setting  up an unplanned meditation session. It was perfect, and just what I needed for some self reflection and to regain a sense of peace in my life. I took out my Tarot cards, did a Goddess card reading, and cleansed  my crystals under the light of the supermoon energy. And all to the tune of my favourite spiritual YouTube playlist.

For the rest of this week I have felt calm, collected and more like myself than I have in a long time. It’s funny how we allow ourselves to become so consumed in daily routine that we forget about ourselves and sort of drift away. Now I am allowing myself to do some things that make me happy, rather than dwelling on what I think I should be doing based on the opinions of my peers. Ultimately, we live our lives for a reason. And, as my spiritual brother is fond of saying, we are human beings, not human doings!

Have a fantastic week 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. 

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It’s Been a Funny Sort of Month

Posted on July 31, 2014 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures

It has been a funny sort of month. I have once again been very busy, but I can’t remember exactly what I have been doing.

It mainly revolves around breastfeeding, changing nappies, washing, cooking and cleaning, and entertaining a “threenager” and a baby. I can’t really call my elder daughter a toddler any more. For one thing, she is too tall and very articulate! She seems to have acquired her dad’s lanky physique, rather than my petite frame. She is a little whirlwind of chaos, and she has a fantastic imagination.

A woman with short ginger hair wearing glasses and a floral top, standing next to a river beneath a weeping willow tree. Photo of Paranormal Author Catherine Green copyright SpookyMrsGreen.com pagan lifestyle blog.
Paranormal Author Catherine Green

Busy Being Mother

My baby is also growing up fast. It is her 1st birthday tomorrow, 1st August. This time last year I was huge, hot and very grumpy, and desperate to birth my baby. Now, I keep telling her to stop growing because I want to enjoy her at this age forever… Of course I don’t mean it. I love my children unconditionally, but I admit that I will appreciate a little ‘me’ time when they are old enough to fend for themselves a little more. For now I am enjoying the experience of watching them grow and develop, and it is a novelty to see my baby crawling (her sister was a bum-shuffler).

I say it has been a funny sort of month mainly because I didn’t quite complete my plans. I signed up for a writing challenge called Camp NaNoWriMo, and set myself a word target of 25,000. So far I have almost 10,000 words in my teenage zombie romance novel. I am struggling with it, most probably because it is a new concept. I have never written about zombies before. In fact, I haven’t even read very many zombie stories, so perhaps I need a little more research…

I didn’t win, but it’s fine

Anyway, I end July feeling quite peaceful, because although I didn’t ‘win’ Camp NaNoWriMo, at least it got me writing again. The stories are beginning to roll around my mind, and I am slowly getting my work back on track. There are a few other personal challenges to contend with, and I am still trying to work out when and where I can take the children on holiday. It is all coming together slowly, so for now I will relax and enjoy a weekend of birthday celebration. See you later, everyone!

Red background with book cover images for #RedcliffeNovels LGBT fantasy book series by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green.
#RedcliffeNovels LGBT Fantasy Book Series for Adults

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

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Who Am I?

Posted on July 28, 2014 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures

Who am I? This question is beginning to nag at me lately. I am Catherine Green. I am a mother, a wife, a daughter, a friend, and an author.

This last one has been sorely neglected recently in my daily schedule. My life has become a chaotic cycle of breastfeeding, changing nappies, bathing and washing children, preparing food for children, feeding them, cleaning up behind them, and everything else that comes of being a mother and housewife.

A woman with short ginger hair wearing glasses and a floral top, standing next to a river beneath a weeping willow tree. Photo of Paranormal Author Catherine Green copyright SpookyMrsGreen.com pagan lifestyle blog.
Paranormal Author Catherine Green

Time to Rediscover the Author

It is time to reignite my author passion. I have ideas for dozens of stories, both novels and shorts, scribbled in diaries that I keep staring at, but never do anything about. I joined Camp NaNoWriMo this month as a way of getting back into the writing habit. It worked very slowly for about two weeks, but then my domestic life overtook everything again. How do I balance being with my children 24/7 with being an author?

The problem is that I am not simply an author. It isn’t just about writing the stories. If I want to be recognised, if I want to sell books, if I want to earn a decent wage as an author, then I have to be a whole lot else besides. I have to be an entrepreneur, a business woman, a marketing professional, a social media expert, and a whole host of other titles that I can’t even contemplate in my current tired state of mind.

Who are you?

Who are you? How do you define yourself and your life? I am interested to hear other people’s stories, and how all of our lives overlap and run parallel in so many ways… Have a great week everyone!

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

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 #mummymonday, author, british, catherine green, Random Musings, UK | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

When Will I Sleep Again?

Posted on July 21, 2014 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures

Today I am feeling tired. Actually, I feel exhausted. It seems to be a standard requirement for being a parent. People joke about the fact that parents mostly endure sleepless nights and busy days, but seriously, it is a real problem!

My daughters are not bad sleepers really. My eldest does sleep all through the night, and very deeply too. My baby is currently waking roughly every 2 hours for a feed, and she is restless because she is teething and growing and doing all those things that healthy babies do.

#MummyMonday Catherine with her Baby Daughter SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#MummyMonday Catherine with her Baby Daughter

When Will I Sleep Again?

I have nothing to complain about. It is simply a fact. I am tired! And that is the reason why my writing has slowed down to the point where it is almost non-existent, and I am having to adjust my priorities and allow myself some time to rest when I can. If I don’t do this, I risk the very real possibility of collapsing with exhaustion, and that would do my family no good at all. I think our culture and society has always downplayed the struggle of parenthood, for both men and women.

In my experience, women take the brunt of the domestic responsibilities simply because it makes better financial sense for the family. I find it sad that this is still the case after 100 years of feminism, campaigns for equality, and a rise in women in the workplace. In fact, I find it downright disgusting that women who stay home to care for their children are overlooked, under appreciated, and generally looked down upon by their societal peers, for doing a job that is essential if the human race is to continue!

I’m too tired to continue

Well, before I take this into a rant about equality and sexism, I will leave it there. I am just too tired to continue. My baby is waking from her nap, my kitchen is full of dirty dishes that won’t clean themselves, and I have to collect my elder daughter from preschool soon. Maybe I will sleep properly at some point in the future. For now it remains a distant dream… but I wouldn’t have it any other way, because I love my children! Have a great week everyone.

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 #mummymonday, british, catherine green, pagan mother, Random Musings, UK | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Ticking the Boxes of #Motherhood

Posted on July 4, 2014 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures

It occurred to me earlier that my life seems to revolve around ticking all the boxes. I mean, I looked at my 11 month-old daughter playing with her toys, and I ran through a mental check list:

1. Has she been fed? Check. 2. Has she had her milk? Check. 3. Has she had enough playtime? Check. 4. Has she got a clean nappy? Check. 5. Does she need a nap? Check. 6. Does she need more cuddles? Check.

Image of a woman with long ginger hair and glasses, holding a baby girl on her knee as they journey by train. #MummyMonday Family Day Trip on the Train from Manchester to York at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Family Day Trip on the Train to York

Ticking the Boxes of Motherhood

And I wonder why I am exhausted! This check list runs on a repeat cycle all day, every day, and not just with her. I do a similar one with my 3 year-old, although of course the nappy is replaced with toilet visits, the milk with drinking water, etc. These are the things we take for-granted, and yet they are the core essentials for growing our human race. Alongside this I am desperately trying to develop my career, so that I can earn extra money to pay for family holidays, and for my own personal satisfaction and well-being.

Last week I wrote about feeling a sense of peace at last. This is true, but alongside that peaceful attitude is one of doing everyday jobs, and just doing what humans do naturally. Sometimes I look back on my day and wonder just what exactly I have been doing. Sometimes it is hard to see what takes up all my time, and why I can’t seem to find twenty minutes some days to write a bit of my latest novel. Then I realise, all those cuddles, games, washing and feeding my children actually do take time. You can’t just click your fingers and everything is done (unless you are Mary Poppins!) So now I allow the peaceful feeling to return, and I congratulate myself on doing a damned good job at being Mother.

Have a lovely weekend 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 #mummymonday, british, catherine green, Random Musings, UK | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

#SpiritualGrowth: Finding Peace in a Wild World

Posted on June 30, 2014 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures

I have been experiencing a lot of emotions and situations recently that I believe are part of my spiritual lesson in life. It has been a while since I wrote a post directly relating to this subject, but every day I embrace my spiritual journey on earth.

I recently experienced shock and worry when a close family member was involved in a serious road accident almost four months ago. I now experience weekly anxiety, sadness and hope as we visit him in a specialist hospital facility where he is slowly recovering.

#WitchyWednesday Woodland and Meadow copyright Catherine Green of SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#WitchyWednesday Woodland and Meadow

Finding Peace in a Wild World

My children continue to amaze, impress, and teach me the true value of human life. For a long time I have been preoccupied with the need to ‘be something,’ to make a success of my life, and to become somebody of worth. Unfortunately I confused this ideal with financial wealth, and I fell into the trap of valuing money above all else on my quest. Of course, it didn’t work out quite the way I expected, and that is as it should be. That is not my journey in this life.

No, my journey is one of appreciation and love. My children love me unconditionally. They have no concept of jobs, money, material goods, or any of those human creations that we all crave. My children simply want to play, they want to have fun, and they want to do these things with Mummy and Daddy. We are still persuading Daddy to take some time off work, but that is his journey and I cannot interfere (unless he asks, of course!)

I feel at peace

Just last week I finally realized that I feel at peace after living in a state of wild upheaval for over a year. My spiritual journey took huge leaps back in 2012, and then in 2013 I feel that I strayed a little. I became overwhelmed by an exhausting pregnancy, and I succumbed to the strains of domestic life while still trying frantically to develop my business. Now, I feel that I can let go of those things that are no longer important. I am working from home, and I am raising a family. I am also taking time to rest, to have fun, and to indulge in things that make me happy. And, that for now, is success.

Have a wonderful summer my friends! Oh, and if I seem a little quiet during July, here is the reason: Camp NaNoWriMo participant.

#CampNaNoWriMo 2014 Participant LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green of SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#CampNaNoWriMo 2014 Participant LGBT fantasy book writer 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 #mummymonday, author, british, catherine green, mind body spirit, Random Musings, Spiritual, spiritual growth, UK | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Let Me Tell You About Love…

Posted on June 8, 2014 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures

Do you want to get lost in a good love story? Maybe you need something with a little suspense, something dark and delicious.

I suggest you read the Redcliffe novels series of LGBT fantasy books set in Cornwall, England. You can meet the sexy alpha of the Redcliffe werewolf pack and his besotted lieutenant. But watch out for those vampires lurking in the shadows!

Image of book covers from the Redcliffe Novels paranormal menage series. MMF romance. Bisexual and gay romance. Gay werewolf romance. Paranormal author Catherine Green.
Love Hurts A Redcliffe Novel by paranormal author Catherine Green

Let Me Tell You About Love…

I never understood the concept of being in love. It always seems like such a big deal and yet everywhere you look you see people getting their hearts broken, scorned women and cheating men. Practically every TV show, film or novel has some sort of love theme running through it. People thrive on relationships; they chase each other for romance, for excitement, or simply to be together. They argue, fight, make up, and break up. I have seen a lot of people hurt by love and then I have seen a few people who are happy with it. The whole subject confuses me, it frightens me, and because I don’t understand it, I don’t miss it and I certainly don’t chase it.

Don’t get me wrong; love must be worth fighting for because everyone always seems to be chasing it. But not me. No, I decided after my parents died and my family abandoned me that I would look after number one before anyone else. Then I met Liz and developed love of a different kind, love for my best friend, my sister. I made an exception and vowed to always protect her no matter what. But when it came to men, not a chance. I wasn’t interested. I didn’t need romance, and I didn’t need a relationship.

Then I met Jack Mason

Then I met Jack Mason and his brother Danny. All of my carefully built defences came crashing down around me. Love is dangerous and painful. Love is confusing and exhausting. Love will get you killed. Yet despite everything I find myself going back for more, unable to break free of this trap. My life was normal and happy and successful before I met the Mason brothers. Then they showed me what I had been lacking and what I needed to truly be fulfilled. So let me tell you the story, about a picturesque seaside town in South Western England, and the secrets of its seemingly innocent inhabitants…

“Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel)” is widely available online from your favourite bookstore.

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

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 author, british, catherine green, Love Hurts, paranormal romance, UK | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

And Now We Slip Into Summertime

Posted on June 2, 2014 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures

Is it really June already? Wow! I know I sound like a broken record, but I cannot keep up with the speed at which these months are flying by.

Perhaps I am so totally wrapped up in my family right now that I fail to see life buzzing all around me. I know we need a holiday. So far I have lost out on two planned excursions for reasons beyond my control, but I know there is something big and exciting hurtling towards me. And about time too!

A woman with short ginger hair wearing glasses and a floral top, standing next to a river beneath a weeping willow tree. Photo of Paranormal Author Catherine Green copyright SpookyMrsGreen.com pagan lifestyle blog.
Paranormal Author Catherine Green

And Now We Slip Into Summertime

What have you guys been doing with your year? Working, loving, living? I find myself having all sorts of philosophical discussions with myself; what I think about my life and where it is going. I can’t say that life didn’t turn out how I expected. I never really planned my life too far in advance. I prefer to embrace spontaneity and take each day as it comes. That said, I am beginning to understand the need to plan when you have young children to consider. You can’t just pack up and go with a baby and toddler!

I am really only dropping in to keep my blog active while I work away on my other projects. I have all sorts of writerly things in progress, but because of my domestic responsibilities, I have been somewhat distracted during the past few months. Things will fall into place eventually I know, but for now, what you see is what you get. Have a lovely week 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

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 author, catherine green, Random Musings, UK | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments