International Women’s Day in Staffordshire and Cheshire

Today is International Women’s Day. I am very keen to be involved with women’s issues, but there is such a broad range of topics that I have to pick an area of interest.

For 2013 I am focusing on women in business, mainly because it is something I am exploring at the moment.

International Women's Day at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
International Women’s Day at SpookyMrsGreen.com

International Women’s Day

I find it incredible here in the UK that women are still being held back in the professional circuit. We cannot get ahead in our careers because of childcare issues. That is a basic fact. Yes, there are some women, and it is a very small minority, who seem to prove that you can have it all. By having it all I mean the loving family, the happy domestic life, and the successful, rewarding career.

In my experience, women still struggle to get ahead in business. I have been rejected for more high-end graduate jobs during my 20s than I care to remember. Most of those were in the media industry, so I accept that comes with its own set of issues. But I am also convinced that a lot of it was down to my gender. I am a woman of childbearing age (and yes, currently pregnant with my second child). Why should I be penalised for honouring my biological clock?

Do businesses intentionally discriminate against women?

I know that corporate businesses do not intentionally discriminate against women. They couldn’t in this climate, what with all the employment law issues being thrown around. But the fact remains that women have to make very tough choices when the time comes to have children. We either have our children at a younger age, giving us time to study and develop our careers as the children grow older, or we struggle to combine work and childcare.

This issue could be debated for evermore. For now I will leave it there, but I am keen to hear from other women in similar situations. How do you find managing your career while having children? Have you taken a career break, and do you worry about the impact this will have on your employment chances? Or have you decided to focus on your family and forsake your career altogether?

Today I am attending a business networking event in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. It starts at 12:00pm at Unity, Garth Street, Hanley. Check out the Linked In group for details, and pop along if you are in the area. 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. 

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Pregnancy Makes You Grumpy

Just a quick one, and I am sharing some of the delights and depressions of pregnancy. I am currently experiencing some very extreme mood swings, and my poor husband is taking the heat. Well, it’s his fault I’m in this situation!

I am fast approaching the half way point of pregnancy, and yesterday my stomach felt swollen, bloated and very large.

#MummyMonday Pregnant Catherine at The Crask Inn, Scottish Highlands with SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#MummyMonday Pregnant Catherine at The Crask Inn

Pregnancy Makes You Grumpy

My husband is a good man. He works hard, he provides for his family, and he does show that he loves us. But he is hopeless when it comes to domestic duties. And that is why I was getting irate and angry yesterday when it was his day off work. I just need a break now and then, and all I ask is that he takes the initiative with simple things like preparing meals for the family, cleaning the house and generally being aware of what needs to be done.

I won’t go on about it here. We all have the same gripes. In my social circles, women always complain about their husbands and partners, but things never change. I only hope that my husband will make some effort to do those little jobs that are irritating me, and then he won’t have to feel the rage of the Pregnant Wife.

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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A Yummy Mummy Day at the Spa

Yesterday I took the day off. I have a group of Mum friends from our local NCT group, and we meet for coffee once a week so our children can play together and we can discuss parental issues and whatever else we desire.

The opportunity arose for us to take a break from the children, and have a day out at a spa together. We couldn’t wait! It was planned for quite a few months, and finally we got our day.

#MummyMonday Pregnant Catherine at The Crask Inn, Scottish Highlands with SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#MummyMonday Pregnant Catherine at The Crask Inn

A Yummy Mummy Day at the Spa

I had never visited a spa before, so I was doubly excited about this new experience. My husband was working all weekend, so I sent my daughter off with her grandparents on Saturday. She had a wonderful time, and I had a much-needed break. On Saturday afternoon I caught up with a friend and did some long-overdue housework that just wasn’t doable with a toddler round my ankles.

Then we had our day off. We checked into the spa, swiftly changed into our swimming costumes, and headed for the pool. Now, because I am pregnant, I wasn’t allowed to use the steam room or sauna, along with another friend in the same situation. Instead we made do with a few lengths of the pool and an hour in the relaxation room to read magazines and chill out. Our group enjoyed coffee and pastries for a mid-morning snack, and a delicious long lunch in the attached hotel restaurant.

The day flew by

The day flew by incredibly fast. We all went in armed with magazines and books, but we barely had time to read! We did however, manage to end several conversations and begin new ones, which never happens in our weekly coffee group meetings. It is amazing how demanding a large group of toddlers can be. Later in the afternoon a couple of us, myself included, had a foot massage. The session wasn’t as intense as I would have liked, but it was a huge help to my swollen ankles and puffy feet anyway.

Today I feel happy and relaxed, and my daughter woke up in a brilliant mood because she had fun with her grandparents and other family members. I definitely see the benefits of doing days like this. We all need a break every so often. It is not a crime to admit that you cannot be the doting parent all of the time. If we take care of ourselves in mind and body, we are in a better place from which to care for everybody else who we take responsibility for. I look forward to my next day off!

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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How to Confuse Your Doctor

During the last month or so I have had something of a dispute with my local doctors. I haven’t even seen one of these doctors recently, which I think might be part of the problem.

It all comes from my request for a repeat prescription for eye drops that I have been using every day for around 10 years now.

My Treatment Plan for Rare Eye Disease by Catherine Green of SpookyMrsGreen.com pagan lifestyle blog.
My Treatment Plan for Rare Eye Disease

How to Confuse Your Doctor

I have two rare eye disorders. One is genetic, and is called Distichiasis. It basically means I have two rows of eyelashes in both eyes, and one grows on the inside and subsequently scratches and rubs the surface of my eye. The other, not so rare disorder, is called Dry Eye Syndrome. I don’t produce enough natural tears and so my eyes are frequently dry and uncomfortable. With the added scars from my distichiasis I can be left in pain, with a constant sensation of grit in my eye.

Anyway, you may have read on my recent post that I was awaiting eye surgery at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. It was cancelled twice, but I finally had it just under two weeks ago and am recovering well. I still need the daily eye drops however. I recently visited the nurse practitioner at my doctors surgery, and she amended my patient notes to advise that I should be allowed to receive the prescription whenever I request it. Previously it had been withheld by the doctor, who wrongly assumed that I had ordered it too soon and did not really need it.

The hospital saga continues

Well, the saga continues. On Monday I phoned my pharmacy to order the prescription, safe in the knowledge that I had dealt with that particular issue and would receive my eye drops later this week with no problems. Oh no! Not a chance! I think there must be an audit or something happening at the surgery. I reckon it might be down to  record keeping for the NHS and government reports that are making my doctors unsure about signing off repeat prescriptions. I don’t know, I am only guessing. Like I said, I haven’t actually seen a doctor in a long time, and none of them would recognize me as their patient.

I was planning to collect my prescription on Thursday afternoon. At lunchtime I received yet another telephone call from the receptionists at my doctors’ surgery, requesting clarification on my usage of these eye drops. They aren’t even medicated! They are just expensive and I use them several times a day. They are known as artificial tears. With some amusement, I had to explain to the very apologetic receptionist exactly how I administer the eye drops, and roughly how many minims I use in a day. Those are the miniature containers that hold the drops. The poor woman was bewildered, but we got there in the end.

So, did I receive my prescription on time? All will be revealed!

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 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!

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The Strange Experience of Being Pregnant

Today I am feeling very pregnant. That might seem a strange statement, but I was awake most of the night feeling my tiny baby tumbling and somersaulting in my belly.

It was intriguing, and I did not wake up feeling tired, which is always a bonus! I think we were having a growth spurt, because today my stomach feels large and bloated, and I feel quite heavy.

#MummyMonday Pregnant Catherine at The Crask Inn, Scottish Highlands with SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#MummyMonday Pregnant Catherine at The Crask Inn

The Strange Experience of Being Pregnant

This is my second pregnancy. It also feels quite different to my first. My daughter is now 2 years old and currently at pre-school, which is a blessing because I do need a break from my little whirlwind sometimes! I truly appreciate the work done by our childminders and nursery assistants. I certainly couldn’t do it every day. My daughter loves her pre-school, and she comes home singing and dancing after every session. She even spoke her first sentence telling her daddy that she had been dancing the other day. It was very cute!

Back to the pregnancy. First time around I read every mother and baby magazine I could get my hands on, and I became very familiar with the Babycentre website, along with several others including Bounty, Emma’s Diary and Gurgle. Now, strangely, I rarely visit those sites. I barely remember how many weeks pregnant I am, whereas with my daughter I knew pretty much down to the second whenever somebody asked me. Funny how distracted you get when you have a toddler and are developing a business.

I love the experience of being pregnant

I am loving my experience of being pregnant. Yes, there are some unpleasant elements that I will not discuss here. Fellow mothers will understand. I feel all sorts of curious aches and pains, most notably a recurrence of sciatica which thankfully has subsided for the time being. Today I am feeling a very heavy and bloated stomach, but I am alert and awake, so I will get on with my work while I am able. What are your memories or experiences of being pregnant? I think it should be celebrated. We are, after all, creating and nurturing little miracles.

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. 

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Being a Professional Writer: My Story so Far

Just over 2 years ago I gave birth to my first child. At the time I was in a whirlwind of excitement about becoming a parent, being a newlywed to my long-term partner, and of course, publishing my first novel “Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel).” I don’t do things by halves!

In fact, I think it was becoming a mother that spurred me on to finally settle down in my career. I had flitted about for several years trying to secure internships with newspaper conglomerates, trying to find magazine editors who would just give me a chance of showing my talent, and then realising how much I still have to learn about the industry and nature of writing for a living.

Vampire writer Catherine Green working on her laptop at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Vampire writer Catherine Green working on her laptop

My Story so Far

My biggest hurdle was lack of confidence, closely followed by a tendency to be easily distracted by other pursuits including hobby crafts and chasing ghosts, literally! Once I settled down and decided it was time to move forward and make a decent career that my children can be proud of, I started looking into it. I wrote my first novel and a couple of short stories. I found editors who were willing to read my manuscripts and subsequently publish my work, which gave me a massive boost in the aforementioned self-confidence. Then I began widening my field.

I wanted to be a professional writer. I wanted to earn money from writing and editing. Why should that be a problem? There are thousands; even millions of journalists and writers of varying persuasions all around the world and they manage to make a living from it. I hold a BA Hons degree in Film and Media Studies. Yes, it is a little vague. Yes, it was labelled the ‘burger bar degree’ by popular news agencies very soon after I graduated. How was I to know? I was naïve, but I am still an intelligent, talented, writer. I can do this!

Freelancer sites I have tried

So where did I go next? I looked at the possibility of writing for websites. That seemed like a safe bet. Sure enough, I found work with Suite101, and that was a big learning curve for me. But it doesn’t pay enough money to earn a living. I tried Freelancer.com. This started out well and I secured a couple of odd writing jobs. Then I realised that all the jobs I was bidding for were paying a ridiculously low sum of money, and yet again one that is not enough to earn a decent living salary. I had to find somewhere else. I found People Per Hour.

People per Hour appealed to me because it is a UK based business. It is basically a directory of professionals in all industries, who advertise their skills and trade for individual jobs. I registered as a freelance writer and copy editor. I very quickly landed a job. Hooray! It worked well, and I like the social, approachable, and friendly nature of People per Hour. They send out regular mailings to prompt me into action for work. They show case studies and advice blogs from people who work and trade in the community. I am currently developing my portfolio and setting myself up for a proper, regular work schedule now that I have managed to settle the childcare and other domestic duties. I am ready and raring to go! Who wants me?

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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#Poem: For the Love of Writing

My Muse is busy again and today I share a poem offering inspiration for my fellow writers.

Here’s to an exciting new week in the writing community!    

Vampire writer Catherine Green working on her laptop at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Vampire writer Catherine Green working on her laptop

#Poem: For the Love of Writing

I stare at the screen

My mind is a whirl

Words and characters a jumble inside

All clamouring for my attention.

—

Where do I begin?

I must fill up the white space

Get those words outside my head

And make some sense of the craziness.

—

Fingers to the keys

I begin to type, slowly

The speed increases, the narrative flows

Soon my page is no longer blank.

—

I sit back with a sigh

The deed is done!

I emptied my mind

At least for now.

—

A new story to develop

Another to continue

So many possibilities

I love to write!

END

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. 

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The Curious Nature of Fantasy vs Reality

Last weekend I found time to watch the Hollywood film Alice in Wonderland, directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter. I loved it, of course. Well, who couldn’t love a Tim Burton film? I thought it was wonderfully dark and dramatic, a faithful retelling of a classic children’s story, but still contemporary enough to catch the attention of a modern audience.

As I watched the film I began to realise a few things. Firstly, how interesting to see that there are so many popular classic novels that are considered to be written for children and yet are enjoyed by adults. I am thinking books such as Alice in Wonderland, the Chronicles of Narnia, and the more recent popular Harry Potter series. All of these stories are full of fantasy and make believe. That is why they are traditionally associated with a children’s audience.

Image of a man and woman about to kiss. She has claw marks on her face and is brightly coloured. He appears in greyscale colour and his shirt is ripped. Fairytale werewolf fiction. Book cover for The Wolf and the Fairy by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green. Image of two women in an intimate pose, one woman is a vampire with blood on her face and the other woman is a vampire hunter holding a knife to the vampire’s chest, drawing blood. Book cover for “Return of the Vampire Hunter” LGBT fantasy book by vampire writer Catherine Green. Text reads, “Embracing the supernatural journey. My adventures in novel submissions and self-publishing.”
Embracing the Supernatural Journey: My Adventures in Novel Submissions and Self-Publishing.

The Curious Nature of Fantasy vs Reality

I was intrigued by the theme in Alice in Wonderland. It has been many years since I read the book, and I am thinking I need to return to it. The story began with a little girl and her enterprising entrepreneur father. He was instrumental in developing international trade business at the turn of the Industrial Revolution, and he forged ahead with his ideas and plans despite being considered a dreamer by his colleagues and business partners. We can all see the evidence of his (albeit fictional) endeavours in the 21st Century world.

In Alice in Wonderland, the girl was faced with challenges at the tender age of nineteen. She was expected to marry a young Lord, simply to give herself and her widowed mother a secure domestic life. She was expected to say yes to a surprise engagement request in a very public setting, where she stuck out like a sore thumb. And she was expected to conform because the adults in her life knew what was best and would continue to rule and dominate her actions if she allowed it.

Her rite of passage

I was very happy to see Alice completing her rite of passage as she traversed the upside-down world into which she fell. I liked that she still fulfilled the decree of the oracle, despite taking charge and making her own decisions along the way. I was also pleased when the film concluded with her becoming an apprentice at her father’s former business, and she embarked on an ocean voyage to explore new trade and forge new relationships.

What struck me is that all of the most enterprising people we know of have been considered crazy or dreamers at some point. It didn’t matter. They simply went ahead with their ideas, made them a reality, and reaped the rewards. For me, life is not much fun if you can’t live for yourself. You have to take some risks, no matter how small or insignificant they might seem. Yes, you may upset people that are close to you. Ultimately they will admire you for your strength of mind and your determination. My motto is ‘never give up.’ And once again, I can relate my experiences and ideals to my favourite stories and books!

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. 

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#Poem: Love and Marriage this Valentine’s Day

Happy Valentine’s Day folks! I couldn’t let the day pass without some acknowledgment, despite the fact that my husband and I have agreed not to celebrate it.

There is still a small part of me that hopes he might do something romantic and spontaneous to surprise me, but that really isn’t in his nature so I should just get on with the day. Besides, he’s at work until silly o’clock tonight!

Anyway, I was compelled to write a short poem in honour of St Valentine. It is called “Love and Marriage.” Tell me if you like it!

Be Your Own Valentine with SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Be Your Own Valentine with SpookyMrsGreen.com

#Poem Love and Marriage by Catherine Green

The sun shines brightly

My heart is light

Today is a day for love

Today is a day for romance.

—–

“I’m married,” you say

“I don’t do romance!”

“Why not?” I reply,

“You must be in love?”

—–

That is the question,

Are you in love?

Is this day special,

Or is romance all gone?

—–

Yes I am in love,

But I show it every day,

Here’s to St Valentine,

For love’s sweet memories.

END

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. 

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The Difference Between Men and Women

Yes, I am in that mood again! This time I am not in the mood to feel sorry for the plight of working women in the UK. We all have free will, and we make our choices based on our own experiences, and on what we feel is acceptable or practical in our own lives.

My question is this: Will it ever be equal between men and women?

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 Kills A Redcliffe Novel by paranormal author Catherine Green

The Difference Between Men and Women

I recently decided to watch a classic movie from 1988 that has been a favourite of mine since I was a teenager. The movie is Working Girl. It features strong female leads played by actresses I admire, and of course, there is the eye candy that is Harrison Ford. I know he is old enough to be my granddad, but I don’t care! He will always be Indiana Jones to me!

Anyway, while I was indulging in the movie the other night, my mind wandered to an experience earlier that day. I had attended a football match with my organisation Girls Out Loud. There were half a dozen women, and a group of teenage girls from the high school where we work. We are the girls’ ‘big sisters,’ offering mentoring and support in helping them transition from school to either further education, or into their careers.

Well, there were a lot of curious stares from fellow football fans at the stadium. It probably added to the confusion when we were allowed to stand on the pitch and take some photos, and we were able to meet the club manager, who just happened to be the brother of one of the women from the school who is involved with our group. I overheard a few muttered comments from people sitting behind us, and one that stuck in my mind came from a middle-aged man. I heard him say to his companion, “Must be a school trip or something; maybe a girls’ football team.”

Nobody came over to speak with us; nobody dared ask us outright what we were doing there. But for some reason, we did not fit in with their League 1 football club.  It’s not that it is a largely male environment, although I find that football in the UK is still very much male dominated. It is simply this idea of ‘fitting in’ with society.

Do women fit-in with men?

Later that afternoon, when we were in the lounge area waiting to meet the footballers after the game, we received another comment from a male supporter. The man was older, probably retired, and he came over and said to my friend, “It’s nice to see some dolly birds in here for a change.” I had to laugh! Fortunately he didn’t offend any of us, because we are not that way inclined, but the comment stuck in my mind when I was watching Working Girl.

How has human society improved since the Suffragette movement and the rise in feminism and women’s rights? I am not sure. I still find myself faced with prejudice, and it doesn’t all come from the men. We are simply wired differently. Some women are very unsympathetic towards their own kind, particularly when it comes to business. What bothers me is that even now, in the 21st century, women are being forced out of the business arena simply because we are the ones who produce and nurture our children. How do we change this? I don’t know. I will continue to think about it…

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

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 contains 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!

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