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
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.
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author Catherine Green
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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
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!
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author Catherine Green
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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
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!
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author Catherine Green
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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
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.
“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.
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
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?
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author Catherine Green
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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.
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!
“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.
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
#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
“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.
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?
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…
#RedcliffeNovels LGBT Fantasy Book Series for Adults
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I just finished reading an inspirational book written by Iyanla Vanzant. The book is called “Tapping the Power Within: A Path to Self-Empowerment for Women.”
Read my blog post to see the review and how it relates to my personal life experiences.
“Tapping the Power Within A Path to Self-Empowerment for Women” by Iyanla Vanzant
#BookReview: “Tapping the Power Within: A Path to Self-Empowerment for Women” by Iyanla Vanzant
I had never heard of this book before, and I had not heard of Iyanla Vanzant. Apparently she is very popular over in America. She is a Yoruba priestess and an ordained minister in Christian New Thought. Interesting that I should be reading and enjoying her book at the same that I discovered social and business connections with my local community churches.
Tapping the Power Within was a gift from my Soul Sister. She is a friend who I only met late last year, but who already feels like a life-long friend. We definitely have past life connections, and we both agree on that point. It is something we can instinctively feel, and we are so comfortable in each other’s company that our friendship simply seemed to continue where we left off, rather that being a new relationship that was developing.
I have read lots of other books published by Hay House, who published Tapping the Power Within. Somehow this one seemed much more accessible to people like me. By that I mean people who are consciously following their spiritual journey, but who still experience confusion and doubt along the way. I am very impressed with everything produced by Hay House, and indeed by its founder Louise L Hay. It was her book “You Can Heal Your Life” that set me on my journey probably around 10 years ago.
I lived a sheltered life
I have lived a sheltered life. My divorced parents continue to love and support me, and I am in a stable and loving relationship with my husband. My upbringing was such that I learned to be meek and shy, and I completely lacked in self-confidence when I was younger. I was simply a product of my culture. You keep your head down, you work hard, and you don’t question anything that is beyond your control. I have learned to move beyond that model of behaviour, and am still learning from it.
Recently I have doubted my own spiritual journey, lessons and intentions. Tapping the Power Within reaffirmed that I am on the right path. Our human lives are unique. Our spiritual lives are eternal. We continue to develop and grow, and we should move away from this obsession with linear time, and the need to constantly have a plan of action and a busy work schedule.
Life is a learning process
Yes, we make mistakes. Yes, we often repeat those mistakes. Life is a learning process. It is not a bad thing to make mistakes. We are all divine beings, ruled by our human egos. Even our spiritual teachers are flawed in different ways. It is part of what makes us unique individuals. The difference is that people on a spiritual path can recognize their quirks, and if they choose to, can move on from them. Life is about being an individual. Make your own decisions, based on your own ideals.
“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!
