Here we are again, my friends. 2015 is flying out of the door, and in leaps 2016. What are your hopes and aspirations this time around?
I know that it sometimes becomes cliche, and we often find ourselves repeating the same old mantra: “This year, it will be different. This year, it will be better.” Actually I believe this to be true. Every year is different, and every year is better. We are all unique beings, experiencing life in unique ways. Isn’t that wonderful?
Happy New Year
Happy New Year!
Look out for changes over here at SpookyMrsGreen.com. I am bored of the old, and I am ready for a change. Pretty soon I will be whizzing through here, brandishing my broom for a Spring clean. I cannot wait! But first, let us raise a glass in toast to those loved ones who departed the earth during 2015. I am remembering my Nan, and parents of my friends that passed away earlier this year. Cheers to you all, and lots of love. See you next year!
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.
I have always had a fascination with the world of the supernatural and paranormal. As a child I loved reading ghost stories and watching TV documentaries.
Strange But True was one that I remember as a favourite, and one of the few that I was allowed to watch. My all-time favourite Hollywood films include Ghostbusters 1 and 2 and The Addams Family trilogy. When I was old enough I wasted no time in watching Hammer Horror classics and whatever horror films I could get my hands on!
My dissertation at university was about vampires in popular culture and their presence in society today.
Strange But True was a popular TV show in the 1990s.
Addicted to Fantasy Books
I have always been a bookworm. My early favourite stories were usually of the fairytale variety, adventure stories by Enid Blyton, and fantastical fictional feasts by Roald Dahl. As I grew older and began to discover the new world of Young Adult (as then uncategorised in popular fiction), I was excited to find that there were hundreds of books about vampires, werewolves, witches and other supernatural creatures. In my cultural circle these sorts of stories were very much relegated to childhood reading, and I was encouraged to ‘get real’ as I grew up.
What does it mean to “Get Real” anyway?
What does it mean to ‘get real’ anyway? The paranormal world is very much alive and thriving, even if people prefer to think of it as fiction or fantasy. The very fact that all of these stories exist makes them real. Fans of popular television series such as True Blood and The Vampire Diaries will agree that to them the characters and stories are also very real. It is simply an exaggerated form of reality, something that might happen in a parallel universe or alternate reality. And that is probably why I write paranormal stories. I love the freedom, the possibility, and yes, the romance, of the creatures and characters that come to me.
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.
As we approach Christmas this year, I find myself with mixed emotions. I am grieving for the very recent loss of my grandmother, who I was fortunate to have in my life for over thirty-three years.
Her death was partly expected, but still very sudden, given that she spent time in hospital before her body succumbed to old age. She leaves behind my Grandad, her husband of nearly sixty years. He is disabled following a series of strokes, and my Nan was his carer at their home. While she was in hospital he spent time in a nursing home, but now he has returned to their bungalow, alone. He thinks we will forget about him.
#MummyMonday Remembering my Grandparents
We Won’t Forget You, Grandad
When my dad told me this, I got very upset. My grandparents are all very special to me, and to my brother and sister and our cousins on both sides of the family. They have nurtured us as we grew up, encouraged us to take our adventures in the wider world, and they were always there when we needed a cuddle or a familiar space to come home to. They still are, with the exception of my Nan, but she is with us in spirit.
I am desperate to go and visit my Grandad, to show him that he is never forgotten, but unfortunately we live just far enough away, and share one family car, that circumstances intervene against my intention. We will make time to visit all of our family during the Christmas holidays, however, and for that I am thankful. I honour and love all of my family and friends, and they are always in my thoughts.
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.
Like most families with young children, my husband and I find the thought of Christmas shopping a little bit daunting. Or at least, we would do, if we were not also conscious about the environment.
My husband is a Chartered Waste Manager, and he knows the waste industry inside out, upside down, back to front and every other way. Basically, he knows what happens to all of that wasted food, discarded packaging, and unwanted gifts that many people simply throw away. And we do not wish to contribute to all of this any more than we have to.
What can we do to reduce the environmental impact of a consumer driven society at Christmas? Read my article to find out.
#WATWB One Small Family Doing Our Bit for #Recycling
One Small Family Doing Our bit for Recycling
We have young children and we cannot deny them the pleasures of receiving gifts at Christmas. We wouldn’t want to. They are learning that Christmas (or Yule) is about spending quality time with family and friends, and catching up with people that we don’t see very often. But we also want to give them some treats, and reward their good behaviour. So we came up with a brilliant, and very simple, solution. Many of our Christmas gifts are purchased second-hand. One of my favourite hobbies is to visit charity shops and see what bargains I can pick up. In that way I have amassed a small mountain of gifts, all in excellent working order, that I can give away to our family and friends.
In buying items that are second-hand and in good condition, we reduce the amount of excess packaging that goes to landfill, and of course, we reuse the unwanted items and give them to people that appreciate them and can make use of them. Perfect! I also found a selection of fabulous Christmas decorations on a recent charity shop visit, along with an absolutely gorgeous Monsoon party dress that is just perfect for my baby niece. Of course, there are some occasions where we buy new items, but we are always mindful of the packaging content, and my husband will not allow anything to go in the general waste bin if it can be recycled. He even collects old wrapping paper and rubbish from our family and friends on our visits, so that he can recycle it properly. I love him!
And let’s not forget the purpose of the charity shop. In buying my gifts and trinkets from places such as Oxfam, Cancer Research UK, Barnardos, Headway and St Luke’s Hospice, I am doing my bit to donate funds for valuable and necessary help for people in need. That’s a winner all round, I’d say. Merry Christmas, 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.
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!
I recently discovered the joys of the Tesco Clubcard Double-Up promotion, and I decided to use my Clubcard points to buy a new Christmas tree.
It was delivered into my local store, and I had to wait until the weekend to collect it when I had access to our car. We picked it up on our way back from a family visit on the last Saturday in November, but of course, our two daughters were very excited and wanted to put the tree up as soon as we got home.
#MummyMonday Our Family Christmas Tree
How Our Toddler Dictates Christmas
“No,” my husband and I responded sternly, “It is too early for the Christmas tree. Besides, we have to get the decorations out of the loft first.”
The girls would not be fobbed off, however, being of that stubborn age. Our youngest is 2, and our older daughter is nearly 5. I was out all day with a friend on Sunday, so I left the children in charge of their dad, as usual. I returned home later that day to find our new Christmas tree assembled, in its appointed place, with the lights switched on. I nearly fainted when I walked through the door and saw it, not least because my husband had always stubbornly refused to get in the Christmas spirit, even on the big day. I asked him what had happened.
“She wouldn’t stop screaming,” my husband replied in a heavy tone, “Until I put the tree up.” I had to laugh. Our 2 year-old daughter had managed to get the Christmas tree installed and lit up, and it was still November. This has never happened before. We usually have our decorations out of the loft for a week or so, and eventually put everything up in the second week of December. Well, now that has changed. It is the 2nd day of December, and our house is a festive wonderland. I love my girls!
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.
I did it! I survived #NaNoWriMo2015, and I conquered it! This has been a very challenging month for me.
Not only did I have the ongoing chaos of domestic family life, I was dealing with emotional and mental health difficulties as a caregiver. By that I mean that I do not have a mental health disorder, but I am close to people that do, and I take on the role as cheerleader, counsellor, and supporter for these people, because I love them, and I want them to be happy.
#NaNoWriMo 2015 Winner LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green
The World Needs My Stories: #NaNoWriMo
There was one major trauma during #NaNoWriMo for me this year, and it was the death of my beloved Nanna. I was very fortunate to have her in my life for over 33 years, and I am thankful and happy to hold such precious memories of growing up with her, and with my remaining grandparents. My Nan was my cheerleader. She was incredibly proud of my writing achievements, and she would keep our distant family members well informed of my projects and novels in progress. Therefore, I had no choice but to persevere with #NaNoWriMo this year, even as I was wracked with grief and sadness at her loss. This new novel, Hunting the Hunted, will be dedicated to my Nanna Hargreaves. It is the least I could do.
Congratulations on your successes, fellow Wrimos. Whether you hit 50k or not, you wrote something, and I am proud to call you my writing buddies. Well done folks!
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.
The past week has been very challenging for me. I fought hard to catch up with #NaNoWriMo, and for a couple of days my Muse was wild and active. Then the day approached for my Nanna’s funeral.
I am very fortunate to have reached the age of 33 and still have all four of my grandparents living at home. I have given thanks for my blessed life when it comes to loving family. Now, however, the grief is hitting me very hard. My urge to write the novel has all but died, and yet I feel the urge to write something poetic and meaningful, although I do not know what.
#WitchyWednesday Coping with Grief
Write Through The Grief: #NaNoWriMo
My Nan was incredibly proud of my writing achievements. She always asked what I was working on, After her funeral, when we attended the wake, I found myself meeting with distant relatives that I hadn’t seen since I was a little girl. They all knew about my books, and they all told me about how Nan kept them informed of my activities (alongside the Facebook updates from those that see me online).
I find myself wavering between the desire to give up and call this year’s #NaNoWriMo a failure due to circumstance, and the burning need to continue with my novel, to complete the challenge, and to make my Nan proud, wherever she has moved on to now. You all know how this will turn out… see you at the finish, my Wrimo 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.
This week I experienced the first expression of intended sarcasm from my daughter. She is not yet 5 years old. How is this possible? Well, she did it, and she knew exactly what she was saying.
It started when we were walking home from school one afternoon.
#WitchyWednesday Cloudy Sky and a Meadow with a Copse of Trees
“What a Beautiful Sky, Mummy!”
A few days earlier, I had been very excited about a particularly spectacular sunset that we experienced here in South Cheshire. I wasn’t the only one to appreciate its beauty: several friends shared their photos on the social networks, and our local news channels talked about it as well. My daughter even came running to tell me that the sky was all pink and pretty. Well, we were walking home and she looked at me with a huge grin on her face and said, “Ooh, what a beautiful sky!” in her mock-mummy voice. Little monkey!
Still, maybe I get a bit over-excited sometimes. I look up at the sky very often, you see. When I am washing dishes at the kitchen sink, I stare out of the window and my gaze naturally travels up towards the clouds, where my mind wanders away. Walking to and from school, we have to admire every aeroplane that flies over (and we are on the flight path for Manchester Airport), because our toddler loves flying machines. And, of course, as a pagan, I appreciate the beauty of Mother Nature, and I want to instil that in my children. And you know what? I don’t care if she thinks I’m daft! I will continue to show my excitement for the beautiful sky, the gorgeous trees, and the colours of our seasons. We live on this Earth, and we should blimmin’ well enjoy it while we are here! I’m off to watch the trees now…
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.
This poem has been brewing for some time I believe, hidden deep in my subconscious. It came out quite suddenly just last-night, and here I am compelled to share it.
I welcome your response to my words…
Bleak Landscape Frozen Lake in Winter
The Beast Inside Your Head
I talk to you But you’re not there, You look beyond me Away you stare
What do you see Out there in front? Do you see me? Is there any point
Of all my tears Excuses, and noise I’m beaten, worn down, I have no voice
The beast has won Inside your head It steals you away And we are dead.
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.
This week has been one of emotional upheaval. I started the week feeling refreshed and happy after a busy and fun-filled weekend. Then I received some upsetting news about a loved one who had been in hospital for the past three weeks. And then I embarked upon the madness that is National Novel Writing Month (#NaNoWriMo).
Top that off with the usual domestic chaos that is my life, and you begin to see the bigger picture. It is one of any average mother, wife and writer. I have been taking time to honour the change of season as the Wheel of the Year turns and Autumn shows herself in all her beautiful, golden glory. It is essential to ground yourself during times of emotional stress, to remember that we do need to rest sometimes, and it is alright to do so.
#WitchyWednesday Family Canal Walk in Autumn Season
The Season Turns, and we say Goodbye
Well, my week has culminated in the most dramatic of all emotions: grief. I am very sad to report that my wonderful Nanna died peacefully in hospital, with her children around her. I am very lucky to have had her for all of my thirty-three years in this world. And I am still processing the feelings and emotions that come from her loss. I alternate from smiling and laughing, to crying at the most bizarre memories.
For example, earlier today I was preparing a batch of pizza dough, and as I rinsed flour and water from my fingers, I remembered those childhood days when I would do baking with my Nan in her bungalow. And then I found the photo albums… I will not go on. We all experience loss and grief at some point in our lives. I have been blessed to have avoided it until now. My Nan had a good, wholesome, fulfilling life and she was happy. That is the best memory of all. I love you, Dorothy Hargreaves, my Nanna.
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 