Since qualifying as a Reiki Master Practitioner I have been meditating on the daily precepts by which we live in reiki circles. One of these is: “Be compassionate to yourself and to others.”
This got me thinking. How does Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel)deal with this issue? Do my characters feel compassion for each other, do they have strong decisive morals, or are they completely indifferent?
Love Hurts A Redcliffe Novel by paranormal author Catherine Green
Compassion and “Love Hurts“
My heroine Jessica Stone believes herself to be an independent and compassionate woman. She does not show prejudice, she lives a good honest, hard working life, and she is friendly to everyone that she interacts with. But when she discovers that the man she loves is a vampire, and his brother is a werewolf, her morals go out of the window. In her confusion she experiences adultery, pain, heartbreak and terror.
Following her tumultuous experience after the revelations of the people she loves, Jessica is thrown into turmoil about her own feelings. Her friends and lover have betrayed her in the worst possible way. How does she continue? Her story continues in the sequel, Love Kills(A Redcliffe Novel).The title alone may give you some idea where this paranormal romance is heading.
Will Jessica show compassion and remain faithful to her vampire, Jack Mason? Will she share herself with his werewolf twin brother, Danny? Or will she leave them altogether, and make a clean break and a fresh start? Click here to find out.
Love Kills A Redcliffe Novel 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.
Today I share an excerpt from my LGBT Victorian vampire romance novel “The Darkness of Love,” where we see young stable hand Marcus Scott caught in the act as he indulges in some very naughty fantasies about his mistress.
Read the story excerpt here:
The Darkness of Love by paranormal author Catherine Green
#BookTalk: “The Darkness of Love” by Catherine Green
“Good morning, Marcus.” chimed a beautiful feminine voice.
Marcus jumped and dropped the grooming brush, embarrassment sending a flush to his cheeks as he saw the object of his affections framed in the doorway to the stables.
“Good morning my Lady,” he stuttered, “I am so sorry, I didn’t see you arrive.” He ducked his head and she laughed gently.
“It is alright Marcus,” she said, “I could see that you were daydreaming. I trust it was a pleasant vision?”
It was Marcus’ turn to laugh, but with further embarrassment. If only she knew!
“Yes my Lady, a most pleasant daydream,” he replied, “Penelope is all ready for you. I will just fetch her saddle.”
———–
Delicious, isn’t he? Read more of Marcus’ story in “The Darkness of Love” by Catherine Green, and meet his present-day vampire self in the Redcliffe novels paranormal romance series.
#RedcliffeNovels LGBT Fantasy Book Series for Adults
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Here is a Druid Craft Tarot card reading using the Celtic Cross spread format.
It is designed to reflect the change of season, Imbolc, as we see winter turn to spring. We celebrate new beginnings and I offer Imbolc Blessings to my pagan friends.
Imbolc Tarot Card Reading by Catherine Green
Imbolc Tarot card reading with Druid Craft Tarot
1, Current Circumstances – Ace of Pentacles
Despite the pandemic your situation is secure. Perhaps you work in a key sector and life has mostly continued as normal. If your work and life has been impacted, you might now be feeling at peace with your situation, recognizing that you have come away lightly from the drama and that you should appreciate what you have.
2, Current Influences – King of Cups
Everything you need is right there within reach. You might have enjoyed a favourite hobby or pastime during lockdown. Keep it up! This helps you to feel good and relieve stress. Your creative and intellectual activities will help you navigate life in lockdown and prepare for when the world is ready to open up again.
3, Future Influences – Three of Cups
This card makes me happy. We all miss socialising with our friends and family. I crave some group therapy with my friends where we can sit around a table and talk properly. It doesn’t work the same via Zoom or video call. The end is in sight. We will celebrate together very soon. There will be some raucous reunions when the pandemic recedes, and I cannot wait to go out again.
4, Future Events – Queen of Wands
I noticed a subtle change in my self-confidence during the past twelve months. How about you? I am confident in my physical self and satisfied with my life choices. I have made mistakes, but I learned from them. Now we can move forward and do what fulfills us on a deep level.
5, Past Influences – Three of Pentacles
Look back at the last few years and think about what you have achieved. Maybe you completed an apprenticeship or a training course. Now you can build on those skills, take them out into the world, and know that you are supported by your mentors and teachers. You have built something important, and people will want to enjoy it.
6, Past Events – Prince of Wands
Remember those adventures you had before the pandemic? You will pick up where you left off just as soon as it is safe to do so. For now, you have found other ways to channel your energy at home. Well done!
7, Feelings – Nine of Swords
Bereavement. We have all suffered during the past year or so, and not just because of the pandemic. We have felt the pain of loss, whether that be a person, a job, or a way of life. Allow your feelings to flow. Talk to someone if you need to. You do not need to suffer in silence.
8, Outside Influences – Four of Wands
We all feel frustrated and fed-up being stuck at home with limited social interaction. The temptation to wallow in self-pity is easy. Try to stay positive and celebrate your small achievements.
9, Hopes and Fears – Prince of Pentacles
Did you start a new routine during lockdown, and are you worried that it will stop when restrictions ease? Or are you eager to return to your old life? Either way, you can continue with your preferred habits if you stay focused. Proper planning is the key here.
10, Outcome/Resolution – Six of Wands
Well done you! Embrace the triumph of your success, whatever that means. For me it will be a relief when my children return to school. I am working hard to support them at home, and I take pride in my achievement, whether anyone else recognises it or not. We are all succeeding with challenges that nobody else can see. That doesn’t make them any less important or special. Be proud of yourself.
Summary
This Tarot card reading has not revealed anything spectacular or revelatory. There are no dramatic events to predict. It is about life going on in a steady rhythm. Make peace with your life, and if you are unhappy, make the change. This is a new normal. Make the most of it. Imbolc Blessings!
Imbolc Tarot Card Reading 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.
Are you home-schooling your children during the UK lockdown? Yes, me too. I detest it. I never wanted to be a teacher; that is why I chose to send my children to school.
I remember meeting with the careers’ advisor at high school and they insisted that I should train to be a teacher. Apparently, there was no other career option available at that time (mid 1990s). I knew I was not destined for teaching, at least not in a school environment, so I ignored their instructions and tried to find my way. Who knew what would happen when I eventually had children of my own?
Home-schooling is exhausting. I am still trying to develop my freelance writing business and grow my reiki practitioner business. Since I cannot offer hands-on healing sessions to clients due to the pandemic and lockdown, I need to find ways to stay connected so that I can find customers when the clinic reopens at some point later this year. My only means at the moment is social media. But my access to it is limited because I have to allow my daughters time on the laptop, connected to the internet, to do their schoolwork. Our internet connection cannot cope with too many devices working at once, and inevitably it crashes, leaving us having to restart the router and try again.
Aside from connectivity issues, I find home-schooling a huge drain on my physical and mental health. I am run ragged trying to maintain a clean house, exercise the dog, practice my reiki meditation, do my work, and supervise the children with theirs. When they ask me for help with a maths sum or an English task, I struggle to explain how I reach my answer because they learn in a vastly different way than I did thirty years ago. How can I teach them using outdated methods that I learned by? It is like a foreign language to them, and I do not have the time to learn their methods just so we can complete a few homework tasks.
I got in trouble with school teachers
I am grateful that our school has provided comprehensive resources for home learning, and I appreciate the effort made by our teachers and the teaching staff. However, when I received phone calls from my daughters’ teachers asking why they weren’t completing all the tasks every day, I felt like I was in trouble for not forcing them. This is a pandemic. Life is not normal. We have not socialized with friends for months, we haven’t seen our family members properly, and we are stuck at home in limbo. Why would they be motivated to do schoolwork every day? And how am I supposed to enforce that when I don’t want to damage their fragile mental health in the face of all the challenges we have had to deal with?
How are you coping with home-school? Does it work for you, or have you changed the routine to make it fit your lifestyle?
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author Catherine Green
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Not sure which career path is right for you? While some people know exactly what they want to do from a young age, many of us struggle to find a career path long into adulthood.
Below are just a few ways in which you can identify your calling.
Signpost Mum Career Working Mom
How To Find Your Career Calling
What are you good at?
First, you should consider what it is that you are good at. These don’t have to be things that you are an expert in, but things that you are simply competent at. Start by considering your hard skills – this could include skills like driving, computer programming, cooking, drawing, writing or speaking another language. You should then consider your soft skills – this could include being punctual, being creative or having a good eye for detail. List these skills and consider which careers use them.
What are your passions?
Next, you should consider things that you enjoy. This could include any interest whether it be swimming, video games, urban fashion, classical music or cats. Work out which careers appeal to these passions. In some cases, a passion and a skill may intertwine – perhaps you love baking and consider yourself to be good at it. This could be where your true career calling lies.
Are you a team player or a lone wolf?
Some jobs are very collaborative, while others require independence. You should consider your personality and what you find to be more rewarding. If a driving career turns out to be your calling, you should consider whether you would prefer to work for yourself or work within a team. A job as a freelance delivery driver may be more rewarding for some than working for a delivery firm.
Are you a doer or a thinker?
Some people are better at coming up with ideas and others are better at implementing them. Most jobs contain a mix of doing and thinking, but there’s usually a bias towards one. A marketing agent or legal researcher may spend a lot of their time thinking, while an aircraft mechanic or nurse may spend a lot of their time doing.
How to find your dream job
Once you’ve worked out the key criteria that you need in your next job, you can start finding a role that fits this criteria. It’s worth doing some research online to find your dream job – there may be jobs out there that you didn’t know existed.
In some cases, you may have to obtain qualifications to take the step. In other cases, you may have to travel. Work out what training you are willing to invest in and which sacrifices you are willing to make to land your dream job. It may require a little work to break into your dream career as it could be a very popular industry. Don’t let impatience put you off from landing that dream career.
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It can be difficult to navigate life when stuck at home during a pandemic; and many of us are stil unsure about this new norm a year on. We all know the toll staying at home can take on our mental and physical health, and most of us have put on weight or stopped communicating with people outside our household. Both of these things can be dangerous.
Today we want to discuss some of the ways to look after your health and wellness during difficult times to see the good in a world that is full of hardship.
Consider professional development
One of the things you could consider doing this year if you want to improve your happiness and your prospects is take an online course. Sit down and take stock of your current career and the path you want to take. Consider the next step in your career ladder and look up the qualities you need to possess to take on this role. Start working towards qualifying for a higher role by taking an online course in something such as leadership, people management, or project management. Consider the next steps in your career and start actively working towards them. Doing this will not only make you feel optimistic for your future but it will keep you busy and distracted.
Eat a balanced diet
It is so important to eat a balanced and healthy diet if you want to be strong throughout your life. Now is the ideal time to start working towards a better diet of foods like vegetables and fruit and lean protein to keep your body fit and strong. A balanced diet is crucial for your mental and physical health so be sure to improve your eating habits this week and you’ll soon notice differences to your life such as clearer skin, more energy, and less bloating.
Turn to family
Family is such an important part of our lives, and we simply cannot isolate ourselves from them in our time of need. When stuck at home during the pandemic, make sure you keep in touch with your family regularly and take the time to catch up with their lives. Family will always be there for you and they are the people you should turn to first in times of need. Use your family as a support bubble and support each other this year.
Talk it out
It is important when struggling mentally with something that you don’t bottle it up. Bottling up emotions and issues will only lead to it spilling out at the worst time later on. When you have a problem, such as with your spouse, you need to share this problem straight away and be honest with them. If you don’t do this it can create a rift between you and an unspoken animosity can grow. By tackling issues head on you can clear up any misunderstandings or upsets and move on stronger and closer.
Fuel your creativity
One of the great ways to deal with mental struggles during lockdown is to allow it to fuel your mind. If you are a creative person, you can use your emotions to write a short story or a poem, or paint a picture that reflects your feelings. Putting your emotions down onto paper can help give you a sense of relief and it will make you feel happier and more calm.
Go to the Doctors
It is so crucial to have a regular checkup with your doctor whether it be a Simple Online Doctor or in person. Regular checkups are important for everyone because they will allow you to discuss things that have been hurting or niggling at you, and these could be identified as being part of a bigger issue that can be addressed.
Practice meditation
Meditation can be a brilliant way to shut out the stresses of the world and become more in tune with your own body and mind. Meditation can be a powerful tool to calm a busy mind and it will also allow you to focus in the processes of your body such as the air in your lungs or the blood flowing around your body. Centering the world around yourself for 5-10 minutes a day can do the world of good and will connect you more to your own body, in turn allowing you to be more mindful and make better decisions for your health.
Take on these simple tips to stay happy and healthy this year.
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Apparently, women have vivid dreams when they are pregnant. I can understand dreaming about such things as having a baby you can’t care for, or of having an horrific labour, or dreaming that you aren’t actually pregnant and that it is a dream in itself, but mine were far more bizarre.
Allow me to explain:
The Wolf and the Fairy by paranormal author Catherine Green
Vivid Dreams During Pregnancy
While I was pregnant (10 years ago), I dreamt about my deceased Yorkshire Terrier dog, Toby. I dreamt that he was alive and being cared for by an old man in an antiques shop. In my dream I walked along the street on the seafront of a town I didn’t recognize, and there was my Toby, on a lead tied up outside! The old man let me take him home and I was overjoyed. Then in the same dream I looked out to sea and saw three large boats on fire. They weren’t quite ships, and they were wooden, possibly fishing boats but I’m not sure. As I watched, the one nearest the shore capsized and sank right in front of me, while the others continued to burn, lighting up the evening sky with an orange glow. Bizarre!
The next night I dreamt that my husband and I moved into a newly built four-bedroom house. Nothing unusual there you might think. We had already decided we didn’t want a new-build house; we prefer old houses with history and character. The house in my dream reminded me of a house I lived in as a teenager, only on a larger scale.
A fox climbed through the window
While I was wandering around the house revelling in it, a fox climbed in through the dining room window! I got it out somehow but cannot remember my method. Then I walked into the kitchen where my husband was, and the fox came in through the back door, and this time clamped its mouth around my leg. I told my husband not to make any sudden movements but to try and tempt the fox away from me, and then I woke up, feeling a distinct ‘grabbing’ sensation on the same leg that had been mauled in my dream!
I had forgotten all about these vivid dreams, but I know they are not limited to pregnancy. During the Christmas holidays and even the past few weeks I have woken up feeling exhausted having dreamt about all manner of weird situations. Have you had vivid dreams recently? Please share!
Heart of the Vampire A Redcliffe Novel by paranormal author Catherine Green
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There are two kinds of people in the world, with two kinds of mindsets – those who live from paycheck to paycheck and those who save up a little every month (for a rainy day) and put aside some of their income towards investments for the future (such as a house or child’s education).
It is always a sensible thing to save up, if possible, however little an amount – because over the years, the few pennies and pounds do add up to a significant amount. And if you have some extra cash which you don’t need at the moment, it can be wise to invest it as your investment will only reap more rewards for you in the future.
Here are some reasons you might want/ need to save up for…
How to Save Money
Buying Your Own House
It is every couple’s dream to own their own place – be it a flat or a house. Especially if you plan to have children and grow your family. Besides it being something that brings you contentment, it is also a wise decision in the long run as rents (especially in major cities in the world) are exorbitant and it makes more sense to put that money towards a mortgage for your own house than to give to a landlord each month.
But getting on the property ladder is no mean feat and needs a good investment to even get started. Which is why it makes a lot of sense to start saving from the time you start earning – even a few pounds a month can help by the time you are ready to buy a house.
Saving For Your Child’s Education
One of the greatest gifts you can give your child/ren is a good education, and often, that costs money. It is a parent’s decision whether they want to educate their child in a private school or a public one but for more information you can read more here.
If not for school, then you have to keep in mind further education such as college fees – and if you have more than one child it will only double or triple. So having a steady amount saved or a continuous investment over the years will help ease the pressure when the time comes.
Save For An Emergency Fund
Life is uncertain and emergencies can arise anytime. It could be an accident, a lifelong disease, loss of job, a global pandemic – it is for situations and times like these that emergency funds come in use. If you have saved for unforeseen circumstances over the years, you will not be left in a pit when faced with an emergency; but will instead have ready funds to tackle it head on.
Save For Retirement
We tend not to think so far ahead but retirement is something that will eventually come. And you will only feel the pinch once the income stops coming in but the expenses continue. On the contrary, there could very well be additional expenses due to old age such as medicines, old-age home fees or 24/7 care.
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Note: This is a collaborative article. Updated 2026.
Preparing for the arrival of a new baby can be a hectic time, and so it helps to get organized. To help you out and minimize the stress, try taking on board these simple tips.
SpookyMrsGreen and her baby daughter
Preparing For The Arrival Of A New Baby
1 . Baby Shopping
First things first, it’s time to go baby shopping, (which is often the fun part)! Make a list of everything you need first, whether it’s baby clothing, a cot, bottles, Double Buggies, or toys. It can be a good idea to set yourself an approximate budget before you shop, to ensure that you don’t overspend. Check out reviews where possible, and prioritize eco-friendly materials and brands, if you can.
2. Prep The Baby’s Room
Preparing the baby’s room is an important task. It’s vital to create a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere, to ensure your baby will be able to get a good night’s rest. It’s best to paint with calming colors, and use eco-friendly paints to avoid toxins.
Choose a baby mobile for the cot, to help your child relax and drift off more easily. It’s best to purchase compact storage solutions so that it’s easy for you to store toys and keep things neat. To save money here and there, preloved apps like Wallapop or Letgo might come in handy.
3. Arm Yourself With Learning Tools
Perhaps you’re a new mother and you’re feeling a little overwhelmed? To help you to destress it can be helpful to find some learning tools. You can learn lots in the form of apps, books, or podcasts. To get you started, try these apps for mothers:
Baby Sparks: The Baby Sparks app provides plenty of parenting advice and tips, plus info on milestones and development. The app includes over 1000 different milestone activities for you to check out. Baby Sparks was designed by experts in child development, here you’ll find activities related to language, self-care, sensory skills, and more.
The Parent Hood: This is a fab podcast for any parent who doesn’t have all the answers! Here you’ll find engaging, impartial, and professional advice, from a team of parenting experts. Recent episodes have delved into themes such as ‘small steps to being a great parent’, and ‘boosting your child’s immunity’.
4. Mentally Prepare
The arrival of a new baby can be a stressful time, and so it can help to mentally prepare yourself with some stress coping tactics. There are plenty you can try including meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, or walks amongst nature. Herbal supplements such as valerian root and passionflower can help to reduce stress. It’s best to consult your doctor before taking any new supplements, especially when pregnant.
5. Build A Support Network
As a new mother you’re going to need a little help every now and then, and so it’s useful to build a support network. Not every new mum has family and friends close by, and in these situations, the Peanut app can be helpful. Using this application you can connect with other mothers in your neighborhood, for friendship and support. To help new mothers, Peanut is a great resource.
“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 is a collaborative article. Updated 2026.
January is a cold month here in the UK, and this year we had snow and ice as the new year dawned. My daughter’s snowman is still standing in our back garden, although it has melted slightly, and we spend a lot of time huddled near the radiators and the fire to keep warm.
Here are some top tips for keep warming this winter:
Luxury Throw
5 Ways to Keep Warm this Winter
1, Keep your feet warm
Keeping your feet warm is a priority during cold weather. We forget just how important our feet are in connection with the rest of our bodies. Wearing warm socks or women’s slipper boots will keep your circulation healthy and reduce the risk of illness. I know my feet are always cold no matter how thick my socks are. Perhaps I need a new pair of slipper boots?
2, Put the fire on
Do you have a multi-fuel stove, gas fire or electric fire? Make sure you put in on in the evenings, even just for an hour, to warm your living room and make the environment safe and snug. I love my multi-fuel stove that we got installed just over a year ago. It stays warm all night and most of the following day when we have loaded it up with coal and logs, and I enjoy watching the flames as I sit on the sofa.
3, Wrap up warm
If you don’t have a fire or you are unable to light it as often as you would like, why not wrap up warmly in a luxury faux fur throw? I love my blankets and throws, as do my daughters. We cuddle on the sofa and cover ourselves in a huge throw while we watch a movie. Perfect for those long lockdown evenings.
4, Eat a proper meal
It is easy to forget about eating properly when we feel anxious or stressed. While we are at home much more these days and unable to eat out like we used to, we might forget the benefits of a full, homecooked meal. I’m no Delia Smith, and I rarely cook properly, but I do appreciate a tasty cottage pie, baked potato with cheese, or a homemade curry every so often. These meals are easier to make than you might think, and can be made with prepared sauces, frozen vegetables and meat-free alternatives. Just last weekend I threw together a tasty cottage pie with some leftover potatoes, frozen vegetables and Quorn mince. Delicious!
5, Wear your scarf
While it is important to stay at home as much as possible during the UK lockdown, we do need regular fresh air and are encouraged to go for a walk once a day. Remember to wear your warmest coat or layer up with jumpers and jacket. Put on your scarf and gloves, and don’t forget your woolly hat. Now might be a good time to take up knitting!
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