Christmas Food and Drink at English Heritage Shop #Blogmas

Posted on December 19, 2020 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures

Shop our range of Christmas Food & Drink on sale at English Heritage Shop.

Be quick, as this is only available whilst stocks last.

Festive image of Christmas food and drink gifts at English Heritage Shop including Christmas mead, mulled wine, luxury chocolate bars, Christmas mint thins, Christmas shortbread and Christmas biscuits. English Heritage Shop affiliated with SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Christmas Food and Drink at English Heritage Shop

Christmas Food and Drink at English Heritage Shop

Free 3 Window Jute Jar Bag (worth £3) when you buy 3 curds, preserves or condiments – use code JUTEJAM – Click here.

Organic Christmas Tea Selection Tin: From the English Tea Shop, this Organic Christmas Tea Collection contains individually wrapped tea bags with 9 different delicious flavours. Was £12.00 Now £8.00.

The 12 Days of Christmas Condiment Gift Box: The 12 Days of Christmas gift box is a selection of 12 delicious jams, chutneys and preserves for you to enjoy during the festive season. Was £16.00 Now £10.00.

Gourmet Mulling Syrup: A non-alcoholic syrup containing a special blend of spices to provide a simple and convenient way to make the most delicious mulled wine, cider or apple juice. Being a sugar-based product, it fully dissolves when heated and doesn’t leave any residue or powdery aftertaste. Was £4.75 Now £3.50.

Braes o Gowrie Sparkling Elderflower Non-Alcoholic Drink: Braes O Gowrie Sparkling Elderflower is a superior non-alcoholic drink made from the most fragrant elder blossoms. Hand-picked fresh in early summer from the wild bushes in the carse of Gowrie, Perthshire. Was £6.95 Now £4.00.

Belvoir Spiced Ginger Punch: This Spiced Ginger Punch is full of festive warmth and good cheer. This fiery punch is made from freshly sliced root ginger and blended with a dash of lemon and orange juice together with lots of lovely seasonal spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Was £3.75 Now £2.00.

12 Days of Christmas All Butter Biscuit Assortment: On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me… this mouth-watering biscuit assortment in a keepsake Christmas tin. Was £10.00 Now £6.00.

Christmas Gingerbread – Assorted Designs: Enjoy a festive treat with this Christmas gingerbread. The biscuits come in two different designs and are decorated with icing to look like a festive gingerbread person and Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer. They make a great stocking filler for children or a treat for someone with a sweet tooth. Was £1.95 Now £1.00.

Christmas Jelly Babies: This Christmas themed box of jelly babies is a lovely gift for someone with a sweet tooth. The box features a drawing of Father Christmas along with the greeting ‘Merry Christmas’. Was £3.00 Now £2.00.

Pink and White Sugar Mice: Add these Pink and White Sugar Mice into a present or stocking to wish someone a Merry Christmas. Flavoured with pineapple and raspberry, the traditional sweets can be enjoyed by young and old. Was £2.75 Now £2.00.

Chocolate Sprouts Gift Bag: Some people love them, some people hate them. Sprouts are a controversial Christmas food. However, these chocolate sprouts are sure to be loved by anyone with a sweet tooth. Was £4.00 Now £3.00.

Gothic image of a vampire drinking blood from a wine glass while a woman lies unconscious on the bed behind him. 3D eBook cover image for “Christmas with the Vampires” by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green. Vampire stories dark romance.
Christmas with the Vampires by paranormal author Catherine Green

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The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Dog

Posted on December 18, 2020 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a very misunderstood breed of dog. In recent years these animals have been bred for dog fighting and have been used as so called ‘status’ dogs among gangs of youths.

I know the Staffordshire Bull Terrier as the Nanny dog. Read my blog post about our family dogs and how important they are.

Image of Marley the Staffy cross Pomeranian rescue dog and Nora the domestic short hair black cat lying a soft dog bed together. Text reads "Dog and Cat Mom @SpookyMrsGreen” with paw prints next to the text. Pet blogger UK. SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
SpookyMrsGreen’s fur babies Nora the cat and Marley the dog.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Our family dog

It is a shame that there has been so much media coverage about the poorer side of the nature of these dogs. As a result, there has a been a massive increase in kennels and rescue centres, where Staffordshire Bull Terriers are being taken in and not given the chance of a decent family home. People have no patience and will not take time to settle a rescue dog before they surrender it back into charity care. A dog needs time and patience, just like children.

I have a Staffordshire Bull Terrier X who is a rescue dog. Marley wasn’t abused as a puppy (at least, not that I know of), and while we rehomed him via Warrington Animal Welfare, he never actually spent time in kennels. He has been a huge challenge to us because we soon discovered he has behavioural issues and he needed training to establish boundaries. Marley is a very cuddly dog who loves to snuggle in your arms like a baby. He can also appear to be vicious when he snarls at other dogs. But this is all a matter of taking time to work with him, socialize him, and teach him what is acceptable and to show him that he is safe and loved. All of his bad behaviour comes from a place of fear and insecurity. We can get past that and he is a loving, protective, valuable member of our family.

Baxter the Staffy X

Before Marley we had Baxter, who died in 2019. He was the most adorable, soft and loving animal we could ever find. He was very playful, he loved cuddles, and he was best friends with both our daughters from the moment they were born. He helped them learn to walk, he played with them gently, and he tolerated their boisterous behaviour towards him. Before Baxter I had a Yorkshire Terrier, who while I loved him dearly, he had a terrible temperament and I wouldn’t trust him in the presence of young children. I trusted Baxter implicitly.

Apparently, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was known as the ‘nanny’ dog many years ago, because they were brought into families as playmates and protectors. I would like to see this good, healthy, family reputation reinstated. That is why I am in full support of re-homing these dogs wherever possible. My brother has a Staffordshire Bull Terrier who is also incredibly playful, although she is slightly more territorial. But she, too is adorable and loves a cuddle.

#MummyMonday In Memoriam for a beloved family dog. Baxter the Staffy X rescue dog by SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#MummyMonday In Memoriam for a beloved family dog

Give the Staffordshire Bull Terrier dog a chance

Ultimately what I am saying is, if you are reading this post and you are considering getting a dog, please give the Staffordshire Bull Terrier a chance. These dogs are full of love, they will always protect their families, and they will always offer comfort. Baxter knew when a member of our family was upset or under stress. He would bring us his favourite toys, he would cuddle in close to us, he would give us kisses, and he would do anything to make us smile and laugh. Marley is exactly the same and throws himself into my arms when I cry.

I did find it difficult to rehome a rescue dog when Baxter died in 2019. There are strict requirements in place with rescue centres and dogs’ homes, where most will not allow a family with young children to rehome a potentially dangerous dog. I would say that if you are serious about rehoming a rescue dog do your research, choose a breed that you think you can handle, and persevere. I recommend Warrington Animal Welfare because they listened to us and believed us when we said we could handle a Staffy X. I am glad they did, because I would never have made it through this year without my little Marley-Mischief.

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 torn. Fairytale werewolf fiction. 3D eBook cover image for The Wolf and the Fairy by paranormal author Catherine Green. Hashtag romantasy hashtag werewolf romance.
The Wolf and the Fairy 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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Self-Care 101: Warning Signs of a Mental Illness

Posted on December 17, 2020 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures

Doctors tend to diagnose mental illness by looking at the symptoms you have. A quick diagnosis is critical because it can help you to get the right treatment and it can also help you to really feel more confident in your situation.

The Face of Mental Illness - mental health awareness - with SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
The Face of Mental Illness

Self-Care 101: Warning Signs of a Mental Illness

Withdrawal

If you find that you are withdrawing into yourself and if you find that you just don’t want to hang out with your friends as much as you once did, then this could be a sign that you are sinking into depression. You may want to stay at home more, or even go to your room. Of course, there is nothing wrong with having some “you” time but at the end of the day, you have to understand that spending time alone along with losing interest in general activities can be a warning sign. If you want to try and help yourself here, then you need to try and make sure that you are looking after your mental health and that you try and reach out to others so you can explain the way that you feel.

Emotional Outbursts

When you look at the other side of the spectrum, you will soon see that there are other features of mental illness as well. You may find that you are more irritable than usual and that you are simply not able to cope with things as well as you once could. If you have bipolar disorder, then you may find that you end up speaking quite fast or even that you spend lots of money. If you are concerned about your money or your mental health because you are in the middle of a divorce then it may benefit you to seek out a divorce financial order.

Having a Hard Time Concentrating

When you have depression, you may have a hard time focusing or even remembering things. It may be that you feel muddled when you are trying to do routine tasks or even that you are more indecisive than normal. Similar problems can occur if you are suffering from schizophrenia. Other mental illnesses can make you experience issues, including having difficulty remembering the bills that need to be paid or even navigating bills.

Sleeping Problems

Did you know that over 80% of people who have a mental illness often have a problem with sleep? This is especially noticeable if you have anxiety or even depression. It may be that you are sleeping far too much or too little. On the flip side, you may find that you end up tossing and turning and that this really works against you.

Of course, if you want to help yourself here, then it helps to talk to someone about your problems and it also helps to try and talk to your doctor as well. When you do, you can count on them to give you all of the emotional support you need to really move past the issues you are having and get on the road to recovery with your mental and physical health.

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 is a collaborative article.

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What it Means to be a Shaman

Posted on December 16, 2020 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures

Several years ago, I decided to investigate the world of shamanism and what it means to be a shaman. I attended a shamanic retreat for one incredibly special weekend, where I experienced a fire vision quest and lots of healing meditation work. Then I returned home and got straight back into the business of motherhood, freelance work and running a household.  

I didn’t have time to work on being a shaman, much less taking time for my personal spiritual development. I felt guilty and frustrated, about my lack of spiritual working. But what exactly does it mean to do spiritual work?

Shamanism and the Modern Witch article by Catherine Green of SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Shamanism and the Modern Witch

What it Means to be a Shaman

I call myself a shaman in training. In truth, I suppose we never stop learning as we progress through our human lives, interacting with different people and situations, and taking away new perspectives and meaning from our activities. I am not currently following any formal training structure. I am merely being aware of my surroundings, picking up bits of information as and when I can, and reading up on different shaman practices and belief systems.

One book I read was “Urban Shaman” by Serge Kahili King, PHD. A friend bought me the book for my birthday, and I was surprised and touched by her gesture. I understand that many people might struggle to understand how to behave around a person who practices shamanism, witchcraft, and paganism when these are taboo subjects within the culture that we live. Fortunately for me, my friends and family are supportive of my interests, and some are more interested to learn from what I have studied so far.

Yes, I am a shaman

Finally, I realise that yes, I am a shaman. Just because I don’t dress a certain way, carry various mystical implements, or actively practice rituals and ceremonies, does not mean I do not believe in this ancient system of life. A shaman is basically a healer. That is what we do. There are many different shaman systems of practice and belief that have been developed all around the world. I read about the Hawaiian tradition in “Urban Shaman,” and I recognized a lot of the material as practices that I have been doing for years.

For now, my life as a shaman revolves around my family. I have children to care for and businesses to grow. I will both learn from my children and teach them how to integrate and develop in the human world based on my own experiences and beliefs. I can stop being so hard on myself. When it comes to natural practices, there are no set rules and regulations. We do what feels natural, and we live in accordance with Mother Nature and the Great Spirit of life that exists all around the world.

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 torn. Fairytale werewolf fiction. 3D eBook cover image for The Wolf and the Fairy by paranormal author Catherine Green. Hashtag romantasy hashtag werewolf romance.
The Wolf and the Fairy 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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Taking Proper Care of Your Mental Health

Posted on December 15, 2020 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures

Every year people all over the world make the promise to start taking better care of themselves for their new year’s resolution, but that’s often lost with lack of planning. Well, there’s no better time to try new things than the start of a new year.

If there’s one thing more important to look after than your physical health, it’s your mental health, which is far too often neglected. Many people don’t keep tabs on this, and it can affect your day to day life more than you realize; but what can you do?

Surprisingly, it’s not all that difficult to make improvements to your routine, and it’s well worth any effort that you have to put in. While it doesn’t show immediate results, you’ll be thanking yourself later!

Photo of a woman with ginger hair and glasses, sitting on a rocking chair and looking to the side, deep in thought. Copyright Catherine Green of SpookyMrsGreen.com pagan lifestyle blog.
Catherine Green @SpookyMrsGreen

Drink more tea!

While it might seem like a really simple solution to a very complex issue, you’d be surprised at the effects that tea can have. Not just any tea! There are many different kinds of tea out there, each with its own qualities. Tea isn’t going to be the answer to all of your problems, but that’s not the goal of drinking it. There’s tea for helping you wind down after a stressful day, tea for helping you get a full night’s sleep, there’s even tea that allegedly can help to strengthen your immune system.

If you’re looking for simple remedies, tea is a great place to look, and there’s plenty of information you can find out about it online.

Other Organic Solutions

There’s more than just tea when it comes to supplements to help calm and relax the body, in fact, there’s a number of options for people to try. It is why places like an Online Head Shop are becoming increasingly popular as people turn to alternative solutions to medication. A commonly sought-after remedy is cbd oil, as it’s known for it easing problems like stress and anxiety, and if that’s not for you; you could try something like aromatherapy. Not everyone stands behind aromatherapy, but that doesn’t mean it’s not for you, nor is it an expensive option. When looking after your mental health, there’s no measure too far, as mental health is what dictates your happiness; which is of utmost importance.

Physical Practices

Getting physical is a commonly praised method of looking after yourself both mentally and physically, and is highly recommended all around. 

Meditation is the simplest and cheapest way to improve your overall mental wellness and is something that should be looked into immediately. There’s no downside to meditating, and it can be done at any time and at any place. You don’t have to invest a lot of time into meditating, and anyone can set aside 3-5 minutes a day to bring about the mindfulness they need to keep them in the moment.

Working out is highly recommended for many reasons. Not every workout has to mean going for a long and tiring run, or lifting the heaviest weights at the gym; it’s about using your energy on tiring yet fulfilling activities. Getting yourself worn out can be mentally rewarding, and it’s great for the body too.

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Tiredness in Pregnancy: The First Trimester

Posted on December 14, 2020 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures

No one ever tells you just how tiring early-stage pregnancy can be! When I tried to find some helpful guidance, all I found was sympathetic information and guidance for women in later stages, from around 6 months onwards.

What about those who are barely 3 months pregnant and feel exhausted all the time? This happened in both of my pregnancies and has put me off wanting to have a third baby.

#MummyMonday Heavily Pregnant Catherine in Summer at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#MummyMonday Heavily Pregnant Catherine in Summer

Tiredness in Pregnancy

Tiredness was pretty constant for the duration of my pregnancy in the early stages. In fact, the first proper symptom that I had was falling asleep during the afternoon for three consecutive days. I never take daytime naps, and I usually manage on around 6 hours of sleep a night, being more of a night person than a day person. During pregnancy I needed at least 8 hours of sleep, and I was still tired! I didn’t get those eight hours during my second pregnancy, having a toddler to contend with.

My diet is healthy and varied, and I do walk my dog regularly, so I don’t lead a particularly sedentary lifestyle. When I complained about feeling tired I was told by my young mother friends that it is all perfectly natural and it’ll only get worse. Wonderful! Then my mother and mother-in-law further compounded the evidence by saying that yes, they too were tired during their pregnancies. 

How did I cope with tiredness in pregnancy?

How did I cope with the tiredness during pregnancy? Well firstly I was incredibly relieved to be working part-time hours. I could not imagine doing my previous full-time office job in that condition, and I have much respect for all the women out there that have managed and continue to do so. I simply could not work while the weight of tiredness dragged me down.   

If I needed to lie down on the sofa and have a little nap, so be it. This was a habit I started during pregnancy and I carry it on now that my children are older. If I am tired, I will take a nap if circumstances allow. The dishes can wait, we have enough clothes if I do the washing tomorrow, and my husband should be grateful that I still keep a clean home for him alongside my day job!

Book cover for British urban fantasy book “Return of the Vampire Hunter” by Catherine Green. Sapphic romantasy forbidden romance enemies to lovers trope save her marriage.
Return of the Vampire Hunter 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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#ShortStory: “The Pink Fairy and the Litter Dropping Man” by Elliot Green (age 9)

Posted on December 13, 2020 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures

Here is a short story written by my elder daughter, Elliot Green, age 9. Please tell her if you like it in the comments!

Pagan Writer Catherine Green. New blog post at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Pagan Writer Catherine Green SpookyMrsGreen

“The Pink Fairy and the Litter Dropping Man” by Elliot Green

The Pink Fairy was walking down the street all happy and merry. When with the corner of her eye she saw a man littering. With a flash she dashed over. When she got there, he was dropping plastic bottles and cans and glass. She went up to him. He was dressed in black jeans, a black hoodie with a white sail on it, and black and silver trainers.

When he turned around, she said, “Shame! Littering. Don’t you know the harm of littering? You can injure animals!”

Once she had finished, he said, “Whatever! Who cares? They are just animals.”

And she replied with, “STOP THAT! PICK IT UP NOW!”

And he said, “NO WAY! You aren’t the boss of me.”

Then she got so ANGRY that with a wave of her wand she sent him to fairy jail. Where he groaned and yelled and shouted mean things.

After that she cleared his rubbish and flew back to her house still a bit cross but happy she had done the right thing.

Book cover for British urban fantasy book “Return of the Vampire Hunter” by Catherine Green. Sapphic romantasy forbidden romance enemies to lovers trope save her marriage.
Return of the Vampire Hunter 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: “Litter, Litter” by Jacob Hopkinson (age 11)

Posted on December 12, 2020 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures

Jacob was inspired to write this poem when he saw a mess on the streets near his home. Please leave a comment to tell him if you like it.

Litter, Litter (Poem) by Jacob Hopkinson at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Litter, Litter (Poem) by Jacob Hopkinson

“Litter, Litter” by Jacob Hopkinson

Litter, litter, over there

Litter, litter, everywhere

Litter, litter, people don’t care

Litter, litter, damaging the air

Litter, litter, damaging wheels

Litter, litter, bad for animals’ meals.

(This is actually happening)

By Jacob Hopkinson (age 11)

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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Chronic Voice Link-up: Making this Christmas the Best We Can

Posted on December 11, 2020 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures

Phew, what a year it has been! Here is our final Chronic Voice Link-Up blog post for 2020. Look out for my fabulous giveaway in the Chronic Voice Christmas competition.

Chronic Voice blog link-up for December by Catherine Green of SpookyMrsGreen.com pagan lifestyle blog.
Chronic Voice blog link-up for December

Chronic Voice Link-up: Making this Christmas the Best We Can

Exhausting

I am always exhausted at this time of year because we lead busy lives. My children have worked extra hard this term to try and catch up on what they missed during lockdown. It soon became clear that my girls had lost some core skills when they missed four months of school due to the pandemic. It was exhausting trying to home-school, work from home, run the house and support my children mentally and emotionally. We had some special moments together and we made some happy memories in the garden and having our impromptu mini parties. We made the best of a bad situation.

Exciting

Christmas is my favourite time of year! I find all the festivities exciting, from putting up the Christmas tree and decorations, opening our advent calendars, buying gifts and giving out cards, to the holiday itself. Last year my Christmas was subdued due to bereavement and grief so this year I am determined to enjoy it despite the limitations from coronavirus restrictions and my recent official status of single parenthood. Yes, our lives have changed dramatically in the last twelve months, but I would rather focus on the exciting elements of change and embrace a new way of doing things.

Oh, and let’s not forget the most exciting gift today: your chance to win some lovely prizes in the Chronic Illness Christmas Giveaway (thank you, Sheryl, for organizing!)

I am offering a free Reiki healing treatment in the giveaway, and I can offer distance healing treatments via Zoom for those who live further away. If you haven’t tried it yet, you will be pleasantly surprised. Check out all the prizes and get your entries in quick.

Socialising

Socialising looks very different here in the UK and in many parts of the world over Christmas. We should have enjoyed a school Christmas Fair, the town lights switch-on event with visits to Santa, and a few impromptu pub visits with friends and family. None of that has happened or will happen this year because we are only allowed to socialize with members of our own household. Since my children refuse to eat restaurant meals, I won’t be going for a Christmas meal anytime soon.

It isn’t all bad, however. We are fortunate to have the power of social media. This week I enjoyed my book club Christmas party via Zoom and next week will be my Reiki group Christmas party also via Zoom. I will get dressed up at home, crack open the prosecco and at least see my friends on screens if not in person.

Indulging

OK, I admit I do indulge myself quite regularly with sweet treats and wine. I can’t help it! This Christmas might be a little worse because I keep telling my daughters that we should enjoy ourselves after the horrible year we have had. Since we never got our family summer holiday and have barely left our town, I feel the need to buy extra treats such as toys and sweets to make up for it. I am indulging my children and myself as we keep our spirits up and wait to spend time with our friends again.

Cutting

This is an interesting prompt for the month. The first thing that came to my mind was cutting toxic people out of my life. There are a few people close to me that have caused a lot of distress, and while I don’t wish to publicly name and shame, I have taken steps to distance myself from these people in the interests of self-preservation. I spent many years supporting them, caring for them and trying to be there when they needed help, but when I reached crisis point during summer, they were not available, physically, or emotionally. It was a shock to the system and a huge wake-up call for me. I am determined to move forward with my chin up and to embrace the people that really care about me, not those who only serve themselves.

Chronic Voice Link-Up

I joined the social network for A Chronic Voice because I needed to find people who understand what life is like with chronic illness, people like me. Today I have written a post using the November link-up prompts, to show my experience of living with a chronic pain disorder. Click here to find other blog posts from fellow chronic pain sufferers, or #spoonies as we call ourselves online.

Well, that was my year in a whirlwind of emotional chaos, chronic pain, magical moments and generally just life. How was your 2020? Merry Christmas, my spoonie friends. And a Happy New Year.

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. 

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Am I a Working Mother, a Housewife, or Both?

Posted on December 7, 2020 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures

During the past five years or so, our government has tried to launch various incentives to persuade people back into the workplace and off the benefits system. More specifically this is aimed at women, and I say this based on personal experience.

In my social circles it is largely the men that work full time and the women who either stay home with the children, or juggle part time or full-time jobs around childcare.

Signpost Mum Career Working Mom at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Signpost Mum Career Working Mom

Am I a Working Mother, a Housewife, or Both?

This is the issue that upsets me. I have listened to radio call-in shows, and I have read many articles online and in newspapers where people imply that housewives or stay-at-home-mothers are lazy and sponge off the rest of society.  How dare people say such things, and actually mean it! I was a stay at home mother for 18 months when my maternity leave expired, and I chose not to return to my minimum wage part-time job. Now I work from home developing my business as a freelance writer, and it is a slow and tedious process. I have no fixed income aside from the universal monthly “family allowance” child benefit, but I work hard both in my freelance jobs and to care for my children. I do not qualify for any additional government benefits despite living with a chronic and debilitating health condition, and being unsuccessful in formal job applications.

I have said before that I despise the term ‘stay at home mom.’ It implies that we, the childminders and domestic cleaners, do not work. There is no respect in the UK for people, and I say again, women (with the odd rare househusband) who make the tough decision not to return to paid employment. We do not take the easy option. Far from it. We take responsibility for our own children, at the expense of our financial independence and future pension benefits. We have to rely fully on our husbands or partners for financial support, and that to me is exceedingly difficult.

I don’t expect handouts

I do not expect handouts from the taxpayer. I loathed paying such high taxes when I was in full time employment for several years. We all do. From what I have learned, back in the rose-tinted post-war years when women returned to the home and men to the office, housewives would receive an allowance from their husbands. This, in effect, was their salary. It seems that nowadays many families simply do not have the spare cash after they have paid the household bills and transport costs. And then there is childcare if both parents are working away from home.

All I want, and what so many of my friends and acquaintances want, is a little understanding. We need respect and support for the job that we do as housewife, mother, domestic slave. It takes a lot of courage to give up a regular job and rely solely on another person for your home and board. It also takes the patience of a saint to raise children and teach them decent values and morals so that they grow up to be well-adjusted members of society. These are our future carers, providers and pioneers. Why should we damage them at a young age because we are coerced into accepting thankless jobs in faceless corporations? We should not.

Book cover for British urban fantasy book “Vampire of Blackpool” by Catherine Green. Sapphic romance forbidden romance vampire hunter enemies to lovers trope morally grey.
Vampire of Blackpool by paranormal author Catherine Green

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