We are approaching the end of February and it has been a long month here in the UK as our lockdown drags on. I am bored! My children are bored. We miss our friends and our social lives.
We are staying cheerful, however, and it makes me smile to see little acts of kindness in odd places.
For example, a friend decided to deliver bunches of daffodils to people last week during the school half-term holiday. I was working in the garden when she appeared, and it was so nice to see familiar faces and remember that we are not alone. Our daughters had a quick socially distanced play on the drive and then they had to go, since we are still not allowed to socialize in groups outdoors. When they return to school, they will be in the same class together, but we don’t know when that will be yet. For now, my daffodils sit on the windowsill bringing colour and fresh energy into our living room. Lockdown won’t last forever, and we will be with our friends soon.
We are the World BlogFest (#WATWB) focuses on positive stories no matter where they’re found. It is all about spreading peace and humanity on social media. All participants post on the last Friday of the month, sharing a positive news story that contributes to making our world a happier, safer, and better place to live.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green
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It doesn’t matter where you live, what size your home is, how much you paid for it (or are paying for it), if it is comfortable, you are going to love it. If it’s comfortable, you’re going to be happy there. So of course, it stands to reason that making your home as comfortable as possible as quickly as possible is the most crucial thing you can do. When this happens, you can truly feel relaxed and you will have found a sanctuary to come home to after a long day at work or to enjoy time in when you have some alone time to yourself.
But how can you make your home more comfortable without changing it dramatically? Is it really possible to make it more comfortable without redecorating, refurbishing, and otherwise reworking the entire place? The answer is yes; you can make your home more comfortable with barely any effort at all. Read on to find out how.
A home will often feel uncomfortable because of the large number of ‘things’ within it. It will feel cramped, it will be hard to move around in, it will be hard to keep clean. Even if you don’t have a problem with the ‘stuff’ in your home, subconsciously it might be a problem, making it hard to relax because you know there are things to tidy and because you can’t enjoy the space as it is meant to be enjoyed.
Take the time to declutter, removing anything you no longer need and either throwing it out, selling it, or donating it. When you start living in your decluttered home, you’ll feel a lot more comfortable in every area of it. Remember, though, it’s easy to start filling your home up again, so take care.
Crystals
Placing different crystals strategically around your home will help to make it feel like a much more comfortable place to live. Crystals are said to work by interacting positively with the energy field around the body (also known as a chakra). They can do all kinds of things from alleviating stress to improving creativity. Rose quartz crystal can even promote unconditional love.
By placing the right crystals around your home, you can make it feel any way you want to because your chakra will be interacting with them no matter which room you go into. Depending on exactly what you’re looking for, you can use multiple crystals and create the perfect level of comfort in your home.
Make It Smell Good
Of all the five senses, it is said that smell is the one that is most intimately linked with memory and contentment. If you can, therefore, make your home smell good, and those smells are linked to happy memories, you will automatically feel more comfortable.
Just like with the crystals, the smells you choose will depend on the emotions you want to evoke, but since there are scented candles and aromatherapy oils that will help you to include any beautiful smell you want to in any room of your home, you can essentially take your pick.
From citrus fruits to cut grass to baking to coffee to a log fire, smell is crucial if you want your home to feel as comfortable as possible.
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.
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Here is an excerpt from LGBT fantasy book “Vampire of Blackpool,” one of my passion projects that I birthed several years ago:
LGBT fantasy novel set in Northern England. “Vampire of Blackpool” by Catherine Green.
Excerpt from “Vampire of Blackpool” by Catherine Green
“Meredith!” she called, hurrying over to me, “You came!”
She held a glass of wine in one hand and a small clutch bag tucked under her other arm. I stood still as she approached, careful to keep my expression blank. She faltered a little as she realised I was not so excited about her presence. “Are you alright?” she asked uncertainly, “You look pale.”
I had to smile at her sweet naivety, and she tried not to gasp as she saw my fangs exposed.
“I am hungry,” I replied, “I have not yet found suitable food.”
“Oh,” she said quietly, glancing around her, “Where do you usually, um, find food?”
I simply stared at her, allowing my eyes to glow silver. She caught her breath, momentarily struggling with her desire to appease me, and her as yet stronger urge to repel me using her magic. I sensed the landlord approaching us before he spoke.
“You know the rules, Meredith,” Paul said levelly, “No feeding in my pub. Take it outside.”
Vampire Hunter Novels
This was a snippet of conversation between the vampire protagonist Meredith Hanson, and her new friend and potential lover Samantha Morris. If you want to read more and indulge yourself in a little contemporary LGBT vampire romance, buy the book here.
Vampire of Blackpool is the first in a new and developing series that I am calling my vampire hunter novels. Let’s see if I can return to my old manuscripts in 2021…
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.
It sounds like a big ask to be prepared for everything, especially when you have kids, you never know what could happen each day; but still, you must do your best to go on! On top of all of that, the lockdown is making it much harder for all of us to stay on top of everything. You can’t just get on with things and go about your day, and you have to make sure you’re following restriction rules – all the while having your kids at home all day, every day!
So what can you do to help yourself keep on top of everything?
Figure out the essentials
So you’ve got a lot on your plate and it’s starting to look like too much for you to handle, but this is no time for panic. It’s time to take a step back for a moment to look at the things that you absolutely need to take care of, and what can go on the back burner for a little bit while you handle everything else. Staying on top of everything isn’t about taking everything on at once, that’s how you burn yourself out. It’s about learning to handle everything bit by bit, helping yourself get used to things so that you can be ready to take on more. If you find out what you need to tackle initially, you can slowly prepare to take on the rest of your responsibilities as you go!
Accept and reinforce
In the event that you’re still feeling overwhelmed by all of the responsibilities that you have to take care of, it’s time to start supporting yourself mentally. You can do anything you put your mind to, and if it’s inevitable it’s best to accept how things are and reinforce the idea that you can do it. It can be a pill too large to swallow at first, doing what needs to be done is sometimes the only option you have, and you can’t run from it! If you’re stuck at home during the lockdown, with kids home too, that can be too much for anyone to handle at first glance.
Having reminders
Running a busy schedule while looking after multiple people can often lead to forgetting to meet multiple goals throughout the day, which will likely add to the stress. Take some time to yourself to make note of everything that you need to be keeping up with, whether it’s daily, every other day, or every week. There are a lot of ways you can remind yourself of these throughout the day to help make sure that you don’t forget. Getting caught out and realizing that you didn’t manage to get out of the house to get things for dinner can be a tipping point at the end of a tough day, and you can completely avoid that if you set yourself a way to keep reminding!
A lot of people rely on their phones in times like these, as there is a whole range of apps you can use to remind you at certain times throughout the day. Even something as simple as setting an alarm can be enough of a reminder to keep you on top of things – so it’s definitely worth looking into if you’re struggling to stay in control!
Stock up for emergencies
Being on the move all the time means that you’re running short on time as is, and you don’t want to be left in the dark when an emergency arises! Making sure that you have plenty of things like medicine, or substitute methods of lighting your house if the power went out can help to give you that peace of mind! Knowing that you have everything you need for an emergency can turn panic into a quickly solved problem! If you’ve ever dealt with a power outage without any form of substitute lighting, you’ll likely know how inconvenient it can be to get on with things for the rest of the night. Especially during the winter, when the evenings are darker – the whole night becomes a write-off!
When you have kids, an emergency can be hiding around the corner at any moment waiting to jump out on you! Children are clumsy, and their immune systems can be weak, meaning that you’ll want to know how to deal with things as they come. Just making sure that you have some extra bandages, or knowing what you should do if they get sick can be a game-changer! For example, this complete guide for baby acne can be helpful, especially when it’s best to keep your baby inside – going to visit your doctor can be a huge risk at this time, and unnecessary when you know what to do.
Problem solve, not panic
When the stress is building up day-by-day, it can be hard to keep yourself together, and emotions can become difficult to manage. It’s in times like these that it’s especially important to switch your mindset into problem-solving. When something happens, you want your first thoughts to be about what you can do to make it better, and what else can be done to make the situation easier for you. It’s a lot easier said than done, but it’s a good habit to pick up for any situation, whether you’re stuck at home with a house full of kids, or you’re out at work!
Find alternative solutions to save time
While it can be more expensive to try to make things more convenient to deal with, if it helps you keep on top of things every day and reduces stress, it can be a worthy investment for you. This can be things like ordering your groceries instead of setting the time aside to go out and get them yourself. Some people have their medication delivered to them too, which is something that you likely cannot miss no matter what! It can save you a lot of time to have things delivered, and if time isn’t something you have much of then it’s a priceless investment!
Starting a routine
Getting a routine going can be very difficult, but if you’re looking to make sure things get done efficiently and on time, then putting yourself on a new routine can help you significantly. Having your priorities in order, and making sure to have time for yourself each day is a great way to reduce stress while making sure that you’re able to get things done. It’s important to be strict with yourself while rewarding yourself enough to keep the motivation high.
Like mentioned before, it’s no good trying to take on a lot of things at once, so if you’re trying to start a routine, remember to be realistic with it. Make sure that you take on what you’re capable of each day. For example, allow yourself extra time to get things done in your routine, that way you can figure out how long it takes you to get things done realistically, rather than making your life more stressful with a routine that you can’t handle.
Fighting stress has always been something that people have difficulty fighting every day, and now it’s become more difficult for everyone due to the lockdown, it’s become even more important to find ways to fight it. Too much stress is bad for mental health, and you don’t want to hold onto it for too long before you find ways to handle things. If you can’t adapt to things that you find stressful, then finding ways that you can deal with it, or lessen the load is a must.
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.
Today I share an excerpt from my third novel “Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel).”
At this point, our heroine Jessica Stone is struggling to control her animal familiar, her lust for the werewolf alpha, and to reclaim the vampire she loves from his possessive former lover and vampire mistress.
LGBT fantasy book series set in Cornwall. “Love Redeems (The Redcliffe Novels)” #3 by Catherine Green.
Excerpt from “Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel)”
My heart was pounding. I wanted to be alone with Danny. But I knew it was dangerous. Suri remained silent and watchful, careful not to upset my mood in this delicate situation. I had no choice. Danny was the only one that could protect me. Left alone, I had no chance against Emily Rose and Jack. I let out a heavy sigh.
“Alright,” I said, “I will stay at your house. But I need to collect some things from my apartment first.” “Of course,” Danny said, and he turned to walk back downstairs. I followed slowly, fighting to calm my racing heart and regulate my breathing into a more normal rhythm. This would be a very tense evening, and probably a very tense Sunday as we waited for further activity from the vampires. I shook my head. My life was a complete mess.
Buy the book now
Ooh, it’s tense in Redcliffe! Those pesky werewolves, getting in the way of vampire loving. If you haven’t read the book yet, here’s your bookshop link. All of the Redcliffe novels series are widely available to order from your favourite bookshops and your local library in the UK.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green
Download your FREE copy of It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.
Are you familiar with sound therapy? It is often used alongside reiki healing therapy to give powerful transformative treatments.
Here is my early experience of sound therapy from a spiritual retreat I attended several years ago:
Inspirational Quote
Sound Therapy and Reiki Healing
I attended a spiritual retreat for a weekend on which I was introduced to the ways of our Shaman ancestors, and I was shown how sound therapy is a powerful tool in healing ourselves both physically, mentally and emotionally. We all acknowledge how music and song can affect humans in different ways. We all remember favourite songs; those that trigger happy memories, sad memories, or even those memories that formed part of our growth into adulthood and other experiences. Sound therapy is an extension of that. It helps us on a spiritual level, calling to our souls, helping us to step beyond the physical boundaries of daily human life.
My first introduction was to the sacred shaman drum. My sister already has her drum, and she is deeply connected to it. She has previously offered me the chance to use it myself, to try it out. I declined because it never felt right to do so. The drum is made from buffalo skin, and I was under the misguided illusion that as a vegetarian, I should not associate with anything that is made from animals. I soon learned the error of my assumptions. The drums used by Spirit Visions are made in great reverence, with total respect to the animals. No animal is killed specifically for that purpose. Their skins are used after their death, as a way of harnessing their spirit, their essence, and connecting with the land and with nature.
An amazing experience
On my first proper drum session I had an amazing experience. We were ushered into the course room, one at a time, and were initiated in a sacred way. Nothing scary, it simply involved the use of incense, smudge sticks and rattles to clear our energy field and prepare us for our circle work. Some people already had their own drums, left out in preparation. I picked up a drum from Spirit Visions. It was quite a simple instrument, and I must admit I didn’t fully connect with it. I am not sure what skin it was made from. On the next drum session I used a buffalo skin drum like the one owned by my sister and I really connected with it.
Aside from the drums, we were shown how to use gongs, and we experienced a gong bath. I still remember how powerful that gong bath was, and I await the day when I can experience it again. We were shown how gong therapy works to heal the body and the mind, and we were also introduced to conch shells, the didgeridoo, the Native American flute, rattles and Tibetan singing bowls.
Our facilitators demonstrated a singing bowl healing session while we sat in a circle in the course room. As I sat quietly watching, I began to feel an incredibly strong urge to jump up and take over with the therapy. I was literally itching to join in and use the singing bowls myself! My spirit guides and my own instincts knew what these bowls were, and I knew how to use them. My urges were so strong that I know I will use singing bowls in the future.
I discovered the didgeridoo
I also discovered a strange kinship with the didgeridoo. This is an instrument that I have always admired but never felt particularly drawn to use. However, on this weekend, I found myself in a small group of people, receiving a lesson from our resident didgeridoo master. He showed us how to make different sounds with the didgeridoo, and he demonstrated how it is used for sound healing purposes. Unfortunately I haven’t gotten round to learning to play the didgeridoo as life got in the way, but it waits patiently until I am ready.
What are your experiences of sound therapy?
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 think I have lockdown fatigue. Here in the UK we have been in lockdown for six weeks and there is no sign of it ending any time soon, despite our accelerated vaccination program. My children miss their school friends and the school routine. I miss my friends and family. I miss my social life.
Today is the first day of our half-term holiday and normally I would take the children and stay with my mum for a few days. Mum would help me with the childcare, allowing me precious time to work alone while she runs around with the children. Their cousin would come to play. We would have lots of laughs, lots of fun, and make lots of memories. But not this half term. This time it is just me and my girls with our dog, stuck at home with nowhere to go.
I am bored. There is lots for us to do. We have a large stash of craft goodies, hundreds of books to read, on demand TV and movies, board games galore, and computer games. But I don’t want to do any of those activities. I want to visit the beach, and the museum, and give my girls a day out at the splash park and swimming pool. All of those activities are firmly locked, and we don’t know when we will experience them again. It makes me sad for my children, who at 7 and 10 should be playing with their friends, having adventures and making memories. The only memories they have are being stuck at home with mum.
I know we are lucky
Every time I feel sorry for myself and my children I hear a little voice reminding me how lucky we are to have a safe, comfortable home, that we haven’t suffered physical symptoms so far during the pandemic, and that we still have all of our nearest and dearest. Yes, I know we are lucky, and I am grateful. But I still feel bored, fed up and frustrated about being locked away at home when there is so much life to live. When will this end? And where will we be when it is over?
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.
Happy Valentine’s Day! I would like to offer you a gift from the werewolves, just to shake it up a little. We return to the first novel in the Redcliffe series, Love Hurts(The Redcliffe Novels). I wrote this many years ago when I felt the pain of young, romantic love. For me that love turned dark when my vampires and werewolves appeared on the scene.
With that in mind, here is an excerpt where our heroine Jessica Stone witnesses a mysterious exchange between the werewolf alpha Danny Mason, and his lieutenant Sally Frost. At this point Jessica is not aware of vampires and werewolves, and she has no idea of what she has gotten herself involved in.
LGBT fantasy book series set in Cornwall. “Love Hurts (The Redcliffe Novels)” #1 by Catherine Green.
ExcerptfromLove Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel)by Catherine Green
“There is no need for such behaviour, Holly,” he admonished, “I understand it is a shock to see me after so long, but I will be here to speak with you and the staff after your shift. Remember to show respect for your superiors.”
The woman, Holly, looked surprised and stepped back. She answered quietly but there was defiance in her voice.
“I cannot show respect for someone who would abandon us,” she retorted, “Simon is my Master, not you.”
She turned to walk away but Danny gripped her wrist, forcing her to face him. He didn’t speak but something in his expression affected her. She mumbled an apology, broke away and hurried back towards the kitchen.
I stared at Danny in surprise. What was all that about? He glanced at Jack, whose face was serious, and then he smiled at me apologetically.
Mysterious happenings, eh?
Mysterious happenings, aren’t they? Ha, ha! If you haven’t read Love Hurts yet (and why haven’t you?!), click here to get the book.
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.
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