Reading for this Week

I will be reading Dynamic Living - How to take charge of your health by Dr. han Diehl and Aileen Ludington.

Going to Scotland for a week.

Hello

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love! ~Hamilton Wright Mabie

I say ... and you think ... ?

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Interest :: Rates, Concern, genuine
   
2. Chase :: Police Cars
   
3. Itch :: Scratch
   
4. Soothe :: rub gently, talk softly
   
5. Lamp :: bedside reading
   
6. Tutor :: mentor and teacher
   
7. Nicole :: Kidman
   
8. Sloth :: 7 deadly sins
   
9. Burn :: Crash & Burn
   
10. Bug :: sub tropics
    

Hosted by Luna Nina

Green Swap Ideas

RECYCLE
Recycle some jokes from http://blog.greenfinder.co.uk:



*REDUCE*
Looking for a a unique e-Christmas card that also sends a recycling message: http://christmascards.recyclenow.com/choose/

*REUSE
A Card Tree* - If you hate to part with beautiful Christmas cards each year, then save them to use as tree decorations. Glue the front and back halves together to make a sturdier ornament, punch holes in the top, then tie to the tree with ribbons. Or, laminate some cards and use those as ornaments. Or, cut out portions of the cards and decoupage onto wooden craft shapes to use as ornaments.
*Christmas Card Images* - This is one of the simplest of christmas tree decorating ideas. Cut the images that you like from last year's Christmas cards and color the back with gold or silver magic marker. Then hang it from the tree with a shiny ribbon. This look is especially nice on a wall mounted christmas tree that is placed next to your main entryway.

100 Things to Do During a Money Free Weekend

The Challenge list 100 things to do on your or with family and friend.
Idea from The Simple Dollar finance blog.

1. Immerse yourself in a new culture - have an African or Mexican or French weekend.

2. Plan a tour for your family/friends/ partner (DATE) - gather info from the tourist office and then give them guided walking tour!

3. Go geocaching. You don't have to exchange items in the box - you can just record the fact that you found it.

4. Read a book - one you bought a while ago or even better one from the Library.
Have a Book club night or just reading aloud for fun.

5. Have a boardgames night.

6. Play card games.

7. concert night - eveyone plans an item to show off their talents.

8. Do your own Pantomime at home:

9. Get creative - do a recycling craft.

10. Make an event of baking or cooking together.

11. Have a lazy pajama day. No housework.

12. Video/DVD marathon - watch 3-6 or more DVD's after each other. You can re-watch ones you have, borrow from the library or friends.

13. Indoor games like Bowling (making your indoor alley), table tennis/snooker (if you have that equipment.

14. Organise your photo albums.

15. Do clear-out of clothes cupboards or stationary draw or CD/DVD's. You will be amazed at what you may find.

16. Read some blogs or internet articles.

17. Play free online games on facebook etc.......

18. Go window shopping (that means you look but you don't buy :) )

19. make ATC - artist trading cards, or make your own christmas/birthday cards in advance - recycle old cards etc.....

20. Have a pamper day - do self-one or friends/ family - do each other hair, feet, hands etc...... Don't have beauty products see what you can use that is already in your kitchen like a banana mask, a milk bath, eggs for face or hair.

21. Make or colour in mandala.

22. Go on a hike.

23. Exercise at home - with a DVD or free online stuff on You Tube etc.

24. Learn a new language.

25. Learn a knew craft /skill - like changing a car tire or sewing or scrapbooking. Learn from a family member/friend/DIY books/DVD's

26. Sunbathe - if the weather allows.

27. Start writing that book or poem you always plan to do. Family Soltaire may help the process along ie. choose a spot the house or park and spend 30min to 1 hr jsut listening/writing/drawing.

28. Start a journal/blog

29. Write a letter.

30. Try a new hairstyle - or be brave and cut your own hair.

31. Look for and contact old friends via facebook/Skype/telephone.

32. Visit a new church/religious centre. It could be a really interesting experience.

33. Volunteer for a river/park clean up.

34. Walk the dog - if you don't have one offer to walk a neigbours'/friend's one.

35. Make a dream/vision collage.

36. Plan your week.

37. Family meeting to create mission statement.

38. Show & Tell

39. Picnic Day - In Winter/bad weather have an indoor picnic.

40. Set up the tent in your back yard or if live in a flat put it up in your lounge - just for the fun of it (could be romantic).

41. Collect sea shells/leaves/stones

42. Make your own potpourri or bath salts

43. Build a puzzle - you could frame it afterwards.

44. Boost your brain power by doing crossword puzzles or soduku

45. Go swimming - beach, public pool, checkout for free swimming passes if you don't have one in your backyard.

46. Do some gardening.

47. Start a compost bin.

48. Do the important paper work you have been putting off like your will /taxes/budget.

49. Have a drumming session - you can make your own drums using recycled material.

50. Try out meditating / yoga

51. Have a clothes exchange party with friends.

52. CSI / other game you have not played for ages - make an event of it - have bring & braai /potluck party.

53. Make gifts in advance for birthdays/thank you's or Christmas.

54. Plan your next holiday.

55. Play with some kids - your own, your friends or family's kids - hide and seek or take them to the park.

56. ride a bicycle or learn to ride one.

57. Photography Day - play around with your camera and computer software.

58. Become a tourist in your own town/city. Check online for free activities in your area eg. Tourist website or Community Website. I have found free walking tours and museum tours that sometime even include refreshments!

59. Discover new music by listening to Last FM or exploring You Tube.

60. Have a No-TV or no-digital stuff weekend.

61. Take time to sew the button or hole in your clothes.

62. Do some household maintenance.

63. Write a shopping list /menu plan for the new week.

64. Cook meals to freeze.

65. Make your own bread - fun and brings a great smell into the house.

66. Learn to dance or learn a new dance. You don't always need a partner.

67. Have a weekend Detox.

68. Learn something new about your computer - eg. try out a program you have used like excel or powerpoint or explore linux or other free software.

69. Listen to music. To add extra spice do dedications or play DJ.

70. Rearrange the furniture in one of your rooms.

71. Write a list of 100. On any issue. Interesting to compare with others.

72. Join a group in the community or online.

73. Go Birdwatching.

74. Do your own Stargazing.

75. Take time to cut up coupon or go on price-compare websites.

76. Make a family recipe book - you could even take photos of your finished products.

77. Make a family Newsletter / paper.

78. Research a topic.

79. Have an official family meeting to plan your next Money free Weekend.

80. Exchange a house/apartment with friend or family member for the weekend.

81. Do a garage sale.

82. Go Puddle Hunting.

83. Blow Bubbles - even better make your own - having a bubble photo shoot.

84. Challenge yourselves to complete 5,10km walk or cycle a specific area.

85. Watch the sunrise and the sunset.

86. Browse through a bookstore. When my kid was little it felt like a nightmare but it soon paid off and she wanted to be like mummy and daddy.

87. Colour in a whole colouring book.

88. Go to a free museum.

89. Soak up the culture in an Art gallery

90. Have a themed weekend - to activities around the 60's - watch movies, listen to music, you can download quiz questions from the internet etc......

91. Play chess or learn to play it. Have a chess tournament.

92. Make your own indoor or outdoor labyrinth from stones you collected or tins/glass jars/paper bags with candles in them. Choose a design together, build it and then walk it.

93. Give your parents/children breakfast in bed.

94. Go feed the ducks in the park.

95. Have an upside down dinner - dessert, then main course, then starter.

96. Have a traveling dinner with friends - eat one course at the one person's house/apartment then walk to drive to the next person etc......
only use what you have already - do it like a potluck.

97. Build a snowman or sand castles or make mud pies.

98. Look around for free cheese, wine or chocolate tasting events or shops.

99. Make a family time capsule

100. have a family meeting to make another 100 more or less ideas of they would like to do on money free weekends

Paris Doors and Windows

Open door of a French Bar in Paris


One of the doors of the Louvre



French Resturant Toilet door and window - LOL.
The Dames reminded of Afrikaans. Its the same spelling of the word for Ladies in Afrikaans.

To see more Windows and Door or to participate go to:

http://windowviews2.blogspot.com/

Soft

HEADs OR TAILS

HEADS: SOFT


SOFT

cool, cushy, cozy, creamy, comfy
the feeling of being homey
SALF

SOFT

affectionate, kind, gracious
the type of behaviour is infectious
SALF

My first attempt at concrete poem I am entitling it: I by SALF

Fun site that helps you create your concrete poetry : http://www.wild-about-woods.org.uk/elearning/concretepoetry/

Concrete poetry

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Concrete poetry, pattern poetry or shape poetry is poetry in which the typographical arrangement of words is as important in conveying the intended effect as the conventional elements of the poem, such as meaning of words, rhythm, rhyme and so on.

It is sometimes referred to as visual poetry; a term that has evolved to have distinct meaning of its own, because the words themselves form a picture. This can be called imagery because you use your senses to figure out what the words mean.

Free WORD Association

http://subliminal.lunanina.com/

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Marathon : Pietermarizburg to Durban Comrades, Bruce Fordyce
   
2. Debt :: Collector
   
3. Turn :: aside
   
4. Image :: portrayed
   
5. Sofa :: relax, read, lounge
   
6. Envelope :: letters, writing, friends, swap-bot
   
7. Cart :: wheels, Horse & cart, Cart-blanche
   
8. Process :: ongoing, patience
   
9. Question :: Answer
   
10. Rumor :: not necessarily true, be careful what you say and belief
    

Window View - Paris Part III

Bakery. French are well know for their breads.



Don't think I need say more - LOL



Louis Vuitton
French fashion house

Free Christmas Tour of Belfast Castle

I have booked for the 6 December to this tour and then to make Christmas wreaths at the Coin Glen Forest centre. Should be a fun day for the kids.


Christmas Tours

Saturday 5th December 2009—10.30am
Sunday 6th December 2009—10.30am
Saturday 12th December 2009—10.30am
Sunday 13th December 2009—10.30am
Monday 14th December 2009—7.30pm
Saturday 19th December 2009—10.30am
Sunday 20th December 2009—10.30am
Tuesday 22nd December 2009—7.30pm

Each FREE tour lasts approximately one hour with and will include an illustrated talk on the history of the castle and its development to the present day. The tour finishes with complementary tea, coffee and mince pies afterwards. To book a place on one of the tours please contact the reception at
Belfast Castle on 028 90776925

Update

I feeling a bit better. I am managing to get some task done.

The weekend was horrible, was getting concerned about dehydration because I couldn't even keep tea in my system for long. Spent most of the weekend either laying in bed or sitting in lounge looking miserable. Then yesterday I just had a surge of energy and I was unbelievable hungry tried to not over do things. I managed to do a basket of ironing and cooked supper.

This morning is so-so - didn't keep my breakfast down. But managed to drink a glass of water. The fogginess in head has lifted a bit. going to have a few people come in and out of the house today. The lounge and half the kitchen is tidy and that's about all I think I can manage maybe later I will iron.

Here's hoping for a good day!

More memories, less spending

Suffering

Argh I am feeling a bit hopeless today its been a bad few days and I finally have an answer to what's wrong with me but the prognosis is not that positive. Meniere's Disease.

The episodes are getting worse instead of better and I am wondering if I am not bringing them on because I am feeling stressed and guilty about it. Finding it hard to think rationally. And trying to to escape into a book or anything else does not quite work because the attacks get so bad I cannot even lay down and read.

Its so surreal.

Window View - Hall of Mirrors

Hall of Mirrors part of palace of Versailles, was constructed at the end of the 17th century with 17 mirrors opposite 17 windows, and lit by glass chandeliers.



It was difficult to capture the view and exclude all the people but I tried.


Imagine dancing in this room it must have been glorious.

These are window views taken from the Kings Apartment just before entering the Hall of Mirrors.






To see more window views http://windowviews2.blogspot.com/

Short note of reflection

It seems to be the time in my life when I start reflecting on what has been, what is and what may come.

I still feel a bit disorientated as if I have two starts to the year one in September and one in January. Some people that have moved from the Southern Hemisphere say that even after 20 years it still feels weird to them. Its amazing how something so simple can be unbalancing.

to be continued..................

Window Views from Paris Part II

http://windowviews2.blogspot.com/



The lights on the water is actually a reflection of the lights inside the Eiffel Tower room



Views through the the Eiffel Tower Windows



Lunch at McDonalds - next to the Louvre.
My friend Ruth and her daughter Lydia - can you see me - I am the one with the camera - LOL.

Windows of the Louvre

Window Views 1 from Paris

Countries/Places and Ideas

Swap Coordinator:Virou

What's the first thing you think when you think about France, or Japan, or Colombia?

Here's a list of States/Countries of the world: for each one, you have to write a list of words (at least three) that remind you of that Country. For example: France --> Eiffel Tower, fois gras, Sarkozy, Mont Saint Michel, champagne...

• Afghanistan - The Taliban, Dry, War, Mainly Islamic population.

Interesting Fact:
"Many of the famous Persian poets of the tenth to fifteenth centuries stem from Khorasan where is now known as Afghanistan. They were mostly also scholars in many disciplines like languages, natural sciences, medicine, religion and astronomy."

• Argentina - Soccer, Maradona, World Cup
  
• Australia - Kangaroo's, Sydney, Koala Bears
  
• Austria- Prussian Dynasty, Bismark, World War I
• Brazil - Sun, Fun, dancing, Festivals
  
• California - Beaches, Beverly Hills, Movies
  
• Cameroon - Caused an upset at the World Cup soccer, African country, Colourful
  
• China - Lots of people, Great Wall, rice
  
• Cuba - cigars, Havana, Boxing
  
• Denmark - Hans Christian Anderson, Michael Learns to Rock, Butter cookies
  
• Egypt - Spinx, Bible stories of Joseph etc..., The river Nile
  
• Ethiopia - poverty, coffee, the saying many mothers use "Finish your food, don't you know there are starving children in Ethiopia"

Ethiopia's coffee ceremony is an integral part of their social and cultural life. An invitation to attend a coffee ceremony is considered a mark of friendship or respect and is an excellent example of Ethiopian hospitality.

• Finland - Sauna and ice swimming, Mika Hakkinen (Formula 1 World Champion),Kimi Raikonen (the Iceman from Finland -Formula One)
• 
  
• 
  
  
• France - Eiffel Tower, Love - Je taime, River Sein
  
• Germany - War, World Cup Soccer Champions, Berlin Wall, Precision, Micael Schumacher, Beer Gardens
• Greece - White and Blue houses, Mamma Mia, Mythology, Olympics
  
• Haiti - French speaking, Haitian Vodou, the Haitian in the series Heroes
  
• India - Ghandi, Ganges, British Occupation, Tea plantations, Cricket, Curry, roti and Breyani 9my favourite food)
  
• Ireland - Rain/green landscapes, St Patrick, Irish Coffee, Great music groups like Cranberries, U2, Enya, The Corrs, Boyzone etc.
  
• Italy - Pisa, Pizza, Pasta
• 
• Jamaica - Rum, Vibrancy, Cool Runnings, Bob sleigh, beaches
  
• Japan - large economy, WWII, Hiroshima and nagaski Atomic bombings, Red, the Sun
  
• Madagascar - the movie LOL,
  
• Maine - Seafood, Moose, Blueberries, Pine trees, rugged coastline
  
• Mexico - spicy food,
  
• Morocco - Belly dance, Diverse culture and food influences part of Europe and part of Africa
  
• Netherlands - Holland's red light district, Dikes, Windmills, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, clogs and Tulips
• 
• New York - Fred Astaire , Broadway, Statue of Liberty, Central park, Sex & City, Twin Towers, Time Square
  
• Romania - Moldavi, Dracula, Common Joke: Where are you going this holiday? To remain here.
• Russia - Ballet, Csar, Communism, Stalin, Kremlin, Anastia
  
• Spain - Bull Fighting, The line from the movie My Fair lady "The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain",
  
• Texas - Lance Armstrong, Dallas Cowboys, Stetson, Oil
• Turkey - Belly Dancing, Coffee, Turkish Delight (Sweet)

• Ukraine - was part of the Soviet Union, Joseph Conrad, Milla Jovovich
• United Kingdom - Colonisation, The Pound, Big Ben, Princess Diana, underground
  
• Vatican City - Rome, Catholic, the Pope

Off to France

A dream come true.

I leave for Paris this afternoon. I am sooooooooooooooooooo excited.
Be back very late Tuesday night.
Hopefully have tons of photos to share.

I will turn 34 years old this weekend. Going to the Palace of Versailles on my birthday.
Unbelievable. It is finally happening.

Sunday Mutterings

Hosted by Luna Nina

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. My treat :: I will pay
   
2. Bell :: flowers, ringing
   
3. Five :: O clock - tea
   
4. You’re crazy! :: No way
   
5. Disgust :: what is disgusting for some is not for others. be careful how you use the word, lest you offend.
   
6. Tempest :: Storm
   
7. Bummer :: too bad
   
8. Brim :: Spectacles, full glass
   
9. Hose :: nuisance
   
10. Lollipop :: Song ,
    

You say.... I say....

Hosted by Luna Nina

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Yacht :: rich and priviledged
   
2. Paula :: Abdul (the singer)
   
3. Delete :: computer button
   
4. Auto :: matic, mechanic
   
5. Obsolete :: computer parts
   
6. Dedicated :: committed
   
7. Old :: School (a way of thinking)
   
8. Convince :: win me over
   
9. Poster :: Child (an example or representative of a cause)
   
10. Erase :: rubber, thank goodness this can be done because we all make mistakes
    

What kind of egg are you?

I so love eating omelettes not quite sure that I am really one

You Are an Omelette

You are an outrageous and bold person. You enjoy taking risks, even if you end up falling flat on your face. You are very open to the world, and you love to mash up the different things you love. You leap before you look, and you try to leap as often as you can. You believe in embracing opportunities. You are a fascinating and colorful. You've lived an interesting life, and you have lots of stories to tell.

What Kind of Eggs Are You?

Blogthings: Quizzes and Tests and Memes, Oh My!

Photograph

Taken by Claudelle Bender

Can you believe that is my daughter! Do sometimes look at your kids and think are they really mine, they are sooooo beautiful.
She was about 4 or 5 years old when this photo was taken and it was after she had a good cry about something.

ww from Galway

Photos taken at two different churches just outside of Galway earlier this year.

I need to get out and take more photographs. Get some new material.

http://windowviews2.blogspot.com/

WW-Swan Lake

HEADS - "Book"

HEADS - "Book"

You Are Fantasy / Sci Fi

You have an amazing imagination, and in your mind, all things are possible. You are open minded, and you find the future exciting. You crave novelty and progress. Compared to most people, you are quirky and even a bit eccentric. You have some wacky ideas. And while you may be a bit off the wall, there's no denying how insightful and creative you are.

What Kind of Book Are You?

The First Rule of Blogthings Is: You Don't Talk About Blogthings

mmmmm Interesting I don't read sci-fi Books and it took a while but i can say I am into sci-fi movies and series, really like the relationship element to it. Not sure how eccentric I really am but otherwise I would say that the description is very accurate.

Talking Becoming Prayer

Spirit of hope, healing, delivering peace,

awaiting the faint breathe to grace my skin

coaxing me, to sit, be in your presence

You call me to be still, to tell you my cares

my strife, my pressing worries

tentatively, at first, I begin to speak

all my frustrations tumble out

You encourage my faith

to share the bigger issues

a passing fear has been dismissed

I remember I am able to tell you everything

Lord God, you remind me you will always listen

so long as I have time to talk.

---

by Sue Holt

To read more of her work : click here

Let me out, Let me out

These photos was taken at Castle Espie Wetland Centre is set on the shores of the stunning Strangford Lough. Its in a hut that is still been built. This will become a birdwatching hide.







MEME:
Window Views
http://windowviews2.blogspot.com/

"Wordless" Photo?

Way of Poetry

My way –
no-one on the road
and it’s autumn, getting dark

His "Way of Poetry," the path he had chosen for his life, was an absolute commitment to seeking religious enlightenment through working at haiku, and he wanted his disciples to understand that the finest form of it had a spirit of "lightness."

Basho died over 300 years ago, on the road, in a remote part of the country, in autumn. He lay ill with stomach pains for several days, and his admirers came from far and wide to see him. One of his disciples took down his last poem, which in Japanese tradition is important as the "death poem."

Ill on my journey –
dreams roam
parched moors

Click here for more about Basho and learning Haiku

Which Way?

Looking within
Searching
Getting lost
Stumbling around

Abandoning the search
Pretending
Hanging to the façade
Reaching out

Deep within
and
Beyond heavens
Nothing is illuminating the path

The Search continues
I beat my own way
I will not stop
I will not give up
I will continue along ways
that are known and unknown
that are scary
that are exciting .........

Simone (SALF)
2009

Living Green Fair

Had a great day out yesterday at Castle Epsie. We did paper making, helped with the builidng of a reed Elk, make dens with sticks, ate organic cookies......
I did a movement workshop and Christine watched a demonstration on making a Pheasant stew.
The kids got mendi hand art and did fruit & veg painting.
We walked through an Art gallery, various stalls and had drinks over looking the lake.
It was a beautiful sunny day and we actually had a picnic!!
Ended the day listing to harp recital.
Before we got to the car the girls got themselves full of mud!!
It was excellent - just what my spirits needed.

Blogging

Cool Window View

We drove almost 2hrs to take my daughter to see snow for the first time, Western Cape - South Africa. This is our car snow man.

Way

Heads or Tails

HEADS - "Way"
*OR*
TAILS - "Rhymes With Way"

Rhymezone.com lists 716 rhymes with way. Check it out.