All is well!

It's me again. 

Bobbing back and forth. 

Determined to get back into the swing of writing something interesting but continually getting distracted.

And I'm sure you know what with.

(Did I mention we have an allotment?)

So here, in a five minute nutshell, is what I've been up to.

Other things have been afoot of course.

There's a blanket in the making.

And a hat.

A tunic is being stitched.

And of course plenty of pickling and jamming.

And soon, very soon, I will get around to sharing.

Meanwhile I'm still here. 

Still enjoying popping over to your place and seeing what you've been up to.

Just keeping a little bit quiet. 

Which is not like me at all!

But all is well.

And I hope you are too!

Jane

xxx

Thank you - I did it!

I can't possibly thank all of you enough for the incredible amount of support I received on my last post. You may have noticed I haven't been here - I've simply been 'hunkering down' and dealing with one thing at a time. But last Monday - the event that had sparked off such anxiety - took place. 

And I was there!

My gorgeous eldest daughter graduated from King's College in London and I actually made the train journey there and back to attend the ceremony. I knew that if I hadn't gone the guilt would have been almost unbearable, and perhaps it was this that actually spurred me into taking some action. 

So - how did I do it?

I had hypnotherapy.

A colleague of my husband had recommended a very well known hypnotherapist who had helped her quit a thirty year smoking habit. And he lived locally. 

Worth a try? 

I remember saying on my very first session that I would be amazed if it actually worked! But he immediately made me feel as though I wasn't alone, and had complete faith in the fact that my issue was reversible. Through various relaxation and visualisation exercises he handed me the 'tools' to deal with my phobia. Instead of that dreadful feeling of 'fight or flight' I was able to utilise these to minimise it. This handed me back control - and with this confidence - which I was able to summon as needed. There were a couple of times during the day where I did need them - and they worked. My husband didn't even realise I was feeling anxious! Now I know that I can do this I know that I can do it again! It's a bit like setting out on a long bike ride without a puncture repair kit - wouldn't you feel better knowing that you had one just in case?!

There was no magic wand. Every night I squirrelled myself away and practised my visualisation. I can't tell you how much I would recommend this - whether you have a particular anxiety or not it was wonderfully relaxing and, like anything, became easier with practice. 

I still have worries about staying away overnight - that is my next 'challenge' if you like - but now I know that I have achieved something I had previously thought impossible, I am willing to accept it can happen. 

So - my advice to you? Please never feel that your fear is 'silly'. No matter what it is that makes you anxious it is very real to you. Speak to others. The amount of support and advice that you gave me here showed that people do understand, and that there are so many different ways of tackling an issue.

I  apologise that I have not managed to get around to replying to all of your comments but I had no idea how this story would end. As it is it hasn't ended. In fact it's begun a whole new chapter. And it looks brighter than it has done for a very long time!

Thank you!

Jane

xxx

I'm still here - it's just that I'm over there!

Truth is I've been distracted. 

Completely and utterly distracted. 

And for the last few weeks I've been spending the majority of my spare time over at the allotment. 

I know. 

I've kept it very quiet! 

I don't want to bore you with all of the details but if you do want to pop over and take a peek you can see me here.

Meanwhile I've been enjoying my own garden. 

What a fantastic time of year it is out there. 

So here's a few of my favourites.

Meanwhile I'm off to don a wet suit and lash some poles together ....

Hope you are enjoying the flowers wherever you are.

Jane

xxx

(All will be revealed soon!)

Allotment Update!

The evenings have been too lovely to stay indoors so we've been creating mischief at the plot!

What's going up in your garden?

Jane

xxx

Begone evil feed!

If you've ever been in the position of receiving unsolicited feed read on!

When I first started blogging I was in the excited blur of discovering new people, influences and friends. I signed up to follow many of those that interested me and have received regular updates ever since via my blogger feed.

However several months ago I noticed that one of the blogs had changed beyond recognition. The blog name had stayed the same but the language had most definitely changed - both literally and figuratively. Although I am not fluent in Spanish it was apparent - from the preview pane alone - that the contents were undeniably pornographic. Some words need no translation. I responded to this 'invasion' by never clicking on the link and hoping that if I showed no interest it would eventually 'go away'.

However tonight when I was bombarded with twelve simultaneous feeds from the same link I decided enough was enough. After much trawling of the web and various help centres I found out just how to get rid of this insidious connection. I only know how to do this in Blogger but hopefully it might help some of you in the same position.

The first thing you need to do is to click your My Blogs section. This will then display the reading list of all the blogs that you follow on the left hand side of your screen.

To the right of where it says 'All blogs' there is a gear symbol. Click on this to manage your settings. The screen will then change to something more like this. It might take a while so be patient.

(So sorry about the quality of these pictures - the only way I could find to upload them was to take photos of the screen)

Find the offending blog and click on the settings option on the right hand side of the screen.

Again this can sometimes take time - I had to right click and open link in a new tab.

This should then take you to a link page which will ask if you wish to continue following this blog. This is your chance.

Click stop following and give yourself a pat on the back. You've done it. Not only should you have banished the blog forever but you should also have got rid of any previous posts. Freedom!

I hope this has been able to help some of you.

It's nearly Spring!!!

Jane

xxx

Curtailed greetings

Curtailed on account that some time this afternoon was set aside for a post - albeit a short one - about our preparations for the big day. Then in true festive spirit some old friends dropped by. Then in even truer festive spirit out came the Christmas sherry and to be honest - well - hic - best laid plans .....

Here's hoping that you will all find a little peace and joy this Christmas.

See you on the other side.

Jane

xxx

Hidden Treasures

I think it's only fair to warn you about this post. Mr K has recently treated me to a new camera and today was it's first outing. Needless to say I was particularly snap happy so if you fancy some eye candy (where on earth did that phrase come from?) rather than my customary poignant and inspiring writings (!) go ahead. 

Just saying.

Some time ago I wrote about Leek - a nearby market town with a wealth of history set among beautiful Staffordshire scenery. So when they advertised a Dickensian market Mr K and I thought it would be the perfect way to celebrate the start of the Christmas holidays. The weather was predicted to be fine and bright but - as we drove across in heavy sleet and rain - my expectations were considerably lowered. The market was still on but the weather had obviously taken it's toll. Some treasures still caught my eye however.

Sadly the rain was coming down too hard to have a proper mooch so we quick stepped it around the wild mallards to the indoor market.

Fortunately the nativity scene was under shelter.

And at last we felt a touch of Christmas past.

Although this little chap had clearly had enough!

Not sure what was going on outside Boots but it was all very jolly.

In a valiant effort to keep warm and dry we ducked into places hitherto unexplored.

Friends from my knitting group have often mentioned the store Bibelot and  I expected it to be a small town style wool shop. 

How wrong I was!

As we entered Mr K immediately recognised the proprietors as two of his old students. As he was waxing lyrical about the 'old days' I decided to have a peek upstairs. 

Look what I found.

And although I like Cath Kidston to a degree I couldn't help but be bowled over by this display of loveliness.

It just carried on.

Where to look? What to do? Where to buy? I was actually so totally phased by the amount of stuff in there that I came away with nothing - apart the firmest of intentions to attend one of their friendly craft courses in the New Year.

Next stop was a cafe called Spout. 

We were immediately greeted by young friendly staff and invited to choose from a fantastic range of goodies from the menu. Settling for the simple teacake option (!) we explored the rest of the rather large, rather quirky, rather beautiful old building.

Even the toilet had a distinct personality!

Upstairs there was a fantastically well stocked ale store called The Bottle Lab.

Needless to say quite some time was spent in perusal mode.

By the time we left it was dark.The way home across the moors and hills was speckled with fairy lights of various  colours, shapes and sizes - notably one that was in the shape of a bus. 

Who knows? 

Looking back the weather did us a favour. We explored indoors rather than out and in doing so were treated with a wealth of treasures.

And of course we couldn't resist bringing this little chap home.

Hope you are keeping warm and well.

Jane

xxx

Draw nearer ...

It must be the time of year. But for me the changing colours, abundance of mists, smell of woodsmoke and 'nip in the air' go hand in hand with the telling of tales. 

As I've already mentioned my post last year correlated almost exactly with the one this year in which  spooky tales abound. 

And when I threw down the gauntlet to the rest of you I wasn't sure what to expect. 
But as ever my fears were unfounded as you have provided me with so much to 'consider'!

So now it's time. 

Draw up a chair. 

Turn off your phone. 

And read ...

The first comment to my post had the hairs on my neck standing on end. It came from Angel  Jem.

Lacock Abbey. And a cold hand on the shoulder .....

Others agreed. It's not somewhere I know, but in those few words Angel Jem has summoned up a terrifying atmosphere.

Irene hints at strange goings on with this comment.

I have had a few spooky/weird things going shortly after my Father died. Clocks chiming, blinds going up and down and strange sensations in the house. Thankfully all is quiet now.

How many of you can empathise with that?

Pam tells us of a strange everyday experience that she had.

My husband went upstairs to use the bathroom while tea was cooking. I was in the dining room. I felt someone go past the dining room door so I went into the kitchen to ask hubby if tea was ready. But he wasn't there. So who went past the door?

Say no more.

Melody relates a story she shared with her mother.

Happened many years ago. My Mum and I were at her Aunt's big, old house cleaning (Aunt was in the Hospital) ~ we were the only ones there. The house had two set of stairs, the main stairs ~ and the back stairs that lead from what would have been the "maid's quarters" in times gone by, directly to the kitchen. I was in the kitchen, on hands and knees cleaning the stove. I heard Mum walk down the entire wooden stair case, and then stop at the closed door. So I got up, figuring she must have had her hands full, to open the door. I did, but she wasn't there. I was confused, so I went up the stairs to find her?? She was in the bathroom, cleaning the tub on her hands and knees.. with the water running. Yup, true story. ~ and my only personal encounter with restless spirits. 

Mum spend a lot of time in the house growing up... and always heard people walking around, stairs creaking from feet, and closing doors. It seems who ever lived there before just couldn't bear to leave?

Linnet in Oriel provides us with a tale that has become family legend.

My Granny used to tell me a story that her Granny used to tell. Great Great Granny Margaret had a little son named Hughie. One day she noticed that something was up with the little fella and asked what was wrong. Oh dear, he said, but I am going away, some where far and very cold. Poor Hughie died within the year and they said that when his mother was nearing death she swore that young Hugh never left the end of her bed....

For more detailed stories you wont be disappointed if you visit Wendy over at September Violets. Her story is not only fascinating but features the most wonderful photography - with an unexpected twist at the end!

Mrs Black also thrills us with an experience that she stumbled over after taking a different turn in the road. Just be careful when driving in the rain!

Frances over in New York shows us just how Hallowe'en is celebrated over in the Big Apple with fantastic pictures from her neighbourhood.

So what about you?

Does this time of year make you look sideways - instead of straight ahead? 

If nothing else this goes to show that the age old tradition of story telling is alive and well. 

And maybe closer than you think.

Jane

xxx

Apologies .....

This weekend sees the second ever Yarndale event over in the beautiful town of Skipton. I was so hoping to attend and meet up with some fellow bloggers, but I'm afraid life's events have taken over at the moment and I can't guarantee that I'll be able to make it. 

Without going into too much detail we have a very poorly dog and her future looks a little uncertain. She might rally and, by Saturday, be bright as a button but I do feel I should be with her just in case. Several of you had expressed an interest in meeting and I apologise again for not contacting you personally, but I can't get hold of everyone's email. 

It would be lovely if you could still meet - 1pm at the main entrance - and pop some photographs on your blogs for the rest of us to see! 

I'm crossing everything that I might still be able to make it but the 'ifs' and 'whens' are unclear.

So once again I apologise. I don't like to let people down but sometimes it's unavoidable.

Thank you so much for understanding.

Jane

xxx

Reflecting...

If you've been around here for a while you may have noticed that each time May comes around I get quite excited (see here). On the flip side of that September makes me wistful. Not wistful in a melancholic way but reflective about the changing of the seasons. I suppose it's partly the goodbye to the long days of Summer and all that entails - garden in full bloom, school holidays and family time - but also about what is to come.

This week has been 'back to school' for me, college for Little Sis and Mr K, and the beginning of Big Sis's last year of university (LAST YEAR! How did that happen? It doesn't seem two minutes since I was sending off Squinty the Smelly Owl!) 

Gone are the long mornings of coffee and lazing around. Monday was straight back in to an 8am meeting about safeguarding and behaviour policies. It was a shock to the system to say the least but the early drive in gave a clear indication of Autumn approaching. The sun was still low but the mist looked almost luminous as it hung over the fields. Already there is a 'nip' in the air and that will soon be followed by the smell of woodsmoke from the boats on the canal. We've lit our fire a couple of times, snuggling down on the sofa with candles and a good film. Some people are even talking about Christmas. CHRISTMAS - now that is rushing forward a bit!

As ever the clearest indication of change can be found in the garden.

The geraniums that have cheered us with their blousy heads are becoming sparse.

Hydrangeas are drying on their stems, ready to be collected and sprayed for a Winter display.

And the verdant green of summer is taking on richer tones.

 The dog roses are producing their first flush of hips.

And our young apple tree is groaning under the weight of its fruits.

The birds are already enjoying our tayberries.

And the ivy is producing its own fruits - ready to fatten up the wood pigeons as the temperature drops.

But even as some flowers are way past their best ...

... there are still some stunners!

I love that nature does this. To our eyes the garden is now coming to an end but it is quietly continuing to provide for the local wildlife - a symbiotic relationship that never fails to both  intrigue and delight me!

Last night I went for my Wednesday evening walk with my dear friend Jane (yes another one - we're everywhere!) We met at seven thirty and intended to do a three mile loop along the canal. By the time we were heading back to the car it was pitch black - the night had suddenly 'dropped' on us in that way that makes you realise 'okay - game's up! Next time either meet earlier or bring a torch!'

But in spite of the drawbacks I still love this time of year. I've already mentioned the candles and open fires but of course one of my personal pleasures is the return of the woolly jumper and the cardigan - I do love a good cardigan!

How do you feel? Do you enjoy the changes? Some of you of course will be welcoming Spring and seeing everything kick back in to action. What would you prefer - a continuous season where temperature and daylight hours remained the same throughout - or the transition of warmth to cold, long days to short?

Whilst you are pondering I'll leave you with a picture of our cheery bird feeder. I realise the word 'cheery' could just as well be replaced by 'terrifying' but the birds love him all the same.

Sending hugs

Jane

xxx

P.S. Yarndale is fast approaching so do get in touch if you want to meet up!