...water water everywhere!

Living in Northern Ireland we're used to rain...rain in the spring, summer, autumn and winter...but never rain like this!!
This week brought flooding to my local area - like I've never seen before! Today it feels more like November than June!! What's it like where you are?

Bye from a chilly Belfast....Mo

Work...Work...Work!

I haven't been here for a while. It's been particularly busy in work just now...a busy month and then a well deserved rest next month! Yeah!

We all struggle at times with stress at work...with no light at the end of the tunnel...with difficult people (and that's just me looking in a mirror!)..whatever ...but work can sometimes be too much!

Tuesday past a friend shared the words of a John O'Donohue blessing which I loved! A few of the lines are...

.....May you see in what you do the beauty of your own soul.
May the sacredness of your work bring healing, light and renewal to those who work with you and to those who see and receive your work.
May your work never weary you.
May it release within your wellsprings of refreshment,
inspiration and excitement.
May you be present in what you do.
May you never become lost in the bland absences.
May the day never burden....

Amazing! If only I could live those lines at work...I want to try at least! Blessings to you ...

...my imaginary dinner party..

In another blog recently..they were putting together some guests they would invite (living or dead) to a dinner party and it got me thinking who I would invite...so far I'd definitely have...

Betty MacDonald..

Author of only 4 books..The first being The Egg and I...humorous account of her life on a remote, run-down chicken ranch in Washington's Olympia Mountains. I would love to have a chat to her!

Jim Croce...

...one of my favourite singers who died in a small commercial plane crash on September 20, 1973, one day before his third ABC album, I Got a Name was to be released.

Bette Davis...

...just because our book group is reading her life story just now and she sounds so amazing!

Norman Rockwell....

Rockwell is most famous for the cover illustrations of everyday life scenarios he created for The Saturday Evening Post magazine over more than four decades - would love to see him paint!

My great...great...great grandfather! - No photo for this - But I'd love to see what he looked like!!

Affection

“Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives.”
I love the word - AFFECTION...always have! I was sitting thinking of my family and friends during this week and thinking about the love and acceptance that surrounds me. I am a fortunate person...I know that! But there is something in the word affection that makes life worthwhile. Sometimes affection is very difficult to put into words...but we all know it when it comes. It's a fondness for another...an appreciation...it can be verbal or nonverbal...it can be a sympathetic ear..but whatever it is..it's special. I look around my friends each Tuesday evening when we get together for 'our meal' and I feel such affection for these people - how does that happen? We're all from different backgrounds...different jobs...different family situations...but there is a connection which is very, very special...an affection between us that goes beyond words. I'm one fortunate lady!

Have a special weekend....Mo

...my trusty little camera captured these...

...have a lovely weekend!

...I have a history!

...did I ever tell you I won a famly tree? Well actually...I won a family historical search from a local competition. This all happened nearly a year ago and I'd almost forgotten about it...until last week I received the results! I know know my great...great...great grandfather lived in Ballymena, Co Antrim and was born around 1805 - his name was Robert and my great, great grandfather was Thomas and he married Maria in May 1859 and my great grandfather was Alexander - born in 1877 - all farmers - I'm so excited! That's obviously were I get my work ethic from...I should really be in a field somewhere slogging away - but here I sit at my computer...slogging away!! HA! It does somehow give me a feeling of connectedness!

Hope all is well with you! Let me know...leave a wee comment!

...windows...

I visited Carrickfergus Castle at the weekend and it was beautiful...took a couple of photos which I thought I'd post. The weather made the castle look even more amazing. I love history ... always have and history at school was definitely a joy to me. There's just something about standing inside a building which has survived from 1177 which makes me feel safe and secure!!

Off the subject at little... but I read recently a lovely illustration of 'community'. It said 'the kind of community we envisage is best described as the windows of the building: they protect us from the elements, yet they also allow use to see other people and let in the light of their presence. We can see their needs and communicate with them; we can also open the door of the santuary, the door of our hears, and let them in. If our sanctuary has no windows, it will be a dark and gloomy place. So, like good builders, we need to balance out the need for windows and the need for strong walls. The strong walls of obedience need the windows of community to ensure that our santuary is bright and welcoming'

...finding sanctuary...

...if you long for a little bit of solitude in your busy life...read this lovely book. I'm going through each chapter with a group of my friends and looking forward to the conversations!
Check out the website as well...www.findingsanctuary.org

Have a blessed weekend!

...here's looking at you kid!

Do you ever think that you’re the only person that thinks like you? I sometimes find it a real comfort to find a person I just ‘click’ with. Someone who isn’t afraid to trust…to be brave in their vulnerability. Now…I’m not for one minute saying I’m like that all the time…but I try. I try to be as real with friends and family and work colleagues and new people…so that ‘what they see…is what they get’. What’s the point in being aloof…or shy and withdrawn…or excessively loud…or rude…when they’re just people like you. People who have joyful days…down days…busy days…just people trying to get along with other people who have joy, down and busy days too! I had written a little paragraph a while back on eyes…and how much they tell us about another person. Next time you’re chatting over coffee…or on the bus…or waiting in a doctor’s surgery…look and notice how their eyes mirror how they’re feeling. If you know a person really well…comment on it. It’s amazing when you say to someone …’your eyes are telling a story…feeling under pressure?…anything I can do to help?’.

...two of my favourite places...

Over the Easter break...I spent some time on a lovely pebbley (is that a real word?!) beach and some time in my tiny garden. I loved both places and wondered at the Creator's hand in it all.

A very sad time...

...as one of my 'blog friends' copes with the Virginia tragedy - living close to the campus and being an ex-student there. My thoughts and prayers are with all concerned.

Good old Jane!

...we seem to be Jane Austen crazy at the moment. Three new adaptations on television over the last month..'Being Jane' in the cinema and have just finished reading 'Jane Austen - A life' by Claire Tomalin ...which I really enjoyed. Romance is certainly not dead when Jane's around!

...oops...spotted a mistake!

..typing too fast...

...below should have read ... moments to 'just BE'!!

hope your Easter was special!

I had a lovely, restful time ...with some holy moments...moments of refreshment...moments with family and friends...moments to 'just being'. Hope you did too!

A good friend recently send me an email with these lines...

......'I was thinking that maybe, just maybe, we're expecting this world to keep a promise it was never designed to keep. What if...when we close are eyes in this world and open them in the next - when we feel His presence - His glory - His awesome love....it will be in that moment that we realize this is the reason we were created...to worship in His presence..we'll at last feel complete.
Only then will we realize that, that one perfect moment we waited our whole life will not last 60 seconds but will last forever!'.....

...beautiful words...

A friend has ended an email today with some short, but magnificent lines from the 13th century Persian poet, Rumi


If you ask me
'How did Jesus raise the dead?'
I will kiss you on the lips,
and say 'like this'.

...and the trade goes on....

...Many people find it hard to believe that slavery still exists. Whether it's bonded slavery with men, women and children toiling on plantations, in rice mills, brick kilns and many other industries; or, the deplorable and prevalent trade in humans to serve as sex slaves, slavery is flourishing in many parts of the world. It is still every bit as ugly as it was 200 years ago and it must end.


the passage above is taken from ....http://www.theamazingchange.com/



Carrying on Wilberforce's vision of mercy and justice, World Vision helps transform the lives of the world’s poorest children and families in nearly 100 countries, including the United States. Our non-profit work extends assistance to all people, regardless of their religious beliefs, gender, race, or ethnic background.
http://www.theamazingchange.com/worldvision.html

...it made me think...

A good friend of mine - Chris - shared this quote recently from Jean Vanier which I found very challenging.

To laugh is to risk appearing the fool
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental
To reach out is to risk involvement
To disclose feelings is to risk disclosing your true self
To place your dreams before the crowd is to risk their love
To live is to risk dying
To hope is to risk despair
To try is to risk failure
But the greatest hazard is to risk nothing
The one who risks nothing, does nothing and has
Nothing - and finally is nothing
They may avoid sufferings and sorrow,
But simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow or love
Only one who risks is free

Jean Vanier

...some more photos....

...Hello again!

I love the writings of the late Henri Nouwen and read a book that a friend had brought to one of the silent retreats I’ve been to recently…which said…

‘Perhaps the best definition of redeeming revelation is the uncovering of the truth that it is safe to love. The walls of our anxiety, our anguish, our narrowness are broken down and a wide endless horizon is show. We love because He first loved us. It’s safe to embrace in vulnerability because we both find ourselves in loving hands. It is safe to be available because someone told us that we stand on solid ground. It is safe to surrender because we will not fall into a dark pit but enter a welcoming home. It is safe to be weak because we are surrounded by a creative strength’.

…..I’ve re-read that paragraph so much lately and every time…I see another little sparkle!

….have a special weekend!

...a lovely St Patrick's Day

I was off work yesterday and it was lovely!
Went into town for breakfast...
Spent the afternoon swimming with my neice...
Went to the movies and for coffee in the evening...
a lovely day!

What did you do yesterday? Leave a wee comment and let me know!

...that's what friends are for...

I love Charlie Brown..and Snoopy cartoons and

on one occasion, Peppermint Patty said to Marcie: “I’d like to read this book, Marcie, but I’m kind of afraid. I had a grandfather who didn’t think much of reading.” She continued by saying, “He always said that if you read too many books, your head would fall off.”
Marcie responds, “you start the first chapter, and I’ll hold onto your head!”

I love the idea that whatever my friends are doing...that they'll have someone to hold them up when they're feeling down!

...holiday memories!

...just came across some photos taken in Italy last summer - ahhhh - to be there right now...but at least I can dream!!

How to be miserable in 20 easy steps!

1. Use "I" as often as possible.
2. Always be sensitive to slights.
3. Be jealous and envious.
4. Think only about yourself.
5. Talk only about yourself.
6. Trust no one.
7. Never forget criticism.
8. Always expect to be appreciated.
9. Be suspicious
10. Listen greedily to what others say about you.
11. Always look for faults in others.
12. Shirk your duties if you can.
13. Do as little as possible for others.
14. Never forget a service you may have rendered.
15. Sulk if people are not grateful for your favors.
16. Insist on consideration and respect.
17. Demand agreement with your own views on everything.
18. Always look for a good time.
19. Love yourself first.
20. Be selfish at all times.

Spring has sprung...

..took these on my lunchtime - gorgeous or what!?

...another special chat...

...with a very special friend.

On paper - this friendship seems like it should never have survived! Differences in age, experience and background...but this lovely friendship is almost a decade old...and we treasure it every time we get together. We hadn't really anything planned for Saturday evening but we ended up eating (as usual!) and what a wonderful time we had. We talk about everything...work..family..books..movies..theatre..what makes us laugh and cry..our hopes and fears..faith..our childhoods..whatever comes to mind at that moment. It's cool to be totally yourself with someone...no masks...saying exactly what you're feeling without fear of judgement - what a gift!

So...in case you didn't know already...Thanks Mr P!

One more thing....

...something I read this week...

when we are real - a Lenten reflection -

Someone once said that to recognise the signs of God, pay attention to your stirrings. Look closely when you feel the swell of joy within, or the tightness as your throat closes up in sorrow. Live in that moment, poke around in its corners, and feel the texture of its walls. Sit with it for a while, long enough to sense the presence of God sitting with you.

Have a great weekend!

Oh dear! Let's try again! (Not too good at this photo thing!)

Just some photos...

from my newly purchased camera...

...try this!

...I love asking a young child 'what age do you think I am?' - I did this recently with a 7 year old from church...and he looked at me for a moment...tilted his head this way and that..smiled and said 'I think you're 24!' ... I love that child!!! Needless to say - even when I reverse the digits - I'm still older but it did make me smile.

My neice (11 years!) and I were attending an event at her school a few months back and I tried to get dressed a little more 'trendy' than usual. She arrived to take me and her eyes widened...she bite the inside of her lip and whispered 'Are you going to wear that?' I obviously saw something else when I looked in the mirror!!! Oh well...at least I have a nice personality!!

...let the reading begin...

I could never quite figure out the purpose of a book group … that is…until I joined one a year ago. Well …’joined’ is not really the word – we ‘formed’ one – six ladies – friends for ages and needing an excuse for a 6 weekly coffee and chat! What better a way to always have a diary date that to put it under the heading of a book group! Genius!

Actually it’s been fantastic to read books that I personally would have never thought of picking off the shelf. So far we’ve managed the following….

Never let me Go - Kazuo Ishiguro

The Secret Life of Bees – Sue Monk Kidd

Winter Queen - Boris Akunin

With their Backs to the World - Asne Seierstad

Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox - Maggie O'Farrell

The Blind Assassin - Margaret Atwood

Where they were missed – Lucy Caldwell (not finished reading this yet!)

….I hope we can keep this little gathering up this year…and if you’re not in a group right now…don’t wait to join an existing one – get one up and running yourself – people are just waiting to be asked!!

Happy reading….Mo

PS If you’ve any suggestions…let me know…as we’re always looking for new titles!

I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR!

...had a relaxing weekend doing absolutely nothing! Well...not exactly nothing...but almost nothing...ahhh - we all need some weekends like that! There's something about a crisp spring-like day that puts a smile on my face...hope all is well with you! Let me know!



PS...this is not my garden - wish it was!

Oh..I loved these poems....

my friend just emailed this link and I just love these...

Poems: "Essential" and "Employed" by Beverly Rollwagen,
from She Just Wants.
© Nodin Press.

Essential

She just wants to keep her essential
sorrow. Everyone wants her to
be happy all the time, but she doesn't
want that for them. There is value in
the thread of sadness in each person.
The sobbing child on an airplane, the
unhappy woman waiting by the phone,
a man staring out the window past his
wife. A violin plays through all of them,
one long note held at the beginning and
the end.



Employed

She just wants to be employed
for eight hours a day. She is not
interested in a career; she wants a job
with a paycheck and free parking. She
does not want to carry a briefcase filled
with important papers to read after
dinner; she does not want to return
phone calls. When she gets home, she
wants to kick off her shoes and waltz
around her kitchen singing, "I am a piece
of work."

REMEMBER....

Friends....books....coffee...these are a few of my favourite things!

I've had the lovely pleasure of sitting chatting - over coffee of course! - with a few very close friends in the past couple of weeks and they just do not know what it means to me! These people make me feel good ... that's the only way I can really describe it. We discuss small things - the weather...books...movies...food ...we discuss big things like work...friendship....family...and we ponder the issues that some people never get around to - like feelings...fears...realness! I also appreciate those friends I've made through this blog - they are the unseen friends who are there at the end of the email...'listening' to my problems and encouraging me with kind words. Thank you too!

It may have been Valentine's Day with no cards...but sometimes I feel more connected with others on a deep, meaningful level - than some of the married couples I know!

...thanks to all for their friendship and smiles!

...a strange little week...

...not going into a lot of details - but lots of work-related stress being dealt with .... feeling a little on the fragile side this past week. Today is slightly more relaxed and I'm now feeling 'on the up' again...yeah!

...silence is golden!

...Looking forward to a partial silent retreat from tomorrow evening! I will be having some quiet time this weekend...but I am also helping to prepare some of the Saturday meals..and I have to get instructions whispered to me!! I like this arrangement as I get the best of both worlds. The weather (so says the radio) will be calm and quite mild for Feb...lovely.

Had another thought provoking on Tues evening when our band of friends met for a meal and some chat. We had all decided to have a look at the feeding of the 5,000 and there were some lovely insights of the various people around the room. My thoughts always seem to come as questions! The two main questions I asked myself in the past week were 1. What/who 'feeds' me? 2. How do I 'feed' others? I may bring those with me on the weekend ahead and ponder them further.

Work has been busy...but a good busy! Stressful..but a good stressful and having spent a wee bit of time looking into the eyes of the nursery children...I feel blessed! They may not have the ability to communicate but oh...those eyes speak volumes!

blessings....MOJO

The beauty of creation....

Since getting my little (cheap) digital camera...I seem to be seeing beautiful spaces in my daily routine. I walk at lunch times around the local area where I work and I've been looking at trees...a pond with ducks...the sky...even local houses and shop fronts...with more interest than usual! I love this new way of looking at things - it's exciting! Unfortunately I can only post photos at a local library - the office computer won't let me ... for some unknown reason! I'll try to post a few sometime soon.

Hope all my friends in blogland are well...let me know!

Bye for now...MOJO

Why are we frightened?

Last Tues evening my little group of friends were discussing various topics...and I shared some questions with them that I've been asking myself recently. These are a group of people - some of whom I've known for years and yet still I hold back on 'being me'...why? So some of my questions to myself are..

...why do put people on pedestals?
...why do I let others intimidate me?
...why do I apologise for what I believe?
...why do hide behind a mask?
...why do I not trust people who will love me no matter what?
...why do I think my views are sometimes not worth putting across?

.....mmmm....still mulling these things over....

Be thou my Vision....

....I've always loved this hymn but especially the line...Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power...

and when I sing it...I always think of Glendalough in the South of Ireland ...close to place where I served on a mission team for year...ahhhh....wish I was there right now!

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;Naught be all else to me, save that Thou artThou my best Thought, by day or by night,Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
High King of heaven, my victory won,May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s Sun!Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

...for all the visitors to my blog...

...unfortunately I didn't pen this myself...but I loved the words and thought it would be nice to share it!

A happy week...

Well...as you can see from the picture...I finally figured out how I can combine my love of art and coffee!!! Needless to say...my New Year resolution of cutting down on coffee has failed miserably!!


I had a lovely week...Monday evening I invited a good friend round for coffee (see coffee again!!).. She has two little boys under 5 and is always on the go...so we spent a couple of hours...with soft lights...scented candles and Ella Fitzgerald playing the background. It's amazing how much you can share with another person in such a short space of time. Tuesday evening was spent with my group of amazing friends - unfortunately for them I was on the cooking rota (poor things!). I managed to rustle up a reasonable stir fry and crusty bread...someone else came with a dessert and someone else with the wine. Wednesday evening I saw my niece for a little while and Thursday I went to hear a wonderful speaker we'd seen this year at the Greenbelt Festival in Cheltenham. Last night...I did absolutely NOTHING!! Ahhhh....a good week...how was yours??





Until next time...

...frozen toes!

...my heating system at home hasn't been working for the past week so needless to say I've been a little chilly of late! I was lent an electric heater and sitting (like a granny!) with a woolen blanket round my knees whilst watching television! Thankfully the workman has now restored at least some of the radiators so I'm thawing out now.

Hope your New Year has started on a positive note. I'm feeling quite up at the moment. Lots of things happening both at work and socially. I'm really looking forward to starting some study on comtemplation with my Tuesday friends (10 friends who commit to meet each week for a lovely meal and a lovely time of sharing!).

I'm also thrilled to see a little bit of brightness return to the skys as I'm walking home from work these evenings. I'm really not a winter...dark nights...doors closed sort of person. Seeing Spring far off in the distance is like present waiting to be opened...the anticipation is there already!! I've also planted dozens of bulbs in my tiny garden and they've been poking their little heads out of their beds (flower beds that is!) and whispering 'I'm gonna get up soon!'...'can hardly wait!

Well...blessings for the remainder of the week folks! Bye for now.

Hi from a sunny Belfast!

I think I may have figured out this photo thing...let's see!

New Year...new look blog!

Hi all...hope your Christmas was special as you are! Into the New Year with gusto...with new challenges and new friends. Any resolutions? A couple of mine are to walk more...paint more...contemplate more...and try to drink less Americano coffee!!

I had a restful and happy time...now back to work and the holiday season seems a long way back! Still desperately trying to post photos...I can never see the icon on my blog to do this..although people in the past have tried to talk me through the process ...oh well - maybe one day I'll figure it out! I purchased a new digital camera and think I'm wonderful now because I've taken at least two nice shots!

Well...the filing on my desk is calling loud and clear and I've been ignoring it all day. Bye for now...MOJO

....have a peaceful time....

...at this special time of the year.

My prayer ....

May we balance our laughter with some moments of quietness...
May we talk to our Lord as much as we talk to our friends...
May we attend to ourselves as much as we attend to others...
May we think of those who are hungry when we ourselves feel full...
May we think of the lonely when we are surrounded by loved ones...
May the Lord of Light help you see the sunshine through the showers...
God bless
xmojo

Happy Monday!

...yes, you've guessed it...I'm in a good mood today!! I guess a lot has got to do with the weekend past. Actually it was lovely because it ended up not being a silent retreat for me after all! My friend who organises it was able to include me in the team of 'workers'. So I got a chance to see the 'behind the scenes' action. Lots of meal preparations, serving those on the retreat, clearing up, taking part in the times of reflection when we get to speak but they don't! It was a privilege and joy to do it. I did get to have some time in quiet...to read...and write and walk in THE most beautiful unspoilt countryside....ahhh...

This week in work will be clearing up all the yucky admin jobs I've left from the beginning of the month...you know the sort I mean...don't you!?

Hope all is well in blogland....keep in touch - bye for now...a happy little person....x

....Silence is golden...

....I'll be off to rural Ireland tomorrow (half day off work...yeah!) for my third silent retreat of the year. After a hectic few months - I am soooo looking forward to the solitude. Will catch up again next week...have a great weekend everyone!

....something about a meal....

...there's just something about sitting around a table of friends that really for me comes close to heaven! We gathered together last night before a friend travels to Canada for Christmas and we had a rare old time! Lots of lovely dishes...savoury and sweet...a lot of laughing....shining eyes as we all opened our 'secret santa' presents (where we pick a name out and buy for that person - of course - by the end of the evening everyone knew who had purchased what for whom!!). I was delighted with my lovely present - wrapped beautifully - containing candles...the most gorgeous Celtic style stone angel...a hand knitted autumny coloured scarf and a little book...Loved it all! We all looked about 6 years old as we were opening (I know it's a little early for Christmas!) our presents. It was a delight.

We then decided to have our 'Top 5' lists for the year - Top 5 books....cds....movies etc. I find it pretty hard to come up with my favourites....so much to choose from. I did love 'The Cloister Walk' a book by Kathleen Norris...really enjoy the music of Sufjan Stevens...local Belfast artist Duke Special...was challenged by 'The Constant Gardener' movie. How would your favourites of the year look I wonder...let me know!

Well...for now - blessings!

'appreciate your comments

...I know I shouldn't really need reassurance to continue my blogging now and then - but thanks to those who have encouraged me to keep going - despite my silly notions (I'm a girly deep down!). So onward and upward...here goes Thursday...

My boss is away to a meeting most of the day which leaves me free to get caught up with some stuff before Christmas break. But a few highlights of the week so far...

Got together with a group of friends the other night and we were discussing the issue of money and how we use it...think about it...how influenced people are to 'keep up with the guy next door'. A very frank and open sharing of those who have money...those who have less money...those who have none to speak of - looking at what that means within our little community. It's a subject that people keep private most the time...but it's been refreshing to chat about the possibilities.

Tonight I'm going to my little neice's school for a talent show...should be fun.

Met up with a lovely lady I used to work with for a cuppa - it's great to be able to pick up just where we left off over a year ago. Some people are so easy to talk to and you know that they listen intently and just know the right things to say.

Hope all is well with my blogger friends...do take care of you wee selves...and once again thanks for reading and responding...

bye for now.....Mojo

Mojo's Place

I'm holding back...

I feel that I'm holding back in this blog...and I guess deep down I know why. I started off thinking that I could be totally myself - reflecting on various subjects...perhaps using quotes I've found challenging...writing down my wandering thoughts... But more and more I feel that I edit what I type...maybe I shouldn't worry what people think of my blog...but I seem to. Maybe I find criticism difficult or when I am questioned about what I put on the screen. I don't want to justify what I write...I just want to write. Is it just me...am I being over sensitive (I know I can be!!). So maybe the challenge in this blog is to work through my 'writer's block' (or perhaps writer's blog!) and get back to being real to myself. MMMmmmm....I will return...I promise!

sorry so short!

...but just catching up with a lot of work stuff right now - a busy time of the year! Hope all is going well for you ... let me know!

Bye for now....Mojo

Things to say....

I have been quite alert this week...for some strange reason...mmm....let's hope it lasts. I've started lots of jobs I've been putting off for weeks and actually finished them which makes me feel a certain glow inside! But for those of you who - for reasons known only to yourselves - have felt a little tired at your desk...here are...


Things to say if Caught Sleeping in the Office!

" Why did you interrupt me? I had almost figured out a solution to our biggest problem."

"I wasn't sleeping! I was meditating on the mission statement “

"I was testing my keyboard for drool resistance."

"I was doing Yoga exercises to relieve work-related stress."

"This is just a 15 minute power-nap as described in that time management course you sent me."

" and bless the boss........Amen."

....take care and thanks so much for those who leave lovely comments - much appreciated!! Mojo

....children are amazing....

...they really are! I know a 3 year old who has mastered the English language...a 5 year old who can count to ten in French and an 11 year old who is as creative as any adult! These little ones don't limit themselves the way I do...they attack life with everything they've got - where did I get left behind? The children in my life (none are mine!) give me joy...laughter...worry...hugs...all manner of funny and thought provoking one liners which make me smile. Hope the little 'uns around you do the same!

I love these quotes...

There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million. ~Walt Streightiff

Little girls are cute and small only to adults. To one another they are not cute. They are life-sized. ~Margaret Atwood

Memo to me...

let's see...before the weekend I must....

- type reports for speech therapy
- complete toy order for nursery
- type up audio tape for clinic
- type up audio tape fro physio dept
- complete month's purchase order
- finish payroll check
- Open new children's files
- Update waiting list database
- Update current database
- Do mailing for coffee and chat morning
- Complete Clinic timetable
- Ring parents re. above
- Type reports for OT
- Send mailing about therapy info evening
- Get the kitchen light repaired
- Get the filing done (6 weeks worth!!)
...mmmm....we shall see!

Bye for now all

A windy weekend!

Did a little sponsored walk in aid of Children in Need (BBC) in driving rain over the weekend...it was so wet and windy but actually we enjoyed it! My little neice has raised money for the cause over the past 5 or 6 years by making keyrings, painting pictures, writing a wee story etc!

To day is crisp and clear blue sky is above me through the little window of my office...wish I was out for a long walk...roll on lunch time. I only get half an hour but I look forward to the little dander along the avenue or if I've some bread left over from lunch ...I'll walk to a local duck pond and usually also see two beautiful swans who eat everything!

I'm reading an Anthony de Mello book on Awareness and just loved the following...

Negative feelings are in you, not in reality. So stop tryin g to change reality. That's crazy! Stop trying to change the other person. We spend all our time and energy trying to change external circumstances, trying to change our spouses, our bosses, our friends, our enemies, and everyone else. We don't have to change anything. Negative feelings are in you. No person on earth has the power to make you unhappy. there is no event on earth that has the power to disturb you or hurt you. No event, condition, situation, or person.

Now...I'm not saying that I fully understand what he's getting at or how I make that paragraph work for me...I do, however, like the thought that we can somehow rise above those around us who make our days stressful (or maybe we make our days stressful!!).

My sister is going to a local historical society this week to try to find out something about our family tree...I won it in a local competition but because I work full time I can't go...so all very exciting! Who knows...I may be in some long lost relatives Will and actually own a castle or something!! HA

Well...must get on with my job...take care of yourselves until next time ....

I am working...really I am!!

I'm at another computer course (away from the office!) and really enjoying it. It's lunch time now so I'm not pretending to type just to look good!

Had a lovely evening last night - sitting around the table with lovely, lovely people! I think there's something very intimate about sharing a meal together...hearing all the biz...and later (in the soft seats...) laughing and sometimes crying and everything inbetween!

My tutor has just arrived back...so must dash and finish the course!!! Bye for now

A lovely rest!

I have had a lovely few days off and have been re-reading some of John O'Donohue's books (love that man!). I had the privilege of meeting him briefly earlier in the year at a event held in Belfast. He makes me look at things afresh...consider this (from Anam Cara...www.jodonohue.com) -

...'It is strange that two mountains
can be side by side for millions of years and yet can
never move close to each other. Whereas two strangers can come down
these mountains, meet in the valley and share the inner worlds they carry'...

Love it...love it!

Must dash and catch up on some of my work stuff!

See you next week!

As i'm gonna be away from work for the rest of the week I'll probably not get to blog much...so have a good weekend - when it comes! bye for now!

Employee of the Month!!

...yes that would be me!! I really must get stressed in work more often...I've just be 'awarded' employee of the month...which consists of a very nice card and some gift tokens - which I will gladly spend this weekend. It is very nice to get as it's the rest of the staff who vote and not just the boss who decides. I do know others appreciate the work I do - which really makes a difference in the down times!!

Our little book group meets this evening and - although quite tired - (woke up at 4.55am and couldn't get back to sleep!) ...I'm still looking forward to meeting up with the other 5 ladies and having a little chat about the book...and a longer chat about each of our little worlds!

...so with that...I am off to clear up my desk! x

This made me smile...

As we are recruiting a couple of staff at the moment...the following caught my eye and I found it very amusing...does any of the following ring a bell!!?

The Hidden Meaning of Recruitment Ads:
"Competitive salary rate" - We remain competitive by paying less than our competitors.
"Duties will vary" - Anyone in the office can boss you around.
"Join our dynamic company" - We have no time to train you.
"Casual working environment" - We don't pay enough to expect that you will dress up.
"Must be deadline oriented" - You will be 6 months behind on your first day.
"Some overtime required" - Some time each night, some time each weekend.
"Must have an eye for detail" - We have no quality control.
"Seeking wide experience" - You will need to replace three people who just left.
"Good communication skills" - Management communicates poorly, so you have to figure out what they want and do it.
"Problem solving skills needed" - You are walking into a company in continual chaos.
"Requires team leadership skills" - You will have the responsibilities of a manager without the pay or respect.

....have a good working day folks!!

Oh...had an absolutely lovely evening...lots chatted about and we are looking forward to another person joining us each week for dinner and talk...probably from next week...the more the merrier I say!

Bye for now....M

Sorry...

...I haven't been ablogging in a few days...just too too busy I'm afraid! If I have a computer at home - it would be much easier to leave a little note - but I try to do it in my lunch time at the office!

Anyhow...things are going well right now - looking forward to a couple of days off work next week....yeah! Also looking forward to my usual Tuesday evening with 8 or 9 friends around a table ...eating a lovely homemade meal...chatting about life in general...it makes me feel 'alive' to be there. I know that I'm extremely fortunate to be surrounded by such creative and compassionate humanoids! (...a term that writer/speaker John O'Donohue loves to use!)

The weather is cold, crisp and very autumny (obvious huh?!)...I never really liked this season...with it's dark evenings...but I am getting to appreciate it's beauty!

Well...folks bye for now

have always loved this quote....

...from Stanley Horowitz..

winter is an etching...
spring a watercolour...
summer an oil painting and
autumn a mosaic of them all....


Reading something like that does my heart the power of good!!!
Hope all is well with with you! Busy...busy today...so unfortunately have to get stuck in to these reports....
keep in touch....PLEASE!

Hi again!

Hello peoples!
I am trying my very best to keep my focus this week...things to get finished...things to start...focus is my word this week!! So I'm just going to start off another day with a very short blog. The weekend past was lovely (most of my weekends are!). I went to a local park on Sunday with my neice and we kicked leaves around for a while...collected horse chestnuts by the dozen (for what...I do not know!)...we played a round of mini golf...she went on the trampolines...it was good.

Go to my friends for dinner later...about 9 of us meet every week in life for a meal...a chat...and some quality time...some of us are single, some married, some separated, some with children, some without, some who have known each other for years and years and some newies, some who seem so close to the Lord, some who are further away, some who are questioning...but we love each other to bits! We put the world to rights every Tuesday night and things look much brighter on a Wednesday morning!!

So....must dash and make my living!
Bye for now chums....

Have a wonderful weekend!

...haven't had a minute all day - the office is hectic! So - all my friends in blogland...have a great weekend and I'll be in touch again next week...the Lord willing!

Pink words...

I love thinking that some words are coloured! Comforting words...encouraging words...gentle words...are always PINK words! Challenging words...words that make me sit up and take notice - they're always BLUE words in my little...my strange little mind! Relaxing words...quiet words...well of course they're GREEN! I have to apologise if I'm confusing people with colourful words...but it makes sense to me!

....
here's a poem I put on paper a few months back...based on an original poem written by a good friend called Book of Exile - I loved the title and decided to write some chapter of my own....



Book of Exile…continued


a reading from the book of exile
chapter fifteen

a distant land beckons

no needle in the compass
silently we climb to risk it all

to fall


a reading from the book of exile
chapter sixteen

our cell of solitude …. deep within
suffocation instead of sanctuary

the silence screams


a reading from the book of exile
chapter eighteen

we want to skip this chapter
but tears bookmark the page
freeze the scene
scream
turn the ragged pages
to find our place again
the story continues…


a reading from the book of exile
chapter seventeen

the landscapes changes
pink words are spoken by gentle voices

cleansing

centering


one holds the needle
one pulls the thread
one works the stitches
to patch the garment
….no longer dead


a reading from the book of exile
chapter eighteen

the leaves are still
wings of angels rustle
and the
darkness is filled
with birdsong


a reading from the book of exile
chapter nineteen

hope is born again

I know it's two months away!

Yes...I do realise that Christmas is a couple of months off...but I just found this wee article in my files...and re-read it - and loved it all over again!

She was five,sure of the facts,and recited them with slow solemnity convinced every word was revelation.She said they were so poor they had only peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to eat and they went a long way from home without getting lost. The lady rode a donkey, the man walked, and the baby was inside the lady.They had to stay in a stable with an ox and an ass (hee-hee) but the Three Rich Men found them because a star lited the roof. Shepherds came and you could pet the sheep but not feed them. Then the baby was borned. And do you know who he was? Her quarter eyes inflated to silver dollars. The baby was God. And she jumped in the air whirled around, dove into the sofa and buried her head under the cushion which is the only proper response to the Good News of the Incarnation.
– John Shea, The Hour of the Unexpected (Allan, TX: Argus Communications, 1977), 68, quoted in The Holy Longing: The Search for a Christian Spirituality by Ronald Rolheiser...


I want to respond to Jesus' birth like that again!!!! Blessings friends!

Monday again!

Had a super weekend filled with friends...poetry...art...coffee...family...more coffee!...all the things that combine to make a wonderful time! I was very emotional on Saturday evening when I heard some of my friends sing - we certainly don't get together enough to do creative things - but when we do - wow - amazing evening. I had a lovely chat with a newish friend (about a year or so) and it was so nice to connect on so many subjects. When we get around to making a coffee stop...they always arrive with a poetry book in hand for me to take away and have a read at!!

Last Friday was not a good day work-wise...I sort of 'lost it!' with a person in authority...and when I get annoyed (well angry really!)...I get emotional (which I hate...because it makes me look like a 'girly' who can't cope with stress)...but anyhow we had a reasonable productive talk and I said what I felt I needed to say...and then worried about it all weekend! But this morning things have calmed down somewhat and I feel much more settled...pray that it continues!

My life seems to go through lovely high meadows filled with buttercups and yucky low mucky ground filled with pot holes!!

Thanks to all the bloggers who leave me wee messages...these are much appreciated!!

Bye for now....