Hello from my computer course!

Hi...didn't think I'd be able to leave a message today...as I'm out of the office for two days doing a computer course. I'm only here because I work for a charity and we're getting this training for free...so happy days! The tutor has told us we can use the internet over lunch...so here I am! They do lovely lunch meals here...I've just tucked into 4 cheese pasta and salad bar...mmmm...I never usually take a lunch at the office!

Last night some friends met for a lovely dinner (at the home of my best friends)...I love those evenings ...great chat...and a glass of wine...and hugs to say goodbye...ahhh. One of my friends is holding a showing of her artwork..some poetry and guitar playing this weekend - so looking forward to it! Only about 40 guests invited...so something to look forward to.

Hopefully get the rest of the training completed this afternoon and back for the second day tomorrow! Bye for now....

I love weather...is that weird!?

I love weather!
I love hot days
I love days that are dark and dreary
I love torrential rain
I love spring showers
I love bright summer nights
I love clouds that are fluffy
I love a frosty starlit night
I love leaves blowing along the road
I love the odd rumble of thunder (but not too much!)
I love weather!

Bad grammar!

Just noticed that I typed ...
one of my friend's blog...
is that correct?..or should it be ...the blog of a friend...oh - who knows?

Grammar is not my thing on a Monday!!!

Folks...

I’ve been reading a book recently about the whole idea of inclusion and exclusion…looking at the scripture passage about the man born blind. Someone then asked the question…’who do we include or exclude in our day to day – face to face dealings with others?’

I hate the idea that I exclude anyone…but I do…a lot of the time. If they’re not playing ball with an idea I have…or if they think differently about certain subjects…do I exclude without a second thought? Yep, I do…without a second thought. But how do I feel when I’m on the excluded side…take something very simple – a bunch of friends are going out for a meal – they don’t ask me – how do I feel…rejected…excluded…on the outside…not a nice feeling.

Sometimes I think of one of my favourite quotes from…~Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird …

I think there's just one kind of folks. Folks.
Chapter 23, spoken by the character Scout

I've just read a lovely poem on one of my friend's blog...and it's put a smile on my face on a grey...cold...rainy Monday morning! Thank you for that!

...must dash and do some work....mmmm....maybe just one more coffee...and then I definitely have to get back to some work....HA!

have a great weekend!

Just a very quick hello today as work is extremely hectic and this is the only place I have access to a computer!

I've had some lovely autumny days recently...here in N. Ireland autumn just grabs us by the throat and shakes us into submission that the summer (and actually we did have one this year!!) is well and truly over! But there is the benefit of working here in a tree lined avenue...with a duck pond two roads away and the river lagan running around the embankment...sounds lovely and most of the time it is!

I have a busy little weekend ahead - meeting up with family and friends, some nice eating and a cinema journey with my neice...all good!

Lovely to have made some more new chums via blogging...and looking forward to hearing something about their different lives and experiences...

bye for now folks....

Join the dance!

I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing.
When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite jerky. When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead, both begin to flow with the music. It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully. The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other. Another word to lead…is to guide and a guide is always welcome – whether it’s for setting up a new computer or looking for a place on map.

Reading on it said....
.....Guidance. When I saw "G: I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i". "God, "u" and "i" dance. "God, you, and I dance. As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life.


Daily...I have to ask myself...am I willing to let God lead?

Mojo

Taize

Went to a lovely Taize service last night with a couple of good friends. So nice to sit - sometimes singing - sometimes just listening - to the Taize praise. The church had set up their communion table with a golden cloth over it and it was so peaceful just looking at the twinkling candles. I would really love to visit Taize sometime - I was speaking to someone after the service who had been there a couple of times and he mentioned just what an effect it had on him! Who knows...maybe I'll get a chance sometime in the future.

Had a lovely coffee stop afterwards catching up with the friends I'd went with...love those times!

Tell me what you've been doing this weekend!

till next time...

A win!

I just won a lovely digital radio from a radio station in London...it just arrived today and I am a happy little person! It's crystal clear and very handy with all it's pre-set stations. I will be listening to my favourite programmes as I type my reports up.

Could some kind soul let me know how to post a photo...I've tried looking in help...but can't figure it out. I know I was able to post one at the very beginning of my blog in June...but haven't been able to do it since!! I know it must be simple...but I would appreciate knowing! Ta!

A good place

I'm in a good place at the moment...a contented place...a place where I'm trying to give myself a space to look at the blue sky again...taking time to breath slowly...to see how green and yellow and red the leaves are. It's good to say in the moment...well it's good for me anyway! I'll be meeting up with some fab friends this evening...discussing life and what it holds for each of us...eating lovely food and lighting some comforting candles in the hearth...ahhh....I love those nights. I'm not too fond of dark nights...when when you close the curtains and look at candle-lit face - life is good!

Trying a healthy eating and exercise campaign right now...lots of water...lots of walking...swimming and generally looking after myself....feels good.

Now...I'm not saying there aren't still some dark corners...but these are few and far between...what about you?

A good place

I'm in a good place at the moment...a contented place...a place where I'm trying to give myself a space to look at the blue sky again...taking time to breath slowly...to see how green and yellow and red the leaves are. It's good to say in the moment...well it's good for me anyway! I'll be meeting up with some fab friends this evening...discussing life and what it holds for each of us...eating lovely food and lighting some comforting candles in the hearth...ahhh....I love those nights. I'm not too fond of dark nights...when when you close the curtains and look at candle-lit face - life is good!

Trying a healthy eating and exercise campaign right now...lots of water...lots of walking...swimming and generally looking after myself....feels good.

Now...I'm not saying there aren't still some dark corners...but these are few and far between...what about you?

A better day....

aaahhh..a much better day today...after all the feelings of last week. Lots of people have been giving me little looks of encouragement and hope that perhaps I am coping after all! I work in a charity and being the only secretary with a staff of 15 is extremely challenging (to say the least!). I cope most of the time – when I’m on top form – but sometimes…just sometimes…I have to draw aside and be kind to me, myself and I!!

I sometimes look around and see that everyone else seem to be just fine…but are they? Or are they acting well today? I am trying more and more to be me…good or not so good…trying not to wear that mask that hangs on the back of the office door. Very difficult…but needed.

On a brighter note…I am attending my book group tonight…yeah! I meet up with five other friends and we have read 7 books over the past 7 months (not too many…but enough in between so many other commitments. I love to discuss characters…storylines and descriptions...although in reality it may be just an excuse for a lovely coffee with dear friends!

Thanks to all my friends here at this little space for their concern and insights!

Peace…Mojo

Yeah...back on line!

Well...here I am ... out of hiding!

Now...looking below you can tell I'm under pressure!! I tried to blog four times yesterday and it came up with an error...and look at what printed this morning!!!

Sorry for all the duplicates...I'm blaming my computer...not my stress levels!!

Today is a little bit better for me...trying to keep on top of things for the moment at least. Playing soft music through my computer speakers at work to lull me in a sense of calm...mmmm....we shall see!

I will write again soon...
Sorry for the mess below HA HA

Test blog!

Hi all...my blog is not playing ball...just checking that I'm reaching you! If so..will write more later....

Stress...what stress?

Seriously stressed right now…which is very unlike me! I’m usually the person everyone else comes to when they’re stressed!

I really don’t know why I’m feeling at the end of my rope most of the time right now. I guess I’ve had a hectic kind of a summer (very enjoyable…but much too hectic!). I am trying to have some ‘me’ time…went swimming for the first time in a long time at the weekend…read a book…took a walk…but I really do need to be still and listen to the Lord whispering in my ear. I’ve been bursting into floods of tears at the slightest thing…even my boss said I should take some time off…but that’s just not me (or maybe it should be!!).

One of my blog friends - Tom – said ‘be happily creative’ – I’m loving that phrase already and will set aside some quality time to do just that! Any other ideas would be very welcome!

I pray that your little corner of the world is lovely!

Bye…until next time….MOJO

Stress..what stress?!!

Seriously stressed right now…which is very unlike me! I’m usually the person everyone else comes to when they’re stressed! Sleepless nights...aching head...aaahhhh

I really don’t know why I’m feeling at the end of my rope most of the time right now. I guess I’ve had a hectic kind of a summer (very enjoyable…but much too hectic!). I am trying to have some ‘me’ time…went swimming for the first time in a long time at the weekend…read a book…took a walk…but I really do need to be still and listen to the Lord whispering in my ear. I’ve been bursting into floods of tears at the slightest thing…even my boss said I should take some time off…but that’s just not me (or maybe it should be!!).

One of my blog friends - Tom – said ‘be happily creative’ – I’m loving that phrase already and will set aside some quality time to do just that! Any other ideas would be very welcome!

I pray that your little corner of the world is lovely!

Bye…until next time….MOJO

Stress...what stress!!?

Seriously stressed right now…which is very unlike me! I’m usually the person everyone else comes to when they’re stressed! I'm not used to headaches, sore limbs and sleeplessness...so it's like looking in at someone else's worries!!

I really don’t know why I’m feeling at the end of my rope most of the time right now. I guess I’ve had a hectic kind of a summer (very enjoyable…but much too hectic!). I am trying to have some ‘me’ time…went swimming for the first time in a long time at the weekend…read a book…took a walk…but I really do need to be still and listen to the Lord whispering in my ear. I’ve been bursting into floods of tears at the slightest thing…even my boss said I should take some time off…but that’s just not me (or maybe it should be!!).

One of my blog friends - Tom – said ‘be happily creative’ – I’m loving that phrase already and will set aside some quality time to do just that! Any other ideas would be very welcome!

I pray that your little corner of the world is lovely!

Bye…until next time….MOJO

Stress....what stress!!?

Seriously stressed right now…which is very unlike me! I’m usually the person everyone else comes to when they’re stressed! So I am a little worried by these headaches...sleeplessness...anxiety etc.

I really don’t know why I’m feeling at the end of my rope most of the time right now. I guess I’ve had a hectic kind of a summer (very enjoyable…but much too hectic!). I am trying to have some ‘me’ time…went swimming for the first time in a long time at the weekend…read a book…took a walk…but I really do need to be still and listen to the Lord whispering in my ear. I’ve been bursting into floods of tears at the slightest thing…even my boss said I should take some time off…but that’s just not me (or maybe it should be!!).

One of my blog friends - Tom – said ‘be happily creative’ – I’m loving that phrase already and will set aside some quality time to do just that! Any other ideas would be very welcome!

I pray that your little corner of the world is lovely!

Bye…until next time….MOJO

Back to reality!!

After last week's time away with lots of old friends and some lovely new ones...it's back to reality with a bump!! Although I'm excited about the coming months at work...it will be extremely busy and I always get a kind of nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach...a little like the feeling I used to get going back to a new school term (that was a LONG time ago!!). I guess everyone is a little bit like that...huh?

I had some fab talks with people who are so different from me...it is a joy for me to meet a stranger and a few days later feel like I'm leaving a new friend. I love that process! It amazes me how communicating with someone can be so powerful and fulfilling.

How are things with you? Please do tell! bye for now...Mojo

Being creative!

Hello all who blog along with me...
Well...I'm sitting in a little internet cafe at the art festival in England....wonderful to be back here! It poured with rain last night but looking a little brighter this morning. Thankfully the tent didn't leak and I had quite a long sleep...which I needed! All of the gang of friends had an early start yesterday morning as we boarded the plane to England. So...all is well with the world!

Have been to some talks...hope to do a lot of stuff today...there's an art exhibition and class later which I'm so looking forward to. Lots of music and some weird things as well - but all good!

I adore sitting outdoors...eating with close friends...makes my little world a better place. What are you all up to over this weekend...please do let me know!

Well...my time is almost up here...so must look at the festival programme and book some things in!
Bye from a soggy campsite! MOJO

When I say...

When I say "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I am saved"
I'm whispering "I get lost" that is why I chose this way

When I say "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need someone to be my guide

When I say "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I am weak and pray for strength to carry on.

When I say "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and cannot ever pay the debt.

When I say "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are too visible but God believes I'm worth it.

When I say "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches which is why I seek HIS name.

When I say "I am a Christian" I do not wish to judge.
I have no authority I only know I'm loved.
-Unknown