One of my favourite sounds is that of rain against the windowpane. I can remember as a child curling up on my bed and losing myself in a book to its rhythmic beat, conjuring up comforting memories of bowls of tomato soup and feeling warm and cosy. As I’m writing this, the rain is pummelling against the window, but I have to admit I’m getting a bit fed up with it now. There’s only so much wet and damp you can take, isn’t there? The fields opposite me are completely sodden with huge lake-like puddles covering over half of them. Yesterday I chatted for ages with my friend C, who lives in Somerset. Fortunately, she’s about eight miles from the Levels, where the worst of the flooding is and is on a slight hill, but they’ve had terrible problems getting in and out of their village, even so.
So, in an effort to shake myself up a bit I’ve had a cull. I’ve thrown away clothes that I no longer wear or want. And – I made myself £6 in the process by taking the two bags to a recycling place in Benfleet. I walked out of there clutching my money with a real sense of pride and achievement. I’d turned waste into cash!! If only I’d decided to do that earlier I’d have made a fortune, having taken at least twenty bags of clothes (my own and Mum’s) to various charity shops just last year alone. I also took four bags of books to a local charity shop and I love the feeling I get of lightness having scaled down my possessions. After all, if Mother Teresa could get through life with just a bucket and a spare sari! But, before you ask, NO! I did NOT get rid of the blue jumper! I just could never bring myself to. There are years of life left in it still 🙂
And talking of culling – I’m going to have a bit of a cull on social media input to my life. I don’t want to see photos of disfigured children, or tortured animals, or naked women on my newsfeed. And while use of the C-word might be normal to you, it isn’t to me! It’s not even in my vocabulary because, as a woman, I find it the most offensive word in the English language. It’s right up there with the P-word and the N-word. It is hideously offensive to women. So why would I want it peppered all over my newsfeed, either? So, I’m culling serial offenders. I don’t want negativity in my life in any way, shape or form, especially other people’s as I’ve had more than enough of my own. I’m making a conscious effort to be positive about myself and others. Won’t you join me?
I am very, very excited about my upcoming blog-tour for Singles’ Holiday! It’s been arranged by the amazing Kim Nash and I have six bloggers taking part so far. And I’m two chapters into my e-book, which has the working title Going Solo: How To Get the Best From a Singles’ Holiday, which should be out in a couple of months. I LOVE being a writer!
I spent a lovely day on Wednesday with my dear old friend J. We’ve know each other for years and spent a day of laughter and lovely lunch as we reminisced the good old days we spent together. J, if you’re reading this, I laughed all the way home – This my house; sticky head; a very difficult woman and la casa con el barco en el jardin!!! I’m giggling as I type it. Thanks for a smashing day!
Oh well, time to battle the elements as I have to go out. Dress rehearsal for Stages Studios Show this evening, which is all very exciting. It’s at the Civic in Chelmsford 8th and 9th March if you can make it. Come along and support a really talented bunch of kids who have worked really, really hard!
Wellies on, umbrella up! Here I go!
I am still laughing first time in months so thank you x
And pop socks and Margery Dawes and canelones! 🙂 xx
Sue P came last week and gave a detailed report on “Sticky head” and Ingrid who was sacked from the SS for cruelty!!! xx