This seems to be doing the rounds! Thought it was rather interesting to find out things that happened on a certain day! For those who haven't read one of these posts yet, the rules are go into Wikipedia and type in just the day and month of your birth, then choose four events, three births, two deaths, and one holiday...

Events:
1456 - A retrial verdict acquits Joan of Arc of heresy 25 years after her death.
1917 - Russian Revolution: Prince Georgy Yevgenyevich Lvov forms Provisional Government in Russia after the deposing of the Tsar Nicholas II.
1953 - Che Guevara sets out on a trip through Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, and El Salvador.
2005 - A series of four terrorist explosions occur on London's transport system killing 56 people, including four suicide bombers.

Births:
1887 - Marc Chagall, Russian painter (d. 1985)
1922 - Pierre Cardin, French fashion designer
1940 - Ringo Starr, English drummer and singer (The Beatles)

Deaths:
1307 - King Edward I of England (b. 1239)
1890 - Henri Nestlé, Founder of Nestlé S.A. (b. 1814)
1930 - Arthur Conan Doyle, Scottish writer (b. 1859)

Holiday:
Japan: Tanabata

Oh! Isn't it good that today's Friday!!! It was such a great feeling walking in the sunshine, along the Thames to the train station knowing that I'm now on leave until the 7th Oct.

It's funny how the brain works. Work wise today was no different really than the other days this week. Emotionally, knowing I was on leave after today made all the difference. Yes, I am still feeling tired, but I don't have that heavy head and I even walked out the building smiling.

Next week I'm off to Rome and I'm starting to feel really excited about that. Look forward to sharing some thoughts and pictures when I return.

Have a good weekend wherever you are!!

I've spent most of this weekend snoozing. That is, in between the gardening and going to the gym, so it's not been a totally lazy weekend. Last Friday saw the end to a very busy month at work. I'm sure last week I was walking around with puffy eyes and admit to being a little grumpy. Anyway, it's over for another year. Just have to make sure I find myself another job before then!!!

Just got to get through this week and then I'm on leave for 6 days. Really looking forward to the break especially as I'll be flying to Rome with my man for 4 nights. It'll be nice to spend some quality time together sightseeing, enjoying the food and wine; and whatever else takes our fancy. Don't really want to wish away time, but I do wish it was already Friday 26th!

Can't believe that it was a year ago - 9th September - that I started blogging!! When I started, it seemed like a good idea at the time, and I didn't really know what to expect. I re-read my very first blog and in it I said:
"..maybe I'll be better at this than keeping my old fashioned journal. Admit however to being nervous - on the one hand yes, I'd like to use this as an online diary (this is the 21st century after all) and therefore it'll contain my musings about life the universe and everything. BUT, ego raises it's ugly head and worries about whether anything I have to say will be of interest to anyone out there. How will ego cope if not!?! Guess there is only one way to find out...."

Well, not sure I've really used this as an online diary and definately haven't written on a daily basis. But, my blog does contain my musings and it has been a useful outlet. At times when I've been worried, upset or slightly down in the dumps, I've had support from blog friends that still amazes me. I never guessed when I started what a sense of community there is online.

In my first blog I mentioned ego and how it would cope if no-one was interested in what I had to say. I can honestly say that now, that's not an issue for me. I'm happy blogging away and if anyone finds what I have to say interesting or thought provoking, then that's good, but if they don't, I'm not going to stop blogging as a result. What has given me a boost of confidence is the reaction to some of my pictures and paintings - especially the paintings. As I mentioned to my other half over the weekend, to display one's art publically is a very brave thing to do as you have to face the fact that not everyone is going to like what you do. Art is very personal. Through this blog, because there is an element of anonimity, it's been easier for me to share my artwork. The chances are the only people to comment are people who either like it or who are being supportive. Touch wood, but I've not had anyone who has made hurtful comments.

Anyway, here's to another year of blogging!!!

(PS: I'm intrigued by the number of visits I seem to have from Japan!!!)

I missed these questions on Wise Woman of the Woods blog, but thanks to Cher, I've been doing some reflecting on the following...

1. What risks do you wish you could take?
Give up my job and find out what I'd really like to do; pack my bags and move to a little cottage/shack in the countryside and near the sea.

2. Why are you choosing not to take that first step?
There's a little question around my finances to sort out first! With regard to finding out what I really want to do (work wise), I have great difficulty in working out what I'm good at and what makes my soul sing.

There was one question which I may need to reflect a bit more on and come back to: How can you create a story about yourself that lets others laugh with you?

When are you mostly you? So much of the day we wear our little masks, facades, so was wondering when I was mostly me? I guess I'm mostly me when...

I wake up in the mornings, still lying in bed half asleep;
outside in the countryside, enjoying the freshness of the air;
sitting besides the sea, listening to the waves crash on the beach or rocks;
being with the person I care about, knowing that I can be me;
sitting on the train, caught up with my inner thoughts and dreams.
It would seem throughout the day, especially my working day, there are only snippets of me.

I've been exploring various blogs this evening and found a new one that interested me. As I delved into previous posts and read both the posts & various comments, I found myself getting increasingly frustrated and thinking, you sound like someone who is very self centred; wants their cake and eat it and has a "poor me" outlook. None of the comments from their friends pointed this out, naturally, but it got me thinking about true friendship.

As a teenager I became incensed when I found out my best friend had kept from me the fact that she knew my boyfriend at the time was cheating on me. She told me about it a year later, but I was still really angry that she didn't tell me at the time. I understand that honesty is all good and well, but that it isn't always easy, but for me, it is so important. I may not like what my friend has to say, and yes, it may hurt. But, if it is done in the spirit of friendship and love, then I wouldn't be angry at them for telling me. If I am being an absolute pain or becoming a little too "woe is me", then to me a true friend will tell you, not say things like "oh, isn't it terrible"; "you poor thing you".

I guess that is the difficulty about online friendships where you don't get to meet the other person and therefore you don't really know them. The motives behind the comments aren't always clear. I sometimes wonder how genuine and honest some of the comments made are? I know if I read a blog and wish to say something along the lines of "pull yourself together" but all the comments are along the lines of "shame"; "isn't it awful", I tend not to say anything. When I've been down, scared, etc.. the support I have received from blogland has been brilliant and has meant a lot. But I hope if do come across as feeling too sorry for myself, someone will point that out and not pander to me!

Time is strange - or do I really mean, our perception of time is really strange. Time seems to go quicker the older we are; time flies by when we're really busy or having fun; time goes horrendously slowly when you're feeling bored, etc..

I've just spent a weekend camping in Wales - had fun, did lots and in many ways, it feels like I spent more than just a weekend there. I drove down on Friday evening and drove back Sunday late afternoon. Despite the long drive there and back, it was great. Today I felt a bit tired, but unlike other times when I feel tired, I wasn't grumpy or tetchy at work. I was refreshingly tired!!!

My "new man" and his children had gone camping earlier in the week to a lovely part of Wales - Pembrokeshire. We decided that as I couldn't take time off work, I'd go for just the weekend. I have never been to that part of the world and am pleased I have seen a part of it. It is really beautiful and even though the weather wasn't the sunniest, it didn't detract from the whole experience. The campsite was in short walking distance of some lovely coves (uncovered at low tide) and caves. Most of saturday was spent exploring caves, looking at prawns and starfish in rock pools, and generally enjoying the view. When not doing that, I was being bossed around by a 3 year old and told to fetch water from the sea, fill the bucket with sand, dig, etc!!!

I haven't been camping since a child, loved it then and pleased to report that I still do! The only downside was both friday and saturday evenings were disturbed by a young baby in the tent next door waking up at various times and screaming blue murder. Whilst lying in my sleeping bag trying to think calming thoughts, it reminded me of my sisters' youngest child when he was a baby. Then I couldn't believe how such a little person, with such small lungs could emit such a loud sound. I still can't believe how babies can be so loud. Not only that, I'm not sure I could scream constantly for as long as that baby did!!! How do they do it!!!???

Anyway, it was great to be outdoors, smell the fresh air, and to be so close to the sea. It really was a great way of revitalising the soul!!

I've attached a few photo's - as said the weather was a bit grey so not perfect for photo taking, but hey, that's never stopped me!

This is just one of the wonderful views I had this weekend! Wish I could look out on this every day.

One of the wonderful sea caves. These caves were dark and only revealed themselves with the flash.

We went on a boat trip and I just loved the colours on the cliffs and their shapes!

I was going to title this posting Adult Dating, but then thought too many of you would get the wrong idea! This post is clean!

Earlier in the year, I got fed up with being single and decided to join a rather well known internet dating site. It wasn't long before I become even more fed up. Being a female in her early 40's, most men in the age bracket I'm interested in, are mostly interested in females in their late 20's/early 30's. There have been loads of articles recently about how good it is for the ego, this internet dating thing. Lot's of winks, emails pinging into inboxes etc.. Well, I don't think I'm on a par with the back end of a bus; I also don't think I look my age (I look younger, before anyone makes any witty comment!!); but there weren't that many winks or emails winging my way. Some of you may remember that I went on a date and then got upset because based on 1 date, he wasn't sure whether there were any "sparks". As I've mentioned before, I am fairly shy and it takes a few meetings before I totally relax in a strangers company. So, having become rather disillusioned, I was about to give up when.....

I received an email and looking at the profile, thought it would be worth meeting up. We met, and now I understand how sparks can definately fly on the first date!!! It's been just over 2 months, and we are still talking. That's our way of saying, we're formally in a relationship. As I know he is going to read this at some point, I'd better say "hi"

In an odd way, my blog helped. Early on I mentioned the blog (without thinking) and then decided to give him the web address. My view was, yes, he is going to find out about my depression, bits of my past, etc.. but actually, it is a snippet of who I am. Therefore, if he was scared or worried about what he read, then I'd rather he'd do a runner earlier on. That's one thing about dating as an adult, I think we are far more worried about being hurt than when we were teenagers. We have a lot more baggage and it definately does influence & impact on our relationships.

The other thing, is being in my 40's the chances are a lot greater that the other person is a divorcee with children. He does have children, and fortunately they seem to think I'm OK. Being thrown into a family has been a real eye opener for me. Not having had children myself, I never knew how knackering they are!!! Although I have no feelings of wanting any children of my own, I do enjoy helping him out - be it washing the dishes whilst he deals with bath time and bed time. I never thought being a single parent (full time or part time) was easy, but it really isn't easy!!!

So, my life has become a bit more busy. I'm getting used to sharing my life again, which is both exciting and scary at the same time. I'm pleased to be no longer single and here's to us still talking not only in a years' time, but when we're old and grey!!!

This summer I've ended up spending a fair few weekends down at the coast - either on the pebbly beach or walking along the cliff edges. I've posted a few pictures already, but here's a few more...

Hope you enjoy!

This evening I was watching a DVD - well, half watching, as you do when feeling a little bored. My attention however was suddenly grabbed when I heard the following words:
"...we live in a world of abundance with an attitude of lack."

I ended up not watching the rest of the DVD as I couldn't stop thinking about those words. Kept thinking about everything I did have; about what nature offers up season after season; how our definitions of "abundance" seem to change as we gain more. Also thought about how hung up and stressed people can become because they don't have that latest designer handbag, new mobile phone, games console, etc... (I think you get the drift of my thoughts!)

Ultimately, the world does provide us with everything we need, and more, yet we concentrate and moan about what we don't have. To use the old cliche "the grass is always greener on the other side." Well, it isn't really, it's just the same this side, but for some or other reason we become blind and complacent to what we do have.

Guess we need to try and change our attitude from one of lack to one of gratitude.

And, those are my thoughts on this Saturday evening. It's now time for bed......night!

It's hard to believe that the height of summer has already come and gone. The nights are slowly getting longer and the days shorter.

For the last year summer has been a rather strange time for me. Work wise, July through to the end of August is our busiest time. No opportunity for taking more than a week off - and even that needs to be taken early July. It's fairly stressful and I find myself wishing the summer away only because the end marks a time when things start calming down a wee bit. Believe it or not, for those who don't know, I don't work in a shop or anything related to tourism. No, I'm in Human Resources!!! This time of year marks the annual salary review at the company I work for and there are spreadsheets to do, guidelines to write up, managers to coach and loads of letters to write. No-one will be happy with their increase, so there'll be a spate of dealing with grumpy people. No doubt, there will be the odd occassion when I'd like to throw off the "pink & fluffy" image and say something along the lines of "be thankful you've got a bloody job". But I can't!

I can't really complain though as so far this summer has brought me a lot of happiness and pleasant surprises - new relationship, new experiences and so generally that has helped me deal with the work bit.

Hope your summer has been going well and even though the weather has been a little up and down, its not been too bad, has it!?

I've been having quite a few discussions recently about how individuals define themselves. I came across something in a book by Dr Wayne Dyer and it made me think. He talked about 6 ego beliefs, but the following 3 are the ones that really made me think:

1. I am what I have. My possessions define me.
2. I am what I do. My achievements define me.
3. I am what others think of me. My reputation defines me.

To a greater or lesser degree, I think we all allow all 3 define us as individuals. To what extent do they define who you are?

Thought I'd share some photo's from the weekend. Went for a lovely walk to Penshurst.

I haven't been on a picnic for absolute years, so when someone special suggested a day by the seaside and a picnic, I was hardly going to turn him down. We weren't 100% sure what the weather was going to do, but to be honest, to be out and by the sea, I didn't mind if we ended up eating the picnic in the car. In the end, we needn't have worried as the weather turned out to be dry and warm.

We drove down to a place not that far from the Seven Sisters. Although I hadn't been there before, the scenery has been captured so many times in photographs and paintings, I felt I had been there before. Below I've attached my photo's.

It was lovely walking along the cliffs and smelling the "seaness" of the sea! We settled down amongst the rocks, and had a wonderful day of chatting, listening to the gentle sound of the sea against the rocks, enjoying the warmth of sun beating down and just generally enjoying the peacefulness. It was so relaxing, I really wanted time to stand still.

I love being outdoors, be it in the countryside, close to mountains or by the sea. Mountains, I find awe inspiring. They are magnificant, powerful and make me feel humble in their presence. The sea - when it's calm - is comforting, relaxing, and at the same time, invigorating. That's why my ideal home would be a little cottage in the middle of no-where, with the sea in front and mountains behind.

Anyway, time unfortunately wouldn't stand still but it was a wonderful day, spent in wonderful company.

Today has been gorgeous - lovely blue skies, sun shining brightly & not too hot. The irony about this time of year is as much as I love being outdoors, like so many people, I suffer from hayfever!!! Never suffered whilst I lived in South Africa, so it came as quite a surprise to me when the start of my first summer in this country was spent with nose streaming and "panda eyes". Since then, the severity has varied year from year and generally it seemed to be getting less & less. This year, I thought I was going to "get away with it" but then coming back from the gym on Wednesday evening, my eyes and nose started streaming.

It normally doesn't last too long (i.e. by July I should be over it for another year), but I had a great day today mowing the lawn and pottering around the garden!! I'm now paying for it with a really blocked and sore nose. It's all worth while, really.

Anyway, the rose buds are starting to open in the garden and this is my first rose of the season. Love the deep red colour. Not sure what variety it is (I rent the house and inherited the garden).

Thought I might escape the latest round of tag but Sidejump saw an end to that! So, tagged I am....

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?
In 1998 I was still in the early years of what turned out to be a long relationship. My time outside of work was spent learning to sail and finding out what it really means to "do up" a wreck of a house!!

2. Five things to do on today's list:
Don't have a "to do" list - not even at work.

3. Snacks
a muffin with coffee (not a huge snack eater)

4. Things I would do if I was a billionaire
Buy a little cottage in the middle of the country - preferably with the sea on one side and mountains on the other; travel,travel & more travel; set up a healing business where I wouldn't be bothered if it made money or not; handsomely support my favourite charities.

5. Places I have lived: Johannesburg, George, Cape Town, London - all before moving to leafy kent.

Now, in terms of who I tag - methinks most people on my friends list have been tagged already so think it's run it's course with me.

Recently I've discovered an "old" group called Matchbox 20. They're not really old, but were described as such by someone in her mid-20's! Anyway, following on from my post "Here we go again...." in Steppingstones, this song seemed to capture the mood.

Have just spent a lazy morning reading the paper and drinking a large coffee. Whilst reading the "Review" section of the paper, came across a review of a new book "Their Darkest Hour: People Tested to the Extreme in World War Two" by Laurence Rees. The book, it would seem looks at both those who showed exceptionary bravery, and those who became, what could best be described as monsters.

Must admit, ever since I was a child, I've always had a morbid fascination about this subject. I could always be found in the War section at libraries or bookshops, perusing books that cover survivor stories or personal accounts. It's one of the main reasons I ended up studying History at University. What fascinates me is what is it about war that can make people committ horrendous acts? Besides those who actually committ the acts, there are also those who are aware of what is happening, but do nothing. And then there are the few, that are prepared to stand up and do something. But if you think about it, the majority of people don't. I don't wish to judge anyone and whenever I read the various accounts, I always find myself asking "what would I have done?"; "how would I have reacted?" I honestly don't know, or is it I don't want to know the answer to those questions?

I've just thought back to my childhood in South Africa, during which time, horrendous acts were being committed as well. OK, I was a child at the time, and it was only in my late teens that I became aware of some of the stuff that was going on. (Now I sound like I'm making excuses!) When I was old enough to vote, I voted for the "left wing" party rather than support the National Party. Went against my parents wishes by attending University of Cape Town - the first university to go multi-racial. But then I left the country. Whilst I was at University, I was too scared to take part in any mass demonstrations but many people did. So, does that mean even now, as an adult, I'd do things on the edges but ultimately be part of the majority that hope someone else would put a stop to it??

Quite a soul searching question isn't it? And, if you're really honest with yourself, would you be happy with your answer?

Think I'll be purchasing another book to add to my already bulging bookshelf.

This is going to be a slightly strange post. The intention is to share a dress I fell in love with, with you.

Now....you need to understand that I'm not big on clothes - don't spend a fortune on them - tend to live in jeans (unless the occassion calls for clothes which are smarter, sexier, etc). So bearing that in mind, you can imagine my surprise when I came across this dress, and thought "I want it". Don't know where or when I'd ever wear it - it's not exactly day wear is it!!?? But I just love it and really hope one day I will have the occassion to wear it.

Well, I made it! Managed to drag myself out of bed at 4am - wasn't too difficult as I woke up at 3am!!!! I always do that - whenever I know I need to get up early, I wake up an hour before I need to. It was lovely and peaceful as I got into my car and drove off to Scotney Castle.

Didn't realise but this was the first dawn wander organised at Scotney. The Warden hasn't been there that long and decided to introduce it as an annual event. We were, therefore, his guinea pigs. The walk, I thought, would last 1.5hrs. When I got there, he told us it would be 2hrs - well, it ended up being 3 hours!! It was great even though we missed the dawn chorus by about 45 minutes but there were loads of birds all chirping away. I'm no twitcher, so can't tell one bird call from another. Advantage of going on a guided walk is being told which calls belong to what birds. Besides birds, rabbits, squirrels and sheep, we didn't see any "wildlife" although he did walk us past an active badger set. Interesting fact: when the nearby A21 was built, they had to destroy a badger set. Reason they got permission was they said they'd built an "artificial" one for the animals in Scotney's grounds. Apparantly they're not always successful, but in this case, it's worked.

Although there were 20 of us, it was peaceful and it was great value at only £5. We did say that if the tea shop had opened they would have made a fair bit of money from us as we were all hungry by the end.

Anyway, here are some pictures of the morning:

Now that I'm back home - having stopped off at a coffee shop for a coffee and muffin(!) - I feel a little tired but don't feel I can go back to bed. Have a lawn to mow before the rain turns up. At this rate I'll probably be in bed by 8pm tonight!!

Finally, another interesting fact I learnt today: during summer, especially if it's been hot and there's been little rain, be careful about sitting under a large Oak or Beech tree. They're not really sure how they do it, but the trees are known to shed "limbs" as a way of conserving moisture/water. So, you could be sitting innocently under a lovely large tree and have a rather large branch fall on you. Don't say you haven't been warned!!!

I'm sure I'm not the only one, but I am so pleased it's Friday and not only that....it's bank holiday!!! This past week I have felt really tired. So much so, I missed going to the gym and my pilates class!

Now although normally I would be able to sleep late on a Saturday, tomorrow I have to be up and about by 4am at the latest! One of the nearby National Trust properties - Scotney Castle - have organised a Dawn Wander with the resident Warden. So, between the hours of 5am and 6:30am I'll be wandering around the grounds and woodlands with my trusty camera hoping the weather will still be dry. I am looking forward to it even though I know it will be difficult getting up.

On the positive side of things, when I get back I can always go back to bed!!!

When I visited the Stones earlier this year, I had hoped I may be inspired to take out the pastels or acrylics. Well, those who read my post, will realise that it was bloody cold. So, although I was inspired in other ways by being so close to the giants and felt privileged to walk within the inner circle, I came away with no drawings.

Well, today after pounding in the gym, I felt a flurry of inspiration - here's my Stonehenge.

Just realised that 3 or the 4 paitings I've done this year have all been done is shades of blue & purple!

Oscar has been absent for a while which I've put down to the heat and now the rain! This morning, when my housemate arrived early in the morning to start moving her stuff out, Oscar snuck in. I was still in bed and he decided to come and say morning. He has now been in the house all day, except for about an hour or so when I had to put him outside when I went to the shops. When I got back, he was waiting!!

I said I'd try take a few photo's of when he lies ontop of me as he is really cute. The pictures aren't the best, but then being pinned down doesn't allow a lot of movement to get the perfect shot! Anyway this is Oscar lying on my tummy.

It's "funny" how I have developed connections with ginger cats! The only cat I've had as a pet, was a wonderful vicious ginger fluff puff called Jaspar. A friend has a ginger cat who took a quick shine to me and now, Oscar.

Woke up this morning and it was blue skies and wonderful sunshine!! Isn't life wonderful!! Here are some of my musings and going ons today.

Managed to do my chores this morning - weekly shopping, washing - and I even found myself going to the gym! Now, how good is that!?! Came back and decided to spend time in the garden just enjoying the wonderful weather. Did something haven't done for an age, and pulled the sun lounger out and lay in the sun. Just lay there listening to the world around me. It was so peaceful - I could hear the trees swaying in the breeze and from the noise could tell which way the breeze was coming and going; listened to the various birds tweeting; distant sound of people talking in their garden. It really was very relaxing to do nothing but "listen". I'm not very good lying in the sun so in between listening, I was up and down doing odds and sods. Had my fill of the sun today, so have come in doors to blog for a bit.

Whilst lying, I did think about prejudices and stereotyping, and that no matter how open minded we think we are, we always come across something that makes us realise that for some or other reason, we've been "had". Luckily so far in my life, because I am open, I tend to work past these obstacles. Which is just as well as there are aspects of life I would never have experienced if I had closed down.

It's been a long time since I've drawn or painted.....far too long, in fact. Some months ago, had an idea for a painting and for some reason, haven't felt like being creative, so the idea stayed a rough drawing in a book.

This weekend - the warm weather may have helped - decided to give it a go and unleash my creativity(!!!). I've called it Lotus Meditation. Have to stop myself from being too critical as it's not quite worked out how I wanted. But, as I said before, I'm trying to be less self critical, to enjoy the process and to be brave about sharing, regardless of the outcome.

I guess I should not leave it so long. Need to stop myself from saying that! Everytime I find myself using the word "should" I'm trying to turn my thought pattern around to: "I can but I choose ....." Thus so far, for various reasons, I've chosen not to paint or draw. Going forward, I choose to draw & paint more, which will improve my skill & technique.

Some posts ago, I wrote about the neighbourhood tart of a cat - Oscar. He is a ginger cat that appears very affectionate. Since moving in I've spent a lot of the time trying to keep him from sneaking into the house. Well, a couple of weekends ago, I decided to stop trying! With the weather warming up, I like to keep the back door open. Decided I can spend my days chasing him out or I can relent and just let him in. I've gone for the latter as long as he doesn't try and mark or scratch anything.

The first time he came into the house, it was like he belonged. He wasn't skittish or nervous. The little bugger trotted upstairs, straight into my bedroom and plonked himself on my bed. Luckily I had a blanke folded up and that's were he sat. After a few cuddles, he settled down and slept for the rest of the day. That is until it was time for my bed and I carried him downstairs & put him out. Now, it's become a regular ritual. And wo betide if the back door is shut. The catflap (previous owner?) which is locked, is given a bit of a hammering by his paw.

I can't believe how "at home" he is. When he is asleep upstairs, I can potter around and he hardly stirs at all. He must feel safe and secure, which in some strange way, I take as a compliment! Sometimes he likes to sit on me or preferably curl up. One day I'll set my camera to take a photo as he curls up in the sweetest way. He also appears to like lying on my tummy (face towards mine) and lies on his side, with his one paw on my shoulder.

I don't put out any food for Oscar as I can't help feeling that if I did, he wouldn't leave and I'll end up with a cat full time. Don't know if his owners keep him outside during the day, but he genuinely seems to enjoy visiting and basically sleeping in my room.

As with all cats, I'm not sure who has charmed who. Although, having said that, I think he has definately charmed me!! So, I do have a new man in my life. Unfortuantely he is a little ginger fluff bag of a cat and not of the tall dark & handsome variety!!

A couple of nights or so ago, had a really strange dream. I know we all dream, but I normally don't remember mine. There have only been a few occasions when I do remember and with those dreams they seem to stay with me (memory wise).

As with the other dreams I can remember, it's hard to explain them, which I think is ironic, because I can still "see" it in my minds eye. Anyway, I'll try explain as much of it as I can.

I am sitting in a circle of people, and the teacher is taking us through a meditation. The teacher is a psychic and in real life, I've been to her for a reading and attended one of her classes at the London College of Psychic Studies - but it's been almost a year ago now. Anyway, whilst meditating I can feel a spirit (not scarey, and not a being with a low vibrational level); I start feeling a gagging sensation in my throat and I manage to at