Was going through my CDs and re-discovered the Waterboys. Enjoy!

Mentioned in a previous blog that last weekend I spent doing my Reiki II. My teacher is also the first person in the UK to teach Reiki drumming, and on the Sunday as we were due to finish early, she conducted a drum journey session for me. Now, I really didn't know what to expect as I hadn't heard of Reiki drumming before. I lay down on the coach, all relaxed, and with an open mind about what the next 20 minutes would hold. She said that the experience would be very individual - some people just felt relaxed; some experienced vivid dreams; others felt that parts of their body were being pulled... So to the rythmic drum beat, I wandered off in a meditative state.

Well, afterwards, all I can say it was very relaxing and I was surprised by the pictures, symbols that kept flashing in my minds eye. It was like I was having a strange dream but not in a disturbing way. Although it was relaxing, I felt full of energy and awake afterwards.

There have been a few blogs from my Friends about dreams so I thought I'd try and describe some of what I "saw". Like dreams, although I can still clearly see some of the pictures, it's actually hard to describe, but I'll give it a go...

In the beginning I was asked to walk across a bridge and once I crossed the bridge, the journey would begin. My bridge was small, wooden and almost fairytale like. On the other side, I was greeted by a dragonfly darting to and fro in front of me. It's torso was a brilliant metallic greeny/blue colour - very beautiful. It then flew to a lake where it grew in size - either it grew or I shrunk, but I think it grew. It then came over and taking my hands, lifted me up into the sky. The dragonfly then disappeared but I didn't fall to earth - I kept on gliding and witnessed the rest of the journey from this level.
I came across a moonlit lake, with forests surrounding it and mountains in the background. Everything was quite and still. In the corner of my minds eye I saw a bear. This bit is hard to describe but the bear didn't stay long, it appeared and then disappeared. I knew the bear's message to me was about not underestimating my inner strength, it had served me well and would continue to do so. There was also a message about being clear of who I am, where and what my boundaries were and living my life accordingly.
I travelled through the trees and came across a road which snaked it's way up the mountain side. It was still dark but there was a light ahead which I kept following. Again, for me it was symbolic about my life - I am on my path although it feels like there are lots of twists and turns, it is heading in the right direction. Also, although I can't always see the path or road ahead, I need to just trust that I am being guided.
Oh, and somewhere along the journey - not sure now at what point, I came across a large gentle eye looking at me. I knew that it was an elephant although at no point did I see the elephant.
There was more, but as said, it's actually difficult to put into words the journey. I'm not sure what it all means, what the dragonfly symbolised or the elephant's eye. I am clear about the bear and the road. I feel the nature scene was just a reminder that I'm at my happiest when I'm out in nature and that I should do more about getting out there.

Anyway, that was my drum journey - who needs psychedelic drugs!!!

There used to be a climbing "goods" manufacturer called Stone Monkey who also did clothing. Part of their logo was an abstract of climbing monkey. I've always liked it and eventually about a year ago decided to paint it with a background of mountains. Voila....here it is!
(Now you've seen all my art work but in the next few weeks I hope to add to my little collection as I have had some inspiration recently. So watch this space.....)

I've just got back from a whistle stop visit to Edinburgh. This afternoon I was walking down the Royal Mile thinking how much I enjoyed the city and felt at home there. This is despite the fact that the last time I paid the city a fleeting visit was almost 13 years ago.
I do find it strange (not in a peculiar way) how certain places just feel right whilst others don't. Take Chester - a town I always wanted to visit. Some years ago I spent a long weekend there and as soon as I arrived, wanted to leave. Didn't like the place at all. Can't explain why, just didn't. Edinburgh, on the other hand, makes me feel comfortable, like home. Walking around today it didn't feel like it had been such a long time since I had last walked it's streets. The other place I feel at home are parts of Cornwall.
I find it intriguing how we can get a "sense of a place" which either makes us feel comfortable or not - this is regardless of any actual experiences that may happen.
Anyway, I'm glad that despite the fact that they are digging up Princes St to prepare for the trams, the city hasn't lost any of it's charm and beauty.

This weekend was spent doing my Reiki level 2 practitioners course. My teacher was a lovely woman who lived in Essex. As it would take me about an hour and half to drive (along M25 and I hate that road!), I decided to drive up on Friday evening and stay in a rather nice local hotel I found. Bit of a treat.
The week at work has been pretty full on so by the time I got up there, I was pretty tired. Thought I'd have an early night but as I was lying there, started to hear rather strange noises. You know when you're lying down and you're not sure from which direction the noises are coming from? Well, that was me. Sat up, realised what was going on, and had to laugh! From one side, someone was deep in sleep and snoaring rather loudly - a rather commical snore. On the other side, a couple were obvioulsy involved in rather energetic and vocal sexual activities!!! And boy, did it go on, and on, and on... At one point I was rather jealous. It sounded like she came at least 6 times!!
So, on Saturday morning, I hadn't had much sleep. The day was rather intense and we did a technique of reinforcing a positive message. It was a one on one class - just me and the teacher - so there was lots of practicals where I'd practice on her. With this particular practical she mentioned that the recipient can easily pick up thoughts so as the "giver" you need to focus on the mantra. I panicked slightly because all I could think about was sex following on from my sleepless night! It took a great deal to focus but I managed to do it.
Luckily the rather amorous couple must have checked out because last night there were no disturbances.

I started to tell Wendlane about a short course I took towards the end of last year. It was called An Introduction to Psychic Art which may sound a bit spooky or scary.
The main reason I actually took the course was because it actually doesn't matter how good an artist you are or whether you've been trained or not. You learn to "let go" - to draw what you feel, to quieten the self critical & logical part of your brain. As I've implied in some of my earlier blogs, I like to draw and create. However, I can also be very self critical and it is that, that has stopped me from drawing or when I have tried, makes me frustrated and throw out my results. It has therefore taken me a long time to realise that it's the actual process of drawing & creating that I enjoy and therefore, so what if it doesn't turn out to be "right".
So, I absolutely loved going to the class. It did help me relax and enjoy the process. For 5 weeks we'd try different things - drawing the energy of 2 opposite words (see one of my earlier blogs); we got to experience automatic writing/drawing (that did spook some people in the class - the best way I can describe the feeling is your heart beat tends to increase, I started to breathe more shallower and you feel a sense of urgency so your hand does shoot off); and we practiced trying to clear out minds, holding an intention to draw something e.g. a face or a mandala, and then just scribbling and see what comes out. The important thing is not to try. So, with the face example, we dimmed the lights so we could hardly see, held the intention to draw a face upside down and voila.... Below is what I came out with on 2 seperate occasions. It may sound easy to do, but you try hold the intention to draw something, but when you pick up the pastel or charcoal, don't try draw it....

I don't know who he is, but whenever I look at the pictures there is an energy there.

Back in December I wrote about how I was waiting for my Colposcopy results and it had dawned on me that despite my words (and my refusal to admit to it), I was actually scared and worried. Well, results have eventually come back this morning and so thought I'd give you an update.

Basically I do need to go back. They have found pre-cancerous cells although the good news is it is still very much at the early stages. Technically one-third of the cells taken during the biopsy show signs of abnormal cells. There seems to be 3 levels 1-3 (3 being serious) - I'm at level 1. So, although it means that there is a very low risk of the cells progressing into cancer, their policy is still to treat all levels. Treatment is by "cold coagulation" which hopefully means it wont hurt!

My appointment is scheduled for the 30th January but I may need to re-arrange it. But hopefully, that will be it. Downside is I'll probably be called for more regular smear test and I really don't like them!

Like Uksider, I do like looking at rocks and their formations. It is amazing what you can see - it's like looking at cloud formations and spotting sheep, wizard, etc...

So, thought I'd share a few photo's I took over the summer. Hope you like....

Before Christmas, I must have known that when going back to work, 3 days of work will feel more like 2 weeks solid! So, in preparation, I booked a couple of treats for today (well, one was a haircut, so not srictly a treat; but the other - a facial, definately is).

So, early this morning (no lie in unfortunately) I dragged myself up and went on my merry way to my hairdressers. Whilst I was there, decided that I wanted to award the Nobel Peace prize to the person who started the trend some years ago which means that when you get your hair washed at a salon, they give you a head massage at the same time. As I was still half asleep by the time I got there, the massage nearly had me in the land of nod before she even started cutting my hair! Now, considering some of the more recent people awarded the Nobel Peace prize (I wont mention any names), I don't think my nomination is all together that cooky. Just need to find that person!

Following hair cut, I managed to wander up for my facial. I was tucked up warmly and cacooned in blankets (snug as a bug in a rug, I was). Not only was I given a wonderfully relaxing facial, but whilst the mask was setting - no comments please! - I got another head massage! Absolute HEAVEN!

I'm now sitting at home, feeling very relaxed and a bit sleepy. Just might have to go for a quick snooze...

Before I do, I have to tell you about a little girl I saw (around 3/4 years old) who brought the biggest smile to my face today. I was walking down to the station and spotted her with her little friend outside the newsagents. It looked like they were playing some imaginery game that only they knew about, but they both were giggling. As I walked past, the little girl said "Wow! Isn't this fun!" I couldn't help smiling - it is true what they say about learning to see the world through the eyes of a child. It just reminded me of what real fun and joy is about - the giggles that come from the belly, the brightly shining eyes, the smiles.

The Forecasters predicted snow, and in parts of the country, the snow came. There may also be many who wished the Forecasters were wrong. Not me! Snow was predicted in my little part of the world, but none came! I am not a happy bunny, as they say!

I really was looking forward to the first snow of the season. Even if it was just a flurry. I love snow (as you may have gathered!). I love how everything looks...well, almost fairytale'ish. I love the sound and feeling of walking in fresh snow. You know, that crunching sound. I'm one of those people who likes to lay down the first footprints in newly fallen snow. And, if someone has been there before me, I always lay my own tracks.

Last time it snowed, I still lived in London and as I walked to the tube I had the biggest smile on my face. Inside I felt all happy and light. It really does bring out the "kid" in me. Sitting on the tube, looking at all the grumpy faces - well, grumpier than normal - I almost wanted to start laughing.

But, alas, today was not to be and I can only hope that before the buds of spring arrive, I get my wish.