Ahhh ... the act of giving ...

Hearting the John Lewis ad ...

http://www.johnlewis.com/Magazine/Feature.aspx?Id=993&s_kenid=07e2ab29-2bb8-9069-aad7-0000344874b1&s_kwcid=3x2426632 

ahhhh ... enjoy, Gillian

Make a Terrarium ... why don't you?

Fancy growing something?

Try your hand at these indoor plantations ...

Not particularly attractive or edible but make you feel green - partly because you're re-using a glass bottle ?!?

Check out this site for great ideas Crafting, Living, Loving, Sharing ... lovely site with interesting stuff to do ...
http://woolfoodmama.typepad.com/weblog/2008/05/terrarium-instructions.html

Enjoy, Gillian

Mood tracker ...

Whilst doing some research for my day job, I came across this:

http://www.medhelp.org/user_trackers/gallery/mood

[ just copy and paste ]

A great place to check out stress busters, mood swings, even depression.

Quick easy bullet points with images.

Get motivated. You'll feel better.

I did. Gillian

Join it ... Do it ... See where it takes you ...

I'm a great believer in 'join a group - you never know which direction it will take you or what the outcome will be' method.


Over the last few months, I've been immersing myself in writing related activities. Writing workshops, author meetings, helping out at Blackpool's Wordpool Festival of Words, a little bit of networking when possible and ... two art classes a week.

Other than constantly doodling [do I really spend that much time on the phone?] colouring outside the lines in primary school and my one attempt at drawing a rabbit during a senior school art class, I have never sketched an object or person, coloured, painted with water-colour pencils, acrylics or been involved in artistic projects of the paint-brush sort other than painting emulsion on walls and satin on skirting-boards and doors.

So, here's one of my first offerings, a spin off from my first art class - 'Drawing and painting for the terrified' ... The weird thing is, when I draw, it seems to clear my mind. So, having given my brain a holiday, some 'brain off time', some chillin' out space, I'm ready to get going with the yukky paperwork tasks that always seem to need attending to.

So try it - try something new - something out of your comfort zone. Besides,you'll be subject to meeting some new, maybe wacky people - and that's gotta be fun !
Anyway, with a clear mind ... I'm off to finish the text edit for my real job.


Gillian

Getting Married? Want to keep your feet dry?

Just in case you're getting married late in the year [or anytime in the year if you suffer the rainy English weather] ... consider these Weddington Boots !

Thanks Karl for your comment:
The cheapest place to get Weddington boots are from 
http://www.flubit.com/Flub-Store/weddington-boots-ltd
These actually come direct from Weddington.


Have fun, Jill

Relax, take some ME time ... it'll do you good !

Sometimes we need some ME time.

This is not a selfish act. Creating time for yourself is a positive thing to do.

Relaxing your body can prepare it for strenuous times when you need to be physically strong or need extra energy.

Clearing your mind can help you to concentrate when times are difficult or stressful.

Remember to laugh. Keep in touch with friends for sharing problems and making you take time - to laugh out loud.

Sometimes, small things can make you feel good, like a long hot bath, a walk in the park or watching a football match.

• Make a list of 10 favourite things you like to do. 
• Re-arrange the list in a favourite-first order.
• Tear off the top activity. Think of it as a Free Voucher. 
• Set a time and place for your first favourite plan.
• Write this on the Voucher.
• Pin the Voucher somewhere you will see it often.

When: 
Where: 

When you’ve enjoyed one activity, choose another ! and another ! You deserve it ...

Enjoy, Jill

Life ... running up that hill again ...

Sincere and severe apologies for not posting recently. You see the truth is, I've been doing my day job [more later]. In the meantime, here's something completely different; entertaining, thought provoking, enjoyable, musical, beautiful



... but then I am a little biased ~ and will also get in serious trouble for this post.

... then again, it's about time I risked something, felt the fear and did it anyway, took chances, after all, I'm always saying that the everyone around me.

... yep, took my own advice.

Enjoy one of my favourites, Jill.

Cat Walks and Dog Days ... They aren't over yet !

Bringing a whole new meaning to the Cat Walk ... Just had to share this doggy fashion 'dog-walk' with you ...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2052574/Dogs-dress-Lady-Gaga-New-York-bus-stegosaurus-compete-canine-Halloween-costume-competition.html

Wonder what Angel thinks of it all ??

Jill

Summer Indulgence, Happy House and Holiday Centre

If you download 'Summer Indulgence' short story by Gillian Hesketh, from Amazon [approx 91p] all the proceeds received until 31st December 2011, will be donated to:

Happy House, Watamu Kenya.
Children's Hospice Holiday Centre, Thornton, UK.

Thankyou -

PS ~ you don't even have to read it !!

Jill

Don't get caught out ... !

Due to the lack of posts, it's pretty obvious I've been away for a few days. And I have to admit seriously gutted - got caught out with the one-way-cheap-flight-deal ... don't do it !! - you know it doesn't make sense even though you might be 'worth it' ~ And yes, I did think there would be a catch but I could't resist the seventy five quid flight out to Dalaman. Hey ho, some few days and large sums of money later [for flights almost £400 return - not shopping or partying], I am back - financially poorer but fired up for writing and finding random pieces of information, recipes and general things to share.

If you have anything random about holidays, fixing stuff, going out, best bars, boyfriend advice ... please add a comment or email me at gmhesketh@yahoo.co.uk

See you later, Jill