Online delights

Posted on June 1, 2010 by freda

The title of this post reminds me a little of Turkish Delights. And the mail these days brings an eclectic mix of things I have ordered over the net. It makes the arrival of the post very exciting. Misty is always on alert in the mornings because, no matter who is on duty, (Ishbel or David) she enjoys her early morning fuss. They don’t even have to bribe her with biscuits as some postal workers have done in the past, the little dog just loves the extra attention.

Back to the point, so far this week I have ordered:

  • A Maddy Prior cd – from ebay, won on auction. Sing Lustily and with Good Courage.
  • A book on spirituality -Joan Chittister, In search of belief
  • A new firewire cable for the mac – so I can transfer video of deer taken from the back porch, and edit a small clip for either youtube or the blog
  • 4prs of soft-top comfort socks
  • An MP3 download from itunes

Thus you can see that the internet enhances my horizons rather than restricting them. The cd and book were on recommendation from other blogs, as was the MP3 song (When you are old) – technically speaking the download didn’t involve the dog in much joy, so perhaps that does not count.

And just in case you are worried I am overspending, perhaps I should say that the only full-price item is the firewire cable, and that is so that I can send it back if it is not the right fitting.

Posted in Blog | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Bluebell Peace

Posted on May 30, 2010 by freda

Bluebell – Peace on Sunday

Posted in Blog | Tagged , | Leave a comment

A Place called Here

Posted on May 29, 2010 by freda

This is another library book; it has been a month of fortuitous choices so far. Cecilia Ahern wrote, PS I love you, and is establishing herself as a successful writer in terms of sales and originality. A Place Called Here is hard to classify; I’m not sure whether it is a fairytale, fantasy, myth, mystery or parable. Of course it could also be true; indeed it is true in its psychological insights.

Published in 2006 it is dedicated to the author’s father and has the inscription, Per ardua surgo. (I rise through difficulties.)  The reader has to be prepared to rise through some difficulties in recognising the various voices. The story is largely about Sandy Shortt – 6 feet tall – and persistent to the point of compulsion, in seeking out lost things and people. She is driven by the initial disappearance of a childhood adversary when they are both ten years old.

Like many good novels it increases in intensity and pace, till one feels driven to find out what happens. Not exactly a page turner but more of the sense of being on a mission or voyage of discovery. I often choose books on the basis of who the publisher is; this is published by HarperCollins – often a sign of a good read.

I recommend it for people who enjoy good style, a bit of whimsy and an understanding of the need to seek out hidden truths in life and death. In fact, I am starting right over to read another book by Cecelia Ahern – you can’t get better praise than that.

I would be interested to hear if anyone else has read it.

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Losses and gains

Posted on May 28, 2010 by freda

Unfortunately I have been unable to drive for the last six months because of health problems. However, the day has at last arrived (along with the Certificate of Insurance to prove it,) when I can get behind the wheel again. Typical of me, I can’t help thinking about people who are unable to drive ever again, perhaps because of illness or age or disability, and that brings me on to issues that have been going round in my head.

At university in our Pastoral Care lectures, much was made of the fact that throughout our lives we suffer losses; starting from birth itself, leaving the comfort of the dark, mysterious world of the womb. I always found it difficult to give due weight to the theory that these losses would somehow help to prepare us for the bad losses that inevitably occur throughout life. But as the years go by have been more aware of that truth.

Death of someone close to us is obviously a biggie, as is losing health or losing sight, hearing or even mind. Ultimately we have to let go of this world, and it is true to say that we can only live well, when we have accepted this fact. Knowing our own mortality and weaknesses helps us to have more compassion for others. Understanding that life is a gift and can end at any time, helps us to make the most of each day.

Today, then, is a loss and a gain. It is the loss of not being able to drive. And it is the gain of being able to drive. I’d be interested in hearing other people’s losses and gains this week. But….enough philosophising; time to practice getting the car in and out of the driveway.

Posted in Blog | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

Inveraray Behind the scenes

Posted on May 27, 2010 by freda

Have to admit I rather like this photo – Yes, even with the wheelie bins and the satellite dishes on show.  In my mind it is like something you see when on holiday abroad, somewhere hot. But it needs geraniums on the steps.

Posted in Blog | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Views round Dalamory

Posted on May 26, 2010 by freda

Several people asked for more photos, so here we go. One of the things that helped me a lot when I was working, was that I thoroughly enjoyed seeing where people lived, how they decorated, what their bookshelves looked like and so on. No inside pics today – the weather has been too nice.

I can never work out why the blossom tree is so lopsided. This is a nice quiet corner for having pleasant thoughts and dreams.

Him Behind the Wheel surfing his iphone. Note the dog under the lounger.

The barbie food was delicious. HBTW is a mean cook.

How about this as a view from where you sit and relax…..

Posted in Blog | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

O Happy Dentist

Posted on May 25, 2010 by freda

Counting one’s blessings has been a theme recently. Being thankful for little things, has helped my mood dramatically. Yesterday  was a bit of a blip though.

Being the age I am, I can well remember the terrors of going to the dentist. There was the old, slow drill that vibrated down to the boots of your body, mind and spirit. There never seemed to be adequate pain relief. and to make matters worse, the dentist himself was a little, shuffly, wheezy old man. I am ready to admit that from the point of a 7yr old he could have been in his forties, but in my memory he is still 92. Come to think of it he could even have had some dire illness like Parkinson’s Disease. I digress – let us just agree that my experiences of dental care in the 1940s and 50s were not happy ones.

Now, project yourself forward to 2010. Being of a nervous or unbrave (to be charitable) disposition, to be told that one’s dentist of 13 happy years has left is not pleasant. I leave you to consider the antipathy I was feeling as I announced my arrival at the reception desk in the dental surgery. The nurse behind the counter smiled sympathetically – she obviously knew my fears – and whispered, “He’s very good.”  But all I could think of was the time Son #3 and I went to a new dentist when we moved to Kilmarnock. The said dentist looked about 14. Really – 14! And he definitely shook more than me. Duly collected by the nurse I made my faltering steps into the usual treatment room, resigned to my fate; after all it was too late to run away now.

What a pleasant surprise. OK he looked young , from my point of years. But we shook hands, made eye-contact and I concentrated on not gabbling like an idiot. (Nervousness makes me babble a lot and look vaguely hunted and hysterical.) There was no need to worry. He was obviously experienced and competent; even better, he inspired confidence. I started to relax and listened to his tales of patients refusing to see him because they were so used to the previous dental star. “Really?” said I, feigning innocence. Unfortunately when we got to the scraping and cleaning my lower jaw developed a life of its own and wobbled alarmingly. I put up my left hand (he did say raise the left not the right didn’t he?) and explained it was involuntary. He smiled and said it was perfectly normal.

Whew….. after that the new digital computerised x-ray machine was a welcome relief. And blessings of the day…… the most welcome sound “I’ll see you in six months.”

Wonderful – and no need to be nervous; at least not much.

Posted in Blog | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

In Memoriam

Posted on May 24, 2010 by freda

Sad to say, Fox the ginger cat has been unwell since before Christmas. He came to the end of the road a few days ago. His end was peaceful and quiet.These are a couple of photos from happier days.

He always liked being where the action was……..

or chilling out altogether……..

Posted in Blog | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Counting Blessings

Posted on May 23, 2010 by freda

Have been going back to the familiar topic of counting blessings. It seems that when I stop and take the time, usually last thing at night, special moments come into focus. Yesterday’s were: swifts flying high on the wing – whirling and screaming in a blue blaze of sunshine; the dog enjoying her meal outside while we had a barbecue; constant warmth without the need for central heating; and the taste of that first cup of tea in the morning……

Four blessings – and I know there were many more – but even trying to find a few in each day does something to adjust our mindset onto a more positive frame of reference. It’s too easy to be overwhelmed by all sorts of worries and strains;  thinking about little blessings can become a larger blessing in itself.

Have a hopeful and blessed Pentecost Sunday.

Posted in Blog | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

But Inside I’m Screaming

Posted on May 22, 2010 by freda

But Inside I’m Screaming is one of those books you pick up in a library and think, I’ll have a go, whereas you might think again rather than buy it in a bookshop.  It’s written by Elizabeth Flock, Published 2003. I was bit iffy about it at first because it’s  obvious from a cursory look through the pages, that it is written in a unique style. There is a dialogue going on between the inner and the outer world of Isabel, a TV news presenter, who falls to pieces during a live TV announcement about Princess Diana’s fatal car crash.

It tells the story of the main character, whilst she is in a private Health Clinic for mentally ill patients, by means of short flashbacks and inner conversations with the important people and issues in her life. Interestingly, the style of the writing varies according to the inner journey that Isabel is making.

I suspect there are times in many people’s lives when the title could apply to them. My own term for this sort of inner turmoil has always been Silent Screaming. However, as well as a good story and a character I was drawn to, there were keen insights into the whole world of mental health. The book is set in America, but relevant to many parts of the world.

I would recommend this book to those of you who enjoy a slightly challenging read and can cope with a difficult subject.

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments