Mediation for meditation

My dyslexia got the better of me yesterday. 

On my path to enlightenment and better focus I've been toying with the idea of doing meditation. Yesterday I decided I would do a little research to see what was involved. I typed what I thought was meditation into Google and glanced down the various entries it spat out at me and choose wikipedia's explanation as a good place to start.

You can imagine my initial confusion when the first line I read said ' Mediation, as used in law, is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), is a way of resolving disputes between two or more parties. ' It took me about 3 seconds to realise perhaps I better try again.  I learnt three important things after that; 

1.  How to spell meditation. 
2. That meditation will not bring up any unpleasant memories or thoughts that I had been suppressing [one of the things I feared and main reasons I had never tried it before] 
3. Meditation does not involve chanting or humming [another something that had been putting me off]. 

Cross legged and hands clasped. 

I sat on the bed, relaxed and concentrated on my breathing. I was in the process of clearing my mind when the dog started barking. I tried to ignore her. Then the gardener started cutting the green out front. I tried to ignore him. I tried to focus on my breathing. Then I thought to myself this might make an interesting blog post. I then realised that my mind was supposed to clear and deciding now, how or what topics to cover in a blog wasn't the aim of the game. The lawn mower seemed to get louder and the dog was flighting with it for decibel space, my nose was focused on the reminents of carbon left in the air from the candle I had lit to create, what  I had hoped would be, a calm and relaxing space and then my mind wondered to what  I would do next; again defeating the purpose of meditation. I pushed myself to calm the mind and think of nothing; not an easy task for someone who likes to be 10 steps ahead at all times. I persisted for 10 minutes but between the dog, lawn mower, carbon in the air and my wandering mind I thought it best to give up, for the day.

I'm hoping today's attempt will be better!

Image from www.lyndsaycabildo.com

I'm back!

Much has happened in the last 4 months; I've taken a new job, had many scary fertility procedures, been driven insane by my hypochondriac husband, seen many friends marry, seen 1 or 2 buried, fallen apart, gotten help and am slowly on the road to [continue] self discovery and [hopefully] life fulfilment; or so the dialogue goes.

Regardless; I'm back! With loads of new exciting things to fill you all in on!

Your Health is Your Wealth!

I'm fine, better than fine, there is nothing wrong!

For those of you who read regularly you'll be aware that for 2 weeks my appointment with a plastic surgeon has hung over me like a guillotine.

Thankfully I don't have skin cancer.

After a thorough investigation by a charming Doctor he declared all my lumps and bumps totally normal and nothing to worry about. [ I'll be having some stern words with my GP I can tell you after that fright!]

Biopsies not even required!

I will be having a procedure called 'Mole Mapping' done in the near future so that they can more accurately keep an eye on everything and so that I will have a reference point for the future, but other than that I can relax - relief in me is palpable!

Next focus...

Tomorrow's appointment with the IVF Clinic, they've already called to confirm and I've checked the directions - very excited!!

Dublin Pride 2010

Today I'm off to the Dublin Pride Parade 2010. I'm very excited about this parade for many reasons.

Colour & Festivities 

No one does a good show like a queer and I know the pinnacle of their week long festival will not disappoint. With the theme 'we are family too' I'm dying to see what weird and wonderful concepts, floats and costumes those in the gay community will come up with it.

My Little Brother 

Oisin, is the chairperson of the Dublin LGBTQ Pride Festival 2010 this year and I couldn't be prouder. The perfect, peaceful and prosperous manner in which this years Pride Festival has been conducted and run is a testament to his excellent organizational and leadership skills. He will definitely make a great Taoiseach one day; his life goal.

Photos, Photos everywhere! 

Recently I've been learning how to use an SLR camera; yes I know I am terribly behind the times but there is something exciting about having to wait and see what your pictures turn out like! I'll be bringing my new baby into town today to test out many of the cool features and hoping to snap some amazing pictures!!

If you're about and want some fun pop on down. The parade kicks off at 2pm from the Garden of Remembrance full details on the Dublin LGBTQ Pride Festival 2010 can be found here

It's my birthday!

I love birthdays! One day to totally spoil yourself and get spoilt! Everything can be paused and you only need concentrate on the good in your life! I love birthdays! Can't wait to wake up in the morning and for it all to start.

Happy Birthday Me!!

I have a lump.

Well several if I'm honest. Three that are causing the major concern.

I have to see a surgeon. 

A plastic surgeon; no not for the lipo or boob lift I one day thought possible but for an 'excision biopsy' on each of my lumps. 

I realise

That people have these types of procedures every day and for the most part they are fine. It doesn't stop me worrying though.

A week from today 

And I will meet with the surgeon. Am nervous and staying as positive as I can about this. I realise that the likes of skin cancer isn't as terrible as many other cancers out there and it isn't even the thoughts of cancer that scares me.

What scares me

Is that treatment might eliminate my already limited chances of having children and my appointment with the IVF Clinic is only weeks away. :(

I might be sick

Yesterday was such an awful day it some ways.

I had been worried about myself for a while but was convincing myself it was nothing at all. It didn't work. So I made a doctors appointment.

It didn't go so well. I'm not ready to share what it is yet but I have to collect a referral letter for a surgeon later.

I'm a little worried and upset.

Thank god for Crunchy Nut

Since being put on a wheat free diet there are many foods I'm not allowed; for most like bread and pasta there are terrific alternatives so I don't miss out much. Some of the foods I still do really miss are tuc crackers, sausages, onion rings, biscuits, cakes and a whole host of other things that are bad for me.

For the most part 

I do pretty well, especially when eating at home. I've only ventured to eat out a couple of times and will only go to dinner at friends who I know are conscientious of my diet requirements [for a long time many people thought this was a self imposed diet and not a medical requirement.] 

I had the most trouble with breakfast,

It's never been a meal I particularly liked. For many years I didn't eat it, but I realise how important it is for me to function and for my diet and weight loss. Because of my wheat free diet [and lack of interest in breakfast] I can never think of interesting foods to tantalize my taste buds in the morning. For the most part of I have porridge or toast; not terrible exciting starts to the day.

In the shops yesterday I broke down 

Looking at the variety of cereals on offer and listing the ones that I couldn't have. Of course there are Rice Krispies and Corn Flakes but they just don't do it for me. In utter frustration I stormed off to the milk when James came around the corner holding the 'holy grail'.

Thank crunchie its Friday! 

It his grasp was a box of Crunchy Nut Cornflakes, healthy, tasty, yummy [nice ad] and most importantly WHEAT FREE!!  Am now off to relish in my new breakfast option!

Update TWO to Weight Loss: My Ugly Truth

Week Two is over 

And I am as surprised as the rest of your to report that I have lost MORE weight!I'll admit that this week I was brilliant with the auld exercising at all. I did focus on tummy crunches and thigh crunches [at least that's what I'm calling the thigh ones!]

The results 

I've lost a further 2.5 lbs AND a further inch lost total for this week of 4.5 inches of my body. 

My even 'newer' body stats

I am 5 foot 6 inches

I weigh 15 stone and 6 1/4 lbs [ 216 1/4 lbs] - Total weight loss = 4.5 lbs

I am 46 inches around my belly - Total inch loss = 1 inches

I am 39.5 inches under my breasts - Total inch loss = 1 inch

I am 46 inches around the hips - Total inch loss = 2 inch

My thighs are 26.5 inches - Total inch loss = 1 inches

My upper arms are 12.5 inches - Total inch loss = 2 inch

I feel fantastic! 

And shocked and surprised! In total from March, I have lost 1 stone, as of today! Most of that was due to the wheat free diet was on, but the last 4.5 lbs has been down to my healthy eating and exercise routine of the past two weeks.

Still to go

16.3 lbs, to be achieved by July 31st, 2010 - that's just a little under 3lbs a week - something I haven't achieved as yet but I'm still geared and focused to the goal!

Wish me luck!

Labour Nightmares and Packie Bonner = I'll make an awful mother!

Sex and the City 2

Bet you didn't see this post starting here; an unlikely beginning but its where me and all the girlies got together last night. [Yes I know we're about 2 weeks behind the rest of you but its the only date that suited us all!]

So SATC2 brings us all together, we laugh, we cry, we bawk, we crave and we leave the cinema...

Drink anyone?

We head to our local, pull up on stools and order the obligatory cocktails [mocktail for me - still thinking of the diet!] and of all things start to discuss labour [no not the political party] cause its exactly what you do, drinks in hand when you've just come out of SAT2, isn't it??

Perhaps I should clarify

One of our girlie group has just given birth [5 weeks ago], another is 3 months pregnant and one of the girls announced at the end of the show that she was 8 weeks pregnant ... so the line of conversation isn't to hard to imagine.

Moving to the point

We shock ourselves with weird and cruelly horrible labour stories, drink up and head home. My head hits the pillow and the fun really starts! I start to dream... or perhaps I should say, it starts as a dream and quickly turns to a nightmare...

I'm in labour...

In the dream, now obviously having never been in labour I make it up - one twisted, screwed up labour... the whole time my 'conscious' was bracing itself for the pain, that thankfully never came!

It's a boy!

Unnamed, we take our bundle of joy home. Well not to our home, the 'home' we have in this nightmare. In our 17 bedroomed mansion [I wish!] there isn't room for a Nursery so the baby sleeps downstairs, in the office, in a proper bed, which has been put on top of the desk!

A good nights sleep

I sleep like a baby, pun intended, and totally forget about my brand new off spring downstairs all night, as does my comatose hubby. Morning comes and I hear the baby roars, spring from the bed, head downstairs, roaring baby soaked.

There is not a nappy in sight!

Hand child to husband and go in search of nappies. Husband puts child on garden table. Baby falls off, bounces [yes my baby bounces] queue appearance of my mother.

'You're an awful mother, I can't believe you put your baby on the garden table and haven't changed or fed him!' [Both husband and mother then disappear!]

The ambulance is here
[as occurs from thin air in dreams]

In the form of my friend's little red peugeot, filled with all my friends from the SATC2 outing! We head to the hospital deciding on the way to call into my [dead] granddad's house for a cup of tea and a wee.

We take a wrong turn

And end up in a part of town we do not know and get lost. Urgency for hospital, thirst for tea and need to wee all gone.

Queue Packie Bonner

Who gives us directions and asks us to play football. WHY NOT?? Materialise football field and teams. Fight over cheer leading pom poms

FYI the baby disappeared

Probably just as well considering the mothering skills I displayed! Ps am free for any babysitting jobs! Enquire within.

I want a chocolate biscuit

Or two! GOD what I wouldn't give for a chocolate biscuit [or packet!]

Wrong on SO many levels. 

Not only would this hamper my wonderful weight loss efforts [3 lbs and counting this past week] but it would also feed my food addiction [not to mention the chocolate addiction] and I would never just be able to leave it at just 1 [or even 2] biscuits.

Also, it might just kill me.

Ok, that's a pure exaggeration. Though it would make me very, very ill, - damn wheat intolerance. SO not only can I not have a chocolate biscuit because it would ruin my diet, and my addiction control BUT its bad for my health... how can you argue with that?

Still not fair though!

Update to Weightloss: My Ugly Truth

Week one is over!

And I am still alive! I've even had a night out [and away], sneakily had 4 alcoholic drinks and still lost weight!! 

The results: 

I've lost 2 lbs and a total of 2.5 inches of my overall body! 

My NEW body stats:

I am 5 foot 6 inches

I weigh 15 stone and 8 3/4 lbs [ 218 3/4 lbs] - Total weight loss = 2 lbs

I am 47 inches around my belly - Total inch loss = 0 inches

I am 40 inches under my breasts - Total inch loss = 0.5 inches

I am 47 inches around the hips - Total inch loss = 1 inch

My thighs are 27.5 inches - Total inch loss = 0 inches

My upper arms are 14.5 inches - Total inch loss = 1 inch

Compare to my starting body stats here

I feel great

As I am sure you would! Its been a struggle at times; especially eating out last night. I really wanted steak but settled for the homemade burger and a hand full of chips and a very small spoon of cheesy potatoes. I'm getting into the knack of eating burgers without the buns and really much prefer it! Much less bloated [well obviously] then before - wheat is such an evil, evil ingredient!

I was worried 

About eating out in the restaurant, especially when it came to dessert; there were really NO wheat free options bar the fruit salad [what restaurant doesn't have ice cream?] so fruit salad it was and I felt better for it afterwards! That's not to say that I would have murdered the profiteroles or carrot cake but c'est le vie - and I am skinnier because of it!

Looking forward

To next weeks result already - here's hoping I'll be another 2 lbs lighter!! [If so that would make 1 Stone for me since March, when I first started the Wheat Free diet.]

The Big Diet Test!

Today is Day 6 

One day away from the official 'weigh in' and I'm going away for the night. Probably not such a good idea.

I want to enjoy myself 

But I also don't want to wreck all the hard work I've put in over this past week. It's mostly the alcohol portion of the evening I am worried about. I've known for a few months that this night was coming up, but somehow when I said last week that I would give up alcohol for the next two months I seemed to blank this coming outing. 

Not only is there my weight loss diet but... 

Tonight will be the first night I 'eat out' since starting my wheat free diet in March. I've been to a wedding, but that was fine because the kitchen had already been informed of my dietary requirements. Now I'm 'on my own' to decide what's safe to eat and what's healthy! I big deal for me.

I've never had a good relationship with food

Well I've never had a healthy relationship with food. Faced with the good and the bad option I would always go for the bad option - its just in my blood!

What will I do next... 

Be good or be bad? - will tonight throw me totally off my motivation... [I hope not.]

Is the female psychi screwed up, or is it just me?

In my efforts to lose weight I am trying to stay as active as I can during the day and evening.

I've discovered

That I snack ALOT while sitting in front of the TV, and often I'm not even hungry. I just associate watching TV with eating. So I'm watching less. I'm out in the garden alot, which is helped by the lovely weather and am cleaning alot which I hope is helping with the weight loss too.

I am getting frustrated

Though, not with the exercise or lack of eating or anything like that but with the fact that while I am 'active' my hubby is lounging about. It's my choice I know and it does seem mad to me to feel like this, but it irritates me when he is sitting there relaxing and I am running around the place.

Is the female psychi screwed up?

I know I am not the only one to react to such a situation in this way. BUT mine is without reason [in this instance]; well reasonable reason. I am chosing to stay active to achieve my end goal which is to lose weight and hopefully get pregnant. I am happy to keep moving in order to help me with this goal but I am mad, annoyed, frustrate and irratated by my TV watching, dosing hubby!

I should point out

That my hubby is a very helpful partner and I'm not mad cause he never does anything. I know that even in my active state that if I asked for help he would help me; thats not the point here.

My point is

And I'll admit this openly, cause I think [well hope, for just this post] that I don't have many male readers, and if I do [hi!] you'll get a kick out this; I think us women [or maybe its just me] are so complex, confused and complicated that half the time we don't even have a notion what is going on in our own heads!

In my opinion we all need 'help'; correct me if I'm wrong!

Book Review: Things I wish I had known by Linda Green

Don't judge a book by its cover. 

An old saying, but a true one. This book disappointed me. The cover promised me something that the book didn't deliver.

A [very] quick synopsis. 

The story focuses on Claire Skidmore and her obessions as a teenager with a United Footballer, 'the list' she makes at 15 of how her life with turn out in 20 years and the impact all this has on her life at 38.

I was excited. 

To begin reading 'Things I wish I had known' but this quickly changed when mere pages into the book I realised a large portion of the main characters lives would revolve around football. For me football is a big turn off and something I hate featured in books I read.

Regardless of the football 

I battled on and was determined to read the book. I did like much of the pop culture references and its current moods and tones but there was no getting away from the fact that [for me] football was at its core. Not only that but

I couldn't figure out where the story was headed. 

Now you would think, brilliant - it will keep me guessing until the end, exactly what I want from a good book, but well, I lost interest. The writer just didn't grab me. For me this wasn't a 'couldn't put it down', in fact I had to force myself to pick it up and in the end I didn't even finish it. I reckon I had about 40 or so pages left but I was done, well there was that and I had to get it back to the library...

If you are a football fan or don't mind it featuring in a book you will have better look with this than I. Overall I found the whole thing so-so.

5 of out 10 :(

5 Healthy Reasons to Eat Dark Chocolate!

A square a day could keep the Doctor away!

Seriously! 

While not everyone cup of tea, dark chocolate has been used to treat 'aliments' and 'conditions' for hundreds of years. To clarify, dark chocolate is chocolate with a cocoa content of above 60%. While some, including this blogger, find dark chocolate a little bitter, listen to what it can do for you before you reach for the diary milk [or even the apple] instead.

1. Dark Chocolate can reduce high blood pressure. 

It's been reported, by The New York Times [so it must be true] that dark chocolate may be more effective then many leading antihypertensive medications on the market. How? It's all down to the flavonoids in cocoa, they help to balance blood pressure and reduce blood clots - clever little things aren't they?!

2. Dark Chocolate can relieve PMS and boost your mood. 

This I found interesting! Many of us fairer sex will be used to craving certain foods at certains times of the month ;) Prehaps its been our body telling us what we needed all along? The caffine [another close friend of mine] and other chemicals help to boost our mood and relieve premenstral symptoms. Now before you start buying up shares and shelves of dark chocolate listen to this... not only will it do all this for us it will ALSO [or at least the chemical phenylethylamine in the chocolate will] trigger the feeling of 'falling in love' in some cases.[Ok off to the shops with you now, I'll wait until you get back.]

3. Dark Chocolate can reduce the risk of dying of a heart attack by up to 50%. 

The good people at John Hopkins have done a study, which has discovered that those who ate a couple of squares of dark chocolate a day their blood platelets clotted slower which would result in a 50% less chance of them dying of a heart attack. [Perhaps we can all brave the bitterness a little?] 

4. Dark Chocolate helps to ease chronic fatigue. 

[There are a hell of a lot of studies going on with dark chocolate] another has found that in adults who suffer from chronic fatigue eating 1.5oz of 85% cocoa [or more] reduced their fatigue! 

5. Dark Chocolate eases a persistent cough! 

[You guessed it!] Another [UK] study has discovered that theobromine, a component in cocoa, may be more effective as a cough medicine than standard drug treatments. 

In Conclusion  

I think there is very little that dark chocolate can't fix or accomplish - who knows the Presidency might be next :)

Quick, Simple and Easy Morning Exercise Routine

So this is what I used this morning [day 3]. After the slightly 'more intensive' routine I used on Monday [day 1] I was still a little sore so I searched for something a little less strenuous! The video itself is terrible, as in its production, but the exercises are simple, easy and can be done anywhere - which I loved.

I can definitely feel each of the muscle groups working after doing this and I feel great!! 

That would be an ecumenical matter! [In the words of Fr. Jack Hackett!]

Today I did something unusual, even for me: I was interviewed for a vox pop for a religious site for school children.

I'm not that religious.

Maybe thats is the very reason I got in?

My father is possibly one of the 'highest up' 'civillians' in the country so, he of course, was asked first and then his family.

When I first heard about it, at which point he had already said we would do it, I was concerned as to what we might be asked and how he [or they] would want us to answer. Because of who my father is and who my father was, relgion has played a rather promiant role in our lives and while I would consider myself catholic, I would not consider myself religious.

Thankfully

My father assured both my brother and I that he did not expect us to put on 'a front' or be false and he was very happy for us [ politicaly gay actist brother and left wing, non practicing catholic with issues] to be ourselves.

Unfortunately

My brother wasn't able to attend due to his crazy schedule and so on 'our' behalf I answered questions on 'God Like Qualities', 'My understanding of being eucharistic' and 'what prayer means to me'. It really wasn't all that religious at all, at least my answer weren't. The one 'intersting' thing I did learn about were pray shawls, any of you ever hear about them? Marvellous things altogether - but thats for an entirely different blog! 

Weightloss; My Ugly Truth

I'm fat. Actually that is probably being nice about it, I'm obese - yes technically I am; shocker right? There was a time I was a slim size 10 - although that is almost 8 - 10 years ago now. A symptom of my PCOS is severve weight problems; I am the type that looks at a chocolate bar and puts on 10lbs.

I can no longer ignore my weight problems!

Apart from the fact that I am unhappy [severely] with my weight and I'm unhealthy AND that it could all lead to worst health problems in the future there is another reason that has prompted me to lose it.

I want a baby.

Again as part of my PCOS I am reproductively challenged. I can't concieve babies naturally, at the very least. I've struggled with this for 3 years and after going through a rather horrific am I/ amn't pregnant episode very recently I've finally pulled the finger out and made the call to an IVF clinic. I'll be meeting with an IVF consultant within the next 6 - 8 weeks to discuss my options and see what they can do for me. I know my weight will stand in my way, so I am doing what I can now; getting a head start.

My body stats:

Laid open and bare, no hiding from them; this is the good, the bad and the ugly. [Don't laugh]

I am 5 foot 6 inches

I weigh 15 stone and 10 3/4 lbs [ 220 3/4 lbs]

I am 47 inches around my belly 

I am 40.5 inches under my breasts

I am 48 inches around the hips

My thighs are 27.5 inches

My upper arms are 14.5 inches

There it is in black and white. [Take deep breath now]

So what am I doing?

Well I've cut our alcohol and take aways for the next month[at least]. I am going to watch what I eat and exercise twice a day. A morning work and a walk in the evening, equally 45 - 60 minutes a day. I'll alternate my morning works out but I found this work out this morning which was great and would recommend to anyone; regardless of their fitness level.



Wish me luck!!

Vaseline Sheer Infusion - why its possibly the best moisturiser [ever]!

Shock of horrors when I went to the store yesterday my normal [everyday] moisturiser had shot up in price and while I was willing to pay the extra [because I love it] I thought maybe I should see what else is on the market for the 'new' price.

Que: Vaseline Sheer Infusion with Strays 3

For years I avoided Vaseline products; partially to do with their 'mummy' stigma and because when having a facial once [not my normal] beautician asked me what products I used and when I told her Vaseline, she gave me a funny look, so I stopped. [ I was young and impressionable at the time]. Lack of disposable income and the need for reliabitly brought me back to Vaseline about 18 months ago. And thank god it did or I might never have found Vaseline Sheer Infusion with Stratys 3. 

Lets start with asthecitcs

I love the sleek, easy to hold and easy to open bottles. The colours are muted but glamourous and easily stand out [just enough] on your make up counter. My one gripe is that the writing on the back, with ingredients and bumph is small - yes I do read the back of bottles - not that I know what most of it means; I read it all the same. It distributions easily and smells DIVINE! 

Billed As:
The Biggest Breakthrough in Body Lotion in 10 Years

And I might have to agree! Vaseline Sheer Infusion with Stratys 3 has the look and feel of a light every day cream, is non greasy and non tacky [both big pluses in my book] but it has the effect of a heavier, thicker night cream; leaving your skin ubber soft and silky! Like all good creams should, there are of course options in the range: Vaseline Sheer Infusion Vitamin Burst, Vaseline Sheer Infusion Mineral Renewal and Vaseline Sheer Infusion Botanical Blend [ all of course with Stratys 3]

What is Stratys 3?

So as to get this absolutely right I've taken this directly from Vaseline.com. Stratys-3™ is an effective patented moisturizing complex, combining three powerful ingredients that infuse and suspend moisture across all layers of skin*-- the top, the core, and deep down. 

* stratum corneum (surface skin)

My personal opinion:

I am using Vaseline Sheer Infusion Vitamin Burst, which I paid €4.16 for in Tesco [although I believe the RRP for this will be €5.99) and after only 24 hours and two applications I am noticing a difference. My skin is definitely smoother and silkier and has a lovely healthy glow; despite the grey, rainy day... oh and I smell yummy!

 Vaseline Sheer Infusion with Stratys 3 is so great it even has its own video!

Ceiling Fan Cat - round and round he goes!!

I know this is SO cruel, but its absolutely hilarious!!!

Stressed; I know how this guy feels!!

7 Misconceptions Novice Writers often have.

In no partcular order:

1. Anyone can be a writer. 

It is true that anyone can write; once thought the ABC and basic syntax and grammar but that does not mean anyone can be a writer! Writing, as a career, takes dedication, hard work, long hours, constant revision and rejection and can be a very lonely place indeed. It's not a career that is suited to everyone and the term overworked and underpaid is very appropriate.

2.You can't teach yourself to write well; you either have it or you don't.

I'll let you in on a secret; well two actually. The first is rather widely known; Practice makes Perfect. The second; I'm dyslexic and a published author. With each letter, blog, email and book I write I get better. My diction improves, I understand grammar and punctuation more and my spelling improves -I've still a long way to go, as I'm you've noticed - but you can teach yourself or learn to be a better writer.

3. If a Publisher rejects me I must be a bad writer. 

Not entirely true. Its possible that yes the publisher may think your work unpublishable; but that is their opinion. Another might think differently. [JK Rowling was rejected 12 times, she is now a billionarie.] There is also the possibility that your work is not what they are looking for or your genre or style or topic is 'over published' either by them, or in general. Because few, if any, publishers return comments it can be very difficult to know or understand why you've been rejected. But just because you have doesn't mean your are bad.

4. A Publishing Deal is all about the book. 

Not in the slightest! Yes your book must be publishable and definitely must have a market but what is more important [yes even than your book] is your PR angle. How are they going to sell your book to the media who in turn well sell it to the masses. What they are looking for here is 'your story', preferably tied to the book, that they can give as an angle during interviews and as promotion. This can be a sob story, a 'fame' story, an obstacle you've overcome - whatever is best going to help them sell you and in turn your book. [Think about what you and Oprah, Ryan Turbrity, Jonathan Ross etc are going to be talking about while sitting on the couch. Sad as it might seem to you, they really aren't going to discuss your book [for too long].

5. If I post my manscript to a Publisher of course someone will read it. 

Not true I'm afraid. A decent publisher will receive in excess of 300+ manscripts a week. The first line of your introductory letter is possibly the most important line you'l ever write in your life; second only to the first line of your manuscript. Make your introductory letter memorable - Grab Their Attention!

6. My grammar, syntax, spelling and story line is perfect; I wont have to change a thing. 

No doubt you'll have had at least 5 friends and family members read your book for feedback and for the most part they may have advised on small mistakes and errors and told you it was great! [That they can't wait for the next one] [See point 7 for advice on this]  And I'm sure they all meant it; but an editor will ask for changes. There are two reasons for this. 1. they work professionally in the industry and know what works and sells, your family and friends or you [most likely] don't [so listen to their advice] 2. they have to justify their jobs! [N.B. an editor will no doubt make many, many suggestions to you and for the most part they will probably be right, but don't be afraid to disagree with them. This is your book afterall. BUT do remember to have an open mind.]


7. I shouldn't show my work to anyone! 

There are 2 schools of thought on this; 1. You shouldn't show your work; the burden is too much. 2. You should, to at least 5 - 10 - but have a plan!

I'm off the opinion that you should definitely have friends and family look over it; but approach it wisely. Look for a cross section of people in ages and tastes [in book genres]. Compile a list of 10 questions you would like them to answer after they have read it; cover ares like characters, plot, sub plot etc or areas where you are unsure of storyline etc. I would normaly wait until the entire book is finished [first draft] before showing it to many, although I do have one friend read my chapters as I write.

Book Review: The Friday Night Knitting Club: Kate Jacobs

When I first saw The Friday Night Knitting Club on the shelf I was both repelled and inticed; knitting is not something I was oridinarily into. None the less I picked it up and as it sat on my nightstand, while I read Designer Genes, I'll admit to being excited about reading it next.

The back story

The story centres around Georgia Walker, her daughter Dakota, their small Yarn Shop and the myrad of customers there. The book continually surprised me with twists and turns that I definitely wasn't expecting. I missed out slighting, not being a knitter, on what I'm sure where lovely imagines of the various patterns and yarns and wools there were described, but I loved it all the same.So much so that a few chapters in I had a huge urge to knit! [Am off to discuss lessons with my mother shortly - knitter extradinaire!]

The Friday Night Knitting Club is just a lovely, lovely read!

Ms. Jacobs created some lovely family and friendship moments and her characters are very real, so much so that I didn't warm to one or two and while they annoyed me, it made the book all the better.

I definitely laughed and cried during this one. It is just a lovely, lovely read. For me I would categorise it in the long [or continuous] journey; bus, train, plane area as the best place to read it!

Well worth reading (almost) 9/10 [Isn't anything that's appeared on the New York Best Sellers List?]

Lost - re-enacted by Cats in 1 minute - much better than the original!

8 reasons it's your fault I'm stressed out right now!

1. Because I should be 25 weeks pregnant today and I'm not.

2. My rhuburb pie turned out like a salty stew!

3. Because I'm having a fat life.



4. Because I need a holiday - even my fortune cards say so!!

5. I'll have to read through the night to make my thursday reading deadline.

6. I'm already finished my bottle of wine.

7. There's a box of Qualtiy Street daring me to eat them [see point No. 3].

8. And finally cause I'm in a terrible mood.

28 Photos of Co. Mayo, West of Ireland

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My mornings are DIVINE because of Treacle Moon!

I am not a morning person, but I love my morning showers!

Why you ask?

Because of Treacle Moon.


What is Treacle Moon I hear you ask?


Treacle Moon is a company that produce the most amazing bathing products ever, fact! 

'The Raspberry Kiss' is my personal favourite, but I'm quite happy to use any [or all] of them! Their products smell SO good and divinely edible that they actually have to put on the labels 'please do not eat this product... its for your skin only!'

If you haven't already tried them, you must! Today! I buy mine from Tescos but you can also purchase them direct from their site.

Oh and if you are looking for the perfect [and I mean the bestest prefectest] ex-foliating shower glove too, Elle Macpherson's is by far the best I have ever used [and I've tried alot, believe me!] AND as luck would have it, the good people who produce Treacle Moon also produce Elle's range too - a fact I was [surprise] shocked to discover!!

Book Review: Designer Genes by Emma Hannigan

It was suggested to me by someone in the publishing world that I should read [among others] this book as its sales are doing quite well at the moment.

A short back story:

The story focuses on two best friends, Emily Cusack and Susie Rosedale. Emily discovers that she is carrying a heredity gene that predisposes her to cancer and Susie is the psychotherapists who is a mess. As you will have guessed the story is a race against time for Emily facing cancer and Susie coming to grips with herself, her family and what she really wants in life before its too late.

Praise to the Author for her achievements 

It's a nice story. I wouldn't say I was blown away; in fact I cried more during the Acknowledgments and Dedication than I did through the book itself. I felt the story lacked something, what I don't know. Which is an odd comment to make considering the author Emma, went through a very similar ordeal and medical procedures as her main character Emily. I did feel that parts of the story were unique or [before] 'untouched', particularly those that focused around Emily. But removing the human interest and PR angle of Emma having gone through the same I felt that Emily didn't convey enough emotion to me [the reader] to make me 'feel' what was happening to her. For my the 'Susie side of the story' was too run of the mill and just a page filler.

Perhaps I am being too harsh, maybe thats just because it was recommended to me. I do think its a good book. Not a 'sit by the pool' holiday read though. More a warm cozy fire, depth of winter kind.

Worth reading: 7 out of 10.

How easy is it to get a Credit Card?

Husband applies for new credit card.


Credit Card Provider requests additional information.

Hubby and I decide we are not bothered with new Credit Card.

Credit Card company get wind of this and send out €5k Credit Card with 10 months interest free on balance transfers.

[ Oh don't worry Mr. & Mrs. Husband and Wife we don't need any additional information or proof of income for valued customers such as yourselves!]

So my question is: 

Is the recession over, in denial or about to have 'the re-coming'?    

Why Health Insurance should include/ cover 'stress relief holidays' !!

Did you know that stress can cause severe health breakdowns?

Stress, a relatively recent psychological and biological term, first coined in the 1930's covers a wide range of phenomenon, from mild irritation to drastic dysfunction that may cause severe health breakdowns. Signs of stress can be cognitive, emotional, physical or behavioral.Signs include poor judgment, a general negative outlook, excessive worrying, moodiness, irritability, agitation, inability to relax, feeling lonely, isolated or depressed, aches and pains, diarrhea or constipation, nausea, dizziness, chest pains, rapid heartbeat, eating too much or not enough, sleeping too much or not enough, social withdrawal, procrastination or neglect of responsibilities, increased alcohol intake, nicotine or drug consumption and nervous habits such as pacing around or nail bitting. [ Source Wikipedia]

I might be stressed, but my Boss will never buy it!

A recent article in The Independent explained that it is estimated that stress in the work place costs British companies in the region of £26 Billion per year. Can your Boss [and your Health Insurer] afford not to take you seriously?

Which is cheaper holiday or hospital stay?

A close friend recently spent 7 days in hospital at a cost of €6,000.00 to her insurer and subsequent cost of €1,000.00 [and counting] in out patient costs. The reason? Chronic IBS brought on by stress. [She remains uncured]. 

It is estimated [by my friend and I] that between €2,500.00 - €3,000.00 would provide a very decent TWO week  Stress Relief Holiday for a couple [sans children, this is supposed to be stress free after all!]. The result? TWO relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated 'patients'. AND a happy Health Insurer with an extra €11,000.00 [and counting] in their bank account. [Not to mention all those extra hospital beds which would be available AND our stressed and overworked Nurses would have less patients to deal with :) ] 

The Reality

It's unlikely that a Health Insurer will ever deem it suitable or 'profitable' to include Stress Relief Holidays as part of their packages; this I find ironic because my Doctor has often told me what I really need is a holiday! So clearly they are medically approved and prescribed! 

BUT

On the off chance my blog actually get us [all] somewhere [foreign] please leave a comment and 'sign' your name to our petition to get Health Insurers to include/ cover Stress Relief Holidays in their packages! - if we get enough names I'll send them on to Health Insurers!!

SIGN THE PETITION BY LEAVING A COMMENT

My Top 7 Reasons to Subscribe to STELLAR!!

I think my friends are sick of me going on about STELLAR.

Every month when Postman Pat (yes my Postman is named Pat!) pushes STELLAR through the letterbox I down tools, stick on the kettle and at the very least have a quick flick through to see what wonders and nuggets of gold are jam packed in.

Because I have run out of friends to share this with I am now turning to you, the blogging masses to convince you to buy STELLAR!

1. Only €2.00 an issue.

I could just say, enough said; like really, what can you get for only €2.00 nowadays? At just €2.00 or €22.00 for 11 issues this is by far [in my opinion] one of the best bargains in Ireland at the moment. Even  a decent €2.00 Euro shop wont offer you as much value or entertainment as STELLAR will. AND I haven't even mention the FABULOUS subscription gifts they offer each month; currently its The Daily Energizer skincare range by Clairns [worth (€56.00). If only I could resubscribe for the gift :( 

2. Easy to read.

Now this is going to make me sound like a big auld granny but you can actually read it, as in the type is not size 3 and squished together to make room for as many ads as possible! Its all nicely printed, with fun colours, loads of pics and the articles are the perfect lenght for that quick minute flick, to savour with over your favourite cup of cha or while you have a quick weedle (come on, we know you are out there). 

3. 'Real' writers

STELLAR is a mag for real women written by real women. These aren't 'the have it all', 'look at me, look at me' types that we often see in other high end, high fashion mags, these are honest to goddness writers and women with their own problems, dreams and aspirations, which in my opinion is lead to my next point. 

4. Fresh, fun and funky Articles

Of course STELLAR has the obligatory pages filled with fashion fixes and tips but it is also filled with fresh, fun and funky articles that effect our lives. 'When you sex life loses its fizz' , 'Kiss self-doubt goodbye' , 'What it means to be Irish' and 'Fallback Girl' - while the titles all appear to have your traditional 'womens mag' 'light' title, the writing is fair more journalistic and hard hitting then you might expect of a woman's fashion magazine. If I have to say one thing about the general aim of this magazine [for me] its about empowerment for women! 

5. It's not all about the traditional 'Celeb' Cover Girls 

Ireland has its fair share of famous Irish women and STELLAR is not shy about putting them on the cover - which I love! Sure SJP and Angie have appeared but so have Rosie and Glenda - ok maybe they are not to everyones taste but they are successful Irish women - more power to them I say! 

6. Features Affordable Fashion

I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm a Penny's girl. LOVE THE PLACE. Great for pick me ups, must haves and even that daily essential. So its no designer label, but its affordable, accessible and stocks some great clothes. STELLAR agrees with me! Their fashion pages and articles are littered with gorgeous finds and we're not talking of the remortgaging kind. From Pennys to Dunnes, Debenhams to River Island all the shops (that you and me) can afford and get to are there!! 

7. Written for the Irish Lass, by the Irish Lass! 

Ok, so the editor is an Aussie, but the Irish practically built Australia so I'm sure she is like 1/8 or even 3/5's Irish. But its clear that this is an Irish fashion magazine for the Irish market - sure it would work aboard too - but this ones for use girls! FINALLY! 

So if these reasons haven't convinced you to subscribe I'm sending the heavies around!

My 8 Top Gardening Tips for Beginners

As some of you will know I recently started on a gardening buzz and am now the proud [owner] gardener of many tomato, pepper and chilli plants, not to mention rows of rocket lettuce and a 'soon to be born' crop of forget-me-nots. Here are some small, invaluable tips I've either discovered or picked up along the way;

1. Start Small

In both the quantity/ variety that you plant and the size of the container that you plant your seeds in.

Start off with just one 'crop'. Keep it simple. As they start to grow and you become more confident plant others.

Also plant your seeds in small containers, this will make them easier to manage initially and means you can keep them inside and keep an eye on them. Very important if there is still frost about!

2. Don't over pay for seeds

Of course you don't have to start with seeds, you can buy partially grown plants, but I get great joy out of the whole process and know that I have grown them from the start!

It seems that nearly every shop is selling seeds at the moment; perhaps they always have and I've just noticed because I am 'into gardening' now. But from Super Value to Centre, Dunnes, Lidl in fact most food stores now have them tucked away somewhere!

I find Lidl to be the best value. They have packets starting from 79c [with over 150 seeds in them] and even have little growing kits with tubs and soil and a whole host of tools for about €6.99. I really wouldn't want to pay above €2.50 for a pack of seeds, unless it was something a little bit special!

3. Remember to add good drainage to your pots

Before you plant your seeds ensure that water can easily drain through and out of your pots. Firstly your pot should have a hole in the bottom; if it doesn't add one yourself. Then fill the base of your pot with stones or broken pieces of an old pot; 1-2cm for small pots, an inch or two for medium sized etc.

This will ensure that your roots aren't constantly soaked in water which would result in them [essentially] drowning.

4. Use a baby beaker as a watering can

As your seeds break the soil they will be fragile and delicate; don't worry though they are still very strong! Large watering cans, or even small cups often have a harsh flow of water that can almost 'drown' your little stalks. Using a baby breaker [from the 2 Euro shop] will give a lovely gently sprinkle of water - perfect for your little babies!

Oh and ps on planting I give my seeds a good watering and then water every 2 - 3 days.

5. Window sills are like mini glass houses!

I am growing everything indoors at the moment. All my plants are on window sills; they act as fantastic mini glass houses!!

Just remember; unless you have trays under your planters or pots to put down some old tea towels to catch the draining water or your window sills and floors will get destroyed.

6. Water terracotta pots often!

All my plants are currently in plastic pots, which as I said above, I water every 2-3 days. If you chose to use terracotta pots [which I will be shortly re-planting into] you need to water a little more regularly.

You see the terracotta itself absorbs the water from the plant and so your soil will dry out much quicker. Always read what the best conditions are for the seeds you have planted [will be on the back of the pack] but for the most part if the soil is damp to the touch you'll be grand.

7. Turn pots around every so often

As your plants grow you will notice that they grown towards the sun and the light. Turn the pots around every day or so so that they 'straighten' themselves and not just grow in one direction!

8. Label your pots!

Label your pots when you plant them with the seed you've planted and the date.

As you begin to expand your 'garden' you will notice that many plant shoots start the same, this is to avoid confusion over what is what. Also by dating them you'll know how far into the germination [growing] process they are; each plant/ seed takes a different amount of time to grow.

Happy growing everyone!!

Taking writing back to basics!

Most of you will know that I am a writer. With 2 books completed I was well into book number 3; that was however until a well known publisher expressed interest in book 2.

Book 2, entitled 'Purple Tulips' was the story of a reproductively challenged woman and her struggle with the idea of having children. It was a story I was proud of; but always felt it needed more. It appears I was right! While the 'well known publisher' thought I showed great promise and potential, they felt the story lacked strength; something which had niggled at the back of my mind.

So armed with their suggestions and advice, today I am taking the story back to basics.

Common Character Types 

Pulling apart almost 6 months of work was never going to be easy; but I have enjoyed 'killing' some of characters; its refreshed and revived the work. 

One of the things I concentrated on today was looking at common character types, I identified seven. 

The Flat Character 

The person who reveals one or two personality traits that never change throughout the book. 

Example: The fat, grumpy shopkeeper, who always mumbles when handing you your change. 

The Foil 

A character that is used to enhance another. 

Example: Think Cinderella and her ugly stepsisters. 

The Round Character

A character who is well developed and demonstrates varied and sometimes contradictory personality traits. Round characters are often dynamic (see below); they change in some way during the course of the novel. 

Example: The mean and bitchy cheerleader who offers a helping hand to the nerdy underdog. 

The Confidante

The person the central character confides in, thus revealing their personality, thoughts ad intentions. A confidante does not have to be a person. 

Example: A shy, but yearning young girl fills the pages of her diary with her hopes and dreams. 

The Dynamic Character 

Someone who changes during the course of the novel; this change is always permanent. 

Example: The dark, brooding recluse falls in love and becomes a happy, function member of society. 

The Stock Character 

A special kind of flat character that is instantly recognizable.

Example: The ruthless businessman and the dumb blonde.

It's worth noting...  

That many characters are often a combination of the above listed common character types; obviously not those that are a contradiction in terms! 

Getting back to basic as been good for me, looking at my characters and how I can develop them will inject a new, fresh lease of life into my story. 

Oh to be a man!

Tomorrow is the wedding of a dear friend.

In preparation for the big day I've bought a new dress, shoes, bag, underwear, jewelery, and bow for my hair, am borrowing a white bolero, tonight I will subject myself to a waxing/ tanning and mani-pedi session like never seen before and in the morning I'm getting my hair cut and styled. I'll then come home and 'fix' my hair, put on my make up and get dressed.

In the morning James will get up have a shit, shower and shave, put on a suit (that I will have picked out for him) and get into the car.

- Where's the equality?

One small change

If you always do, what you always did, you will always get what you always got.

So, one small change can make a difference.

What change do I make?

Suggestions welcome.

They say..

you should do one thing a day that scares you. Not really a nice prospect, is it? Well today I am doing something that scares me; tearing apart my novel and putting it back together, hopefully in a much more publishable way!

Having submitted it to many publishers, I got a request from a very well known international publisher for the full manuscript; after their careful consideration I was told that I had great potential as a writer but that my story line was letting me down.

Undeterred and with some very encouraging words from the publisher I am in the process of critically looking at my ‘masterpiece’ and pulling it to shreds – a very daunting task I can tell you!

Pulling fifty six chapters of blood sweat and tears apart and trying to re-write a first half which is more ‘literary and dark’ to be more commercial is nearly more terrifying than writing the novel itself! But publishers are in the business of publishing books and I am in the business of writing books so am going to take all the [much appreciated] constructive criticism I received it and put it to good use!

Wish me luck!!