Womb blessing

My glorious, life affirming day, in pictures.

Random

A small, random, difficult to write post, to say thank you to the universe. After a couple of years away from organised Wicca, last night I was lucky enough to be invited to share in a new meeting circle, and tomorrow I am going to a local Goddess conference.

There is a thriving Pagan community in Hampshire (as there is everywhere!) and Paul and I were massively active within it until a few years ago. Life moves on, children are born, plans change and you realise that some things aren't as important as they once seemed. We have not kept in touch with many of the old gang, for one reason or another, and I, rightly or wrongly, have always felt quite hard done by. I was never sure if my step back from local organised Paganism was entirely my choice.

Last night was hosted by a lady I have known 10+ years. We have come together and been separate again on many occasions, and when we were asked how we knew each other last night, this lovely lady was able to recount many happy memories of our Pagan escapades before the children arrived.

I said this was a random post!! A post written for me, rather than you Clanettes. Apologies.

Anyway. I really enjoyed last night, I can mix it up any way I like, but ultimately I am most happy in my spiritual skin when I have other people to share it with. I enjoy standing in a circle and feeling alive - and being able to share that with other people who 'get it' and who are also in the moment, is the best bit of all.

Thanks for reading x x

Bike ride

Emma and I went for our first bike ride of the year this morning! It was GLORIOUS! True to our cycling history, it was drizzling as we left and it soon turned into heavy rain, before easing off just as got home.

I was massively nervous. Emma has kept her cycling up this year, doing a big sportive in the summer and regularly cycling to work. This was my second leisure cycle of the year, and only my 6th road ride...Eeeek! 

As soon as we got out into the country I remembered what it is to fly on a bike and most if my nerves disappeared. My cardio fitness is great, and I didn't struggle with the hills as much as I thought I would. Having said that - I was  done at 15 miles!

I hope this was the first of many autumn/winter rides Emma. I have missed cycling with you and your comradery - rain or shine xxx

Photo highlights

Here are the highlights of the last couple of weeks in pictures:

Out for dinner for Rachel's birthday

Work had a fundraising day

We all dressed up as superheroes and or princesses for the whole day - yes I really spent 9 hours on the shop floor with pants and a cape on!

And yes, Vikki really dressed up as Minnie Mouse!

Then after work a few of us went out for dinner and dancing - yet again I am wearing my fave dress and THOSE glasses!

We have dressed the house for Samhain

My parents came to visit with my brother in law and Leif, and I made her wear THOSE glasses!

I am loving my new seasonally spooky knit wear.

Love this captured shot of Niamh cross with Lochie.

Paul is away on business (in Lithuania!) and I am doing a juice fast. It's either juice or eat and drink - JUICE!

I have been cycling to and from work. It's only a 5 mile round trip, and on this pic I was soggy from a down pour, but it gives me a great sense of achievement.

It dawned on me last Sunday, mid mope, that I worked Thurs/Fri/Sat, cycled to and from work on two of those days, went dancing after work on Saturday and went for a run on Sunday morning. I am constantly frustrated with my lack of ability/mobility and then I suddenly remember what I can and am doing, and realise that I have so much to be grateful for.

I need to stop comparing myself to the old Sarah and appreciate the new Sarah - and the untested things she is yet to achieve!

Up

There is nothing like a postitive visit to your consultant to make you feel 'up'! I went and had an x-ray this week, 6 months on, and I have perfect fusion. Conincidentally, a year from having it fitted (see here) I was happy to see my coil still in place - see the 'T' at the bottom of my x-ray! Ha ha!
Anyway. The pain in my hip is nothing to do with my fusion, and can be treated (and actually I think my amazing osteopath has already sorted it.) so I have felt encouraged and more postive to crack on with 'stuff'.

This morning I went for a run, I am nearly finished on week 3 of the C25K.

Then I did my first work commute!  Not even a 5 mile round trip - a massive sense of achievement!

Yesterday I helped Lucy and Dave promote their Nada Sound Therapy business

Niamh continues to astound us with her grasp of the potty.

And I keep being lucky enough to be the only one in the gym! BLISS!

Friday

Happy Friday Clanettes! I am writing to you from the elliptical trainer in the gym.

Proud Mummy tonight! Lochie decided he wanted to be on the school council last week. He designed his own poster and campaign, and he was voted in today! He is quite rightly very pleased with himself!

Our apple adventures continue. I am baking with apples, eating the apples, juicing the apples and I have probably given away 20lbs of apples and we haven't made a dent in my loaded trees..  Today I had a go at apple butter, or apple jam. It's gorgeous, and if taste tests come back positive it will make a Christmas appearance.

6lbs of apples in a slow cooker with sugar and spices..

5hrs later it's a bit of brown heaven!! 

Have a good weekend xx 

Apple cake

Clanettes! I have been shamelessly  avoiding posting. I am in whinge city with a poorly hip and I thought my amazing Osteopath had fixed it last week, and whilst he improved it, he hasn't really fixed it. Now my consultant has called me in for an x-ray and my world of recovery has gone into flux.

So to avoid talking about it in depth, but to assure you I'm here, have a token post about apple cake! It's autumn and our apple trees are in over-drive. I'm filling carrier bags every couple of days and giving them away wherever possible.

Bebe has bronchitis again and is on 4 different medications every 4 hours, with an asthma clinic referral booked, so to cheer her this afternoon, we baked.

In other, positive news, Niamh is potty trained!! It's taken 10 full on days but she finally gets it and is independently using the potty!! After nearly 7 years we are finally nappy free in the day time!! Massive rejoicing! Paul did the brunt of it whilst I have been working for the last 4 days. So thrilled - particularly as I wanted to throw in the towel last week! (You were right as ever Mama! Love you xx)

Anyway. Apples.

The kidlets LOVED it and Lochie had thirds!

Thanks for reading xxx