just got back!

I have just got back from a fun night out at Pizza Express. What a lovely way to end the day after a busy day at school. I met some great people. There was a lovely couple who have been in the business two months and are making fantastic progress. Everyone there was so positive I have come back buzzing!

this time of year

I love this time of year. OK in UK the weather can be unpredictable but generally it is quite warm in April/May and beautiful flowers are in bloom. Bluebells are one of my favourites. It is wonderful to walk through woods and to come across a carpet of bluebells.
I also like the fresh green leaves on the trees and the hedges look healthy and there are blossoms on the branches.
I was very lucky at the weekend to be able to camp near the Epping Forest. Being in those woods is inspiring!
The dogs had a pretty good time too!

positive feedback

I was thinking how lovely positive feedback is. We are all so busy in life just getting by that sometimes we don't let people know how much we appreciate the things they do for us be it that they are the friendly person who served you at the supermarket or the knight in shining armour who helped you when your car broke down.
I left a card for one of the women at work last week. I could see she was looking rather stressed and I thought it would be nice to remind her how great she is and thank her for all she does to help the school. She came to find me and was tearful as she was so touched and that is when it hit me. It is such a little thing but it means so much to be appreciated and for someone to notice you for the person you are. I have had parents of children I used to teach stop me in the street to update me on how well their child is doing now and to thank me for teaching them. This makes me feel really valued.
I have decided that I am going to make a conscious effort to show and tell people how much I appreciate what they do for me as it is clear that genuine appreciation really does make all the difference.

beliefs

What do you believe? It is an exciting question. I am very interested in what other people believe and finding out for myself what I really believe deep inside. Studying religion is fascinating and can't be ignored if I am to understand History.
Many religions have a lot in common and offer us sound ways of living. Many religious leaders are good, inspiring people but some others are not.
Being a leader of anything is a very responsible role. People look to you for guidance and direction. This puts leaders in a position of power and influence and this does have the capacity to corrupt some people.
If people act in their own best interests and deliberately exploit their followers this is an example of this corruptive influence at work.
Some people were born into a family who had a particular faith- they were taught about this faith and in turn believe themselves.
Some people were born into a family and as they grew reacted against and rejected their faith.
Some people just aren't that interested in asking questions about the meaning of life and some are convinced there is no God.
I really feel that exploring my beliefs is one of the most important things I can do.
I learn from the things I see and hear around me, I read books, I learn a little more each day and build on my learning.

smiling

Smiling really is contagious. I was walking round Sainsbury's in a good mood this evening and so I randomly smiled at people and most beamed back. The odd person looked at me like I had lost it but I focussed back on buying teabags and got on with my day.

What could be nicer?

I have taken Ollie out for a walk, had a bath and thought sit down and check my Facebook page. Ollie had other ideas though and decided to sit on my lap and wouldn't budge so I am typing this with a strange shaped dog on my lap who looks more like a large mouse than an actual dog. I have got to love him though he has such a strong personality and makes every day a right laugh!

Going for it!

I really admire people that put their neck on the line, push themselves to follow their dreams.
Every day people subject themselves to all kinds of trials ( lesson observations, contests, races) to be the best that they can be.
We drive or walk past heroes every day. People who devote their lives to improving the lives of others.
There are also people who work every day at improving their ability to paint, play music, write and dance.
I salute them all!

Its a new term!

I wonder how all the children across the land have settled/ are settling into term 5. A lot of students are revising and taking exams this term and next term which does add to the pressure for many. I have a feeling time is going to fly though. The pupils will be trying to work out what their new school/year group will be like next year. I can remember when I was a reception teacher the children thought their teacher was virtually the centre of their school world until they found out who they were getting in 'year 1' and then the reception teacher becomes 'ancient history' as they try to impress their new teacher!
I think some children in their final weeks in school become 'big fish in small ponds' and they are eager to move onto their next school.

I love the woods!

I have just got back from spending time with Graham, Ollie, Rufus and Burt. The weather wasn't so great yesterday so we didn't go camping but the weather didn't stop us from going out into the woods.Everything was fresh and green and the flowers were in full bloom. I really love bluebells, their fragrance can be detected throughout the wood. The dogs were absolutely in their element running about and jumping around.
I have always loved being in woods.  There was a little wood at the top of my road that I used to play in as a child. In fact most of my most enjoyable experiences involve being outside in the countryside in or around woodland. Woods offer the best of everything. They are cool in the summer, offer shelter in the rain and look different at every season.

meeting up with friends

It is lovely taking time out of my routine to meet up with friends. I think it is important to do this at regular intervals as life races by so fast ad if I leave it too long I miss out on some really important events in other people's lives. The same applies to family. It was so good to see my sister Liz and her family last week. A year had passed since the last time I saw them and they have changed so much.
There are people I see more often than others but meeting up with every single one of my good friends and family is very important to me.
It was great to spend time with Liz at my caravan and I hope that she visits again soon!

Exciting Opportunities

It was about a year ago when I realised I wanted to try something new. I love teaching ( I realise this now but was fed up with it at the time.)
I didn't relish the though of teaching full time until I was 68 or more and then retiring with too little money to live on pension-wise. I decided I owed it to myself to do something about it and set about looking for a new opportunity.
Life really is an adventure.It has twists and turns and new chapters. I seriously looked into running a Jazz bar with a group of friends ( I didn't quite have enough money to do this at the time) I took the licensee course though as I was determined to start developing new skills to take my life in a new direction.
I looked for something I could afford to invest in and decided to become a franchisee with 'Professional Will Planning.'
I left the teaching job I was in and went on the training with 'PWP.' The training was very interesting and I started my business in the summer of 2013.
I really enjoy going to the outdoor events to promote this business and it is so interesting and rewarding being able to help clients to set out their wills so that their loved ones know their last wishes.
I carried on supply teaching to ensure my household bills were paid and started to look for an additional work from home job I could do when I had spare time.
I found an advert to become a distributor for Utility Warehouse Discount Club and signed up for £50! That turned out to be such a good decision. Many people I know have high energy bills and are not content with their phone/broadband service. I just let people know that there is an alternative to their current provider. One of the best aspects of this Club is the Discount Card. Utility Warehouse customers buy their groceries and other shopping using their card and receive a lot of money off their utility bills each month. All I do is let people know about this club and if they are interested they sign up. Some customers decide to become distributors themselves as it is very easy and rewarding to do. The company values personal development and recommends books and CD's which along with regular free training and inspiring events helps distributors enormously. I feel part of something positive and find the training and personal development helps me in my working and personal life.
The reason I am telling you this is because I am so happy I decided to take action and do something to change my life when I was feeling rather trapped.
I now feel that my future is a lot more secure. I am lucky enough to be employed part-time by a fantastic school. I find working with the pupils very rewarding and working on my businesses part time has given me new perspective. I feel less overwhelmed by teaching and realise that establishing a good work-life balance is so important.
I no longer have to worry about a tough financial future because as the Utility Warehouse provides me with an increasing residual income I will be able to stop worrying about pensions and will be able to retire early from teaching if I choose to.
I have a dream of setting up and running some kind of community centre, cafe or bar in the future too. I will do this when the opportunity presents itself and the time is right....It is good to have dreams and to keep them alive, working towards them daily. Watch this space.
One thing I  have finally realised is that life is as exciting as you make it.

Friends

I am looking forward to seeing my friend Tina today. I used to work in a school with Tina and I am really glad we stayed in touch. Tina is very talented and makes beautiful crafts. She has made me a lovely banner for my caravan and a 'Wills and Bills' plaque for my 2 businesses.
Friends are very important to me as are family. The thing I really like about friends are that they are free to come an go out of my life. They don't owe me anything through family obligation so when they are with me it is because they choose to be.
I really enjoy spending time with my friends. Some I have known for many years. The friends I have known a long time have withstood the test of time. My life can take on new twists and turns and yet they remain a stable force in the background. New friends and acquaintances are good too though as they can relate directly to my current experiences.
It is hard to imagine a life with no friends. I think it is very important to take the time and effort to stay in touch with people and to find out how they are and what is happening in their world.
Friends know things about me that many people would not know and it is so good to have people that understand me in this way. Friends share my secrets, my dreams, hopes and fears and I share theirs. We try not to judge one another and accept each other for who we are.

My caravan.

I love visiting Capel-Le ferne and spending time in my caravan. Sometimes I like to go there alone and sometimes with friends and family. I have just spent time there with my sister Liz and her children Jared and Ciara.(Of course Ollie came too.)
 We went for a lovely walk down the cliff path, along the beach and back along the cliff path at the top. Bluebells are starting to bloom in the woods are the sun shone on us all.
What a lovely place, one of my favourite places to be ever!

Living in the present

It sounds easy doesn't it, living in the present because that is where we are now. I find myself drifting into the past and the future a lot in my minds and the memories and thoughts can be very vivid. I think that the older you become the greater the temptation to live in the past as more and more memories are made. When you are young it is tempting to look to the future trying to reach goals and fulfil dreams. Living in the present is a lot tougher than it is cracked up to be. It is good though when you manage it as you feel completely alive and appreciative of where you are right now.

Is Ollie living in the present I wonder? In this picture he looks like he is living in space!

My sister

My sister, my niece and nephew will be visiting tomorrow and they will be seeing my caravan for the first time. I am pretty excited about that as I don't see them very often as they live in the Newcastle area.
Each time I see my niece and nephew they are a whole year older and obviously have different interests and things they would like to do. Happily some things don't change though. I texted my sister Liz to ask her what food they like these days and they pretty much like the same stuff as last time so I am off shopping later today to get the food that they will (hopefully) enjoy.
I am also hoping the sun shines on us as it is so beautiful walking in the countryside close to my caravan and it will be great taking Ollie out and about with them. I know they would have loved to see my kids but they are both at university in The West Country so Ollie will take on the role of chief entertainer!

This is my nephew with my son 4 years ago.

a place of my own

I am lucky enough to have a house. I really appreciate having my home to come back to every evening. I also have a caravan. My caravan is my special place where I most like to be. I am going there today and meeting up with my friend Debbie and her little boy Jacob.
I am very excited about this.
The view from the caravan park is stunning- I can look down from the cliffs into the sea.
My caravan is tucked away from the elements and I have some lovely flowers growing in the borders.
I feel very lucky to have found such a wonderful place to be!

So many possibilities

I love having time off to think, write, read, draw, walk, do whatever I want to do and I am very glad that I have my businesses so that in the future as they grow I will need to work less hours and ensure that I have more time to do the things I like.
It is a shame to think that the way jobs are designed now few people will have many retirement years with enough time and money to do the things they always wanted to. people used to be able to save enough money and retire early enough to ensure that they could fulfil their dreams when they retired.
I really believe that this has changed. People are retiring later and with less savings in the bank.
 If there is something that you have always wanted to do, a place where you have always wanted to go don't put it off to some time in the future that may never arrive. Plan how to achieve your dreams as soon as you possibly can and don't let anyone put you off!

hello Hattie and welcome home!

I am home with my lovely new car!
It was sad helping push Harold up the road towards the scrap lorry and seeing him being towed off but I am happy to say I had a lovely evening at my caravan with Graham, Ollie, Rufus and Burt. We then drove to Essex in Grahams car the next morning and later that evening I drove Hattie to Grahams.
Today Graham replaced a wheel and fitted a new petrol cap for me and Hattie was good to go.
I drove home via the Dartford bridge and was given plenty of opportunity to practice my clutch control due to all the queueing traffic. I am glad to say Hattie, Ollie and I got safely home.
A massive thanks goes to Graham for helping me in my hour of need!
Hattie is wonderful to drive and I look forward to many happy hours motoring in her...

In between cars

I am in car limbo. I have a car outside my house that doesn't drive. I have bought a car in Essex that I will be driving tomorrow. I have to wait until Harold is scrapped before swapping over the insurance and recovery.
Graham will give me a lift to pick up my new car- a burgundy Ford KA who will be called Hattie. (I rotate the genders when naming my cars!)
.My first car was  Bruce, then there was Mollie, now Harold then Hattie in tribute to Harold who is such a grand old man!
I am so looking forward to driving again.
I haven't gone proper food shopping since Harold broke down as I simply can't face lugging all the shopping home as I used to every day before I learnt to drive. I am resorting to eating the weird cans of stuff that end up at the back of the cupboard that I never usually get around to eating...
I would rather not have the shopping delivered either as I like picking the fruit and veg myself. I guess I am set in my ways?
It makes me think of all my habits, the things I like/ dislike doing.
While it is nice to change things around and do something different every day there are some little habits I positively enjoy having.
One is taking my dog for walkies to certain places. Ollie likes this too. He particularly likes going on walkies where he has to go in the car first and can even pick out my car from other cars. He is going to have to re-learn this however as he won't be hopping into a Kia Pride any more, he will need to look out for the Ford KA! Debden is one of the places Ollie particularly enjoys. Here is a photo of one of our camping trips with Graham. Harold is in the background.

adjusting to having no car

It has been strange seeing my old car, Harold, parked outside knowing that I can't drive it. Since it broke down I have been looking for a new affordable car and arranging to get poor old Harold scrapped. This has not been as simple a process as I had hoped as the scrap man did not turn up yesterday as arranged so now I will need to wait until Monday to contact them and see what happened. I cant buy another car until this is done as I will need to switch the insurance over from one to the other.
As I wait I reflect on how my life has changed since I learnt to drive.
Only a few years ago I told myself I didn't need to drive and didn't want to drive but that wasn't strictly true.
When I was 18 I took and failed two driving tests and gave up. My heart wasn't in it as I was very environmentally aware and believed cars to be the main pollutants of the planet.
I still believe a large number of people use their cars too often and seldom walk if they can drive but in this part of the World in 2014 it can be very tough and somewhat limiting if you do not have access to a car.
When I was bringing up my kids I walked everywhere and used public transport and lived close to where I worked.
That all changed when I became a teacher as I was required to travel to lots of venues that weren't very accessible by public transport.
For me to be able to work at the last setting and my existing setting having a car has been crucial. I also need it for boot-fairs, to get to appointments and to get to training venues with my two businesses.
Shopping for food is no fun without a car either.
So a few years ago my desire to be able to drive increased but I still didn't believe I could do it until someone I was close to at the time paid for 10 driving lessons for me and told me I could do it.
At the time I didn't believe I could afford to learn to drive and was virtually certain I could never develop the skills but their faith in my ability somehow changed everything.
I finally decided I would try and found myself a patient driving instructor.
It was hard. I struggled to remember the basics and when it came to taking my test failed a further 6 times. ( Yes 6 times!) I paid for all my lessons and for the exams myself after those initial 10 lessons. I somehow managed to scrape the money together. Initially I re-took the tests as I didn't want to let anyone down as by this time my kids and my friends were rooting for me and kept asking how I was getting on. After a couple of test failures stubbornness kicked in and I was determined to pass. By this time I was completely invested in learning how to drive and actually believed I could do it.
It was an incredible day the day I actually passed and that is when I truly learnt if I want something enough I will get there in the end as long as I never quit.
It turns out that after all that practise I am a confident driver ( albeit a pretty hopeless parker!)
I feel unsettled not being able to drive when I want to and seeing poor Harold waiting patiently to be towed away does make me feel sad.
I guess many people would find it weird to feel emotional about a car but Harold represents a lot of things to me and has played a starring role in many of my adventures over the past 4 years!

Now I know this photo has nothing whatsoever to do with what I have written about but I was looking for a car related photo and found this hilarious photo of my lovely little cat I used to have called Fisher and I had to share!

Free!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLS3HLEEiWw

I love taking inspiration from people who have created great things. Artists, writers and musicians offer us all so much. Architects, film makers...you name it, there are so many people who have managed to share their incredible gifts with The World.
Nature teaches us so much too.
Taking time to stop and look around me every day, listening to wise words, beautiful sounds and gazing at magnificent sights all help me to realise daily that I live in a wonderful world and I am lucky to be right here, right now and that I have the ability to achieve what I wish to achieve if I act on my own creative thoughts and feelings.

Spring has arrived and I will say goodbye to Harold!

I was walking along today and all of a sudden Spring has crept up on us!
the flowers are out in force, the leaves are that new lovely green and it was sunny!
The are spring lambs in the fields and today I even saw some llama's!
It is so nice to have longer days and shorter nights. We will be camping before we know it!
Tomorrow is Harold's last day.
I will be very sad to see him go. He was such a reliable car and a real character if you believe that cars have characters ( I do!) He was lovely to drive! What a legend...

sand and stuff!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nC2gZMNkyJo
It has been a good day.
I am so glad the trains are running well and I am able to sit and read fascinating books as I travel along.
There is a good chance that I have found a suitable replacement car...  ( I will know more in a couple of day as it is being put through its MOT) and I have decided that the next car after that will be a Mini!
The sun has been shining and despite all the dust settling over everything it was lovely looking out of the train window at the beautiful Kent countryside whizzing by.
Many teachers and children are celebrating the fact that they have one more day of school followed by the Easter Break.
Ollie and I miss having Jack around. ( He went back to Falmouth this morning)
I miss him and Clarrie, my daughter but I am so happy that they are both following their dreams and have ended up living in such a lovely part of the World.
I am so proud of them!

Everything has changed

Life is definitely a journey and you learn from all the twists and turns. I learn most from my mistakes I realise.
Circumstances crop up and unexpected things happen that we have to adapt to continually.
I used to be a natural born worrier.
I spent a lot of time imagining all the things that could go wrong. It was exhausting.
Things started to change around a year ago when I seriously started to question if I wanted to carry on along the path I was treading.
I took the drastic decision to quit my job and even thought I had given up teaching.
I joined two businesses and took my first few steps in a new direction.
I am not saying it has all been plain sailing.
I have messed up, made unwise decisions and yes I have learned from mistakes.
I have had success and failure along the way.
I started to read avidly, choosing books because they grabbed my interest and the authors of these books recommended others.
Leaders in the businesses I am involved in have also recommended books, shared their time, tips and advice with me and little by little I have started to see life in a very different way.
I know now that any experience can be a good experience if you can learn from it.
I have just got back from a parents evening at the school where I work.
The parents were lovely, the Head bought everyone on the staff team chips and I was able to re-read a fantastic book on my journey home on the train. Instead of spending time fretting away thinking what if, what if, what if' I am learning to live in the present and make the most of any given situation.
If my car hadn't packed up I would never have done that and re-reading 'Go Pro - Eric Worre' was inspiring and reassuring.
I can honestly say I feel like my life is turning into an exciting adventure and look forward to finding out what will happen next!

thanks goodness for trains

Ok so I had to get up very early but at least I was able to get into work with only one train change.
I miss driving even though it has just been one day. ( It's knowing I don't currently have a working vehicle that feels weird)
I feel confident that I will find a great new little car very soon.
Since I took the decision to run my own businesses my whole outlook on life has changed.
I no longer feel defeated by dips in fortune. I am getting better at looking at things from a new angle or changing my approach to achieve more favourable outcomes.
It is exciting to think how much I have learnt these past few months.
I have a long way to go but am so happy I took the plunge when I did.