Enlightenment

I've always been interested in the more esoteric things in life; my family and friends routinely, albeit fondly, scoff at me for my interest in ghosts and ghouls and angelic beings.  I've dabbled with Yoga, meditate (not as often as I should) read 'Zest' and 'Psychologies' magazine, go to the gym, swim and think I'm pretty healthy...but still I can't get up in the mornings and can't remember when I last began a day feeling ready to take on the world.  I drink too much, eat too many of the wrong things and it all equals a big NOT HEALTHY tattoo on my forehead.  With this in mind I've decided to do something about it.  Here is my big PLAN.

•   I will meditate for 10 minutes morning and evening, no excuses, no falling asleep; I will be disciplined!

•  I will drink more water (Sassy water - see 'What I'm eating')

•  I will exercise more, at least 3x a week

• I will forgo alcohol and replace it with something slightly healthier
• Each month I'm going to 'test ride' a therapy, class or some sort of holistic treatment as part of my mind, body, spirit quest

and finally, I'll keep you all posted on how I'm doing.  So, no time like the present; I toyed with the idea of the gym but have decided that a cool swim would be more therapeautic and seems more holistically cleansing than a sweaty run!  So that's where I'm headed now, out with the old and in with the new with some symbolic cleansing!

I'd love to hear from anyone else with tips, maybe things you've tried, a similar journey you've undertaken. Please let me know...

'Normal for Norfolk'

As readers of  this blog will know, I recently spent a week in Norfolk and came across a wonderfully eclectic, as well as bursting to the seams, treasure trove of a shop called 'Normal for Norfolk'.  Inside this Aladdin's cave, wall to wall, ceiling to ceiling were racks of vintage dresses, skirts, jewellery and bags.  I was virtually hyperventilating with pleasure.  However, I left without spending anything (trying to keep to my budget) and on my return looked it up on the web hoping for some internet shopping instead.  I found the shop, but sadly no on- line shopping to be found.  What I did find however, was a definition for the phrase 'Normal for Norfolk' (here). Not an altogether complimentary image but at least the owner of the shop has a good sense of humour.  Whenever I'm in Norfolk I always find some lovely little treasures tucked away, last year it was a first edition of one of my grandfather's books, this year it was some cute stationary. So take a look at my 'normal for Norfolk' finds..

Gorgeous stationary from Norfolk Living

Soft rose-patterned padded hangers

Cockle Shells from Holkham beach

Let there be light!

Those of you that know me will also know that not only do I have an obsession with water, but also fairy lights...there is something magical that happens whenever and wherever you drape a string and my house has them in abundance..around a metal bed frame, surrounding a vintage mirror, in the garden, up the bannisters and along dado rails; however, I am a purist and I don't do the coloured variety (unless they're all one colour - last year I bought red berry lights for the christmas tree)preferring the quiet sparkle of the white light.  Even the most mundane object or banal room can be transformed by droplets of light.  Here are some of my favourite images...