For all those who are labelled ‘single’ and dreading the holiday season in a world of coupledom; here’s a piece of brilliant advice from the great Donald Walsch:-

‘Believe the love you are waiting for’

Sounds like a good idea to me!

To those that are not single spare a thought for those that are and stop telling them internet dating is the only way!!!

Hello fellow bloggers and followers, I am always looking for great quotes to use and repeat especially positive ones.

Believe….achieve has been brought to my notice by one of my favourite young men (you know who you are) and I think it runs well alongside my constant mantra of follow your dreams.

Not everything in life comes easily, and just because we can be brilliant at some things certain others can seem to get the better of us. Hopefully perseverance and self-belief will kick in and get one back on track.

In life sometimes the hardest journeys take as long as they take and there is a reason for that which will also  become clearer.

Our life is indeed mapped out for us perhaps we forget that too.

Stay happy and positive…there’s always chocolate if all else fails.

Thanks to the staff at Gloucester branch for sorting out laptop assistance today after a very frustrating time with their crashing website.

Good to see that large organisations can, when there is a genuine need, do the right thing and go the extra mile to help customers in need.

So easy to complain but give credit where credit is due. Well done to the team there today.

During another fabulous lunch with my study buddy the subject of bereavement came up. I said how I always encourage people to celebrate their loved one’s life to help the grieving process and help with the planning of a funeral.

i.e. making memory boards, I found this worked so well for so many at my own mother’s funeral. I found fabulous photos when she was younger and healthier. This gave friends and family a focal point to talk around positively and remember her as she was rather than how she looked towards the end as she lost her battle with cancer.

On Jonathon Ross this weekend Chris Martin of Cold Play discussed various tracks and inspirations of titles and songs from their new album including ‘everglow’ which he described how one feels aside of the sadness about some body that has died and I think that was a really beautiful concept.

Also love the title of Cold Play’s new album ‘Head full of dreams’ which describes many of my close friends and that is what keeps us happy and fulfilled.

Time flies past so quickly we hardly realise a year has gone.  Today we are celebrating a first birthday for my lovely great niece and it hardly seems possible our amazing dolly is walking.

We cram so much into our busy lives and finding time to see everyone is difficult and as the start of the December pre-Christmas madness starts…

I remind everyone not to over-do things or expect too much of friends and families. There are only so many hours in the day.

Sensible friends and I have already said ‘let’s go for a meal in January’ spread the love, the joy and ease the pressure.

Remember a lot of people find the holidays a sad and lonely time too…so watch out for that elderly neighbour who really would appreciate a quick visit.

It’s that time of year again when students all over the country are faced with the great challenge of writing their personal statement.

I have just written an article giving seven useful tips for students, teachers and parents.

My article can be viewed on Innovate My School’s website using the following link.

http://www.innovatemyschool.com/industry-expert-articles/item/1617-seven-tips-for-writing-your-personal-statement.html

At the weekend I attended an ‘Arts and Tarts’ evening at my local church St Mary’s Redbourn. A  fundraising evening for PTSD Resolution (This year’s chosen charity).. a show and tell of arts and an amazing collection of puddings!

We were fortunate to have one of the counsellors attending who helps Military with Post-Traumatic Stress, together with an ex-military man who had benefited from their support who was able to give a first-hand account of the work they do.

If you wish to make a donation or find out more about this charity please visit their website; http://www.ptsdresolution.org.

For prompt help call 0300 302 0551

For the second time I had the great experience of seeing Brian Kennedy at the London Irish Centre Camden performing an acoustic set.

I never get tired of listening to what I describe as ‘the voice of an angel’. Indeed the first time I saw him live, at a CD signing I said as much to this amazing singer…comment so cheesy but so true.

This time we were treated to tracks from his latest album covering Joni Mitchell  classics;  Opening with ‘Night ride home’, later ‘A case of you’ simply beautiful.

He also sang ‘A free man in Paris’ for those caught in last week’s tragic attack.

He did a wonderful slow rendition of Van Morrison’s  ‘Brown eyed girl’ and as before his magical delivery of ‘Carrickfergus’ moved me again to tears.

He always takes time out to talk to his fans, and he kindly signed three cd’s for me -great voice, great man!

As always my guest and I were shown great hospitality at the Irish Centre so thanks to all the staff.

So if you have yet to discover the talents of this singer/musician do so now!

Speaking as somebody that lives in a rural village maybe I realise and value the presence and difference our Police make.

The minute we reduce Police protection in any shape we send out the wrong message and an open invitation saying we are vulnerable.

Somebody please talk some sense into the decision makers and stop the proposed cuts.We need any additional special armed forces as well as the Police not instead!

I refuse to let others dictate or hamper my freedom. However, on my trip to London yesterday I certainly appreciated the reasuring sight of our Police at Euston Station.