friendships

All grown up..tubbies

~ credo2014 ~ 1 Comment

It is Friday so a less serious blog. I understand that today the Telly Tubbies are twenty! Wow where did that time go to? The baby featured in the sun image is now at university as are most of the avid fans of those early showings.

It was part of the early morning routine getting my daughter ready with the Telly Tubbies song playing in the background. Her dad used to make her tubby toast and for ages the vacuum cleaner was known as the noo noo!

In years to come there will be a similar generation raised on Peppa Pig I guess! The merchandising always brings in a small fortune to said programmes as relatives rush to by the latest product. We all fall for it…my great niece is coming for a visit tomorrow bound to be something piggy in the playbag!

So to all you Dipsy, tinkywinky, lala and po fans doing so well at university being a tubby fan didn’t do you any harm after all!

 

Stop the bullies

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So pleased to see the increased awareness and publicity encouraging kindness and for children to speak up about being bullied. Too many children suffer in silence.

Sadly most bullies suffer from low self-esteem, may have been bullied themselves and statistically often go on to suffer from depression in later life when they finally reflect on their actions. Banter rarely is banter it’s bullying – questionable teasing is only funny when people are laughing not crying or far worse.

Please read my articles on Innovate My School’s Website including:-

http://www.innovatemyschool.com/ideas/how-schools-can-tackle-cyberbullying

 

Is my cat listening?

~ credo2014 ~ 2 Comments

OK I confess I  am known as ‘crazy cat woman‘ with friends buying me signs and mugs stating this obvious fact.

Seriously, I am certain I am not alone in talking to my cats. The other day Maisy and I were deep in conversation about just how daft Lenny (the tom cat brother from another mother) is.

I found myself telling her how clever and pretty she was and received a rather blank stare back..so I found myself explaining what pretty meant and using other words to describe my beautiful furry friend. More worrying was that this conversation was said out loud and not in my head.

The six million dollar question to be answered I guess is…Is my Cat listening? And, secondly, just how good is her vocabulary anyway? I always encourage everyone to learn a new word a day so I don’t see my feline friend should be left out.

With apologies to Lenny as I did find him reading a book the other night. (I have photographic proof too)!!

Regular followers: No need for concern the blood sugar level is a bit low this morning and normal service will be resumed shortly.

Updating friends…in a flash

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Ok today I stand accused of meaning to ring a client/friend for far too long. The years, then months go past far too quickly. We touch base on various forms of media and comment and congratulate each other on our latest achievements but…

In the middle of a hectic day two amazing women found time to quickly discuss a project and catch up on the achievements of our family. In just a short space of time we talked projects, publishing, education, counselling and we agreed on sensitive topics and how best to handle them, we laughed, we shared tips and exchanged knowledge on all manner of things! Women are so beautifully talented at fitting in so much, giving generously of ourselves to others, caring, giving advice in an instant then flying off to the next challenge.

Mary..recognise yourself?? Lovely catching up, I was mindful you were busy and I am racing against the clock. Quick meeting of minds with a fellow writer and positive spiritual person gives one that fab warm feeling!

My blog message today is to pick up that phone and speak to a human being it’s so much fun and rewarding.  Don’t wait for an excuse just do it!

Surviving the blitz…kindness of strangers

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Morning fellow bloggers, writers, friends, family and positive folk.  I was absent from my blog yesterday as I had a trip to London. I know a few close friends and family raised an eyebrow or two (well those that didn’t pluck them when they were younger!!) that I was ‘still going’.

Of course I was ‘still going’, my mother survived the London bombings of World War II and if there was one thing she taught our family was not to live our lives in fear. She also talked often of the kindness of strangers during that time and the positive spirit of Londoners.

As events which have left many of us greatly saddened and shocked this week proved, yet again, how strangers will run to the aid of others. Today however, like so many, I would like to congratulate all our emergency services for the amazing job they do every day and especially days like Wednesday.

Turning up for work in London…

I for one really appreciated seeing a good Police presence yesterday at mainline stations and sincere thanks to the amazing medical professional I saw at London UCLH hospital.

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However, I am mindful that this week’s events will bring to the surface traumatic memories for those who have been caught up in and/or witnessed previous similar tragedies both home and abroad. As always support those that need it and allow them to talk and release any personal emotions and new anxieties.

Remember:  these are isolated, albeit unforgiveable attacks, and, the Police are thwarting these and protecting us all the time. Be positive, go about your normal business and live a day at a time.

Tell those you love them that you do…to the moon and back. Does it need saying? Yes it certainly does!!

My mum and Richard Gere

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Everyone’s talking about the kindness of George Clooney visiting an 87 year old in a nursing home making her day. Well done George I say!

It immediately reminded me of my mum’s wee crush on Richard Gere and how her and a few ladies from her church club would take themselves off to the cinema to see his films. This really made me chuckle they were in their seventies. One day she did say;

‘I have left the bedroom window open, but, alas, he didn’t climb in’.

This was followed by the fact that;

‘Remember -having a man brings dirty socks too’. ..What a woman!

Why am  telling this story?… as we approach Mother’s day for those of us who find this day a struggle I am suggesting you think of a funny story of your own mother to bring a smile to your face..as that is what they would want. For us to remember their love and the good times.

My own tribute to Dorothy (my mum) is available  now on Amazon Kindle.

‘A Mother’s Love’ My Mum said…Gospels according to Dorothy.

 

Missing the Ferry…sheer Irish magic!

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Last night fans of ‘Missing the Ferry’ were treated to a sizzling hot night of great music at the Farmer’s Boy pub St Albans. The band consisting of three oh so talented brothers, Paul, Kevin and Chris Anderson and Kevin (the adopted brother and fourth band member). All three men have great voices as well as  skilful playing of multi-instruments throughout the night.

They played some of the really great Irish classics: Dirty Old Town, Galway girl, Black Velvet Band, Irish Rover and had everyone loving their St Patrick’s weekend set. The band also writes their own songs that avid followers love and expect…more please guys! They played some of my favourite, and most haunting Irish ballads with Chris on Mandolin and Paul on the penny whistle the pub was filled with what can only be described as ‘Sheer Irish magic’.

Paul confessed to having a cold, and having lived with a singer for many years I know this affects one’s voice, but I have to say he sounded even more like Bob Dylan brilliant. Kevin on bass guitar sings in such a natural Irish way..don’t think he realises just how good he is..so laid back.

Chris the youngest of the three brothers has a lot of energy and passion for his music and is an engaging frontman when required. All four members really complement each other’s varying talents, dynamics in the band work well. They are obviously are having so much fun and always ensure that their audience do too.

Well done to Kevin for his rendition of Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire..really was party night and a great way to end St Patrick’s celebrations.

Luck of the Irish

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Happy Saint Patrick’s day to all my Irish friends and colleagues and connected family.

I hope those of you placing a bet today will be lucky…though we all know the bookies always win! Drat.

I am looking forward to a weekend of fab Irish music courtesy of ‘Missing the Ferry’ who are playing locally St Albans. I will be there Sunday night at The Farmer’s Boy.

Be kind

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When I tuned into This Morning earlier I was thrilled to see their guest counsellors and parents were there to promote their latest campaign; ‘be kind’ details of which can be found on their website. They are asking for  a video linked to be shared so please visit the website in support.

For more years than I care to remember I have been flying the flag of kindness and how it is a strength and not a weakness. Whilst I write about anti-bullying I am happy to promote ‘be kind’ to stop the first we need to remind children to be the second!

Today’s children as we know full victim to cyber-bullying 24/7 and it is down to everyone to encourage our own children not to be a bully and be aware of the consequence of their actions including words within all media, though my generation thought this was normal to parenting. I agree with the brave parent of a child who sadly paid the ultimate price of bullying (Lucy Alexander) it is ‘collective responsibility’.

So today’s awareness blog gives me another opportunity to provide a link for my own article on Innovate My School’s website which has amazing advice articles provided by professionals within the education and support sectors.

http://www.innovatemyschool.com/industry-expert-articles/item/1670-how-schools-can-tackle-cyberbullying.html

At a recent birthday party I spoke to a few Dads of five year olds and reminded them to encourage their children to talk about things which worry them, as too often children who are bullied do not tell anyone…and yes Dads that includes boys!!

A great generation

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Earlier today I was swapping stories and memories and discussed the great generation that lived through the second world war. I know my own mother told me many a tale of bravery beyond comprehension, she was made of sterner stuff than I for certain.

Seriously though, I know my amazing mother chose to sleep in her own bed during the blitz of London as opposed to being cramped in the air raid shelter with the rest of her family. This brave lady always believed when you numbers up it’s up and refused to be scared or give in whatever cards were dealt her in life.

I am sharing some of her wisdom in my latest project ‘A Mother’s Love’ -‘ My Mum said…Gospels According to Dorothy’ now available from Amazon Kindle store.

Not a day goes by where I don’t find something good to remember about this fabulous mentor.

Remember to appreciate your parents whilst they are here and tell them on a regular basis that you love them.