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Broken Forest

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At the weekend I attended a Gig locally(ST Albans)  and had the opportunity to listen to Luise (Broken Forest).  I was very impressed with this young artist who treated the audience to a great acoustic set.

If I have any criticism it was too short…but that was because she was accompanying another band also known to me.

Seriously, this female singer/musician has a truly silken voice and as I complimented her… it was like a clear Celtic vocal. I understand her roots are in Germany but as we agreed, if we are honest, we are all a mixture of various nationalities and she was not offended by the Celtic comparison!

Wherever this vocalist gets that voice from it is  well-worth going to see her live.

Her website is http://www.broken-forest.com

By the way Luise I love your visuals on your promotional material and the lyrics were very poetic. Enjoyed the Peter Pan inspired track.

 

Down’s Syndrome Awareness

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This morning I watched the extremely emotive, empowering and brilliant advertisement in support of Down’s Syndrome run by Mencap.

Thankfully some of the myths and ignorance of the 1960’s has been replaced with more awareness and correct information to empower those children with Down’s. Slowly and hopefully we are educating the proportion of society that remain ignorant or indifferent to people with challenges to overcome.

Over the years I have known and had the privilege to work with young adults with Down’s Syndrome and they are truly  beautiful and inspirational to observe and get to know.

To find out more information please visit http://www.mencap.org.uk.

Happy Birthday Mum

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Today is my Mum’s birthday she would have been 94. I can think of no better way to celebrate her birthday than have an afternoon tea…

Luckily my beautiful considerate daughter had treated me and her boyfriend’s mum to an afternoon tea at Luton Hoo.

The grounds and house are amazing and the array of cakes and sandwiches were too.No counting calories or diet today. The tea flowed as we chatted and giggled and ate until our clothes were uncomfortable.

As her day comes to a close I have had a lovely catch up with her younger sister who was about to ring me we always think of each other on days like this, and as I often say death doesn’t end a relationship and our loved ones remain forever in our hearts.

Mum, where ever you are I did you proud today mmm yum cakes!

 

Elephants and Castles…observers of life

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Last night I went to see the London based band ‘Elephants and Castles’ play live at The Farmers Boy in St Albans. Great night listening to this really interesting duo who write their own material. OK so do a lot of bands… and I know I am a writer… but their lyrics really impressed me. I found myself hurriedly scribbling a few down on the back of my business cards having scrounged a pen!

The band members Chris Anderson and Rob Spencer are also both teachers with the former being a music teacher who really makes a difference to the lives of the children he works with.

Chris Anderson has been known to me for nearly twenty years and I have enjoyed attending gigs in the past with other bands including ‘Missing the Ferry’ in which he plays with three other band members two of which are his equally talented and musical brothers Kevin and Paul.

My followers know that I don’t often stray from my main blog theme but these guys deserve a mention and one particular song really resonates with me and my work with the elderly..  ‘Larry and Janet‘ is an emotive song about how changes to areas affect those that may have lived there for most if not all their life and are expected to move away from all that’s familiar. And, as their lyrics state:

‘What’s left for you and me, we don’t fit into next year’s plans. …One way ticket to the outskirts..they’re gonna push us out’

During the course of the evening I was informed by loyal fans about the inspiration of so many of their songs, these guys are keen observers of life. I was equally pleased to learn ‘Outdoor kids‘ another brilliant song was inspired by Redbourn my village!

If Chris and Rob get to see this I hope I scribbled the lyrics down correctly.. after consuming a few large glasses of wine. Thanks for making a Sunday night memorable and I will be playing your disc later.

Keep an eye on these two…they have some amazing musical messages that need to be heard!

 

 

 

Sign the petition for Rosie’s backpacker safety campaign

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I have just read the interview with Mia Ayliffe’s Mother in ‘The Mail on Sunday’. Her daughter, a student taken tragically whilst backpacking. Rosie’s words resonate with me and any mother reading this emotive and honest piece.

As our children go off to university and/or a gap year we worry about their safety for all sorts of reasons. However, none of us want to stop them following their dreams.

Rosie admits that in her head her daughter is still away in Australia and I have had similar conversations with the bereaved friends and families in similar situations as they struggle to come to terms with their loss.

My blog supporters and followers know how often I write about the strength of a Mother’s Love. My book of the same title currently with my publishers. What never fails to amaze me is how some individuals whilst having to work through their grief decide to channel their energy into something positive and more often that not for the benefits of others.

Mia’s mother has started a safety campaign for backpackers and I would urge my followers to sign her petition which can be found by visiting her Twitter page @RosieAyliffe.

 

Coping with loss

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This week there have been various charities and individuals thankfully increasing awareness about the loss of a child and/or baby whether this be through illness or in the early stages of pregnancy as a miscarriage. Women who have miscarried are so often not afforded the same or similar consideration or support as those women who have given birth then lost their child although it is still a traumatic loss.This delicate subject has even been aired in the House of Commons…at last!

As the ‘Loose Women’ today  have acknowledged; from the start a woman knows she is pregnant along with the usual anxieties she also has started to dream about that life and the future of that child…regardless of how many people she has chosen to tell she is pregnant.

It is no secret that many people find death and bereavement difficult subjects to discuss and as I often write this doesn’t help the person who is grieving in any way at all.

Furthermore, it is nobody’s right to tell another that their way of grieving is wrong and/or it is time they have moved on and accepted their loss. We all grieve in different ways at different speed and this should be respected.

To all those women who have lost a child or experienced a miscarriage it a pain that may get easier in time but is never forgotten and as with all emotions things will trigger a memory and the tears with flow…don’t forget it is good to cry rather than hold in one’s emotions. It is vital to talk to somebody about your feelings at whatever stage in the grieving process you are at…it really does help to share.

 

 

A Woman’s place…

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Working these past months with some of my amazing and lovely female elderly clients  we often discuss how things have changed over the years. How the role of women has changed.

We often share stories and sayings that our mothers and grandmothers used to say. One I heard my mother often say when a machine was getting the better of her was; ‘Don’t be beaten by man or machine‘ and I try to remind myself of those wise words when trying to get to grips with my latest mobile phone.

Today I heard the male equivalent ‘Don’t be kicked by a woman nor horse!’ .

All joking aside there is of course some sadness when we study the females portrayed in such great films as ‘Pride and Prejudice’ when the order of the day for young ladies was to not leave the house without one’s bonnet or gloves and a trip to town was to choose new ribbons. Reflecting upon those times are we leaving the house half-naked girls??

Revisiting those romantic novels we read as teenagers is often therapeutic and relaxing for the mature ladies as it is good to remember how things used to be .

Alzheimer’s Society

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Yet again I am promoting the Alzheimer’s Society who have just provided me with  a second batch of amazing literature. I cannot praise their support and standard of advice enough it has been of great benefit in helping me in my own research of Dementia and in supporting those around me with loved ones facing this personal challenge.

To anybody working with and/or supporting Dementia sufferers please ensure you take full advantage of their support both in terms of material and advice.

Their helpline for England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 0300 222 1122

As their literature states they are ‘leading the fight against dementia’ and they are!

Supporting Stroke Survivors

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Having a stroke is a life changing experience both physically and mentally and having the right type of support and positive encouragement will enhance the survivor’s recovery journey and enhance their general well-being.

Regular followers know that I prefer and often refer to stroke victims as survivors as that is what they are. Strokes not only affect the elderly by the way that is a myth and sadly young people also experience them and aside of having to recover are often met with a negative response.

Having a stroke does not mean that one’s life is over and with the right support and positive advice and input recovery can be much faster than even some consultants will predict.

Later this month Coffee mornings are being held to raise awareness and funds so look out for them in your area and please attend. Alternatively consider making a donation to The Stroke Association who do amazing work.

Stay fit and healthy and remain positive…always.

 

Respecting women

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I am deeply saddened by on-going reports of attacks on young girls on University Campuses and even more surprised that well-being/safety talks are either being poorly attended and/or promoted.If your University have gone to the trouble to organise these please attend.

Fortunately there are more young well-behaved gentlemen who are genuinely focused on their studies and who have been brought up to respect girls than the small minority that obviously do not.

However, as parents it is a continual worry that our young girls are at risk from the small minority who will take advantage of their vulnerability in more ways than one. There is the lad culture of not respecting women and comments made by the US Presidency candidate are totally unacceptable and disgraceful.

Sensible girls, drink in moderation and ensure they come home safely from events with the friends they arrived with. We all know how difficult it is to persuade somebody who has been attracted to somebody of the opposite sex through ‘beer goggles’ that they may be heading in the wrong direction and should come home and sober up.

Equally there are of course some girls who lead boys on intentionally or not and the lines become blurred. Please stay sober and safe and look after each other. Have fun but…in moderation.