Like most people today I am saddened at the death of David Bowie. His music was indeed the backtrack to so many people’s lives spanning several generations.

I traveled musically with him starting I guess with space oddity, fond memories of listening to Fame belting out in night clubs, and summer drives listening to oh you pretty things…

If Zarr is reading my blog watching you perform Let’s Dance is etched in my mind… the man had soul.

Too many great songs to mention…but who can forget the vision of him in that amazing blue suit on stage performing at Band Aid? The man had great talent, great style and great karma.

Our thoughts and prayers must be with his family and close friends.

This is not the first time I have written about this subject on my blog. All credit to Loose Women today for having such an emotive discussion about this somewhat viewed as taboo subject.

What an amazing brave and honest appearance from June Sarpong who recently lost her brother. The rainbow photo being re-tweeted on twitter was a beautiful and positive way to bring awareness to this subject and remember her brother.

We should all do what we can to encourage male friends and relatives to open up about their emotions and support those charities increasing suicide awareness and helping families come to terms with their grief.

The day my Mother ended her struggle with Cancer there was a double rainbow so rainbows also poignant to our family too.

Don’t forget along with acts of kindness don’t under value the simple art of kissing.

I am busy finding that right publisher for ‘The little book of kisses’ ; my offering about this tender subject and my quest to help save the planet by making our own warmth and energy.

Valentine’s Day here we come.

On February 9th it is Safer Internet Awareness day and well-worth supporting and promoting.

The modern age of technology brings with it sadly cyber bullying and the opportunity for some to groom our children. So I am happy to promote this event.

Earlier blogs I mentioned I had started the Anti-bullying Alliance’s free online course. I have now completed this and recommend it to anybody within education or support services or for parents that just want to be more aware.

Excellent course, great resource material and very easy to use. Modules only take around 45 minutes to do, seven in all and can be completed at your leisure. Time well spent.

Anybody wishing to donate to this charity or find out more about their organisation please visit their website:-

http://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk 

Stay internet safe and keep your children safe.

Morning fellow bloggers, whilst working through an anti-bullying course today I am reminded that in any situation often what most people want is to be listened to and understood.

So for the beginning of 2016 remember the act of being a good friend is often making time to listen to others who for whatever reason are struggling.

Often there isn’t a solution but by talking things through it really does help us to understand our own feelings and the distress of others. Whilst empathy can be learnt if its something you have in abundance then don’t waste it and be that good friend you would like to have too!

Happy New Year.

I know I mentioned the Christmas holiday workers in an earlier blog but my daughter and I had the benefit of the kindness and efficiency of both our local Police and an AA break-down recovery service the other evening.

Having broken down on a rather manic roundabout, we were so relieved to be saved by a patrol car who moved our vehicle to safer spot. I cannot believe the idiots that drove around us like they were on a race track whilst we watched in fear that our little car would be demolished.

We were eventually attended by a really nice guy driving the recovery/pick up truck spending the holiday season helping others…ladies in distress!

To the selfish ones out there let’s all slow down and try to be just a bit more aware of what is happening around us and for those that do help a huge thank you in appreciation.

Drive easy and get there alive!

Friends and family often buy me beautiful writing journals. October I received a fab new one and immediately wrote a list of achievements and dreams to work towards for the last quarter of 2015.

Having just re-read ‘the list’, I had a giggle at some.  Emotive reflection on others i.e. ‘have fun in mum’s memory and be more grateful’

However, I have done pretty well and some on the creative work and self-development list have even been reached earlier..some of those that I haven’t worked on are still relevant so will form the new list for 2016… the diet for instance!

As we all wind down for the end of year it doesn’t have to be a case of feeling negative about what we didn’t manage to do as there is often a bigger reason for this which will become clearer.

Far better to be grateful for still having our health and loved ones around us and reflecting positively on what we have achieved and what we have perhaps learned from our mistakes.

For the start of the new year..whilst it’s good to set ourselves targets these must have a realistic time frame set to avoid feeling we have failed.

Remember life gets in the way of life and learning how to prioritize and cherish the days as they fall will enable a far better state of positiveness and fulfillment.

So the advice is to live, love and laugh often and be mindful.

I have lost count of the number of friends that have said Christmas has just become a marketing fiasco which starts too soon too.

Today I will be going to the Crib service with friends and family at our Local church the lovely St Mary’s and that is where the real Christmas will begin.

I will be embarrassing my daughter as I have been asked to wear my Mummy Christmas outfit for the little ones…sorry!

Followed by a few mulled wines at a local watering-hole…the other spirit of Christmas.

Happy holidays fellow bloggers and followers and remember it is better to give of yourself, your time than an expensive gift.

Day two of working through Anti-bullying Alliance’s online course.

I thoroughly recommend this free course to anybody wishing to develop their understanding or what represents bullying and communication skills whether working within education and/or parenting.

The course is easy to follow with excellent resources for extended learning of the various acts which apply to situations you may encompass.

For those new to  SEN (special educational needs) you will find this both informative and helpful. It outlines the difference between Medical Model Thinking and Social Model Thinking.

Increased awareness is invaluable as we know knowledge is indeed power.

Their website: http://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk 

Had a very interesting discussion last night with a good friend and retired Police Officer. We shared how times had changed and how sadly the excellent work that our Police do goes un-congratulated..we only get to hear about the mistakes they make.

Whilst I would never make light of any genuine case against an officer, however, I remember as a child we respected the Police.  I guess for me my positive relationship has been enhanced by having family and friends in the Police force and having had the privilege to work alongside community officers.

Recently I engaged with a brilliant young officer connected with The Child Abuse Investigation Unit  and was really impressed how he handled a very delicate situation. I made the effort to say thank you to his unit and wondered how many people take the time to do likewise? Not many I bet!

On a day to day basis our officers never know what they will be met with. Maybe we take them for granted  and need to remind younger generations that they are there for our protection and deserve our respect at least.

That’s today’s rant over with…