Updating the subject on kissing which seems to have caused a stir but shy followers still not leaving a comment preferring to text or email me direct.

Just been advised the longest kiss recorded was 58 hours. 35 minutes and 58 seconds…. bet the couple were in need of the Kiss of Life for sure after that! I already knew that it can burn off calories, maybe the couple were dieting??

Recently joked about how teenagers practice with a mirror before their first kiss but read ‘Women’s Health magazine reported most foetuses tilt their head to the right while in the womb’ so we are in fact practicing before we are born.

Carry on kissing it apparently helps you live longer too!

It is no secret that showing our appreciation of what others do for us means a lot to those concerned, but saying thank you also makes us feel better too. Sophie Freeman, ‘Daily Mail‘ had a great little article earlier this week which confirmed, that research had been conducted showing heart patients benefit from being grateful. Professor Paul Mills of a Californian University had carried out further tests including keeping gratitude diaries – I know most of my friends have read ‘The Secret’ which encourages this ethos.

It is well-known fact that being positive is good for our health and well-being and enables us to recover from trauma. When people are depressed they forget to feel grateful about all the good things in their life but opt for focusing on the negative aspects instead.

However, it is often those that have huge daily personal battles to endure and/or have disabilities or serious illnesses that seem to be more grateful for everyday simple things that most people take for granted.

As a wise woman once told me…’it doesn’t cost anything to say ‘thank you.’

I have had two conversations today wherein the subject of kissing came up! To my female readers some of you may be surprised to learn that there are still romantic men out there…….and ones that want and know how to kiss.

As I have said, kissing is similar to dancing, in that one needs a strong lead….but it is easier on the feet! I know a lot of my female colleagues have admitted it is indeed ‘in his kiss’ . Nothing better than kisses that make ones toes curl eh girls?.

Today it has been suggested I try a sponsored kiss and asked ‘is it kiss chase month?’  Both seem like jolly good ideas and I will keep the two gentlemen concerned posted!!!

Seriously, hugs and kisses are little ways to show we care, and of course depending which country you come from, the air/cheek kisses may be two, three or even more -whilst others just rub noses!

The Concise English states; Kiss: touch with the lips, sign of love, affection or reverence’..Kiss of life -mouth to mouth resuscitation, Kiss of peace -ceremonial during the Eucharist. Kiss the dust -submit abjectly; be overthrown.

Here’s hoping this post isn’t the ‘Kiss of death’ to my blog.

May is action on stroke month and The Stroke Association’s theme is to make it purple. For information on how you can participate, support and donate; please check out their website http://www.stroke.org.uk

Today is Charity Tuesday and two of my main national charities to support are of course Cancer Research and The Stroke Association both continue to raise awareness and research two of the main killers -though on the positive side we all know you don’t necessarily die from cancer and/or a stroke.

I believe one of the fears of many woman is of course breast cancer though having a stroke is more likely to happen according to some statistics.

My daughter is doing the Race for Life this year, we did it together a few years back in memory of grandmothers both sides of the family.

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But please, please  remember the local charities too -in my own village of Redbourn Hertfordshire, the Redbourn Care Group helps improve the lives of those in need within the community providing vital transport for the elderly to hospital visits, day centres, food shopping to name a few.

I have recently read a brilliant article written by Kelly Farley ‘Fatal Silence’ on male suicide. Men are often suffering in silence with their bereavement holding onto the misconception that they have to be ‘the strong ones’ and not show their feelings.

I had purposely included the ever delicate subject of suicide in ‘Dancing in my Dreams’ now with my agent/publisher. I discuss how we should refrain from the old-fashion and somewhat incorrect term of ‘committing suicide’ which often offends – bearing in mind it is no longer a crime to take one’s life.

Over the years I have known friends and colleagues that have lost loved ones this way and it is one of the saddest ways to face bereavement. Sadder still is society’s lack of compassion at times for the bereft who in many ways deserve even more support and understanding.

Left without the opportunity to say goodbye and often riddled with misplaced guilt and a mind full of ‘what if?’ questions the bereft often also face hostility.

As statistics prove not all suicides have mental issues though one might question that they may not have been in ‘their right frame of mind’ when they make the decision to end their life this way.

Support those going through bereavement however their loved one has died. Their loss is painful whatever the situation and in the case of suicide they too can become depressed and even contemplate suicide themselves. It is not uncommon for children that have lost a parent this way to see this as an option for themselves too.

There are support charities and agencies who can help and Freud was right about the talking cure; ‘the purpose to change hysterical misery into ordinary human unhappiness.’ 

In life we all need encouragement..but what happens when those around think your latest project or opportunity is a non-starter?

You can ask for opinions if you feel you really need them before taking the plunge, you may receive advice even when you haven’t asked for it…

But encouragement will be forthcoming from true friends who may know you best and understand your desire to branch out and try something new.

However, blind encouragement of course helps no one. And as a very wise lady once told me..’I can come with you to the dentist but it’s you that will sit in the chair and have your teeth drilled.’

Make your own decisions and listen carefully to your instinct…has it served you well in the past?  Then go for it.

Remember…if it seems too good to be true….this time it may be your time!

Anybody living local to St Albans and with a passion for naughty puddings should definitely stop off at The Pudding Stop. Not only are the staff extremely welcoming but the puddings are to die for. Pecan pie like you’ve never tasted. Yum yum yum.

Speaking as the world’s worst chatterbox and rambling writer some times less is more. When I used to run a Writers group I set my mixed bunch of somewhat crazy but lovely people to write a story in fifty words. I have also set this challenge when working with clients and children when trying to get them to focus and think and write succinctly.

Here’s my attempt at that exercise…and no it’s not a true story

The Dinner Guest (one man for dinner)

Derek was missing.  She was devoted to his needs, tolerant of his tantrums and a victim of his abuse. Derek could carve a piece of meat…perfect slices every time! The advice was clear; ‘Kill him with a frozen leg of lamb. Then eat the evidence!’ 

Who would carve this Sunday’s roast? Evelyn King ©