CHRISTMAS ON MY OWN IN TASMANIA, BUT LOTS OF FUN TO BE HAD!

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you have a joyful time, filled with love, laughter, good food and fun, and may the coming year be filled with life's blessings and abundance for you.

I thought this might be a good time to share with you my first solo festive time in Tasmania.

Christmas in Tasmania! What was I going to do? The answer was simple, enjoy myself. Yes I would be on my own, therefore it was up to me to plan the festivities with as much fervour as I had always done when family and friends visited us.

I learnt whilst being on my own, to treat myself as well as I  treated others, and this especially applied at Christmas. My first Christmas I had volunteered at a dinner for a charity and had really enjoyed it, but felt this year I had to do something for myself.

I wanted to make it special for me, to make the effort to cook the food I loved and select the wine to go with it, and without it, after all it was Christmas :)

It can be easy to think it's just me, I won't bother, but I didn't want to go down that path.
I hit upon a wonderful idea, which for those of you who might be in the same situation this Yuletide, please feel free to do the same :)

I bought myself presents! I indulged myself and my fancies, oh it was such fun. Not everything had to be expensive, just those little things that normally I would not have bought.

These gifts were all wrapped, with gift tags from Bess to Bess and placed under the tree, along with those from family and friends.
It did seem odd to have a Christmas tree without the usual wintry weather, but it just added to the fun.

I planned the festive lunch with enthusiasm, and decided to try a Jamie Oliver chicken dish, happily I shopped for the wines, veggies, fruit, chocolates and of course the chicken, so by Christmas Eve all was ready.

I had decided to surprise my sister by videoing parts of the day, I thought it would be fun for her to see me in my new surrounding, at such a special time.

As usual I awoke early because I knew Santa had been, ever the excitable child :) collected my presents, a pot of tea and went back to my bed for the unwrapping.

Switching on the video camera I said,

"As you can see I have sorted my presents into two piles, one pile is from Bess (me), the other from family and friends. 
Yes it is obvious that Bess has bought me a lot of gifts, and she always gets such wonderful things, never a wrong present from her!"

I then shared the joys of unwrapping my gifts, and Bess did get it right every time :) when my sister eventually saw it, she said she couldn't stop laughing and was so happy that I had obviously enjoyed Christmas morning.

I then took the camera into the kitchen where I did a mini cooking show, well I was doing a Jamie Oliver dish! Actually it was really great to do the videoing, I felt I was sharing Christmas with my family.

Because of the 11 hour time difference between England and Tasmania, my day was beginning as theirs was ending. So after an emotional but happy phone call, I made some scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, and sipped on a glass of Bucks Fizz, (orange juice and champagne) whilst having another look at my gifts.

Later in the day the aroma of a sage and onion stuffed chicken began to waft through the house. I would only have  needed to smell a cigar and I would have been transported back to my childhood.
Chicken was a luxury which we only had at Christmas, and my dad only ever smoked a cigar at Christmas, it's funny how 'smell' plays such an important part in our memories, isn't it, especially ones that evoke happiness and joy.

I set the table with festive table mats, wine and water glasses, candles, it looked really beautiful, and before long I was seated and tucking into my delicious dinner.

Did I have some sad moments, of course I did, don't we all, whether alone or with loved ones, there are always memories of those who are no longer with us, but we share our memories and bring them to life again.

I missed that time of sharing, and I shed a few tears but quickly counted my many blessings. I smiled as I looked back on the year, and sent my gratitude to all of those who had supported me in my new adventure.
I know some had been fearful of my decision to launch myself out into the world at 55, but now were really happy and content for me and enjoying my amazing journey.

I also sent my thanks to God and my angels and guides for the never ending support and guidance that I felt blessed with.
The night was drawing in, the day was coming to an end, but I knew that the future was only just beginning.

                 ****************

Enjoy this time, give and receive with love, think of those less fortunate and count your blessings, and pray for peace in our world.

Oh and Scarletina is getting ready to assist me in writing the second part of the trilogy, The Moon Circle, lots more magic in this one! Or so she tells me!

Scarletina would love to end up in someone's Christmas stocking, and she has such a wonderful wisdom and world to share. Just go to any Amazon and order it from there, even if you don't she will be bringing you sprinkles of magical fairy dust to add sparkle to your Christmas.

Blessings
Bess and of course Scarletina xx

2015 A SUMMER OF CHALLENGES, FUN, MAJOR CHANGE AND LOSS.

I would like to bring you up to date with the past few months, which I hope will explain my tardiness in writing another blog!

This summer, life has given me many blessings and happy times, along with some very sad and stressed out moments too. Well when we are experiencing such times, it certainly doesn't feel like 'moments' does it!

My husband was laid off from work last September, along with many others due to the fall in oil prices and the cutting back on projects.
We decided to try and look at this as a blessing as we would be spending more time together, whilst accepting it would be a time of belt tightening and stress. We would be sensible, but with the optimism that all would turn out well.

Fast forward to July, Alex was still looking for work, he was constantly sending out applications but without any success. That month we were having a much loved friend Betty and her sister coming for a visit from Tasmania. Betty's husband had died in 2014, they had been married for many years and she had been struggling with her loss.
When we spoke she had said she would love to come and visit but financially it wasn't viable just yet, so we were both thrilled when she let me know her children were paying for their mum to come and see me and meet my beloved husband Alex.

We had the most amazing time with Betty and her sister sharing the beauty of Alberta, taking time to recall past memories and the extra joy of making new ones.
I had always cherished Betty as a friend, her family treated me as one of their own when I lived in Tasmania, I was so grateful to her children for making our reunion possible.
Sadly at this time, Alex's father had been suffering ill health, he was normally a robust 94 year old, but things weren't looking good for him. Thankfully he gained strength as the days passed, ever the fighter.

Then towards the end of August, another reunion with a dear friend, also from Tasmania! Carol and I met in Tasmania and our wonderful friendship formed quickly and has continued. When we lived in Kuwait she was planning a visit to the UK so suggested that we meet in Dubai. It would only be for one night but that didn't deter us! We had such fun. So when we returned to Canada, she said she would like to visit!
We had a fantastic time catching up, showing her around and found we had a shared love of squirrels, particularly the black ones found in Alberta!So lots of time sitting out on the deck watching them.

After Carol left we quickly went to see Alex's dad, who had improved somewhat and we had some very special times with him. We were able to share our exciting news that Alex had been offered an great job in Louisiana, dear Dad was thrilled that Alex's perseverance had paid off.
It is always hard leaving a beloved parent, especially when their health is so fragile, but we were blessed that what were to be our final memories of him, were ones of happiness and love

Hectic time followed, organising the move to Louisiana, getting our visa's etc.,  Alex left first, I had to wait nearly 6 weeks to join him as I had to get a different visa as I am still a British citizen.

Eventually I arrived on the 20th October, and sadly Alex's dad passed away the following day. So on the 23rd we were flying back to Canada to attend the funeral.

We will so miss this lovely man, his love, compassion and humour but know that he is happy being reunited with his loved ones and out of pain.

So hope this goes some way to explaining my absence, it's good to be back, and will now continue my journey whilst in Tasmania.

                ...............        

SCARY SOUNDS IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT!

I was still living in Hobart but had found a new home near Cygnet,I had some time to get ready for the move to my new home and God and the Universe stepped in to assist me.

I spread the word that I was looking for furniture and fortunately a friend’s mum was selling a double bed, a dining table and chairs, so I quickly paid her and so began to furnish my home.
I love going into charity shops, love a bargain, well who doesn't :)so I spent many a happy hour trawling them looking, and buying stuff to take with me.

By the time it came for me to leave, I had pots and pans, china, cutlery and some totally unnecessary knick knacks which I knew however, would begin to make the house my home.

A friend's husband offered to drive a rental van for me, yes I had acquired enough stuff to warrant one, no surprise there:)

Suddenly moving day arrived, I was sad to leave the friends I had made in Hobart, but with promises to call in when I visited, and invitations for them to come and see me, I closed another chapter of my life.

I felt so excited as we drove up the long drive to my home, there was about two acres of land with the house, and I had agreed that it would be my responsibility to keep it mowed, something I was looking forward to! Before long the furniture was unloaded and I was waving farewell to my very kind friends.

Taking a deep breath of anticipation, I pulled open the patio doors and stood looking out at the amazing scenery, I could see tall Eucalyptus trees, along with lots of other plants that I was unfamiliar with, but recognised the currant bushes, they reminded me of England!

I quickly began to unpack my precious purchases, and as usual made the bed first. Everything else could wait till tomorrow, but the bed had to be ready for me! I had bought some pale lemon cotton sheets and a blue throw, new bedding for me is a must! I usually wash them first but didn't have time, but hey, there was only me to worry about. 

This thought still had the power to make my stomach flip, especially as before leaving Hobart, I had signed the divorce papers which would now be back in the U.K. I paused and reflected on the multiple changes in my life. I had no regrets only sadness that our marriage hadn't worked out, but was cheered by the fact that we remained good friends, and still are to this day. We can't change the past, but we can learn from it, respect it and grow from our experiences.

I had bought a bottle of champagne and some oysters for my first celebratory dinner, no time like the present I thought, so quickly rinsing a wine glass, plate and a fork, I sat at my dining table and raised a glass toasting my new life and home.

I took a chair outside and sipping my champagne experienced the wonders of the Tasmanian sunset, wondered at the breathtaking colour.

When the sun set everywhere became an inky black except for the beautiful stars lighting up the sky in all their glory. It was then I realised that I couldn't see any lights from other houses, not even a faint glimmer pierced the darkness, I was isolated and alone!

Like many people I have an instinctive fear of the dark, so decided it was time to beat a retreat into the haven of my well lit house, when suddenly there came a blood curdling sound that seemed to echo around me, I couldn't get back into the house quick enough!
From the safety of my bedroom I peered out into the darkness trying to see what it might be. I had the window open, but the fly guard stopped me from getting a clear view when suddenly something moved in the bushes. With a pounding heart I tried to see what it was and then had a brainwave, I could put on the outside lights!

Could this be the howling banshee? I started giggling partly relief and partly pure pleasure, for there in my garden was .....

a Wallaby, well not just one, several of them hopping around, they looked so cute but were obviously startled by the bright light, so I quickly switched it off.

Clambering into bed I realised that life in my somewhat remote home was going to be very interesting, with all these new animals, I later found out that the screeching I heard was the Tasmanian Devil, a spunky

little guy whose voice belies his size! If you want to hear what he sounded like to to:

( go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3RjAh8PRTQ )

Whilst I am on scary moments, I must share with you another heart stopping moment, I saw this crawling over my curtains one morning, it's called the Huntsmen Spider, not harmful to us, but visually so scary ...

To my shame I panicked and hit it with a broom and killed it, and I have to say that was the last time I ever killed a spider, my mum used to say "if you want to live and thrive, let a spider run alive"!

This adage nearly caused me serious repercussions when I was living in New Zealand. The ground floor apartment I was renting had a small garden with bushes, and I had been getting quite a lot of spiders in the house, which I dutifully caught in a cloth and put outside.

A friend from Tasmania was visiting and we were sitting in the lounge chatting away when she said "Just keep still, don't move" taking off her shoe she hit something on the wall behind me, and proudly showed me a rather crushed and very dead spider!

I explained that I didn't kill them and had been rescuing them, her eyes widened and she exclaimed "you have been doing what! This is a white tailed spider, they can give you a nasty bite that doesn't always heal!"

I was given a valuable lesson in that size really has nothing to do with how harmful a spider is, does it :)

Over time I learned what to give a wide berth to and what to welcome, one of the latter was the blue tongue lizard who looked fearsome but really helped keep the garden clear of snails!

Over the next few weeks I added a couple of chairs, a television, coffee table and of course some more knick knacks, crystals that caught my eye and angels and fairy ornaments. I had no idea of how long I would be staying in Tasmania, but went along with my inner feelings that it was going to be for some time.

Well folks, this is where I am going to stop chatting to you, but I have lots more to tell!

                .................

UPDATE

We are in our new apartment, which is almost sorted out! Life is beginning to settle back into some kind of normal routine, Alex at work, and me? Well in the new year I am planning on writing the next part of the Scarletina trilogy, and publishing my book Divine Inspiration with Chocolate, will keep you all posted.

If you would like to buy a copy of Scarletina's Quest for Fairy Wings, the Earth Circle, and I would be thrilled if you did, to order your copy go to:

www.Amazon.com 
or 
www.friesenpress.com/bookstore  

This book would make the perfect gift, one that parents would be very happy for their child to read. 

It shares the delightful fairy world of Nightingale Wood, Scarletina's adventures with her friends and the wildlife, how consequences even happen to fairy Scarletina, and how her parents guide their impetuous, loving and inquisitive daughter.

Wildlife comes to life in this book! Children will learn about the woodland flower and fauna in a unique and insightful way, fairy wisdom gently guides them to look at our world with new eyes and caring thoughts. 

I wish you all a very merry, happy and contented Christmas, may 2016 be a year that is filled with life's blessings and abundance.

Thank you for stopping by,

Blessings

Bess

  

  

PSYCHIC REVELATIONS .... MAJOR DECISIONS.... THE HEALING CONTINUES.

SCARLETINA'S NEWS....

Much to my surprise I really enjoyed both of my recent book signings. I have to confess that the self-promotion aspect had really caused me some anxiety.

The fact that I performed for many years in the theatre, directed plays, ran drama workshops and also a drama club at a school prepared me in many ways for the joyful task of presenting readings from Scarletina's Quest for Fairy Wings.

I felt confident reading to the avid listeners who happily sat on the floor whilst I regaled them with snippets from the book, and was able to respond to any of the questions that the children asked!

Thank goodness for drama improvisation, something that I always enjoyed, it certainly helps you think on your feet.

I am so grateful for the experience of the drama classes that were held in our schools in the UK, and am very surprised and sad that it doesn't appear to be part of the curriculum here in Calgary.

Drama is so empowering, it teaches confidence and discipline, encourages team spirit, supports individuality, and encourages imagination and individual expression.

Theatre thrives in the UK, in schools, villages, towns and cities.

I personally have seen timid, shy and reserved children and adults blossom when involved in drama, and they surprise not only their family and friends at this new found confidence, but also surprise themselves.

It’s not only performing that is enriching for all students; it is also working with excellent plays that open up new worlds and experiences.

You CANNOT perform Shakespeare, Wilde, Miller, Albee, Ayckbourn, Chekhov, Pinter, Simon, Coward and Ionesco to name but a few, and NOT also have the opportunity to learn about yourself,life and the richness of the written and spoken word.  

Okay, I have just climbed down from my own special soapbox about theatre and drama, and the need for it in our lives! However, the prospect of talking to people about my book as me, seemed much more daunting than performing a character on stage, but you know, all those years of training came to my aid again, and I found that I was once again ‘performing’ but this time as myself, and it came a lot easier than I had imagined.

Here some children are carefully carrying their sprinkles of Magical Fairy Dust to blow away after making a wish. 

Then the Wish Fairy collects up all the wishes and takes them to WishLand where they are kept, to hopefully one day, be picked out to come true.

***************************************

        PSYCHIC REVELATIONS LEAD TO GOODBYES.

My new life in Hobart was continuing along its joyful path. My friendship with Betty and her family was growing stronger and at their request had started doing spiritual healing when I visited them.

I had studied spiritual healing when I took my Shamanic Healers course, and have always enjoyed working this way.

I remember reading about a wonderful Native American called Fools Crow who said you have to have hollow bones to be a good healer. I took the meaning of that statement to mean that we have to work on ourselves to cleanse our own emotional and spiritual blockages which helps provide a clear path for the energy to come through. 

I am so glad that I was shown this direction, and although the process of cleansing my inner emotional and spiritual blockages can be very painful and uncomfortable, it has helped me recognise how those negative blocks warped my perceptions and prevented me from moving forward.

I gladly acknowledge that people and books were brought along to help me, good old synchronicity working for me along with my spiritual guides and angels, encouraging me to release those aspects of my inner self that would allow me to open new doors which hitherto had been firmly closed.

One such book prompted me to email the writer, a lady in America, to say how much I had appreciated her writings. I told her about my journey thus far and was really happy when I received an email from her saying that she was originally from Tasmania and was giving me an email address of a friend of hers, who was a psychic, and lived just outside Hobart.

When I received this email I had to chuckle as I had been trying to find someone whom I could go to for a reading. 

I haven't had many consultations with mediums or psychics, I only went when I had the ‘feeling’ that it was time to go to one. I was always ‘led’ to the person I needed to see, so I confidently wrote to Jackie requesting an appointment with her.

I didn't receive a reply for ages, and had begun to wonder if I had misread the signs, which of course I can do :) when Jackie responded apologising for the delay, and explaining she had taken a break and suggesting a date for me to go to visit her. I quickly accepted and before long found myself sitting opposite this wonderful ball of energy!

Jackie was an amazing lady, who within moments of the reading had accurately told me many details about my past, and trust me when I say that though I am a believer in some peoples psychic abilities (along with, sadly some charlatans), I am very sceptical and grounded, and I do not give anything away!

I was therefore surprised when Jackie asked whether I was considering moving from where I was living and before I could answer, her husband who had just walked into the room (which was an open lounge/kitchen area, he had come in to feed the many cats Jackie and he had) said "Oh there is a house for rent advertised in the local," and proceeded to get the paper to show Jackie.

"Right you need to go and look at this house, come on I will drive you there!" Needless to say I was astounded at the suggestion as I hadn't contemplated moving, but I just went with my gut instinct and before long we had arrived at the outskirts of a small town called Cygnet. 

It was then Jackie realised she had left the paper at home so we didn't have the phone number, but she remembered the name of the road, so we drove along it and I quickly perceived that the houses were few and far between, certainly no close neighbours here!

Jackie decided to go to one of the houses along the road, she felt as there were so few properties along it someone would probably know which one was being advertised to rent. 
When she reappeared, she was grinning and happily waving at me saying "Well they (my spiritual guides and angels) must want you to have this as the guy who is renting it out, was in that house having a cuppa, how's that for synchronicity!" laughed Jackie.

We drove for a few minutes before she turned onto a driveway that seemed to go on forever. There were many bushes and trees on either side of the drive and lots of grass too, quite beautiful in a completely natural way. 
Then to the right of the drive I could see a bungalow and to the left a large shed. "The guy who is renting this out didn't have a key with him, but he said if you are interested he could meet you here so you can view it, but we can have a look through the windows, come on," said Jackie.

The bungalow was made of red brick, and there was a paved area with a barbeque and lots of trees, bushes and plants surrounding the house. 
We peered in through the windows and could see there appeared to be a large open plan lounge/dining room/kitchen. Jackie pointed out there was a wood burner in the lounge and the kitchen had a cooker. There also seemed to be two bedrooms and of course a bathroom, going by the frosted glass.

We walked around the property and I realised I couldn't see another house, anywhere! There appeared to be a lot of land with the house and I presumed it would be the occupier who would have to look after it. Jackie pointed out there was a large water tank as the house wouldn't be on mains water. “Well what do you think Bess, isn't it wonderful, don't you think you would love it here?” asked Jackie.

To my own astonishment I replied that I thought I would really enjoy living there, and strange as it seemed the house felt like home to me! 
Jackie immediately called the owner and handed the phone over to me, we made an appointment for me to look over the house the following day! 

As we drove back Jackie also told me she felt I was going to meet a man in August and be talking marriage by December! What! Now I was going into overload!

(But you know she was right folks! However this was to happen four years down the road, then I did meet someone in the August and we were planning a wedding by the December, but more about that in the future!)

Jackie dropped me off at the garage where I had left my car, as her husband had initially met me there, as the drive to their house was very difficult to describe, and many people got lost:) 
Jackie made me promise to let her know how I got on the following day and with a huge hug and a friendly wave left me with my thoughts!

I sat in the car and reality hit me! What was I thinking? I made myself take a few deep breaths and thought about the choices I had to take. 

I could stay where I was; I enjoyed living there but did miss my personal solitude and space which I had become used to since separating from my husband. 
At the bungalow I would be in total control of my life, have the place to myself, be able to wander about at whatever time I wanted to, no more worrying about being decently dressed!

I would still miss the people at the house in Hobart, because I had shared many happy hours with them all, and there I didn't have to worry about anything except paying my rent once a month. 
However at the bungalow I would probably have to look after the gardens, which would entail a lot of work, I would have to buy wood for the fire, get a phone, a car, furniture… the list started to grow, but as it grew so did the certainty that I had to go with my instincts and move to the literal back of beyond!

On my return to the house in Hobart, I told Mary and my fellow lodgers of my decision to relocate to Cygnet, they just stared at me, their expressions said it all! 
Funnily enough this made me even surer that I was doing the right thing, it was time for me to move on. 

I realised that in order to continue in my ‘growth’ it was essential for me to leave this safe, organised and unchallenging existence. 

This environment had definitely been the place for me to live when I had first arrived, and had given me such amazingly supportive people to help me find my feet.

Now I knew I was ready for the next step, excitement, trepidation, joy and that unique bubble of delight that fills your being when you step into the unknown filled my being. 
It was time to trust, believe and venture forth... 

                         

I wanted to add that I have just downloaded these pictures and it is 14 years since I took the path that led me to this house.
I now know that by taking that path, I am where I am today, I am who I am today, that isn't just a house you are looking at, it is the place I found ME, found ME again at 55 years of age! That house could be called Liberation House :)

Lots more to tell you next time, thanks for stopping by.....

Blessings

Bess x

NEW TASMANIAN FRIEND IN THE HOT TUB AND JAPANESE NIGHTMARES AND NUDITY - LOL

FIRST SCARLETINA'S NEWS

I am once again preparing another video about Scarletina and her life in Nightingale Wood. I know she wants to talk about how the fairies would like us to behave in their woodland, that should be very interesting, I will let you know when it is ready for viewing.
Happy to report that I sold some more books this week, and I am busy preparing for my first book signing at the Owls Nest Books, 815A 49 Avenue SW, Calgary from 11.00am to 1.30pm. 
I will be posting another blog to let you know how we get on at the book signing, please come along if you are local and introduce yourselves. I know Scarletina is bringing along some Magical Fairy Dust to sprinkle into the books, and she doesn't do that very often, so don't miss out!

               *****************************   

NEW TASMANIAN FRIEND IN THE HOT TUB AND JAPANESE NIGHTMARES AND NUDITY :-)

I had decided I needed to get some exercise! I have always been a very active person and was finding my new way of life quite sedentary. The novelty of waking up when I wanted to, deciding what I wanted to do each day had not worn off, indeed never would, but my body began to want something more energetic.

I have never been a fan of the gym, I like to enjoy my workouts, and pulling weights, trudging on the treadmill and the like has just never appealed to me. Sadly I am not a good swimmer, but I had done aquafit (aquasize) when in the UK, so when I noticed that the local pool ran classes I knew that is where I had to go.

The pool was only about fifteen minutes walk from the house, which was enough time to warm up my muscles before literally taking the plunge. The class was a mixture of young old and middling ladies, and before long we were on first name terms and enjoying our exercise. 

Afterwards we were told we could relax in the hot tubs if we so wished, well I certainly did!  I gave a contented sigh as I slipped into the bubbling warm waters and was soon joined but another one of the ladies from the aquafit.

“G’day my names Betty” said a newcomer whose smile lit up her face. I introduced myself and we were soon chatting away as though we had known each other for years. I found out that Betty was married with children, and her husband Barry had been in the forces in the Vietnam war.

The time sped past and we probably would have stayed longer but noticed that both our skins had taken on a reptilian quality so decided it might be best to get out. Before we did Betty invited me to her house for dinner that night. This was to be the first of many occasions when I experienced the open hospitality and friendship of the Tasmanian folk. Being British I was somewhat taken aback by this sudden invitation,but had so enjoyed my time with Betty that to say no didn't occur to me. “Great, I'll pick you up at six,” promised Betty.

Later that afternoon I was in my room checking and sending emails when there was a knock on my door. “Come in.” The door remained firmly shut. “Come in,” I repeated, but the door still remained unopened! Taking a deep breath I loudly called out “Come on in.” 

I sat staring at the door with a mixture of exasperation and curiosity before finally getting up to see who or what was responsible for the continued knocking. To my surprise standing before me was one of the Japanese students. “I need to talk please.” I could see that this young girl was quite agitated so immediately welcomed her into my room.

She hesitantly explained to me that she had a boyfriend who she liked a lot, but that he had another girlfriend in New Zealand! I stood looking at this young girl, obviously upset and seeking advice from an older person and wondered what I could say to her.

I had become good friends with all of the Japanese girls who shared the house, we had gone salsa dancing, enjoyed exploring Hobart and surrounding areas, I had also spent time most evenings answering their questions about the English language, but had never faced this kind of issue before. 

I had to be very careful how I spoke to her, as her grasp of the English language was still quite tenuous. So I decided to shoot straight from the hip!

“Boyfriend with one girlfriend is good, but boyfriend with two girlfriends is very bad, even if one here and one in other country.” 

Two huge sad brown eyes stared back at me, “Yes I know this true, thank you,” and with a little bow she left my room.

I didn't have long to ponder on her predicament as I had to shower and get ready to be picked up at six by Betty. I had bought some flowers and a bottle of wine on the way home from the swimming pool to take with me, so with these safely stowed in a sturdy bag I went out to the front gate just before six and heard a car’s horn tooting and there was Betty beckoning me to get in her car.

I had a wonderful time at her house, was plied with lots of gorgeous food and wine and welcomed with such warmth by her husband Barry who was quite a joker and her daughter Kate,who had allowed her three year old daughter Clara to wait up to meet me! I shared a night of laughter and conversations that made me miss my family, but I knew that I was making lifelong friends that night, and I have been proved right.

I slept really well that night but was awoken around 6am by the house telephone ringing, I had an extension phone on my bedside table, and out of habit I answered it. To my utter surprise it was a friend calling from the UK who had dreamt I was lost in the outback. I quickly reassured her that all was well; we ended up having a good laugh about her dream when suddenly my bedroom door opened.

I have to confess that I never sleep with anything on, I have tried, especially on those cold damp English nights but always quickly ended up flinging them off. I ask you to imagine this scene; here am I, stark naked perched on the edge of my bed, talking on the phone, and at my door is the same Japanese girl who had come to me about her errant boyfriend.

She was crying and saying “Please I have bad dream, I have bad dream.” Her distress was obvious so I told my friend I would call her back as I was nude and there was a Japanese girl wanting to talk to me!

I jumped back into bed hastily covering myself up to my chin with the bedcovers then without thinking I pulled back the coverlet and motioned her to get in, which she did. Honestly, this would make a great scene in a comedy film J

She explained that in her dream she had gone into a room to meet her boyfriend and behind the door was his other girlfriend from New Zealand with a knife and had tried to stab her. I looked at this young girl, so upset and asked for help from my guides and angels to say the right words to her.

“When we go to sleep our hearts tell us the truth,” I said, patting my heart as I said the word and shaping my fingers like eyes closing. “Our heart and soul tells us what is true." 
I then opened up my fingers and said, "but when we are awake our brain tells us what we want to hear, which isn't always what is honest and truthful. Your heart is telling you that this man isn't good if he has another girlfriend, and you know that don’t you?”

A solemn nod of her head was the answer.“You deserve a more honourable man than this don’t you?” Again she gave a solemn nod of agreement.

With that I gave her a quick hug, told her to go back to bed and I would see her at breakfast. I quickly phoned my friend back and said, “If anyone had told me when I separated from my ex that one day I would be sitting in a bed, stark naked and comforting a young Japanese girl, I would have laughed in their faces, but it just happened, which goes to prove that we never know what life has in store for us, do we?”

And as my dearest mum would have responded, thank God we don't dear!

Blessings
Bess

A JAUNT WITH THE STUDENTS TO STRAHAN AND PORT ARTHUR

FIRST IT'S SCARLETINA NEWS:

The fairy magic is at work! I am so thrilled Calgary library have accepted to stock Scarletina's Quest for Fairy Wings, they have a policy of supporting local authors how fantastic is that!
More great news, Chapters Bookstore, at Crowfoot Calgary are going to have a book signing for me in May, so two book signings to go to next month YAY.... 

Self publishing is very um... what's the word.... CHALLENGING.... for someone brought up to believe "self praise is no recommendation," this road is paved not just with stones but with HUGE boulders!

The world is full of creative people all striving for you to buy their book, and I am one of them.

To this end I am learning to promote both the book and myself, I twitter, Facebook and blog, but social media marketing seems so nebulous, I see that people do read my blog, follow me on twitter and Facebook yet it is just numbers and unknown names!

I am so thankful that people do respond and have to adjust to this kind of connecting, I am getting there, albeit slowly :) 
------------------------------------------------------
MORE ABOUT OUR FUN FILLED ADVENTURE IN TASMANIA.

I had been volunteering for some weeks at Riding for the Disabled and was really enjoying myself. My confidence had grown with regards to working with the horses and getting to know the children who regularly came for their ride.
This particular day I was given one of the larger horses to lead round the paddock, the little boy riding him was having such a great time, and it really warmed my heart to see him so happy.
We were chatting away quite happily but I was to learn the important lesson of looking where I was going! I suddenly tripped and fell face down in the somewhat mucky and poo laden soil! This caused much hilarity all round especially among the children, luckily the horse didn't carry on walking unsupervised but had stopped and waited patiently for me to pick myself up and wipe my face clean.
Honestly I swear that horse rolled his eyes at me as though he was thinking "what I have to put up with"!

Life in my new home was peaceful, enjoyable and interesting,and I always looked forward to the times we all came together to eat. On one occasion I actually helped the Japanese students prepare sushi and learnt an invaluable tip about cooking rice.

After rinsing the rice they placed their hand, palm down on top of it and said you put in enough water to reach up to the beginning of your wrist, you then bring it to the boil, put a lid on the saucepan, turn off the heat and hey presto you get perfectly cooked rice every time!

It was on one of these get-together occasions that they expressed a wish to go to Port Arthur, Mary kindly said that if I wanted to go she would let me use her spare car, I happily agreed so we started making plans.

The students wanted the cheapest accommodation possible so we booked into a YMCA facility that had cabins, which, as we were only going for the two nights was okay.
I have to confess I have never been comfortable about sharing a bedroom with strangers, I like to have my own bathroom and really value my privacy, but needs must, so the cabins were booked.

It was going to take around 4 1/2 hours to get there, the route was very straight forward, and we planned to leave on a Friday afternoon. We set off later than we had arranged due to two of the students arriving later than planned, well the best laid plans of mice and men as they say! Anyway we set off in high spirits, I was the designated driver and felt very confident about the trip.

We had been travelling for some time when one of the Japanese students said she would really like to have a go at driving. I was somewhat reluctant, she was only 4'11" and it was a manual car (stick for N. America) and we had just started on quite a steep descent however I relented.

We changed places and I was quite pleased to be given a break, but it didn't last for long! First of all when she stretched to reach the pedals her chin was almost resting on the steering wheel, and when she did manage to depress the pedal she couldn't see over the steering wheel!
Our descent suddenly seemed similar to those films where the car goes careering down a steep hill with hair-pin bends. I hadn't really noticed this until I was a passenger, so after sliding round the next bend I said that I really thought it would be best if I took over, and though resistance was initially shown the combined fear of the passengers won through :)

We had travelled through some beautiful scenery, wooded roads, very scenic but as we approached Queenstown the vista changed and the roads became, for me, somewhat more, shall we say challenging. I have a fear of heights and the fact that at times there was a steep drop didn't make for the most comfortable driving.

The spiralling drive down to Queenstown has 90 bends and though Mother Nature is regaining ground the views are a testament to the brutal reality of Tasmania's mining history.

                

We carried onto Strahan but didn't arrive till late, so after sorting out who was sleeping in what bed, we all crashed exhausted into our beds!

The following day we had decided to visit Port Arthur. Initially this had been a harsh and brutal penal settlement, which was home for many of the early convicts sent to Australia. The isolation and formidable geography gave it a much feared reputation.

        

     

Today Port Arthur is remembered for another tragic reason, in April 1996 35 people were senselessly shot dead and 23 wounded, something that led to reforms in the gun laws in Australia and not something I want to dwell on. It was a day of reflection and I took time to remember the many souls who had perished there.

We then drove back into Strahan as we had decided to go out on one of the boat trips. 

It was on this trip that a really funny incident occured.One of the Japanese students was busy taking photo's, she then looked at me and said "What is the word I need?" I of course had to explain that she needed to help me find the word by explaining what she wanted to say.

Her response was " I take apple and put into rubbish bin, what word for that?"

I questioned whether the apple was bad, and she shook her head and said the apple was good. "Stupid" I suggested? No it wasn't that, so, much to the amusement of a couple watching us, I spent ages trying to find the right word, eventually it turned out to be... wait for it... POINTLESS! 

She had wanted to say that it was pointless taking photographs as she couldn't possibly capture the beauty of the surroundings!

The boat trip continued along the Gordon River with everyone enjoying the scenery. We alighted at the Heritage Landing and walked along an elevated boardwalk that threaded its way through the magnificent rainforest. The silence seemed to deter anyone from talking as we walked past sassafras, blackwood, myrtle and the long-lived and fabled Huon pine. 

We had really enjoyed our time in Strahan, I felt it had strengthened our understanding of one another and given us a great shared experience, but soon it was time to return to Hobart and I have to say I was so glad to be back in my own room and bed that night :)

I was loving my life in Tasmania, it continued to be full of new experiences, new friendships and new horizons. 

I was continuing writing about my life, which enabled me to revisit people, places and emotions which sometimes benefitted from being viewed from a different perspective.

I wasn't the person who had gone through these experiences, and I know that my guides and angels had wanted me to accept the challenge of uprooting at 55 and travelling to this very distant land. Here I would be given the opportunity to grow in ways that I wouldn't have done if I had stayed in the safety and familiar life that I had known.

One of the most important concepts I had learned whilst living in Ireland was to let go of having expectations. This was, of course, much easier said than done, as I think I felt safer in the belief I had control of what my future held. Fortunately many small lessons had been given to me whilst living in Ireland to teach me how to 'let go let God'. 

By learning to have aspirations and dreams, not expectations, I allowed God and his Universe to light my life with extraordinary experiences that I would never have dreamt possible.

A friend had told me she felt that it had been a sort of testing ground for me, to see if I would be okay on my own, I think that was a good insight.

In Ireland I had found that I was more than happy walking a solitary path, and gaining confidence in being a solo traveller, relishing each new adventure.

As I looked back I knew I had no regrets about the paths I had walked during my life. In Tasmania I felt I was being given a clean slate on which to write new beginnings. 

No-one knew me, or who I had been and that was the most liberating experience I had ever had in my life. The freedom to become or maybe to reclaim mySelf, it was an exciting and invigorating scenario, filled with unknown adventures and I thanked God and my guides and angels from the bottom of my heart, for encouraging me to open myself to life's offerings.

Blessings 

Bess

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Fairy story with a difference, listen to this amazing tale.

AT LAST A PLACE TO REST MY HEAD, DUMP MY SUITCASES AND RELAX!

SCARLETINA NEWS!
I was thrilled to see on my Friesen Press site that I had sold my first ebook! Even more so when I saw it was purchased from Google Play Store! 
It seems my efforts writing this blog and posting on my Google page have paid off! Thank you!

                    I have now been given a unique URL from Google which is:

           google.com/+BessDrewSherret.

I thought a map of Tasmania would be helpful.

I had really enjoyed my train journey from Perth via Adelaide to Melbourne, and it had been exciting and fun taking the ferry across to Tasmania and the coach journey to Hobart had been very interesting.

I had experienced a bit of a wobble whilst looking for accommodation, but it had worked out wonderfully in the end, and now I had my own room in a beautiful house. I quickly unpacked and thankfully put the much lighter suitcases on top of the wardrobe and began to relax!

With my previous doubts forgotten and in my new abode I felt very blessed. I placed the much loved photo of my mum and dad on the chest of drawers and laid out my crystals, and my room became my home.
Last of all I placed my well worn copy of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, this book had been inspirational for me and each time I read it, I could learn and see different aspects of the wisdom written in it.

Mary said it was entirely up to me whether I had my meals prepared by her or cooked for myself, I chose to do my own cooking as I wanted to use this opportunity to try out some of the new foods and spices I would find in Australia, and I absolutely love cooking!      

The Musk Lorikeet

In the house, besides me, there were two Japanese students who were attending the local college to improve their English and soon another Swiss student would be arriving.
Mary explained that once a month one of the students cooked a dish from their own country for everyone, would I be interested in joining in? I gladly accepted as I felt it would be fun to share our countries dishes with one another.

           The Tasmanian Tree Fern

During the week the girls were out of the house quite early, often before I even awoke, and Mary worked on a Saturday as well, so I had the house to myself all day, which was fantastic.
I could get up and take a leisurely shower or bath, sit out in the garden and eat my breakfast and then decide what I was going to do.                

It took me a little while to believe I was living in Tasmania! The weather, plants, accents and different bird song helped,  but it was also having the luxury of having time for myself.
I still shook my head in disbelief at the journey I was on, what an adventure life was turning out to be. Each day I awoke with a sense of excitement, well most days, I would be lying if I didn't say there were times when I felt a bit out on a limb but honestly those moments were few and far between.

I had married at 20 and by the time we amicably separated I had been in that relationship for 30 years.
We never had children, so I had worked full time most of my life and now being able to decide how to spend my days, choose what time I got up and what I was going to do was such a new and liberating emotion, that even to this day, it is very easy to recall.

I loved Hobart, and spent many an hour sitting in a cafe watching the world go by, chatting to people, reading a book. I especially loved sitting by the harbour, and could never resist taking home a dozen delicious oysters, though I confess I was slightly hesitant the first time I tried them!

Mary was a wonderful lady, very easy going and went out of her way to make us all feel at home. She often had social evenings for her friends and always invited us to join in, there never seemed to be a dull moment.

The two Japanese girls asked if I could assist them with their English homework, I pointed out that having left school many years ago, at 14, my help might be somewhat limited!
However they began to rely on me for my help, so most nights we would go over their work together. Their teacher told Mary that she was very grateful for my assistance, so I can't have been that bad!
I really enjoyed our times and I was happy to meet some of their friends and I was touched when one of them gave this to me before she returned to Japan.

I was thrilled when Mary, who had two cars, offered me the use of the second one and said she would get the insurance changed! Her generosity would allow me to follow my intention of volunteering.

I went to Volunteer Tasmania and was given four places to choose from, I decided on Horse-Riding for the Disabled and a Nursing home. I then decided to enrol at a local swimming pool for aqua aerobics, life was looking very different and promising.

That is all for this week folks, thank you for visiting.
Blessings
Bess

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Twitter            Bess Drew Sherret@FaeryWisdom
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