TARRAGON & THYME

I have been in a reflective mood over the past week or so, cogitating on different things that bother me or which need to be discarded like an outgrown overcoat ready for bringing in the fresh and new and also getting rid of any negativity or unnecessary baggage.  But as always after I have drafted a post and published it I think of other things I want to add  and sometimes its a case of should I add to it or will it be a case of over egging the cookie.  Should I just leave it be.  Big decision and will I spoil the post as a result.    Eeehk! I don't like making decisions - my achilles heel,  and I toss and turn in the process but no decision is wrong at the time you actually make it, its just circumstances that change. So here goes. Following on from my last post (and perhaps I am slightly out of synch in that I should have posted this first)  I felt I ought to explain the background for posting up the poem For a Reason, a Season or a Life...

Loneliness is a sad thing and can hit anyone and everyone, the very young and the much older. Its funny you can be in a room full of people all chattering and interacting with each other and yet you can feel so alone, as though you are not connecting on any level or that anyone really feels your pain. Sometimes we make the requisite noises, but really it might as well be an automaton in that position rather than a full bodied passionate person who feels and has needs. Sometimes we go into ourselves deliberately and put up this brick wall that says halt go no further do not pass go. That's probably when we are chewing over something inside or want to be alone to sort something out - but because of pre-arranged engagements that time is not always open to us. We then become pre-occupied and distant, not joining in like those around us expect us to because we haven't had the time we need to get things straight. Sometimes we don't even realise we are keeping people at bay. T...

I received a lovely surprise as a thank you during the week. I have a very good friend who found a lump - every woman's worst nightmare. Not helped by the fact that our local hospital cocked up and did not see her within the 14 day legal period - which caused further anxiety for her and her family. I had been helping with Reiki treatments, and the power of prayer during her stressful time and generally just being there for her. I am pleased to say though that it was and is just a fibrous lump; which I am very pleased about for her and her family. To me the fact that she is okay and well is thanks enough for me. Others are not so lucky. What was even nicer is that she knows I believe in Angels but she did not realise that I collect them. My first one was bought as a present by my cousin, whose mum (my aunt) had insisted that I needed protection. Here have a look and see - isn't she lovely

On my way to our market yesterday dinner I encountered a chap on his own in a shop doorway asking if anyone had any change. At the time he initially asked I hadn’t any so was unable to assist. However what struck me was this chap was grateful that I had replied to him - so many had just passed him by as if he just didn’t exist. He was quiet and unassuming wasn’t at all pushy – whereas some are. What really got to me was that it could just as easily have been me that was brought to this sorry state as him. And it was a bitterly cold day. I feel the cold badly enough anyway and I have a roof over my head, but this bitter weather really does cause hardship to those that don’t. Anyway on my way back I had some spare change about 70p – it wasn’t much but I passed it to him – at least it would go towards a cup of coffee. What you say – why did you hand this out – because I felt compassionate; because that could so easily be me and I would like to think if I was down on my luck as he so...

Recipe for Preserving Friends Select those with round hearts. Don't bruise with unfeeling words. Add a heartful of the milk of human kindness and plenty of tact. Warm with sympathy. Don't overheat or it may ferment mischief. Knead with the oil of unselfishness but beware of jars. Keep in a warm corner of the heart. Years will improve the flavour of this preserve.