Updated on April 8, 2020
DAY 13: NMS CHALLENGE SIX MONTHS ON…
Hi Friends,
As I write, the birds are happily chirping on the trees outside. I think they are telling me they are looking forward to seeing me back walking again lol! The aroma of fresh coffee is brewing, and the early morning sun is gloriously streaming through my windows, carrying with it the promise of a lovely day. Coco is giving me the look of love and God is smiling down from Heaven too, telling me everything is going to be A OK. You gotta believe.
On October 8th, 2019, I began my NO MORE STUFF challenge. The months have flown by so quickly. Hopefully the COVID -19 craziness will fly by just as quickly!!
Six months into my No More Stuff challenge and I have succeeded in not buying one single item of unnecessary stuff — no clothing, shoes, bags, bling, scarves, ornaments, seasonal decorations — Nothing! By the way, DOG stuff doesn’t count! Only me stuff!
I’ve had time to reflect on what I am learning from this unique experience. I do believe that Saturn/Pluto conjunction, bringing transformation, was already starting to kick in, in so much as I wanted to change aspects about my life that I felt a certain discomfort with. The seed sensation of having so much, while others had so little, was planted when I began volunteering at the Homeless Shelter a few years ago. Seriously! I would come come to my luxury and feel a ‘survivor’s guilt’. How was I so lucky, and not them? Was I a Saint in a past life? These were questions I would ask myself, not wanting them answered, for fear of even more guilt!
Other questions were ‘Oh dear, did I never take the price tag off you?’ or ‘Hey Ms. blouse, how come I have never seen you here before?’ or even worse! “Oh drat, I just bought a green top and I didn’t need to because you were here hiding all along!’ Probably common questions asked by a hoarder! Having bulging closets and not knowing what to wear was a paradox! A self-created gluttonous paradox which had to change — for the better! Bargains are not bargains if you don’t need the stuff. Just because something is slashed 75% off doesn’t mean it has to occupy my space. I’m learning…
That was then…this is now… 6 months later!
Social Isolation apart, not shopping, I have oodles more time on my hands! Remember, I have been doing this NMS challenge for six months now. The social isolation thing only started a month ago. I never realized how much time I spent shopping. That was an eye-opener for me! The other thing I have noticed is that I enjoy my clothes more now and love the challenge of mixing and matching stuff and being more creative with what I have.
Six months done and six to go! Here’s to happy days as I continue my journey into the unknown…I cannot believe how changing my mindset about shopping has altered the way I think about a lot of things! I actually believe it also helped me stay off chocolate and sweets for the past 40 days of Lent too. It’s all good and I’m feeling pretty delighted at how the challenge is going!
Be the change you want to see!
Hugs from my home to yours!
Patricia xxx
Posted on April 7, 2020
DAY 12: WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS
Hi Friends,
I’ll bet you’ve all been dealing with the lemons of life recently. Fun? I never realized how good I could become at making lemonade lol! The secret is lots of sweetness. The sweeter the better and of course necessity is the mother of invention!
12 days in quarantine for a girl like me who likes to be out and about gallivanting can be quite a sour ordeal. But I’ve learnt a few things during my time alone. I have grappled with the dark night of the soul, felt the fear like everyone else, wondered what the heck? and begged the Lord to please let me wake up and see this is all just one big joke — or at the very least let there be enough toilet tissue in the shops! When facing planetary karma, as we are currently doing, I really could have deferred it for a bit. Now is never a good time, but face it we must, and with courage.
Confined at home, I’ve become quite creative at passing my day. I have learnt that routine and structure are a very important component to staying sane. As is fresh air. I can only stick my nose out the back garden to put Coco my beloved pooch out to do her business. While she is sniffing the grass, I’m deeply inhaling the air around me like a drug addict sniffing cocaine. I now have enormous empathy for prisoners. And when I start to feel sorry for myself, and all of us humanoids in social isolation, I compare my life to Anne Frank’s and that soon shuts me up!
I have also learnt to appreciate the small pleasures of life like stroking and playing with Coco, making do with less outside stimulation, having a television series to look forward to each evening, enjoying coffee at 3.00 to break the day, before starting the supper routine. I have learnt to slow down and really notice the beauty of the flowers from my garden, the rich taste of my coffee and biscuit, the joy of using my good china every day instead of reserving it for ‘special occasions’. I take pleasure now in planning each meal. I have never eaten so well, and wonder of wonders, have even lost 2 lbs. Maybe it’s because I am eating more mindfully, and of course not eating sweets for Lent!
I have never slept so well or so much in my life! I’m not sure if it is the addition of Coco in our bed now! Or the fact I’m currently living a very peaceful and simple existence. Not driving or dealing with traffic, pollution, people, crowds, noise, etc. has turned out to be not such a bad thing after all! Who would have thought? It’s been like a staycation for Hubby, Coco, and me!
I’ve only a few days left and then my 14 Day Quarantine is over! I wonder will I miss being a homebody? I’ll still be a homebody, but with the addition of fresh air and the ability to bring Coco and me out for a proper walk. Yes, it’s all good.
The recipe for sanity is:
Make life as sweet as you can for yourself and significant others. Dress up, show up, and never give up!
Hugs Galore from my home to yours!
Patricia xxx
Updated on April 6, 2020
DAY 11: PLANETARY UPDATE
Hi Guys,
I don’t like to wish my days away, but I bet we’re all doing that now. Wanting this craziness to end and life as we knew it to return to normal ASAP! On that note, I decided to have a look at what’s happening for us from a planetary perspective and give you a clue as to what we can expect for a while!
Firstly, life as we ‘knew it’ will never be the same. But like all new births, there will be labour and growing pains! If I ever had any doubts (and I didn’t!) about the significance of the planets in our lives, they sure have been quelled! I am so in awe and constantly marvel at the symbolic accuracy of the planets! They rarely fail to deliver what they promise!! If the Moon can exert its influence on everything from tides, moods, etc. (as in LUNAtic) why not the planets? Let’s be fair to them and hear them out. What is it they are trying to teach us?
I know I’m beginning to sound like a broken record here, but for years Astrologers were dreading 2020, simply because of the powerful planetary stuff going on! And boy oh boy do we ever see it unfolding right before our very eyes! Let me tell you that NEVER in your lives, or the lives of your children, will you ever again experience a planetary year like 2020. Never! So hang on in there friends. It’s a very exciting time too! We’re all experiencing these new birth labour pains!
WHY NOW?
The world-shaping duo of Jupiter and Saturn take over 800 years to go through each of the four elements — Fire, Water, Earth, and Air. We are just about done with the 200 years of Earth domination which began around 1802 with the Industrial Revolution. Yes, our World has benefitted very much materially from its rulership. Our worlds have become very comfortable (earth). Amazing developments in the material world, houses, cars, fashion, travel, exotic lifestyles of the rich and famous. You can never be too rich or too skinny. Right? lol. That was then. But the times they are a changing… I say for the betterment of mankind collectively.
WELCOME NOW TO THE AIR ERA:
I am sure many of you are familiar with the song ‘This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius’ …well we’re on the cusp now. We are now moving from Earth domination to Air. It has already begun! The Air energy began with all the iPhones, Smartphones, Facebook era, WhatsApp, Instagram etc. This is what Air is all about — communicating on the ‘Airwaves’. It’s a virus of a different kind. We’re not there yet, but getting there, one Zoom after another. Can’t you see it for yourselves? From February 2021, we will see our New Air World evolving.
There will be dynamic inventions, people looking out for each other and our planet (as in Greta Thunberg), brotherly love and compassion, altruism, science, discoveries – you name it! I am SO glad to be living on the cusp of such an exciting era! The voice of the Aquarius genius has already spoken to us via Eckhart Tolle (Power of NOW). Eckhart is the voice we are all listening to NOW. And people like Greta Thunberg who is trying to ‘make a difference’.
Saturn entered Aquarius on March 22nd. (It will return briefly to Capricorn from July to the end of 2020). Saturn is all about Restrictions. Aquarius is all about the Brotherhood of Man. Humanity. Holding hands, etc. The message loud and clear at the moment is “Let’s Do This Together”. Together we will overcome. Right? Saturn is the fellow who dominates Karma. His symbol is the grim reaper whose message is you reap what you sow. Clearly, the powers that be ‘Up Above’ didn’t like everything we had sown and felt we had exploited Mother Earth in some ways, as she is getting a much needed rest now! KARMA! So before we enter into the dynamic creative air energy, we have to clean up the mess created by too much excess (earth). That’s what is happening currently.
WHAT NOW?
Astrologically, April has some challenging aspects. We are in the Season of Aries currently, which is a fiery, energetic, impatient sign. All this hanging around, waiting, not knowing is hugely frustrating to the Aries spirit. Add to this, we are going to have a big full moon in the polar opposite sign of Libra on April 7th which is tomorrow! Polar opposites. Libra (Air) is going to tell us to stay polite, be pleasant to others, political correctness — all the Libra diplomatic stuff. But Aries energy is ready to explode with frustration.
Some will find it difficult to remain patient and polite as frustration builds up. Libra is all about being sociable, so this social isolation is really difficult for them, especially now coming up to a major Holiday! Emotions will run high. Added to this, Mars (fiery temper) will be squaring Uranus (sudden unexpected events) around the time of the full moon. So stay calm, breathe in, don’t act sporadically, or without good thought aforehand!
On April 3rd we had a Mercury/Neptune conjunction in Pisces, which has been causing a lot of uncertainty, fuzziness, lack of clarity. That is Neptune not at its finest and Mercury is all about the communication! Mental chaos abounds! Be sure to check your sources of information, and do not believe everything you hear! Deception is rife.
HOW TO HANDLE APRIL:
Let’s take it one month at a time and work with what we have got, from a planetary position standpoint. Bring out the best in them — not the worst!!
Neptune, currently in Pisces, is about creativity. Saturn in Aquarius is about Brotherhood of Man and collective conscience. Moon in Libra is about Beauty and Harmony. Here is how I’m handling that, as you will see from my previous blogs.
I’m becoming way more creative in how I surround myself with beauty. I set up the table very pleasantly for meals, using my finest china and crystal. Each day is a special occasion now. I listen to very pleasant music, meditate and pray (Neptune). I am really getting more into Instagram and exploring the myriad of amazing new worlds and people which it has introduced me to. How exciting is that! When I am out of quarantine, I will enjoy the cool fresh wind in my face! Aww don’t you just love fresh AIR!! Get ready for lots!
I am avoiding at all costs CONFLICT, IMPATIENCE, FEAR, ERRATIC BEHAVIOUR — avoid them like – pardon the pun – the Virus!
Choose creativity over chaos, beauty over bad thoughts, peace over impatience and we will all in my best Aquarius voice “Beat this together!”
Do what you love, and love what you do!
Hugs from my home to yours!
Patricia xxx
Updated on April 6, 2020
DAY 10: PALM SUNDAY BUT NO PALM…
Hi Friends,
Today is Palm Sunday and it feels so strange and sad to be stuck at home with no Church services to attend. It marks the beginning of Holy week, a very special time in our church. This day holds very special memories for me. It’s also known as Passion Sunday and commemorates the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem when palm branches were placed in his path, before his arrest on Holy Thursday and his crucifixion on Good Friday. Ironically, I have been really disciplined this past Lent and have managed to stick to my Lenten promise to refrain from eating chocolate and sweet treats.
Fortunately, I had kept my blessed palm from last year, so out I headed to the back garden and raised it as high as I could. I’m also wearing purple today, the traditional colour for Lent! So yes, I’m marking this special occasion at home! We enjoyed a special brunch in the dining room with all the bells and whistles. Why not? Today is a special occasion — in fact every day is now!
I can fondly recall all those Palm Sundays of long ago, going to Mass with Kevin and the girls and picking up our Palms as we headed into Church. The girls loved getting their palms, the taller the better, and waving them around in their hands. Like all the other children, they derived great pleasure forming the palm into various shapes, mostly crosses, during the long service. It was a great distraction! Later they would play swords with their palms. I have a special place in my kitchen where I would place the palms when we returned from Church. At least I have my palm from last year! Such a strange time which makes me appreciate all those things I had taken for granted.
One joyful moment today was listening to Queen Elizabeth speak to the people, urging us all to be strong as better days will come. I just LOVE that woman and found her speech very comforting and reassuring. She is amazing for her age and a role model for many in both her work ethic and sense of duty.
As we get nearer to Easter, that glorious Butler’s Irish Easter egg is getting closer to my table! Only a few days left of Lent and my quarantine! Yay! I cannot wait to feel the fresh air in my face and to stretch those legs of mine and get Coco back walking too! Don’t worry!! We’ll be keeping our distance!!
On that happy note, I’m sending hugs from our home to yours!
Love what you do and do what you love!
Hugs,
Patricia xx
Updated on April 5, 2020
DAY 9: SATURDAY SMILES
“A word, a smile, a little gift and a dreary day is transformed.”
What a lovely surprise arrived at my door today. An otherwise dreary day was suddenly elevated! Thank you sweet daughters. You never cease to amaze me and fill my heart with such love and thankfulness. When the package arrived, Coco barked her head off. She is our new doorbell and takes her job very seriously indeed! Mr. Postman banged ferociously on the front door and then disappeared. It’s the ‘new way’ of doing things. But the job gets done and what lovely treats he brought!
Also, a big thank you to my very talented Artist friend, Vania. She painted this beautiful picture for me as a birthday present and it was there to greet me upon my return from Ireland. Thank you Vania! I love it! Thoughtful gestures are like feathers from Heaven and bring such joy.
Talking about treats, it’s Saturday and the weekend! (though every day is the weekend now), Traditionally, a time to chill, relax, and just get mellow. What better way to do that than watch a few good reality shows. I really enjoyed Big Little Lies with an amazing cast including Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern, Reese Witherspoon and Meryl Streep. If you haven’t seen it yet, I would highly recommend it. I’ve just started watching Enlightened starring Laura Dern. It’s also terrific and I’d highly recommend it too!
I also go on YouTube and follow some great bloggers. I love Margaret Manning on 60 and Me. She feels like a friend I’ve known all my life! The other woman I really enjoy is cheery up-beat glamour girl Dominique Sachse. She is a proud Texan. Check them out! They give great ideas and suggestions for dealing with the Social Isolation challenge.
For sanity’s sake, I don’t watch the news! I stopped doing that in Ireland as I found it way too depressing! Kevin fills me in on anything I may need to know. He can handle the news without taking it too personally! For some reason, I don’t find newspapers quite so daunting.
If I’m giving my time to the tv it has to give me something back in return — preferably peace and entertainment. Like magazines, it has to transport me to happier days, sunshine, glamour and glitz. For that reason, I also enjoy shows like House Hunters International which allows you to travel from the comfort of your armchair — how great is that! And Escape to the Country, another fabulous piece of escapism. Or for a great laugh 90 Day Fiance or First Dates. I’m a simple girl and that’s the way I like it!
Whatever it is that sails your boat my friends — Do it! Check out the above mentioned bloggers and tv shows. You may enjoy them! Hope so!
Hugs from my home to yours!
Patricia xx
