Tuesday 13 February 2024

Loving...

 

Last month, I was quoting Caroline Myss and this month it is Deepak Chopra and no doubt next month it will be another inspirational author. This quote strikes a chord as it is what I truly believe. We can always choose love.

It can be loving people, loving pets, or even loving what you do. But it is particularly special when you just experience loving life

This last weekend I got to choose lots of ways to show my love. One of my favourites is by cooking and even the grandchildren quote me, by saying that my special ingredient is love, especially when I make them their mac 'n cheese.

So what else was on the "menu" at the weekend as Murphy and Rosie were spending their weekend with me at Seamill.

Saturday tea time included a visit to my swimming pool at The Seamill Hydro, where the kids had a blast. So much fun was had but of course no photos... you will just have to take my word for it. They loved it. 

They loved the stars on the ceiling, the bubbles in the tub and the whole experience was a 10/10. They even had their Dad with them enjoying "Nonna's" pool. You can't get better than that. 

Love is sharing a swimming pool and then a spag bol with garlic bread tea!

However there is more and there are photies this time...

Sunday was the day my sister-in-law, Chrissie and myself eventually managed to take the children on an adventure to Dumfries House, Cumnock. 

Much love was shared with Chrissie from Murphy, Rosie and myself. Thank you so much Auntie Tiss. Delighted we were able to successfully organise our visit on the third or fourth rescheduling. You went above and beyond Chrissie, especially when you see what the children wanted to do...

First of all, zip wire:




Then it was the high wire walk...


Yep... once again. They loved every minute of flying through the air, see-sawing, running and sliding down big, big chutes and even completed the skywalk. Rosie did it twice!

When you choose to love what you are doing and who you are with, life can be so much fun.

Thank you Chrissie, Murphy and Rosie for choosing to enjoy/love/a 10 out of 10 adventure. 


Here's to having lots more adventures together.


Wednesday 31 January 2024

Sad times

 Not feeling much like writing just now, as all around me are sad tidings. Life seems to be so difficult for so many, both here and abroad. As well as my own personal saga of loss.

So forgive me if I choose to use someone else's words.

Caroline Myss has always been an inspiration to me. Recently her words have echoed in my head.


Will continue to write, just not now.

With love

Eileen

Thursday 21 December 2023

Andy's passing

 As many of you will know by now, my wonderful husband died at the beginning of this month. 

He had bravely faced his condition every day with a smile, never complaining, always accepting what will be...

... no blog from me this month. Just this



Thursday 9 November 2023

Peace

I wrote this poem many years ago when I was searching for some peace.  

The thought process is still relevant today, perhaps even more so...

 

Peace... just a thought

It comes to mind

It forms from space

It changes fast, and doesn't last

unless... I make it hold a place.

It flies around

It forms a void

It seems alive, and wants to thrive

unless... I make it feel annoyed.

It changes shape

It forms a word

It follows feeling, senses reeling

unless... I make it strike a chord

It brings a face

It works with love

It connects the dots, inspiring thoughts

It's not unless... it's more... like a dove.

It settles down

It claims its' place

It travels wide, no need to hide

It spreads its wings... it's Peace, it's Grace.

It works like magic

It feels my need

Don't think it's nought, as in just a thought

Peace can grow from the smallest seed.    

This month, our Power of Eight group is focusing our 10 minute daily intention on Peace. 

Every small seed thought creates a powerful growth process... anyone can do it... and anytime is good.                                                                   

 Om Shanti, Eileen

Tuesday 24 October 2023

Joy... and where to find it!

 Recent times have brought many adventures for the Auld family... and last weekend's visit to Eglinton Country Park's Dinosaur trail was a highlight in the calendar.

We even got Uncle Kenny in on the act as our professional photographer! I am sure you will like the montage below of two little people experiencing Joy.

Who wouldn't like to be a butterfly ...


 
pet a deer...

or befriend a frog

try being a bat
meet Mr Fox



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and then find a mammoth ...


Then there are the many opportunities to hug. First an owl...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then a Rosie... and badger!


a group hug... works for me.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and then the lesson learned from the grand-kids... find some joy, Nonna... hug a tree!

We can thoroughly recommend Eglinton Country Park, Kilwinning. 

After the dinosaur trail, more joy can be found in a wonderful cup of hot chocolate...


Sunday 17 September 2023

Official Residence

 It's official! We have moved to Seamill to a ground floor flat to help with Andy's and my mobility...


 The past month has brought lots to deal with, not just packing up and moving but 4 weeks ago, I bit into a crispy pitta and managed to break a tooth that was supporting my dental bridge work! 

Ouch! Visited my dentist who told me that there was no break and that it would settle and to go away and eat only soft foods for three days...

 After many sleepless nights, oodles of pain and having more than enough of a constant liquid diet, I sought a second opinion. Then found that I have a fractured tooth and no wonder I was in pain! Unfortunately the bridge couldn't be saved

Fast forward to the 14th September, early birthday present of dental plate and an hour of dental intervention - you catch my drift! Good news, I can now chew food but still not able to bite, as yet. Soon I trust.

Andy and I are enjoying our new environment. However, Andy had to assemble his chair before he got a seat!

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and I went walking along to the beach ...

One of the many blessings about our move, apart from the no stairs of course, is that I can walk to my swimming pool. A 5 minute walk no less... as well as a fabulous beach to explore

Way In








Wide vista
Now I haven't finished relating all the "moving" parts, as Gordon would say.

Gordon has been running a successful and enjoyable putting venture at Mackerston over the summer months. His next venture opened this weekend, Yes, for those in the know, he opened on my birthday, 16th September. So breaking news -

Opening Day. 

Gordon has taken on the running of the cafe at Kelburn Estate, Largs and if his first day was anything to go by, it too will be a successful and enjoyable business venture.

What a whirlwind of changes this month for the Auld family.  Time to catch our breath and get ready for what October holds for us. Until then, I'll leave you with this magic find, when I went on my first beach walk.

Perfect advice for all of us, as we each walk our paths in life...



Wednesday 16 August 2023

Always worth celebrating...

It was Murphy's birthday this month. He has reached the grand old age of 7!

 New football strip, Barcelona as he is pointing out to us!

Muphy loves football and is quite partial to cake. As his birthday was on Sunday the 13th August, he got to play his beloved game and share a football cake with his team mates,

yummy   

Now he also wanted to play Jenga, go putting and even enjoy a moment with a pinata!

The pinata is a fun cardboard donkey traditionally filled with sweets and "bashed" until it opens up and shares its abundance... remember these are Murphy's birthday choices!

Rosie and Murphy weren't managing to convince the donkey to open up so Nonna had a go...

Resulting in a decapitated donkey, much hilarity and a ton of chocolates. One very happy Rosie as she found the Lindor ones while Murphy is still searching for his favourites.

Message to all you pinatas out there...  don't mess with The Nonna!

Time for a more skillful game of Jenga before a quiet time for Murphy to commune with his football cards and heroes. Then more family fun to come on the putting green and a pizza night out on the town. 

 


oh...what it's like to be 7! I think I know what to do next month when it's my birthday... 

yep that's right, eat cake! No matter what age you are it is always worth celebrating.

p.s. Murphy also had a birthday party with pals at a "trampolining" venue in Greenock! Goodness knows what he will be looking for when he is 8...