Superstition

As I write this, my heart is heavy. Yet I am able to see humour in the events, nonetheless.

They say bad things come in threes - well, I was raised to believe that they do and to arrest the arrival of the imminent, one broke a pencil, toothpick, stick. So ingrained is it in my psyche, that I believe it still to this day.

First to happen was my lovely Tiger Lily died.
A little cat I started out fostering, became a much loved part of my household. Not only did she bless me with her constant demands for attention, but she brought a new, and very much cherished friend into my life. One I know, even though the oceans may separate us, will remain forever friends. Sleeping most nights on my feet or chest, Lily was ever comforting.

Next came a wee accident to my car.
I was backing out of my gate, as I have for the last 20 years, sometimes executed up to six times a day, and went smack into a blue delivery van. I had stopped for one van, only to hit the next. Clearly my fault, even though the driver must have been daydreaming and speeding up to run the gantry behind the first vehicle. I count my blessings, however, that the damage is minimal and that it has taken this long to happen.

Now after this, I thought that I should break a toothpick.
But then I remembered that a second incident had actually happened between these two; the airconditioning unit in one of the bedrooms sprung a leak. So I relaxed and sent the superstitious thoughts away, leaving the toothpick in the box.

How foolhardy!
For this morning, the third thing happened.
A painting fell off the wall, slid all the way down the stairs leaving shards on several steps, and crashed into and smashed a tall flower vase before coming to rest.

I was clearly disillusioned. The aircon leak was not a bad thing - but just part of one's daily household maintenance issues.

I will trust my instincts now - and break the toothpick!

'Happy' Birthday

A little older, a little wiser. Age is just a number. May all your wishes come true. Happy Birthday.

Is that what birthdays are all about? 

Why do we celebrate our birthday?

I read that “A common belief that evil spirits were more prevalent when a person experienced changes in their daily life patterns (such as turning a year older) encouraged the noting of these dates in written form. To protect this person, relatives and friends would gather to bring good thoughts and good cheer.”

So does that mean if you celebrate your birthday alone, the evil spirits will get you? 

We certainly seem to have been brainwashed to believe it. 

Mention that you are going to celebrate your birthday alone and you are the subject of pity and condolence.

And so another year passes. Are we to mark it at the calendar New Year? Or at our birthday new year? Or both? Or neither.

I guess the real answer depends on how old you are, how happy you are, how many friends, family, followers you have around you.

At the end of the day, it is no longer up to you. With the advent of social networks, it is very hard to let your birthday slip past unnoticed. Even if you don’t publish the date, someone will wish you greetings and bingo!, the wishes come flowing in.

So to everyone celebrating or hiding their birthday in February I wish you this: 

that you are happy with whatever happens!

Loneliness Calls

What do you do when loneliness calls?
Who can you turn to when corners are dim?
What do you do when happiness falls?
Who can you talk to when darkness closes in?

You put on a happy face, until the make up runs out.
You cry in the shower, until the water runs cold.
You eat your favourite pudding until your thighs get stout.
You sing aloud to your favourite songs from Solid Gold.

A cat will sense your state and snuggle up tight.
A puppy will feel your empty space and lick it away.
A pony will gallop you across fields with all his might.
A beloved pet will soothe you the more you both play.

So dress yourself up
Once you are all cried out.
Eat a good pudd
Then scream and shout!

Home musings

If home is where the heart is

Am I heartless or homeless?

Do I miss home because I am not there?

Do I want to avoid home because of what is there?

Why do I not call where I live home?

Is it because I wasn't born here?

Or because those I loved were there?

Restless, reluctant, refusing

Homeless or heartless

I will never be able to answer this for myself.

Published :)

I am so excited to announce that you can find 4 of my e books on
http://alfiedog.com/products-page/authors/prue-harrison/


May this be the beginning.

Contradiction and Contrition

It is a contradiction - but I feel contrition for my life.
I have not done well enough by my kids. I have not made enough of an imprint.
I have lived over half of my lifespan, and what have I to show for it?
What have I really done in this world that would be written on my tombstone?
And yet in reality I have helped countless brands sell more, countless clients progress through my ideas for their companies, volunteered for over 15 years with an animal charity and saved and nursed countless cats, brought up two wonderful, charming, smart children, written stories and articles that many have enjoyed ... - so why the contradiction in my head?
Maybe we never feel enough self worth, which is why we keep on going, keep trying, keep moving forward.

Chocolate Treats

It's nearly Easter. The shops' shelves are filled with chocolate eggs of all varieties, and the occasional bunny.
The sight had me reminiscing.
I recalled egg hunts in the garden. Hiding all manner of chocolate eggs, big and small, plain and filled, in the nooks and crannies. Watching the delight on the kids' faces when they found one and popped it secretively into their basket or bag. And, once all were found, the joy or sadness when the winner was announced after the count. And then the messy, but totally joyous, eating ceremony.
Why did I do that year after year for my children and their friends, when it wasn't something I grew up doing?
Or is that why?
And I share a common love of Cadbury's Creme Eggs with my sister, which I only remembered this week when I asked her to eat one for me and she replied that she would "eat a few!" Bliss.
So guess what?
This Easter I am going to have an easter egg hunt for myself!
And be a very happy bunny.
Happy Easter everyone.