Cat ....at the end of the Garden

The Painting starting out

My neighbors cat for some reason prefers to sit at the end of my garden, and he brings his friends along to sprawl under the palm tree, as if they are having a conference!. 

Every morning he strolls across the grass, after spending the night chasing mice and other things and gazes at my plum tree where I have the hanging bird feeder, hoping that one of the many birds that feast on the nuts and seeds would slip up and provide him some breakfast - as he waits to pounce on them.

He switches his tale backwards and forwards, until I open the garden door to shoo him away, surprized he makes a bolt for it to his own garden, caught in the act.

Other times you will find him stretching out on garage roofs, climbing walls and darting in and out of the hanging plants chasing the butterflies. 

But every now and again he sits on his window ledge, watching the world go by, I think that he secretly has dreams of making his escape much further afield than my garden and into other neighborhoods. But there is no time to dawdle evening comes round and the day dreaming takes a back seat to the coming adventures that await his night time pursuits.

Cat - Mixed media Painting

Relaxation - Memories of Home

Relaxation - Memories of Home

Welcome to Memories of Home, if you would like to find out more information about the series, Click here 

Being in a supportive environment is important to our growth as individuals, not everyone has had that opportunity and as adults we try and create an environment that will nurture and bless our children and indeed ourselves.

Relaxation

Being able to feel relaxed at home is important.  It is the place where you can come back and not only unwind, but be yourself.  You step out of a world where you are judged by the way you look, car you drive, clothes you wear or whatever and into a world of total acceptance.  You can be yourself and let the cares of the world stay outside the door for another day. 

When I was younger the thought of having a candle lit bath was the thing that we saw in films and was reserved for grown-ups to enjoy, or something they did in the blackouts when all the power went out!  As I got older I understood that it was something that I could do for myself – run a hot bath, put on some soothing music and light a few candles as it promoted relaxation and a sense of well-being and peace. 

Luxury locations - Barbados

There are many other ways in which you can promote relaxation – going out for a stroll and taking a look at your environment, spending time in the garden, putting on your favorite piece of music can be relaxing or you could decide to read a book taking that 5 minutes of alone time to gather your thoughts before you launch yourself into the evenings activities.  

Frangipani Flower - Barbados

And where would we be without a deck of cards?  When all the homework is done, the food cooked and eaten, spending time playing a card or board game has always been something to create great memories and encourage the whole family to relax.

I would love to hear what creative ways you have come up with to help you relax I hope you continue to join me on my journey over the weeks, as I share my mixed media houses and look back to the memories of home. I look forward to hearing about some some of your own memories. Blessings and peace to you!

Massage - Pamper yourself!

                                                                               Source: rikyu.co.uk via Amanda on Pinterest

Spent some time on me last week out of the busy schedule and had a massage.  It was so nice to be able to stop for an hour and just relax and think!  When was the last time you spent some time on you?

I have been going to a delightful massage therapist called Emi Hojo for around a year - off and on.  She is welcoming, encouraging and having studied massage myself, she definitely has a great technique.  For such a small woman she can definitely work those knots and unworked muscles and give you a great deep tissue treatment.

                                                                                   Source: rikyu.co.uk via Amanda on Pinterest

I had promised myself last year that I would have a regular massage each month, but good intentions gave way to neglect and then the thought of 'you couldn't possibly spend time on yourself what are you thinking'.

With 3 months of challenges behind me and ones that are continuing I was reminded that it is the small things that you do on a regular basis that will improve your health and well-being, so going for a walk for 20 minutes, spending time creating and getting a massage on a regular basis as well as anything else that can improve your fitness will have an overall positive effect.  I definitely recommend  Emi, take a look at her website Rikyu Health and Beauty, and think about treating yourself, you won't be disappointed. After the treatment I lay listening to the bird song and waves in the dimly lit room, and after dressing was given a delicious rose tea to send me on my way.

    Source: rikyu.co.uk via Amanda on Pinterest

As well as the monthly things you can do for 'you' think of the daily activities you can treat yourself to that do not cost anything.  You can go sit in your local park, wander round an art shop or gallery, go to a cafe, soak in the bath with your favourite products....the list is endless  With February being a short month think of other ways you can incorporate a 'just for you' activity on a daily basis and enjoy the end results