600 seconds at lunch - What does pain do to a person

Emotional pain is something we all have to face from time to time. Personally I believe in the long-term learning to deal with that is a form of empowerment. So the boyfriend dumped you and it hurts like hell, but allowing yourself time to grieve then move on is very much a strengthening process. Of course, it also means that grubby ex doesn’t win. We learn from our own mistakes, that is for sure, but we also grow from the hurt others put us through. Physical pain is more of a case of the endorphins rushing from the nerves to the brain to say ‘Ow that hurts’. This rush can be addictive and make some people actively seek pain from self or others. I don’t know of anyone who would seek emotional pain.

Copyright:JeMs2007

Morning Pages - The pains of a using a computer

‘Are you sure you want to delete that’ message flashes on my screen. Yes, that is why I pressed delete, give me some cred PC. I know I am a mere human and cannot possibly process things as fast as you with your 80-gig memory can. In fact if you are so damn clever how come you can’t auto delete the spam email? I am a female, PC, what would I possibly want with a penis enlargement. And come on, at 44DD do I really need breast implants? So quit asking me dumbass questions and do something useful, send my spam back where it came from with a not so polite ‘Go away.’

Copyright:JeMs2007

And It's Goodnight From Me - I am flying

Just recently I wrote on how simple acts of love can lift the spirit. Tonight that fact was brought home to me in the most wonderful way. A very special person who I call cheeky writes poetry and today used two of my paintings as inspiration. I am on such a high I am crying. I love painting its my soul on paper and cheeky's poetry is her soul on paper. I have no words to express how I feel, I don't know how to. I don;t want to write about anything else tonight.

Pirate Cove by cheeky

Trick of the Eye by cheeky

Copyright:JeMs2007

Morning Pages - A dog's devotion

A dog is devoted to the hand that feeds and fusses it. Treat a dog with love and they will give it back to you without reservation. I am also convinced if you treat a dog with cruelty that is what you will get back and deservedly so. I guess its the same for any animal unlike the human beasts who are capable of using and manipulating the kindness of others for their own ends. I have never known a dog or any other animal do that. It so easy to see why some humans prefer the company of their pets when humans can do that.

Copyright:JeMs2007

And It's Goodnight From Me - Nobby

Nobby is our youngest tomcat kitten. A tabby coated bundle of mischief and mayhem. He hides waiting to pounce with all claws on any human legs that may be passing by. Then he looks up at you with appealing eyes of angelic innocence. Nobby loves to play with a toy mouse throwing and chasing it from one end of the house to the other. After all that activity, when he is totally knackered out he flops out on my bed contentedly purring or is that a little self satisfied snore. Nobby does wake up for his catnip and then its back to his snuggle spot for a good nights sleep. He likes to be warm and often snuggles up with Harley or Pooh as long as they don't give him a bath.

Copyright:JeMs2007

600 Seconds at Lunch - Have you had a psychic experience

I firmly believe that our loved ones that have traversed to the spiritual planes come back and visit us now and then.I know I have sensed the presence of both my daddy and my granny on many occasions. My daddy ever the practical joker is still up to his tricks. The only difference is this chip of his block will have to wait to get her own back unlike when he was here in the physical plane.My daddy was my hero and still is. I sense his comfort and support when I feel down and that is when my granny stops by too. I have no doubt it is her kicking my ass when I know what I should be doing and I am dithering about it. It is from both of them that I get my nature and my mile wide streak of pig headed stubbornness. It is my darling daddy and my dear granny who have made me Jem and not the lost soul I could so easily have been.

Copyright:JeMs2007

Morning Pages - If feet had imagination how would you know?

Well for a start, shoes would certainly become more interesting. How bored must our feet be stuffed into the same old smelly trainers each day. We already know our feet have special qualities that benefit the rest of the body through reflexology. I guess a foot would as part of a twin pairing so maybe they would be chatting to each other and sharing ideas. Socks are already becoming inventive with decoration, more exciting designs and textiles, so just maybe feet are already beginning to let us know that they are worthy of a little more consideration.

Copyright:JeMs2007

And It's Goodnight From Me - Crowe

Crowe is a black longhaired witch's tomcat. He is this witch's personal familiar and has been since kittenhood. Crowe loves to hug into me, going almost flat against m, his head purring contentedly on my shoulder.He knows just how to get that too. His sexy amber eyes take on a puppy like appeal as he mews to be picked up. Crowe is a happy go lucky mog and very friendly. Any visitors get his personal attention and he is always the first of the cats to say hello. Crowe is a dandy cat with a saucy strut to match his sexy charisma. His tail is always held high with just the tip flipped to one side as he walks. Elegant, charming, sexy and handsome is Crowe and by tomcat don't he just know it!

Copyright:JeMs2007

600 Seconds at Lunch - Why do men wear ties

Why on earth anyone would wear anything tied tightly at the neck is beyond me. Possibly men who wear ties are really closet masochists, hiding behind an image of correctness. I am almost certain a tie is for the wife to use as leash. Yes, I know a tie looks smart but really, who came up with the idea and just how closely related were they to the Marquis de Sade. Personally, I prefer the cravat, ok that is a tad old fashioned but oh, wow it is extremely sexy. I have never seen the point of a tie and I am in no doubt it serves no real purpose. The fashion world's wasp maybe.

Copyright:JeMs2007

Morning Pages - The world's end

Not as depressing as you might think from the title which I have pilfered from the name of a pub in Sussex. Just entering the bar my senses were hit by jovial hospitality and a warm roaring fire. At once I got the gist of the name of the place as meaning one doesn't want to leave. So maybe the world's end is finding somewhere one wants to stay. For me that is always at home with Andy and my boys. I miss them so much when I am away. Don't get me wrong three men in my life drive insane and I need a break from them now and then. Despite that they are the biggest blessings in my life and I love them all so much, I wouldn't want it any other way, well not too often.

Copyright:JeMs2007

And It's Goodnight From Me - Where is light brightest

Light is the brightest in the very depths of darkness. A small flame from a candle will fill a small room with the most welcoming glow and warmth. When life is giving its worst the same is true, one small act of love is awesomely powerful, elevating the spirit and heart to the highest of levels. Most of the time we are all guilty of taking love and loved ones for granted, its only when in those darkest moments and we are in the pits of despair that the true wonder of love is felt. Something as simple as a comforting arm on a shoulder or a gentle word is all it takes. Love is awesome and without a doubt the biggest high.

Copyright:JeMs2007

And It's Goodnight From Me - The sky is the limit

Sometimes our dreams and ambitions seem so distant and unattainable. Does that mean we should give up on them? Or should we have a go and see if we can? OK we may not get exactly what we want but we do get a wonderful experience of knowing we gave something our best shot, and the sense of pride that goes with achievement. The alternative of a life of 'if only' and 'what if' is not an attractive one. There sky is the limit as far as having go is concerned. OK so if it doesn't work out this time there is always the next time.

600 Seconds at Lunch - What is an extended family?

For me the extended family is not those distant relatives you hear about but never meet, its the people who come into your world (not necessarily related by blood) who you come to welcome as part of yourself. A friend who really cares about you and you really care for. People who don't judge you for what you are but embrace you for being you. These are the special folk you look forward to seeing and feel excited anticipation at meeting for a quick coffee and a natter. You know both of you will gain something from each meeting and be eagerly looking forward to the next one.Friends who come from all walks of life and bring light into your own life.

Copyright:JeMs2007

600 Seconds at Lunch - I remember...

I remember when mobile phones were science fiction. I remember when an album was made of vinyl not Cd's and MP3s. I remember black and white TV. I remember when "Snickers" were "Marathon". Computers were the size of a double decker bus, now they fit in the palm of your hand. I did my math calculations using my head or a book of logs, sins, cos, and tans. I know how to do long division. I read a book long before it became a movie. TV finished at 11pm. I remember the test card and only having three channels of crap to choose from. I listened to the radio if I wanted up to date information. I remember getting excited at shouting "Breaker, Breaker 19" into a CB radio. Yes I am old I am!

Copyright:JeMs2007

Morning Pages -Movie Talk

I am not a great movie buff by any stretch of the imagination but this is the prompt so I will have a go at it, as to not do so is a little bit like cheating I think. So whats the last movie I actually sat and watched? "Four Weddings and a Funeral" so a real oldie but still a good one. OK I adore Hugh Grant so I maybe a tad biased but hey too bad. I love the totally unsubtle humour of "Four Weddings" and it never fails to have me laughing and giggling no matter what grumpy mood I may have been in. I have been feeling in the pits recently and Andy saw the film was on the TV so, bless his white sox, sacrificed his beloved wrestling and put it on for me. Apparently worth the sacrifice to hear me laugh... awww he is just to sweet sometimes.

Copyright:JeMs2007

Morning Pages - What type of mythological creature are you?

I am definitely a mischievous pixie type, always getting in to trouble with the rest of the fairy folk. Maybe a naughty sprite even. I am very much a "light blue touch paper" and sit back and watch the chaos and fun unfold. I could be a good fairy type but I would soon tire of that. I am not a wicked person so the bad guys of fantasy are out too. So somewhere in the middle, good at heart but naughty and mischievous too. If I am a mythical animal it is the Phoenix, as I have had to rebuild me from nothing a fair few times when life has gone to ashes around me.

Copyright:JeMs2007

And It's Goodnight From Me - Wake me up before you go go

Just lately sleep and I haven't been the best of aquaintences which means when I do finally get to the point of being able to sleep I'm worried I'll wake up late and can't sleep! Yeah its a vicious circle stress keeps me awake followed by a dose of worry.I kind of need a certain level of stress to function, I think we all do, but when the pressure piles up it sure becomes a problem. The last couple of weeks have been high pressure for me with just one thing after another causing me hassle. Thankfully that seems to be easing up now,and life may just return to some sort of normality if such a state exists.

Copyright:JeMs2007

600 Seconds at Lunch - What does your partner bring out in you?

What does Andy bring out in me - that is a tough one to answer but then he has never tried to make me something I am not. He accepts and loves me for who I am and doesn't try to stop me being me. With his wonderful love and support I have slowly started to embrace me for myself, and Andy has been there to pick up the pieces when I totally stuff it up, which I do a lot. When life gets me down he is there - my knight in blue jeans, stuff the shining armour it would take too much hassle to keep clean. Now I am trying to build a new career doing the things I love to do Andy is encouraging me and totally behind me.

Copyright:JeMs2007

Morning Pages - Every new beginning comes from a previous ending

As the old saying goes, as one door closes another one opens. A closing door or closure marks the end of something, it also marks a change or new beginning. Open doors are opportunities or choices and it is up to the individual to take them or not. If they are taken then it is a case of making the best of it. In he circle of life there is technically no end but I am sure that doesn't mean things cannot change. It is possible to embrace change and make it a positive force within our lives. Even sad ends such as bereavements and break ups have a positive even if its so very difficult to see at the time.

Copyright:JeMs2007

Morning Pages - What is the speed of dark?

With the long nights of winter fast approaching it seems the dark comes so much faster. The warm sunsets late on a summer's evening seem like a fading distant memory as they are replaced by cold, dim winter weather. People seem to be more hurried too, rushing about instead of being calm and having time to dwindle. That is not really so surprising, who wants to hang about when its cold and raining longer than needs be. How much better to be at home, snuggled up with a loved one in front of a roaring fire. The mog folk in our house have become more inclined to snug up warm too. Even the anti-social Spot is curling up with us in bed. I think that is as close to a human lap as Spot will lower himself to somehow.

Copyright:JeMs2007

And It's Goodnight From Me - Discworld

Discworld is a satirical fantasy series by Terry Pratchett. "The Lord of the Rings" meets "The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy" is quoted on the back cover blurb of "The Colour of Magic". I am a huge fan of the world travelling through space supported on four giant elephants stood on the back of Great a'Tuin. From the beginning I was grabbed by the hapless 'wizzard' Rincewind and his travelling companion Twoflowers. Indeed there is a similarity between these two and Ford Prefect and Arthur Dent from "The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy". Then there is the Luggage which is seemingly infinite in how much it can contain much like Dr. Who's TARDIS. Discworld does however stand up in it's own right. Terry Pratchett's characters from Rincewind to Granny Weatherwax and Death himself are all strong and each brings some to Discworld as a series and to the various novels.

Copyright:JeMs2007

600 Seconds at Lunch - I have a right to be happy because...

I am not sure happiness is a right. I do believe, however, the biggest block on me being happy is me. I am fighting to accept myself and be myself and more often than not I lose. I am getting better at it though and one day I hope to let go of the brain washing and bullshit of my childhood and past and really be true to me. Hey, who knows, one day I may even allow myself to feel happy to do that too. I know I fear rejection and disapproval especially from my horrendous family who are so disappointed with me. One, I am a girl, two I am not a doctor, and three I am not married to Mr. Billionaire. OK to bad, perhaps I don't want any of that, but hey that is my mother, expects everyone else to live life just for her benefit and her way.

Copyright:JeMs2007

And It's Goodnight From Me - Moving on

Sometimes we have to accept things we do not want happen. We cannot let what may be very painful events stop our lives. Of course we have to allow ourselves to adjust an accept, maybe even grieve if needs be. But eventually it is time to bite the bullet, close the door on the past but not forget it, and get on with the job of living and look to the future. We often hear of a need for closure on something, more often than not that is found within ourselves. Oh yeah, it is the devil's own job to find it of course, but it is there. Sometimes it takes some counselling, advice, or just simple peace and quiet to help us find it. Accepting changes or facts we do not like or want is not easy but if we allow ourselves to focus on what is positive in our lives we can move on and look to the future.

Copyright:JeMs2007

600 Seconds at Lunch - What kind of help will resolve your feelings?

Hearing Andy say "I love you" normally gets me back on track when I am feeling hurt or down. With my family that is at least once a day with yet another put down or disparaging comparison to Mr Golden Balls, my brother. I know I should be used to it by now, of course I should, and most times I am really not that bothered by it. I have built my own life and it is good, OK certainly not good enough for 'them' but hey I am happy to be me, Andy is happy with us and my boys are wonderful so whose loss is it anyway - it is certainly not mine. Just sometimes it would be nice to feel my family actually give a damn and that is when it hurts.

Copyright:JeMs2007

Morning Pages - Freedom Fighter

What is a freedom fighter? Is it some one who battles against a tyrannical despot? Is is some one who battles for personal freedom? When some one is facing an inner struggle to be themselves the battle for self identity is every bit as terrifyingly desperate as one against a tyrant. Finding one's identity in the chaos of life can become is one most of us face at some point. Whether we are searching for inner peace or an answer to personal confusion it is a fight for freedom, to get life back on a balanced track. Destiny may have it all mapped out for us but we being human have a habit of doing the wrong thing and thus ending up facing a battle for personal well being. So yes at times we are all freedom fighters for our own sense of freedom, the freedom to be.

Copyright:JeMs2007

And It's Goodnight From Me - New Read

My new read is an 'old friend', Discworld's Mort by Terry Pratchett. Mort is one of my favourite Discworld novels, as always TP's unusual look at the character of Death plays a key role. I love TP's depiction of the Grim Reaper and I can guarantee it will have me smiling if not falling out of my bed laughing. The perfect end to any day, s little humour, much needed humour right now. It is sure not a happy time for me with Pops passing away, though I think from his point of view it is a good thing and I am sure he is in a much better place. OK I am knackered with all the stuff I need to get done but I am grateful it stopped me having to think about things for a bit, a sweet moment of room to breathe.

Copyright:JeMs2007

600 Seconds at Lunch - People should ...

People should respect others' right to be. They should accept each other for who they are. Not a lot to ask you might think but such a rare thing to find. Maybe is we start with self respect and self acceptance we then might also begin to do the same for others. It is impossible to accept some one elses choices and opinions if we have problems accepting our own. To judge others as being wrong or right, in truth, is not really our right or place. No matter what gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, etc., every one has a right to be. No that does not mean being in some one's face about your self and who you are. Discretion and tact are also acts of respect.

Copyright:JeMs2007

Morning Pages - Fairy wings

Shimmering bright, the wings of fairies glisten in sun and moonlight as they flutter about, unseen, unheard, their business. Flower fairies, tree fairies, water fairies, pixies and sprites, all different but all equally blessed with iridescent gossamer wings. As they meet up at the fairy glen for dance, play or just to socialize the mass of sparkling wings glints in the light like morning dew in the first rays of the sun. Hush now, let your ears listen for the soft butterfly whisper of a fairy in flight.

Copyright:JeMs2007

And It's Goodnight From Me - Coco

Coco is a friendly black with white smudges long-haired queen cat. She keeps her long, shiny fur pristine but still likes her brush through. Coco is a lady and gracious until it is kibble time then she has no qualms about getting in the thick of things with the rest of the mogs. Coco's favourite sleep place is on top of the book shelf in amongst my art kit. I think she fancies herself with a brush and paint or maybe as a life art model, if she could keep still long enough to pose. Coco's preferred treat is oaty biscuits at bed time. Of course she likes her catnip and milky buttons too. Coco loves being fussed and curling up beside human thigh, fluttering her long lashes for an extra fuss. She's not a lap cat but she is a friendly little soul.

Copyright:JeMs2007

And It's Goodnight From Me - Ratzy

Ratzy is our biggest cat. A huge great gentle grey and white giant of a mog. Not the most intelligent example of the feline world but then muscle and brain rarely inhabit the same being. Ratzy is a friendly chap and quite refined. His sleep place is on the towel shelf in the bathroom. Occasionally he is joined by Trouble if she can be bothered to climb up the shelves. Ratzy's favourite past time is fly chasing not that he particularly successful at it. Despite is enormous size Ratzy is light on his feet and extremely agile, more so than some of the sleeker and more streamlined cats. Ratzy has become Waya's hero and she adores him and he looks after her.

Copyright:JeMs2007

600 Seconds at Lunch - Write down your favourite poem

'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogroves,
And the mome raths outgabe

"Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch"

He took his vorpal sword in hand
Long time the manxome foe he sought
So rested he by the Tumtum tree
And stood awhile in thought.

And, as in uffish thought he stood
The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame
Come whiffling through the tulgey wood
And burbled as it came!

One, two! One, two! And through and through
The vopal sword went sniker-snack
He left it dead, and with it's head
He went galumphing back.

"And , has thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!
He chortled in his joy.

'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
All mimsy were the borogroves,
Ands the mome raths outgabe'

Jabberwocky, Lewis Carroll, 1872

Morning Pages - The Dreamcatcher

The Native American Dreamcatcher, for me, is a very precious symbol of culture and belief. I have a Crowe tribe Dreamcatcher hanging over my work desk and when my mind hits slack, or worse, a creative blank, it is a useful focusing point for a brief respite into meditative state. That brief pause often allows my brain to have a break from the creative grind and declog from every day life. Today's dinner menu will happen in its own time, so will the bundle of jeans in the laundry. Sometimes simple daily chores block my creativity and make it difficult to get my mojo going, on to paper whether in picture or word form. So my Dreamcatcher not only stops the evil spirits invading my dreams but helps me to clear my head too.

Copyright:JeMs2007

Morning Pages - who would you be for 24 hours?

If I could be anyone I would be me at 18 with the knowledge I have now. Basically there is nothing I would change about me but there are sure some decisions I would make differently and some things I would do totally different. Of course one can only know that with the benefit of hindsight. Too late when one is already up to the neck in the proverbial cow dung. Hindsight is one of those things that is only going to be useful if an event is repeated. OK who would I be other than me. A cat, a pampered and spoiled cat of course. Much like the feline crowd that so kindly permit me to live in their house.

Copyright:JeMs2007