tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-368860982012-02-16T19:52:50.668ZMusings, random thoughts and whimsies when I get the urgebarbnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1021100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-58651155641426461272011-09-29T16:00:00.005+01:002011-09-29T16:14:57.413+01:00

@font-face { font-family: "Times New Roman"; }@font-face { font-family: "Wingdings"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }table.MsoNormalTable { font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } Book idea – check Propose – check Contract, write, publish – check, check, check.

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-61269097285847824202011-09-24T11:46:00.006+01:002011-09-24T12:03:47.210+01:00

Two of the things I love in life; apart from my family, the sea, being warm and, of course, very dark chocolate, is to write and read. Can you therefore imagine my excitement and the sound of my squealing at having another fabulous imprint to run and my new book accepted for publication before the one I’ve just about finished? I already have 6th Books, which covers investigations,

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-4502058377954623852011-08-30T17:09:00.004+01:002011-08-31T09:42:36.894+01:00

Who are you? What do you do?Who am I? What do I do? How do you describe yourself? By your name, role in life or your job? How do we define ourselves? Do we even need to? There are books written (usually for women) about finding yourself. The strap is something like; daughter, sister, wife, mother… now it’s time to be you. But, who are you? As the Caterpillar asked Alice. When I became a

barbnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-10779076942307445332011-08-03T17:15:00.004+01:002011-08-03T19:22:11.068+01:00

I mentioned before that the book was here but without the gory details. Now I’ve recovered I can speak properly! Birth date equals publication date if we are keeping with the birthing theme. And, what’s in a date? Babies, books and buses all come when they are ready. O books/John Hunt Publishing is run with an open database system, meaning all authors can check (obsess) (moi?) stages of their

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-91250436346386823942011-07-21T11:02:00.003+01:002011-07-21T11:10:30.885+01:00

My copies of, The Psychic Way have arrived. The feeling is amazing when you see your creation ‘in the flesh’ and I want to tell the world. So, I’m telling you and I’d be very grateful if you tell everyone you know. And if they tell everyone they know within 6 teeny tiny degrees of interconnectivity the world will indeed know. Then, all everyone has to do is buy a copy. There! Simples! If you

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-21531654657959716912011-07-07T11:44:00.007+01:002011-07-07T12:07:18.242+01:00

The Book Depository tells me there are 50 days until The Psychic Way is released. That’s not long, is it? The process of writing and having a book published is like giving birth with all the same feelings. True, you can be a bit calmer after surviving the first as you know how the process works but although each experience is unique the similarities are there. As labour starts you get an

barbnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-24909036333345022182011-06-18T16:48:00.001+01:002011-06-18T16:50:49.084+01:00

"It just shows what can be done by taking a little trouble," said Eeyore. "Do you see, Pooh? Do you see, Piglet? Brains first and then Hard Work."The House at Pooh CornerYet another person has told me how lucky I am because my husband and I have just returned from a Greek island.Many times luck is mentioned when I talk about writing. One person actually said, “You have a publisher? A real one?

barbnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-70941070553098881152011-03-01T16:30:00.008Z2011-03-01T17:20:38.112Z

Only 5 months since last update - I'm doing well. All is good in Ford Towers. Charlie, ancient tomorrow as she hits 32, is busy incubating her 3rd baby due in May. The little boys are very excited as are the rest of us. Charlie has started a new business called Pretty Delights, link on the left if you're interested. It is an online shop selling many things and they all come beautifully

barbnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-59066420653193399202010-10-15T12:36:00.003+01:002011-03-01T17:26:30.245Z

I have had a few urges to update this blog and then I think oh I'll just tweet or facebook.This time though ... Right then. What shall I share? Trips? Mick and I have been to Greece twice this year. The first time we island hopped without anything pre-booked and had a good if hectic time. The second visit was to Skala Eressos Lesvos. We had the best time and spent a whole week dossing

barbnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-37127108351399632822010-02-16T14:26:00.008Z2010-02-18T09:25:36.091Z

Competition now at http://www.barbaraford-hammond.comHeather off of (Scott Mills saying) Twitter suggested a caption competition so here it is. Please put yours in the 'comments'.The winner will win a meditation of their choice for themselves + one for a friend or a copy of Past Life Tourism.Blog readers will know this was from the filming for Discovery Science on future life progression.Will

barbnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-43932604092032112982010-01-10T11:08:00.010Z2011-04-25T13:46:46.292+01:00

Here we are in 2010, MMX, twenty ten, twenty x, two o one o, 2 thousand and 10 or whatever you might wish to call it. All around me is snow and I feel coddled by its quiet blanket – the eerie sound of snow is more a sensation isn’t it? Living on the ridge of a hill means we get trapped fairly easily because even though we could slip slide our way out of the village it becomes impossible to return

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-48645714225057350562009-10-19T18:12:00.007+01:002010-05-22T11:57:35.988+01:00

Before I write this post I have been reminded by Mick to give myself an award from our boating holiday. On the 2nd or 3rd lock I got off the boat with my cutlass, no, windlass to take charge of the lock. My brain had turned to absolute mush – this happens when everything slows to river pace and I couldn’t work out which gate to open. I stood looking at it hoping it might tell me if it was full or

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-875790567936375122009-10-17T13:30:00.008+01:002011-04-25T11:18:59.819+01:00

After we returned from our trip we were keen to book a boating holiday and so hit the button for a short week on the Oxford Canal.This was a lot of fun. Imagine being in a long cupboard that floats and can reach the rocket speed of 4 miles an hour when there is nothing else about. There is a wonderful sense of freedom that goes with mooring up in the evening wherever you like (pretty much) and,

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-69987875273451560532009-08-31T12:15:00.005+01:002010-05-22T11:51:49.767+01:00

As road trips go ours was rather fine. Setting off 1st thing and heading towards an airport can be misery making but we had a mission and so didn’t mind at all. There was the inevitable jam on the M25 but the time passed listening to Chris Moyles with his guest Peter Jones. The catch phrases from the Dragons’ Den are slowly but surely making their way into everyday language as everyone gets it if

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-68122356806086871982009-07-26T09:19:00.003+01:002009-10-19T08:57:38.190+01:00

The Random House meeting was informative and a bit irritating all at once. People have funny ideas – mostly anyone that disagrees with me! I was the only author so had a different (warped, maybe) viewpoint.The obvious thing is that the most important people in the book publishing industry: the authors and the readers are expected to flap about at the bottom of pond while everyone else creams off

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-1986664234533916322009-07-07T11:07:00.008+01:002009-07-26T09:55:46.948+01:00

After several months hiatus I have decided to resume the blog. It has stopped, started, moved and chased its own tail but now I feel the stirrings of actual blogging. Recapping from the last (ages ago) post I got the laptop back from Penzance station after several phone calls and a car dash. The car dash wasn’t really necessary in sleepy honest Cornwall but it did accentuate the drama. It had

barbnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-57819737110503897232008-12-17T10:18:00.004Z2009-02-21T15:07:59.611Z

I am writing this is a cafe in St Ives looking out at the sea twinkling in the winter sunlight. It is idyllic. Getting here was quite an event beginning with the numnut at the railway station printing out the wrong train times.Thinking I had a 2 hour gap between trains at Plymouth I settled with a coffee when along came Eileen who shared that she had a half hour wait until her train to Penzance.

barbnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-11233640452176174782008-11-13T12:57:00.001Z2008-11-13T12:59:22.155Z

Changes are occurring. Blog is on a mini-hiatus until there is news too good to not share.Thank you for your patience.

barbnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-57725797570920192752008-10-07T10:42:00.000+01:002008-10-07T10:43:44.971+01:00

The new book has now formed in my head and is on route to the writing slate. As I scratch away so many ideas tumble unrestrained from my mind and it makes me wonder where they’ve been until now. Have they been waiting in the wings for their birth? Or is their creation happening as I get the thought? Still raining then?Mick and I whizzed to Cornwall for a few days while the weather was perfect. We

barbnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-82220700341031996842008-09-07T12:31:00.003+01:002008-11-16T09:23:45.682Z

The rain, rain, rain, came down, down, downIn rushing, rising, rivlets'Til the river crept out of its bedAnd crept right into Piglet's. A.A. MilneNot just Piglet’s. It’s everywhere. I’m glad we live on the ridge of a hill else we too might be floodier and floodier. We do however get the full force of the wind whipping our sails; well it would if we had

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-70540568268696735822008-08-23T13:11:00.002+01:002008-08-23T13:22:51.361+01:00

Having been knocked for six, seven and eight it has taken a while for my brain to switch back on but it seems to be trying a little. The venue for the Past Life Tourism workshops is so perfect and was of course right under my nose! It is at Penny’s, Posh Frocks and Parties in Normandy Street, Alton. The first is on the 5th October and all the information is on my website. It will be lots of fun

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-86238468291010419392008-08-10T10:41:00.002+01:002008-08-10T13:42:56.839+01:00

If you have landed here because my other websites seem to have floated off into the ether here is a comedy moment for you. Old but still funny - Does it show we are all mostly in a trance?

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-62938931771865495182008-08-07T11:29:00.002+01:002008-08-07T11:35:48.910+01:00

"The time has come," the Walrus said,"To talk of many things:Of shoes... and ships... and sealing-wax...Of cabbages... and kings...And why the sea is boiling hot...And whether pigs have wings." Lewis CarrollThere it was – life - gently swimming along in a peaceful yet fun way. When bam! Without expectation, encouragement or salacious invitation I got poorly. The mother of all wicked throats put

barbnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-89442541545458234412008-07-21T17:17:00.004+01:002009-07-07T11:56:38.466+01:00

Another year and all that. My birthday was absolutely perfect. I had fabulous gifts throughout the day and takeout curry for supper with all my smalls. Charlie was up early putting up balloons and banners inside and out which was a little scary. No age secrets now but at least no one will need to ask.All my recordings are done for my new show on My Spirit Radio. I have a fantastic line-up and it

barbnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-47648014753395958792008-07-15T13:39:00.005+01:002009-07-07T11:59:07.914+01:00

Having dithered and faffed with the quirks’ of life I am pleased to announce that my show on My Spirit Radio really is on the way. I interviewed Dr Georgina Cannon yesterday who was delightful and a clip from the regression programme that she was involved in was featured on Oprah. Georgina is so delicious I'm not even jealous but am actually thrilled. You will be kept posted when the show airs.My

barbnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-20667552485065932322008-07-08T10:55:00.003+01:002011-08-07T11:56:17.920+01:00

We saw Louis de Bernières in Chawton on Friday. He was performing with the Antonius Players who on the night consisted of one: Ilone.What a talented pair. Louis read poems in-between the music and they quipped humorously with much witty teasing. It was an entertaining fun evening held St Nicholas Church in the grounds of Chawton House Library which despite the grandeur was quite an intimate

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-70046053014462131432008-06-30T10:43:00.005+01:002009-07-07T11:57:24.118+01:00

If ever there was a living advert for negativity I talked with the front-runner at the weekend. I’m sure you know the type. Everything is an effort. They wallow in negativity and wear everyone out. They’ve usually got a little ache here and a little twinge there. Here a moan there a moan everywhere a moan and groan. He even said, “Nothing good ever happens to me. I always expect the worse and I’m

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-44000638522308504632008-06-26T17:42:00.002+01:002008-06-26T17:46:58.463+01:00

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water the balls of life get thrown up in the air and the chaotic mayhem starts again.On Sunday Charlie was busy becoming a Godmother to Leon (her bridesmaid) and Jenny’s son, Connor. She didn’t expect her own new baby to start making ‘it’s time to be born now’ noises especially as the due date was not until the 10th July so of course nothing and

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-91852613877692837222008-06-26T17:40:00.001+01:002008-06-26T17:41:52.839+01:00

For anyone who has tried to get a book published and been rejected this might make you smile:

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-60712023283781374402008-06-17T09:01:00.007+01:002008-06-18T14:40:43.986+01:00

You may remember when Judith O’Reilly received a very pleasing book deal for the Wife in the North: it is a very funny, sometimes sad, blog and the book is based on it. She has created this promotional video. How witty, aren’t people clever?I was a little cold in the night and felt grumpiness coming on. Just before it got serious I thought of Roz Savage rowing across the Pacific in her quest to

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-35097787461112632252008-06-13T13:26:00.004+01:002008-06-13T13:45:03.925+01:00

Today started very well when the postman didn’t bring anything that jumps but did bring a little gift from the premium bond people. Maybe because it's Friday the 13th it seemed a little more exciting. If you have Triskaidekaphobia* it probably isn’t but then the Friday bit will be irrelevant. I’ve always rather liked the number 13. It seemed somehow naughty to not be afraid as a child – as if I

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-26183458307023167312008-06-02T12:59:00.001+01:002008-06-02T13:08:06.699+01:00

Vinnie had his 2nd birthday on Friday. What a quick 2 years. His new brother or sister is on way with an expected delivery at the beginning of July. It’s a good job we’re not dependent on Parcel Force or we might end up with something unusual: like locusts!Paul has 2 bearded dragons that eat mealie worms (gross), salad (nice), crickets and locusts (bouncy). Said locusts were delivered by post

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-91930473193029834742008-05-23T12:19:00.003+01:002008-05-23T12:28:26.989+01:00

This I the first blog in my beautiful new office that Mick has fashioned with a penknife and cotton bud. My commute to work has changed from turning right at the kitchen to now having to walk the length of the garden: it’s a hard life but please let me be the first to volunteer. It seems garden offices are the in thing. Sheds, conservatories, cabins, tree houses (up a ladder to work – very Robin

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-75617178049986179822008-05-17T09:51:00.004+01:002008-05-17T10:22:34.531+01:00

When Past Life Tourism was published I thought that everyone in the world would know of its existence. It was a bit of a surprise when I realised that didn’t happen.Big publishing houses throw bucket loads of money at promotion and celebs are already known so the fan base is there expectant in a queue for the signings. I like this:If you are a new author or wish to be Pauline Rowson has created

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-51020048854359513712008-05-14T10:40:00.001+01:002008-05-14T10:43:53.858+01:00

Oprah’s programme yesterday was about reincarnation. Dr Brian Weiss hypnotised the audience and Dr Oz from the show so they could remember their past life memories. All the books written by Dr Weiss are ‘must reads’ for anyone with a vague interest in the subject. Anyway, I‘ve emailed the show offering them my book and myself for a feature on future life progression. Perhaps I should progress

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-21538706866944372782008-04-27T13:08:00.005+01:002008-04-27T13:21:46.222+01:00

Mick’s Mum was poorly. Very poorly. Poorly enough to receive goodbyes: which we did last Monday. Afterwards we went on to Southwold for an overnighter staying in a b&b called Brenda’s.Although somewhat shocked at the colour of our room and fully expecting the Wizard of Oz to appear any minute, the green grew on me. It grew a lot and on reflection (hard not to) it became soothing and peaceful. The

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-57887605840292427542008-04-15T15:06:00.004+01:002008-04-15T15:21:41.461+01:00

Mick and I had an eye-opening experience at the London Book Fair yesterday: a huge event full of people involved in the publishing world. I went to 4 seminars and loved every second. Our only complaint was that we wished we had arranged to go back another day, as one is nowhere near long enough.We were clever enough to stay in a cosy little hotel just around the corner on Sunday night as the

barbnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-59706498196049932702008-04-12T11:40:00.001+01:002008-04-12T11:42:14.288+01:00

There are many reasons to blog: promote work or self, sell stuff, give stuff away, ask for stuff, disagree/agree with everything and everyone, use them like forums, share tittle tattle, organise thoughts …I started mine with a view (apart from Andrea nagging) to share the highs and lows of becoming a published author, dispense advice and tips while sharing the odd bit of personal stuff.Along the

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-78075879062720971372008-04-11T13:57:00.001+01:002008-04-11T14:01:08.452+01:00

I managed to leave the sea and return to dingly dell and the PS3. You can browse online with it: pure witchcraft! It’s very cool sitting on the sofa strolling around the internet on a 42” screen. And, I must add, my newly built website looks grand but maybe I’m biased. One of the village highlights is membership renewal night at the village hall. We have a quiz with a fish and chip supper and

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-56727947554956800282008-03-22T16:26:00.005Z2008-03-26T15:05:54.851Z

Snow in St Ives! Who’d have thought it what with it being Spring. It is very exciting but flipping cold in my gingerbread house. Oh, it’s only that in my mind … is it?Seconds before I had told Charlie it was unlikely to snow here. What do I know eh?When you’re alone you can do what you like. This might be strolling about naked (too cold) to belly-dancing (why not) to swigging directly from

barbnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-24588512947201952762008-03-18T11:28:00.001Z2008-03-18T11:29:25.661Z

How quaint my life is here. The mobile has an occasional signal upstairs but it moves about. Messages arrive in quick flurries of excitement almost tripping over themselves in their rush to land. I did my clothes washing by hand in the bath and then used the spin-drier. It jumped about the room with me in a fit of giggles until it settled peacefully in the place it felt happy and balanced. There

barbnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-44568253356916440482008-03-16T11:34:00.002Z2008-03-20T10:54:17.335Z

I have moved into the delightful little cottage in St Ives for a few weeks to complete my book. It is perfect. There isn’t any wifi so I either visit the library or stroll to the Pedn Olva for a coffee. Guess where I am now. It is the coolest place. A family has arrived with a dog and the waitress has brought him a bowl of water.Yesterday I wrote 2000 words and then decided to take a break. At

barbnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-64819112879568718252008-03-12T12:48:00.003Z2008-03-12T13:01:05.692Z

When the children were small we had an assortment of pets. Some we bought and some we were gifted. Mostly they were sweet and fluffy: kittens, puppies, bunnies with the occasional feathery offering; chickens – (until a thoughtless neighbour allowed their dog out to eat them!)(Something no crafty fox had managed).We had a snake for many years and if you’ve read this blog before you are aware of

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-51748052967074882442008-03-05T12:27:00.001Z2008-03-05T12:29:38.503Z

Back home it is serious writing time. Psychic salon has taken over my mind, my life and my keyboard. However, my fiction is vying for attention by pushing relentlessly into my brain – mainly in the night.I have spent so much time creating the characters and their lives that they have become real. So real that I am finding things out about them that I didn’t know. Last night a ‘new voice’ started

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-12753493613172802782008-02-27T10:28:00.003Z2008-02-27T10:37:48.508Z

I’m writing this from St Ives feeling very mellow. From my ‘office’ (bar) in the Pedn Olva the sea is shimmering through every window. It is bliss. Mick is working and I’m, um, well ... drinking coffee.Click here if you'd like to share the view with me.The journey down was fun. The train took the strain magnificently. I had one of those little bottles of wine and I felt positively decadent

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-74183213140323650262008-02-19T14:36:00.003Z2008-02-19T14:43:04.869Z

With a bit of guidance from the charming people at 123-reg.co.uk my website is back. I’m blaming it on the lunar eclipse or Mercury. It was definitely nothing to do with my ineptitude, blondness or general scatty-ness! My interview with Anne was great - I love my work. How fortunate I am to have the opportunity of having a chat with someone I admire and wish to know all about. She shared how she

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-3745498650367926962008-02-18T21:39:00.003Z2009-07-07T12:00:30.969+01:00

I am writing this on my most excellent new macbook that Mick has kindly bought me. It is white and beautiful and I am hoping hard that I never have to go near windoze again. It means I can write anywhere. I was so excited I couldn't decide where to start.In my glee my first experiment was to overhaul my website and I have managed to lose it. It is out there somewhere in the virtual world so

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-87951967447334280702008-02-10T18:09:00.000Z2008-02-10T18:17:03.486Z

We went to the land of long-legged lovelies on Friday: London if you’re wondering. I can’t say I’ve really noticed how tall people have got until now.Is it like when you reach a certain age and you think anyone dressed in a police uniform looks as though they should be in school ... You reach a certain height but then realise you need stilts?!We went to Camden and while I did my thing at the

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-1318264667783859532008-01-31T11:50:00.001Z2008-01-31T12:04:30.488Z

I have just finished an interview for World is your Oyster. The 1st question was: Tell us about yourself and the evolution of Past Life Tourism. Where did these mind-boggling ideas originate? This made my brain fizz. I think my thoughts and beliefs are quite normal. It didn’t occur to me that maybe others might think otherwise. I then thought back to times when I have been responsible for the ‘eh

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-83338659520052244952008-01-25T09:16:00.000Z2008-01-25T12:51:33.451Z

There is interesting discussion on journobiz about having best friends of the opposite sex. None of my smalls have ever seemed to notice what sex their friends are as they’ve always mixed and matched. When I was at school we scarcely had friends in a different year let alone same-sex - how times change. I thought I’d share the picture from Charlie’s wedding. From the left: Leon, Charlie’s

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-77617311802197393712008-01-24T16:36:00.000Z2008-01-24T17:12:49.578Z

It seems as if a lot has happened since I penned my musings. I’ll begin last week when I spent a couple of days with Lizzie and we had a night at the Scole Inn, Diss cosmically ordering our desires. If you fancy having a read about the place I slept in Emma's room.We got a lot done in the small amount of time, that, as usual, whizzed by and before I knew it I was back on the train. It would help

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-30686784521351427092008-01-14T18:36:00.000Z2008-01-26T22:23:10.051Z

That seemingly never ending hunt for venues continues. How hard can it be? All I want is a room somewhere far away from ... oh that’s not my line is it?My wish list is thus: for my day courses - somewhere peaceful, beautiful, accessible and not stupidly expensive. for my weekend retreats - the same but with beds that are comfy and food that is tasty.The perfect places are out there. If you know

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-7332000762290520062008-01-07T11:34:00.000Z2008-01-08T11:13:16.052Z

As today is the 1st day of the 1st proper week of the new year when holidayers are back to the slog and the pine needles are swept away it is marvelous that my 1st contribution on the New Years Revolution has appeared. Phew that was a long sentence.My scribblings are about trusting your gut instincts so if you would like to know more please drop by. There is a new offering each day for the whole

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-37238030085275844562008-01-05T14:47:00.000Z2008-01-05T14:53:42.063Z

New year new layout. I got a bit pinked out by the old blog colours and thought this one looked worth a try out. What do you think?We brought our new year in on the Embankment watching the fireworks directly opposite the London Eye with Pete Tong entertaining us and piles of police horse poop freaking out the city dwellers. Home from home for us.It was crowded, in your belly loud, pretty,

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-52316465925024781142007-12-28T15:43:00.000Z2008-01-14T19:04:08.051Z

It is nearly a month since I blogged. I'm blaming it on the elves?!?The image on the right is from Perth Now Which way round is she spinning to you? Can you make her change with the power of your mind?Christmas came along and whizzed by like it was after a speed record: it should get a certificate. Charlie and I popped to ASDA on Christmas eve and they were taking the decorations down. It was a

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-34632626781003918802007-12-04T13:18:00.000Z2007-12-04T13:23:25.202Z

We are thrilled to announce that Vinnie is going to be a big brother as Charlie is growing a new baby in her tummy. She has been feeling rather yucky but not actually being sick. This is a plus as she spent most of the last pregnancy with her head down the loo! We have been out and about: I did a Cosmic Ordering day with Bärbel Mohr for the fun of it and for researching differing methods for my

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-42970416055700491332007-11-18T13:19:00.000Z2007-11-18T13:35:31.459Z

How many exciting things can I cope with? My 2nd book is listed on Amazon and I have bought shoes with small heels! Isn’t life grand?We spent Friday evening at the Children in Need race night in our village hall. It is so much fun watching films, in the old fashioned way projected onto the wall and shouting yourself hoarse - ha ha do you get it? for your nag to cross the line. At 25 pence a bet

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-7285643336145622872007-11-05T13:30:00.000Z2007-11-05T13:35:36.107Z

Here we are then in November and I’m already bored with Christmas references - argh make it stop! Did you have a good Halloween with much trick or treating? Are you ready now with your rockets and sparklers or is that too personal?I enjoyed my interview with Mary Harboe on Thursday for R.E.M as there’s something very cosy and intimate about radio. I did it live which adds to that personal feeling

barbnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-63709785140677215482007-10-27T11:20:00.000+01:002007-10-27T11:34:19.721+01:00

Chicago was brilliant. Theatre performances are always exciting and I love the way the buzz stays with you for a long while after. It is the intimacy that makes you feel you know the people up on the stage and are sharing in their happiness, sadness or worry. I managed to not sing out loud but have been crooning since - in secret!Do you think if you saw your own book on a shelf you would be very

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-42105015943325518312007-10-16T15:14:00.000+01:002008-01-31T12:10:40.550Z

Let’s start with the car. It was driven by Lee, who drove beautifully and survived 2 races: coming 3rd in the 1st, only to come a cropper in the final. It ended up with the front wheels pointing sideways - not a good look for any car and it finally had to be pushed off the track by a tow truck. I’m such a girl that I clapped each time it went past and regret not taking pom poms - ha ha yes, I

barbnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-83675023801605100852007-10-11T15:16:00.000+01:002007-10-16T11:54:36.236+01:00

Back from Lizzie’s feeling pleased that we managed to work and play. We mooted ideas and outlines for day courses and Soul Weekends plus even sorted out some venues. At that point we got frightened by our efficiency and so drank Champagne in celebration. We are keen to dispel the weird, the wacky and the woo woo that surrounds psychic work and Lizzie has put it beautifully in her new blog – link

barbnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-36776261541128898122007-10-08T09:19:00.000+01:002007-10-08T09:30:22.538+01:00

Another week has flown by. I'm sure I had a lump of time but must have put it down somewhere because I can't find it now.There's no particular reason for the picture. Paul and Maria took it - that peacock definitely knows he's gorgeous. Such confidence! My clapped out Mazda 626 decided it had had enough so has gone to end its day's banger racing. What a perfect end for a car - the equivalent of

barbnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-79641914267212163342007-09-27T10:30:00.000+01:002007-09-27T10:31:34.334+01:00

If anyone emailed me yesterday, 26th would you please resend. My laptop collected my emails but then had a hormonal moment and lost them before they had time to save. I expect they’re floating about in a parallel universe wandering where to go.Another reason to stick with Macs!

barbnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-65679024447611768652007-09-22T11:03:00.000+01:002007-09-22T11:06:13.724+01:00

I looked after Vinnie during the day for a few hours yesterday so Charlie and Joel could pop out to play. As I was taking a poopy nappy out to the bin I met the delivery girl bringing my author copies (author? get me!). What a splendid example of every action creating an equal and opposite reaction.My tummy hit my throat when I saw my real, proper actual book. I burst into tears and then bit it

barbnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-78991780772115680362007-09-14T10:25:00.000+01:002007-09-14T10:32:06.086+01:00

The new school year has begun and Martyn, in his capacity as journalist at the local, had to take pictures of children just beginning.At one school there were forty 4 year olds. In his words, “All the children piled out onto to field. It was wet. While mats were sorted the children were left with one teacher (who’s probably off sick by now) as they all broke loose and were running mayhem. A

barbnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-67346462023176234142007-09-13T12:59:00.000+01:002007-09-13T13:01:38.590+01:00

Yesterday was my first day out doing grown-up things like going on a train and the underground to go to the BBC at White City for a recording of new Jimmy Carr programme. I wore shoes and everything. Gosh it was exciting.We made it to Oxford Circus. Unfortunately I disappeared through a loose drain grill at the bottom of the steps up to my knee in black liquid rat, or similar. Whatever it was it

barbnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-11377561925729804242007-09-11T11:02:00.000+01:002007-09-13T15:10:00.469+01:00

I had my foot x-rayed and then saw our man Ron. The screws are all in the right place and the alignment is good - patience is needed now. I am growing a little extra bone in unnecessary places but never mind we’ll ignore that minor point and hope it stops.As a reward for braving Lewisham, which is actually a rather cool place, we kept on driving to Norfolk for an over-nighter before visiting

barbnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-14869753980467808532007-09-02T11:39:00.000+01:002007-09-03T10:50:43.718+01:00

I have started work on my next book and a few questions have popped into my mind. This is quite exciting because I’ve had the attention span of a worm since I had my foot redesigned. Do you know people have surgery on their feet to make them a prettier shape; including having toes shortened?! I’m sure if anyone says they’ve had cosmetic surgery on a body part that isn’t on show we (definitely I)

barbnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-59432843123173796612007-08-26T16:40:00.000+01:002007-08-26T16:44:30.215+01:00

I have decided to remove the ‘comments’ option from my blog* after getting just one too many weird ones. A lot of people email me and say lovely things, thank you. These are much appreciated and hopefully will continue. The new website to accompany the book is almost finished and I think a forum might be a good idea so everyone can then share their experiences and knowledge. It’s nearly 7 weeks

barbnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-63380100965760230002007-08-17T09:59:00.000+01:002007-08-17T10:15:30.353+01:00

Thought you might like a little peek at my book on Amazon - not that I'm excited or anything!

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-86932174249228039542007-07-24T09:44:00.000+01:002007-08-17T10:19:21.102+01:00

The 2 weeks of reclining with leg up are over tomorrow when the stitches from my newly formed foot are removed. I can’t wait. Don’t get out much ...The operation went well and I managed to watch most of it in the reflection of our Man Ron’s visor. He nearly worked up a sweat as my bones are, as he commented before, extraordinarily strong.My right foot was not as bad as the left but the pain post

barbnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-72994595900757410542007-07-03T17:07:00.000+01:002007-07-07T11:47:01.533+01:00

Here is the x-ray showing the delightful array of screws in my foot. Isn’t it all very clever? As the count down is on to having the other one done next Wednesday I’ve hypnotised myself each night just before falling asleep to ensure I don’t feel the local anesthetic needles and for lots of comfort and good healing. All the homes in the village have been given a black box for glass recycling

barbnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-45289940106836124842007-07-01T18:54:00.000+01:002007-07-01T18:58:56.743+01:00

I am giggling my way through Eats, Shoots and Leaves - who’d have thought a few apostrophes and commas could make for such amusing reading? Maybe I should have read it before I wrote mine.When a book is completed it goes through many stages until you get the physical item so Past Life Tourism is waiting patiently for the creation to begin. These steps take awhile which means I have the perfect

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-38791839735311443892007-06-24T11:05:00.000+01:002007-07-24T09:58:38.165+01:00

Hello there,I begin this entry with thrilling news about the Greyhound in Lavenham. Do you remember when I went before and was most displeased? Well, we lunched there on Thursday and I risked a Caesar salad again as I’m not one to bear a grudge. What can I say? It was absolutely delicious. Loads of chicken buried under fresh parmesan and a pot of coleslaw delivered without comment. Throughout the

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-63454948523044349442007-06-11T12:25:00.000+01:002007-06-11T12:26:19.504+01:00

Nice stuff to begin. The gorgeous grandson had his first birthday. That was a quick year. He is now walking about chattering and putting the world to rights - fits well here then.Charlie has recently started a blog, ‘blingbitch’: it came about as we were having a moan and sometimes it’s just good to actually say stuff that people think but no-one will say out loud. It’s her moans, because I’m

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-46692780655006282092007-05-28T11:30:00.000+01:002007-05-28T11:37:20.154+01:00

“What do you do?* I am a temptress. I entice people into my lair, make them totally dependent on me and then I slowly kill them.“Aren’t you afraid of getting into trouble?” No. I am legal and to be quite honest it is expected of me. I am just doing my job. My success depends on those who love me believing they have no power. “What if they are given power?” Then I’m done for -

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-75739563415481930422007-05-25T09:15:00.000+01:002007-05-26T08:36:14.721+01:00

We toodled off to London last night to watch the recording of Have I Got News for You. What a laugh it was. Having been there before we know the importance of getting in the queue as early as possible.It was a warm evening with a pleasing breeze. It stopped being quite so pleasing when it whipped my hair into Mick’s ice-cream. The lady in front had a little freshen up pouch (she didn’t look like

barbnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-82342628319891269672007-05-13T16:14:00.000+01:002007-05-13T16:18:37.276+01:00

Yesterday we had one of those idyllic afternoons. Mick and I were looking after Vinnie over night and we walked to the pond to feed the ducks. There wasn’t a duck in sight when we first arrived but the arrival of us 3 plus the dog caused Mummy duck to jump from the island in the middle of the pond followed by 9 tiny balls of baby duck. They are too little to swim in a line so they moved about the

barbnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-4812122168342273872007-04-27T10:21:00.000+01:002007-04-27T10:22:52.826+01:00

A fine week has been had. After writing about the greenhouse the other day I read Helena Frith Powell’s blog entry entitled God or Gardening (link at the side) and was so disturbed I had to comment! Luckily I managed to get over myself very quickly. We took Charlie (daughter), Vinnie (grandson) and Teva (dog) to the beach on Sunday and the car smelt of wet dog all the way home. This is a smell I

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-6533135530644732112007-04-20T12:18:00.000+01:002007-04-20T12:28:47.271+01:00

I can see the light for the completion of my book - oh I do hope I’m in the right tunnel.There is an amazing amount of stuff growing in the greenhouse and although I haven’t a clue what most of it is they are showing me their identity by becoming more obvious.If only I’d used labels instead of believing I’d remember ... after all why should this year be any different?I’ve only had the greenhouse

barbnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-85376835173949859012007-04-13T19:08:00.000+01:002007-04-13T19:13:22.072+01:00

I went away for a couple of days to Lavenham, Suffolk to visit Lizzie. We went for lunch at the Greyhound with another girlfriend and her children. They are regulars there (though you wouldn't know by the disinterest of the staff) and both have a bacon salad type thing with avocado and coleslaw. I asked for a Caesar salad with the extras.The waitress paled and said, “avocado and coleslaw with a

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-27317780654015059672007-04-05T09:57:00.000+01:002007-04-05T10:07:25.823+01:00

Here is a media request for any luvvies out there.Please contact Melissa directly and note the gap before and after the @ - we will outwit those spammers!Calling all busy mums! Are you a busy working mum? Do you juggle a successful career with children, a partner, home life and friends? Do you sometimes wonder how you cope? Could you teach another woman how it’s done? If this sounds like you and

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-79667352046042006862007-04-01T09:50:00.001+01:002007-04-01T09:50:54.235+01:00

http://www.google.com/tisp/Brilliant!

barbnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-48832429507395425222007-03-30T12:27:00.000+01:002007-03-30T12:32:45.946+01:00

Something happens when you blog and I’m wondering if there’s a word for it.Shall I explain?If I get cross or annoyed my first thought is that’s going on the blog. An example: there is a cream that I can buy in Greece over the counter that can’t be got here without a prescription ... and the doctors don’t like to. And, of course a lot of them hate it if they have a patient capable of thinking.So

barbnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-64089773667581448992007-03-21T12:08:00.000Z2007-03-21T12:12:38.320Z

Oestra blessings - Spring is here ... maybe ... spells done so mote it be :)Did you notice I was so absorbed in the BT saga that I forgot to mention my foot?Well, I can now wear shoes. Real, proper, unmodified, complete, one on each foot, matching shoes yay! Even though I can only wear them for a little while it is very exciting. What will I talk about when it is completely better? The other one

barbnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-81728453128235500092007-03-18T11:34:00.000Z2007-03-18T11:40:58.854Z

This is a moan. You've been warned :)In January, Charlie, my daughter moved out of her house and gave BT my address for her final settlement bill.BT sent us a letter to say someone else had requested our phone number (Charlie?!). She contacted them and said this was not so. They told Charlie to ignore it but she told them what had happened anyway to make sure nothing happened to the line.We

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-42875358143261864362007-03-04T18:58:00.000Z2007-03-04T19:03:58.321Z

Wouldn’t it be good to say I have been slow updating because I’m so busy? Yes, it would. The week before last Andrea came to play. We went for a delicious curry with a lovely lady called Sylvie who is to be in my book sharing her memories of living with Richard to whom she is married to in this life - despite him being disincarnate. Lol, had to get that out in one breath!You’ll be able to read

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-63633915073202947502007-02-16T13:13:00.000Z2007-02-16T13:21:40.322Z

I’ve been thinking. Please don’t worry it’ll pass. If there is something I’d like I have been known to to say, “I’ll do a spell.” or "I'll do an order". Sometimes I’ve done them for other people: for healing, abundance etc. Depending on belief we all have different ways to manifest our desires: Cosmic ordering, affirmations, wishful thinking, spells, prayers ... Is there any difference in

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-9375871261868855252007-02-15T09:59:00.000Z2007-02-15T10:09:34.108Z

You may have noticed that I had a foot operation 5 weeks ago. Bet you’re thinking- ‘argh, is she still banging on about that!?!?’During the recovery time I have sometimes rested in the day - cue violins - or otherwise my foot swells more and I become Ms Grumps.I find it pleasurable to have a siesta but don’t like the feeling you get left with if you sleep a moment too long. The answer is to get

barbnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-72873963568895759342007-02-10T11:10:00.000Z2007-02-10T11:12:09.905Z

I meant to share the following conversation overheard on Tuesday while we were having supper before the show.A group of 18 year olds (they must have been 18, we were in a pub):Girl 1 - “I don’t know what to eat now I’m a vegetarian.”Girl 2 - “You could have sausage, egg and bacon as you eat bacon and sausage is made of bacon.”Girl 3 - “Sausages aren’t made of bacon.”Girl 1 - “What are they made

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-8789141875784318082007-02-08T16:32:00.000Z2007-02-02T12:57:25.642Z

Day 29 in the big foot house. It is still too swollen for shoes or trainers and although uncomfortable my brain seems more awake. Well, of a fashion.We saw Ricky Gervais in Brighton on Tuesday. What a funny man - he made our tummies ache. I wore the comedy shoe and took a crutch. That was a result because I didn’t queue for the loo once; just nipped in the disabled one. I hobbled to the front of

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-75414781612634542632007-01-31T20:09:00.000Z2007-01-31T20:32:37.304Z

3 weeks post-op with my foot. It's still swollen but going down, I'm loving the massages from Mick with lavender and rose essential oils in olive oil. Apart from being healing and good for the scar it is incredibly soporific and sends me off to the land of nod.Mick is actually quite a star all round - he dug deep to pay for the operation, ferries me to Lewisham with me propped up very regally in

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-56982495537721510172007-01-28T19:45:00.000Z2007-01-28T19:50:16.365Z

While I’ve been lolling about I’ve had chance to redesign my website, do lots of work on the CD’s at lomburlesque and of course, work on my book.I talked with Wendy Sloane who has written a fine feature in the Entrepreneurs’ Supplement of the Sunday Times with a couple of quotes from me - through here - if you are interested.My rather clever son, Martyn has designed the banner for my site and he

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-8317251952658162572007-01-26T17:02:00.000Z2007-02-16T13:25:05.427Z

Here is a tale about feet. Mine. The gory bits are elsewhere - link at the bottom for those with weak tummies.Bunions - what a great word, sounds like something you might order as a side-dish. I have (only one now) bunions. They are ghastly, painful and make shoe buying hard. Just when you think you have comfy old slip-ons the joint swells up and you’re back to square one. Also I think of bunions

barbnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-61160721011236195602007-01-09T12:17:00.000Z2007-02-18T15:36:04.686Z

According to the BBC 27% of people believe that it is fate that determines whether they will get a smoking related cancer - what???!!! Another for the list!It’s a cop-out isn’t it? No point in taking responsibility if it’s fate - arrggghh ...On to nicer things my Daughter, Charlie got married on Saturday. Here’s the lovely feeling in your tummy story:Charlie and Joel met on 18th September 2004

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-55578185111984350782006-12-26T15:14:00.000Z2006-12-27T13:12:40.346Z

That’s Christmas done then. The next lot of stress that many self-inflict will be the new year resolutions. I’ve never known quite when that begins. Is it at the stroke of midnight: and is that the first or last bong, or is it the morning of the 1st when you wake up? Anyway back to Christmas - we won a TV and fruit box in a raffle. That was very pleasing. Our shopping was on Christmas eve eve

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-56083184963948276052006-12-08T09:50:00.000Z2006-12-08T11:38:19.859Z

Last weekend was a hectic fun whirlwind trip that covered a big bit on the map. After spending a few hours at the NEC in Birmingham on Saturday we traveled onto Buxton for the night. What a lovely place! So pretty, everyone lovely and delicious tapas for supper. We spent the night in a fug of garlic; yum and then ‘took’ the Buxton water on Sunday morning.We poodled to Manchester on Sunday by

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-15379348801171362612006-11-23T10:29:00.000Z2006-11-23T15:09:11.676Z

My brain was busy at about 4 o’clock this morning with thoughts of writing and research. It’s great that my mind is on the task but I would prefer it to not disturb my sleep.Many people complain to me about the vagaries of sleep and the stress they experience through the lack of it. The moans are all very similar; toss and turn for hours before dropping off or sleep solidly then awaken too early

barbnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-72051279765954878302006-11-20T09:35:00.000Z2006-12-27T13:34:02.823Z

One of my friends, Sarah, took me to Erotica at Olympia on Friday - please don’t ask why!It wasn’t as full on in your face as we expected which was a huge relief but there was still the occasional sideways look or don’t make eye contact moment. Dita Von Teese performed and she is loveliness personified. She did the whole thing from slowly striping off her gown and fur wrap, flirting with feather

barbnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36886098.post-52707442292883373152006-11-15T11:28:00.000Z2006-11-15T12:28:29.884Z

When the time is right and all that ... the proposal for my book has been accepted for publication. It is exciting and scary all at once.I wonder how one actually writes a book?! It feels like when I used to get a new book at school and vowed to keep my writing neat. Half-way down the first page I always forgot and scrawled and doodled.My thoughts range from having a plan to just going with the

barbnoreply@blogger.com2