Susan's Place Transgender Resources

This will be my third attempt at one of these. Hopefully it will stick this time because I'm going to do something a bit differently. My life is inherently boring and I much prefer being a nosy cow and sticking my beak into those of other, infinitely more interesting people. But something in another thread got me thinking. My dreams are sometimes either interesting, disturbing or strange enough to electric shock me awake. And it might be interesting to note some of them down. So this will be an infrequent and informal sort of dream blog. And whatever anyone else wants to add.

So, a couple from last night. One recurring, one not.

The first one I've had many times and it's always the same. I'm at home and it's a bright sunny day. The wind is blowing across the cornfield at the back of my house. The birds are singing and it's like any other day. Then the sky becomes overcast very quickly and sirens start blaring from somewhere. Even though there are no sirens where I live. And I find myself outside, in the middle of the field, whilst simultaneously hearing a news reporter talking about how something catastrophic is coming.

The sky becomes an ugly, churning black and suddenly this giant black tornado spawns in the other field next to the one I'm in. It's huge and angry. And for a while it just sits there. Then slowly starts to move towards me. I run back into the house and I can feel the whole house shaking and rumbling. My mum and brothers are also there for some reason, and they're kind of sat glued to the TV showing footage of this horrible black tornado moving towards the house. All I can think is "it's going to miss, it's going to miss, it's going to miss!"

Lightning starts flashing through the windows, but no thunder, until suddenly WHAM! The house feels like it's been flung sideways and upside down at the same time. I don't feel anything, or see anything other than this TV screen hovering in mid air. Stuck on a loop above the cacophony. "Tragedy struck today... tragedy struck today... tragedy struck today..." over and over. And then I hear the dripping of water and I somehow make the conscious decision it's time to wake up. Which I do usually feeling mentally exhausted.

...

The second one is... well it's just weird.

I'm waiting for someone. I'm not sure who it is. But we've agreed to meet up for a weekend, I think. I'm going to take them on a tour of the places of interest in the local area and they're going to come and stay at my place, we're going to order takeout and watch movies and stuff.

When I see this person, their appearance keeps changing. But I know it's the same person. One minute they're a small blonde woman, the next a tall brown-haired guy, and then someone very androgynous with shoulder length black hair. And many more different iterations. But they're all the same person. And that is completely normal for me. I don't see the big issue. But everywhere we go, everyone freaks out. And this person I am with I can see the sadness in them. But it's a resigned sadness, like they're used to it. And just want to hug them and tell them not to worry, and it's okay.

So we call off the sightseeing and just go back to my place.

We play some videogames, watch a movie, order a pizza and just talk about random stuff until the wee small hours. Then, even though I have a couple of spare rooms, I offer them my bed. I tell them I'll sleep on the couch. There's nothing... really intimate going on. It's not that kind of thing. And then the next thing I know it's the next morning and we're lying on the same bed. And my brother is standing there at the foot of the bed. A nasty look on his face.

He throws a letter at me and tells me he's contacted the police because this person I'm with is not normal and there are crimes against it. So I read the letter and it's a record of a conversation between him and who I can only assume is a cop. Begging them to come and arrest me.

And, again, that's where my brain (more consciously than I would have thought) decides to wake up. I felt kind of shaken.

...

As I say, this will probably be infrequent because a lot of my dreams aren't suitable for the site. They're way too dark. But... yeah. :)

Wow, this will be a cool thread. Dragons, tornadoes, and shapeshifters, oh my!  ;D

When they arrest a shapeshifter, do they have to take separate mugshots of each of their various appearances? Do their fingerprints change, too?  :-*

Stop watching Twister!  ;D

Quote from: Sephirah on May 27, 2025, 04:16:37 PMBut something in another thread got me thinking. My dreams are sometimes either interesting, disturbing or strange enough to electric shock me awake.

Wow, Sephirah! Your dream life is anything but boring. I felt like I was watching a movie made by either Alfred Hitchcock or M. Night Shyamalan. Or even Lana and Lilly Wachowski. Thanks for the imagery, terrifying as it may be. My only recurring dream is of my first wife and (unlike our marriage) all the dreams are pleasant and often vivid. I'm probably not inclined to switch dream-lives with you but look forward to the installment of yours.

Lauren, thank you for opening this blog into your inner world, your dreams are vivid, haunting, and symbolic.

Also, I love the title "Lauren's Lair", it's mysterious and perfectly fitting.


~ Lilis 💗

I thought some of my dreams were odd but that tops them!!!

As a teen, I too had some pretty dark dreams that are not suitable to share here. In one, I woke up thoroughly disgusted with myself, wondering who would think of that?  :icon_yikes:

But one that I will share (not dark) that I recalled so vividly that I wrote it down in my journal. (dated 10 August 1975)

I was at a poetry recital. (Never been to one in my life, but ok). A man recited a poem he had written that left me puzzled. Afterwards, I met him and told him his poem made no sense. He laughed and said that was because I was looking at the forest and not the trees.  ???

He explained that I was so focused on trying to extract some meaning from the sentences that I missed the whole point. It is just a jumble of words that sound interesting despite their literal meaning. So I asked him to recite it again:

And again I saw the jennies
Flowing sweetly down boulder-strewn valleys of ever-increasing thoughtfulness.
They wept, gaily saddened by the dance of a thousand folding dooms.
And the purple jennies feasted on white-sandalled waters
While crystals flowed, while sempers slept.
And the yellow jennies slipped into the pools of forgetfulness.

He then asked me if I could tell him what the jennies are.
I had no clue. He said they are flowers.

I woke up thinking, "Oh yeah. That makes more sense."  ???
 

But I do like the way "boulder-strewn valleys of ever-increasing thoughtfulness" rolls off the tongue.  :)

Quote from: Lori Dee on May 28, 2025, 01:39:52 PMHe said they are flowers.

Beautiful, Lori. Thanks. Keep dreaming such beautiful dreams.

Lori, that poem is incredible. And the fact that you remembered the poem is even more incredible.

Quote from: Lori Dee on May 27, 2025, 04:44:40 PMWow, this will be a cool thread. Dragons, tornadoes, and shapeshifters, oh my!  ;D

When they arrest a shapeshifter, do they have to take separate mugshots of each of their various appearances? Do their fingerprints change, too?  :-*

Stop watching Twister!  ;D

I've actually... never thought about how a shapeshifter would go about dealing with the criminal justice system, lol. I love the way your brain works. ;D

And you're probably right, I should stop watching Twister. Although I am not sure which came first. Whether it was that interest which led to the dream, or the dream which led to that interest. I don't remember how far back I've been having it. Other than... well... a long time. :)

Quote from: Mrs. Oliphant on May 27, 2025, 06:02:49 PMWow, Sephirah! Your dream life is anything but boring. I felt like I was watching a movie made by either Alfred Hitchcock or M. Night Shyamalan. Or even Lana and Lilly Wachowski. Thanks for the imagery, terrifying as it may be. My only recurring dream is of my first wife and (unlike our marriage) all the dreams are pleasant and often vivid. I'm probably not inclined to switch dream-lives with you but look forward to the installment of yours.

I am glad your recurring dreams are nice, Anni. You deserve that so much. <3 Trust me, you wouldn't want to switch. It's... a lot to deal with sometimes. :)

Quote from: Lilis on May 27, 2025, 11:54:35 PMLauren, thank you for opening this blog into your inner world, your dreams are vivid, haunting, and symbolic.

Also, I love the title "Lauren's Lair", it's mysterious and perfectly fitting.


~ Lilis 💗

Thank you, Lilis. You kind of had a hand in it, really. I'm not a blogging person by and large. But I kind of like how you have a space that's your own. This is how I can get around my hangups. ;D

Quote from: davina61 on May 28, 2025, 03:01:42 AMI thought some of my dreams were odd but that tops them!!!

Any you want to share, Davina, the more the merrier! <3

Quote from: Lori Dee on May 28, 2025, 01:39:52 PMAs a teen, I too had some pretty dark dreams that are not suitable to share here. In one, I woke up thoroughly disgusted with myself, wondering who would think of that?  :icon_yikes:

But one that I will share (not dark) that I recalled so vividly that I wrote it down in my journal. (dated 10 August 1975)

I was at a poetry recital. (Never been to one in my life, but ok). A man recited a poem he had written that left me puzzled. Afterwards, I met him and told him his poem made no sense. He laughed and said that was because I was looking at the forest and not the trees.  ???

He explained that I was so focused on trying to extract some meaning from the sentences that I missed the whole point. It is just a jumble of words that sound interesting despite their literal meaning. So I asked him to recite it again:

And again I saw the jennies
Flowing sweetly down boulder-strewn valleys of ever-increasing thoughtfulness.
They wept, gaily saddened by the dance of a thousand folding dooms.
And the purple jennies feasted on white-sandalled waters
While crystals flowed, while sempers slept.
And the yellow jennies slipped into the pools of forgetfulness.

He then asked me if I could tell him what the jennies are.
I had no clue. He said they are flowers.

I woke up thinking, "Oh yeah. That makes more sense."  ???
 

But I do like the way "boulder-strewn valleys of ever-increasing thoughtfulness" rolls off the tongue.  :)

The thing is, I know people who will tell you that every word has some incredibly symbolic meaning just because they like to sound smart. Even though that's missing the point entirely, lol.

Thank you for sharing, Lori. Any others you have... bring it on! <3

I wrote this down so it wouldn't take me 2 hours to type out, lol.

This is going to be a long read because there was kind of a lot going on in this dream. It was strange because it wasn't strange. Which will make sense at the end. I don't know whether to talk about stuff while I'm writing it out or save it for after. I think I'll just wing it and see how it goes. I'll put the dream stuff in italics and my own comments on it... not in italics, lol.

I wake up to sunlight in my eyes, with a headache. I didn't close the curtains properly last night and now I'm paying the price. It's early morning, around 6am. The birds have been up a while and I can see blue sky through the crack in the curtains. I feel sick and have to claw the thick, duck down duvet off myself with more effort than I'd have liked. There's a smell of woodsmoke and lavender in the room. My husband is burning stuff again outside. I keep telling him not to do it so close to the house but he never listens.

I remember the bed. It was heavy, iron I think. With little dull silver globes on top of each corner. Heavy flannel sheets, a monstrously thick duvet and a pale yellow blanket on top. I felt smothered. Like I was drowning and trying to come up for air. Which was a very unsettling feeling. The room had a sloped ceiling. I think the house wasn't all that large. Wooden floor, pale yellow curtains on the single window, barely reaching below the sill. Large dressing table in one corner. Dark wood. With a mirror on top. And a tall vase/jug type thing with several bunches of lavender in it. I've never been married, nor do I have any desire to be.

I walk slowly over to the dresser and sit down, staring at my own reflection in the mirror. Staring into my own eyes for what seems like an hour. I take my mother's pearl inlaid hairbrush and begin to work on my hair. It fights me at first, as always, but I have it tamed and decide to go for a braid. Practical and I like it.

This is... one of the unnerving parts of the whole thing. I'm not me. I'm not even the me I see when I do trance work and meditation. I am someone completely different. Smaller, around a foot shorter than my actual height I would guess. Dark brown eyes (my own eyes are grey/green), dark brown hair. Delicate, slim, but with a noticeable bump. I'm pregnant. Maybe a six weeks, or two months along. I can't really tell. I'm wearing a nightgown. Cotton. It reaches down to my feet. Obviously I can't get pregnant, but I've never even wanted to or entertained the notion even if it were possible. This woman in the mirror didn't look like me at all. But that didn't matter. Staring into her eyes I felt sadness, but also hope. And the fact that I wanted to sit there for a long while but knew I had things to do.

The hairbrush was beautiful. Silver handle with a row of pearls inlaid along its length. Many, many white bristles. I kind of picture it as something Victorian, but I don't think that was when the dream was set.

After washing my face in the porcelain bowl to one side of the dresser, I slip out of my nightgown and into one of my spring dresses. Soon these won't fit anymore. Already I'm feeling the tightness around my midsection. I smile and put my hand on my tummy. I hope it's a little girl. Three men in the family is more than enough already. I love my sons but they can be unruly.

So yeah, I already had two kids. Two little boys. Which is weird for the above reason. I've never thought of myself as a parent. Not ever. I am almost certain I would be horribly terrible at it. One was four and one was six. I'm not exactly sure how old I was in the dream. I think maybe mid-late 20s. Maybe. There was a lot I kind of didn't explain to myself, like a writer would explain to a reader, but things I just sort of... felt, or knew, you know? It's hard to put into words. Like living someone else's life. Seeing through someone else's eyes.

I hurriedly put on my sandals and half trotted downstairs and out of the side door. Nature calling. Sure enough my husband was standing there with a dirt-smudged smile on his face, in front of a crackling bonfire. Tangled branches and dry grass drifting grey smoke lazily into the air. I frowned at him but he just smiled more. So I gave up and ran to the toilet.

I'm not going to go into the details of it but yes, at the time it was all perfectly normal. Looking back on it now... I still have a kind of phantom body thing going on and it's a bit... weird. Let's just say I have sensations of stuff I shouldn't have sensations of, and don't know why. The toilet was out the side of the house, along a narrow path with oddly laid stones in it. Kind of like at my grandmother's house, but I still don't think this dream was set a long time in the past. Just a feeling.

I couldn't help but stare as I started back to the house. At the sheer beauty of things. The lake, still and calm. A saucer of deepest, wisest blue, carved into on one side by a gentle hill rising to meet the sky. Sometimes I wish I could just stay like this forever, looking at the simple majesty of it. Birds dart overhead, in seeming mock medieval jousting sessions. And I feel serene.

It really was beautiful. Like something you'd see in the Scottish Highlands, or the Lake District here in England. I have no idea where "Here" was. Only that it was so peaceful and untouched. There was a breeze, like almost the world was breathing. I think it maybe was a creation of somewhere I've been. Maybe Windermere or Conniston, in my past. The Lake District sure is something else. You almost feel outside of time. Like you could just stay there forever being one with the world.

I won't bore you with the rest, although I could go into absurdely minute details... it was that vivid. But I don't want to write a book. It literally lasted the whole day. I made breakfast, a porridge type deal with honey and berries of some kind. I'm not exactly sure what kind. In this giant pot on a wood burning stove. Then got an even larger pot and put in a couple of joints... one beef, one pork, and a third world country's supply of vegetables. For the evening meal. It would cook all day and fill the house with mouthwatering smells.

Then I settled down to... um... you know that sewing thing people do where they have the wood rings? I'm not entirely sure what that is called. But I was sewing a flower. With blue petals. I am useless at crafts but this woman was incredibly dextrous. I think from lots of practice. It felt very easy and relaxing. Meanwhile my sons were out helping their father, in whatever small ways he allowed them to. One of them fancied himself a Knight. It was adorable at the time, but feeling it now just feels... strange.

The moment I woke from this dream was when I was taking a bath in the evening. It was a metal tub that I had to fill with hot water from the stove. We didn't have running water in the house. Only a well at the back. So I had to use a kettle type contraption to dump water into it multiple times. And I lay down in it and started to drift off. That's when I woke up... like... for real.

And... I woke up feeling really, really dislocated and disorientated. I'd slept for 14 hours straight. Which is unusual for me. I normally sleep in broken segments of 3-4 hours before something, usually pain of some kind, wakes me up. So much about this life, this woman, was so different to how I live, or feel, or even thought I could feel... as I say I had, and still have the remains of a sort of phantom body. Initially I almost injured myself trying to stand up, heh. I still feel kind of disorientated even now. It's not the first time I've had a dream like this, but it is the first time in a long time. I don't think it's a memory or anything like that. I'm sure it's more likely a character for a story I've had buried in my brain for years, and never really experienced. But damn... it was strange. In the best way. I can still smell the lavender and woodsmoke.

Quote from: Sephirah on May 29, 2025, 02:41:52 PMI wrote this down so it wouldn't take me 2 hours to type out, lol.

This is going to be a long read because there was kind of a lot going on in this dream. It was strange because it wasn't strange. Which will make sense at the end. I don't know whether to talk about stuff while I'm writing it out or save it for after. I think I'll just wing it and see how it goes. I'll put the dream stuff in italics and my own comments on it... not in italics, lol.

I wake up to sunlight in my eyes, with a headache. I didn't close the curtains properly last night and now I'm paying the price. It's early morning, around 6am. The birds have been up a while and I can see blue sky through the crack in the curtains. I feel sick and have to claw the thick, duck down duvet off myself with more effort than I'd have liked. There's a smell of woodsmoke and lavender in the room. My husband is burning stuff again outside. I keep telling him not to do it so close to the house but he never listens.

I remember the bed. It was heavy, iron I think. With little dull silver globes on top of each corner. Heavy flannel sheets, a monstrously thick duvet and a pale yellow blanket on top. I felt smothered. Like I was drowning and trying to come up for air. Which was a very unsettling feeling. The room had a sloped ceiling. I think the house wasn't all that large. Wooden floor, pale yellow curtains on the single window, barely reaching below the sill. Large dressing table in one corner. Dark wood. With a mirror on top. And a tall vase/jug type thing with several bunches of lavender in it. I've never been married, nor do I have any desire to be.

I walk slowly over to the dresser and sit down, staring at my own reflection in the mirror. Staring into my own eyes for what seems like an hour. I take my mother's pearl inlaid hairbrush and begin to work on my hair. It fights me at first, as always, but I have it tamed and decide to go for a braid. Practical and I like it.

This is... one of the unnerving parts of the whole thing. I'm not me. I'm not even the me I see when I do trance work and meditation. I am someone completely different. Smaller, around a foot shorter than my actual height I would guess. Dark brown eyes (my own eyes are grey/green), dark brown hair. Delicate, slim, but with a noticeable bump. I'm pregnant. Maybe a six weeks, or two months along. I can't really tell. I'm wearing a nightgown. Cotton. It reaches down to my feet. Obviously I can't get pregnant, but I've never even wanted to or entertained the notion even if it were possible. This woman in the mirror didn't look like me at all. But that didn't matter. Staring into her eyes I felt sadness, but also hope. And the fact that I wanted to sit there for a long while but knew I had things to do.

The hairbrush was beautiful. Silver handle with a row of pearls inlaid along its length. Many, many white bristles. I kind of picture it as something Victorian, but I don't think that was when the dream was set.

After washing my face in the porcelain bowl to one side of the dresser, I slip out of my nightgown and into one of my spring dresses. Soon these won't fit anymore. Already I'm feeling the tightness around my midsection. I smile and put my hand on my tummy. I hope it's a little girl. Three men in the family is more than enough already. I love my sons but they can be unruly.

So yeah, I already had two kids. Two little boys. Which is weird for the above reason. I've never thought of myself as a parent. Not ever. I am almost certain I would be horribly terrible at it. One was four and one was six. I'm not exactly sure how old I was in the dream. I think maybe mid-late 20s. Maybe. There was a lot I kind of didn't explain to myself, like a writer would explain to a reader, but things I just sort of... felt, or knew, you know? It's hard to put into words. Like living someone else's life. Seeing through someone else's eyes.

I hurriedly put on my sandals and half trotted downstairs and out of the side door. Nature calling. Sure enough my husband was standing there with a dirt-smudged smile on his face, in front of a crackling bonfire. Tangled branches and dry grass drifting grey smoke lazily into the air. I frowned at him but he just smiled more. So I gave up and ran to the toilet.

I'm not going to go into the details of it but yes, at the time it was all perfectly normal. Looking back on it now... I still have a kind of phantom body thing going on and it's a bit... weird. Let's just say I have sensations of stuff I shouldn't have sensations of, and don't know why. The toilet was out the side of the house, along a narrow path with oddly laid stones in it. Kind of like at my grandmother's house, but I still don't think this dream was set a long time in the past. Just a feeling.

I couldn't help but stare as I started back to the house. At the sheer beauty of things. The lake, still and calm. A saucer of deepest, wisest blue, carved into on one side by a gentle hill rising to meet the sky. Sometimes I wish I could just stay like this forever, looking at the simple majesty of it. Birds dart overhead, in seeming mock medieval jousting sessions. And I feel serene.

It really was beautiful. Like something you'd see in the Scottish Highlands, or the Lake District here in England. I have no idea where "Here" was. Only that it was so peaceful and untouched. There was a breeze, like almost the world was breathing. I think it maybe was a creation of somewhere I've been. Maybe Windermere or Conniston, in my past. The Lake District sure is something else. You almost feel outside of time. Like you could just stay there forever being one with the world.

I won't bore you with the rest, although I could go into absurdely minute details... it was that vivid. But I don't want to write a book. It literally lasted the whole day. I made breakfast, a porridge type deal with honey and berries of some kind. I'm not exactly sure what kind. In this giant pot on a wood burning stove. Then got an even larger pot and put in a couple of joints... one beef, one pork, and a third world country's supply of vegetables. For the evening meal. It would cook all day and fill the house with mouthwatering smells.

Then I settled down to... um... you know that sewing thing people do where they have the wood rings? I'm not entirely sure what that is called. But I was sewing a flower. With blue petals. I am useless at crafts but this woman was incredibly dextrous. I think from lots of practice. It felt very easy and relaxing. Meanwhile my sons were out helping their father, in whatever small ways he allowed them to. One of them fancied himself a Knight. It was adorable at the time, but feeling it now just feels... strange.

The moment I woke from this dream was when I was taking a bath in the evening. It was a metal tub that I had to fill with hot water from the stove. We didn't have running water in the house. Only a well at the back. So I had to use a kettle type contraption to dump water into it multiple times. And I lay down in it and started to drift off. That's when I woke up... like... for real.

And... I woke up feeling really, really dislocated and disorientated. I'd slept for 14 hours straight. Which is unusual for me. I normally sleep in broken segments of 3-4 hours before something, usually pain of some kind, wakes me up. So much about this life, this woman, was so different to how I live, or feel, or even thought I could feel... as I say I had, and still have the remains of a sort of phantom body. Initially I almost injured myself trying to stand up, heh. I still feel kind of disorientated even now. It's not the first time I've had a dream like this, but it is the first time in a long time. I don't think it's a memory or anything like that. I'm sure it's more likely a character for a story I've had buried in my brain for years, and never really experienced. But damn... it was strange. In the best way. I can still smell the lavender and woodsmoke.

amazing detail.

Cross stitch. Embroidery. Surreal, Sephirah, and sublime. Thank you.

Quote from: Annaliese on May 29, 2025, 02:54:02 PMamazing detail.

Quite unsettling detail honestly, Anna. It was a dream I wouldn't have been upset if I never woke up from. And I don't know how to feel about that.

Quote from: Mrs. Oliphant on May 29, 2025, 03:02:20 PMCross stitch. Embroidery. Surreal, Sephirah, and sublime. Thank you.

Um... yeah, one of those. Embroidery sounds about right. Thank you, Anni. I am all thumbs when it comes to stuff like that. Wouldn't know a knitting needle from a sewing needle.

Wow, wonderful! Because of the length of the dream and the vivid detail, I think it could be a past-life memory. Like you, I only sleep for three hours tops, then pain or noise will wake me. So when I have a long, vivid dream where I can recall many details, I pay attention.

I think the sewing thing with wooden rings was needlepoint.  :)

Quote from: Lori Dee on May 29, 2025, 03:09:38 PMWow, wonderful! Because of the length of the dream and the vivid detail, I think it could be a past-life memory. Like you, I only sleep for three hours tops, then pain or noise will wake me. So when I have a long, vivid dream where I can recall many details, I pay attention.

I think the sewing thing with wooden rings was needlepoint.  :)

Thank you, Lori. I don't know. I'm kind of hesitant to pin it down to that. There's always the part of me that's a skeptic to that kind of thing, I don't know. I don't really know enough details to be certain of it. Like names, or places. I only know what it felt like being someone else. As someone who invents characters for a hobby... I just don't know. I do know the feelings though. Things I don't know how to feel. And even now don't know how to process how that feels. I have not had HRT, or any kind of surgery (at least not in that regard) so it weirds me out to feel how I feel sometimes in my dreams. Not in a bad way, I should add. The trouble comes when I wake up, lol. I have had a few of these dreams. One of them I was an elderly gentleman and it felt just as weird.

I think my mind is just Alice through the Looking Glass, lol. Maybe you're right. I can't say. I kind of just pay attention to stuff like this, as you say. Because it makes a huge impression.

Um... needlepoint, sure! I honestly don't know. White fabric. Stretched inside wooden rings. With an outline of a flower I was slowly filling in with sewing in different coloured threads. That's the best I can do. ;D

I guess it could be embroidery.
https://www.amazon.com/Beginners-Children-Needlepoint-Embroidery-12x12inch/dp/B0D62H3XJ4

This is fantastic stuff, Lauren. I remember a lot from my dreams, but never this level of detail.

I also wonder about past life. My wife and I have many times had experiences where we share an awareness of being two completely different people. I'm skeptical, too, but there have been times when I've felt it and said nothing, then she says something, and it describes very well what I'm feeling. And vice versa. So I'm at least open to the possibility.

I've done my fair share of cross stitch. It uses the hoops. So do embroidery and quilting.

Quote from: Lori Dee on May 29, 2025, 03:54:04 PMI guess it could be embroidery.
https://www.amazon.com/Beginners-Children-Needlepoint-Embroidery-12x12inch/dp/B0D62H3XJ4

That looks right. I have no idea. I spent hours doing that and it was okay. I think actually I would go out of my brain with boredom trying to do it for real. :-\ Massive respect for the artistic people in the world who can do things like that. This girl could do stuff like that. But I just... can't. I would get probably bored, or annoyed with it.

Quote from: Pema on May 29, 2025, 03:56:03 PMThis is fantastic stuff, Lauren. I remember a lot from my dreams, but never this level of detail.

I also wonder about past life. My wife and I have many times had experiences where we share an awareness of being two completely different people. I'm skeptical, too, but there have been times when I've felt it and said nothing, then she says something, and it describes very well what I'm feeling. And vice versa. So I'm at least open to the possibility.

I've done my fair share of cross stitch. It uses the hoops. So do embroidery and quilting.

So we're agreed it's one of those! ;D

Pema, feel free to share anything here, honey. This is open to everyone. I feel self conscious talking about myself too much and would welcome what other people have to share. <3

Lauren, do you feel like your dreams have "meaning" or are messages in any way? I know people who believe they must, and I'm not convinced. My dreams are so often so odd - absurd, really - that it's impossible for me to imagine what useful information they could possibly be conveying to me.

I fly often in my dreams. It's become one of the surest indicators that it's a dream. Same with the classic "Back in school, didn't know there was an exam" dream. I've had those so often that I frequently tell everyone (in the dream), "This is a dream! Nobody needs to worry about anything happening here! It's not real!" Of course they all look at me as if I've lost my mind.

Quote from: Pema on May 29, 2025, 04:28:40 PMLauren, do you feel like your dreams have "meaning" or are messages in any way? I know people who believe they must, and I'm not convinced. My dreams are so often so odd - absurd, really - that it's impossible for me to imagine what useful information they could possibly be conveying to me.

I fly often in my dreams. It's become one of the surest indicators that it's a dream. Same with the classic "Back in school, didn't know there was an exam" dream. I've had those so often that I frequently tell everyone (in the dream), "This is a dream! Nobody needs to worry about anything happening here! It's not real!" Of course they all look at me as if I've lost my mind.

That's kind of hard to answer, Pema. I kind of think all dreams have meaning, in some way. They're the deepest parts of our mind trying to make sense of things. What that meaning is... I have no idea most of the time. But having worked with altered states of consciousness and meditation for a long, long time... I know that the deepest parts of ourselves, the subconscious mind, works with imagery. Subtle things that the conscious parts of us ignore. One image can speak a thousand words. Even if we don't understand the language.

You will get people who supposedly know what these meanings are. Even write books on it. "Yeah, if you dream your hair is falling out, that means you won't get the promotion at work!" I am not sold on that stuff. I think it's all very personal, and... assuming we remember our dreams, they should be things we figure out for ourselves.

Can I ask you something? When you dream you're flying... what do you fly over? Are there differing landscapes below? Or is it the same one?

Quote from: Sephirah on May 29, 2025, 04:37:03 PMI think it's all very personal, and... assuming we remember our dreams, they should be things we figure out for ourselves.

That's fair. I can't say I've acquired the knack for interpreting mine. So often they're just monotonous frustrating activities.

My flying dreams are always in different settings. Most recently, it was high over a very large park, and I was waving to people below. There have been times I've passed through and above clouds. Sometimes I have to dodge overhead power lines. Frequently, they're indoors, and I'm just sort of hovering (horizontally), turning to pass through doorways and the rest. There's never anyone else who can fly, and nobody else is even slightly impressed that I can. I'm always amazed that I can - until I figure out it means it's a dream.

Quote from: Sephirah on May 29, 2025, 02:41:52 PMI wrote this down so it wouldn't take me 2 hours to type out, lol.

This is going to be a long read because there was kind of a lot going on in this dream. It was strange because it wasn't strange. Which will make sense at the end.

That Lauren was taller, with brown eyes, so different from you, with your grey-green eyes and braided hair.

It's like she was your complete opposite.

Maybe that dream was a glimpse into a parallel universe, some strange, vivid bridge between worlds.

Still, strange or not piece by piece, we're getting a clearer image of the real, beautiful you.

So far, we know you're petite, with those striking eyes and your signature braid.

Eventually, we'll have a full picture inside and out of who Lauren truly is.

I wish I could dream like that. No matter how long I sleep, nothing ever comes through like that.


~ Lilis 💗

Quote from: Pema on May 29, 2025, 05:31:21 PMThere's never anyone else who can fly, and nobody else is even slightly impressed that I can. I'm always amazed that I can

I was in session with my psychologist for PTSD, and we were discussing a recurring nightmare. It is never the same except in general. It is always a group of men chasing me for some reason. My psychologist told me that before I go to sleep, just keep telling myself that I have a jetpack and I can just fly away.

That reminded me of dreams I had when I was younger, and I told my psychologist about them. I was fascinated with levitation. Not the fake stuff that illusionists perform on stage, but real levitation, the way the Eastern yogis and gurus do. In my dreams, I kept practicing, and soon I could levitate just a couple of feet off the ground. In later dreams, it seemed my practice paid off because I could then levitate six feet off the ground. Once I realized I had mastered this, it was nothing to escape by levitating high enough to sit at the top of a tree or on a rooftop. And like your dreams, no one acted like it was unusual. So, before going to sleep, I would just remind myself that I know how to levitate.

At another session, I told my psychologist that I had another one of those dreams. I was looking for something important, but couldn't find it, and I was being chased around inside a large building. I kept frantically searching, then finally gave up, went outside, and levitated up and away.

My psychologist asked if I knew what I had been searching for. I said yes, my jetpack! She started laughing and said it is a good thing that I know how to levitate!

;D

Quote from: Lilis on May 29, 2025, 05:38:47 PMThat Lauren was taller, with brown eyes, so different from you, with your grey-green eyes and braided hair.

It's like she was your complete opposite.

Maybe that dream was a glimpse into a parallel universe, some strange, vivid bridge between worlds.

Still, strange or not piece by piece, we're getting a clearer image of the real, beautiful you.

So far, we know you're petite, with those striking eyes and your signature braid.

Eventually, we'll have a full picture inside and out of who Lauren truly is.

I wish I could dream like that. No matter how long I sleep, nothing ever comes through like that.


~ Lilis 💗

Trust me, Lilis, this girl was not like me.. like... at all. And that's kind of what made it strange after I woke up.

I am most assuredly not petite. And I have never been pregnant. I don't... hrmm... I have way more walls up than any of you. As much as I encourage you to shine your light, I can't take my own advice. There's a lot of stuff I don't bring here. I am very Jekyll and Hyde. You folks being happy makes me happy. For all the light I have, I have just as much darkness, which I never want to bring here. You all have enough to deal with. I just... I can't do it. Even though sometimes I feel like I'm screaming.

Sorry... that's TMI. I don't think anyone will ever have that, Lilis. Because I'm... I should stop talking. It's getting way too thorny. Sorry. :)

Quote from: Sephirah on May 29, 2025, 05:49:01 PMSorry... that's TMI. I don't think anyone will ever have that, Lilis. Because I'm... I should stop talking. It's getting way too thorny. Sorry. :)

I hear you, no, no pressure, ever. 🙂💞


~ Lilis 🫂

Quote from: Lilis on May 29, 2025, 05:57:58 PMI hear you, no, no pressure, ever. 🙂💞


~ Lilis 🫂

Thank you. Maybe one day. Until then, I get to help other people live their dreams. And that is enough. :)

In real life news... Metaphor: ReFantazio was just added to Gamepass. I think my squeal of delight could be heard in a 200 mile radius. I realise that won't mean much to most people. But I am a massive gamer nerd, and a HUGE fan of Atlus games. Like Shin Megami Tensei, or the Persona games. They do very Japanese, very... odd... RPGs. Right up my street. I've never been one of those people who are into shooting other people.

In case anyone is interested, here is the launch trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQPk4cVrU_w

And in case you don't know what Gamepass is... it's like the Netflix for games. :)

In other real life news I am doing okay. And getting better. I am on my ass 5/7 days of the week but it won't always be like that. Stuff is working and I am getting there. So.. I am sorry if I'm only here and only have the energy to do this in a limited fashion. It won't always be that way. Until and even then... you have a myriad of special people here.

Quote from: Sephirah on May 29, 2025, 08:23:18 PMIn other real life news I am doing okay. And getting better. I am on my ass 5/7 days of the week but it won't always be like that. Stuff is working and I am getting there. So.. I am sorry if I'm only here and only have the energy to do this in a limited fashion. It won't always be that way. Until and even then... you have a myriad of special people here.

Yeah. We're not done with you yet.  :-*

I hope not, Lori. That plays on my mind a lot. But I think I am okay with it. Everything moves on. :)

Quote from: Sephirah on May 29, 2025, 08:29:25 PMI hope not, Lori. That plays on my mind a lot. But I think I am okay with it. Everything moves on. :)

Nothing wrong with taking a break now and then. You'll be back.

Or I will hunt you down.  ;D

Quote from: Lori Dee on May 29, 2025, 08:32:48 PMNothing wrong with taking a break now and then. You'll be back.

Or I will hunt you down.  ;D

Hah! have no doubt you would. :) No, sweetie I am okay. I don't plan on taking a break just yet. Although it has been known. Too many people here I care a whole heck of a lot about this time, honestly. I can't do that to them. Which makes me feel... weird. I am not used to people caring about me. Only themselves. Which... isn't a slight. It's just how I have interacted with people in the past. I don't know really how to deal with it when someone cares about me.

Which, again, is TMI, lol. Sorry. :)

I think we need to celebrate Ashley up in here right now. And I need to feel rather bouncy.

To that end, I give you...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3W47NAhGME4

Tell me that doesn't make you grin! ;D

I don't get the appeal of cats. Like.. I honestly don't. I've always been a dog person. I had one cat in my life, when I was a kid. A big black thing. And she would wait on top of the gate to get into my house and just hiss at me. Then run off. I was like "whatever." Cats have always been like that with me, lol.

I don't get people who like cats. They don't like you. They are just using you for social media clicks :P

I have always been, and always will be a dog person. My puppers were my children and it broke my heart to have to say goodbye to them. They just love you. No if's, and's or but's. They just... the highlight of their day is for their mom to love them. In the smallest of ways. And they are yours forever. Whenever you feel bad, you don't even have to say anything. You have a big, dumb head in your lap... wanting a cuddle. Like they're psychic.

Man's best friend... and then some. :'(

Hi Sephirah

I don't get the appeal of dogs.  Like I honestly don't no why.  I have always been a cat person.  I only had one dog that I really liked in my life.  It was an Australian Silky Terrier named Chewy it was actually my mums dog, but I guess we shared him.

He would always come with me on trips and I would take him down to the beach and would run beside my mum while she rode her bike and when he was tired would ride in the rear basket on mums bike.

I don't get people who like dogs.  They are always demanding wanting something from you.  They are just using you, like waiting for you to throw the next stick or ball or just annoy you wanting you to take them for the next walk.  While a cat is so independent.

I have always been, and always will be a cat person.  They just love you.  No if's and or butts.  They just highlight the day for me, just wanting the next scratch on their heads.  I just love them too pieces.  They are forever yours.

Whenever you feel bad, sad or even lonely you don't even have to say anything.  You have a cat that will curl up in your lap and be contented.  Enjoying the strokes and scratches and purring to their hearts content or wanting you to pick them up for a cuddle.

Women's best friend and then some.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
PS  Sorry for the plagiarism Sephirah
@Sephirah

Why stick to dogs and cats? :)

As a friend to the children commend me the Yak.   
You will find it exactly the thing:
It will carry and fetch, you can ride on its back,   
Or lead it about with a string.

The Tartar who dwells on the plains of Thibet   
(A desolate region of snow)
Has for centuries made it a nursery pet,   
And surely the Tartar should know!

Then tell your papa where the Yak can be got,   
And if he is awfully rich
He will buy you the creature—or else he will not.
(I cannot be positive which.)

Quote from: Sarah B on May 30, 2025, 02:09:23 AMHi Sephirah

I don't get the appeal of dogs.  Like I honestly don't no why.  I have always been a cat person.  I only had one dog that I really liked in my life.  It was an Australian Silky Terrier named Chewy it was actually my mums dog, but I guess we shared him.

He would always come with me on trips and I would take him down to the beach and would run beside my mum while she rode her bike and when he was tired would ride in the rear basket on mums bike.

I don't get people who like dogs.  They are always demanding wanting something from you.  They are just using you, like waiting for you to throw the next stick or ball or just annoy you wanting you to take them for the next walk.  While a cat is so independent.

I have always been, and always will be a cat person.  They just love you.  No if's and or butts.  They just highlight the day for me, just wanting the next scratch on their heads.  I just love them too pieces.  They are forever yours.

Whenever you feel bad, sad or even lonely you don't even have to say anything.  You have a cat that will curl up in your lap and be contented.  Enjoying the strokes and scratches and purring to their hearts content or wanting you to pick them up for a cuddle.

Women's best friend and then some.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
PS  Sorry for the plagiarism Sephirah
@Sephirah

That is entirely fair, Sarah. And made me smile. Thank you. <3 For the perspective. We need cat people in the world... to have all the cats. ;D

Quote from: TanyaG on May 30, 2025, 02:33:46 AMWhy stick to dogs and cats? :)

As a friend to the children commend me the Yak.   
You will find it exactly the thing:
It will carry and fetch, you can ride on its back,   
Or lead it about with a string.

The Tartar who dwells on the plains of Thibet   
(A desolate region of snow)
Has for centuries made it a nursery pet,   
And surely the Tartar should know!

Then tell your papa where the Yak can be got,   
And if he is awfully rich
He will buy you the creature—or else he will not.
(I cannot be positive which.)

I would love a pet Yak, haha. Might be a bit large for where I live but whatever. I'd make it work!

Quote from: Pema on May 29, 2025, 05:31:21 PMThat's fair. I can't say I've acquired the knack for interpreting mine. So often they're just monotonous frustrating activities.

My flying dreams are always in different settings. Most recently, it was high over a very large park, and I was waving to people below. There have been times I've passed through and above clouds. Sometimes I have to dodge overhead power lines. Frequently, they're indoors, and I'm just sort of hovering (horizontally), turning to pass through doorways and the rest. There's never anyone else who can fly, and nobody else is even slightly impressed that I can. I'm always amazed that I can - until I figure out it means it's a dream.

It doesn't necessarily mean it's only a dream, Pema. As Shakespeare said: "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy." Without getting too tinfoil-hattery, it might be something else. Something you aren't fully aware of. I'll leave it there. :)

Last night was... ugh... one of those nights where I didn't dream. Sometimes I just feel like I blinked and a few hours had passed. I guess I need those from time to time.

Sometimes in my dreams I am a tall thin ginger haired woman that is the village healer in the bronze age, feels like a past life or is it just my excessive imagination. 

Quote from: Sephirah on May 30, 2025, 04:38:06 AMI have always been a cat person. 

Viva la difference!
Les chats sont les meilleurs! Cats are the best!

IMHO of course.  I always have at least two not more than three.

Quote from: davina61 on May 30, 2025, 05:46:43 AMvillage healer in the bronze age

Warning!  Here there be dragons!  Beware for you are crunchy and taste good.

Drink this nettle broth and chew on these rose hips !!!

Quote from: davina61 on May 30, 2025, 05:46:43 AMSometimes in my dreams I am a tall thin ginger haired woman that is the village healer in the bronze age, feels like a past life or is it just my excessive imagination. 

Could be both. :) Is it always the same woman, Davina?

Quote from: D'Amalie on May 30, 2025, 07:57:20 AMViva la difference!
Les chats sont les meilleurs! Cats are the best!

IMHO of course.  I always have at least two not more than three.

I think the issue is they don't seem to like me. I've had plenty literally hiss at me, ears flat back, then bolt. Where literally the opposite is true for dogs. Even the most vicious "I'd keep away from him if I were you" types just wag their tails and let me pet them. I dunno. What's the female equivalent to "Damien"? lol. ;D

So... uh... I got a letter this morning from the people I have a credit card with. Have had it for coming on 25 years at this point. Back since 2001. I had to buy a lot of stuff to let me live in my house. You'd be surprised how much you have to change when you can't walk around. Stuff the NHS doesn't cover.

Anyway... they sent me a letter about 17 months ago. Talking about how I was barely making minimum payments on the balance, And that's true. It was hard. They were like "Okay, we will write you again in 18 months if things haven't changed." It sounded vaguely threatening.

But since then I've tried to live basically like a pauper, lol. To pay off a lot of this stuff. And the letter today... I didn't know whether to feel happy or like I was being patted on the head. It was like "We told you we would write to you... but GOOD NEWS!! You have made changes. You've paid off more!! So go you! Have a Scooby Snack! You are no longer on our watch list!! We don't need the SWAT team!"

And it's true... I have nixed a lot of it. By living hand to mouth for a long time. So that's good. Just the wording of it made me feel kind of... weird. Good girl! Who's a good girl! You are! lol. ;D

LOL. Fitting for a dog lover.  :laugh:

But seriously, good for you. So many people spend their lives in debt. I have been bankrupt twice and have learned to only buy what I need, not necessarily what I want. Over the past two years, I was able to raise my credit score from the low end of "Good" to "Excellent" just by paying off my Jeep, a medical loan, and paying down my credit card balance. No easy feat, but you did it!

Quote from: Lori Dee on May 30, 2025, 08:25:08 PMLOL. Fitting for a dog lover.  :laugh:

Hah, that crossed my mind. ;D If you ever saw the movie "Lady and the Tramp"... this is me:

(https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.rGllzFGZSfhzHMoby5yivgHaGc?rs=1&pid=ImgDetMain)

QuoteBut seriously, good for you. So many people spend their lives in debt. I have been bankrupt twice and have learned to only buy what I need, not necessarily what I want. Over the past two years, I was able to raise my credit score from the low end of "Good" to "Excellent" just by paying off my Jeep, a medical loan, and paying down my credit card balance. No easy feat, but you did it!

Thank you, Lori. And good on you, girl. You're right... it's a very easy thing to fall into and never get out of. I am proud of you, too. It takes a lot of self discipline to not have that stuff hanging over you. I have a ways to go yet. But I'm getting there. I don't have to buy more stuff to let me live. It's all good!

 Credit card companies are big on the carrot and stick approach! Congrats on the well earned carrot sister! 🥕🐰👍

Hugs!

A💕

Quote from: tgirlamg on May 30, 2025, 10:03:03 PMCredit card companies are big on the carrot and stick approach! Congrats on the well earned carrot sister! 🥕🐰👍

Hugs!

A💕

Thank you, Ash. <3 You girls inspire me. I don't always say it as much as I should. But you do. Thank you.

Yes Lauren it is the same women and I know its bronze age from the rings and jewellery (but I have watched Time Team and Alice Roberts who I have a crush on!)

Quote from: Sephirah on May 29, 2025, 10:54:12 PMI don't get the appeal of cats. Like.. I honestly don't. I've always been a dog person. I had one cat in my life, when I was a kid. A big black thing. And she would wait on top of the gate to get into my house and just hiss at me.Then run off. I was like "whatever." Cats have always been like that with me, lol.

QuoteMan's best friend... and then some. :'(

Quote from: Sarah B on May 30, 2025, 02:09:23 AMWomen's best friend and then some.

I totally agree with Sarah!.

I've always liked both, and I mostly grew up with cats, like ten no neutered ones at a time!

So we always had kittens running around and giving them away was part of life.

I think maybe Lauren just never met a nice kitty. I should show her some of my cat pics one day...

Oh wait... might get eaten by a dragon!

Hissssssssssss.... 😾

ROFL! 🤣


~ Lilis 💞

Quote from: Lilis on May 31, 2025, 07:59:54 PMI think maybe Lauren just never met a nice kitty. I should show her some of my cat pics one day...

This. I had a pet cat when I was a kid. This giant black monstrosity that used to wait for me coming home from school and try its hardest to lacerate my uniform. *shudders* Oh and the next door neighbour had a huge grey and white cat, they called him Moscow (no idea why). He freaked my mum out one night while she was watching a horror movie late at night. He used to perch himself on the bin outside our house and she told me she just looked out the window and saw these yellow eyes staring at her. And he used to come in our house and steal food.

Yeah... not really had the best experiences with felines, lol. I'm sure they're great, though. :)

Sorry for the late reply. Life stuff and kind of feeling emotionally... uh... not fit for purpose lately. I don't want to bring that here. Definitely been a Hyde couple of weeks, heh. Oh, and I hate hospitals.

I think I need Davina's kind of Bronze Age wise woman! ;D Do you remember anything about the place where you are, Davina?

As far as dreams go... nothing of note aside from one dream. It was somewhat disjointed but I think it was set in the US, in the 60s or 70s. There were cars with those weird fins on the back? As big as a house. I was working in a care home and a lot of people got killed. And somehow I got the blame. But I got a card... like a birthday card... from an Irish girl (and don't ask how I know that, I just did, lol), saying she knew I didn't do it. And I was hiding out in a house, with this guy, and like every cop in the world showed up. It was... weird, lol.

As the old saying goes: Life stuff happens. I'm glad you're back, Sephirah. Compared to yours, my dreams are so boring. Thanks for brightening my day.

Quote from: Mrs. Oliphant on June 12, 2025, 03:23:44 PMAs the old saying goes: Life stuff happens. I'm glad you're back, Sephirah. Compared to yours, my dreams are so boring. Thanks for brightening my day.

One person's boring is another person's Lord of the Rings. You might be surprised, Anni. <3

Quote from: Sephirah on June 12, 2025, 03:41:56 PMLord of the Rings

Lord of the Rings? Give me a break. Dune. Even CS Lewis and the Narnia tales. After The Hobbit, the entire premise fell apart (although my brother compared me favorably to Gollum the first time I grew my hair long after turning 60 but I sense we've covered this ground before). Begrudgingly, I'll grant anyone creative kudos for fantasy fiction who isn't named J.K.

Quote from: Mrs. Oliphant on June 12, 2025, 04:45:43 PMLord of the Rings? Give me a break. Dune. Even CS Lewis and the Narnia tales. After The Hobbit, the entire premise fell apart (although my brother compared me favorably to Gollum the first time I grew my hair long after turning 60 but I sense we've covered this ground before). Begrudgingly, I'll grant anyone creative kudos for fantasy fiction who isn't named J.K.

The Hobbit movies were... weird. They took a massive amount of creative license (read: made a ton of crap up for the audience). As someone who owns hardback copies of the originals and has wore them out reading both... I think Lord of the Rings got the best Hollywood treatment. And credit to those movies. Even 20+ years on, they still hold up. And the New Zealand tourist industry is probably making a fortune, lol.

The books are way different to the movies, though. In both cases.

I agree with you on the JK stuff. I won't say any more than that. She doesn't deserve the attention.

I read the Narnia books when I was a kid. In my "Escape life by hiding in an attic trawling through my grandma's book collection." That... all the Enid Blyton stuff... I was such a bookworm haha. It was like "The Neverending Story" but for real.

I never got into Dune. I've slogged through the books, even seen both of the movies and still can't get into it. I know it's like... awesome. But it just isn't my cup of coffee. If you want a really good fantasy author, google David Gemmell. Guy has genuine talent. :)

Quote from: Sephirah on June 12, 2025, 05:18:27 PMDavid Gemmell. Guy has genuine talent

Mr. Gemmel is now at the top of my reading list (as soon as I finish with this biography of Vincent--you know, the one who said something to the effect 'love in an open hand').
  And I apologize for badmouthing LOTR (I read the Hobbit and loved it but only watched the trilogy movies although I almost fell in love with a nice Maori girl but that's a bit off topic). In my mind's eye, I can see you reading 'The Voyage of the Dawn Treader' in your grandma's attic. That's exactly where CS intended people to read his books. Gemmel. Next on my list.

Quote from: Mrs. Oliphant on June 12, 2025, 05:47:21 PMMr. Gemmel is now at the top of my reading list (as soon as I finish with this biography of Vincent--you know, the one who said something to the effect 'love in an open hand').
  And I apologize for badmouthing LOTR (I read the Hobbit and loved it but only watched the trilogy movies although I almost fell in love with a nice Maori girl but that's a bit off topic). In my mind's eye, I can see you reading 'The Voyage of the Dawn Treader' in your grandma's attic. That's exactly where CS intended people to read his books. Gemmel. Next on my list.

Don't apologise, Anni. You should really read the Lord of the Rings books, though. If only to see how much they cut out of it. It's still good for what it is. But they just didn't bother with a lot of the lore and world building. Tolkien literally invented all these languages off the top of his head. They had full lexicography. The guy was massively obsessed. Much like Trekkies revere Klingon... Tolkien literally invented his version of Elvish. Peter Jackson came closest to realising that vision but it's still massively cut down for Hollywood. The book has way more poetry in it, and poetic characters... like Tom Bombadil, who got cut out of the movies entirely.

It's a whole different experience. :) But then as an author yourself, I think you can kind of understand that.

Quote from: Sephirah on June 12, 2025, 06:21:39 PMBut then as an author yourself,

That's the kindest thing anyone has ever said to me. And, evidently like JRR, I refuse to cut a single word from my prolific (and perhaps prosaic) prose. Which might explain why I'm an unread author (a fact that will never stop me from filling reams of paper with words I wish I had invented).
  Sephirah, I'm serious about the kindest thing part. And Tolkein turned my world upside down when I read The Hobbit. Perhaps I should have never watched the movies. I'll move JRR Tolkein in front of Gemmel but I really want to finish 'Savage Beauty' (Edna was a firecracker).
  Prosaic. What an odd word to feel compelled to toss into a post.

Quote from: Mrs. Oliphant on June 12, 2025, 07:27:52 PMThat's the kindest thing anyone has ever said to me. And, evidently like JRR, I refuse to cut a single word from my prolific (and perhaps prosaic) prose. Which might explain why I'm an unread author (a fact that will never stop me from filling reams of paper with words I wish I had invented).
  Sephirah, I'm serious about the kindest thing part. And Tolkein turned my world upside down when I read The Hobbit. Perhaps I should have never watched the movies. I'll move JRR Tolkein in front of Gemmel but I really want to finish 'Savage Beauty' (Edna was a firecracker).
  Prosaic. What an odd word to feel compelled to toss into a post.

Anni, you have a very rare gift. You write naturally. Nothing is forced. I am actually in awe at how you manage to control all your characters. But it's more than that. The dialogue is natural. It never feels contrived. Girl, you have a very rare and special gift. I know where a lot of it comes from. You've told me... but I think it's more than that. Dreams can only take you so far. You take it so much further. You have that spark within you.

Y'all need to pester Annika to read her dreams, because I promise you, it's something else. Girl, you have a talent gifted to very few people in this world.

Back to my "dream" "past life" whatever, its in a collection of round houses. Strange we have a hill fort above where I was born and when they upgraded a junction the other side of the river from my flat they found round houses. Looks like this area was well populated back then, maybe that is why there is a Roman castle tump opposite where I went to junior school?

Quote from: davina61 on June 13, 2025, 03:33:07 AMBack to my "dream" "past life" whatever, its in a collection of round houses. Strange we have a hill fort above where I was born and when they upgraded a junction the other side of the river from my flat they found round houses. Looks like this area was well populated back then, maybe that is why there is a Roman castle tump opposite where I went to junior school?

That's really cool, Davina. I can see where your interest in Time Team and archaeology comes from. Maybe there is something to it. And you are living something else from a long time ago. You can't really go anywhere in the UK without at least a Roman villa being a few metres below your feet. That's kind of the thing. Does the egg lead to the chicken or does the chicken lead to the egg?

Is there anything else about these dreams that is consistent? Other than yourself?

So... uh... I know this likely won't appeal to many people here. There are a lot less gamer nerds than there used to be, for some reason. ;D But... this gives me huge goosebumps. It's slightly spoilery (the version with the dialogue is way more spoilery, but way more impactful... it always, ALWAYS makes me cry in a good way) If you haven't played but have any desire to play this then don't watch. But I think this is one of the best pieces of music ever made for a videogame and just in general... it always makes me feel a certain kind of way...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8itmPH2jUc

Yes treating someone with a poultice, a young person and her mother. From my gran parents when I had a sore that refused to heal a leaf from a mallow plant worked!

Quote from: davina61 on June 13, 2025, 09:37:34 AMYes treating someone with a poultice, a young person and her mother. From my gran parents when I had a sore that refused to heal a leaf from a mallow plant worked!

That's actually really cool. A lot of the natural healing has been lost, Davina you are an actual druid! Don't write it off, sweetie. I've seen enough to believe in reincarnation, you never really know. As Shakespeare said:

"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy."

When I was a young lass of grade school age, I had a recurring dream of being shot through the head on a battlefield. The dream was not a nightmare, merely a moment of darkness before floating above myself and noticing the helmet beside my body with a bullet hole between two silver bars. As I grew older, I interpreted the dream to intimate that I was a captain during the Korean War. Since I was born in October of 1951, I always thought of that dream whenever the topic or reincarnation came up. Who knows? As an aside, my father was determined to re-enlist shortly after the Korean War began but my mother had just learned she was pregnant with me and threatened to divorce my dad if he re-enlisted. Perhaps some anonymous captain dying on a forgotten battlefield saved my dad's life. Okay, that last was a bit of a reach.

Maybe, Anni. I think it's entirely possible. I watched this video a little while ago and... one of my favourite mivues is a movie called "Dragonfly" Starring Kevin Costner. Deals with this subject, although it is quite Hollywood.

Anyway... have a look at this.
This guy is mostly a sceptic and debunker of paranormal stuff:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lx-YJftYXXg

Quote from: Mrs. Oliphant on June 13, 2025, 11:32:27 AMWhen I was a young lass of grade school age, I had a recurring dream of being shot through the head on a battlefield. The dream was not a nightmare, merely a moment of darkness before floating above myself and noticing the helmet beside my body with a bullet hole between two silver bars. As I grew older, I interpreted the dream to intimate that I was a captain during the Korean War. Since I was born in October of 1951, I always thought of that dream whenever the topic or reincarnation came up. Who knows? As an aside, my father was determined to re-enlist shortly after the Korean War began but my mother had just learned she was pregnant with me and threatened to divorce my dad if he re-enlisted. Perhaps some anonymous captain dying on a forgotten battlefield saved my dad's life. Okay, that last was a bit of a reach.

Annika...

I also had a re-occurring dream from about age 6 to around 13 about being killed in war... always the same short dream on a fairly regular basis of a painful hit to my chest in a muddy place at night... I used to be aware of the dream sometime when it started but, couldn't stop the inevitable conclusion... sometimes I would cry out from the painful end to it and my parents would hear me...

Onward,

A💕

Quote from: tgirlamg on June 13, 2025, 09:20:45 PMsometimes I would cry out from the painful end to it and my parents would hear me...

Oh, Ashley, what a traumatic dream to endure repeatedly. Assuming our dreams are somehow connected to past lives, I am fortunate to have passed so painlessly. And if they're not connected, I have difficulty determining the source(s) of the imagery. We didn't own a TV until I was five and my mother hated war movies (she loved westerns, though, so I suppose I could have transposed images). I was probably eight or nine the last time I remember having the dream. 

I was never a huge fan of fantasy fiction (I'm a sci-fi geek). I was introduced to playing Dungeons & Dragons, and enjoyed that. We would have weekend marathons, playing non-stop from Friday night into early Sunday morning. I found and bought the complete collection of Tolkien, but I had a very hard time getting into it. Then I discovered Dragon World.

Dragonworld (August 3, 2011)
by Byron Preiss (Author), Michael Reaves (Author), Joseph Zucker (Illustrator)

I thoroughly enjoyed it, and it opened my mind to fantasy fiction. I still find Tolkien hard to read, but I enjoy the movies.

Quote from: Lori Dee on June 15, 2025, 10:47:16 AMI still find Tolkien hard to read,

As do I, Lori. But I am willing to give the trilogy another chance. The movies were entertaining and no doubt deterred me from reading past 'The Hobbit'. So, as Janis Joplin might say, 'I must make amends.'

A lot of that was based around where I live as he was a teacher at Malvern collage.

Quote from: tgirlamg on June 13, 2025, 09:20:45 PMAnnika...

I also had a re-occurring dream from about age 6 to around 13 about being killed in war... always the same short dream on a fairly regular basis of a painful hit to my chest in a muddy place at night... I used to be aware of the dream sometime when it started but, couldn't stop the inevitable conclusion... sometimes I would cry out from the painful end to it and my parents would hear me...

Onward,

A💕

That is horrible. For both of you. I have never had a dream about being fatally shot and wow I never want to. That must be so jarring. I have been shot, a long time ago in the military. Although it was only a graze and decidedly non-life threatening... and an accident. I can't even begin to imagine what that must feel like. :-\

Quote from: Lori Dee on June 15, 2025, 10:47:16 AMI was never a huge fan of fantasy fiction (I'm a sci-fi geek). I was introduced to playing Dungeons & Dragons, and enjoyed that. We would have weekend marathons, playing non-stop from Friday night into early Sunday morning. I found and bought the complete collection of Tolkien, but I had a very hard time getting into it. Then I discovered Dragon World.

Dragonworld (August 3, 2011)
by Byron Preiss (Author), Michael Reaves (Author), Joseph Zucker (Illustrator)

I thoroughly enjoyed it, and it opened my mind to fantasy fiction. I still find Tolkien hard to read, but I enjoy the movies.

Yeah I totally get this, Lori. Tolkien is very hard to get into if you read the Lord of the Rings books. The first, I would say forty percent of the first book, The Fellowship of the Ring, is extremely slow and meandering. And contains a lot of stuff they just cut out of the movie entirely. You start to wonder if there's even a point to it. Stuff that really is only worldbuilding and lore related. I can see why they cut it out of the movie. It does gather pace... but that doesn't do much to help someone who isn't really interested after the first two hundred or so pages, lol.

The thing I'm probably most sad about is that they also cut most of the poetry and songs out of the movies, too. Again I can see why. If they kept everything in, each movie would be double the length of the extended editions and there probably wouldn't have been enough money in the world to shoot them.

I will have to look into Dragonworld. When I was a kid, I was obsessed with the DragonLance series of novels. They were set in the Forgotten Realms world, which is what a lot of DnD is set in. It was kind of like a campaign in book form.

I don't know what it is but there are very few sci-fi works I can get into. One notable exception is the "Culture" novels by Iain M. Banks. But I think that's only because in that universe, people can (and do) change their gender and sex at will. And one story is about this guy, who became a girl to have a baby, then changed back again. I read this before I came out and it utterly fascinated me.

Quote from: davina61 on June 13, 2025, 09:37:34 AMYes treating someone with a poultice, a young person and her mother. From my gran parents when I had a sore that refused to heal a leaf from a mallow plant worked!

There is so much knowledge lost to the world about natural things that worked for thousands of years. And only very few people alive who still know about them, all over the world.

...

In boring Lauren real life news... it's been obnoxiously, unbearably hot here in my little corner of the UK. And is set to hit 29 Celsius (84 Fahrenheit) this weekend. I'm dreading it. My house, like very many houses in the North of the UK, is full to bursting with insulation because traditionally it's been rather a lot colder and our government would rather have people living in house sized arctic sleeping bags than pay them to put the heating on. So my house is like an actual oven most days and it's excruciating. Did I mention I hate Summer?

Oh, and I got to travel on one of the fancy new all-electric buses that have been rolled out where I live. They're very cool! Very quiet, and very accommodating as far as disabled access goes. Although I don't have the faintest idea how you'd power a double-decker on batteries. They must have veritable armies of Duracell Bunnies on treadmills underneath them.

Travel for me, even just locally, is normally quite complicated and awkward. But this was nice.

Thunder • Imagine Dragons

I have listened to that three times now. Thank you so much, Lilis. The arrangement gives me goosebumps.

Girl you are special. You just get people. Thank you. <3

This song makes me think of you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EbHermSJXY

You are absolutely beautiful. The world is a better place because you are in it, @Lilis. <3

Quote from: Sephirah on June 17, 2025, 08:39:39 PMThis song makes me think of you.

You are absolutely beautiful. The world is a better place because you are in it, Lilis (https://www.susans.org/index.php?action=profile;u=69247). <3

Love it! 💗

Added to my playlist, thank you, Lauren.

You're beautiful too... 💋


~ Lilis 🫂

Quote from: Lilis on June 17, 2025, 08:47:44 PMLove it! 💗

Added to my playlist, thank you, Lauren.

You're beautiful too... 💋


~ Lilis 🫂

Love you, honey. <3 I wish for the very best for you and your potential bae. You make me better than I am, Lilis. You deserve to be happy. <3

Quote from: Sephirah on June 17, 2025, 08:51:38 PMLove you, honey.

That is an epic image. ;D I wholeheartedly approve! ;D

I am going to take a break from the site for a while.

I am sorry to a lot of people. You deserve better.

I am sorry. I need some time to sort myself out. I am going through some stuff and I have to deal with it. Not here.

I am sorry for people who feel hurt.

I will see you in a few weeks, or months. Maybe. I am sorry. I love you.

Quote from: Sephirah on June 20, 2025, 07:22:28 PMI will see you in a few weeks, or months. Maybe. I am sorry. I love you.

Love you, too, Sephirah. I took a break once and a good friend reminded me of why I knocked on Susan's door in the first place. So I came back. Everyone here needs you. But I understand you need yourself more. We'll be here.

We Love You Too Lauren!... Your family is always here for you! 🌞

Hugs and Love!

A 💕

Lauren, please do what you need to do for yourself. I don't think anyone here feels like you've harmed them.

Also please know that we are here for you as much as you've been here for us. It's a two-way street and it's OK to receive sometimes.

Sending you love,
Pema

Quote from: Sephirah on June 20, 2025, 07:22:28 PMI am going to take a break from the site for a while.

I am sorry to a lot of people. You deserve better.

I am sorry. I need some time to sort myself out. I am going through some stuff and I have to deal with it. Not here.

I am sorry for people who feel hurt.

I will see you in a few weeks, or months. Maybe. I am sorry. I love you.

Lauren, you will be missed your presence, your voice, your spark.

Take whatever time you need. If you ever want to talk or just need someone to hold space, feel free to reach out in DMs.

Wishing you clarity on this leg of your journey.


~ Lilis 🫂

I can't do it. Being away from something that makes you happy, in order to be alive, is the worst kind of choice. Not that it would probably make much of a difference. But... I might be quiet for a while, but I can't stay away.

I can't say too much. Just... I'm dealing with a lot, and sometimes it puts me in a bad place. I try not to bring it here, but sometimes I can't help it. I have hope. But giving other people hope makes me feel better. And I can't cut myself off from that.

If I act weird sometimes, I am sorry.

Quote from: Sephirah on July 12, 2025, 04:50:59 PMIf I act weird sometimes, I am sorry.

You are just one of us weirdos.  :-*
One of us!
One of us!
One of us!
 ;D

You're sweet, Lori. Thank you. <3

I think y'all are far better, though. :)

Quote from: Sephirah on July 12, 2025, 05:13:26 PMYou're sweet, Lori. Thank you. <3

I think y'all are far better, though. :)

Well, I know how it feels to be away from a place that makes you happy. I have been offline for ten days. It was awful.

Fortunately, I am back and get to see your smiling face and lovely pink hair.  :-*

@Sephirah

We all have our own unique personalities and our own ways of expressing our thoughts....
.... not better and not worse than others.

HUGS, and more HUGS,
Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
 

Thank you, both of you.

Sometimes the way I express myself isn't how I want to express myself, that's kind of the issue, lol. Sometimes I let stuff get topside of me and bring it to a place where it shouldn't be. But I get your point.

Maybe I should not try to be the judge of it all. It is a bit hypocritical when I don't, as a rule, judge others. :) I am glad this place has approachable, understanding, kindhearted staff. It's kind of a rarity. :) But more than that, just decent people.

Anyway... I have been looking into going back to work. Which will be a challenge in itself but it's better than just being alone with my thoughts. I can do most of it from home so there's no major logistical nightmare. It's only admin for a charity (British Heart Foundation to be specific... my mum died from a heart attack so if I can do anything to help people be more aware of heart health and support for others going through it, you know).

It's only a voluntary position, nothing like super mega special. But every little helps. It will take my mind off stuff I'm dealing with and hopefully help other people with their stuff. I'll know more in a couple of weeks. I can push pens with the best of 'em, lol. So hopefully this will be a good thing.

Quote from: Sephirah on July 12, 2025, 05:55:26 PMI have been looking into going back to work.

I think that is a wonderful idea. Here in the U.S., there are many charities and volunteer organizations that are staffed by retirees. They enjoy helping people and want to keep busy. I think you would be good in such a role.

Quote from: Lori Dee on July 12, 2025, 05:59:09 PMI think that is a wonderful idea. Here in the U.S., there are many charities and volunteer organizations that are staffed by retirees. They enjoy helping people and want to keep busy. I think you would be good in such a role.

I did it before um... my incident. After I came out the Navy I went into my local council helping people coming here from other countries to find housing and giving them what help I could. But I kind of got fired from that because the red tape really annoyed me. I went behind my boss' back and did stuff I wasn't really supposed to do because I couldn't stand the idea of people being on the street because of idiots in suits and whatever saying "Oh we can't do it!" when we very much could. So... then I went into that role because I dunno, I guess I just don't feel right unless I'm helping other people. A character trait I guess.

I just... want to help people to not be scared or alone, or like to be there when they don't think there's anywhere to turn, you know? I guess I'm just that kind of person. It's not really about the money, just to be able to sleep at night.

Quote from: Lori Dee on July 12, 2025, 04:59:19 PMYou are just one of us weirdos.  :-*
One of us!
One of us!
One of us!
 ;D

Ah!... A nod to Tod Browning's 1932 masterpiece! ...Well done sister!!! 😀👍

Quote from: Sephirah on July 12, 2025, 04:50:59 PMI can't do it. Being away from something that makes you happy, in order to be alive, is the worst kind of choice. Not that it would probably make much of a difference. But... I might be quiet for a while, but I can't stay away.

I can't say too much. Just... I'm dealing with a lot, and sometimes it puts me in a bad place. I try not to bring it here, but sometimes I can't help it. I have hope. But giving other people hope makes me feel better. And I can't cut myself off from that.

If I act weird sometimes, I am sorry.

Welcome Home Prodigal Sister!!! We Love You!!! This place is a made far better with the present of your presence!

Big Hug!

A 💕🌻

Thank you, Ash. I kind of feel like you are here, too. And like that's part of why it's okay. There are so many wonderful people here that no one will feel alone. Y'all give me too much credit sometimes. Just look at who you are and what you do. Don't need to be a light when the whole of Susan's is radiant. <3

But hey, if you want that slightly neurotic edge... <3

Its a family, I may not say much but I read all the posts. Pull up that cosy chair and say your 2 pence worth my dear you know we all have your back as you have ours.XXXX

Thank you, Davina. And Lilis, too.

So yeah... I have been back at work for the last 4 days because they are crying out for volunteers and I'm only too happy. It's exhausting but it's better than wallowing in stuff. I've also decided to go ahead and study to be a therapist. I have a place in a course in September. I am sick of taking life on the back foot. I tried before but wasn't up to it medically. But I think that was just an excuse. I am tired of being reactive to things, and hoping things get better. I need to start thinking of a future, however likely or unlikely that might be. When you only look at the dirt, that's all you get.

If I drop dead tomorrow, at least I tried. So... who knows. Maybe it will all work out. Either way it's taking my mind off things, and I think that's helping.

Thank you for your support. It means more than you know. Maybe one day I can drop the "armchair" part of "armchair therapist" and actually do some good for people. And have something to put on my wall. Fingers crossed. :)

Quote from: Sephirah on July 12, 2025, 04:50:59 PMI can't do it. Being away from something that makes you happy, in order to be alive, is the worst kind of choice. Not that it would probably make much of a difference. But... I might be quiet for a while, but I can't stay away.

Yay! Welcome back, love.

You were missed, Lauren. 🫂

XOXO


~ Lilis 🌷

I've missed you, too, Lilis. Kind of everyone here, honestly. You are the closest thing to a family I have had. Brothers and sisters I would have chose for myself if you could choose your actual family, lol. I think you can. What matters is what's in someone's heart, not what blood is in their veins.

I kind of always saw you as my little sister that I have to protect, as dumb as that sounds. But now you're finding your voice and learning to fly. It makes me so happy. :)

Quote from: Sephirah on July 18, 2025, 08:33:49 PMI kind of always saw you as my little sister that I have to protect, as dumb as that sounds. But now you're finding your voice and learning to fly. It makes me so happy. :)

Awe... Lauren, thank you!

Sisters 4Ever! 🫶❣️💕


~ Lilis 🫂

Quote from: Sephirah on July 18, 2025, 08:33:49 PMYou are the closest thing to a family I have had.

"The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof."

― Richard Bach, Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah

Quote from: Sephirah on July 18, 2025, 04:15:52 PMIf I drop dead tomorrow, at least I tried. So... who knows. Maybe it will all work out. Either way it's taking my mind off things, and I think that's helping.

Thank you for your support. It means more than you know. Maybe one day I can drop the "armchair" part of "armchair therapist" and actually do some good for people. And have something to put on my wall. Fingers crossed. :)

That's the way, Lauren! I think pushing toward something you want is always better than not doing it because it might not work out - but I'm almost always a journey-over-destination person. Even if you didn't end up where you hoped you would when you started, you would at least learn a lot along the way. And you just might wind up better off than you dared imagine.

If you play the game from your heart, you win no matter what happens. I'm happy to see you making that commitment to yourself.

Welcome back.

Yeah that's entirely true, Lori. Moreso for this place than most others, honestly. It's quite... I don't know. I guess there's a reason I've been here for not far off two decades. For all the ills of online spaces and the toxicity you sometimes get... Susan's has always been a beacon for people who... well... people who embody the good in the world. The understanding and kindness and gentleness that is sometimes lost. This place is a beacon for the vulnerable and the lost people in the world. There's hurt but there's also healing. There's hope and there's heart. In a world of cruelty, sometimes you need an oasis of kindness. If only to show that it isn't all dark and empty.

I thank all of you for that. You all give people a reason to go on. Even if you don't realise it.

Quote from: Pema on July 18, 2025, 09:15:05 PMThat's the way, Lauren! I think pushing toward something you want is always better than not doing it because it might not work out - but I'm almost always a journey-over-destination person. Even if you didn't end up where you hoped you would when you started, you would at least learn a lot along the way. And you just might wind up better off than you dared imagine.

If you play the game from your heart, you win no matter what happens. I'm happy to see you making that commitment to yourself.

Welcome back.

Thank you, Pema. You are right. I don't know where this will end up because there are a lot of conditionals. But sometimes you have to just say screw it and stop trying to convince yourself why you can't do something. I would be the world's biggest hypocrite to try to tell people to live to their fullest, if I didn't do the same. Physician, heal thyself!

<3

Quote from: Sephirah on July 18, 2025, 09:24:38 PMsometimes you have to just say screw it and stop trying to convince yourself why you can't do something.

When in school for hypnotherapy certification, we learned about negative self-talk and what a profound influence it has on our lives. I decided right then that I would no longer admit that I can't do something.

I began reframing my thoughts from "I can't do that" to "How can I do that?". That tells the mind that it is possible, and all I need to do is figure out how to make it happen.

Now, that is how I approach every problem... well, that and a lot of bacon.  ;D

Quote from: Lori Dee on July 18, 2025, 09:30:29 PMWhen in school for hypnotherapy certification, we learned about negative self-talk and what a profound influence it has on our lives. I decided right then that I would no longer admit that I can't do something.

I began reframing my thoughts from "I can't do that" to "How can I do that?". That tells the mind that it is possible, and all I need to do is figure out how to make it happen.

Now, that is how I approach every problem... well, that and a lot of bacon.  ;D

Bacon is the spice of life. I've recently discovered how to do bacon and egg on toast in my air fryer (one of the greatest inventions ever). I am ever so slightly addicted. Although it's likely among the most unhealthy of things you ever ate, it's also among the most addictive, lol.

I have lost a whole bunch of weight lately because of stuff I am trying to deal with. So I don't feel too bad about being a bit of a glutton. When I feel like eating.

Quote from: Sephirah on July 18, 2025, 09:43:08 PMSo I don't feel too bad about being a bit of a glutton. When I feel like eating.

All things in moderation.

I recently saw a story about a woman who was 105 years old, still gardens, and stays mentally active doing word puzzles. When asked her secret to long life, she said she has no clue! She smokes a few cigarettes a day and has a glass of bourbon each night before bed. She smiled and said, "That must be it. It must be the bourbon."  ;D

Quote from: Lori Dee on July 18, 2025, 09:53:44 PMAll things in moderation.

I recently saw a story about a woman who was 105 years old, still gardens, and stays mentally active doing word puzzles. When asked her secret to long life, she said she has no clue! She smokes a few cigarettes a day and has a glass of bourbon each night before bed. She smiled and said, "That must be it. It must be the bourbon."  ;D

Hah, that's awesome. Maybe I need to take up smoking and drinking. ;D

I am feeling quite insecure about my carnivore beliefs at the moment. I haven't eaten meat in a few weeks. Mostly just salads, if anything at all. The heat we're dealing with on and off is punishing. And other stuff. I just haven't had much appetite. I've lost 5 stone from everything, that's... uh... 70 lbs, or 32 Kg. I feel weak most days, but I don't have the appetite to eat much. I fear that is detrimental. But most days I just look at food and feel sick. I dunno.

Oh, but recently, apparently we had tornadoes in the UK. Typically nowhere near me, in spite of my dreams!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEwgrPhsL04

All there was where I live was some rain. Nothing epic.

There is a TV show here that you would love. In the Eye of the Storm on the Discovery Channel (I think). Every time I see an ad for it, I think of you!

 :)

Quote from: Lori Dee on July 25, 2025, 05:35:10 PMThere is a TV show here that you would love. In the Eye of the Storm on the Discovery Channel (I think). Every time I see an ad for it, I think of you!

 :)

Trust me, Lori, I eat that stuff up. This is going to sound really weird... but my go-to when I go to sleep is a youtube video that's 8 hours long, and it's a TV broadcast of the 2011 Alabama tornado outbreak. Specifically this one...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElZZNvNdhks

I am a giant sucker for wild weather. I think because I am a Brit and we never get any, lol. But that's probably top of my bucket list... to chase a tornado. They are horrifyingly beautiful. I can see why people get enraptured by chasing these things.

Oh, and in other news... my Xbox Series X died a couple of days ago. So I had to get a new one. They are not cheap. I know that gaming is kind of a niche thing here, weirdly, and that won't mean much to most. But it was kind of a lifeline for me. I blame the heat. Hot weather and technology doesn't mix. I am almost scared to use the new one. Another reason to hate summer! ;D

Quote from: Sephirah on July 25, 2025, 05:40:27 PMTrust me, Lori, I eat that stuff up. This is going to sound really weird... but my go-to when I go to sleep is a youtube video that's 8 hours long, and it's a TV broadcast of the 2011 Alabama tornado outbreak. Specifically this one...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElZZNvNdhks

I am a giant sucker for wild weather. I think because I am a Brit and we never get any, lol. But that's probably top of my bucket list... to chase a tornado. They are horrifyingly beautiful. I can see why people get enraptured by chasing these things.

Hey Girl...

Enjoy the video then go eat something!...


I lived in the Ames, Iowa for a few years and we had one hit near our end of town and mess up a few houses... I went outside to see if i could see it and the sky was all green... very surreal!... Used to see ones starting in Denver area too when i was working... they would start spinning and coming down out of the clouds then go back up... never saw the funnel touch down but, sometimes they came close to it... Nature is cool! 🌪�🌪�🌪�

Hugs!

A 💕

Ash, you are truly a special person. Thank you for that. That video was massively haunting. And it is easy to just disregard the utter carnage these things cause just because you have a schoolgirl fascination with them. I have seen that green sky you speak of. It's otherworldly. I can't imagine what that must have been like for you. I feel scared but envious at the same time. It's all magical until everything you built in your life gets wiped off the earth.

It's only enchanting while you're safe. For people who lose everything, it's a tragedy. That is the Janus nature of this kind of thing.

Nature makes us all feel very small, all the time. And that is no bad thing. Thank you.

Tornadoes just have an other-worldly feel to them. I grew up in Kansas. For my entire life, we had regular tornado drills in school, similar to the fire drills, except we all filed into the basement instead of outside. And we opened the windows instead of closing them.

I've seen the green sky and I've also seen a line straight overhead where the left side was dark green and the other was clear blue. It was incredibly eerie, as still and quiet as could be, no birds, nothing - and then the sirens went off.

In 2001, my grandmother's home of 50 years was a casualty of a large tornado in central Kansas. She had died the year before. The house wasn't leveled but was damaged beyond repair. In a bedroom, one of the windows, casing and all, was lying on the bed. In the living room, most of the chimney was gone, mud was splattered on the walls, but a glass-doored curio cabinet filled with porcelain figurines was unharmed.

I've seen things myself and heard many stories about massive devastation with pockets of undisturbed fragility. It feels completely nonsensical.

Quote from: Pema on July 26, 2025, 12:42:03 PMIt was incredibly eerie, as still and quiet as could be, no birds, nothing - and then the sirens went off.

This is what I remember of the green sky. I lived in northern Illinois for over 25 years. Sometimes the sky wasn't green if it was near sunrise or sunset. It's like you can sense the danger. It is such a creepy feeling.

Growing up in California, we became accustomed to earthquakes. We would run outside to watch the driveway or sidewalks crack. We never thought about the danger. But when I went to Illinois, I never got used to those sirens and the creepy sky. You could stand outside and look up at the clouds swirling in a circle overhead.

Amazing. I love hearing first hand experiences of all this. Thank you so much. Some of the cloud formations you folks get over there are beyond belief. I learned of something called a "mothership" cloud formation, because that's kind of what it looks like. Something out of Independence Day.

(https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox10phoenix.com/www.fox10phoenix.com/content/uploads/2020/06/1280/720/2A7AA3DE1E444C7E962C7B3F79DDEC7F.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)

That genuinely blows my mind.

I am sorry to hear about your grandmother's house, Pema. You are right and sometimes it seems like Chaos Theory at work. Two homes next to each other, one is totalled, the other is untouched.

Earthquakes freak me out, Lori. As much as I would try to chase a tornado... the merest hint of an earthquake and I'd be like NOPE! Dealing with the forces inside the planet seems like on a much larger scale. It all makes you feel very insignificant.

Thank you, Lauren. Honestly, after my grandmother passed, the house wasn't especially important anyway.

Naturally, in my young adulthood, I moved from the Midwest to the West Coast and traded tornadoes for earthquakes. I experienced my first one (mild) within months of arriving. A couple of others have been more substantial. I can't say I prefer one over the other.

Soooo... I haven't posted here in a while.

My dreams are kind of non-existent at the moment because I am not sleeping well. It's not so much volume as longevity. I can't sleep for more than like an hour before waking up wanting to eject myself from myself. I get like 15 hours of sleep in 1-2 hour segments, lol. It's not fun. I am barely eating... as in an average of 2-300 calories a day. Because I feel nauseous most of the time. I was having like one meal every 2-3 days. I never feel hungry.

But that is not good for me, so I forced myself to see a nutritionist and have kind of forced myself to eat, even when I want to remove it from my person after 10 minutes. It's helping. I have more energy now. Slightly.

My dreams are whatever I fall asleep to YouTube to at the time. So they're not objective.

Eh, it is what it is. I won't let this stuff beat me. You can't control what happens to you, only how you deal with it. I don't crave anything anymore, which is probably a good thing. :P

Quote from: Sephirah on August 16, 2025, 05:03:22 PMI won't let this stuff beat me.

That's my girl!

Have you tried supplementing with protein shakes? Not as a meal replacement, but to ensure you are getting the necessary nutrients. It may not sound good right now, but you need a steak! Throw it in the blender and gulp it down.  ;D

I do wish you felt better, but I also understand what you are going through. I am glad that you are a tough Navy lass, because that inner strength is what you need right now. My thoughts are with you, dear.  :)

Quote from: Lori Dee on August 16, 2025, 05:29:50 PMThat's my girl!

Have you tried supplementing with protein shakes? Not as a meal replacement, but to ensure you are getting the necessary nutrients. It may not sound good right now, but you need a steak! Throw it in the blender and gulp it down.  ;D

I do wish you felt better, but I also understand what you are going through. I am glad that you are a tough Navy lass, because that inner strength is what you need right now. My thoughts are with you, dear.  :)

Yeah I have, Lori. But they always have to make them taste like something. "Strawberry flavour" tastes nothing like strawberries. It is way too sweet and icky. You can't get "Tastes like a protein shake" because normal people need it to taste like a milkshake. I got an omelette maker recently though. And a bunch of eggs. I am going to see if that helps.

I will be okay, honey. Don't worry okay? It is what it is. You just deal with what's in front of you. I am taking a multivitamin because I know I am not getting enough stuff that people need. It is a weird feeling being so tired but not able to sleep properly. Ah well. It's all good. A lot of people have it a lot worse. :)

*big hugs*

Sending hugs, Lauren. You've gotten me through a few hard days. Time for me to return the favor.

Quote from: Sephirah on August 16, 2025, 05:39:46 PMI got an omelette maker recently though.

That's a great idea. Multivitamins just give you the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance). It isn't enough for people who are stressed, more active, ill, or whatever. Consider taking them twice a day, morning and evening, and wash them down with an omelette.

They really need to make a protein shake that tastes like liquified steak. I know what you mean about the sugary sweetness. Remember, as kids, they would give us medicine with sugar. Not a good idea, but if Mary Poppins said it was ok...

Hugs!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftxnr28LDXc

Quote from: Alana Ashleigh on August 16, 2025, 05:46:31 PMSending hugs, Lauren. You've gotten me through a few hard days. Time for me to return the favor.

Honey, you don't owe me anything. That you're still here and thriving is all the thanks I ever need. But I will take the hug ;D Thank you. <3

Quote from: Lori Dee on August 16, 2025, 05:56:10 PMThat's a great idea. Multivitamins just give you the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance). It isn't enough for people who are stressed, more active, ill, or whatever. Consider taking them twice a day, morning and evening, and wash them down with an omelette.

They really need to make a protein shake that tastes like liquified steak. I know what you mean about the sugary sweetness. Remember, as kids, they would give us medicine with sugar. Not a good idea, but if Mary Poppins said it was ok...

Hugs!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftxnr28LDXc

Yeah that always made me feel really queasy, lol. Although I did always love that movie! Was on at Christmas like every year in the UK, lol. Good old Dick van Dyke. ;D

I found some bread that has protein in it. Thinking of giving that a try. I dunno. I know I need to keep my strength up and food is a huge part of that. But... ugh... I struggle to keep most stuff down these days. I think my tummy is on vacation. Just need to deal then I'll be back to the rare steaks and bacon! ;D

Hey Sister!

Since you are accepting hugs, I'm in line to give ya one right behind Alana!... Listen to Dr Lori and Mary Poppins and we will have you back to eating raw cattle and piggys in short order! 🐂🤗🐖

Sending Hugs, Love and All the Best Wishes!

A💕

Try a bacon sandwich, I mean who refuses a bacon sarny (unless its religious)

Quote from: Alana Ashleigh on August 16, 2025, 05:46:31 PMSending hugs, Lauren.

Quote from: tgirlamg on August 16, 2025, 07:22:18 PMHey Sister!

Since you are accepting hugs, I'm in line to give ya one right behind Alana!

Just stopping bye behind Alana and Ashley, and sending more hugs and kisses!

XOXO 🫂💋


~ Lilis 🌷

Ow, wow, I am soooo late to this party.  Sorry Sephirah and massively late hug.  I am going to circle back your first entry and read forward.  I don't want to miss anything!!!

Better late than never, Emma. And thank you for your message. Girl, you have a gift. <3

Thank you, everyone. I am doing better. I changed my diet and got some resistance bands to do some workouts to build up my stamina and endurance. I am okay. Got a real thing for beetroot right now, lol. I will be okay. I am stronger than I have been in a while. Mainly because I refuse to see negatives and am working on the positives. I have a lot more energy and I am negotiating with my local pool to see if I can do some form of swimming again. Will be tricky but I'll make it work. Always loved that. @Sarah B I will be matching your laps soon!

I have school soon, of a sort. To hopefully be a councillor. Hopefully I'll be okay. Haven't done any kind of education since naval college. A lot of years ago. I am not nearly as smart as most of you folks here. :D Is a li'l bit scary, but you folks inspire me probably more than you know. I can do this! As someone once said.. the only hole you can't dig yourself out of is the grave!

I've been having weird dreams, though. I've been falling asleep to exercise videos on youtube. And I swear my dreams reflect that. I sometimes wake up in a sweat feeling like I've ran a marathon. I wonder if you can do dream workouts lol.

I need to eat more, I know. But I literally don't want to eat at all right now. I have to force myself to do it. But it will all be good. I am hoping I can get back in the pool in some form. I am totally a water baby. ;D

Lauren!

That is so wonderful. I can tell just by reading your words that you have more energy now. That makes me very happy, girl! Don't increase your intake too quickly. Your stomach may have shrunken a bit and needs time to stretch out so you can fit the whole raw cow in there.  ;D

Swimming is a great exercise if you don't overdo it. Just the idea that you are thinking about increasing your physical and mental activity is a wonderful sign.

Are you looking to do online classes? Are you looking for a foot in the door to mental health services. As a graduate of the ICCHP (International College of Clinical Hypnosis Practitioners) in London, I can highly recommend their training. They have a free online training course, but their in-person classes are much more in-depth. https://icchp.com/

Quote from: Lori Dee on August 23, 2025, 05:35:49 PMLauren!

That is so wonderful. I can tell just by reading your words that you have more energy now. That makes me very happy, girl! Don't increase your intake too quickly. Your stomach may have shrunken a bit and needs time to stretch out so you can fit the whole raw cow in there.  ;D

Swimming is a great exercise if you don't overdo it. Just the idea that you are thinking about increasing your physical and mental activity is a wonderful sign.

Are you looking to do online classes? Are you looking for a foot in the door to mental health services. As a graduate of the ICCHP (International College of Clinical Hypnosis Practitioners) in London, I can highly recommend their training. They have a free online training course, but their in-person classes are much more in-depth. https://icchp.com/

I did look at that first, Lori, but no. I have to actually go out and meet people. By choice. A very scary choice. But how can I talk to people if I don't want to meet people? That would be counter productive. So I am kind of packing my comfort zone into a bag and throwing it into a corner haha. It's a campus not too far from me. I figure it will be good for me to get out and practice what I preach. :)

Thank you, honey. You are always my biggest cheerleader and I can't tell you how much it means to me. <3

Don't worry, okay? I am not back on the mega bacon sandwiches just yet. That's living the dream, lol. ;D

Quote from: Sephirah on August 23, 2025, 05:54:36 PMI have to actually go out and meet people. By choice. A very scary choice. But how can I talk to people if I don't want to meet people? That would be counter productive.

Keep in mind that the reason I went back to school was not to open a practice. I only wanted the training to help myself with pain management. But what I learned was so amazing, I wanted to use it to help others, so I opened a practice. But that was never the goal at the start.

 :angel:  :)

And you are kind of inspirational, Lori. As so many people are here. This place just attracts awesome people. For as long as I've been here, I am always humbled by just what people are capable of, and willing to pass on to others.

You all give me more strength that you think. Even if I am not here so much, I can feel it.

So I thank you for being who you are.

Just keep coming back, Oh Great Wise One. Your contributions have taught many of us well. We will never forget that.  :)

Don't worry about that, hon. This place is kind of a long standing addiction for me. 17 years and still going. :P

And thank you. I think a lot of wisdom, I've learned from the people I've met here. A lot of giants' shoulders, as it were. Is kind of amazing to think of the people who've been through this site. People who have left their mark, and still are doing so.

I have been here for 37% of my life... that's crazy to think about, lol. ;D

Quote from: Sephirah on August 23, 2025, 06:34:25 PMI have been here for 37% of my life... that's crazy to think about, lol. ;D

I am such a noob.  ;D  :laugh:

Quote from: Lori Dee on August 23, 2025, 08:12:29 PMI am such a noob.  ;D  :laugh:

To be fair, Lori, you have taught me more than probably anyone else since I've known you. You are my favourite rockhound and I consider you a very good friend. You are one of the wisest people I've ever met. Not to mention one of the kindest, most compassionate, most empathic. You can make an old dog learn new tricks. :) Your energy and boundless support is invaluable and honey... it's quality, not quantity, which counts. <3

Thanks. And back at ya. You are my favorite vampire.  ;D  :-*

Quote from: Lori Dee on August 23, 2025, 08:49:23 PMYou are my favorite vampire.  ;D  :-*

Mine too.  ;D 🧛🦇


~ Lilis 🌷

To miss quote I am not worthy , now where is that bowing emoji ???

Quote from: Sephirah on August 23, 2025, 04:59:29 PMBetter late than never, Emma. And thank you for your message. Girl, you have a gift. <3

Thank you, everyone. I am doing better. I changed my diet and got some resistance bands to do some workouts to build up my stamina and endurance. I am okay. Got a real thing for beetroot right now, lol. I will be okay. I am stronger than I have been in a while. Mainly because I refuse to see negatives and am working on the positives. I have a lot more energy and I am negotiating with my local pool to see if I can do some form of swimming again. Will be tricky but I'll make it work. Always loved that. @Sarah B I will be matching your laps soon!

I have school soon, of a sort. To hopefully be a councillor. Hopefully I'll be okay. Haven't done any kind of education since naval college. A lot of years ago. I am not nearly as smart as most of you folks here. :D Is a li'l bit scary, but you folks inspire me probably more than you know. I can do this! As someone once said.. the only hole you can't dig yourself out of is the grave!

I've been having weird dreams, though. I've been falling asleep to exercise videos on youtube. And I swear my dreams reflect that. I sometimes wake up in a sweat feeling like I've ran a marathon. I wonder if you can do dream workouts lol.

I need to eat more, I know. But I literally don't want to eat at all right now. I have to force myself to do it. But it will all be good. I am hoping I can get back in the pool in some form. I am totally a water baby. ;D

Hey Sephirah!

It's so good to hear the power of hope dancing amongst your words... I can think of no better person on the planet to train in being a councilor than you girl! 💕🤗💕

Onward!

A💕

Hi Sephirah

As you know if I hear someone mention "swimming", I have to poke my head out of the water and chuck in my two cents worth on swimming.

As Lori said "swimming is a great exercise", please ignore her on this.  Why? Swimming is a fantastic exercise.  One of the great cardio exercises you can do with absolute minimum stress on the body.  Given your mobility and the ability to do lap swimming so that you can catch up with me.  Is to use a pull buoy (pull boy) not (pull booee,) which you can place between your thighs.

In addition when you get into the rhythm of swimming you will notice that you will want to do more and more swimming.  Why? doing lots of swimming will release natural endorphins into your system and a nice high! Match me on laps? you are definitely on.

For fun you can hold onto my ankles and I will pull you along for the ride and yes you will match my laps certainly.  I have always known that I have an affinity with the water since I was about eight, so yeah I can relate to the saying "I'm a water baby!"

The dichotomy of becoming a counsellor and a reserved person that you are.  Is certainly an admirable trait to get, along with constantly learning throughout life.  You will surpass the wonderful person that you currently are.  What you can contribute to others with your current knowledge of transgender issues will be unsurpassed and in addition to your wisdom and knowledge of life that you have travelled.

I will be waiting at the pool side to cheer you along.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Sephirah @Lori Dee
PS You beat me on the 17 years by 2 years, so yeah you win this one.

Lauren you could teach the class. You are a natural and everyone is lucking to have you in their corner....as am I. ❤️😊

Quote from: Emma1017 on August 26, 2025, 05:17:18 AMLauren you could teach the class. You are a natural and everyone is lucking to have you in their corner....as am I. ❤️😊

Thank you, sweetie, but I always have more to learn. I will be okay. And if I can help one person to not feel bad, I will consider that a success. :)

Quote from: Sarah B on August 24, 2025, 06:30:24 PMHi Sephirah

As you know if I hear someone mention "swimming", I have to poke my head out of the water and chuck in my two cents worth on swimming.

As Lori said "swimming is a great exercise", please ignore her on this.  Why? Swimming is a fantastic exercise.  One of the great cardio exercises you can do with absolute minimum stress on the body.  Given your mobility and the ability to do lap swimming so that you can catch up with me.  Is to use a pull buoy (pull boy) not (pull booee,) which you can place between your thighs.

In addition when you get into the rhythm of swimming you will notice that you will want to do more and more swimming.  Why? doing lots of swimming will release natural endorphins into your system and a nice high! Match me on laps? you are definitely on.

For fun you can hold onto my ankles and I will pull you along for the ride and yes you will match my laps certainly.  I have always known that I have an affinity with the water since I was about eight, so yeah I can relate to the saying "I'm a water baby!"

The dichotomy of becoming a counsellor and a reserved person that you are.  Is certainly an admirable trait to get, along with constantly learning throughout life.  You will surpass the wonderful person that you currently are.  What you can contribute to others with your current knowledge of transgender issues will be unsurpassed and in addition to your wisdom and knowledge of life that you have travelled.

I will be waiting at the pool side to cheer you along.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Sephirah @Lori Dee
PS You beat me on the 17 years by 2 years, so yeah you win this one.

Sarah, you are someone very special. <3 I have to have a kind of weird setup because I can't use my legs, but... I am making it work. I am loving being back in the water. Even if I can only do the butterfly with my arms, lol. Big shout out to my local pool for accommodating disabled people. It's really cool! Girl, if I ever get to that point, nothing would make me happier than to go swimming with you. I know you antipodean folks are like... genetically pre-disposed to that kind of thing, haha. But it would just make me happy. Not least because I think you're kind of awesome. :)

Thank you. All of you. I can only do what I can do. And be okay with that. But I am getting better at being okay with that.

If one broken person can fix another, I call that a win. :)

Hi Sephirah

Well, if we were talking in the same room, then this is how the conversation would go:

Quote from: Sephirah on August 29, 2025, 04:33:50 PMSarah, you are someone very special. <3  Ah shucks.  I have to have a kind of weird setup because I can't use my legs, but... I am making it work.  One step at at time. I am loving being back in the water.  Endorphins at work. Even if I can only do the butterfly with my arms, lol  Well then we can do synchronization swimming then.  I love Butterfly. Big shout out to my local pool for accommodating disabled people. It's really cool! Girl, if I ever get to that point, nothing would make me happier than to go swimming with you.  Lets swim together with dolphins, I hear they are good therapy. I know you antipodean folks are like... genetically pre-disposed to that kind of thing, haha.  You keep forgetting I hail from the land of Tea Drinkers.  But it would just make me happy. Not least because I think you're kind of awesome.  Now I'm exceedingly red faced and embarrassed

Now which one of the following should I use to end this message?

• And now I am off to perfect my synchronised dog paddle routine.
• Us Tea Drinkers must unite, just keep the biscuits dry this time please.
• We practice Butterfly arms today, mermaid tail tomorrow.
• When you can drink the water through your nose while swimming, you will have reached Nirvana.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Sephirah

Sure you hail from Tea Island (it's like Love Island with a much bigger rod up it's... you know. :P) but you are very much my favourite Aussie Sheila! I think you're better off where you are. ;D

I actually did swim with dolphins, a couple of times. Back when I was in the Navy. They are amazing. Extremely intelligent and nurturing. There's no wonder God should have stopped with them, right, @Emma1017?

Trust me, it's on my bucket list. To go meet my friends and give all of them a big hug. <3

I love all those endings, haha. But to end this, I'm just going to say simply:

Thank you for being my friend. And I love you.

Hi Sephirah

Here be Two Dragons and yes they are mine!

(https://i.imgur.com/3WRlE93.png)
Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Sephirah

Beautiful, like my favourite Antipodean. <3

I had a very, very weird dream the other day. There was a big thunderstorm and that was very soporific. I had an impromptu nap and... it's funny how things bleed into your dreams. I dreamed I could hear water dripping, which was probably because I could hear the rain outside because I keep my windows open, even slightly, most of the year. And I dreamed the ceiling in my room was somehow collapsing. Then the floor. I was a kid again, for whatever weird reason. And... sharing a room with Randy Quaid. Lol, just don't ask. I have no idea.

The floor of the room sank down halfway into the floor below. And my mum was there, and was panicking, talking about how we'd have to move. There were more people than I knew, and more rooms in the house. But we all somehow moved into this mansion type deal, and I got lost trying to find all the rooms. All I remember is that there were a lot of stairs and hallways. And bathrooms, weirdly. But Randy was still there, with a beer. Like the National Lampoons movies. My room had all these computers in it, but there were snotty little kids playing on all of them, and I wasn't sure where I was.

It was very surreal. And I can't tell you why I dreamed of Randy Quaid, lol. I woke up slightly confused, with the rain still pouring down outside. My brain is messed up, lol. ;D

I had a dream about flooding about a week ago.

I was at a cafe in Italy, or maybe France. The cafe was near a river and just outside the walls of an old castle. It got really cold out very quickly, and everyone was moving inside the castle walls into a restaurant. The restaurant had a nice view of the river through some large windows.

We watched as the river began to freeze. There were chunks of ice floating down, then more and more until they formed an ice jam. The river started to flow over the jam, but it froze solid as it did. Soon, it was flowing out of its banks, and it would freeze solid. Then the water would flow over that and freeze.

Soon the floor was covered it water, but it was warm inside, so it didn't freeze. But it kept rising higher and higher. I kept telling people we need to get upstairs. I remember helping people up the stairs, and I saw an older woman whom I couldn't get to. I didn't recognize her, but somehow knew she was my mother. A crowd of people was pushing up the stairs as I was trying to fight my way downstairs, then I saw the water where she was sitting turn to ice and rise over her head.

I raced upstairs, and I was looking at the stone wall of the castle. I was thinking that surely it would be strong enough to protect us. Then water started seeping through the cracks and running down the wall. I kept telling people we need to get to higher ground.

A man showed me a back door to the restaurant that opened out to a hill on which the castle was built. A few guys ran past me out the door, headed to the top of the hill. They got about a third of the way and froze in their tracks. I was no longer worried about the people behind me; I was thinking about getting to a small garden shed at the top of the hill. I thought that I could run faster than they could; maybe I can make it.

I took off running as fast as I could. The air was so cold I could feel my lungs freezing as I inhaled. I tried holding my breath, but the cold was too intense.

I woke up, never knowing if I made it or not. Ugh!

That is mildly weird, Lori. From what you describe, I tend to think you were in France. Having been to both... France has more castles just because of the centuries old animosity with the English. And William the B*****d (conqueror) had a bit of a thing for castles. The Italians were never that bothered. At least not in relatively recent history.


I am going to go out on a limb and say that you made it!

Quote from: Sephirah on September 06, 2025, 04:48:59 PMThat is mildly weird, Lori. From what you describe, I tend to think you were in France. Having been to both... France has more castles just because of the centuries old animosity with the English.

I was thinking that too, but memories get jumbled in the dream world. The cafe was definitely Italian-esque, but being on the riverwalk would suggest France. (I honeymooned in Paris for my first marriage). But the castle reminded me of the castle in Salzburg, Austria, a place I have been to many, many times.

I am guessing I made it because I woke up!  ;D
 

I started this as a dream journal but... lately I've been having horrible insomnia. Can't sleep for more than a couple of hours at a time. I have very weird dreams. Like being in King Arthur's court while choking to death on chewing gum. Extremely surreal, lol.

But.. in a more general life update.. things are going well. Still dealing with medical stuff but school is going well. I refuse to let that hold me back. It's nice to have a routine. And I've made a few friends. I am very tired most of the time but it's not the same kind of tired you get from just giving up on everything. I feel like my energy is well spent, rather than just wasted. I am busy now. With actual stuff. Takes my mind off other stuff.

Also.. people are fascinating. ;D

Quote from: Sephirah on September 27, 2025, 04:49:37 PMI started this as a dream journal but... lately I've been having horrible insomnia. Can't sleep for more than a couple of hours at a time. I have very weird dreams. Like being in King Arthur's court while choking to death on chewing gum. Extremely surreal, lol.

But.. in a more general life update.. things are going well. Still dealing with medical stuff but school is going well. I refuse to let that hold me back. It's nice to have a routine. And I've made a few friends. I am very tired most of the time but it's not the same kind of tired you get from just giving up on everything. I feel like my energy is well spent, rather than just wasted. I am busy now. With actual stuff. Takes my mind off other stuff.

Also.. people are fascinating. ;D

Sephirah!

Fascinating Indeed! 😅👍

What a wonderful life update sister!... Keep doin' whatcha doin' girl but seriously... You shouldn't be chewing gum around royalty anyway!   Bad ettiquette...

Onward Ya Go Schoolgirl...

A💕

Quote from: tgirlamg on September 27, 2025, 05:08:44 PMSephirah!

Fascinating Indeed! 😅👍

What a wonderful life update sister!... Keep doin' whatcha doin' girl but seriously... You shouldn't be chewing gum around royalty anyway!   Bad ettiquette...

Onward Ya Go Schoolgirl...

A💕

Lol, that is kind of a habit of mine these days. Not sure why. And hell, our king literally talks to plants. I think it's okay. ;D

Thankfully I don't have to wear a uniform anymore. I always hated those things.

Went for a night out with a bunch of people from school yesterday. It was nice. Haven't done anything like that in a long, loooooong time. Not since my Navy days, probably. They are all very cool. I think I probably imprisoned myself for way too long. I had fun. And a nice steak. It's funny how you can keep yourself a prisoner because you just don't think you deserve to be let out of the cell. And you are the only person holding yourself back. I dunno. I had a really good time. :)

I guess sometimes you need people to break through the shell of avoidance you build around yourself. To help you see that you're actually worth it and not as much of a train wreck as you think you are. Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. :)

I am so happy to hear this, Lauren.  You deserve to be happy.

Quote from: KathyLauren on October 12, 2025, 05:09:12 PMI am so happy to hear this, Lauren.  You deserve to be happy.

Thank you, Kathy. <3 I am learning a lot these days. A lot about what I thought I knew but really didn't. Comfort zones are really only another word for prisons. Getting outside of them shows us much we didn't think we knew about the world, and people in it.

I am getting there, honey. It is a long road, but the journey is interesting. Thank you again. <3

Quote from: Sephirah on October 12, 2025, 04:48:32 PMI guess sometimes you need people to break through the shell of avoidance you build around yourself. To help you see that you're actually worth it and not as much of a train wreck as you think you are. Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. 🙂

That sounds like so much fun. And you got to eat MEAT!

When something turns out well like this, I try to use it as motivation to do it again. When the little devil on your shoulder tells you that you shouldn't, you point to this and say, "It will be fine. I am going to have a good time."

Even a blind man can see your beauty, Lauren. Just being yourself makes it shine.

Quote from: Lori Dee on October 12, 2025, 06:51:27 PMThat sounds like so much fun. And you got to eat MEAT!

When something turns out well like this, I try to use it as motivation to do it again. When the little devil on your shoulder tells you that you shouldn't, you point to this and say, "It will be fine. I am going to have a good time."

Even a blind man can see your beauty, Lauren. Just being yourself makes it shine.

Thank you, Lori. I sometimes think I have a little angel on my shoulder pushing me in the other direction. And listening to her is the better option. :)

Like I say, I don't ever really see my own beauty, but I've learned to not let that be the defining factor of who I am. I don't have to see myself as someone special. As long as I can do enough to let people around me see it... it's okay.

Thank you, sweetie. You know I love you. <3

Quote from: Sephirah on October 12, 2025, 06:58:08 PMLike I say, I don't ever really see my own beauty, but I've learned to not let that be the defining factor of who I am. I don't have to see myself as someone special. As long as I can do enough to let people around me see it... it's okay.

That is one of the many things we have in common; we see past the flesh and admire the spirit. You do have a beautiful spirit, and that is what I love about you. 😘

Quote from: Lori Dee on October 12, 2025, 07:05:17 PMThat is one of the many things we have in common; we see past the flesh and admire the spirit. You do have a beautiful spirit, and that is what I love about you. 😘

That's why I love you, Lori. It takes special kind of person to be that way. Thank you for being here, and being you.  Seriously. <3

Quote from: Sephirah on October 12, 2025, 04:48:32 PMWent for a night out with a bunch of people from school yesterday. It was nice. Haven't done anything like that in a long, loooooong time. Not since my Navy days, probably. They are all very cool. I think I probably imprisoned myself for way too long. I had fun. And a nice steak. It's funny how you can keep yourself a prisoner because you just don't think you deserve to be let out of the cell. And you are the only person holding yourself back. I dunno. I had a really good time. :)

I guess sometimes you need people to break through the shell of avoidance you build around yourself. To help you see that you're actually worth it and not as much of a train wreck as you think you are. Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. :)

Onward Brave Sister!!! ❤️

Yes my dear ,get out and mingle. Now I do like company but also I am a bit of a loner, happy in my own company (till I get bored!) so I try to keep busy.

Quote from: Sephirah on October 12, 2025, 04:48:32 PMWent for a night out with a bunch of people from school yesterday. It was nice. Haven't done anything like that in a long, loooooong time. Not since my Navy days, probably. They are all very cool. I think I probably imprisoned myself for way too long. I had fun. And a nice steak. It's funny how you can keep yourself a prisoner because you just don't think you deserve to be let out of the cell. And you are the only person holding yourself back. I dunno. I had a really good time. :)

I guess sometimes you need people to break through the shell of avoidance you build around yourself. To help you see that you're actually worth it and not as much of a train wreck as you think you are. Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. :)

It sounds like such a simple evening, yet the meaning behind it feels so profound.

I completely understand what you mean, how good it feels to finally live again.

I think that realization is the most beautiful part of all.

So happy for you, Lauren! 💖

~ Lilis 🌷

This site has brought together so many kindred spirits.  The collective caring and kindness always amazes me!

You all are the best.

Quote from: Emma1017 on October 13, 2025, 08:33:52 AMThis site has brought together so many kindred spirits.  The collective caring and kindness always amazes me!

You all are the best.

We are proud to count you among us. You are equally caring, kind, and amazing!

Okay I had a really, really freaky weird dream about a week ago. And it was so vivid I can still remember it today. So I figure I should document it.. even though it makes no sense, lol.

This dream took place over the space of about 90 minutes.

So... I was going to a party with my younger brother. I was a kid again. (I have an inordinate number of dreams where I'm a kid again... that probably says something). It was a party at the house of another kid we used to know. A kid who was.. hmm... a bit of a troublemaker when he was young. Got my brothers in all kinds of trouble. As kids are wont to do. I was always kind of outside all of that and only heard the crap they got up to from my mum. But that's outside the point.

Anyway, we were at this guy's house, and someone ordered pizza. Which was weird because I am not allowed carbs on my current diet. No potatoes, no bread, no pasta, nothing like that. There's a reason for it but I won't bore you with it. But... omg I love pepperoni pizza. I am a complete glutton when it comes to that devil's food. I could eat it 'till the cows come home, so to speak.

Now... where this guy lived was not where he lived in my dream. This is quite important. He lived somewhere I didn't know. Somewhere in the middle of Sheffield. Not terribly far from where I knew where he lived when we were kids but far enough that in this dream I didn't know where this house was. My mum was supposed to pick us up at a certain time... which... she didn't drive. But in this dream she specifically was supposed to drive over to pick us up.

I should also add that in the UK... driving is not as big a deal as it is in the US. We have far better public transport and our country isn't monstrously vast, so... many people don't drive. But in this dream she did. Apparently.

I had an argument with my brother. I forget what about. But I resolved to walk home from this other guy's house. Even though I didn't know where I was, relative to where I had to be. It was quite dumb. But when do dreams make sense? I think it was something to do with not getting enough pizza but I can neither confirm nor deny that, lol.

He was concerned but I was like "Oh, don't worry, I can walk a long way!" And that was kind of true. I lost a lot of weight just through walking like 40 miles a week... like 20 years ago. I lost about 75lbs just doing that back in the day through walking home from work after I left the navy and deciding that being sat on my backside behind a computer wasn't the healthiest lifestyle...

But ANYWAY... I set off. Through a lot of inner city neighbourhoods I didn't recognise. A lot of gang youths in hoodies and looking decidedly shifty passed me en route and I was scared. I didn't know why I was scared but then it suddenly dawned on me that I wasn't me. I was this teenage girl with a low cut top, and skirt. I felt very vulnerable.

I never thought about it until that point. But then I looked at myself and it hit home... hard. I had been trying hard to be... attractive? I don't know. It made me feel very exposed, though. I had never thought about walking in these high heeled boots until I looked at them and suddenly realised how impractical they were for walking miles. So I took them off, and grabbed them in my right hands.

I distinctly remember the next part. There was a sign... like a typical British road sign, it was green, but one side had been shaped into a pointed arrow, denoting the direction. It was called "The Grips". Don't even ask... I don't know. I don't think that place even exists. Especially when what I came upon was this dry river bed with some weird, retrofuture Viking longboats, with wheels on the bottom. Oars sticking out of both sides, seemingly rowing through mid air with blue white jet fuel emissions pouring out the back. Full of men with blonde beards and those weird horned helmets. Rowing their oars into nothing. There were seats around the edges and a whole bunch of people sat on them, cheering. Like some weird Running Man... cyberpunk crowd. It all seemed perfectly normal. Other than I had no idea WTF was going on. I kept going. I felt really warm. I think this river bed was like some old lava channel.

I found myself on this raised roadway, with this JCB trying to dig up the road. What you US folks would call a "Back hoe"? Big yellow thing with a shovel on the back and front. And big wheels. Trying to dig up the road. It was very wobbly and full of what anyone who's played world of warcraft will know as "infernals". This thing...

(https://wow.zamimg.com/uploads/screenshots/normal/52083-cooling-infernal.jpg)

Bunch of dwarves and Blood elves trying to fight these things. Don't even ask... I don't know.

I somehow scrambled my way past all these things and ended up in another city. Suddenly. Very cold and vulnerable. This party dress I realised I was only wearing at this point was largely shredded. I was barefoot. No idea what was going on or who I was. It was morning at this point and I somehow made my way through this secret tunnel in a car dealership. Very tired, lol. I saw a plaque on this statue outside this car dealership...

"Welcome to Rotherham." I have never been to Rotherham in my life. I know it is relatively near Sheffield but I've been scared to see if there is anything similar to what I saw which actually exists, lol. The whole thing was weird. I spied a Supertram station in the distance. That's like... uh... a tram service around where I live.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/7887/32879631618_2e035c4333_b.jpg)

It's an alternative to buses. I didn't recognise anything on any of the trams apart from at one stop which proclaimed to be going to where I lived at the time. But it was going in the wrong direction. Nevertheless I got on. I somehow had enough money in this little black purse I had in a handbag I didn't realise I had until this point. I spoke to the driver and asked if he was going back to where I lived. He said he wasn't but I was welcome to stay on the tram while it went the other way, then ride it back to where I knew where I was. I asked if the fare cap applied... lol.

(for people who don't know, there is a fare cap on public transport these days which is £3 ($4.03 currently), for however far you want to go. It can be under that but that's the max they can charge, even it it's like 300 miles)

He said no. I somehow had money in my handbag I didn't know I had until this point, lol. So I paid the dude and we started making small talk. I felt okay... and that's when I woke up. It was incredibly surreal, and incredibly vivid. This was like 6 days ago and I still remember it. Brains are weird! :P

I went to a Halloween thing tonight with some folks I have made friends with from school. For like the first time in 20 years. It was uncomfortable, but okay. They are insistent on dragging me out to do things I am not comfortable with. My anxiety is usually off the charts but it ends up okay. They are all very sweet. People aren't as bad as we think they are.

I think that's something I've learned. Change doesn't come from being okay. It comes from being not okay and dealing with it. That's how we learn, and grow.

Have to go to hospital on Monday, though. Crappy stuff I have to deal with. But I have this weekend. It's a memory. :)

I am glad you have good people there for you. You deserve that. Hang tough, and we will be here waiting for you.

Big HUGS!

Quote from: Lori Dee on October 31, 2025, 10:01:49 PMI am glad you have good people there for you. You deserve that. Hang tough, and we will be here waiting for you.

Big HUGS!

I am tougher than a piece of alligator jerky, lol. I will say... I saw Frankenstein's monster drunk out of his head trying to get it on with Cleopatra. That is something I can't ever unsee.

Quote from: Sephirah on October 31, 2025, 11:04:04 PMI am tougher than a piece of alligator jerky, lol. I will say... I saw Frankenstein's monster drunk out of his head trying to get it on with Cleopatra. That is something I can't ever unsee.

What the hell are you smoking over there?

😆

Definitely more alcohol based, lol.

We don't do Bud Light over in the UK. It makes people ever so slightly unhinged. :P

Quote from: Sephirah on October 31, 2025, 09:06:00 PMChange doesn't come from being okay. It comes from being not okay and dealing with it.

I should print that out in fancy calligraphy and hang it on the wall.  You are a wise lady.  I hope all goes well with your hospital visit.

Sephirah!

Sending all the best hopes, prayers and loving wishes your way sister! 🌻🙏❤️

Hugs!

A💕

Lauren, I hope all goes smoothly for you on Monday. I'm really enjoying hearing about your outings with your friends. Stretching yourself gradually is almost always a good thing, so I'm glad they're pulling you and that you're accepting it.

Quote from: Sephirah on October 31, 2025, 11:16:47 PMWe don't do Bud Light over in the UK. It makes people ever so slightly unhinged. :P

No kidding; look at what's happened here in the US.

Quote from: KathyLauren on November 01, 2025, 12:16:23 PM

Quote from: Sephirah on October 31, 2025, 09:06:00 PMChange doesn't come from being okay. It comes from being not okay and dealing with it.

I should print that out in fancy calligraphy and hang it on the wall.  You are a wise lady.  I hope all goes well with your hospital visit.

Amen. It reminds me of what I used to tell my physics students who'd feel anxious about not understanding a new concept the first time they were introduced to it: "Try to become more comfortable with being uncomfortable. Know that it will pass." You're doing it, and it's benefiting more people than just you.

Quote from: Pema on November 01, 2025, 01:20:54 PM

QuoteChange doesn't come from being okay. It comes from being not okay and dealing with it.

I should print that out in fancy calligraphy and hang it on the wall.  You are a wise lady.  I hope all goes well with your hospital visit.

I think that might even qualify for the Devlynisms thread. Even though it is a Laurenism.

https://www.susans.org/index.php?topic=153151.msg2308933#msg2308933

@Sephirah
Dear Lauren:
I hear you about what you stated:
  "Have to go to hospital on Monday, though. Crappy stuff I have to deal with."

Last month I had "survived" a much needed 2nd medical procedure and I am now better than new
although I was a little sore as expected. 

Hospitals and medical procedures are not fun activities... but can be necessary.

I trust that things will go well for you and the "Crappy stuff that you have to deal with" results
in healing and good health.

              ❤️
Many HUGS,
Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

@Sephirah
Dear Lauren:

Your special day arrives on November 2nd

        🎂  🎂  🎉  🎉  🎁  🎁

Wishing you a very Happy Birthday
                                  (https://www.susans.org/Smileys/susans/icon_birthday.gif)        (https://www.susans.org/Smileys/susans/icon_birthday.gif)        (https://www.susans.org/Smileys/susans/icon_birthday.gif)

I hope that your day is filled with joy and happiness as you celebrate your
birthday with friends and family.  ...
          ...and hopefully cake with candles and ice cream !!!

HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
                      (https://i.imgur.com/wXEhDUcl.jpg)

Happy Birthday, Sweetie!

Happy birthday my dear, sending a birthday hug XXX

Happy Birthday, Lauren! 🐲🎈🐉


~ Lilis 🌷

Happy birthday, Lauren!

Happy birthday 🎂

Lauren! Happy birthday! Wishing you a wonderful day.

Love,
Pema

❤️🎂🎁🎊🎉🎉🎉💕HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISTER!!!💕🎉🎉🎉🎊🎁🎂❤️

Thank you very much. I love you all. <3

It was quiet today. Which... I am not a big birthday person. So I will take that. Went out and got some fresh air since it wasn't raining. There's something about the countryside which is mildly intoxicating. Especially this time of year when it's cool, the leaves are all falling from the trees, and the world just feels like it's about to hold its breath. It's... really nice.

I got myself a wagyu steak because... reasons. Had it with some salad and it was lovely.

*massive hugs to everyone* Y'all are the family I always wanted. Thank you for being you. <3

Hi Lauren

Why are you not rousing upon me in regards to what is happening to you, you will have to come down here and give me a swift kick up the backside, not that it will make any difference because as you know, Aussies are tough Shelia's.

I hope your trip to the hospital was not as crappy as you mentioned and if it was here is a delayed hug for you.  I hope your visit to the hospital went well.  I rarely give hugs out, but in this case I will make an exception.  Us Aussie sometimes show a softer side of our nature.


Then when I turn around you are having a birthday celebration without me, "Not Happy Jan"  So here is a belated (might not be, time difference) birthday greeting from an Aussie Shelia that keeps an eye open for you.

---

---

You do realize that when you said, "I am tougher than a piece of alligator jerky " that a "Drop Bear" is tougher than "alligator jerky" and I'm tougher than a Drop Bear".  I do however have a real soft side for you!  A Drop Bear is a large, carnivorous, koala-like predator that drops from trees onto tourists and then proceed to eat them.  Australians commonly tell Drop Bear stories to tourists to scare the living daylights out of them.

As for the"bud light" issue, we don't do those American beers down under here either, as they are as weak as Nats (read mosquitoes) Wee.  Don't let those Americans catch on that we drink much stronger stuff.

As you go out into the wild blue yonder, I know you will grow stronger by the day and when the time comes.  I will certainly take you by the hand and we will go "Walkabout" into the Australian bush and you will most certainly broaden your horizons.

Well my pommy friend from up over, take care, I hope you had a wonderful birthday and I hope you had a smile on your face.

Lots of Love and Hugs always.
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Sephirah

Lauren, I am so sorry to be late to your birthday party!



With warmest and biggest hugs,

Emma

Haha, Sarah, I am really not a birthday person. I don't tend to make a fuss, honestly. Especially the older I get.

One day I hope to come down there and give you a giant hug, to say thank you for being my friend. You are someone who is extremely loyal, and warm, and kind. I think you are only a tough Aussie Sheila on the outside. Inside you're very gentle and loving and tender. You just don't often show it, other than to people who have earned your trust. :)

The time difference IS weird. You are like in the future from almost everyone else. Do you have hover boards down in Oz? ;)

Better late than never, Emma. Thank you sweetie. I am terrible at being here for birthdays of people I care about so don't even worry about it, honey.

I love you both. <3

I've had an... interesting few weeks.

I died. Technically. For two minutes. I had a pretty serious heart attack. Because apparently life wasn't content with all the other stuff I have to deal with. Spent more time in hospital.

Yay.

I kind of hate those places. Not the people... they are all legends. But just... ugh. I will say... when they say you can live a lifetime in a second, that's kind of true. It was weird. Took me a little while to adjust to being... uh.. back? I can't describe it. I am not religious, I put it down to an overload of sensory information in the brain when it thinks it's going to stop working. But it was... weird. Very weird.

I am alive. Not really okay, but I'm still here. Very weak at the moment. But nothing I can't deal with. :)

I think I can speak for many people at Susan's, we missed you.

We're glad you're still with us, and we hope you can get your strength back. Rest, and enjoy being taken care of for a while.

Love always -- Jess

Thanks, Jess.

No, I am back on my lonesome now haha. NHS and all that. I was taking up a bed. ;D Medication and asta la vista, baby. But that's okay. I missed some of my school stuff but the folks were understanding and I will be able to make it up. Well, in the new year.

I kind of figured it would happen eventually, though. My mum died of a heart attack and I've had so many surgeries just to stay here that my heart had more and more strain through repeated anaesthetic and... well... duct tape, lol. It was kind of inevitable. Not fun, though.

But hey, what doesn't kill you makes you hallucinate some very weird stuff. Or something like that. ;D It's all good. :)

So glad to hear from you!

Know that this place, its energy, its love, its members and staff, your friends and family are sending you healing thoughts and good vibes. Soak it in, rest up, and be with us when you can.

We love you.

Hugs!

Thank you, Lori. I love you all, too. <3

It'll be okay. Life is like a rollercoaster. You think it's going to be exciting... then it's a mix of absolute joy, absolute terror, and wanting to throw up. Then you get off. ;D

If I ever eat another hospital boiled potato ever again, though, you have my permission to shoot me.

Sephirah!

Glad you are back in this reality beautiful sister!... NHS doesn't sound like a very humane organization... 😐 Take your time, rest and get strong... If you every want to share what you experienced a bit more after you have time to reflect, I would love to hear more but, if you just want to let it all go... that is fine too!... Know that you are Loved and a whole lotta folks you have never even met in person want all the best for you... many of them you have helped in huge ways with your wisdom and compassion... 🌻

Blessings, Healing and Lotsa Love Girl!!!

Ashley 💕

Love you, Ash.

When I can organise it all, I will try. But it's hard to put into words. It's like trying to hold onto smoke.

The NHS does what it can. And I can't fault the people who work there. They are massively overworked and underpaid. That I'm still here is probably testament to folks going above and beyond. Socialised medicine is good in theory, and mostly okay in practice. If someone needed the bed because they hit their head on a toilet after 10 pints, I'm okay with that, lol.

I will say... I got to say some stuff to people I thought I never would. People I lost in my life. That I never got the chance to. And it was extremely emotional. I am about 80% convinced it was all in my head, but if it wasn't... I don't even know. It was all... surreal. Like one of those made-for-TV movies.

Lauren, that all sounds terrifying. I'm very glad you're still with us.

I know it's not over, so I hope you have some support to help you get the rest of the way there.

Please know that we're here thinking of you and sending healing vibes your way.

Thank you, Pema.

Honestly, I've been through worse... I think. Possibly. I don't know about terrifying. There was a little tiny part of me that was like "finally".

I can't transition, like most of you girls. Mostly because I'm so messed up. I have to fight for the right to be me basically every day and often end up feeling really bad trying to assert who I am onto other people because I am so broken I can't do anything about it. Trust me I've tried.

Before I say anything else... Danielle, or any of the mods... is there an SMF tag for trigger warnings? Like spoiler tags so that people don't have to see it if they don't expand the tags?

I Love You Too Lauren!... You Are A Blessing To The World... 🌻

A💕

My Dearest Lauren

I wondered where you had gone. You know I suffer when I do not hear from you for a while. Seeing your name pop up again is such a relief. I am so relieved and happy that you are still here.

Jess, Lori and Ash have already put it so beautifully. There is a whole lot of love wrapped around you here. Please soak it in while you rest and get your strength back. Hospital roller coasters and boiled potatoes are quite enough excitement for one year I think.

I used to eat hospital food and airplane food with no problem but when I was looking after my mum I noticed the degradation in the quality of hospital food so I really commiserate with you on that one. You are right the food would have killed you off if you had not got out sooner.

You know we have a couple of dates planned for the future. I am keeping those firmly on the calendar so you are not allowed to check out on us just yet.

As Ash said it would be lovely to hear a little more about what you experienced if it ever feels alright for you to share. If it is one of those things that slips away like smoke that is okay too. The important part is that you are still here with us.

For now I am just very glad that your stubborn heart decided to stick around. You are precious, you are loved, take care of yourself please, you are needed here and especially in my heart.

Best Wishes Always
Lots of Love Sarah B
@Sephirah

Quote from: tgirlamg on December 06, 2025, 09:09:33 PMI Love You Too Lauren!... You Are A Blessing To The World... 🌻

A💕

You are. Many of you here are. You are inspirational to me. Ash, you are gorgeous. You can always tell by someone's smile.

And... I retract what I may have said in the past. Ash... you and Sarah B... you make bangs look so beautiful. They are not for me but you girls rock them! <3

Hi Lauren

Yes there is a BBC code for a spoiler:

Trigger

You write what you want here

Just click on the spoiler button and fill in the form.

Hugz
Sarah B
@Sephirah

Hi lauren

You said:

Quote from: Sephirah on December 06, 2025, 09:18:24 PMAnd... I retract what I may have said in the past. Ash... you and Sarah B... you make bangs look so beautiful. They are not for me but you girls rock them! <3

How do you make out that I have bangs?  I only have a fringe.  I guess I have got to come over there and teach you how to speak proper English!

😀😃😄😁

Hugz and Love
Sarah B

Quote from: Sarah B on December 06, 2025, 09:14:11 PMMy Dearest Lauren

I wondered where you had gone. You know I suffer when I do not hear from you for a while. Seeing your name pop up again is such a relief. I am so relieved and happy that you are still here.

Jess, Lori and Ash have already put it so beautifully. There is a whole lot of love wrapped around you here. Please soak it in while you rest and get your strength back. Hospital roller coasters and boiled potatoes are quite enough excitement for one year I think.

I used to eat hospital food and airplane food with no problem but when I was looking after my mum I noticed the degradation in the quality of hospital food so I really commiserate with you on that one. You are right the food would have killed you off if you had not got out sooner.

You know we have a couple of dates planned for the future. I am keeping those firmly on the calendar so you are not allowed to check out on us just yet.

As Ash said it would be lovely to hear a little more about what you experienced if it ever feels alright for you to share. If it is one of those things that slips away like smoke that is okay too. The important part is that you are still here with us.

For now I am just very glad that your stubborn heart decided to stick around. You are precious, you are loved, take care of yourself please, you are needed here and especially in my heart.

Best Wishes Always
Lots of Love Sarah B
@Sephirah

Love you, Star Girl. <3 I haven't forgotten. Truth be told, it's the people I've grown close to that anchored me. I don't know if the body works like that... but I want to think it does. There's too much to leave behind. Which is something I only really cared about now. Never really did before.

I honestly don't know how to put it into words. It's like.. all your life sharpens into a single point. You see everything at once. And then everything stops. Like... people say you see your life flash before your eyes. That's kind of true. But it's like you're outside of time. It's very very weird. Like you're watching a movie. Then it all stops. I was only out for a couple of minutes but it was like time didn't mean anything. Like the brain just forgets it. It's like.... hmm, you're watching a movie and someone presses pause but you can explore the whole scene. Then you see things, and people. I am almost sure it's a mental thing. As I say, I am not religious. There wasn't any angels or devils or whatever. Even though I am a fan of the Lucifer TV show.

I said goodbye to my mum... in my head. I didn't get the chance when she died. And my grandad. I was terrified of hospitals when he died. I didn't go to visit him. I know that hurt him, and I carry a lot of guilt about it. I saw them both. I think that was just unresolved things in my own head. My brain trying to tie up loose ends like the end of a novel. I think. But it was unnervingly real. They were okay. That made me cry. They were like... real. I am not religious but I do believe in the paranormal, to an extent. I really don't know. I think there's a lot we don't know because we don't know how to know. But the experiences felt real. It's all just... weird.

Quote from: Sarah B on December 06, 2025, 09:25:31 PMHi lauren

You said:

How do you make out that I have bangs?  I only have a fringe.  I guess I have got to come over there and teach you how to speak proper English!

😀😃😄😁

Hugz and Love
Sarah B

Haha, yeah, that's what I would say, too. But I know a lot of the site is American. And for whatever weird reason, they're called bangs over there! I'm playing it safe, lol.

Hi Lauren

Quote from: Sephirah on December 06, 2025, 09:32:45 PMHaha, yeah, that's what I would say, too. But I know a lot of the site is American. And for whatever weird reason, they're called bangs over there! I'm playing it safe, lol.

Those Americans have corrupted you!  You are English, get a hold of yourself.  What am I going to do with you?

Love and Hugz
Sarah B

Quote from: Sarah B on December 06, 2025, 09:19:01 PMHi Lauren

Yes there is a BBC code for a spoiler:

Trigger

You write what you want here

Just click on the spoiler button and fill in the form.

Hugz
Sarah B
@Sephirah

Excellent, thank you, Sarah. <3

Okay...

Trigger

When I lost the use of my legs, I tried to end my life more than once. Three separate times. I was in hospital for two of them and got put on suicide watch because... I really didn't want to be alive. It was only down to some people who really probably hated me for making them have to keep a very close eye on me that I am still here.

They helped me more than I can ever give them credit for. Changed my whole way of thinking. But some things don't entirely go away and I am not as... full of light as most of you think I am. I still have a very, very dark half of myself. One that sometimes doesn't think it would be so bad to just give in to it all and try again next time. If there is a next time. It's only through sheer force of will and... making contact with some really amazing people that I don't give in and hope for better next time.

Thank you, Sarah. That's perfect. Please don't click on that. But it's there. :)

Quote from: Sarah B on December 06, 2025, 09:41:07 PMHi Lauren

Those Americans have corrupted you!  You are English, get a hold of yourself.  What am I going to do with you?

Love and Hugz
Sarah B

I would say tea and crumpets but I really can't stand tea. I know, I am a heretic, lol. A good coffee, however, and I'm yours forever. <3

Quote from: Sephirah on December 06, 2025, 09:50:11 PMI would say tea and crumpets but I really can't stand tea. I know, I am a heretic, lol. A good coffee, however, and I'm yours forever. <3

YES!

Dark roast, brewed thick as mud. I don't put anything in it. Just eat it with a spoon... sort of.

🤣
 

Quote from: Lori Dee on December 06, 2025, 10:06:04 PMYES!

Dark roast, brewed thick as mud. I don't put anything in it. Just eat it with a spoon... sort of.

🤣
 

This girl gets it.

Lori, you are my spirit guide.

For me it has to be Colombian. They make the best coffee. And trust me, I've tried a LOT!

Quote from: Sephirah on December 06, 2025, 09:50:11 PMI would say tea and crumpets but I really can't stand tea. I know, I am a heretic, lol. A good coffee, however, and I'm yours forever. <3

@Sephirah
I am an All-American girl...I do not have a good grasp of English food even though I have traveled in Europe,
Australia and New Zealand. 

My food and drink life involves coffee, lots of coffee, espressos, hot dogs, cheese burgers, Meatloaf, Hershey chocolate bars, Macaroni and cheese, Barbecue ribs, Apple Pie, Fried chicken, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Philly cheesesteak, New England clam chowder, Chicken fried steak, Chicago deep dish pizza, New York pizza, McDonalds, Chic-Fil-A, Burger King, Wendys, Dominos Pizza, Starbucks, Dairy Queen chocolate dipped ice cream cones, etc, etc, etc.

NOTE:  I am so very glad and happy that you have survived the hospital... you are a bright light of
happiness here on the Forum..
Thanks to your doctors for allowing us to enjoy your continuing fellowship here.

HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

Quote from: Sephirah on December 06, 2025, 10:12:40 PMFor me it has to be Colombian. They make the best coffee. And trust me, I've tried a LOT!

Yup, Colombian coffee. I have also found that these quick and easy Keurig machines ruin good coffee. It brews too quickly. Slow brewing is the way to go.

The best-tasting coffee is brewed in a percolator over a campfire. If the weather is bad, a wood stove will do. It takes forever, but wowza, what great coffee that is.

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on December 06, 2025, 10:22:32 PM@Sephirah
I am an All-American girl...I do not have a good grasp of English food even though I have traveled in Europe,
Australia and New Zealand. 

My food and drink life involves coffee, lots of coffee, espressos, hot dogs, cheese burgers, Meatloaf, Hershey chocolate bars, Macaroni and cheese, Barbecue ribs, Apple Pie, Fried chicken, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Philly cheesesteak, New England clam chowder, Chicken fried steak, Chicago deep dish pizza, New York pizza, McDonalds, Chic-Fil-A, Burger King, Wendys, Dominos Pizza, Starbucks, Dairy Queen chocolate dipped ice cream cones, etc, etc, etc.

NOTE:  I am so very glad and happy that you have survived the hospital... you are a bright light of
happiness here on the Forum..
Thanks to your doctors for allowing us to enjoy your continuing fellowship here.

HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

Danielle, I've seen you in pics with some of the magnificent Alaskan fish you catch there. Are you telling me you don't eat those things? Alaskan Salmon is like the best in the world. We pay silly money for the wildlife you have on your doorstep!

Quote from: Lori Dee on December 06, 2025, 10:23:38 PMYup, Colombian coffee. I have also found that these quick and easy Keurig machines ruin good coffee. It brews too quickly. Slow brewing is the way to go.

The best-tasting coffee is brewed in a percolator over a campfire. If the weather is bad, a wood stove will do. It takes forever, but wowza, what great coffee that is.

No, you cannot brew coffee too quickly. It's like, I assume, a fine wine. I don't drink alcohol, but coffee has to be loved to make it the best it can be. I have yet to have it brewed over a campfire but damn, that sounds amazing.

Quote from: Sephirah on December 06, 2025, 10:27:44 PMDanielle, I've seen you in pics with some of the magnificent Alaskan fish you catch there. Are you telling me you don't eat those things? Alaskan Salmon is like the best in the world. We pay silly money for the wildlife you have on your doorstep!

@Sephirah
.... yes, fresh caught Salmon, Lingcod, Hallibut, and stream trout.... and don't forget about our
Dungeness crab and Maine Lobster.

HUGS, Danielle

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on December 06, 2025, 10:38:56 PM@Sephirah
.... yes, fresh caught Salmon, Lingcod, Hallibut, and stream trout.... and don't forget about our
Dungeness crab and Maine Lobster.

HUGS, Danielle

Yes. The seafood that makes British people re-mortgage their homes because it's just... the best. ;)

One day I will cook an authentic toad-in-the-hole for you folks. Proper Yorkshire pudding. And Cumberland sausage.

Will put fast food to shame. :)

Just caught up, glad you have got through this XXX. That is the only way to make Toad in the Hole, decent sausage and home made batter cooked with lard!!!

Quote from: Sephirah on December 06, 2025, 10:32:14 PMNo, you cannot brew coffee too quickly. It's like, I assume, a fine wine. I don't drink alcohol, but coffee has to be loved to make it the best it can be. I have yet to have it brewed over a campfire but damn, that sounds amazing.

Oh for me it's espresso brew every time. Made at high pressure with a thick crema. I did note when I was in the US that my hotel room had filter coffee- it was really nice.

I totally agree coffee over alcohol although the two mixed is something nice occasionally!

I am just getting caught up on this thread.  OMG, Lauren, I am so glad that you are still on the sunny side of the grass, in spite of the hospital food.  I missed you, and I am glad you are back.

I am currently working as crew on a stage production of "It's a Wonderful Life".  After working my first 8-hour day in over a decade with two shows yesterday, the coffee discussion is particularly relevant this morning.  But the story itself is particularly poignant in view of your recent experience.

The world needs you, and I am glad we still have you.

So that's what has been going on.
I had a sudden urge to return for awhile but I didn't know why. Now I find out you've been dabbling with the other side.
I tried that some years ago and came back with some medic fondling my chest and an attractive nurse telling me that adrenaline works wonders. 

Glad your OK Hon.
Love
Cindy

Quote from: davina61 on December 07, 2025, 04:45:20 AMJust caught up, glad you have got through this XXX. That is the only way to make Toad in the Hole, decent sausage and home made batter cooked with lard!!!

I am northern, lol. Lard probably contributed to getting me to where I am, haha. ;D

Quote from: KathyLauren on December 07, 2025, 07:52:12 AMI am just getting caught up on this thread.  OMG, Lauren, I am so glad that you are still on the sunny side of the grass, in spite of the hospital food.  I missed you, and I am glad you are back.

I am currently working as crew on a stage production of "It's a Wonderful Life".  After working my first 8-hour day in over a decade with two shows yesterday, the coffee discussion is particularly relevant this morning.  But the story itself is particularly poignant in view of your recent experience.

The world needs you, and I am glad we still have you.

Thank you, Kathy. That sounds honestly amazing. Working in the theatre. The only theatrical stuff I ever did was a school pantomime back in infant school. Um... not sure what the Canadian equivalent is. I think I was about 6 years old. Landed the part of Jack's mother in a star studded production of "Jack and the Beanstalk". You know, the one with a hatred of magic beans, lol. Replete with volleyballs for breasts, a horribly garish dress, and makeup that looked like it had been applied via The Simpsons makeup shotgun. One of my friends got cast as Jack. The second we saw each other we corpsed like you wouldn't believe. I almost tripped over the dress twice during rehearsal. But on the night, we killed it! ;D

Quote from: Cindy on December 12, 2025, 12:43:09 AMSo that's what has been going on.
I had a sudden urge to return for awhile but I didn't know why. Now I find out you've been dabbling with the other side.
I tried that some years ago and came back with some medic fondling my chest and an attractive nurse telling me that adrenaline works wonders. 

Glad your OK Hon.
Love
Cindy

*monster hugs* Cindy! It's so good to see you, sweetie. I am okay. What doesn't kill you and all that. It's been an intense few weeks, though. But hey. Go through fire, get forged in steel. :) I have a smart watch now that monitors a lot of stuff like heart rate, breathing, even spies on me while I'm sleeping lol. And a phone that nags me more than my navy instructors, lol. They are both way smarter than I am. They will even call the emergency services in... well... an emergency. So, yeah.

I am really glad you're back, if only for a while. I've missed you, girl! <3 *extra huge hug* If grace and wisdom were a stream, Cindy, you'd be a reservoir! <3

Quote from: Sephirah on December 12, 2025, 04:07:58 PMI am really glad you're back, if only for a while. I've missed you, girl! <3 *extra huge hug* If grace and wisdom were a stream, Cindy, you'd be a reservoir! <3

Amen! 😀👍 So good to see you Cindy!

Hugs!

Ashley 💕

Quote from: Sephirah on December 12, 2025, 04:07:58 PMThe only theatrical stuff I ever did was a school pantomime back in infant school. Um... not sure what the Canadian equivalent is. I think I was about 6 years old. Landed the part of Jack's mother in a star studded production of "Jack and the Beanstalk". You know, the one with a hatred of magic beans, lol. Replete with volleyballs for breasts, a horribly garish dress, and makeup that looked like it had been applied via The Simpsons makeup shotgun. One of my friends got cast as Jack. The second we saw each other we corpsed like you wouldn't believe. I almost tripped over the dress twice during rehearsal. But on the night, we killed it!

There is no Canadian (or other nationality) equivalent: British pantomime is a unique theatrical art form.  One of our local theatre groups put on one that was billed as a "genuine British pantomime".  It was not bad.

I did see a couple of real pantomimes as a kid in Glasgow, at the St. Andrew's Hall (before it burned down).  Ali Baba was one, I think, and the other actually might have been Jack and the Beanstalk.  I remember that the genie appeared and disappeared, with the requisite puff of smoke, through a trapdoor in the stage floor. 

I am alive. I need a lot of care at the moment, and privacy is kind of a fleeting thing. It'll be okay. I hate being so weak. But I guess better that than nothing. Was in the ICU over Christmas. Being held together with duct tape sometimes isn't so strong, lol.

I am sorry I haven't been here before now. I hope you all had a great festive period and I hope you have a great new year. I don't know how often I will be here in the near future. Lot of stuff going on. I'll deal with it.

All my love to you all.

Lauren. <3

Lauren, thank you for popping in to let us know. I'm sorry it's so consuming for you. Know that we are thinking of you and sending you love and healing energy.

Pema

Happy new year Lauren!

Chrissy

Thank you. It'll be fine. Happy new year to you both! <3

I just saw this and I thought it was awesome.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dergOG7vpJg

People in Britain don't think everyone is part of the Cult of the Orange Messiah. We are just waiting until he's a footnote in history, and we can go back to being best buds with our friends across the pond. :)

Quote from: Sephirah on December 31, 2025, 08:39:43 PMThank you. It'll be fine.

Glad to hear you're okay.  Still, you're in our prayers.

I hope the new year starts out better than how the old one ended.

Paulie.

Quote from: Paulie on December 31, 2025, 10:59:26 PMGlad to hear you're okay.  Still, you're in our prayers.

I hope the new year starts out better than how the old one ended.

Paulie.

Thank you, Paulie. I'll feel better knowing you folks are all here, keeping this place going. <3

Happy New Year, Lauren.

Thanks for stopping by with an update. We think about you often.
Sending lots of love, peace, and happiness your way.

Stop in when you are up to it. We love seeing you here.

Big Hugs!

Love you, Lori. You know that. <3 It'll be fine. Have a massively awesome new year okay?

💕Love, Light and Healing Beautiful Sister and May Your Year Ahead Be Blessed!💕✨💛✨

Hugs!

A💕

So good to see you, Sephirah. Susan's hasn't been the same without you. Happy New Year!

Duct tape, wot no cable ties!!! You take care my dear, best wishes for the new year XXXXX

Happy New Year, Lauren!  Thanks for checking in.  I hope things get less stressful for you soon.

Quote from: Sephirah on December 31, 2025, 07:39:38 PMI am alive. I need a lot of care at the moment, and privacy is kind of a fleeting thing. It'll be okay. I hate being so weak. But I guess better that than nothing. Was in the ICU over Christmas. Being held together with duct tape sometimes isn't so strong, lol.

I am sorry I haven't been here before now. I hope you all had a great festive period and I hope you have a great new year. I don't know how often I will be here in the near future. Lot of stuff going on. I'll deal with it.

All my love to you all.

Lauren. <3

Lauren, I have a special one-foot wide roll of duct tape called 'The Big Fix'. Let me know if I should send it your way.

I hope this new year is less eventful than the last few weeks have been for you. Whether or not you have the ability to post here, please know that we are thinking of you. A beautiful soul shining in the darkness. I hope you have a fabulous year.

Love always -- Jess

Thank you very much. I really don't deserve you folks. You are all incredible. <3

Finally had some snow here. With the latest named storm. Well, quite a lot of snow as I live on top of a very big hill. It's really nice to see. Was a bit of a blizzard last night. Well, by UK standards anyway. Not like your Russia or US standards where you have to hire heavy machinery to clear it out... but... it looked peaceful.

I don't often take pictures, of anything. Least of all me. :P But... this was the scene at about 2am last night...

(https://i.postimg.cc/05HzYQ6D/IMG-0003.jpg)

Need to look at getting spikes for my tires, haha.

That does look peaceful. There is always something about midnight snow. I don't know what it is, but it is pretty.

We got about six inches here last night. Now the roads are clear, not due to machinery, but because it melted. It's like snow that falls in the desert doesn't stay long. It just gives up due to a lack of interest.

😁

Quote from: Lori Dee on January 09, 2026, 06:00:49 PMThat does look peaceful. There is always something about midnight snow. I don't know what it is, but it is pretty.

We got about six inches here last night. Now the roads are clear, not due to machinery, but because it melted. It's like snow that falls in the desert doesn't stay long. It just gives up due to a lack of interest.

😁

See, that's what I mean. Six inches in the UK would be a literal catastrophe. If we have half an inch the country shuts down. I think the culmination of Storm Goretti (that's what they are calling it) was about 2 inches where I live. And it shut down everything.

To be fair, where I live is very peaceful. There are more horses than people, and lots of woodland. If I can get out, I'll try to post more stuff since I have a new-fangled phone with a decent camera now and I've worked out where the "any" key is. It's all very "green and pleasant land" deal. I don't do cities. They make me claustrophobic... and this is coming from someone who served in a literal metal tube underwater, lol.

Quote from: Sephirah on January 09, 2026, 06:13:32 PMTo be fair, where I live is very peaceful. There are more horses than people, and lots of woodland. If I can get out, I'll try to post more stuff since I have a new-fangled phone with a decent camera now and I've worked out where the "any" key is. It's all very "green and pleasant land" deal. I don't do cities. They make me claustrophobic... and this is coming from someone who served in a literal metal tube underwater, lol.

When I was researching my family history, I found a valley in Yorkshire that bears our family name. I met a guy from there, same last name but no relation, whose nephew is a photographer. He sent me several black and white photos of the valley and the hills. He said it didn't matter to him that it bears our name; he just thinks it is the most beautiful place in the world.

I wish the photos had been in color because the green hills and valley do look beautiful there.

Quote from: Lori Dee on January 09, 2026, 06:23:42 PMWhen I was researching my family history, I found a valley in Yorkshire that bears our family name. I met a guy from there, same last name but no relation, whose nephew is a photographer. He sent me several black and white photos of the valley and the hills. He said it didn't matter to him that it bears our name; he just thinks it is the most beautiful place in the world.

I wish the photos had been in color because the green hills and valley do look beautiful there.

Yorkshire is kind of known as a country within a country in the UK. Folks are fiercely proud of the heritage, and rightly so. I live right on the southern tip. On the border with Derbyshire. Not like in the really gorgeous parts of Yorkshire. But it has some of the best landscapes outside of the Scottish Highlands. Proper breath-taking stuff.

To give you an example...

(https://lp-cms-production.imgix.net/2019-06/4d4ab07052d503fad7e5f3f88223f0273f2823ab69fd9776a9aa4ba3eb00bd45.jpg?fit=crop&q=40&sharp=10&vib=20&auto=format&ixlib=react-8.6.4)

Wow. That is beautiful!

Yeah, I'm not normally overly patriotic because there's a lot of the UK that's quite messed up... but we have a pretty amazing country with a whole heap of history and landscape. And more castles than you can shake a Frodo Baggins at. :)

thanks, Sephirah, for the stunning glimpse of the world in which you live! Way too much green, otherwise it could pass for parts of Montana.

Quote from: Dances With Trees on January 09, 2026, 09:59:28 PMthanks, Sephirah, for the stunning glimpse of the world in which you live! Way too much green, otherwise it could pass for parts of Montana.

Montana is 3x the size of the whole of England. With 50x less people. Isn't that mind blowing to think about? ;D

Yorkshire is a very pretty county in a lot of places for sure. I used to live in Leeds and regularly go to north Yorks around Harrogate. One of my favourite places too is Burnsall. A beatiful pub and river there. Those parts of Derbyshire are nice too though.

There are lots of beautiful bits hidden throughout the UK. In the summer I can walk 5 mins from my home and feel like I'm miles from any town. The only real shame is the litter problem. I dont get it and it ruins the illusion of paradise very quickly.

Quote from: Sephirah on January 10, 2026, 05:03:54 PMWith 50x less people. Isn't that mind blowing to think about?

Not if you're into sheep and cattle. Personally, I thrive in emptiness. But, Sephirah, what you've shared of the beauty of northern England, well, you're not missing much.

Quote from: Charlotte_Ringwood on January 10, 2026, 05:13:28 PMYorkshire is a very pretty county in a lot of places for sure. I used to live in Leeds and regularly go to north Yorks around Harrogate. One of my favourite places too is Burnsall. A beatiful pub and river there. Those parts of Derbyshire are nice too though.

There are lots of beautiful bits hidden throughout the UK. In the summer I can walk 5 mins from my home and feel like I'm miles from any town. The only real shame is the litter problem. I dont get it and it ruins the illusion of paradise very quickly.

Funny you mention that, Charlotte. I will have to try and get a picture of it but there's a place not too far from where I live with a Blair Witch type woodland, babbling stream... and a big huge sign warning people against fly tipping. Which totally ruins the mood, lol.

Quote from: Dances With Trees on January 10, 2026, 05:34:27 PMNot if you're into sheep and cattle. Personally, I thrive in emptiness. But, Sephirah, what you've shared of the beauty of northern England, well, you're not missing much.

You and me both, Anni. As you put it: "Big sky country." I am not a city girl. Like... at all. I would feel on edge literally all the time. Give me a camp fire and a sea of stars at night, and I'm yours.

Quote from: Sephirah on January 10, 2026, 05:42:17 PMGive me a camp fire and a sea of stars at night, and I'm yours.

Now you are speaking my language.

Ditto.

As Garth Brooks so eloquently proclaimed, "No fences."

Bring your own wine (I prefer Moscato). Hot dogs roasted over an open fire are right up there with haggis.

I like Yorkshire, I have been to York and out and about on 2 coach trips with mum. It was a shame to see the moors burnt. We have views here at the Malvern hills to rival you picture, looking across the Severn vally to the Cotswolds.

Quote from: Sephirah on January 10, 2026, 05:42:17 PMGive me a camp fire and a sea of stars at night, and I'm yours.

It's a date, Sephirah!
Although, I would suggest we wait until June. If you build a campfire in Montana in January, you're probably in deep-sh** trouble. Or ice fishing.

Quote from: Dances With Trees on January 16, 2026, 05:51:08 PMIt's a date, Sephirah!
Although, I would suggest we wait until June. If you build a campfire in Montana in January, you're probably in deep-sh** trouble. Or ice fishing.

I mean, I would not be opposed to ice fishing. I know you folks in the US have like insane weather compared to the mild stuff we get in Britain. But I do not do well in heat. Like... at all. If I went to Montana in Summer, I would probably melt before I got off the plane. I am the person who jumped into an ice hole in a lake for some training, and said "The water is lovely, jump in!" where everyone else was practically fainting from the cold. I think my blood is about 50/50 anti-freeze.

Kind of why I think places like Alaska, or Antarctica are so appealing. Hell even Siberia. I don't feel cold nearly as much as I do hot. I love snow, ice, all that stuff. I am in my element. :)

I agree, Sephirah, I am a winter person.  I hate summer heat!  You would love the annual Quebec Ice Festival.  We went two years ago.  Not as cold as Danielle's Alaska, but it was -26 degrees Celsius.  They have an ice hotel that you can actually stay in.  I chose the ice bar for warm drinks instead.

I love Northern England.  I have spent many years excavating on Hadrian's Wall.  It gave me so many chances to see sunsets and sunrises from the Wall. I love the combination of nature and history throughout England.  You all are very lucky!

To quote an English phrase (no offence meant) bugger that for a game of soldiers, any thing below 10C is cold for me but then if its over 25C its too hot!!

Quote from: Emma1017 on January 17, 2026, 04:07:32 PMI agree, Sephirah, I am a winter person.  I hate summer heat!  You would love the annual Quebec Ice Festival.  We went two years ago.  Not as cold as Danielle's Alaska, but it was -26 degrees Celsius.  They have an ice hotel that you can actually stay in.  I chose the ice bar for warm drinks instead.

That actually sounds awesome. I think I would avoid a Flaming Sambuca in case the place melted. ;D

QuoteI love Northern England.  I have spent many years excavating on Hadrian's Wall.  It gave me so many chances to see sunsets and sunrises from the Wall. I love the combination of nature and history throughout England.  You all are very lucky!

I think if Hadrian hadn't built it back in the 2nd century, the Scottish would have in the 20th, lol. It's so cool that you're into Archaeology, Emma. You might like this:

https://www.youtube.com/@TimeTeamOfficial

Quote from: davina61 on January 18, 2026, 03:33:36 AMTo quote an English phrase (no offence meant) bugger that for a game of soldiers, any thing below 10C is cold for me but then if its over 25C its too hot!!

Haha, none taken. *stamps your Brit card* ;D

...

So... uh, yeah. Bit of a rough week. Anxiety and a weak heart do not make for good bedfellows. But it seems like I've only posted about woe-is-me stuff here recently and I can only imagine it's about as much fun to read as it is to write. So... enough of that!

I am getting my house re-wired next week. I doubt I'll have internet access from Monday-Friday. Knowing the kind of cowboys who do stuff here in Britain, that may end up being 'till March, when they inevitably break something. Or lots of somethings. Whole bunch of sweaty electricians marching around wondering why I don't have tea-bags, or sugar in the house ("What kind of Brit are you?!"). That'll be a fun conversation. As if I don't have enough people romping round already. Ugh. But hey, at the end of it I'll have more plug sockets than NASA, so... yay?

My house is quite old, though. And it needs doing.

Quote from: Sephirah on January 22, 2026, 03:52:35 PMBut hey, at the end of it I'll have more plug sockets than NASA, so... yay?

When I was much younger, I helped rewire an old house and drop the second floor to allow bedroom space above it in what was the attic. Fortunately, no one was living in it at the time. The walls had been stripped down to the frame, and all the old wiring and plumbing had been removed.

Lowering the ceiling from 10 feet to 8 feet was an interesting project that took a couple of months. But once that was done, the wiring only took two weeks.

Hopefully, they will have you juiced up and ready to go in no time.

Hugs!

Quote from: Lori Dee on January 22, 2026, 07:06:01 PMWhen I was much younger, I helped rewire an old house and drop the second floor to allow bedroom space above it in what was the attic. Fortunately, no one was living in it at the time. The walls had been stripped down to the frame, and all the old wiring and plumbing had been removed.

Lowering the ceiling from 10 feet to 8 feet was an interesting project that took a couple of months. But once that was done, the wiring only took two weeks.

Hopefully, they will have you juiced up and ready to go in no time.

Hugs!

I don't even need it. I literally live in one room, lol. But people need to make money. As long as they aren't expecting tea :P

I wanted to talk about this. And spoiler warning... this will be political. So please go read something else if this doesn't press your buttons.

So... the whole Trump Greenland thing. What is this guy actually smoking? The UK government are thinking of putting in place a sort of conscription thing where vets can be called up until the age of 65. I mean I could get called up under these measures even though I would be more of a liability than a help.

What is even going on? We did training exercises with our brothers and sisters in the US military. And now we're supposed to see you folks as the enemy because some orange guy in a suit wants a slushie?

I don't, this makes no sense. I thought we got rid of Hitler in WW2. How did you manage to elect another one?

I truly believe a lot of this has to do with the Mercator projection of the world map, which makes Greenland look 5 times larger than it actually is. Plus, it's near the US and seemingly vacant.

Things like history and international relations don't mean anything to him.

Quote from: Pema on January 22, 2026, 09:28:48 PMI truly believe a lot of this has to do with the Mercator projection of the world map, which makes Greenland look 5 times larger than it actually is. Plus, it's near the US and seemingly vacant.

Things like history and international relations don't mean anything to him.

I mean I kind of get that. Britain literally went to war over the Falklands Islands, Which was off the coast of Argentina. But.. like... if the people don't want to be part of the US, just leave them alone. I don't care how many rare earth minerals (not oil), is in this place. Just go be mad about cats, or windmills, or whatever. Leave the world alone.

Not sure about politics on this site but I wanted to respond:

Lauren, sadly, US presidents get elected based on domestic policies, never international ones.  Trump played the American voters perfectly.  He never shared his Venezuela, NATO, or Greenland policies before the elections.  He promised that the Ukrainian War would be over in one day.  He focused on the illegal immigrants, transgender athletes, and blaming "Sleepy Joe" for everything, who should never have run for reelection.

He is a used car salesman, and he is running our country.  JD Vance is just a "mini-me" in better health.

Given his soft handling of Putin, I wonder if Putin shared some photos that the KGB has of Trump with underaged girls on Epstein's island.

Sadly, we are all seated at the Mad Hatter's Tea Party.

I take solace that half the country didn't vote for him, and I hope that the upcoming elections will begin to correct this tragic mistake.

Quote from: Emma1017 on January 23, 2026, 06:56:44 AMI take solace that half the country didn't vote for him, and I hope that the upcoming elections will begin to correct this tragic mistake.

If we account for the eligible voters who didn't vote, 66% didn't vote for him. It's the 36% who didn't vote who could bring about a change.

Quote from: Pema on January 23, 2026, 01:04:01 PMIf we account for the eligible voters who didn't vote, 66% didn't vote for him. It's the 36% who didn't vote who could bring about a change.

"Decisions are made by those who show up."

You are so right, Lori and Pema!
We need to show up.
But the ballot box is not an end, it is a means.

Yeah I kind of agree with Emma. Politics can be highly divisive and polarizing. I probably should not have posted what I did. The whole veteran recall thing in the UK kind of freaked me out, though. That's all I will say on the matter. Other than to say our PM, Starmer... most people in the UK voted for his party in a massive landslide... and he still turned out to be a bit, well, Orwellian. I'd be surprised if there are any websites left in 5 years than UK people can have access to.

That and even the people who did vote for Trump probably didn't see all this in their future.

You really only decide which lunatic you give the keys to the asylum to, as the saying goes, then deal with their own brand of insanity for a few years. I kind of think the best people who should be in politics are the ones who don't want to be. That's all I will say about that.

"...even the people who did vote for Trump probably didn't see all this in their future."

Lauren, I am already getting words of remorse for the Trump supporters I know.  They are very quiet and no longer strident.  I don't the TRUMP flags as much anymore either.

On a more pleasant note, we're having a blizzard in NYC and I have plenty of hot chocolate and marshmallows! Yay!

Half of my house is still kind of a mess after the cadre of electricians ran rampant this week. I am choosing to ignore that for now. I managed to delegate the important stuff back in place. By that I mean my router, TV, and kettle (no, not for tea :P).

I'll sort the rest out next week but for now I am happy pretending it doesn't exist. On the upside, I now have more plug sockets than a whole street could feasibly use. No idea why. And several ceiling lights so bright that Gizmo would be a twitching mess on the floor. I think they might actually have shaved a little off the Sun and put it in a few light bulbs.

Quote from: Sephirah on January 31, 2026, 02:10:15 PM...
On the upside, I now have more plug sockets than a whole street could feasibly use. No idea why.
...

I don't have enough sockets, or time for that matter, for all of the gadgets that need charging.

And they have to be charged regularly even when not used, especially lithium batteries, or they become faulty.

And I have heard that faulty lithium batteries are the main cause of house fires now.

WE'RE ALL DOOMED!

Sorry, you may have noticed that I have become a bit of a Jonah of late.

Quote from: MaryT on January 31, 2026, 05:38:08 PMI don't have enough sockets, or time for that matter, for all of the gadgets that need charging.

And they have to be charged regularly even when not used, especially lithium batteries, or they become faulty.

And I have heard that faulty lithium batteries are the main cause of house fires now.

WE'RE ALL DOOMED!

Sorry, you may have noticed that I have become a bit of a Jonah of late.

Hah, it's all good, Mary!

As a Navy lass I don't believe in Jonah's. It's detrimental to your health. :P You're right, though. Everything needs charging these days. The Duracell Bunny is living on a street corner with a sandwich board, reading "Will strip for kid's toys!"

Don't apologise, sweetie. Discourse is always good. People to challenge how you think. It's never a negative. <3

Ev

Quote from: Sephirah on January 31, 2026, 02:10:15 PMHalf of my house is still kind of a mess after the cadre of electricians ran rampant this week. I am choosing to ignore that for now. I managed to delegate the important stuff back in place. By that I mean my router, TV, and kettle (no, not for tea :P).

I'll sort the rest out next week but for now I am happy pretending it doesn't exist. On the upside, I now have more plug sockets than a whole street could feasibly use. No idea why. And several ceiling lights so bright that Gizmo would be a twitching mess on the floor. I think they might actually have shaved a little off the Sun and put it in a few light bulbs.

I just got a new phone, and it has a new usb on it. I had to buy two extra cables for work, and my truck... I don't have outlets with USB ports on it to charge all the stuff I have.

Quote from: Alana Ashleigh on January 31, 2026, 11:30:47 PMEv

I just got a new phone, and it has a new usb on it. I had to buy two extra cables for work, and my truck... I don't have outlets with USB ports on it to charge all the stuff I have.

I know what you mean. I had to get a plug with a USB and USB-C socket on it to charge my smart watch and phone I got for Christmas. Took a while to get used to having to charge a watch rather than it just having a normal battery, or winding it up, lol. Shows how old I am.

The living room in my flat has a double socket in each corner, I have had to use a switchable extension to plug TV into so I can turn it off as there is no room to get around my telly to the wall socket. Same for the power to sofa, lap top charger and phone charger as socket on wrong side of sofa.

Speaking of daffodils, a little William Wordsworth

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of the bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed--and gazed--but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought.

For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

Lauren,


Hi!


Happy Valentine's Day!



Chrissy

Happy Valentine's Day, Sephirah!

And to you both. Happy Valentine's Day. Thank you. <3

I do not really put stuff in this because there are people who give more to the site. So it doesn't really matter. You know where you are in the grand scheme of things. :) Close to two decade make  me twitchy.

I have had quite horrid dreams of late. It's not important. Stuff where I can't talk to people. Makes me wake in a cold sweat.

Is all good though. I can deal with it.

I'm glad to hear you can deal with these dreams, but hope thar you are OK too though? I only ask because I really get awful dreams when stress levels are high.

May be different for you though!

Charlotte 😻

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on March 08, 2026, 12:36:12 AMI'm glad to hear you can deal with these dreams, but hope thar you are OK too though? I only ask because I really get awful dreams when stress levels are high.

May be different for you though!

Charlotte 😻

No I think it's the same, Charlotte. I am not sure I remember a time when stress levels weren't high. That's probably the reason. Anyway don't mind me. Things have been a bit... wonky, lately. I have no idea why but I woke up and my left eye is extremely irritable. Like if someone pokes you in the eye a bunch of times. Very weird. It's constantly watering and sore, and blinking is painful. I expect it will wear off but... I don't remember dreaming about being poked in the eye, haha.

Quote from: Sephirah on March 08, 2026, 04:10:32 AMNo I think it's the same, Charlotte. I am not sure I remember a time when stress levels weren't high. That's probably the reason. Anyway don't mind me. Things have been a bit... wonky, lately. I have no idea why but I woke up and my left eye is extremely irritable. Like if someone pokes you in the eye a bunch of times. Very weird. It's constantly watering and sore, and blinking is painful. I expect it will wear off but... I don't remember dreaming about being poked in the eye, haha.

Sorry to hear that. A poor nights sleep is the worst. It's horrible getting nightmares, why does our body do that to us! Hopefully nothing too serious causing you stress but you can always vent on here if you need to.

I hope you're not getting an eye infection! Of course you could have poked yourself in the eye when you were asleep. I sometimes wake up with sleep injuries that I haven't a clue about. I suspect I could be sleep walking but I live on my own so who knows!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on March 08, 2026, 04:32:50 AMSorry to hear that. A poor nights sleep is the worst. It's horrible getting nightmares, why does our body do that to us! Hopefully nothing too serious causing you stress but you can always vent on here if you need to.

I hope you're not getting an eye infection! Of course you could have poked yourself in the eye when you were asleep. I sometimes wake up with sleep injuries that I haven't a clue about. I suspect I could be sleep walking but I live on my own so who knows!

I have seen like CCTV footage of people sleepwalking. It's wild! I used to know someone who talked in their sleep... like a whole lot. It was like they were holding an entire conversation with someone no one else could see. They were extremely cogent and articulate. Like they were on a phone call. It was the strangest thing, and they always had no memory of it.

I think I probably just poked myself in the eye, haha. I am what you could call a fidgeter. Especially when it comes to pillows. I have like 7 on my bed and am constantly adjusting them. I probably just caught it on one of the zippers on a pillowcase or something.

I had a spot on my lower lid the other week, that was sore for a good few days. Nothing worse than conjunctivitis apart from when I had cold sore virus in my right eye, that ruined my lens so its like looking through privacy glass! If its still playing up after 3 days get it looked at. 

Quote from: Sephirah on March 08, 2026, 04:38:27 AMI have seen like CCTV footage of people sleepwalking. It's wild! I used to know someone who talked in their sleep... like a whole lot. It was like they were holding an entire conversation with someone no one else could see. They were extremely cogent and articulate. Like they were on a phone call. It was the strangest thing, and they always had no memory of it.

I think I probably just poked myself in the eye, haha. I am what you could call a fidgeter. Especially when it comes to pillows. I have like 7 on my bed and am constantly adjusting them. I probably just caught it on one of the zippers on a pillowcase or something.

One day I'll set the camera up on autocapture and see what really goes on! I know I had a few incidents of sleepwalking when I was younger. It could be scary!

Quote from: davina61 on March 08, 2026, 04:42:49 AMI had a spot on my lower lid the other week, that was sore for a good few days. Nothing worse than conjunctivitis apart from when I had cold sore virus in my right eye, that ruined my lens so its like looking through privacy glass! If its still playing up after 3 days get it looked at. 

Yikes! That sounds horrible! Did you get it sorted out, Davina? The only real serious issue I had was a benign tumour behind my right eye, which made me look hung over for a few weeks. Freaked me out to no end. I thought I had a "brain tuna", as I called things like that as a kid. ;D

I have an issue with abnormally long eyelashes, haha. Like... fake lash long. I have even been asked the question before. I think I have broke one off a time or two and it's gone in my eye. Who knows. It's already getting better after being awake for a little while so... there's that.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on March 08, 2026, 04:44:05 AMOne day I'll set the camera up on autocapture and see what really goes on! I know I had a few incidents of sleepwalking when I was younger. It could be scary!

As I understand it, it's where your body doesn't completely shut down when you sleep and you act out your dreams. God... my dreams should not be acted out. I hope you have really nice dreams, Sarah... frolicking through a dappled meadow levels of nice!

This is probably too much information, but when I was a kid I had to go to a sleep clinic because I used to wet the bed. I would literally dream of waking up and going to the bathroom without realising it was a dream. They determined that when I sleep, I sleep extremely deeply. Like "nuclear apocalypse could be going on around you and you wouldn't wake up" levels of deep. That seems accurate.

Quote from: Sephirah on March 08, 2026, 04:10:32 AMNo I think it's the same, Charlotte. I am not sure I remember a time when stress levels weren't high. That's probably the reason. Anyway don't mind me. Things have been a bit... wonky, lately. I have no idea why but I woke up and my left eye is extremely irritable. Like if someone pokes you in the eye a bunch of times. Very weird. It's constantly watering and sore, and blinking is painful. I expect it will wear off but... I don't remember dreaming about being poked in the eye, haha.

Oh no sounds pretty rough Lauren. I think though it's very common to rub and scratch your eyes in sleep. I see my boyfriend do it when he stirs while sleeping. Hopefully it'll calm down and get better soon.

Sending you all my hugs as being on high stress is really hard on your mind and body. Very much systemic. I really hope this is temporary and that you have a way out sometime soon. If you're anything like me though e.g. born to worry, then I get that time might not come, but we're here too just like you are for us.

Charlotte 😻

Quote from: Sephirah on March 08, 2026, 04:55:03 AMAs I understand it, it's where your body doesn't completely shut down when you sleep and you act out your dreams. God... my dreams should not be acted out. I hope you have really nice dreams, Sarah... frolicking through a dappled meadow levels of nice!

This is probably too much information, but when I was a kid I had to go to a sleep clinic because I used to wet the bed. I would literally dream of waking up and going to the bathroom without realising it was a dream. They determined that when I sleep, I sleep extremely deeply. Like "nuclear apocalypse could be going on around you and you wouldn't wake up" levels of deep. That seems accurate.

Well we've already discussed my dreams Lauren so I bloody hope you're wrong about acting them out ha ha!

I do remember sleep walking at a posh hotel in Scotland. I woke up in the middle of the corridor in nothing but boxer shorts, I was nearly at the restaurant! I used to stay there as a kid growing up and they used to have shared bathrooms, I think I was on my way there for my ablutions! I looked down and by a stroke of luck I'd actually taken the key with me! I managed to sneak back without being seen but that was a close shave!

No shame with the bed wetting. Guess what? I had the exact same problem with bed wetting. We're peas in a pod if you pardon the pun! I had to go to see a specialist and everything and I do sleep very deeply normally. I live on the flightpath for the airport and the low flying jets do not wake me at all. I do remember as a kid having to go to sleep on this bloody uncomfortable wire mesh electric sensor pad that woke you up with a horrendous alarm if you had an accident. Didn't work. In the end I just sort of grew out of it. The bed wetting thing was the main reason I got bullied at primary school because of an incident on a field trip.

Too much info perhaps lol!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on March 08, 2026, 08:44:18 AMI do remember as a kid having to go to sleep on this bloody uncomfortable wire mesh electric sensor pad that woke you up with a horrendous alarm if you had an accident. Didn't work. In the end I just sort of grew out of it. The bed wetting thing was the main reason I got bullied at primary school because of an incident on a field trip.

Too much info perhaps lol!

Well that makes three of us then! I used that same device but it worked for me. Unfortunately this wasn't until the last year of primary school it was sorted.  It was only because the school nurse was able to recommend it. I'm just glad it was was sorted before high school.

Charlotte 😻

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on March 08, 2026, 08:57:08 AMWell that makes three of us then! I used that same device but it worked for me. Unfortunately this wasn't until the last year of primary school it was sorted.  It was only because the school nurse was able to recommend it. I'm just glad it was was sorted before high school.

Charlotte 😻

Ha ha What the hell? Was this a british thing?

I didn't get it sorted until quite late. It meant I couldn't go on overnight school field trips and never really went on lads holidays (apart from Ibiza one time). It was very limiting for me growing up. Still, all cusdhy now.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on March 08, 2026, 09:02:34 AMHa ha What the hell? Was this a british thing?

I didn't get it sorted until quite late. It meant I couldn't go on overnight school field trips and never really went on lads holidays (apart from Ibiza one time). It was very limiting for me growing up. Still, all cusdhy now.

I am starting to wonder, haha. I am glad you both got it sorted out. I remember I wasn't allowed an electric blanket in the winter because my mum was terrified I'd electrocute myself in the middle of the night.

Anyway, in other news... I just discovered classic Top Gear on the BBC iPlayer. So I am binge watching all the specials they did because they're kind of fun. I don't watch much TV these days and this is the first time I've used the iPlayer. But I pay the BBC £15 a month for basically nothing at this point, so I might as well get some of my money's worth out of the license fee.

I dont watch much BBC ,hate game shows but I would like to be on Bargain Hunt. Asked my friend if she would do it but since her son got killed in a RTA she has become reclusive, shame as she is a performer and has been on First Dates .

Other than the news I don't watch anything on normal TV these days. Don't even watch much streaming either to be fair. Nothing worth watching on terestial tv these days I feel it has dumbed down to the point of being unwatchable now.

For my job, I have to take in all of the major news outlets, TV, print, and computer-based media every day.  It is essentially all trash, but I have to cypher through it all to advise clients. Could be why my blood pressure is up.

Negative news sells advertising, so I agree with the group binge-watch great series, read great books, and shut out the idiots (why are there so many?).

Thankfully, I submitted my retirement paperwork and started a two-year retirement phase-out on May 1.

I agree that the news can be overwhelming at times. We just have to unplug sometimes, go outside, and touch grass.

Great news that you are headed for retirement! I think the biggest adjustment for me was staying busy after I retired. I took classes, started a home business selling scented candles and jewelry. After earning my hypnotherapy certifications, I opened a private practice. After several years, I realized that I still had a "J.O.B." (Just Over Broke), and  I just wanted to be retired. I think "retired" means "tired again". But then I had the time to pursue my real interests.

That is when life really begins. When you can stop doing what you need to do and start doing what you want to do.

Thats why I keep busy in my workshop, its bad enough when I stay home like today (yawn).

Quote from: davina61 on March 13, 2026, 02:49:42 PMThats why I keep busy in my workshop, its bad enough when I stay home like today (yawn).

I have this image of you as the female equivalent to Dr. Emmett Brown, from the Back to the Future movies. Tell me, do you sometimes say things like "Great Scott!", or "1.21 Gigawatts!"? ;) And do you have a dog called Einstein? :P

I kind of think the "news" is substantially worse in the US than here. Impartiality is a 12 letter word. At least here, the BBC is "supposed" to be impartial. By law. Only reporting the facts rather than pushing an agenda. I'm pretty sure it's written down somewhere in their mandate. Doesn't always work out that way but they have a decent stab at it most of the time. And get in trouble when they don't.

And, of course, because everyone pays the license fee (for non UK folks, it's basically a mandated subscription fee that you get threatened with fines and even prison if you don't pay it), there is no advertising so they don't have to pander to advertisers. It isn't a shining example of anything, by any means. But I have seen a lot of stuff the US puts out and it just makes me think "it could be worse."

Quote from: Sephirah on March 13, 2026, 03:59:22 PMI have this image of you as the female equivalent to Dr. Emmett Brown, from the Back to the Future movies. Tell me, do you sometimes say things like "Great Scott!", or "1.21 Gigawatts!"? ;) And do you have a dog called Einstein? :P

I kind of think the "news" is substantially worse in the US than here. Impartiality is a 12 letter word. At least here, the BBC is "supposed" to be impartial. By law. Only reporting the facts rather than pushing an agenda. I'm pretty sure it's written down somewhere in their mandate. Doesn't always work out that way but they have a decent stab at it most of the time. And get in trouble when they don't.

And, of course, because everyone pays the license fee (for non UK folks, it's basically a mandated subscription fee that you get threatened with fines and even prison if you don't pay it), there is no advertising so they don't have to pander to advertisers. It isn't a shining example of anything, by any means. But I have seen a lot of stuff the US puts out and it just makes me think "it could be worse."

Careful, Davina could get stuck with the nickname "Doc"!

Yeah we definitely don't have it as bad as the US but we do get adverts on the bbc. They are always advertising their own stuff.

To be fair the bbc manages to piss off both sides of the political spectrum so that proably means it's doing a good job at being impartial!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on March 13, 2026, 04:23:31 PMCareful, Davina could get stuck with the nickname "Doc"!

Yeah we definitely don't have it as bad as the US but we do get adverts on the bbc. They are always advertising their own stuff.

To be fair the bbc manages to piss off both sides of the political spectrum so that proably means it's doing a good job at being impartial!

Hah, that made me chuckle. You're right. They annoy everyone equally.

Quote from: Sephirah on March 13, 2026, 04:36:13 PMHah, that made me chuckle. You're right. They annoy everyone equally.

The truth hurts. Both sides feel it.
😁

I cant say my catch phrase here it would get me banned (I learnt a good few profanities after 50+ years in the garage trade) but my drag race friends called me Buddha as I knew a lot. Of course its now Buddeta!

"But I have seen a lot of stuff the US puts out and it just makes me think 'it could be worse.'"

Lauren, Stottie and Davina, consider yourself lucky not to be assaulted by the endless drug commercials.  They pay extra for multiple minutes of dancing intestines, Broadway productions on cancer drugs, and insincere TV doctors selling suspicious medications...and, oh yeah, with RFK, Jr. in charge of protecting our health.

Lori, do you know any good Indian shamans?

Quote from: Emma1017 on March 14, 2026, 09:44:41 AMLori, do you know any good Indian shamans?

I don't think they were very good. I found it suspicious that the local Medicine Man kept calling in sick.

😆

Quote from: Emma1017 on March 14, 2026, 09:44:41 AM"But I have seen a lot of stuff the US puts out and it just makes me think 'it could be worse.'"

Lauren, Stottie and Davina, consider yourself lucky not to be assaulted by the endless drug commercials.  They pay extra for multiple minutes of dancing intestines, Broadway productions on cancer drugs, and insincere TV doctors selling suspicious medications...and, oh yeah, with RFK, Jr. in charge of protecting our health.

Lori, do you know any good Indian shamans?

I always found that extremely... weird, Emma. The proclivity to try to sell medication to people. Trying to tell folks they need a particular drug rather than letting their medical practitioner determine if that's actually the case.

That being said, we do have ads for mild painkillers, and a worrying amount of aids to relieving your bowels, on UK terrestrial television. That's kind of as far as it goes though. At least from what I remember of advertising.

Quote from: Sephirah on March 14, 2026, 04:15:21 PMI always found that extremely... weird, Emma. The proclivity to try to sell medication to people. Trying to tell folks they need a particular drug rather than letting their medical practitioner determine if that's actually the case.

That being said, we do have ads for mild painkillers, and a worrying amount of aids to relieving your bowels, on UK terrestrial television. That's kind of as far as it goes though. At least from what I remember of advertising.

You've made me think of that god awful pepto-bismol advert now!

That reminds me of an internet meme about toilet paper commercials:

Who is not buying toilet paper?

🤣

Quote from: Lori Dee on March 14, 2026, 05:57:29 PMThat reminds me of an internet meme about toilet paper commercials:

Who is not buying toilet paper?

🤣

Well, back during COVID... in the UK, everyone was. In vast quantities. For some unfathomable reason, haha.

You have me thinking about a really creepy toilet roll ad over here though. With a little kid. It was very... odd.

Oh god.. I found it..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgGbYvrHn4A

Quote from: Stottie Girl on March 14, 2026, 04:25:17 PMYou've made me think of that god awful pepto-bismol advert now!

I remember the one with the odd firefighters. We have some very strange ads in the UK.

Ha I remember that ad!

The toilet roll thing was funny. Why in a crisis does everyone panic buy loo roll? As a heating engineer I often had to go into storecupboards looking for the gas meters and you would open the door and a mountain of bog roll would fall out, the guilt written on their faces was priceless!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on March 14, 2026, 07:01:54 PMHa I remember that ad!

The toilet roll thing was funny. Why in a crisis does everyone panic buy loo roll? As a heating engineer I often had to go into storecupboards looking for the gas meters and you would open the door and a mountain of bog roll would fall out, the guilt written on their faces was priceless!

I never understood that, at all. It was like a nationwide craze. Of all the things to panic buy. People can be weird.

The point of the meme was why do they need to advertise toilet paper? Who is not buying toilet paper?

Maybe the ads were targeting people with bidets?

😆

Quote from: Lori Dee on March 14, 2026, 08:44:33 PMThe point of the meme was why do they need to advertise toilet paper? Who is not buying toilet paper?

Maybe the ads were targeting people with bidets?

😆

Or Muslims, they often use a bib tap arrangement instead. Not really sure why. I would have thought it would spray everywhere but I've installed a few of them over the years. It's a culture thing I guess. I am not a fan of Eastern European toilets for the record having been caught short in Italy and had to use one. The less said about that the better! I was on my way to Milan too, had to change plans!!

I think they just want you to buy their expensive toilet rolls, hence the ads, rather than the cheaper supermarket one I buy lol!

Considering bad toilet experiences I worked in China for 2 weeks.  In the factory there was a bucket of light brown looking water and a ladle to wash yourself after hovering over the hole in the floor! I snuck tissue out of the meeting room for obvious reasons and binned! Hotels all had uk like toilets.

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on March 15, 2026, 06:13:17 AMI think they just want you to buy their expensive toilet rolls, hence the ads, rather than the cheaper supermarket one I buy lol!

Considering bad toilet experiences I worked in China for 2 weeks.  In the factory there was a bucket of light brown looking water and a ladle to wash yourself after hovering over the hole in the floor! I snuck tissue out of the meeting room for obvious reasons and binned! Hotels all had uk like toilets.

No cheapo supermarket loo roll for me thanks. Nothing but the best for my butt! ha ha!

Yep hole in the floor is essentially what an eastern european toilet is. The one I used had a length of garden hose connected to a tap. I misjudged the water pressure lol!

How the hell did we get onto this subject. Sorry for poluting your blog Lauren!

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on March 15, 2026, 06:13:17 AMI think they just want you to buy their expensive toilet rolls, hence the ads, rather than the cheaper supermarket one I buy lol!

Considering bad toilet experiences I worked in China for 2 weeks.  In the factory there was a bucket of light brown looking water and a ladle to wash yourself after hovering over the hole in the floor! I snuck tissue out of the meeting room for obvious reasons and binned! Hotels all had uk like toilets.

Years ago, I did a trip to India.  Tourist accommodations there are categorized as "Indian" or "European".  Indian means hole-in-the-floor toilets; European means sit-down toilets.  The trip was organized by Americans, so we stayed in European hotels, but we did eat at a few Indian restaurants.  Trains are Indian-style only: if you look down, you can see the ties going by!

This is the toilet paper TV ad campaign that drives me absolutely insane:


Thank God I bought a bidet during COVID.

Oh my god what have we started here lol! Sorry Lauren!

We had the Charmin bear too.

Haha, you all made me smile. Thank you. <3

This morning I couldn't wake up. It was the weirdest thing. I tried to wake up three times. The first time I woke up and fell out of bed, everything was spinning. Then I thought "this is a dream" and tried to wake up again... then I saw some weird figures talking in the corner of the room... so I thought again "I am dreaming" and tried to wake up again... which I did... sort of, feeling very, very weird. I've been feeling... off... all day.

I don't want to go through that again.

Quote from: Sephirah on March 19, 2026, 04:46:11 PMHaha, you all made me smile. Thank you. <3

This morning I couldn't wake up. It was the weirdest thing. I tried to wake up three times. The first time I woke up and fell out of bed, everything was spinning. Then I thought "this is a dream" and tried to wake up again... then I saw some weird figures talking in the corner of the room... so I thought again "I am dreaming" and tried to wake up again... which I did... sort of, feeling very, very weird. I've been feeling... off... all day.

I don't want to go through that again.

There is a phenomenon called "false awakening" (Something like that) I had it once or twice when I was suffering work stress. I think it either is or is similar to lucid dreaming. I only ever had it happen in a loop once though normally I just snapped awake when I realised I was still dreaming. It doesn't happen anymore. Maybe you have something playing on your mind?

Quote from: Stottie Girl on March 19, 2026, 06:31:38 PMThere is a phenomenon called "false awakening" (Something like that) I had it once or twice when I was suffering work stress. I think it either is or is similar to lucid dreaming. I only ever had it happen in a loop once though normally I just snapped awake when I realised I was still dreaming. It doesn't happen anymore. Maybe you have something playing on your mind?

Likely. There's always something playing on my mind. I wish it were a lucid dream. That would have been nicer. I couldn't control this. It was extremely weird. It was like inception within inception. A dream where you know you're dreaming but you don't know you're dreaming.

*shudders*

I am scared to sleep tonight, haha.

Quote from: Sephirah on March 19, 2026, 06:39:36 PMLikely. There's always something playing on my mind. I wish it were a lucid dream. That would have been nicer. I couldn't control this. It was extremely weird. It was like inception within inception. A dream where you know you're dreaming but you don't know you're dreaming.

*shudders*

I am scared to sleep tonight, haha.

Sleep can't hurt you, I would tuck you in if I could ha ha! Sweet dreams!

Did you get it again this morning Lauren?

I obviously tempted fate and had recurring nightmares! Serves me right ha ha!

If I wake while dreaming it messes with my head, short nap fixes it like a brain reboot.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on March 19, 2026, 06:31:38 PMThere is a phenomenon called "false awakening" (Something like that) I had it once or twice when I was suffering work stress. I think it either is or is similar to lucid dreaming. I only ever had it happen in a loop once though normally I just snapped awake when I realised I was still dreaming. It doesn't happen anymore. Maybe you have something playing on your mind?

Oh that's a weird one. Had it a few times. Once I'd killed someone and hid the body in a pond by a road. I thought I'd woke up then terrified as I'd done this and it wasn't a dream. Then I really woke up. I was so relieved at this point. I do sometimes get this weird feeling that it really did happen.

I've dreamed at least 3 times about nuclear war coming to the UK and seeing mushroom clouds out of the window. These things definitely come from dark times in your life for us all.

Charlotte 😻

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on March 20, 2026, 05:34:11 AMOh that's a weird one. Had it a few times. Once I'd killed someone and hid the body in a pond by a road. I thought I'd woke up then terrified as I'd done this and it wasn't a dream. Then I really woke up. I was so relieved at this point. I do sometimes get this weird feeling that it really did happen.

I've dreamed at least 3 times about nuclear war coming to the UK and seeing mushroom clouds out of the window. These things definitely come from dark times in your life for us all.

Charlotte 😻

Well if you did do something Charlotte I hope you hid the body well!

I think for those of us who grew up during the cold war we've probably all had those dreams about nuclear blasts. They really do terrify me.

However, I am darkly fascinated by the subject, I am drawn to stories involving it but then it causes nightmares. I guess I am a glutton for punishment!

I remember reading "When the wind blows" when I was a kid thinking it was just another comic book. It affected me for ages, as did watching the BBC's Threads film drama at primary school. Still can't believe they showed that to kids. Scarred for life! It's a bit daft in todays context but I quite liked reading Nevil Shute's "On the beach" too.

Also quite enjoyed the recent Katheryn Bigalow movie even though it didn't have a conclusion.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on March 20, 2026, 03:57:53 AMDid you get it again this morning Lauren?

I obviously tempted fate and had recurring nightmares! Serves me right ha ha!

No, it seems it was a one-off. Still extremely weird and unsettling, though.

I am so sorry to hear about your nightmares, honey. I have woken many an early morning in a cold sweat. Once even sobbing like an infant. *hugs* I hope tonight is better for you! <3

It's interesting you mention mushroom clouds and nuclear war, Charlotte. That's kind of a recurring dream of mine. That and a giant black tornado.

Hah, Sarah, you are my spirit animal! I've seen Threads a number of times (probably where the dreams come from). And am also kind of morbidly fascinated with the whole thing. Not least because I recognise a lot of the areas in that movie since it takes place in my hometown. That movie is so bleak and real that it caused the government of the time to change its advice to citizens during a nuclear threat.

I will have to try your brain re-boot, Davina. That sounds like a good idea!

I am extremely worried about someone. I don't know if I should say who it is. People who know me, probably already know.

Everyone deserves to be okay,

I don't... I don't want to post in this too often because there are people far more worthy of attention.

This week.. I have felt like the Duracell Bunny been trapped in a cage, forced to power New York. Drained is just a word.

I had some medical stuff going on. Story of my life, haha

Other than that, nothing interesting going on.

Back to your regularly scheduled programming. :)

You are very nice Lauren.  I hope your medical situation improves.   Sounds like you need a recharge.


Chrissy

Quote from: Sephirah on April 02, 2026, 05:53:53 PMI don't... I don't want to post in this too often because there are people far more worthy of attention.

This week.. I have felt like the Duracell Bunny been trapped in a cage, forced to power New York. Drained is just a word.

I had some medical stuff going on. Story of my life, haha

Other than that, nothing interesting going on.

Back to your regularly scheduled programming. :)

You are as worthy of attention as anyone Lauren. Don't forget that.

Sarah xx

Quote from: Sephirah on April 02, 2026, 05:53:53 PMI don't... I don't want to post in this too often because there are people far more worthy of attention.

This week.. I have felt like the Duracell Bunny been trapped in a cage, forced to power New York. Drained is just a word.

I had some medical stuff going on. Story of my life, haha

Other than that, nothing interesting going on.

Back to your regularly scheduled programming. :)

You have a kindred shirt willing to listen. I don't get the dreams, but I understand the feelings.

Quote from: Sephirah on April 02, 2026, 05:53:53 PMThis week.. I have felt like the Duracell Bunny been trapped in a cage, forced to power New York. Drained is just a word.

Massive hugs, Sephirah!

Lotsa love and massive hugs, Lauren!

😘

Do your thing, Lauren. You know we're here for you.

I do not think there's a charger big enough, Chrissy, haha.

Thank you. Sincerely. A lot of the time it's... hard. I have to budget my energy, like someone trying to lose weight has to budget calories. That's largely why I am not here as much as I would like to be. Otherwise, all you would get is drool and an overwhelming desire to eat brains. As an empath, whether you believe in that or not, coming here is like trying to swim in the ocean amid a hurricane. The emotional intensity is, and always has been... off whatever scale you want to create for it. It's borderline overwhelming.

Most days the world is kind of far in the distance. I do feel like I am on a charger, so to speak. I spend a lot of time just trying to recover. Trying to get more than 1%, haha. So... I need to say sorry to anyone who hopes for more than I can give. I am deeply sorry. You deserve more. I am hoping that this will change in the future. That I can get back to being somewhat normal.

I am just dealing with some stuff is all. Feels like I have been dealing with some stuff for a long time, though. And I am, frankly, sick of it.

ANYWAY!

Enough depressing stuff.

What makes you smile? In its simplest form. What singular thing makes you feel good?

I hope you get better soon XX .For me its my kids and grandkids, making stuff in my workshop and seeing live music and of course just living as myself.

Quote from: davina61 on April 03, 2026, 03:09:17 AMI hope you get better soon XX .For me its my kids and grandkids, making stuff in my workshop and seeing live music and of course just living as myself.

What kind of live music are you into, Davina? I have seen videos of Nightwish live. That kind of energy is probably something which only comes along once in a lifetime. You strike me as someone who just loves life. And you inject that here.

Thank you. <3

Sending you my love and hugs Lauren. I wish I had some energy I could send your way too, to help you recharge. Sounds like you have a lot going on too which is taking its toll on you. I hope you are at least getting some way towards resolving it?

As you have offered to me, I too am happy to listen if you ever want DM me. I can listen even if I don't have answers.

Also please don't be sorry for not being present all the time. You owe us all nothing, and you owe your health everything. Besides the time you do spend here, your contributions have such a high value. The weight of contributions is not just the frequency, but also the content. Every word you type has meaning and value.

Love and hugs,
Charlotte 😻

(((HUGS!)))

Quote from: Sephirah on April 03, 2026, 01:19:47 AMWhat singular thing makes you feel good?

My kitties.  Two of them are ex-feral and one is a former stray.  The former stray understands about houses, though we think his last home might not have been very nice for him. 

The two ex-feral boys (they are still pretty feral, actually), Clifford and Winkle, can't quite figure out why they live indoors now.  They are extremely smart, and have adapted well.  They are a tightly-bonded pair.  It makes me go all mushy inside seeing them grooming each other.  They are just so sweet together.  They don't quite trust us humans completely, but they prefer to be around us.  After six years, I can pat them exactly once per day, no more. 

The former stray, Dibley, was obviously an only cat at his previous home.  He had no idea how to behave around other cats.  The other two have gradually settled him down, and they mostly get along fine now. It was not just familiarity that settled him down: they were clearly actively teaching him.  Any time Dibley would get into a fight with Winkle, Clifford would come over, even from the next room, and get between them to break it up.

Seeing that intelligence and love among the cats definitely makes me smile.

The times I get to be Kellie

Lauren, you have been such a huge support to so many of us. Please take care of yourself.  I wish I could reflect back just a portion of the positive energy you shared with me. That love and support should not come at a cost to you.  You shouldn't be like John Coffey in The Green Mile movie:


Again, please take care of yourself. You have my email address, and I would love to talk to you if you want. Whatever you need!!!❤️

Warmest hugs and love,

Emma

Quote from: Emma1017 on April 03, 2026, 09:18:47 AMLauren, you have been such a huge support to so many of us. Please take care of yourself.  I wish I could reflect back just a portion of the positive energy you shared with me. That love and support should not come at a cost to you.  You shouldn't be like John Coffey in The Green Mile movie:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHepEyTZajc

Again, please take care of yourself. You have my email address, and I would love to talk to you if you want. Whatever you need!!!❤️

Warmest hugs and love,

Emma

oooh that analogy is spot on! Not saying that Lauren is an enormous mystical black man of course!

Don't be a John Coffey Lauren! You've earned our love and respect for over a decade by all accounts.

Lauren!... I am always sending the best hopes and wishes your way girl and hoping you can feel all the love you send out around here reflected right back at you!💕🤗💕

One thing,of many, that makes me happy in my day is when my husband brings me my coffee in bed in the morning because I am trapped by our kitties laying on me and I don't want to disturb them... A great start to the day! 💕😺😺😺💕

Hugs and Lotsa Love Sister!

A💕

Not so much rock, went to the local rock festival a few years ago to meet someone and there was a band on with some plonker just screaming and shouting down the microphone. Most other music I like, I still listen to Radio 1.

I think you know what trips my trigger.

😁

And as Charlotte pointed out, it isn't quantity but quality. And you are one quality babe. Every post you make is heartfelt and supportive. You give so much to all of us. Always have. So, don't think you must be here to give more. It's okay for you to show up and receive the love we give you.

Quote from: KathyLauren on April 03, 2026, 07:37:04 AM(((HUGS!)))

My kitties.  Two of them are ex-feral and one is a former stray.  The former stray understands about houses, though we think his last home might not have been very nice for him. 

The two ex-feral boys (they are still pretty feral, actually), Clifford and Winkle, can't quite figure out why they live indoors now.  They are extremely smart, and have adapted well.  They are a tightly-bonded pair.  It makes me go all mushy inside seeing them grooming each other.  They are just so sweet together.  They don't quite trust us humans completely, but they prefer to be around us.  After six years, I can pat them exactly once per day, no more. 

The former stray, Dibley, was obviously an only cat at his previous home.  He had no idea how to behave around other cats.  The other two have gradually settled him down, and they mostly get along fine now. It was not just familiarity that settled him down: they were clearly actively teaching him.  Any time Dibley would get into a fight with Winkle, Clifford would come over, even from the next room, and get between them to break it up.

Seeing that intelligence and love among the cats definitely makes me smile.

That is awesome, Kathy. As someone who took in shelter dogs, I have immense respect and undying admiration for anyone willing to give any animal a loving home. That's right up there on my list of endearing traits someone can have.

Much love to you and your kitties! Although... when I hear the name Dibley, I can't help thinking of a show we had over here called "Red Dwarf". One of the characters... ironically the supposed evolution of felines, called "Kat", was turned into a character called "Duane Dibley." I am curious if that's where the name comes from, haha.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBIWMgPZo2Q

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 03, 2026, 08:20:37 AMThe times I get to be Kellie

May you have many more of those times, Kellie! <3

Quote from: Emma1017 on April 03, 2026, 09:18:47 AMLauren, you have been such a huge support to so many of us. Please take care of yourself.  I wish I could reflect back just a portion of the positive energy you shared with me. That love and support should not come at a cost to you.  You shouldn't be like John Coffey in The Green Mile movie:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHepEyTZajc

Again, please take care of yourself. You have my email address, and I would love to talk to you if you want. Whatever you need!!!❤️

Warmest hugs and love,

Emma

That movie always makes me cry. Always. I end up sobbing like a babe by the end. Thank you, Emma. <3

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 03, 2026, 10:00:45 AMoooh that analogy is spot on! Not saying that Lauren is an enormous mystical black man of course!

Don't be a John Coffey Lauren! You've earned our love and respect for over a decade by all accounts.

I mean, if I were a guy, Michael Clarke Duncan would be up there on the list of aspirations, haha. ;D

Quote from: tgirlamg on April 03, 2026, 10:21:50 AMLauren!... I am always sending the best hopes and wishes your way girl and hoping you can feel all the love you send out around here reflected right back at you!💕🤗💕

One thing,of many, that makes me happy in my day is when my husband brings me my coffee in bed in the morning because I am trapped by our kitties laying on me and I don't want to disturb them... A great start to the day! 💕😺😺😺💕

Hugs and Lotsa Love Sister!

A💕

Kittie jail sounds quite adorable, haha. Thank you Ash. Love you, sweetie. <3

Quote from: davina61 on April 03, 2026, 11:30:32 AMNot so much rock, went to the local rock festival a few years ago to meet someone and there was a band on with some plonker just screaming and shouting down the microphone. Most other music I like, I still listen to Radio 1.

I mean... isn't that most bands these days? Or am I just getting old? Haha. I haven't listened to Radio 1 since the times of Chris Moyles. That seems like a lifetime ago. :o

Quote from: Lori Dee on April 03, 2026, 04:01:21 PMI think you know what trips my trigger.

😁

And as Charlotte pointed out, it isn't quantity but quality. And you are one quality babe. Every post you make is heartfelt and supportive. You give so much to all of us. Always have. So, don't think you must be here to give more. It's okay for you to show up and receive the love we give you.

Awww, thank you, Lori. You know I love you, too. <3

All of you folks are remarkable. I don't deserve you. Thank you. Sincerely. <3

...

Storm Dave is supposed to be happening tonight in the UK. That's the least scary name for a Storm I've ever heard. I am expecting it to be followed by "Menacing Fog Nigel" and "Slightly Damp Spell Colin."

It's been a bit blowy here, but nothing close to the doom-mongering you see in the media. "Charge your phones! Buy sleeping bags! Send your children to live in an underground bunker! If you don't have children, hire some and send them to an underground bunker!" You know the deal.

I am sure it's probably going to be bad for some folks, though. And my thoughts are with them.

Quote from: Sephirah on April 04, 2026, 02:12:05 PMThat is awesome, Kathy. As someone who took in shelter dogs, I have immense respect and undying admiration for anyone willing to give any animal a loving home. That's right up there on my list of endearing traits someone can have.

Much love to you and your kitties! Although... when I hear the name Dibley, I can't help thinking of a show we had over here called "Red Dwarf". One of the characters... ironically the supposed evolution of felines, called "Kat", was turned into a character called "Duane Dibley." I am curious if that's where the name comes from, haha.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBIWMgPZo2Q

May you have many more of those times, Kellie! <3

That movie always makes me cry. Always. I end up sobbing like a babe by the end. Thank you, Emma. <3

I mean, if I were a guy, Michael Clarke Duncan would be up there on the list of aspirations, haha. ;D
Kittie jail sounds quite adorable, haha. Thank you Ash. Love you, sweetie. <3

I mean... isn't that most bands these days? Or am I just getting old? Haha. I haven't listened to Radio 1 since the times of Chris Moyles. That seems like a lifetime ago. :o
Awww, thank you, Lori. You know I love you, too. <3

All of you folks are remarkable. I don't deserve you. Thank you. Sincerely. <3

...

Storm Dave is supposed to be happening tonight in the UK. That's the least scary name for a Storm I've ever heard. I am expecting it to be followed by "Menacing Fog Nigel" and "Slightly Damp Spell Colin."

It's been a bit blowy here, but nothing close to the doom-mongering you see in the media. "Charge your phones! Buy sleeping bags! Send your children to live in an underground bunker! If you don't have children, hire some and send them to an underground bunker!" You know the deal.

I am sure it's probably going to be bad for some folks, though. And my thoughts are with them.

I hope you bought 58 loo rolls Lauren. It's an emergency you know.

Joking aside, spare a thought for poor Tills in her new home. I think the West Coast of Scotland is where it will be worst. Our American chums will probably laugh as it's only 90mph winds but for us, that's extreme!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 04, 2026, 02:18:29 PMI hope you bought 58 loo rolls Lauren. It's an emergency you know.

Joking aside, spare a thought for poor Tills in her new home. I think the West Coast of Scotland is where it will be worst. Our American chums will probably laugh as it's only 90mph winds but for us, that's extreme!

Quite extreme, yes. And I sincerely hope it isn't as bad as they say it's going to be. Scotland seems to get battered quite a lot. I can hear the wind outside now. It's something I rather love to listen to. Especially when it's howling. That probably makes me abnormal. It's when the neighbours' bins go rolling down the road that I start to get a bit concerned.

I am fully stocked with Andrex puppies, though, haha. ;D

I had to look up Andrex Puppy! 😀👍💕🐶💕

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 04, 2026, 02:18:29 PMOur American chums will probably laugh as it's only 90mph winds but for us, that's extreme!

90 mph is nothing to dismiss.

I lived in the Midwest (Tornado Alley) for decades. 40 mph on a daily basis was not unusual. Gusts up to 60 mph were annoying, but fairly common. 90 mph will blow trucks off the road!

Poor Tills. I hope her new home keeps its roof.

Quote from: Lori Dee on April 04, 2026, 02:48:12 PM90 mph is nothing to dismiss.

I lived in the Midwest (Tornado Alley) for decades. 40 mph on a daily basis was not unusual. Gusts up to 60 mph were annoying, but fairly common. 90 mph will blow trucks off the road!

Poor Tills. I hope her new home keeps its roof.

Yeah the UK is pretty windy. 40-60 mph winds are very common, above that maybe only a few times a year but it's damaging winds alright.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 04, 2026, 02:18:29 PMI hope you bought 58 loo rolls Lauren. It's an emergency you know.

Joking aside, spare a thought for poor Tills in her new home. I think the West Coast of Scotland is where it will be worst. Our American chums will probably laugh as it's only 90mph winds but for us, that's extreme!

90mph is no joke, even for those of us in hurricane prone areas. Especially for areas that aren't prepared for it. Stay away from the window, a battery powered light siurve and have plenty of water on stand by. Power lines have a bad habit of being blown down.

Quote from: tgirlamg on April 04, 2026, 02:47:21 PMI had to look up Andrex Puppy! 😀👍💕🐶💕

Haha. <3 Was kind of a whole advertising thing here for a while. Utterly adorable. Back when ads were largely wholesome.

I don't think it's anywhere close to that here right now. The wind is kind of howling, though. I think probably these speeds are expected on the tops of our "mountains" (read large hills) in the Scottish Highlands.

But for everyone who is dealing with more than that... be safe, okay? Apparently it's going to batter the west of the country more. Which is usually the case as we get these things barrelling in across the Atlantic. They even have snow warnings in Scotland.

69mph gusts in Thornton, Lancashire. I'm a couple of miles inland of the sea and in a first floor flat so should be OK. There's a flood warning too

Quote from: Sephirah on April 04, 2026, 02:12:05 PMwhen I hear the name Dibley, I can't help thinking of a show we had over here called "Red Dwarf". One of the characters... ironically the supposed evolution of felines, called "Kat", was turned into a character called "Duane Dibley." I am curious if that's where the name comes from, haha.

Actually, it comes from the Vicar of Dibley.

My wife keeps a list of potential cat names.  Dibley came from the list, because she liked the sound of it.  It kind of fits him.  Clifford and Winkle didn't come from the list. 

Clifford got his name because it is a nerdy name, and he is a nerdy cat.  My wife says he acts like an accountant.  I can actually see what she means, although I can't explain it.  He is a nerd, and he looks like a Clifford.  He mutters under his breath when he walks around the house.

Winkle got his name because he only has one eye.  When he was rescued, one eye was badly infected, and they had to remove it.  Having only one eye doesn't slow him down in the least.  He used to climb trees before he became an indoor cat, and he loved to hunt birds.

I can hear everything bashing around in the wind outside here! Was getting blown about walking in Birmingham too. Hope you all stay safe. Gladly indoors here.

Yeah ok, the winds have suddenly got a bit wild here now, windows shaking a bit with the gusts. There was an almighty crashing sound from the furniture shop yard next door. I think something has been smashed up in their yard. Buggered if I'm going out in the dark to check ha ha!

Quote from: KathyLauren on April 04, 2026, 03:14:39 PMActually, it comes from the Vicar of Dibley.

That was my second guess, haha. Pretty good comedy series. I have a soft spot for Dawn French. :)

QuoteMy wife keeps a list of potential cat names.  Dibley came from the list, because she liked the sound of it.  It kind of fits him.  Clifford and Winkle didn't come from the list. 

Clifford got his name because it is a nerdy name, and he is a nerdy cat.  My wife says he acts like an accountant.  I can actually see what she means, although I can't explain it.  He is a nerd, and he looks like a Clifford.  He mutters under his breath when he walks around the house.

Winkle got his name because he only has one eye.  When he was rescued, one eye was badly infected, and they had to remove it.  Having only one eye doesn't slow him down in the least.  He used to climb trees before he became an indoor cat, and he loved to hunt birds.

Haha I love the idea of a nerdy cat. That makes me giggle.

"Do you realise this litter doesn't meet the national health and safety standards of what is acceptable for cats of a certain age? I will have to write a strongly worded letter to your owner, encouraging them in the strongest possible terms to accommodate their feline compatriots in their need for waste management. I do not take this lightly. Twelve pencils in my shirt pocket are testament to my seriousness in this matter."

;D

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 04, 2026, 03:18:30 PMI can hear everything bashing around in the wind outside here! Was getting blown about walking in Birmingham too. Hope you all stay safe. Gladly indoors here.

Charlotte, you're a Brummie? I don't want to presume, but if so, that's AWESOME.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 04, 2026, 04:07:28 PMYeah ok, the winds have suddenly got a bit wild here now, windows shaking a bit with the gusts. There was an almighty crashing sound from the furniture shop yard next door. I think something has been smashed up in their yard. Buggered if I'm going out in the dark to check ha ha!

Stay safe, Sarah. You are more north than I am. Tie everything down if you can, okay?

Quote from: Sephirah on April 04, 2026, 03:10:26 PMThe wind is kind of howling, though.

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 04, 2026, 03:18:30 PMI can hear everything bashing around in the wind outside here!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 04, 2026, 04:07:28 PMYeah ok, the winds have suddenly got a bit wild here now, windows shaking a bit with the gusts.

I hope you all have your storm chips on hand!  "Storm chips" are a Nova Scotia thing: we stock up on potato chips (I believe you Brits call them "crisps") before a storm, for no apparent reason.  If you are going to go out to get them, be sure to put some rocks in your pockets so you won't get blown away.

Seriously, stay safe!

Quote from: Sephirah on April 04, 2026, 04:19:10 PM"Do you realise this litter doesn't meet the national health and safety standards of what is acceptable for cats of a certain age? I will have to write a strongly worded letter to your owner, encouraging them in the strongest possible terms to accommodate their feline compatriots in their need for waste management. I do not take this lightly. Twelve pencils in my shirt pocket are testament to my seriousness in this matter."

LOL!! Yup, that's Clifford! 😂

Yeah chips are something else in the UK, Kathy.

I am kind of on a diet right now, so I don't really do crisps. Even though back in my navy days I had somewhat of an addiction to Pringles. Once I popped, I couldn't stop, haha. Was a sucker for the cheese variety. In the orange cans. They got me through some 3am ironing sessions during basic training. Once I was deployed it wasn't as much of a thing but I remember them fondly. They are like food heroin. It's quite strange.

I can see the sense in it though. Calorie dense foods to keep you going.

Quote from: Sephirah on April 04, 2026, 04:19:10 PMThat was my second guess, haha. Pretty good comedy series. I have a soft spot for Dawn French. :)

Haha I love the idea of a nerdy cat. That makes me giggle.

"Do you realise this litter doesn't meet the national health and safety standards of what is acceptable for cats of a certain age? I will have to write a strongly worded letter to your owner, encouraging them in the strongest possible terms to accommodate their feline compatriots in their need for waste management. I do not take this lightly. Twelve pencils in my shirt pocket are testament to my seriousness in this matter."

;D

Charlotte, you're a Brummie? I don't want to presume, but if so, that's AWESOME.

Stay safe, Sarah. You are more north than I am. Tie everything down if you can, okay?

Yeah, too late for that. I'm not going out there now ha ha! It'll be fine, we're just getting the tail end I think.

Quote from: KathyLauren on April 04, 2026, 04:30:17 PMLOL!! Yup, that's Clifford! 😂

Haha, that is awesome.

I am not a cat person. But I love people who are. I am your typical doggo girl. They seem to share a lot of traits, though.

I think mostly because cats really don't like me. They probably know something I don't. I have been bitten, clawed, and hissed at innumerable times, haha. Whereas I can stroke the most scary looking Rotweiler or Pit Bull and they just wag their tail. I don't know why. I kind of always wanted a Rottie. Like @Lilis baby. I guess you like what you like.

If I ever feel up to being able to care for another dog, that's what I'll get.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 04, 2026, 04:38:41 PMYeah, too late for that. I'm not going out there now ha ha! It'll be fine, we're just getting the tail end I think.

The sound of a violent wind helps me sleep. I know, I am weird. :P

As long as my tornado dream doesn't actually happen, it's all good. :)

Quote from: Sephirah on April 04, 2026, 04:19:10 PMCharlotte, you're a Brummie? I don't want to presume, but if so, that's AWESOME.

Not quite! I've lived in Walsall since 2013, previously living in Leeds. Im originally from Norfolk where I was brought up. I was born in Great Yarmouth of all places! I don't have any accent; just a generic accent that some have.

Charlotte 😻

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 04, 2026, 04:45:28 PMNot quite! I've lived in Walsall since 2013, previously living in Leeds. Im originally from Norfolk where I was brought up. I was born in Great Yarmouth of all places! I don't have any accent; just a generic accent that some have.

Charlotte 😻

Girl, you have most of England in one place. I love that!

Would love to listen to you someday. :) <3

Quote from: Sephirah on April 04, 2026, 04:44:10 PMThe sound of a violent wind helps me sleep. I know, I am weird. :P

As long as my tornado dream doesn't actually happen, it's all good. :)

The wind sound is restful, I know what you mean. It's all the roof rattling and sound of wheelie bins rolling all over the place that keeps me awake.

Quote from: Sephirah on April 04, 2026, 04:44:10 PMThe sound of a violent wind helps me sleep. I know, I am weird. :P

You're not strange. The sound of the wind is soothing. And even better is the sound of a blizzard when a snowstorm is raging outside the window. You feel calm and at peace knowing that no fools could make their way into your home in such weather, it's completely deserted outside, and you're perfectly safe - the blanket of snow covers your bedroom like a mother's hand, shielding you from all the dangers of this world. In winter, I usually sleep like a baby, ready to face the day with renewed energy. There was such a storm in Toronto this winter.

Quote from: CaringWhisper on April 04, 2026, 05:12:14 PMYou're not strange. The sound of the wind is soothing. And even better is the sound of a blizzard when a snowstorm is raging outside the window. You feel calm and at peace knowing that no fools could make their way into your home in such weather, it's completely deserted outside, and you're perfectly safe - the blanket of snow covers your bedroom like a mother's hand, shielding you from all the dangers of this world. In winter, I usually sleep like a baby, ready to face the day with renewed energy. There was such a storm in Toronto this winter.

Yes!

I love the snow. It covers everything. It's like a pristine blanket. Crisp and clear and unblemished.

I wish we had more of it in the UK.

I am strange, but I think like attracts like. <3

Quote from: Sephirah on April 04, 2026, 05:17:08 PMYes!

I love the snow. It covers everything. It's like a pristine blanket. Crisp and clear and unblemished.

I wish we had more of it in the UK.

I am strange, but I think like attracts like. <3

I don't know anything about Britain, or rather, I know only what a foreigner might know. It seems to me that any native Briton must love snow, simply because snow is something magical, a miraculous phenomenon. And Britain is a land of ancient legends and fairy tales, with the Lady of the Lake, Camelot, Excalibur, and so on. And Harry Potter, of course. The British love magic just as much as Russians love vodka.

Quote from: CaringWhisper on April 04, 2026, 05:24:07 PMI don't know anything about Britain, or rather, I know only what a foreigner might know. It seems to me that any native Briton must love snow, simply because snow is something magical, a miraculous phenomenon. And Britain is a land of ancient legends and fairy tales, with the Lady of the Lake, Camelot, Excalibur, and so on. And Harry Potter, of course. The British love magic just as much as Russians love vodka.

I think you know more about Britain than you think, Whisper. ;)

I will say, I never did the whole Harry Potter thing. Never read or seen it. And with JK Rowling being somewhat of a hate fuelled anti-trans blowhard, I am kind of glad I didn't.

No, I am more your Tolkien, Lord of the Rings type of girl.

I am quite a fan of the whole Arthurian myth though, even if that's all it is. :)

I would like snow if it didn't always happen on work days, causing my car to slide and the corresponding insurance increase!

Needs to snow on Christmas day, but statistically very unlikely!

JK Rowling is definitely enemy no.1 and the reason I'm terrified to use the ladies.

Quote from: Sephirah on April 04, 2026, 05:30:49 PMI think you know more about Britain than you think, Whisper. ;)

I will say, I never did the whole Harry Potter thing. Never read or seen it. And with JK Rowling being somewhat of a hate fuelled anti-trans blowhard, I am kind of glad I didn't.

No, I am more your Tolkien, Lord of the Rings type of girl.

I am quite a fan of the whole Arthurian myth though, even if that's all it is. :)

I'm not particularly fond of Rowling either, but she didn't invent the essence of magic, magic wands, elves, or other magical creatures-she merely compiled things that didn't belong to her. If you look at it from that angle, the only reason these books are worth reading is because Harry Potter is the most vivid portrayal of magical Britain for a foreigner. By the way, I've written one Harry Potter fanfic. You've read it. I agree, it was terrible.

Tolkien's universe is just too brilliant for me, it's way too immersive. You have to live and breathe Tolkien, and I'm not ready for that yet. So yes, the Arthurian legends are undoubtedly the best.

Whisper, you do more justice to Harry Potter than she ever did. You have such a gift for writing, like you do with painting, and photography. You put yourself into what you do, and that's a whole different thing. Two people can see the same thing and yet see it entirely differently.

You have a raw emotion that takes my breath away. Someone can create a character but someone else can breathe a different life into it. Don't sell yourself short.

I am still probably more of a fan of your Silent Hill work, though. Just because that presses my buttons more. :)

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 04, 2026, 05:43:07 PMI would like snow if it didn't always happen on work days, causing my car to slide and the corresponding insurance increase!

Needs to snow on Christmas day, but statistically very unlikely!

JK Rowling is definitely enemy no.1 and the reason I'm terrified to use the ladies.

Haha, yes. Wearing a T-shirt on Christmas day is getting very old!

Quote from: Sephirah on April 04, 2026, 06:00:37 PMWhisper, you do more justice to Harry Potter than she ever did. You have such a gift for writing, like you do with painting, and photography. You put yourself into what you do, and that's a whole different thing. Two people can see the same thing and yet see it entirely differently.

You have a raw emotion that takes my breath away. Someone can create a character but someone else can breathe a different life into it. Don't sell yourself short.

I am still probably more of a fan of your Silent Hill work, though. Just because that presses my buttons more. :)

"Silent Hill work"? My ears just suddenly pricked up! What is this you speak of!

Never read a harry potter book in my life either but I only live 35mins from Hogwarts! Alnwick Castle was used for the filming of the outside footage of hogwarts apparently.

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 04, 2026, 05:43:07 PMI would like snow if it didn't always happen on work days, causing my car to slide and the corresponding insurance increase!

I've never been able to drive. I just panic behind the wheel - I have no sense of the car's dimensions and can't handle it properly. I'd cause an accident within the first mile.  The only thing that will save me is a magic spell to make the car drive itself. I take the bus. And at first, I didn't even know where or how to pay the fare. Is there anyone here who can't drive as well as I can?

Quote from: Sephirah on April 04, 2026, 06:00:37 PMI am still probably more of a fan of your Silent Hill work, though. Just because that presses my buttons more. :)

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 04, 2026, 06:06:55 PM"Silent Hill work"? My ears just suddenly pricked up! What is this you speak of!

My scribbles aren't even in English, believe me, Sephirah overestimates my writing talent. I've never come up with an interesting plot twist in my life.

Quote from: CaringWhisper on April 04, 2026, 06:18:30 PMMy scribbles aren't even in English, believe me, Sephirah overestimates my writing talent. I've never come up with an interesting plot twist in my life.

It would seem Lauren disagree's with you! I loved the Silent Hill series. One of my all time favourite games.

I read a translated version of Metro33 which I loved. You russians can write a good tale when you want to!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 04, 2026, 06:28:34 PMIt would seem Lauren disagree's with you! I loved the Silent Hill series. One of my all time favourite games.

I read a translated version of Metro33 which I loved. You russians can write a good tale when you want to!

My Silent Hill fanfiction was written in a text document, in Russian, purely for my own therapeutic purposes. I gave this as a gift to Lauren, It's hers now. If she wants to, she can post those text files here, I won't mind. Let her decide for herself.

Whisper could probably write the games better than the writers of the games, to be frank. She has a gift. It's like reading a novel.

And the language barrier only goes so far. Girl, they aren't scribbles. We both know this. <3 You have a gift. Quite an exceptional gift.

You don't need a plot twist. You only need a story that relates to the person telling it as it relates to the reader. When someone understands the author, they understand their work. It's like Sarah with her photography. When you see what makes someone tick, it all makes sense.

Quote from: Sephirah on April 04, 2026, 06:51:49 PMYou don't need a plot twist. You only need a story that relates to the person telling it as it relates to the reader. When someone understands the author, they understand their work. It's like Sarah with her photography. When you see what makes someone tick, it all makes sense.

All right, just attach my garbage here please, so we can get this over with ) It's dinnertime at my place. Please, no need for all that praise and adoration.

Quote from: CaringWhisper on April 04, 2026, 06:59:13 PMAll right, just attach my garbage here please, so we can get this over with ) It's dinnertime at my place. Please, no need for all that praise and adoration.

*hugs*

There's my iron maiden. <3

There's every need for the praise and adoration. :P You are too hard on yourself.

Damn the wind is really whipping around these parts.

I don't see an option to insert something outside of staff privilege. I might be missing something. I have your work though, Whisper. Would be more than willing to email :)

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 04, 2026, 02:18:29 PMI hope you bought 58 loo rolls Lauren. It's an emergency you know.

Joking aside, spare a thought for poor Tills in her new home. I think the West Coast of Scotland is where it will be worst. Our American chums will probably laugh as it's only 90mph winds but for us, that's extreme!

I've lived in the Midwest my entire life. I don't bat an eye at 40-50 mph winds. I've been a few derechos, and a microburst. That's the closest I've ever been to seeing 90 mph winds. Stay safe, Lauren.

Quote from: Alana Ashleigh on April 05, 2026, 12:17:11 AMI've lived in the Midwest my entire life. I don't bat an eye at 40-50 mph winds. I've been a few derechos, and a microburst. That's the closest I've ever been to seeing 90 mph winds. Stay safe, Lauren.

I never knew what a derecho was until looking into the weather you folks have, Alana. It sounds utterly wild. Like the atmosphere just decides to throw a hissy fit.

It is calm where I am now. Bright skies, birds singing.. I am a little bit disappointed haha.

Still here. I haven't been blown off to OZ. Was well wild last night. My roof is still on! Other than my garden plants being a bit smashed up it looks like I've escaped unscathed. Glorious sunny day this morning. Still a bit breesey but I think that's the last of the storms for spring hopefully.

Haha I knew it. Charlie Dimmock. Green fingered goddess. :P

Quote from: Sephirah on April 05, 2026, 03:36:27 AMHaha I knew it. Charlie Dimmock. Green fingered goddess. :P

Not so much now Lauren. Have you seen her lately? yikes!!

Yes I have green fingers, I do like gardening. I am an old fart!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 05, 2026, 03:39:41 AMNot so much now Lauren. Have you seen her lately? yikes!!

Yes I have green fingers, I do like gardening. I am an old fart!

No haha. Not since she was bullying Alan Titchmarsh probably 20 years ago.

Anyone who can do gardening stuff is quite amazing. If you are an old fart, Sarah, then we could create a symphony of rear end emanations. :)

Quote from: Sephirah on April 05, 2026, 03:48:35 AMNo haha. Not since she was bullying Alan Titchmarsh probably 20 years ago.

Anyone who can do gardening stuff is quite amazing. If you are an old fart, Sarah, then we could create a symphony of rear end emanations. :)

And that is the oddest compliment I've ever received and I think I love you more for it ha ha! You're as weird as me!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 05, 2026, 04:03:51 AMAnd that is the oddest compliment I've ever received and I think I love you more for it ha ha! You're as weird as me!

;D

I am the oddest ball in the bingo machine, haha. <3

Quote from: CaringWhisper on April 04, 2026, 06:59:13 PMAll right, just attach my garbage here please, so we can get this over with ) It's dinnertime at my place. Please, no need for all that praise and adoration.

Quote from: Sephirah on April 04, 2026, 07:57:56 PMWould be more than willing to email

If it is okay with the two of you, I would love to read 'Silent Hill.'
Happy Easter!

Quote from: Dances With Trees on April 05, 2026, 08:17:04 AMIf it is okay with the two of you, I would love to read 'Silent Hill.'
Happy Easter!

It's a supernatural horror based on a video game Anni! Probably not for the faint hearted! But I too would like to take a peep one day.

If Lauren is impressed (and she is excellent at writing) then it must be good! No pressure though Careless Whisper (Do you prefer Whisper). I would probably be too scared to put anything I had written out there.

While looking through my documents, I found a story that I had been working on. And literally do not remember writing it. I swear my brain is composed of 67% cabbage, 23% sawdust and 10% rodent droppings. And since I normally use the quick reply function rather than the full post box. I completely missed the giant, emboldened "Click or drag files here to attach them."

*facepalm*

The file won't attach in .rtf format. Changing it to plain text makes it go extremely weird.

Quote from: Sephirah on April 05, 2026, 10:25:17 AMThe file won't attach in .rtf format. Changing it to plain text makes it go extremely weird.

You might need to use a hosting site like we do for photos. Something like Google Docs if you have a Google account.

It's all good. I had to convert it to a .doc file so SMF would accept it.

This is Whisper's Silent Hill short story. It is in Russian so you'll likely need a translator. I use Deepl (https://www.deepl.com/en/translator). It seems to be rather good.

She is an amazing writer. :)

Quote from: Sephirah on April 05, 2026, 01:22:20 AMIt is calm where I am now.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 05, 2026, 02:38:02 AMStill here. I haven't been blown off to OZ.

So what you you folks do, send Dave back across the pond?  Because it is blowing like crazy here now.  The wind is a constant roar, and gusts are making the house shake, rattle, and roll.

Quote from: KathyLauren on April 05, 2026, 11:29:25 AMSo what you you folks do, send Dave back across the pond?  Because it is blowing like crazy here now.  The wind is a constant roar, and gusts are making the house shake, rattle, and roll.

Oof! Stay safe, Kathy. I mean maybe there was some kind of collective anti-rain dance, I can't possibly confirm nor deny such a thing...

Quote from: KathyLauren on April 05, 2026, 11:29:25 AMSo what you you folks do, send Dave back across the pond?  Because it is blowing like crazy here now.  The wind is a constant roar, and gusts are making the house shake, rattle, and roll.

Yeah stay safe Kathy! Dave's still sniffing around up here, it is still a bit blowy. Because of the Jetstream you usually send your weather over here to be fair. We often get the remanants of your hurricanes.

Quote from: Sephirah on April 05, 2026, 10:44:30 AMIt's all good. I had to convert it to a .doc file so SMF would accept it.

This is Whisper's Silent Hill short story. It is in Russian so you'll likely need a translator. I use Deepl (https://www.deepl.com/en/translator). It seems to be rather good.

She is an amazing writer. :)

Cheers lauren. I'll have a play about with the translator later. Looking forward to it.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 05, 2026, 11:41:34 AMWe often get the remanants of your hurricanes.

Fair enough.  In that case, watch out for this one when it gets there!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 05, 2026, 11:43:35 AMI'll have a play about with the translator later.

I'm in the same boat, Sarah!

I had to get out today. I am going stir crazy. Unfortunately I chose an obnoxiously sunny and warm day but I took my phone with me in an attempt to get some (very poor) images of... stuff. Just to take my mind off things. The lanes are largely okay. Not like a rally stage or anything, apart from when it rains hard. There is a little bit of a nicer area but the water company have decided to close off the road leading to it (and do nothing). Maybe next time.

I apologise for these, it was kind of painful to remove my sunglasses to see the phone screen clearly, and I wasn't quite sure where to hold it (even high above my head on a couple of occasions), so it was a rather hit and hope job.

Anyway, this is a little bit of my corner of the world:

I saw a grey squirrel in this tree, but by the time I got the lens on it, it had scarpered. Still it looked nice, I thought...

(https://i.postimg.cc/QxCRBwyJ/IMG-0019.jpg)

The rest is just general stuff...

(https://i.postimg.cc/kXHLWwr7/IMG-0021.jpg)

This is for Anni...

(https://i.postimg.cc/28tgnTpS/IMG-0023.jpg)

Pretty flowers...

(https://i.postimg.cc/qMFW2Qfr/IMG-0025.jpg)

A lot of blossom around these days...

(https://i.postimg.cc/Wbyx0SRb/IMG-0027.jpg)

Your typical leafy country lane (well more in summer)...

(https://i.postimg.cc/VkbpgM1d/IMG-0030.jpg)

I cropped this one to get rid of the number plate. This pub could be out of a soap opera, haha. Way more upmarket than it used to be...

(https://i.postimg.cc/bw2Wgb8y/IMG-0031a.jpg)

This is a place I like to come to just watch the world, when I can...

(https://i.postimg.cc/XYymLF3q/IMG-0033.jpg)

Kinda mundane I know. And I ended up with a headache anyway haha. I always do on sunny days but yeah. :)

@Sephirah
Dear Lauren:
Thank you so very much for showing all of us your part of the world and
where you live and where you spend your time.

In all the years that we have been on this site together the pictures that you
just posted are the most thorough view that I have seen where you live.

I have shared and posted so many photos of my frozen land, mountains,
fishing and wildlife that there is not much more for anyone to see, however
I will be posting additional pictures as the Spring season finally arrives.

I think that it is very interesting for all of our members to see and read
about all of our lives.  We are widely spread out around the world so it is
nice for learning about each other.

Thank You for sharing.
HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

I am heavily biased, Danielle, and I would give my high teeth to live in such a wonderfully majestic place that you do. I think it's mostly the climate. That and the mountains maybe. There's nothing like that where I live. And you have to go pretty far to see even a moderately interesting hill. I would take the cold any day.

Thank you, though. <3 I will try to take more stuff when I can but I really don't have the talent some of our image sorcerers/sorceresses do. Or the technical know-how, haha. My phone is far smarter than I am. :P

Those are beautiful pics, Lauren!

I actually love the mundane stone wall, but that's just me.

Wait... is that a Tardis?

🤣

QuoteThose are beautiful pics, Lauren!

I actually love the mundane stone wall, but that's just me.

Wait... is that a Tardis?

🤣

@Lori Dee
FYI

     https://thedoctorwhosite.co.uk/tardis/

HUGS, Danielle

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on April 07, 2026, 01:31:39 PM@Lori Dee
FYI

     https://thedoctorwhosite.co.uk/tardis/

HUGS, Danielle

Ah, I see.

They are color-coded.

🤣

Quote from: Sephirah on April 07, 2026, 12:18:25 PMI had to get out today. I am going stir crazy. Unfortunately I chose an obnoxiously sunny and warm day but I took my phone with me in an attempt to get some (very poor) images of... stuff. Just to take my mind off things. The lanes are largely okay. Not like a rally stage or anything, apart from when it rains hard. There is a little bit of a nicer area but the water company have decided to close off the road leading to it (and do nothing). Maybe next time.

I apologise for these, it was kind of painful to remove my sunglasses to see the phone screen clearly, and I wasn't quite sure where to hold it (even high above my head on a couple of occasions), so it was a rather hit and hope job.

Anyway, this is a little bit of my corner of the world:

I saw a grey squirrel in this tree, but by the time I got the lens on it, it had scarpered. Still it looked nice, I thought...

(https://i.postimg.cc/QxCRBwyJ/IMG-0019.jpg)

The rest is just general stuff...

(https://i.postimg.cc/kXHLWwr7/IMG-0021.jpg)

This is for Anni...

(https://i.postimg.cc/28tgnTpS/IMG-0023.jpg)

Pretty flowers...

(https://i.postimg.cc/qMFW2Qfr/IMG-0025.jpg)

A lot of blossom around these days...

(https://i.postimg.cc/Wbyx0SRb/IMG-0027.jpg)

Your typical leafy country lane (well more in summer)...

(https://i.postimg.cc/VkbpgM1d/IMG-0030.jpg)

I cropped this one to get rid of the number plate. This pub could be out of a soap opera, haha. Way more upmarket than it used to be...

(https://i.postimg.cc/bw2Wgb8y/IMG-0031a.jpg)

This is a place I like to come to just watch the world, when I can...

(https://i.postimg.cc/XYymLF3q/IMG-0033.jpg)

Kinda mundane I know. And I ended up with a headache anyway haha. I always do on sunny days but yeah. :)

Thank you so much for sharing these Lauren. That view goes on for miles, no wonder you like to spend time there!

You live in such a beautiful village. I could just imagine strolling down those lanes. The pub does look proper posh though! Not sure they would let rif raf like me in with my mucky boots lol!

Has your village re-purposed the phone booth? I've seen everything from an honesty box shop to book rental to defibrillator point.

Thank you for letting us see your world honey, it's as beautiful as you are.

Quote from: Lori Dee on April 07, 2026, 01:13:05 PMThose are beautiful pics, Lauren!

I actually love the mundane stone wall, but that's just me.

Wait... is that a Tardis?

🤣

Not a Tardis but a Red telephone box. They really make the quitinsential village scene don't they. Pretty much all of them are disconnected now though. Most villages still find a use for them rather than loose them.

The Tardis was a Police Call box but they vanished from our streets long before I was born I think.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 07, 2026, 01:42:40 PMThank you so much for sharing these Lauren. That view goes on for miles, no wonder you like to spend time there!

You live in such a beautiful village. I could just imagine strolling down those lanes. The pub does look proper posh though! Not sure they would let rif raf like me in with my mucky boots lol!

Has your village re-purposed the phone booth? I've seen everything from an honesty box shop to book rental to defibrillator point.

Thank you for letting us see your world honey, it's as beautiful as you are.

You are a sweetheart, Sarah. There is some other stuff but the roads are still closed. I need to show you that foghorn donkey. :P

That place wouldn't let me in, either. It's very much for the upper crust these days. It used to have people frequent with muddy wellies. But then back then, my village had like five pubs. That is one of two left. And the most exclusive one. They know the location is a big deal. You have to be Hyacinth Bucket to go there.

There is another phone box nearby, haha. When I can show you, I will. Neither of them have phones in them anymore. That one is just empty, but the other one has been used as a very tiny library, yes. It also has way more flowers around it. :)

It's not just you, Lori. The walls are something that you don't really see too much. They are kind of a thing that is passed on generationally. And something you really only see up north. I am kind of blessed that I have a lot of stuff around me. Doing that kind of thing is more and more of a lost art these days. There are a few buildings I need to grab for you, also. There's an 11th century church nearby, relatively.

I don't like going out most of the time. But I will admit, I do kind of have a lot of pretty stuff around.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 07, 2026, 01:46:07 PMNot a Tardis but a Red telephone box. They really make the quitinsential village scene don't they. Pretty much all of them are disconnected now though. Most villages still find a use for them rather than loose them.

The Tardis was a Police Call box but they vanished from our streets long before I was born I think.

Yeah they were kind of specific blue boxes that people used to phone the cops. That got kind of integrated into the red phone boxes back in probably the 60s or 70s. Sadly, there aren't many... if any red phone boxes around these days. It's a quintessentially British thing. But they got phased out long ago with smart phones. The cost of operating them was too prohibitive.

They are such a part of British culture though, that some places keep them around. Like the red buses.

Quote from: Sephirah on April 07, 2026, 01:50:03 PMYou are a sweetheart, Sarah. There is some other stuff but the roads are still closed. I need to show you that foghorn donkey. :P

That place wouldn't let me in, either. It's very much for the upper crust these days. It used to have people frequent with muddy wellies. But then back then, my village had like five pubs. That is one of two left. And the most exclusive one. They know the location is a big deal. You have to be Hyacinth Bucket to go there.

There is another phone box nearby, haha. When I can show you, I will. Neither of them have phones in them anymore. That one is just empty, but the other one has been used as a very tiny library, yes. It also has way more flowers around it. :)

Two phone boxes? Bloody show off!

Yeah I've seen them used as tiny libraries. It's quite sweet really.

Yeah, show me your ass Lauren 😜 Ha ha! I'm running out of ass jokes now!

Not sure our American chums will get the Hyacinth Bucket reference but I totally get ya!

It really is a lovely spot though. Helps that the sun is shining of course!

Quote from: Sephirah on April 07, 2026, 02:00:46 PMYeah they were kind of specific blue boxes that people used to phone the cops. That got kind of integrated into the red phone boxes back in probably the 60s or 70s. Sadly, there aren't many... if any red phone boxes around these days. It's a quintessentially British thing. But they got phased out long ago with smart phones. The cost of operating them was too prohibitive.

They are such a part of British culture though, that some places keep them around. Like the red buses.

Ha! I always thought they were for bobby's on the beat to run too if they needed to call for backup. I had no idea they were for public use. Thicko Sarah strikes again!

There are lots of red boxes dotted around Northumberland in the sticks. It would be a shame to see them go.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 07, 2026, 02:31:26 PMTwo phone boxes? Bloody show off!

Yeah I've seen them used as tiny libraries. It's quite sweet really.

Yeah, show me your ass Lauren 😜 Ha ha! I'm running out of ass jokes now!

Not sure our American chums will get the Hyacinth Bucket reference but I totally get ya!

It really is a lovely spot though. Helps that the sun is shining of course!

Haha, this is why I love you, Sarah. It's always nice to talk to someone without having to explain things. You and Charlotte... It's nice to have some home field solidarity. <3

No they won't get the reference, but that's okay. Hyacinth Bucket was a character in a British sit-com, called "Keeping Up Appearances." She was someone who cared to an obsessive amount what the rest of the world thought of her. She literally pronounced her last name as "Bouquet." Kind of like Stephen Colbert, from The Late Show, pronounces it "Col-bear". Even though it clearly isn't. I mean I am sure it is in his own head. Whatever makes you feel good.

Take some snaps of the last vestiges of English heritage, when you can, Sarah. I would love to see. <3

It really doesn't help that the sun is shining. I hate the sun. We have a hate/hate relationship. I would literally prefer out to be out and about at night, in a blizzard. Partly why I envy Danielle so much. I have a degree of photosensitivity, likely from being in a dark tube underwater, staring at computer screen. I don't like the sun, and the sun doesn't like me. Put me in a place where it's dark for more of the year than it's light. Or where the temperature needs to be given an achievement award for getting above freezing... I am your girl.

I would honestly trade. Not even kidding. I envy her so much. I mean she is gorgeous and is a gift to the world but I envy her locale. Anyone who wants spring flowers and stuff... you're welcome to it. :)

Quote from: Sephirah on April 07, 2026, 02:56:17 PMHaha, this is why I love you, Sarah. It's always nice to talk to someone without having to explain things. You and Charlotte... It's nice to have some home field solidarity. <3

No they won't get the reference, but that's okay. Hyacinth Bucket was a character in a British sit-com, called "Keeping Up Appearances." She was someone who cared to an obsessive amount what the rest of the world thought of her. She literally pronounced her last name as "Bouquet." Kind of like Stephen Colbert, from The Late Show, pronounces it "Col-bear". Even though it clearly isn't. I mean I am sure it is in his own head. Whatever makes you feel good.

Take some snaps of the last vestiges of English heritage, when you can, Sarah. I would love to see. <3

It really doesn't help that the sun is shining. I hate the sun. We have a hate/hate relationship. I would literally prefer out to be out and about at night, in a blizzard. Partly why I envy Danielle so much. I have a degree of photosensitivity, likely from being in a dark tube underwater, staring at computer screen. I don't like the sun, and the sun doesn't like me. Put me in a place where it's dark for more of the year than it's light. Or where the temperature needs to be given an achievement award for getting above freezing... I am your girl.

I would honestly trade. Not even kidding. I envy her so much. I mean she is gorgeous and is a gift to the world but I envy her locale. Anyone who wants spring flowers and stuff... you're welcome to it. :)

I have popped my first installment on my blog Lauren. Warkworth Castle, Home of Harry Hotspur the famous Knight from Shakespeare's Henry IV.

Yeah Danielles a lucky girl. I would love to be up there in Alaska. I'm scared of the dark though. Would you hold my hand lol! Come to think of it, I'm scared of bears too! Maybe it's not for me after all!

It's gorgeous, Lauren! Thank you.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 07, 2026, 03:03:34 PMI have popped my first installment on my blog Lauren. Warkworth Castle, Home of Harry Hotspur the famous Knight from Shakespeare's Henry IV.

Yeah Danielles a lucky girl. I would love to be up there in Alaska. I'm scared of the dark though. Would you hold my hand lol! Come to think of it, I'm scared of bears too! Maybe it's not for me after all!

I would always hold your hand, Sarah. Whatever you're scared of. You are too gentle and beautiful of a person to ever feel alone. That is why I am here, honey. Fear is most frightening when you don't have someone to tell you it's okay.

That's not a question you need to ask.

Bears are kind of awesome. They are a literal house of unpredicability.

Quote from: Pema on April 07, 2026, 03:11:01 PMIt's gorgeous, Lauren! Thank you.

Thank you, Pema. It is an inept fumbling at trying to capture things. But that people find it okay, makes me happy. Thank you. <3

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 07, 2026, 02:34:27 PMI always thought they were for bobby's on the beat to run too if they needed to call for backup. I had no idea they were for public use.

That's what I thought, too.  I would never have used one, even in an emergency.

I never watched it myself, but I do know that the show with Hyacinth Bucket was on PBS in the States, so a lot of folks will get the reference.

Lauren, your photos are beautiful.  You have flowers and baby leaves on trees.  Wow, lucky you!  I was happy to see crocuses today.

Quote from: Sephirah on April 07, 2026, 03:11:21 PMI would always hold your hand, Sarah. Whatever you're scared of. You are too gentle and beautiful of a person to ever feel alone. That is why I am here, honey. Fear is most frightening when you don't have someone to tell you it's okay.

That's not a question you need to ask.

Bears are kind of awesome. They are a literal house of unpredicability.

It's a funny thing with bears I would love to take pictures of them, they are beautiful creatures, particularly the cubs. But at the same time I am terrified of them. I'm also not great at multitasking so I wouldn't see if one was sneaking up on me while I'm looking through my viewfinder. Maybe you could be the eyes in the back of my head?

Quote from: Sephirah on April 07, 2026, 03:12:17 PMThank you, Pema. It is an inept fumbling at trying to capture things. But that people find it okay, makes me happy. Thank you. <3

It doesn't need to be perfect to convey a sense of the place and its beauty. I'm a simple person; I'm just interested in the overall vibe, and you did capture that.

Quote from: KathyLauren on April 07, 2026, 03:16:01 PMThat's what I thought, too.  I would never have used one, even in an emergency.

I never watched it myself, but I do know that the show with Hyacinth Bucket was on PBS in the States, so a lot of folks will get the reference.

Lauren, your photos are beautiful.  You have flowers and baby leaves on trees.  Wow, lucky you!  I was happy to see crocuses today.

Kathy, you live in a very beautiful part of the world. Most of you do. It can be a thing to appreciate it, though. Canada, Like Alaska, is vast untamed wilderness. It is the purest form of nature.

I just... I needed to escape some stuff is all. The world can do that to you. From what I have seen from where a lot of you folks live... it is a breath-taking beauty mirrored only by your own. I am not good at pictures. That's why I don't put myself here. No one needs that. The beauty of the world is far more indicative of everything special. :)

Quote from: Sephirah on April 07, 2026, 03:58:39 PMKathy, you live in a very beautiful part of the world. Most of you do. It can be a thing to appreciate it, though. Canada, Like Alaska, is vast untamed wilderness. It is the purest form of nature.

I just... I needed to escape some stuff is all. The world can do that to you. From what I have seen from where a lot of you folks live... it is a breath-taking beauty mirrored only by your own. I am not good at pictures. That's why I don't put myself here. No one needs that. The beauty of the world is far more indicative of everything special. :)

Well you should put more of yourself here Lauren. You don't have to post prize winning images on here to let us see your world. I loved seeing your "wonky" pictures and seeing where you call home. I love hearing more about you but you know this already.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 07, 2026, 04:35:21 PMWell you should put more of yourself here Lauren. You don't have to post prize winning images on here to let us see your world. I loved seeing your "wonky" pictures and seeing where you call home. I love hearing more about you but you know this already.

I do. And I love you for it, Sarah. <3 Thank you for being you and letting me get to know you. I like seeing your artisan eye. That lets people know how it should be done, haha. My wall has plenty more space.

Maybe there will be some more wonky stuff. No promises. But girl, you need to keep doing those atmospheric, monochrome images that I can hang on my wall. You have this unique gift for seeing desolation but not being swallowed by it.

Quote from: Pema on April 07, 2026, 03:11:01 PMIt's gorgeous, Lauren! Thank you.

Pema, your avatar is probably the most beautiful flower in the whole history of the world.

I don't half measure is what I wanted to post.

<3 VRAU

The babbling brook!

And, thanks Sephirah, for sharing so much of your world with us!

And I fully agree with you regarding Pema's avatar.

I'm going back for another photographic journey through Camelot.

Huge Hugs

Quote from: Sephirah on April 07, 2026, 05:41:59 PMPema, your avatar is probably the most beautiful flower in the whole history of the world.

It's Salpiglossis (painted tongue). They're pretty ridiculous. I took that photo in my garden a couple of years ago. They are stunning, but I can't say they're even the most beautiful in my garden. Then again, I couldn't possibly choose such a thing.

Lauren, I absolutely love your photos. They have so much charm and beauty. I miss that part of England.  You are so lucky.

Danielle, I am also so jealous of you.  There is a series that I watch called Virgin River, and that is how I envision where you live. It looks stunning.

After falling asleep literally on my laptop keyboard the other day... I will get an earlier night tonight. But I have a few more wonkier pictures to share. I just wish it would stop being so darn sunny.

This is a 12th century church nearby. I am sure most of it is like Trigger's broom, though, and there's probably one door, or original wall left. But it's still cool. I wasn't entirely sure I wouldn't burst into flame getting closer to it, though...

(https://i.postimg.cc/hGmFqTxr/IMG-0035.jpg)

Just across the road from it, there's a war memorial. There are poppies placed there all year round...

(https://i.postimg.cc/tJCm7x15/IMG-0034.jpg)

There's one a little closer to where I live. Slightly smaller, but it's a pig to take a picture of because it's right next to a main road, and I haven't worked out the photography witchcraft to get rid of it yet.

Anyway

This is groundbreaking archaeological evidence of Ancient Roman movie nights, or it's some person flytipping. NO idea why it was there, haha.

(https://i.postimg.cc/JhLxGkvz/IMG-0041.jpg)

This is a sort of memorial thing for all the miners and ex-miners who died either directly, or indirectly from working in the mines, in my area. I've been told my uncle is on one of those boards but he was on my dad's side of the family so I never really knew him. I wanted to keep the bench in because I think it looks remarkable...

(https://i.postimg.cc/XqRFtM0Z/IMG-0038.jpg)

Lastly... this is about as English as you can get, haha... From one of the cottages nearby.

(https://i.postimg.cc/mrmXcSM4/IMG-0044.jpg)

You live in such a pretty area. The photos are very beautiful.

Charlotte 😻

Those are beautiful pics, Lauren!

Thanks for sharing.

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 10, 2026, 01:30:41 PMYou live in such a pretty area. The photos are very beautiful.

Charlotte 😻

The weird thing is, it's not really all that pretty to me, Charlotte. I see where other people live and it's very much a grass is greener kind of thing. I guess when you're used to something, you're used to it. Like... I like seeing where you are, or Emma, or Danielle is, or Lori, or Annika. Because they are so different, I guess. What one person finds mundane, someone else finds beautiful. I would give my horse for a mountain, haha.

I guess you just get used to it really over time. Was the same when i lived in Norfolk I guess. If I showed you here you'd definitely realize how nice it is lol! It's all town here and I'm basically in an ex council house on a council estate. Luckily a quiet one but definitely not pretty at all.

Charlotte 😻

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 10, 2026, 01:55:37 PMI guess you just get used to it really over time. Was the same when i lived in Norfolk I guess. If I showed you here you'd definitely realize how nice it is lol! It's all town here and I'm basically in an ex council house on a council estate. Luckily a quiet one but definitely not pretty at all.

Charlotte 😻

In that case, show us, Charlotte. You might be surprised. :) I kind of live in that kind of area too, albeit surrounded by riding schools and horse muck. But you kind of see beauty in everything. Even things other people don't see.

Even people. <3 Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, sweetie. We are never the best judges of it.

Quote from: Sephirah on April 10, 2026, 01:43:12 PMThe weird thing is, it's not really all that pretty to me, Charlotte. I see where other people live and it's very much a grass is greener kind of thing. I guess when you're used to something, you're used to it. Like... I like seeing where you are, or Emma, or Danielle is, or Lori, or Annika. Because they are so different, I guess. What one person finds mundane, someone else finds beautiful. I would give my horse for a mountain, haha.

Yeah, familiarity makes it all seem run of the mill when it absolutely isn't. Spend some time away and come back and your perspective changes and you see the beauty all around you.

I mean, for someone who has only seen one canal in her entire life I'm envious of what you have all around you Charlotte. And Lauren with her beautiful rolling lush green hills, quaint village and annoyingly loud donkey! It all sounds amazing. I think you would probably think Northumberland is bonny but I'm a bit indifferent about it truth be told. I bet even Danielle isn't quite as wowed by her surroundings as she first was when going there.

Quote from: Sephirah on April 10, 2026, 01:28:03 PMAfter falling asleep literally on my laptop keyboard the other day... I will get an earlier night tonight. But I have a few more wonkier pictures to share. I just wish it would stop being so darn sunny.

This is a 12th century church nearby. I am sure most of it is like Trigger's broom, though, and there's probably one door, or original wall left. But it's still cool. I wasn't entirely sure I wouldn't burst into flame getting closer to it, though...

(https://i.postimg.cc/hGmFqTxr/IMG-0035.jpg)

Just across the road from it, there's a war memorial. There are poppies placed there all year round...

(https://i.postimg.cc/tJCm7x15/IMG-0034.jpg)

There's one a little closer to where I live. Slightly smaller, but it's a pig to take a picture of because it's right next to a main road, and I haven't worked out the photography witchcraft to get rid of it yet.

Anyway

This is groundbreaking archaeological evidence of Ancient Roman movie nights, or it's some person flytipping. NO idea why it was there, haha.

(https://i.postimg.cc/JhLxGkvz/IMG-0041.jpg)

This is a sort of memorial thing for all the miners and ex-miners who died either directly, or indirectly from working in the mines, in my area. I've been told my uncle is on one of those boards but he was on my dad's side of the family so I never really knew him. I wanted to keep the bench in because I think it looks remarkable...

(https://i.postimg.cc/XqRFtM0Z/IMG-0038.jpg)

Lastly... this is about as English as you can get, haha... From one of the cottages nearby.

(https://i.postimg.cc/mrmXcSM4/IMG-0044.jpg)

See, beautiful yet you probably think boring!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 10, 2026, 02:23:22 PMYeah, familiarity makes it all seem run of the mill when it absolutely isn't. Spend some time away and come back and your perspective changes and you see the beauty all around you.

I mean, for someone who has only seen one canal in her entire life I'm envious of what you have all around you Charlotte. And Lauren with her beautiful rolling lush green hills, quaint village and annoyingly loud donkey! It all sounds amazing. I think you would probably think Northumberland is bonny but I'm a bit indifferent about it truth be told. I bet even Danielle isn't quite as wowed by her surroundings as she first was when going there.

Yeah, but I mean Sarah, where you live is like... so awesome. It's all the places you wouldn't mind a holiday I guess.

Other than Alaska. I mean... outside of Antarctica (if I could move there I would tomorrow).

Where I live might seem quaint, but it also has quaint people. People who... don't like other people. If you've ever seen "local shop for local people" from The League of Gentlemen It is very much like that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F75d01l5AxM

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 10, 2026, 02:26:22 PMSee, beautiful yet you probably think boring!

I absolutely do. But it's been quite nice taking some pics. :)

Quote from: Sephirah on April 10, 2026, 02:35:25 PMI absolutely do. But it's been quite nice taking some pics. :)

See that can give a fresh appreciation for your surroundings too. You can see beauty you didn't know was there through a camera lens. I think that's why I love photography. You can shut everything else out and really focus in on the moment or the scene or the subject.

That church of yours is a stunner. I would ask you to show us inside but I don't want you melting when you cross the threshold! Come to think of it you must have some super strength sunblock on to be daywalking like that!

Quote from: Sephirah on April 10, 2026, 02:32:26 PMYeah, but I mean Sarah, where you live is like... so awesome. It's all the places you wouldn't mind a holiday I guess.

Other than Alaska. I mean... outside of Antarctica (if I could move there I would tomorrow).

Where I live might seem quaint, but it also has quaint people. People who... don't like other people. If you've ever seen "local shop for local people" from The League of Gentlemen It is very much like that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F75d01l5AxM

Careful Lauren, You might scare our american friends with that one. That's a local video for local people! We'll have no trouble here!

Hey, if you want to talk about treating an American poorly, how about the movie AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON?

We all get bored with our hometowns periodically. That is why vacations were created.

 I did the "Emma in Manhattan" photo theme because I was bored with NYC. As Emma, in changed my perspective of the tourist spots.

Quote from: Emma1017 on April 10, 2026, 03:42:27 PMHey, if you want to talk about treating an American poorly, how about the movie AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON?

We all get bored with our hometowns periodically. That is why vacations were created.

 I did the "Emma in Manhattan" photo theme because I was bored with NYC. As Emma, in changed my perspective of the tourist spots.

Ha! Love that movie even though it scared the pants off me when I saw it as a kid. I'm still scared of werewolves and I think that might be where my fear of bears comes from! But the Villagers all turning around and staring? That's not because they were American it's because they "aren't from round 'ere"! Townies get it too.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 10, 2026, 02:52:06 PMSee that can give a fresh appreciation for your surroundings too. You can see beauty you didn't know was there through a camera lens. I think that's why I love photography. You can shut everything else out and really focus in on the moment or the scene or the subject.

That church of yours is a stunner. I would ask you to show us inside but I don't want you melting when you cross the threshold! Come to think of it you must have some super strength sunblock on to be daywalking like that!

Yeah I do. Makes cricketers look a little bit tame. I don't really tan. I am either single cream, or lobster. I don't really go bronze, or worse... Tango Trump. I have been known to get sunburn when it's overcast. I wish I were kidding.

I kind of need to work out how to do the photography more. I only have an iPhone. And only today worked out how to zoom in by pinching the screen out, haha. I am too used to the whole Kodak, "take the film to the chemists and wait a few days."

What can I say, rocks are nice. :)

I love American Werewolf in London, too. I still maintain there has never been a better werewolf transformation scene in any movie since. That soundtrack. It just works. The sequel was rubbish, though.

There are literally pubs like that, though. I had one near me, before it got turned into houses. The kind of thing where you walk in and there were a bunch of people in flat caps... even the men. And everything went silent.

Quote from: Emma1017 on April 10, 2026, 03:42:27 PMHey, if you want to talk about treating an American poorly, how about the movie AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON?

We all get bored with our hometowns periodically. That is why vacations were created.

 I did the "Emma in Manhattan" photo theme because I was bored with NYC. As Emma, in changed my perspective of the tourist spots.

To be fair, Emma, New York is a quite amazing city, but we all know what the most amazing part of it is when you post your pics. <3

Has anyone ever done a narrowboat canal tour?  It really looks really interesting and definitely beats my daily NYC subway ride. 

Quote from: Emma1017 on April 10, 2026, 04:41:07 PMHas anyone ever done a narrowboat canal tour?  It really looks really interesting and definitely beats my daily NYC subway ride. 

Alas no. I mean it's kind of similar though, except on a narrow river. They always reminded me of waterborne caravans. I went on one that someone converted into their actual home, though. A very... small, cramped home. But hey, coming from a submariner... how much space do you really need?

Quote from: Emma1017 on April 10, 2026, 04:41:07 PMHas anyone ever done a narrowboat canal tour?  It really looks really interesting and definitely beats my daily NYC subway ride. 

Charlotte might have she's from Norfolk way I think.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 10, 2026, 05:05:13 PMCharlotte might have she's from Norfolk way I think.

Around Norfolk it's only rivers and broads. The rivers are much wider than canals so use normal river boats. Of course I've spent large amounts of time on the rivers and broads when younger including some overnight sleeps. It was fun operating the boat at one point including a sailing boat. That was much harder work!

Not been on the canals with narrow boats. You're likely to need to operate locks if you're travelling on them.

Charlotte 😻

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 10, 2026, 05:31:44 PMAround Norfolk it's only rivers and broads. The rivers are much wider than canals so use normal river boats. Of course I've spent large amounts of time on the rivers and broads when younger including some overnight sleeps. It was fun operating the boat at one point including a sailing boat. That was much harder work!

Not been on the canals with narrow boats. You're likely to need to operate locks if you're travelling on them.

Charlotte 😻

Huh! I always thought the Norfolk broads was about canal holidays. Never to old to learn!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 10, 2026, 05:36:05 PMHuh! I always thought the Norfolk broads was about canal holidays. Never to old to learn!

I'd seriously recommend you to visit Norfolk sometime. You would love the broads as it's truely unique in the UK. But also Norwich with all its history and castle in the middle of the city.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 10, 2026, 05:36:05 PMHuh! I always thought the Norfolk broads was about canal holidays. Never to old to learn!

I always thought it was a Can Can troupe...

In my defence, though... it was. >_>

Quote from: Sephirah on April 10, 2026, 06:05:56 PMI always thought it was a Can Can troupe...

In my defence, though... it was. >_>

By, that took a bit of googling to find out what you were on about! Lol!

SG, I had to look it up, too. 

Charlotte, I loved this quote: "You would love the broads as it's truly unique in the UK."  In Brooklyn, we have broads too...

"I spent two years a broad...I still have no idea how to walk in high heels."🤪

I have been sleeping extremely sporadically, lately. My dreams are wild and sharp. I dreamed I came here to talk about mouse flavoured creamcakes. Had to check my internet history to make sure I didn't. Not even kidding. Things are so... things... that sometimes I can't tell whether I am awake or dreaming. I feel on the edge, all the time.

I am sorry to people who think it's weird. It is weird

I am not this angel some seem to think I am. I am human like everyone else. I hurt, I break. I have bad days. I can't grow flowers with every step.

I just... I am sorry. Sometimes I wonder what the point is.

Sorry... I needed to get that out. It's all good.

Quote from: Sephirah on April 17, 2026, 11:53:15 PMI dreamed I came here to talk about mouse flavoured creamcakes. Had to check my internet history to make sure I didn't. Not even kidding. Things are so... things... that sometimes I can't tell whether I am awake or dreaming. I feel on the edge, all the time.

Yeah, we moderated that post. Just kidding!

That must be rough, and I don't mean to make light of it. Hang in there.

Love you, Lauren!

I deleted the other stuff, Lori. :P

I think.

Quote from: Sephirah on April 17, 2026, 11:53:15 PMI have been sleeping extremely sporadically, lately. My dreams are wild and sharp. I dreamed I came here to talk about mouse flavoured creamcakes. Had to check my internet history to make sure I didn't. Not even kidding. Things are so... things... that sometimes I can't tell whether I am awake or dreaming. I feel on the edge, all the time.

I am sorry to people who think it's weird. It is weird

I am not this angel some seem to think I am. I am human like everyone else. I hurt, I break. I have bad days. I can't grow flowers with every step.

I just... I am sorry. Sometimes I wonder what the point is.

Sorry... I needed to get that out. It's all good.

No need to apologise! You struggle just like the rest of us do. And you definitely are an angel...to me at least! I been having some weird dreams too though not quite like that.

Sending you plenty of love and hugs.

Charlotte 😻

Thank you, Charlotte. What you just said means probably more than you will know.

Thank you.

Girl, I am not an angel, though, Probably why I get you so much. We are all broken together. I envy you that you feel you can show your dark side.

I just freak people out and make them terrified. My own fault, I guess.

Thank you though, for caring. <3 You know I think you're an amazing lady. Charlotte. <3

Is it too greedy to see more of Serana?

Quote from: Sephirah on April 18, 2026, 01:11:55 AMThank you, Charlotte. What you just said means probably more than you will know.

Thank you.

Girl, I am not an angel, though, Probably why I get you so much. We are all broken together. I envy you that you feel you can show your dark side.

I just freak people out and make them terrified. My own fault, I guess.

Thank you though, for caring. <3 You know I think you're an amazing lady. Charlotte. <3

Is it too greedy to see more of Serana?

Awww hun you don't freak me out and of course all the others on here. I do certainly know that some people struggle with difference or witnessing intense emotion, so theh provably do freak. But even then its probably more a processing limitation for them.

Thank you for caring too. Everyones help here is slowly connecting the dots!

Ill post some more Serana in my blog although i cant post her pic without her bikini on 😄

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 18, 2026, 02:55:50 AMAwww hun you don't freak me out and of course all the others on here. I do certainly know that some people struggle with difference or witnessing intense emotion, so theh provably do freak. But even then its probably more a processing limitation for them.

Thank you for caring too. Everyones help here is slowly connecting the dots!

Ill post some more Serana in my blog although i cant post her pic without her bikini on 😄

Haha, I wouldn't dream of asking, Charlotte. The colours just vibe with me. She is the embodiment of IDGAF, and I love that.

Quote from: Sephirah on April 18, 2026, 03:01:20 AMHaha, I wouldn't dream of asking, Charlotte. The colours just vibe with me. She is the embodiment of IDGAF, and I love that.

Awwww thats very much her for sure. I've uploaded more of her! BTW do you know of the Manga / Anime Beastars? She reminds me of the gorgeous Juno in beastars! I'm about as jealous and dysfunctional as Juno so I love her!

Quote from: Sephirah on April 18, 2026, 01:11:55 AMThank you, Charlotte. What you just said means probably more than you will know.

Thank you.

Girl, I am not an angel, though, Probably why I get you so much. We are all broken together. I envy you that you feel you can show your dark side.

I just freak people out and make them terrified. My own fault, I guess.

Thank you though, for caring. <3 You know I think you're an amazing lady. Charlotte. <3

Is it too greedy to see more of Serana?

You don't freak people out Lauren. Not one bit.

You put far too much on yourself, Nobody expects anything of you on here. We just like to talk with you because we love you, we value what you say but you don't have to be anything you aren't. There is no pressure to be someone else from people on here.

It's ok to not feel positive and chirpy all the time. We've all had our moments on here and at home.

Sarah xxx

You are right, Sarah, I do. I don't... know how to be any other way, though. I think I expect way too much of myself, maybe.

I want to see everyone else smile and don't really care if it comes at the cost of a scream. I know that's messed up. I am trying to work on it though.

I think... I am scared to let people see the other part of me. I am a volcano under a glacier. Each time there is the slightest fart.... people get hurt. So I rely on the snow, I suppose.

Quote from: Sephirah on April 18, 2026, 03:21:34 AMYou are right, Sarah, I do. I don't... know how to be any other way, though. I think I expect way too much of myself, maybe.

I want to see everyone else smile and don't really care if it comes at the cost of a scream. I know that's messed up. I am trying to work on it though.

I think... I am scared to let people see the other part of me. I am a volcano under a glacier. Each time there is the slightest fart.... people get hurt. So I rely on the snow, I suppose.

I've seen glimpses Lauren and you're just as beautiful. Perhaps even more so. I mean that.

Yeah you have. I kind of want to say sorry for that but my face is too red, haha.

Love you, Sarah. <3

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 18, 2026, 03:12:28 AMAwwww thats very much her for sure. I've uploaded more of her! BTW do you know of the Manga / Anime Beastars? She reminds me of the gorgeous Juno in beastars! I'm about as jealous and dysfunctional as Juno so I love her!

I don't but I did a quick search, Charlotte. I can see a somewhat similarity. Juno doesn't have that epic colour scheme though. I mean, she doesn't have nearly enough purple and blue!

Laura, growing crap grass occasionally as you step is totally ok, too!!! As one of my best friends told me, that I think is true of you:

"But it takes a special person to be dealing with so much and yet still have time for others. To go out of your way to want the best for them. To make them feel better. Everything you're going through... things that would break other people... but you still have it within you to be there for others. To be a source of kindness and strength. That is a very, very rare thing in this world. It's something precious. And something you need to see, and understand. However hard things might be... You have it inside you to deal with it, sweetie. You do. You have the depth of emotion... the compassion... the strength and gentleness of who you are."

Well, it takes one to know one.

Warmest hug,

Emma
❤️

Quote from: Emma1017 on April 18, 2026, 06:46:07 AM

"I am not this angel some seem to think I am. I am human like everyone else. I hurt, I break. I have bad days. I can't grow flowers with every step."

Laura, growing crap grass occasionally as you step is totally ok, too!!! As one of my best friends told me, that I think is true of you:

"But it takes a special person to be dealing with so much and yet still have time for others. To go out of your way to want the best for them. To make them feel better. Everything you're going through... things that would break other people... but you still have it within you to be there for others. To be a source of kindness and strength. That is a very, very rare thing in this world. It's something precious. And something you need to see, and understand. However hard things might be... You have it inside you to deal with it, sweetie. You do. You have the depth of emotion... the compassion... the strength and gentleness of who you are."

Well, it takes one to know one.

Warmest hug,

Emma
❤️

I wonder whose quote that is......

You're special to all of us Lauren, that quote can absolutely be turned around back on you.

Lauren, love your new avatar!!!

AWOOOOOoooooooo

<3

Thank you.

Just to let anyone who cares know. I won't be here next week. But not because I am usually not here in the week, haha.

I will be in hospital... again. This time it's quite a big deal, though. Well... to me anyway.

I don't like talking about this stuff because in my head it just reads as "Woe-is-me. No one cares. Shut up."

But... yeah, I don't really have any people in my life to talk to, really. Outside of the people I've met here. But I don't really like doing that because everyone comes here with their own stuff.

I just... yeah. It will all be okay. But just in case it matters why I am not here... that's why. I figured I should say something.

Thanks for the heads up, Lauren.

Sending you lots of love, hugs, and healing thoughts.

Check back with us when you can.

Love you big bunches!

Good luck, Lauren.

Sending love, and good vibes

Quote from: Alana Ashleigh on April 21, 2026, 08:52:58 PMGood luck, Lauren.

Sending love, and good vibes

Thank you, Alana. Girl, you are someone else who inspires me to be better. So many people here do, It's quite crazy.

Keep running, okay? And remember how far you have come. I will always be your cheerleader. Love you, girl. <3

I just want to say thanks to some folks... because I am kind of so uhm... sh*t scared. That I want to get it out while I can.

@Dances With Trees... Anni, you kept me grounded in me. You are a comfort blanket I never knew I needed.

@Pema you called me out for just how horrible I can be. I need to hear that. I need to be better. Hopefully I will do that.

@Stottie Girl.. Sarah... I think you're the best thing since sliced Jesus.

@Charlotte Kitty see above. For a long time Susan's didn't really have its own Spice Girls. The influx of Brit girls is... it makes me smile. Not to say anything against our US overlords, though. ;)

@Emma1017... thank you. Just... thank you.

@Lori Dee you really only have to mention your name in hushed annals. Thank you for being my friend. There should be a breakfast cereal named after you.

@Alana Ashleigh You make me proud.

@Sarah B thank you for believing in me.

@Northern Star Girl Thank you for believing in everyone, Danielle.

I know there are a lot of people I've missed. I am sorry.

I don't even know why I am saying this other than... I am kind of scared right now. That... it might be the last time I can. So I want you to know that... this place has been part of my life for the better part of 20 years. I think I might have been fortunate enough to meet probably all the best people in the world here, in that time.

If I don't get another chance to say it. Thank you.

Oh, also...

@ChrissyRyan... you are one of the most beautiful lights in the world.

@tgirlamg Ashley... you light up the world. You make everyone feel more than. Thank you.

It's well after 5am here so..

Just thank you. Hopefully I'll see you on the other side. <3

Love you, Lauren.

See you when you get back.

Lauren, I hope we see you soon and that all is well. You're not horrible, and I told you that, too.

Quote from: Sephirah on April 21, 2026, 11:25:33 PM@Charlotte Kitty see above. For a long time Susan's didn't really have its own Spice Girls. The influx of Brit girls is... it makes me smile. Not to say anything against our US overlords, though. ;)


I don't even know why I am saying this other than... I am kind of scared right now. That... it might be the last time I can. So I want you to know that... this place has been part of my life for the better part of 20 years. I think I might have been fortunate enough to meet probably all the best people in the world here, in that time.

If I don't get another chance to say it. Thank you.

Hey Lauren, thank you very much too. You are a beautiful soul to me and everyone, and I feel like the only person thats close to truely understanding me! Every interaction with you is always sweet.

Wishing you well for your time in hospital.  Im sure itll go ok. Youre strong.

Oh and I'm not from the UK...I'm definitely from Venus darling!

Charlotte 😻

Lauren,

Don't be scared, you are the strongest person I know. You will be fine I promise. I will see you when you get out. Just know I will be thinking about you the whole time OK. I wish I could give you a real hug but you'll have to make do with a virtual one for now.

You have changed my life in ways I never thought possible. I want you to know that.

I love ya Pet!

Sarah xxxx

I am sure you are in good hands, take care darling and see you laters XXX

Good luck and get well soon
It sounds major. Take deep breaths and no flirting with the doctors

Quote from: Sephirah on April 21, 2026, 07:33:31 PMBut... yeah, I don't really have any people in my life to talk to, really. Outside of the people I've met here. But I don't really like doing that because everyone comes here with their own stuff.

Lauren, you may not have anyone you can talk to in real life, but you do have us.  You, too, get to come here with your own stuff.

Whatever the procedure is that you are having, I wish you the best possible outcome.  Check in when you get back home.

Laura, whatever you are facing, you are never alone. You have the hearts of everyone here.

Get well and know you are loved.

With hugs and love,

Emma

Quote from: Sephirah on April 21, 2026, 07:33:31 PMJust to let anyone who cares know. I won't be here next week. But not because I am usually not here in the week, haha.

I will be in hospital... again. This time it's quite a big deal, though. Well... to me anyway.

I don't like talking about this stuff because in my head it just reads as "Woe-is-me. No one cares. Shut up."

But... yeah, I don't really have any people in my life to talk to, really. Outside of the people I've met here. But I don't really like doing that because everyone comes here with their own stuff.

I just... yeah. It will all be okay. But just in case it matters why I am not here... that's why. I figured I should say something.

Lauren,


I hope all goes well for you.

Hugs,

Chrissy

Lauren!...

We will be holding you close in our hearts and minds today and, in the week to come beautiful sister!... Stay strong... Know that you are So Loved and keep us posted as you can!

Hugs, Love and Respect Always...

Ashley 💕

Get well soon prayers sent

        @Sephirah
Dear Lauren:
I am aware that you stated that you are 'scared' regarding your upcoming
hospital visit and surgery...
... that, of course, is a natural reaction and expression of feelings that me and
most people would identify with before any surgical medical procedures.

First: My sweetie ToothFairy and I prayed for you early this morning
as we had breakfast together.
                🙏

Secondly: The personal health news that you shared here comes at the time
that I will be leaving my home very shortly to attend my weekly church Bible Study
this morning where I can have our small group of church gals and guys pray for you,
your doctors, and a good after-surgery outcome. 

    *** Please keep us updated, but only share what your feel comfortable posting.

Many HUGS and blessings to YOU from me and the rest of your readers and avid followers
here on the Susan's Place Forum.   
          ❤️❤️❤️ 
Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

I perused the works of some of your favorite bards in search of a verse or two that might help gird you for the coming week. No surprise, I decided upon Emily Dickinson. You got this, Sephirah.

The Brain--is wider than the Sky--
For--put them side by side--
The one the other will contain
With ease--and You--beside--

The Brain is deeper than the Sea--
For--hold them--Blue to Blue--
The one the other will absorb--
As Sponges--Buckets--do--

The Brain is just the weight of God--
For--Heft them--Pound for Pound
And they will differ--if they do--
As Syllable from Sound--

Laura, thinking of you, and I hope you are well.

Hugs,

Emma

Just think of you today.

Sending you lots of love, massive hugs, and tons of healing vibes.

Hope you are doing ok.

😘

Quote from: Lori Dee on April 27, 2026, 12:38:33 PMJust think of you today.

Sending you lots of love, massive hugs, and tons of healing vibes.

Hope you are doing ok.

😘

Last we spoke, Lauren said she might not be able to come on this week as she's not sure she will have wi-fi access. I know her op is tomorrow but she goes in today. She's hoping to be back out at the weekend. So don't be too alarmed if she's not about! She's a tough one is our Lauren! She will be in good hands I'm sure.

I'm wishing her all the best and sending my love too.

I'm missing my northern partner in crime to be honest!

Kinda weird we're both having operations tomorrow! Although mine is much more straightforward I imagine. Looking forward to Lauren being back too.

Charlotte 😻

I am going to be in London for two days, June 8 & 9. Where does Laura live?  I would love to see her and anyone in the area, if it is possible.

Quote from: Emma1017 on Yesterday at 03:57:29 PMI am going to be in London for two days, June 8 & 9. Where does Laura live?  I would love to see her and anyone in the area, if it is possible.

She is up north although I don't think so far north as Sarah! I'm a 'foreign' southerner' to both of them, even though I live now and was born some 2 hours drive from London!

Charlotte 😻