Inbetween Storms and Showers Theres Always Sunshine

Looking back at some of my posts I realised what an Eeyore I have become.... all gloom and doom!!

When telling a story in no matter what form, one doesn't realise that if the focus is on one part of your life then the wrong picture is painted or at least one that isn't balanced.

So with that in mind, lets focus on the GOOD and GREAT things that have happened this year.

Well first of all.... ok.... I got a 3rd cancer diagnosis BUT because of the experts looking after me, because of the routine scans and tests - it was caught EARLY!!! Wow! if thats not something to celebrate then what the hell is!!

Despite surgeries and failed surgeries I was totally overwhelmed by the support from family and friends. I was given the most amazing gifts and not just gifts.... they were chosen and sent with care and love. The care and love behind those gifts meant more to me than the gifts themselves.

You know who you are !!!! 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You will never know just how much they mean to me.

Then there were the gigs.

Yes I missed some such as the Damned and Mike Peters when he played in Wrexham BUT I was at the Gathering AND I made a HUGE step for me..... I went on my own. Truly though, I was never on my own because the love, care, friendship from my Alarm family meant that I was surrounded by such great spirit.

My horse Cola was diagnosed with Cushings disease this year but its given me a much closer bond with him. He has been by my side every step of the way, lighting up my heart with joy and love.

My husband Jason has been my rock. He doesn't show much emotion and that can be deceptive but I know how much my illnesses have affected him. He has been there for me every step of the way at great personal expense. I admit that I feel that I am not worth it, I am not worthy but there it is..... He has kept me floating.

This photo was taken at my dear friends 50th party. What a fantastic night that was. Along with the wedding of two other friends. I am so honoured to have been invited to share these very special days.

I have been involved with Love Hope Strength and helping others actually helps me. The team are amazing. They uplift my spirits and the people we meet are genuinely interested and want to help their fellow human beings. How great is that?!

Dog walking for friends has kept me sane, its allowed me to explore my emotions and remain in touch with nature. Nature is my saviour.

Although I said goodbye tragically to my old dwarf hamster Ragnar Lothbruk I welcomed a rescue hamster into my life called Uhtred or Ted for short. He was the runt of the litter and has torn ears and scars.

Hmmmmm what else?? Theres so many good things to choose from I can't quite think.

Music has been important to me..... The Gathering, Mike Peters, The Jack Tars...... missed gigs too but then maybe they weren't meant to be.

Not all bad then!!

OH YES!!!!!!! I discovered OUTLANDER!!!! BOOKS, SERIES, COMMUNITY - WOW

Outlander

As regular readers of my blog will know, 2015 began with bad news and got worse.

At the moment, I am resting my mind trying to let it catch up with what has happened to me.

I discovered Outlander during that dreadful time of operations, infections and pain. Through the series I was able to escape from my troubles and pain and enter a world of magical escapism, romance and love.

The drama is set in Scotland, a land with which I have a great affinity. Indeed we are all Celt and have all been subjugated by the English in our past. Gaelic is verra similar to Welsh. Try as they might, even in my life time, they tried to wipe the language out but it survives such is the tenacity of our breed.

The costumes,  setting and casting of the drama is simply a work of art. Truly amazing.

Catriona Balfe and Sam Heughan are the best Jamie and Claire.

The drama inspired me to read the books written by the most talented Diana Gabaldon which are simply wonderful. Through the books I am able to enter the world of Jamie and Claire and escape my life for a while.

Outlander was written at a time of my life which was a struggle. I had lost my big brother in a car crash, my fiance at the time was treating me dreadfully and I had disordered eating.... I do believe that things come into your life when they are meant to and I think that's true of Outlander for me.

I have met a community of like minded people via social media and I was quite relieved to find out that I was not the only person affected by Outlander syndrome.

So here I am watching Outlander again and relishing each line in the books.

Thank you Diana Gabaldon for giving me Jamie and Claire and in doing so giving me sanctuary while I heal.

Thanks also to Team Outlander - you are all talented and wonderful people for giving me this gem with which to hide.