Some of the little ones we’ve grown to love over at UKRescueConnect. Feel free to send us your pet pictures. There’s enough love for all of them! Take a look so far here > Source: Pet Pals Gallery
Month: March 2017
A Quiff in Little Malvern – #Vlog Worcestershire #TravelBlog plus #Video
From Warwick to Malvern my dog ‘Angel and me are staying in a quirky little wooden cabin in the middle of nowhere. Perfect for writing, reading, all things pensive. There’s a poor internet signal making it idyllic. No distractions. Focusing only on travel, food and photography, whilst enjoying life alfresco style. Malvern Hills being right on our doorstep together with many local attractions.
It’s a strange transition as normally we’d be with Foley – Tibetan Terrier who died in my arms a couple of weeks ago, age 21. I had to get away. To reflect and remember. Plus, I wanted to get Angel used to being without him as quickly as possible. He’s sorely missed but I can only treasure so many fond memories. In particular travelling, finding quaint places and retreats in the United Kingdom. We have a glorious country and much remains unexplored by so many.
First day we drove from Welland to Little Malvern. I noticed signs saying ‘Open Gardens.’ It was like a treasure hunt. On finding what I assumed was the house (where the last sign was located.) I drove into a lavish driveway then parked the car. I could see the superb topiary to the side of the big stone dynasty. Angel cocked her leg up a well sheered ornate hedge folly in full view of her audience. A group of posh type people sitting in the study, each wall top to bottom in leather backed books. They reminded me of ventriloquist dummies. Rigid. There wasn’t much I could do to avoid our introduction. She was desperate. My only relief, she didn’t follow with a poop.
Watch this video then keep reading … it gets better.
We entered the garden, the views incredible. I began to fumble around for my camera. A lady came to the side door. She wore an apron. Had immaculately set dark grey hair with a well lacquered quiff to the front. A stern look upon her face. I smiled, expecting her to greet me. As the ‘Open Garden’ event was for a charitable cause I assumed she’d come for my donation.
“What do you think you’re doing?” she asked. I thought it was obvious. I’d come to admire the garden and get into the community spirit. I am sucker for fundraising.
“I’ve come to the ‘Open Garden’ day I told her.
“Well … it’s not here and anyway dogs aren’t allowed.”
My immediate reaction was to explain I’d simply followed the signs. Then I wondered why she didn’t advise me where I had gone wrong and to guide me in the right direction? Clearly, there was not going to be any banter other than to ward me from her property.
I decided rather than stoop to her level I’d better leave. I was trespassing in her back garden with a dog that couldn’t stop weeing on everything. We sort of meandered off and drove away, parking directly opposite in the Church car park that was well signed yet, I’d missed it on the way in.
Leaving Angel in the car I took a tour round Little Malvern Priory. It was exquisite – the Vicar had just finished a sermon. The congregation just leaving. There’s always those that saunter to be acknowledged by the Vicar on exit, as though they’ll be nearer to God if they do. I noticed many of them resembled the woman whose garden my dog showered upon in abundance.
The Vicar told me I could spend as much time as I wanted, take photographs – as long as I closed the door. He was a jolly old soul. An air of sincerity about him. I liked that. There was just me in there and for ten minutes or so I took time to reflect on this year’s events. I thanked the universe for all the mishaps, as it had made me grow as a person. I spoke with Foley then left. Not sure whether he heard me, but I felt better for it. Churches are good for things like that.
We continued our drive to Great Malvern town, then walked down the promenade. It was a lovely day. Even the rude woman made it more colourful. I hope she reads this, if so, thank you.
Arriving back to my log cabin, I watched a movie then did some writing. There’s more to come. Spring is here and the weathers on our side. I’m doing what I love best – being lost in new places. No sense of time. A head full of words and a camera to treasure moments amidst towns and rural settings.
It’s my first UK trip in 21 years without Foley. It’s not the same without him but the memories are with us every step of the journey. Next stop will be …. Let’s see what tomorrow brings. Best things happen on impulse, I seldom plan ahead. It’s too conventional – I’m rubbish at stuff like that.
#InternationalWomensDay Open Tribute to Jeremy Corbyn from Tiffany Belle Harper. Every Woman is a Goddess
I want to tribute my kudos for #InternationalWomensDay to Jeremy Corbyn. This goes beyond politics. I am not anchored to a set belief system. I am a free thinker – campaigner – activist. A mum, daughter and friend. Often hard to pin down. Constantly daydreaming. I’m not changing. Less is More.
Jeremy Corbyn comes from truth. He has terrible press coverage. Many of his greatest moments go unnoticed by the mainstream system. The Labour Party is divided. Are the Conservatives in unity? Or do they fake the smiles as most of their team lack any real backbone or authenticity.
However, I spend time out with the people. I speak with the homeless, rescue centres. I go for walks around cities. I travel alone. I love to meet strangers. This is where I thrive. I listen, I watch, I learn. I also have small women’s groups. I teach, we exchange.
The people love Jeremy. Yet, sadly as with all large groups, especially Political Parties there will be jealousy. Let’s not forget there are those who have their eye on his seat.
My political values are not entirely with any system, although I lean to Labour. I am a member of the Labour Party just because the people are so great and quirky and there’s loads of social stuff going on.
I believe from my own experience of life on the streets and amongst poverty is that we have to take care of the UK Citizens who are living here under extreme hardship. And that covers all ethnicities.
I want to see people try to contribute and not believe they are entitled to take. To pay back time for their free homes and endless handouts for multiple children. It works both ways. The rich. The high earners at the top robbing their lowest paid need to show remorse and be punished. Pen pushers are not Kings and Queens. People who get their hands dirty are a dying breed. The working class. The loyal recruits who need to feel valued in our society.
Homelessness has reached epidemic crisis. There are those being evicted at short notice with no contingency plan. Stopping benefits and crushing a person onto the pavement should be banned. Everyone has a story.
We need to integrate every single UK Resident into society.
I know the immigration crisis is just dreadful. No child should be crossing borders unsure of where they will find solace. Yet, let us not forget that some extreme radicals are abusing the system – raping and mutilating women and treating them as sex slaves. There are two sides to each story and for any kind of debate to take place we cannot pretend this is not happening.
It is not Muslims that are the problem it is extremism. Terrorism and the far right are both areas of utter hate. They’re’ both as bad. All hate is wrong. It cannot be defined by solely religion.
No war is ever resolved with a bat and ball game from hell.
I just want to say of all the highest prolific voices in the UK right now. Jeremy Corbyn is concerned for us all. He has a terrible task on his hands. His own party are not fully behind him. Much of the ‘controlled’ public don’t know him due to the lack of truth from mainstream media. Yet he is the one that on an ‘almost’ daily basis is campaigning for basic human rights. He is popping into homeless centres and visiting food banks.
Jeremy is a keen gardener, a vegetarian and family man. He is one of us. OK he earns a good wage. That is not a crime. It is not a sin to have money. It is how we deliberate our truth and make purpose of our life that holds value.
The problem is hate – ego – greed – jealousy. Worthless acts of destruction that firstly will destroy the beholder. We need to all listen to one another and act from integrity. We need to see both sides of the situation and to keep our women safe to go shopping or walk home after dark. A woman who can wear shorts, skirts or jeans without being construed as a target for abuse.
It is not acceptable to attack a woman for being free in her expression. It is not acceptable to control a woman as though she is a poccession. We come from women. We come from the womb and we should worship the feminine not violate. Every Woman is a Goddess! Physical and mental abuse derives from cowards – perverts and cults. Tiffany Belle Harper
I am a nobody – certainly not well known. I have a rubbish Social Media presence. But, when I step outside, I find love in people. I find peace with nature. I embrace my work with animals as a volunteer. I value myself. My values subside with Jeremy Corbyn. His understanding of women. His relentless compassion for equality and fair debate using common sense. We do not have to agree with all of the concepts of another to appreciate good intent.
I’ve been through some very awful times with regard to bullying and aggravation and it was Jeremy Corbyn who inspired me to carry on in the face of adversity. Him and Richard Burgon. Two gentlemen that I love to bits.
Tiffany Belle Harper for #InternationalWomensDay in memory of my beloved dog – my world who died in arms last Thursday age 21.
Tiffany Belle Harper.
tiffanybelleharper.com 