rainy afternoon – busy

I love it when I can have time with my immediate surroundings. And when I think about it, I don’t need much. Social Media always leaves me feeling detached and frustrated, as apart from sourcing, networking, and staying close to distant mates and family, it can also start to make us less connected with who we really are.

I like to think that if I form a bond with a human, it could be similar to real life, and it’s not just a means to gain front house popularity. It’s not like when we go to heaven then get asked by the door keepers, ‘so, how many Twitter followers did you get? Or, how much money did you stack up?’ Karmically the universe sees everything anyway. So, what will be, simply is. We are only ever our true intention. And living with a free conscience is true wealth.

We all make mistakes but taking account for our own destiny and purpose is nobody else’s responsibility. Everyone has stuff going on, both good and bad. But some are much worse off than others. It is not so much luck, but who we have around us. Our Tribe. The people who really do help each other through the mess. Sometimes, just by being a listening ear or a hug. Sharing a fag or grabbing a bag of chips to scoff in the park.

With mental illness there is a thin line between being prepared and reaching out for a frame network. And the internet can become a fine line of confusion, since, as much as being a means to share great things, it can equally become a bow and arrow for keyboard warrior’s and those who know how to inflict a precise and calculated hate campaign. Often targeting a seemingly lone person, with the intention and purpose to make that target feel as vulnerable and detached as possible. Various means to this route could range from a desire for fame, money and an/or an ample amount of free time to plan such acts of spite. Either way such calculations derive from the perpetrators own sense of worth and often they turn to the web to push that onto those they envy most. Often a person who lives quite happily without the need of validation from strangers, all day, every day. A vicious cycle.

Either way, the older I get, the more it all jumps out at me. Saddened by the fact there are those that seek drama by means of (cowardly and indirect) disruption when it is so unnecessary. I myself have at times become very low, but after counselling or just speaking with a friend, it becomes apparent I am simply processing how life events have made me feel. Mentally I would describe myself as strong. I know this, as when I am under enormous pressure my adrenalin kicks in. Especially if someone I love is being hurt or bullied. Worse still, if someone I love is being a bully.

I have however, gone on to make real life friends as a result of the internet. And have sourced crafts and trades this way too. But then there are a small majority that offset the positive by creating a simultaneously ‘fake existence’ online. One of which takes residence over their own ‘real life’ world. The broad term ‘stalking’ covers much of above. And can overspill to the target’s friends and family also being scrutinized. And in some cases, books and scripts are created using the base line of the stalker’s often misguided assumptions. Financial wealth is awarded to the prowler. But guess what. The target remains richer in terms of balance and abundance.

That’s why, it is imperative to think above and beyond small minded cycles that serve no purpose to our origin and purpose. That said mental health is a huge factor towards using the internet to seek revenge and reap havoc. Especially during a psychotic outrage of another. This in turn is ‘so far’ completely unvetted by social media hierarchy. I know, I have been on the receiving end. The web being a cry for any means of ‘often the wrong of’ attention. Where the mentally meek will use any means of falsehood to be heard in a sea of sharks. Then, when they get well, everything is back to the real perspective.

But when this happens, a portal opens for the prowlers to become almost ecstatic at discovering such seemingly potential drama, that could not possibly happen in their own ‘white supremacist’ bubble of bullshit. The web makes tribes very vulnerable. Isn’t life so very wicked at times. We just have to know we can turn it off and find happiness all around us. In my case, alleyways, and my my kitchen, where I just cooked myself and Danielle (my housekeeper at the hotel) fajitas with spinach and peppers. Going to have another in a mo, with a skinny coffee fix. Then my time warp of a girl cave (bedroom), where I find absolute inner tranquility. A space that is full of worthlessly sentimental treasures, to include my crystal ball, rocks, shells, driftwood, tarot and pets. It’s indescribably connected to core.

I gave up regular drinking a few years ago. when I realised I was in a cycle of addiction to the internet and booze, due to ill health and grim living conditions. Wine being my ‘then’ poison and a means to numb my constant sense of no confidence. I went on an all out soul-searching, learning curve and during this time set up Pet Service Directories and Animal welfare groups. Through my unstoppable determination, I was subsequently bullied to fuck by an established ‘designer pet group’ and a couple of seemingly do good ‘social influencers,’ who use their money (millions) to tick heads. I hate snobbery.

This all went on for years. A systematic battle for which my faith would not be deterred. But on reflection the feedback and updates I still get to this day, regarding the progress I made for the animals, make it all worthwhile. And my tech skills vastly improved, due to the long haul out of physical service.

As we get older, we look back at life and wonder how we could have done things differently. But what we must remember, we cannot change the past. Only learn and grow away from it.

tiffany belle harper

We must remember there are those that confuse ‘love and admiration’ with ‘jealousy and resentment’. People who do not know how to feel empowered by any other, than themselves. The greatest people alive, are often ‘seemingly’ the most hated at a social glance. Maybe because they are truly loved within their own tribes in the real world. Where this in turn creates rivalry. Popularity indeed walks alleyways and does not need or wish to fill stadiums or win prizes. Wisdom has always been free for us all. Never forget that. Dew glistens brighter than diamonds and we can all afford nature.

Two nights a week I may enjoy a drink. It’s a 9% rose fusion made with strawberries and summer fruits. I thoroughly enjoy it on ice with a splash of tonic. I also have a takeaway and make wax melts, soap and bath fizz. I listen to jazz. I know it sounds boring, but I get off on it. I have a load of rescue pets too.

I was a young mum to two boys. I hardly had a social life. In fact, I cannot remember having one at all. I had an open house for all their mates. Three jobs. I would spend all my spare income on food for the kids. I drove them everywhere. I recall taking them to see Eminen in Milton Keynes. The town was rammed. There was absolutely nowhere to park up to wait for them. So, I rather stupidly drove all the way home, walked the dogs. Put a wash on then drove back. Due to it being so busy it took me 3 hours to get there. It was pouring with rain and my phone battery was dead. So, I got out my old banger of a car and ran around the arena circuit looking for the group I had to take home.

I was so worried, not only that I had lost my own kids, but also the two boys with them. I think they were about 12 and 14 at the time. I had given them strict instructions how to stay safe. And where to meet me. But the place we had arranged, which is where I had dropped them off, was now closed off to divert all traffic. The entire system was mayhem. Eventually finding the boys, I was by now almost wetting myself. I had an old washing up bowl in the boot so hid my best and went for a pee in there. Not one of them thanked me for my efforts to transport them to and from the concert. But we don’t do it for praise. It was their first gig. We do it to fill their lives with good memories. But as they turn to adults, they can all too often forget the things we did in favour of what we did not.

I love my boys, but it has not been easy. I am similar to both of them, but in different ways. I am proud. Our children, no matter what age can break our hearts, repeatedly. And we have to allow them to do that. I want James to move to Blackpool as I think he could nail this town. And I want Ashley to release his confidence with balance and harmony.

I still miss Dad. He was my best friend. I never really knew Mum. But I am trying. Our lives have been so different.

I want to retire before I die. But then work keeps me from over thinking. I sometimes miss blogging so much, now I am living in a goldfish bowl. Not everyone wants to be clapped by strangers. Life is much bigger than that. We are all on the same journey and it’s how we feel with our own space that counts most. Nothing to prove here. Am fine with me. I do good. Best I can.

Finally here is a video by a really good mate of mine, Seca One. Speaking quite openly about his history on the streets, together with his mind and how he turned it into being a successful artist. I hope it can help at least one person. Men tend to suffer in ways that are harder to detect. Often becoming hostile and aggresive. This makes me worry. Men need to be heard in a way that takes away a sense of delusion and guilt shifting.

Tiffany. X

Mannequins and Wax at Belleva

I have a fear of deadlines. Years ago, I used to design, sell and hire out mannequins. They were not the easiest things to package and deliver. Human size. A little like working in a morgue but within the fashion sector. I had to ensure the mannequins were delivered to venues, then dressed accordingly and returned immediately afterwards, as otherwise I could lose them. They would end up buried away in prop rooms or worst still, stolen. I did ask for a deposit to cover this eventuality, so we still got by. But you know, I sort of got attached to the dummies. There will be mannequins here at Belleva and we are at 30 St Chad’s Road Blackpool.

I have spent over two years renovating Belleva. It’s been done in stages, and I have paid attention to each small detail. As this is a project with my ‘creative’ side, I have not simply done the basic requirements to get the doors open and take bookings. I have savored each small move, as I want to appreciate everything life gives to me. I want to see the reason why I have had so many challenges. It’s certainly made me wiser, because when things go wrong, I take time alone to reflect where this could have been done differently. And when humans intentionally hurt me, I ask myself why I allowed this to happen. Being ‘creative’ has the same ‘empathetic’ values within our sensitivity radar. It goes hand in hand.

The important thing in life is not to go looking for negativity and to have strength to focus only on that which drives us forward with optimism and positive mindset. I have had some promotional opportunities but it’s a 7-bed hotel, so I don’t really want to overburden the public arena. It really is about balance.

I don’t want to exist hanging on reviews either, as doing this trade for over 3 years most of ‘my’ visitors don’t do mobile phones etc, which surprised me with this ‘internet culture’ many live almost simulations existence within. When in the past I have had the ‘not so nice’ reviews there is always a hidden reason. And it’s usually we just didn’t get on – but generally speaking I did well considering I didn’t really know what the hell I was doing. It is a pity small business cannot review their guests by return as there are some shitty manners out there. Although I always say and will stand by, most people really are adorable. And there is nothing wrong with constructive criticism. But when a guest leaves smiling saying they’ve had the best time ever then resort to the web to complain, it’s too late for me to do anything.

With Tripadvisor they do a hashtag to position each venue and this is based on many factors to include how often the venue is open and available. So for instance if a hotel closes during the week they will be near the back of the hashtag score. I don’t buy into that shit.

I have made Belleva in Blackpool an adult only hotel and often wonder whether I have made a mistake but the amount of washing up and laundry we get with larger occupancy to rooms is a lot of work. It took me sometimes until lunch time to get up straight after breakfast and then the piles of laundry were overwhelming. I am 56 years old and think that running a couples (adults) hotel will be more manageable, as I do have a life beyond cleaning.

I am really excited to share my home. And yes, to me it is my home – as I put my heart into the things I have chosen to do in life. Although my apartment at the back is my own little hub of happiness. It’s like having two lives all in one place and I am glad to be on this journey.

There have been mishaps. I flooded my bay window room. Nothing really matches (but I knew it wouldn’t). I shouldn’t have stored my furnishings in there whilst it was still being renovated but I was so excited I couldn’t wait.

If I could start again though, I would still make mistakes. But I am being true to myself and have some good people around me. St Chad’s Road is a lovely street. We cannot get along with everyone as some people don’t want harmony in favour of resentment but generally speaking I have met the most inspiring and sweet people in my life within my neighbours and community. They really have given me so much support in so many ways. I hope we continue to get along as Blackpool is big enough for everyone. There is so much progress being made here. The town is shifting and changing and the art is mind blowing. Tonight I have been invited to watch Alright play their first live gig and I am taking Josie. Also, I am doing some work for Stay Blackpool this weekend. Blackpool is a good place to live as there are no awkward introductions, you can get straight into groups and crafts. Everyone is very sweet.

As for breakfast. I have had a lot of feedback about this. My guests want the full English. I also want to offer a more extensive vegan option. Since we have local produce delivered to our doors I will probably stick with the more traditional approach. But I will also be doing meals. Belleva is my ‘social’ too and I want to talk with you all. I want us to nibble at posh natural cheese, organic fruit, dips and yummy desserts.

Remember I have my soap and wax counter too. If anyone fancies making some melts or candles with me let me know. Would love to play!

You will also meet my friends some of which are other hoteliers and interesting people from our community. They just drop in. I have no idea where this will take us but life’s short.

See you Soon.

Tiffany Belle Harper.

Say ‘Doodle Day’

Sometimes when we feel helpless with just wanting a day off. Do it. To stop worrying about commitments and obligations and just Doodle. Feel our own art and crafts without guilt or regret. You can make posters with vectors, pics, quotes and put them around the place. It’s not an expensive hobby and will make you feel ‘spesh’.

Jealousy is a horrid, horrid thing and something I cannot admit to ever feeling because when someone impresses me I want to be friends with them or at least send them kudos. So don’t waste your time with worthless emotions. Turn those small minded thoughts to being original and of a positive mindset. I am going to tackle the cellar. Have a great week and get over it. Life is too short so live it out with some kind of purpose that helps others. It all comes back tenfold. It really does. Smile and Smile Again! It’s contagious.

Tiff. X

Get up – Get Dressed – be Thankful – Smile

Coming out of a complete lock down – time where we have our own self to contemplate … and then returning to work is not easy, especially when you run your own business. To be positive on social media, take care of guests and sort out all the financials is like juggling china cups. The best bit for me is actually spending time getting to know my guests. Each has their own story and I try to listen. We make new friends or we learn new lessons. We see who is there to support us most.

We have other issues such as rivalry or simple ‘resentment’ that is more abrasive for empaths to deal with. But I tell myself what would I be without a cause, a reason to continue. It’s not about popularity or success in terms of being bigger and better, it is about feeling wholesome as an individual. And that matters.

Throughout this lock down I have still found work for others, I have paid my rent on time and made the most of what I have. It is not easy for any of us – but we are lucky to be alive. I see those doing so much more, especially volunteers and I feel humble and so thankful.

Tiff. X