The Love Nest Project and Space

During time with Dad we would sit in his summerhouse and have our best chats about life. It was situated by the edge of his pond, overlooking the garden. And when he died, I missed those moments and wished I had made time for more. Realising time is precious but then learning by my regrets.

When I moved home, I decided to create a garden and enjoy my own elements of nature as I was feeling pretty miserable with life in general. All due to such awful happenings beyond my control, from a vile and dreadful man who tried to destroy everything around me. Subsequently, I invested in a small summerhouse. It’s been the best personal design project so far. And it is a space I am in love with so much. I treasure it. Everything about the design is a new love story. It is such a personal task and represents so much more, it would be impossible to explain, and it is still progressive as summer is yet to come. This ongoing journey helps me over come so many obstacles and is very beautiful. More than words could ever say. It means the world to me. So let’s carry on. This world is in such a mess, having something so simple is so good for love. It is healing with a freshness from the heart. During hardship comes new doors alongside our worst challenges.

And when we feel passionate about something, it is amazing where in the universe sentiment comes from. Some of the bits here I have found on the street or in charity shops. Junk lying around the house. The sofa becomes a bed, so next I am going to cover it in more cushions and a big soft throw. It’s a real love project, inspired by space and time travel to be honest.

New beginnings. Infinity. And the kitty is a memorial for Billy because I never got to say goodbye. I believe he was taken. It killed me, my heart broke open, as I nurtured him back to health. But during all that hate and heartache, new things rescued me. I had almost lost hope, but never my faith. So very beautiful … truly.

Intelligent, compassionate, funny, handsome. Cute! I am totally spellbound and the summerhouse is how I share my feelings. And there’s so much more. It’s ours.

Misunderstandings are all to easy with chaos amidst words and spontaneity, but with a physical imprint, there comes trust and persistence. Because we get out what we put in. I am sure you will agree. Because I said so!

Thank You for Finding Me …

With Love. X

Sunday – My Seagull – Crafting – Diary

Here’s a few pics taken with my phone of this week. The beach is now chaotically busy which to me is a shame if I am honest. The sea may no longer be blue and they are throwing a lot of rubbish on the sand which ends up in the ocean poisoning the wildlife and contaminating the water. Very sad about it. Keep Britain Tidy. Pick up your crap and dispose of it correctly. Percy is about. He is my gull. I hand reared him. Well actually one of my neighbours informed me Percy is female so hey ho. Have been working on a design venture for the future. It’s taken all my free time. I don’t know how I ever fitted it all in. What with the ongoing sporadic things going on and five pets. I turned myself blue by accident too and became quite unwell with it but I don’t want to talk about that. All I will say is always do some research before drinking anything.

Then my parents have been painting up their furniture and potted over 200 plants in 2 days. They’re both near 90 years of age (mid to late 80’s … I don’t know exactly). My eldest son is juicing and doing his garden so beautifully. And I have had a few lovely pics from friends – in particular Janet Alleyne who is an earth goddess. My neighbour Josie sent the one of the crab – the gulls left it on her doorstep. It was alive and healthy so she put him back on the beach. Nice thought tho from the gulls.

Focus on the positive. Focus on the love and find the good in others. It all comes back to you. Tiff. X

 

Express your creative passion by Tiffany Belle Harper

There is no elitism in the layer of creativity that embraces all of us. It’s our passion so allow yourself space to broaden what galvanises you most.

Instagram is a great way to find and share information, but how many of us actually donate to that platform? I’ve spoken to many people who say ‘they’d love to start their own blog.’ But then hit their own needless hurdles with statements like, ‘but I can’t spell.’ ‘I’ve not nothing that interesting to write about,’ or ‘I will get round to it but haven’t got time at the moment.’

We’ve all got life in us and life gives us so many topics or views to share. A blog about animal welfare, gardening, cooking, natural walks or handy crafts. Perhaps sharing your views on feelings such as relationships, parenting or coping with stress. Have you overcome a challenge that could inspire others to do similar?

There’s budding writers in ‘fact’ and ‘fiction’ who don’t share their work for fear of rejection or copyright. That’s rubbish, it’s not who reads it, it’s that you expressed your passion. Putting your words out there will remain long after you, so why not start networking with other bloggers sharing your interests. They’re out there now and not limited to location. There’s people blogging around the globe, the resources are limitless.

Searching for keywords, hashtags and groups that mentor or distribute like-minded subjects is a great way to make new friends, whilst learning and partaking with those in your zone of fervour.

It’s simple to set up a blog. Search Google and see what appeals. For instance WordPress and Blogger. The benefits being that blogs with popular blog platforms also robot your keywords and they can be found in web searches if used correctly. This way others can search and find your bullet points.

You can share your blog links across Social Media. A great tip is to also add an image or poster with a short description of what your blog is all about, thus catching the eye of your target audience with more definition.

Tips For New Bloggers:-

  • Start by making notes about what you’d like to say
  • Listen to your thoughts and research your passions
  • Take photographs or find posters that represent your blog.
  • Don’t be afraid to be controversial whilst being optimistic
  • Carry a notebook wherever you go
  • Find positive space to thrive with your imagination
  • Find groups and individuals who share your interests

I’m dyslexic in a way that my confidence affects my writing. If I feel under pressure I struggle but when I’m focused, I am convicted by what it is I want to say, then my dyslexia seems to diminish. Self-belief is paramount to expression. This is why we should surround our ‘self’ with positivity. Although it would be impossible to constantly be in ideal situations, we can make small steps to eradicate the circumstances that hold our creativity down. For instance those who seem to mock, frown upon or scorn your passions or stifle your motivation. Seeking such people around us is a form of self-harm. Leave them behind and walk on.

I recall many years I wrote a piece for a publication about the benefits of breast feeding. It was considered taboo and the article received a lash of criticism. I didn’t write for months after that. Words like nipple shields, breast pumps and sore boobies hit a few nerves. (Mainly by women who didn’t have or want babies.) But as I’ve grown older I’ve realised that debate is a healthy thing and when our words are under attack it’s not personal, it’s that you’ve created a reaction that others are entitled to comment upon. Freedom of speech is what many call it. I’ve been to events where people have become embarrassed at the word vagina. Many of those very same people now use this word more openly. As my pal ‘a sexual councillor’ says, ‘It’s not a dirty word, all women have a vagina. Without them, we’d not exist at all.’

It’s just about being able to bypass the boundaries of social expectations and exclusions. Don’t let mainstream society make the rules. Especially ‘not’ celebrity culture. We’re surrounded with ‘mostly’ rubbish that needs to shift. I have two grown up sons who don’t watch much television. They prefer YouTube. An online open place that if searched well can reveal topics on just about anything, ‘straight from the horse’s mouth.’ I’ve sourced so much information via this platform. I contribute too, I’m not very good. I just enjoy doing it.

We can create our own platforms. I’d love to see a society where there’s no taboo. I really don’t believe there’s any such thing and feel sad plenty do. Equally I believe no topic or passion is too small to discuss. Words should not offend nor harm us if used with heart and soul. Words are our democratic way of sharing our passions, goals and personal imprints. And words if used wisely can heal and mend the world.

Whilst hate, jealousy and bitterness are worthless ways to attack on any level. We can use these emotions to better use by turning them into positive ways, thus moving past our fears and inner demons. So don’t be afraid to express your open opinion about the subjects you hold and could share and REMEMBER Do it with Pride!

Then there’s blogs about the plus and minus of a subject that you could use to invite others to get involved with? People love to participate and it’s a great way to engage with new friends. For instance you could create a Q & A or better still a petition. If you feel so strongly about something why not write about it, whilst inviting others to support your cause or opinion.

There are some fabulous petition sites that are so quick and easy to use. I’ve known folk set one up in a matter of minutes.

For instance

Change.org

Look at how much time you are spending on sites like Twitter and Facebook. Could you reduce that time doing more to contribute? Step away from the hub and go into your own ‘mind of thought.’ Find things within your passions to share and demonstrate with others. This way the virtual library of life will become more abundant with your contribution.

What’s somewhat small to you may be life changing for another.

Life is a lesson, it’s about learning then sharing. It connects and unites mankind. Enhancing our passions, subsidising global love and love is everything. It starts with ‘self’ use your voice and be counted.

If this feature has inspired one other person I’ve made a change. So I do hope you’ll get started today and do the same – Inspire another. Start your creative journey by perhaps meditating or taking a long walk with nature. Getting on with expertise with a notebook by your side. Often my best thoughts come when I’m walking the dogs and many times I’ve had what I’ve considered to be a great idea. Reminding myself to jot it down on returning home, then forgetting. Now I ensure I’ve always got my journal with me.

Cameras are just as good, If not better. A building, situation or sky line can be captured then put into words. Or you could create your own digital posters with your quote over the image to share online. I used to become despondent when I’d post something online that nobody would share or comment towards. But then that same post would sometimes receive hundreds of page hits. Remember many who use Social Media do so to learn and not necessarily re-tweet or comment toward. It does not mean your passions go in vain. It’s the taking part that counts and if it makes you feel good, do it! Ask yourself, what have I to lose? Self-expression is one of our greatest healers and allies, aiding confidence, enthusiasm and concentration too.

Tiffany Belle Harper.

Candle Making and Mental Health

I used to create hampers and hope to do this again in the future but I never made time to make my own candles to put in them. Last week I decided to have a go and I am pleased with the results for a first attempt. I purchased from a site based in the UK found on the internet. There’s a few that offer door to door delivery. I purchased soya pillar wax, cruelty free oils for scent and natural colouring. I also added some edible flowers as we don’t have flowers here at the moment. I do intend on potting up soon.

The wax had to be melted to around 90 degrees and then left to cool to around 55 degrees. It is suggested you add 10% oil (scent) to the weight of wax used. I added a tiny drop of colour to create pink or blue candles. I used glasses and cups I had available, following all guidelines. I prepared each vessel with a wick that sticks to the base of the candle holder.

I made these candles

Then I made a second batch using no colour and only essential oils, I added lavender, orange oil, almond oil and dried lavender too. They look bloody awful but smell good. Just thought I would share this info, as candle making is a good past-time. It was not costly. Been practising gel nails. That’s a different story. Not sure what I did wrong but the shellac just peeled off. Back to the drawing board. Am trying to make use of some of the bits I bought during the summer to do something for myself. Now there is time.

I realise that funds will be tight for many. That’s why writing is so therapeutic and setting up a blog is actually free. It’s a good way to keep in touch with friends and family. You can add pictures of your journey too. These next weeks we must try our best to stay indoors. The UK has reached a peak with the pandemic. I do worry people will be focusing on fake news. But we can all come together and be kind. It is good to see people supporting charities not necessarily with money but with contributions of what they can do with their crafts to raise awareness and community spirit. And remember a blog does not have to be topical or for people to understand, it can be a journal so you can remember your journey. People have asked me, but what is your blog about? I tell them, nothing really, it’s just mine to keep.

Anyone who does or who has ran/owned a bed and breakfast will know during peak season under normal circumstances, we can do 18 hour shifts. It is not a job that can make you rich but you grow in knowledge. You get to share the good and the bad times of so many strangers who are taking precious time out. I have made so many mistakes as I had no idea what I was doing. So this is a time for me to reflect on what I have learned in the industry so far and move forward with a more logical head. You can’t run a business with just your heart as you will get trampled on. You have to do in your spare time acts of goodwill and in the meanwhile focus on making good of what you rely on for an income – as when hard times come you can be left depleted.

Now during these times, we may experience self doubt, worry and paranoia. This applies to everyone. We need to remember there are people to talk with, albeit online or the phone or to write and find ways to share your feelings, as mental illness is awful when we are faced with new situations. Even our pets feel the change. The birds know things are different. There are many aspects of nature that will be missing us now. I know the seagulls are wondering where the scraps are out there. We are all working together.

Jealousy, greed and ego are parallel now to acts of sincerity where there is poverty. There are those less fortunate that won’t change and those that will change. We need to keep ourselves well to the best of our ability. I worry for the food workers. I worry as we need them to keep our food fluid. To search for often small businesses that deliver to the door. To make good of food. When I was homeless I learned to make very little go a long way. I hate throwing food away. This is not the best time to preach about diets to people who are living from hand to mouth. If you are starving you will take food from a bin.

Being extreme in our views now will inevitably make people feel isolated, as though they are excluded. I believe the food chain should be organic and away from factory production. I see nothing but packaging and waste in the world but that’s something we can address by being humble in our choice of food. When we look to save money the right resources flourish. If  you are 100% vegan, there are many groups to pioneer this. But to attack people for their own choice at this difficult time is a form of bullying. With facts and kindness people will learn to adjust their preferences. Brut force and alienation is a wicked game.

I use a local supplier and local farm to purchase my breakfast supplies and my new project will be vegan and vegetarian if it takes off. My new project is more about lifestyle. But I manage a bed and breakfast, also. A bed and breakfast is for visitors of all creed, colour and style. It’s not a platform to hand out opinions. But a retreat is more niche. It’s not easy learning new skills but I am trying. I am trying to involve myself with my kids interests as we have grown apart due to us all working so hard. I bought my children up on music. It’s all we could afford to do as a family. Music helps. Stay safe. Be kind. Stay off the habits and obsessions it won’t help you and just leave people to enjoy what they have at this time.

Have a good weekend. Happy Easter. Tiff. X

Support Independent Business

I just think it is so important to support smaller businesses. I’ve really made an effort to think before I buy. Even paying a few more pennies to buy fruit and veg from a local grocer or fresh bread from the bakery. When we pay into big franchises and chains it is lost money, often going to tax havens. It is so easy to visit a supermarket but these big organisations are putting the High Street – villages and towns out to graze. It’s so wrong and sad. It is not always about money. It’s quality not quantity. I hope we can all do a bit more together. Going to fayres and markets. Sharing news of what our friends and family craft. Life’s too short to not try. Tiff. X