Where You Be On That Tree?

I get a fair amount of emails that relate to mental health well being. They send me encouragement, support, understanding and gratitude. I'm touched by it all and experience a wide range of emotions. They appreciate my willingness to speak openly, transparently of my own mental health issues. Issues that are only a small part of who I am. There's a lot of pain out there. There's also a lot of hope.

At the bottom of this posting, if you so wish, are the backlinks that relate to mental health well being. If you're struggling, might desire some positive reinforcement, the backlinks may well be of help.

I have worked for a number of mental health charities, ran a men's group for the homeless, the rough sleepers and worked as a drugs counsellor, primarily with those who were addicted or worried about their alcohol intake.

The above illustration was sometimes used in discussion.  In a way, it fits into that ongoing, Tree of Life: Branching Out, collaboration. I will state, before somebody mentions it, the above illustration is not of Casper the friendly ghost and a collection of his spirited friends. Which means, if you ask which one is Casper, don't ask. Which means someone will now ask.

Just out of interest, think which one represents you on that tree and what that signifies.  .

Below are the links to the previous postings in chronological order. I hope, if you've never read them before, or want to reread them, they will be of some comfort. Thank you and remember, through awareness, through understanding, reaching out and helping each other, we can realise a better world.

We Are All In This Together.

Recognising Our Validity.

Improving Your Self-Esteem.

A Motivational Goal.

A 'Guessed' Posting.

First off, I wish to thank Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar for doing the previous pawsting, um posting.  I know she hastily did her poetic post so that we could move on from seeing my "tough dude" face in the posting before her posting.

I'm running a little behind. Or maybe it's a big behind.  Bottoms up.  I have an announcement to make that should of been made on Friday, July 26,  2013.  Told you I was a little or big behind.

I was asked by the kind and lovable Damyanti if I would possibly do a guest posting. Would I like to do a cynical, satirical, sarcastic, maybe even bordering on witty guest posting?  A guest posting that alluded to my thoughts on social 'notworks' such as, 'Farcebook'. Yes, that fascinating place where you can read my vital to your life, profile updates.  If you're not on Farcebook, gosh, think what you've been missing.

I was even considering posting up my thoughts on Damyanti's site in regards to blogfests, blog hops, blog parties, blog tours, blog challenges and the dreaded, "A to Z Challenge" that hijacks the month of  April. Oh how I look forward to the month of May. Only to discover A to Z reflection posts about reflection posts about reflection posts.  Before you know it, it's April 2014 and the darned thing starts all over again.

Do I mention that Damyanti is a co-host of the A to Z Challenge?  I suppose I just did.  The irony is not lost on me. In fact, more irony, even though I'd rather be publicly humiliated in the stocks at the local market square, I have, in my own discreet way, promoted the darned thing for those who might consider participating.

If you've never had the delight of visiting our friend, Damyanti's site, you will find the link to her site below. You will note that not only does she write thoughtful musings, she displays the ethos of bringing further awareness of her fellow writers and bloggers.  I'm grateful to know her. Damyanti, thank you for the opportunity to guest post and I wish to apologise that I somewhat screwed up by doing a serious guest post. I owe you something tongue-in-cheek.

 Here's the link to Damyanti's site and my guest post : Writing on Writing : Amlokiblogs

In Other News

The collaboration writing challenge is ongoing.  I would like to pass on my gratitude to Samantha Geary for getting this endeavour so well organised.  To check out the continuing story, you can find it here: Tree of Life: Branching Out

And even more news.  There's some sort of anti-blogfest circulating the wonderful world of blogging.  Can you believe it?   If for some weird reason, you want to get involved and you haven't already, here it is in all its glorious irony, "The Anti-Blogfest Gary Fest".  The info about this non-contest can be found via these fine collection of well meaning folks.

Here are the list of hosts!

Mark “Madman” Koopmans, 

Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh, 

“Life is Good” Tina,

Rockin’ Robyn Engel

Morgan “The Morg” Shamy. 

Ready to check out Damyanti's site and that guest posting?
Excited about the "Tree of Life: Branching Out" collaboration story?
Thrilled beyond belief about the anti-blogfest?
Smooth or crunchy peanut butter?  Both?  Or neither?
Your favourite superhero?
Your favourite monster?
Your favourite movie?
IWSG?
Why is this posting so long?
Have you visited Ninja Captain Alex!?

Penny's Pawetic Pawse.

Yes it's me

It's plain to see

Your doggy pal

Quite the gal

Penny the dog

Taking over this blog

I quickly type

Got tired of the hype

Saw my human's last post

I propose a toast

To anti-blogfests

And ironic jests

Here you note

Not one to gloat

An adoring cat

Looking at that

Those photos of me

In her album you see

 

Ginger cat using Skype

Sorry cat, you aint my type

Don't be sad

Not that bad

I'll send you my autograph

Just for a laugh

Big cat, little kitten
Are admittin'
They want to see my 'Farcebark' page
To adoring cats, I'm all the rage

Who dare put a price on my head
On that poster I'll  tread
A lousy reward
Untoward
"Dog the Bounty Hunter" man
Catch me if you can

WARNING! Coming Soon To A Computer Screen Near You!

Blog hop this and blog hop that

I've even heard of a rhyming cat

Blogfests are all over the place

Gather followers in cyberspace

A blog hop should be for a bunny

So many of them it just aint funny

A blogfest you might of guessed

Is nothing more than promoting jest.

There's some kind "Anti-Blogfest" starting to circulate out in Blogland or Blogsville, or whatever the heck it's called.  The title of the anti-blogfest is the, "Anti-Blogfest Gary Fest".  And hey, and yay, it even has hosts. You know you've made the big times when you have hosts involved.  According to my sources, which are several, including a Jack Russell dog, a bewildered hedgehog and a collection of wee folks, this here anti-blogfest was the brainchild of "Mazza" aka Mark "Mad Maaaan" Koopmans.  Have you ever noticed those obsessed with blog hops and blog fests and blog parties and alphabet challenges, use the word "brainchild" to note the blogger that started the whole kit and kaboodle?  The nifty neato button above was designed by Morgan.  Thank you, Morgan.  Thank you all so much.  As Sally Field once uttered, "I haven't had an orthodox career and I've wanted more than anything to have your respect.  The first time I didn't feel it, but this time I feel it--and I can't deny the fact that you like me, right now, you like me!"

Here are the list of hosts!

Mark “Madman” Koopmans, 

Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh, 

“Life is Good” Tina,

Rockin’ Robyn Engel

Morgan “The Morg” Shamy. 

"The rules are *very* simple."   Rules?  What?

"Create the titles of three PG-13 rated blogfests you would never join and then add a descriptive sentence or two.  That's it!"

For examples to inspire you in the amazing anti-blogfest, it's probably best you go check out the links to the hosts above.  If you are one of the hosts in the links above, you already know what your examples are.

Hey and thanks for the irony!   

Cenarth Falls, Wales.

I sense it.  I am enlightened.. What words would describe your tangibility, your lucidity to the photo?   Do you sense the words that describe your feeling of awe, of wonderment of the natural world?  Do you imagine listening to the rushing waters?  

The warm summer's breeze gently caresses your face.  The water falls and falls, cascading down the rocks to the swirling pool below.  You observe, you sense, you feel, you hear.  Your mind, your heart, your soul, your passion for the written word, embraces the ambience.   Like the swirling waters, your words doth flow.

The sign is there.  The words are written in your heart.

The Branches Connect To The Music.

I have a very special announcement to make.  Starting today, Monday, July 15, 2013, 26 writers, over the course of 26 days, will create an ongoing story, submitting around 150 word instalments.  Each excerpt will be inspired by a designated track from "Audiomachine's" new, "TREE OF LIFE", album.

I've even heard a rumour that somebody who never gets involved in such things, has been begged, okay, was asked, if they would contribute.  

The first instalment is live and ready for your reading pleasure.  I do hope you have a read and listen to the soundtracks.  Thank you.

The details of this fascinating venture, can be found over at the lovely Samantha Geary's site.  The first excerpt is by, Amy Willoughby-Burle. Samantha's site and all the information you need, can be found at this link : 

Tree of Life: Branching Out

Wardrobe Malfunctions, A Cross-Dresser And A Tick Cross.

I've had a few wardrobe malfunctions in my time.  Nothing to do with my cleavage falling out.  Everything to do with me trying to assemble a wardrobe.  One time, I tried to assemble a wardrobe and was more baffled than I usually am.  It turned out to be the wrong wardrobe, in the wrong box, with the wrong instructions. I took it back to the shop, in pieces.  And I also took the wardrobe back to the shop, in pieces.

I've been known to be a bit of a "cross-dresser."  No, not like the photo above, "possums!"   And no, nothing to do with putting a dress on a cross.  I'm talking about the times I'm getting dressed.  Those times when the socks don't match, the zipper breaks on my jeans and the t-shirt has armpit stains.  I would wear different clothes.  Of course,  the rest of my clothes are dirty and the washing machine decides to break. This makes me a "cross-dresser" and nothing to do with the dresser draws I couldn't put back together.

I just visualised somebody with "butter fingers", "green thumbs", "pigeon toes", "cauliflower ears" and a "glass jaw."

Apparently, "the walls have ears" and somebody I know wants to be "a fly on the wall."

I got a part in a local play.  Great money, easy work.  I'm acting out the part of a motionless puppet.  "No strings attached."  I've entered the World Championship Air Guitar Competition.  Great money, easy work.  "No strings attached."  Nothing to fret over.

What little arachnid is always correct?  A tick.

Does that tick answer make you a mite cross? 

An Award, A Non-Award And A BlogFest That Doesn't Exist.

To my utter amazement, I have been bestowed the above award,  yes, it's, "The New Slightly Enhanced LIEBSTER AWARD", not to be confused with the, Lobster Award, I mean, the "Liebster Award".  Our slightly eccentric friend, Rob, over at, ...The Slightly Eccentric Diary of Rob Z. Tobor...has graced me with his own, unique award.  Rob, I'm thrilled, honoured and I wish I'd prepared a speech.  

If you haven't visited Rob's blog, please do so.  It's often surreal, clever and basically confuses my last two brain cells.  

Now there aint no rules, as such.  Okay, I really should pass on this award so others can then pass on this award and so on and on and on until the whole planet has this new slightly enhanced version of the Lobster, the Liebster Award.  I was told I can do as I wish with this award.  Bidding will soon start on eBay.  Thank you, Rob, you are the bestest.

So for no reason whatsoever, I bestow the award onto the following bloggers.  All of you, yes the millions of starstruck fans who visit this site.  Grab the photo and think of ...The Slightly Eccentric Diary of Rob Z. Tobor...

Now looky here, y'all!  The above photo is of a cat.  I can deal with that.  It's actually the photo from an extraordinarily special NON-AWARD, dedicated to an elite few.  The elite few has been whittled down to one.  Nothing liking being whittled.  Well, I 'wood' say that.  Ha ha, gosh, comedy bloggers, take note.

Anyhoo, the NON-AWARD has been carefully, thoughtfully,.lovingly created for me, yes me, just me!  I announce to you that I'm the recipient of the Sad Oddity, sorry, I announce to you that I'm the recipient of the "SADOTY" aka "Super Award Dodger Of  The Year", NON-AWARD.  

Oh yeah, there are rules to follow.

1. I must never pass it on.

2. I must never reveal ANYTHING about myself.  Penalties are heavy if I do.

3. No Linkbacks are allowed.  Ever.

4. It self-destructs almost immediately after being claimed.  Stand back.

I think non-congratulations are in order for me.  In the true spirit of this NON-AWARD, I will not make mention of who bestowed this NON-AWARD on my good self.  Thus, absolutely no mention of, C. LEE McKENZIE!

I'm Too Young To Ever Be Old.

Another challenging week had passed by.  Adversity was not going to stop me from having an adventure. Adversity would not stop me breathing in the joys of life.  I went for a stroll.  A stroll in my magical garden on a perfect summer's night.  The breeze but gentle.  And the warmth of a hot, sunny day, lingered on.

I noted a gathering of wee folks, the shadow of a bird, the reassuring glow of a twinkling light.

Splashes of radiant colour on such a summer's night.  I listened very carefully.  Soft , soothing voices.  The voices of the wee folks singing a song.  A song of peace, of understanding that our world, like their world, should be one of no judgement, no stigma, no man lusting for power to the despair of those who felt powerless.  They sang of love in the diversity of an all different, all equal world.  I listened and I understood.

The final embers of the setting sun glowed upon yon western horizon.  That special place where the sun kisses the land in one last goodbye as the night descends.

 An hour of reflection in my enchanted, magical garden.  A sanctuary for my soul.. Time to go back in.  The song of the wee folks echoed in my heart.  And I knew, I really knew, I'm too young to ever be old.  My inner child has told me so......

All In This Together?

I'm not normally one to do a political posting.  However, my last posting had some political undertones.  It takes a lot to make me this outraged.  I hope those who are experiencing such situations will back me up.  What I'm about to tell you maybe something you can relate to, no matter where you live.

I know that there are a lot of nations where unrest and the mistreatment of their citizens is prevalent.  However, this does not diminish the ongoing attack by the British government on the most desperate in our society.

In Britain, we have a coalition government.  They have imposed austerity measures.  They tell us that, "we are all in this together."  Austerity, is their way of targeting the poor, the sick, the disabled, the vulnerable.  They have brutally attacked the benefits of the genuine claimants and have left the unfortunate in a state of despair.  They have decided that we are scrounging off the system.  Yes, of course, there are those who are claiming benefits who should not.  To assume and label the vulnerable as abusing the system is an immoral outrage.  The stories of helplessness, of those who have committed suicide because of this, are increasing at a worrying level.

The tactic of the coalition government is to pit those fortunate enough to have work against those who either cannot work, or cannot find work.  A catalogue of propaganda and misinformation.

Austerity in Britain.  A nation where the poor, the sick, the disabled, the vulnerable pay for the mistakes of the incompetent fortunate.

 

David CameronVerified account‏@David_Cameron

This is the menu for the #G8UK dinner. I’ll chair a discussion on tax, trade, transparency and Syria at 830 tonight pic.twitter.com/GAWDxvEDkI

•  Reply 
•  Retweet 
•  Favorite 

 This is what appeared on Prime Minister David Cameron's twitter feed on June 17, 2013.  Personally, I consider it insensitive and immoral during these austere times.  A blatant disregard for those who are now suffering under his government's policies.   "All in this together?"  Tell that to the poor, the sick, the disabled, the vulnerable.  The unfortunate people who worry about such 'trivial' things as a roof over their heads and food on the table.

That quote above sums it up.  I shall continue to oppose those who attempt to put me back in a state of anxiety, of despair.  How dare they impose in such a way I'm barely managing to do this posting.  My peaceful defiance grows stronger.  The more adversity I receive and the more adversity others receive, the more resilient, the more  inspired we become.  This mental cruelty shall be ended.   To make the already sick, sicker is an evil irony, imposed by an evil, vile government.

If you wish, the next two links can give you some more information.

Transplant Patient Linda Wootton Dies After Being Judged 'Fit For Work'

British people are committing suicide to escape poverty....