Hydrate

2012-01-27T05:49:00.000-08:00

Design Amour worth a visit

2012-01-27T05:25:00.000-08:00

http://designamour.com/category/on-the-road-morocco/page/3/

Well worth a visit - the creative energy is wonderful..!

The other side of the birthing coin

2012-01-27T04:58:00.000-08:00

After my Earth Mother blog about Kate Silverton earlier in the week, with her beautiful birthing experience - we see in the media the other side of the birthing coin. When there are complications and problems to respond too and fast!

My thoughts are with Amanda Holden and her family...and a special e-cuddle to Holly Rose, this is the other end of the pole in childbirth... the blood loss can be impressive from a placenta praevia or indeed a placental abruption with SROM... good that everyone can act quick.. one reason I would keep up my scrubbing skills to meet the acute crash sections...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2091615/Amanda-Holden-baby-girl-named-Hollie-Rose-Star-nearly-died-gave-birth.html

I miss all this... being in a wonderful natural birth with one case then rushing down the corridor to respond to an emergency.. Marjorie could be in any situation and perform...dam shame I gave up midwifery - but really feeling too knackered for anything these days...

The irony is that I was such a case as a 17 year old.. I nearly lost my life with a stilbirth and massive Post Partum Haemorrhage... but I never lost my biological confidence in birthing and was able thanks to God to go on and have two lovely healthy babies and birthing experiences... though my last birth was much better due to the company of a medical student as in those days of delivery you were often alone with husbands not allowed in the birthing room.. Then able to later qualify as a midwife and give 20 years to this practice... what a reward for all the medical support I got when I was in an emergency situation...

Top Gun Bed time

2012-01-27T04:38:00.000-08:00

Having to wear my CPAP mask to sleep in makes me feel like a Fighter pilot going to bed each night... like something out of Top Gun though not so glamourous... The CPAP is needed to support my sleep apneas and drop in oxygen sats through the night...all related to my Killer Boobs... loool yes the heavy breast tissue is causing havoc.. rather than an asset it is throwing me into structural stress problems...and I cannot get help... as the local PCT will not allow the funding for what is deemed as cosmetic surgery.

Was thinking how I am losing myself in all this and was reminded through my quip about Top Gun how I have a desire for my PPL...

To think I really have flown one of these.. Cessna 172....see pics.... was a crafty way signing up for trial lessons at Leeds/Bradford Airport Flying club... as I could not afford to do the full course... but scrapped 3 hrs out of this. Loved John the Irish flying instructor.... gave me such confidence and actually I managed to get it up without him.... loool well he was there at the side of me... but no more runway and he wasn't getting it up ... so what as a girl got to do... get it up for him... :-)

all that excitment and now the only yawing I do is yawning as I am tooo knackered to do anything...

but would love to fly again...

Actually was the first time I had ever flown that first lesson as never been on a commercial flight then...

Liberating...and therapeutic as to be above the clouds seems to shrink all the earth problems you have. It is like all the problems shrink to become black dots on the ground like the sheep in the fields as you rise above them. To feel a sense of freedom from the tethering of those problems... is a good feel indeed..... freedom! Love it

Also been in a microlight... which is when you think of it the equivalent of a box kite with a lawn mower engine in... but that was good time too... its gooooood...

Top Gun image from http://www.imdb.com/media/rm4288059648/tt0092099

.

Claire is so creative

2012-01-25T06:35:00.000-08:00

I love the ideas that Claire comes up with for her Balloons for events business...
check out http://www.balloonaholics.moonfruit.com/

2012-01-25T06:06:00.000-08:00

Can you imagine this - our community cancer centre closed through lack of funding... But it is close to being reality if we do not act fast....

Surely all the hard work that has been done and is being done cannot stop.... there must be a solution to the funding

- as rather than close there is a need to expand to meet the growing needs.....

SOS:

Please hear a plea for help and ideas how to keep the Community Cancer Centre open... The Centre did not get a roll over of the lottery money for another 3 years and all our attempts at applying for grants have been a case of "lost in the crowds" of other charity organisations desperate for their needs to be met too...! There are so many needing help in this global financial crisis. The crisis is increasing the demand for charity services as people fall ill with stress related problems. Yet the charities need money to survive too....! In order to provide a service - costs are incurred and the centre desperately needs financial help to continue provision of support to those on the cancer journey...!

The Community cancer centre is a light shining with so much love and support for those touched by cancer. The centre is based in Yiewsley near Heathrow Airport West London...It was started by patients themselves and is there to serve cancer patients and their families in the Borough of Hillingdon...But also through our website and facebook the centre reaches out into the world. Anyone touched and struggling with cancer and the tuirbulent journey it creates are welcomed to find "knowing" support. Yes knowing as the centre as a uniqueness in that it is those that have been on the journey or are still on the journey coming together to support one another.

From what I have witnessed time and time again is that it is a place to Reconnect with Self.... a self that can be lost in the diagnosis and its treatments.

It is a place that supports survivorship through being there at the right time - when it is needed through a drop in centre. It is a place for information, care and support - a place to simply be. To find wellness on the journey there are complementary therapists that offer a range of therapies free...

The centre opens its door to all those affected be it the patient themselves or relatives and friends that are confused or struggling to cope with a loved one on the cancer journey..

We are like a family and so desperate to be sure that our centre and its light of love and guidance continues for all those that need that love and support.

Please anyone out there in the social network family that can help .........we would be really welcome your support for the centre to continue its support of those in need.

It is heart warming to see those affected by cancer finding the strength and the motivation to help others on the journey!

But it is heart breaking to think of the centre having to close its doors!

Visit www.communitycancercentre.org.uk or email: office@communitycancercentre.org.uk

join us on facebook Community Cancer Centre CCC

Delightful Story - Kate Silvertons birth experience

2012-01-25T05:17:00.000-08:00

As a Midwife for over 20 years I am heartwarmed with the story that appears in the Hello Magazine 30th January 2012 edition. It is so inspiring to read about Kate Silvertons' experience of her birth to a very very pretty daughter - Clemency.

So often we read of celebs opting for an elective c-section and not wanting to seek, find and touch their inner woman spirit and birth goddess. A goddess that reminds us that a woman has been designed to give birth for eons of time. The womb and birth canal, the whole labour process a wonderful journey into motherhood once understood with the inner spirit. Yes I have given birth and felt those contractions too!!

So strange in a day of designer clothes and labels that the most perfectly designed anatomy of a woman is so often not appreciated or given any credit or confidence to its birthing ability..

But here we are a lovely lady with so much obvious love for her husband and both with a desire to have a child as a product of that love. So desperate that fertility treatments were tried and yet little Clemency was conceived naturally. Then with that love Kate seeks a way to be supported through a natural birthing experience.

In that search she found a very kind and caring Obstetrician that I have met and have much admiration for - Dr Gowri Motha. A Dr that sought to find a more gentler way with birthing and challenging why could she as a doctor only offer forceps, ventouse and surgical delivery. So with her cultural background from Sri Lanka Gowri developed the Jeyrani Birthing way... something that midwives have known for some centuries but not always stuck their ground to protect in the mainstream care pathways...

But Gowri believes in cultivating a more positive birthing experience than is often perceived or in fact lost in a clinical setting.

You can read about Dr Gowri Moth and her approach if you visit

http://www.gentlebirthmethod.com/about_jeyarani.php

Reading this article - oh how I wish I was back practising as a midwife and I would have loved to have been with Kate on this wonderful journey into motherhood. She is my kind of mother for sure and I would have been so satisfied as a midwife to see her through this experience and be part of this wonderful birth.

I have had many a sweet, seductive birth even in a busy teaching hospital and I am so privileged to have been part of those births - and so touched at helping mothers find their inner goddess of birth...

Little Clemency is a spit image of her mother as a baby - so adorable,

This article cheered me up on a miserable cold rainy January day.. just when I was feeling lost in being lost in life - this inspired me...

Sadly it will not be possible to return to practice - but from me I wish Kate all the very best and do enjoy that little lady for she will soon grow up ... every minute is precious and there is so much to learn and share from her..

Clemency makes me laugh she is taking all the photos in her stride for the Hello magazine... and the most wonderful photo is that of Kate nursing her baby - wow Kate - you maybe a celeb news reader but you are an Earth Mother of sure... enjoy!

http://www.hellomagazine.com/

Woman's energy

2012-01-20T08:29:00.000-08:00

This artwork embraces woman's energy - the work in her - the pain in her - the living in her - the need in her - the love in her - the essence of her being in her - the need to express in her - the core of her - the life around her - the life dependent on her - the need to be valued in her - the need to share in her - the need to care in her - the saddness in her - the happiness in her - the desire in her - the dreams in her .. love it...!

http://abstract-art-pictures.abstractartpaintings.co.uk/abstract-art-work/

Colours

2012-01-20T08:26:00.000-08:00

Like these colours..

http://abstract-art-pictures.abstractartpaintings.co.uk/watercolor-abstract-art/

Pour Moi

2012-01-20T08:20:00.000-08:00

Come on Marjorie keep going keep positive and here is another gift from me to me..
loool Keep the colour keep the life alive in you!

Inspire

2012-01-20T08:18:00.001-08:00

Ohhhh liking this work...

http://talkingwithtami.com/tag/chandra-michaels

Funding for the Future - Charity help!

2012-01-20T07:22:00.001-08:00

This event looks as if it will be ideal for the Community Cancer Centre to attend and access all the resources and contacts....
http://www.fundraising.co.uk/news/2012/01/19/funding-future-conference-feature-government-ministers-and-funders

The tenth annual 'Funding the Future' conference will be held at Central Hall Westminster, London, on 14 March. The event features government ministers and 40 statutory, lottery and trust funders speaking on their 2012/2013 funding programmes.

Last year the event was attended by 1,500 delegates.

Speakers include:

• Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP

• Civil Society Minister, Nick Hurd MP

• Health and Social Care Minister, Paul Burstow MP

• Big Lottery Fund Chief Executive, Peter Wanless, and members of his policy team

• Leading Global Philanthropist, Jamie Cooper-Hohn, Founder of the Children's Investment Fund Foundation

• National Cancer Director, Professor Sir Michael Richards (on hospice funding)

• Esmee Fairbairn Foundation Chief Executive, Dawn Austwick

The event will be feature seven 'meet the funders' streams: Health and Social Care, Community Development, Children and Young People, International Development, Arts and Heritage, the Environment and Faith-based organisations.

The fee to attend is £135 which includes VAT, lunch and a networking reception.

The problems can be the fee to attend. The present global economic climate can make this seem an unsurmountable problem. But we must find the fee and also be able to present the work of the Community Cancer Centre in order to gain for the future!

One of the organisations has sent us an email about this.. Action Planning seems a good way forward to learning more about securing funding for Charities.

Action Planning was launched in 1990 by our Chairman, David Saint, and has grown rapidly to become one of the leading UK fundraising, management and recruitment consultants to charities and not-for profit organisations. David explains below our distinctive approach to working in partnership with clients, building capacity and transferring skills.

All that is needed is a an action plan to reach out and be systematic in approaching all the helpers we can! A reach out to gain funding for the centre to not only carry on its work but expand to meet the expanding needs placed upon it...

http://www.actionplanning.co.uk/aboutus.html

http://www.actionplanning.co.uk/events/

Anyone willing to help in anyway please contact bren@commununitycancercentre.org.uk

Positive Affirmations

2012-01-19T05:35:00.001-08:00

Come on Marjore keep focussed and positive! You do deserve a lovely home and good life. Amine and me do deserve to find a way to bring in some good money to get not only a better life for us and our families but to help others.

To be able to help the Community Cancer Centre reach its goals would be wonderful...

And my husband does deserve a good contract... all his days as a footballer are of value always in some shape or form.

All my experience as a nurse and midwife my biological knowledge and my care and concern for others deserves strength in the world to reach out to maximum potential...

So no time for negatives can onlybe positive...

lets have a positive 2012 and win our own personal gold medals in life!

Candy Trees

2012-01-19T05:08:00.001-08:00

Wow Claire love the idea of the Candy Trees to add to your BalloonAlcholics events designs.. These are bound to be a winner....

follow links on this blog or copy and paste link below

http://www.balloonaholics.moonfruit.com/

Clair is my team member for the Neals Yard Remedies - so love her drive and business energy...

Needing this!

2012-01-19T05:00:00.001-08:00

Here is a gift to me from me... I need this as feeling so darn vulnerable in life. If only I could get financially strong to not only be strong for my family but to be able to help others..

Seems so crazy that the marocrose has a place near the sea in Morocco but we have to let it go... Seems so crazy that no matter how I try and how much I have to offer paid work slips through my fingers...

I have to rid myself of being in a poverty trap and build high and with passionate adventure a future...

I have the Neals Yard Remedies as a tool and this I need to push further to build a successful team... and somehow find a way to market me in all my glory and talents to get strong.

I need to get well - stop all the falling into a patient zone that has been happening over the last few months...

I need the surgeon to help me gain my gainliness - stop being abnormally out of shape so I can move forward and be strong for my hubby and our families and so we as caring passionate people help others...

Please God/Allah hear my plea... Terra Firma Financially is required... and soon...

Help Required!

2012-01-19T04:39:00.000-08:00

The Community Cancer Centre in Yiewsley is a patient run centre to support all those that have been touched with cancer. The centre provides support and a listening ear to all those on the journey that cancer brings from diagnosis to all the treatment challenges. The centre is drop in by design for patients, families and friends to come along and share and gain the support they need.

There are teams of complementary therapists that offer their services free to help gain some control and well being on this turbulent journey.

It is also a centre for people to meet and re-connect with themselves. A self that can have been lost on the journey.

There is so much on offer...

But the demands are expanding and the funds are contracting. The centre had funding from the National Lottery for 3 years but this has not been renewed. Applications for grants are being lost in the crowds of demands from all the other necessary charities. As we face the countries cutbacks and global financial crisis money becomes tighter and tighter. More demands are placed on charities and the strain is showing.

Can anyone help the centre to keep financially afloat?
Can you fund raise?
Can you guide us to some funding?

There is also a need to expand into a stand alone building with more consulting & therapy rooms.. and space for workshops all the empower the patients to find some strenghth and wellbeing.

You can contact the centre on the website simply google Community Cancer Centre or direct to the centre itself..

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Schettino's Luck

2012-01-19T04:19:00.000-08:00

The Captain of the damaged Costa Concordia seems to have found a new law of Physics which I think we can only name as Schettino's Luck. The amazing trajectory of him being flown from the Captains Bridge to a Safe Lifeboat is nothing short of an amazing phyical law that no one as found before. Or complete bullshit!!! Sadly this trajectory must not have been found on the night of the Titanic as the Captain of that vessel sank with it as his duty by the Helm...

This must be the biggest Captain's fable of all time! An amazing cover up lie ever told.

It is a disgrace to a wonderful company that has amazing fleets of cruise liners and many have enjoyed their time on these vessels.

Don't Worry Costa Cruisers we will still have faith in you...but not of this captain..

so here is a poem written for him!

Entitled Schettino's Luck

Schettino's Luck
As the ship rolls and bucks
The Captain flung into a lifeboat safe
To others he raises arm to wave
No way will I go down
The others must all drown
The ship lodges on a rock
He not even wearing woman's frock
As Captain makes another rule
Now he looks to the world a fool
Captain first and others later
What shame he brings to his pater!
The guardian of a wonderful vessel
No mermaid to cover with her golden hair trestle
Full of people with hopes and dreams
The world to see and hear all their screams.
But what luck
a fall into a lifeboat safe!! ugh "the F***" we all know what rhymes with luck!
With ship in a list
You are taking the piss

we think your tale is a Captains' fable
No way will we dine at your table..

Honour the dreams of those you serve
and make amends for those you did not preserve.

The boat may sink but the truth always surfaces..

M. Bahhaj 2012

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/jan/16/costa-concordia-company-captain-disaster

http://news.sky.com/home/world-news/article/16151520

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/search-teams-suspend-operations-after-cruise-ship-shifts/2012/01/18/gIQAy9eR7P_story.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16576979

image from http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=costa+ship+disaster&view=detail&id=956B57D9BBF249A74E06EEDC4CACBE9934DAA7B4&first=0&FORM=IDFRIR

Special Cup Cakes to order!

2012-01-18T07:24:00.001-08:00

If you are wanting some exciting cup cakes made for a special function or date then this is the site to explore!

My daughters!!!!

Debbie is growing a very successful business with her cup cakes.. You are invited to visit her website to see her naturally creative and very tasty cakes...

http://www.justcupcakesbydebbie.co.uk/or Simply google Just Cupcakes by Debbie and you will find her creative work which will impress and delight you...

They are guaranteed to be very tasty and catered especially for your needs... themed and designed to please...bespoke for any occasion...
Debbie has extensive catering experience in Leeds, London and on cruise ships... and is naturally creative....

You will enjoy her work for sure....!

Lone Eagle - read this!

2012-01-18T07:01:00.000-08:00

This book was captivating but for all the wrong reasons... gee are the main characters so darn frustrating in their love for one another. A game of longing and wanting by both of them .. Kate chasing and Joe runing... so much love for one another but no compromise and when there eventually was - he went and got himself killed!!

this review I have "google found" in romance reader also feels the frustration...
http://www.theromancereader.com/steel-lone.html

But from a writing perspective was good to give an insight into such a relationship and something I can find myself doing at times... loving too much over caring and frighening the one loved and cared for away!!! all you want is to enjoy one another!

It was interesting that Danielle had Kate and the readers put through the pain of two pregnancy losses... A miscarriage while Joe was away at war - his babe from the last hours before he left...!! ;-) and then when they finally married the loss of an advanced twin pregnancy in a RTA... I would have thought one loss was enough to share ...but it seemed to work... and as I think about it a mere reflection of life as it can be ... as time moves on sometimes we have the same or variations of same challenges to our loves and life together.

But how frustrating that she had the marriage time with another and had his babies before settling down with Joe...

Danielle Steel has used her story writing powers to allow the reader to drop in on her characters lives and share them whatever their lives dish out... and you really do feel you are like a sort of angel looking down on these characters as they act out their lives before you...

Good read but so frustrating!

I love these words though at the begining of the book...

a thousand years
a thousand fears
a thousand tears we shed for one another..

....

we danced
we laughed
we flew
we grew
we dared
we cared more than any soul could know or reason.

Shock news!

2012-01-18T06:36:00.000-08:00

well got sacked from my new job - where I was working in a private oncology team! Yes me with all my interest and care for those on the difficult journey of cancer and its treatments. But as I wrote in my earlier blog I am having some challenges to my own health. My sleep apneas leading to exhaustion and difficulty in waking for my early shifts. I have to wake at 4:30 am to catch the two buses to work as I like to arrive early to have as settle in cup of coffee before handover.

I have no car as financial difficulties took it off the road with me notifying the DVLA and SORNed it - but the place where I kept it was considered on road and not off road so it was ceased and crushed!!!! so I have only public transport to use now!

I had slept in therefore not been able to ring in an notify the ward of my absence.. This is a sackable offence... so I have lost my job...

I was able to go to Harefield Hospital to tell the doctor looking after me that I had had this happen. Well told him through his secretary..! I had only received the CPAP machine a few days ago and not at the time of the sleep in incident...

I ended up with chest pain with the stress of all this and stopped off at the local A/E where my ECGS were deemed ok but my myglobin was raised therefore - there was a need to admit me over night in the observation bay...and perform a further test for my treponin... I was monitored overnight. Hubby managed to get my CPAP in for the night stay... but the whole experience was scary and I do not like the idea of moving into a patient zone.. I need to keep fit and well to earn and enjoy my life with my man!

I now know what it is like to lay in bed as a patient and see your cardiac monitor alarm flash at a bradycardia, feel more pressure pain over the heart and the nurse call bell not work as you call help to simply gain some reassurance...!

The team caring for me can see that the fundmental problem is the structural stress and strain of my large boobs and then the emotional stress on top of this that is causing havoc...

so now I am to write again to my local PCT and local surgeon to see if I can be allowed the right to have a at least a first line assessment by plastics and then be allowed the right to have a reduction of the excessive heavy breast tissue.

Killer Boobs!

http://heartdisease.about.com/lw/Health-Medicine/Conditions-and-diseases/Cardiac-Enzymes-and-Heart-Attacks.htm

New Year New Challenge!

2012-01-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

I am so sorry my readers for not welcoming the New Year on this blog with you all. I hope all my readers had a lovely New Year celebration.

For me the celebration was there but with a challenge in a rather bizarre way... from a simple recognition of snoring and a follow through with an investigation it has been found that I suffer sleep apneas and reduced oxygen saturations in the night.

The consultant as informed me that my body is on red alert stress through the night as it keeps detecting the low oxygen levels and floods my system with adrenaline in response to this. The long term effects of this are that of heart problems, raised BP and with this potential stroke...!!

It is no wonder that I have been feeling exhausted all the time and battling to keep awake through the day. Also finding it difficult to rise for an early shift ... especially as I have to set the alarm for 4:30 am to catch two buses to my work for a 7am start!!

I had not felt the impact of the sleep apnoeas when I worked on A/E as my shifts would be mostly lates and twilights...

But the whole idea of me the nurse/midwife now turning into a patient is horrendously frightening. Especially as I would like to keep my health to enjoy my marriage to Amine, my lovely husband.

The treatment for the sleep apnoeas are to reduce weight as this is usually a condiditon that effects overweight thick necked males.. I am of a slim slender frame but guess what my faithful readers you will remember I have an issue with over large boobs... this is the root cause of the problem as my breathing is affected by them. it is hardwork expanding my chest wall in inspiration against the weight - it is quite simply like breathing with someone sat on my chest. For those that have been my readers for the last 3 years you will know that I have had a battle with the local PCT for them to fund even a first line assessment with a plastic surgeon, let alone follow through with funding for the necessary operation!

I have renewed my battle to get the care I need and with the respiritory team now looking after me with the sleep apnoeas I hope that my condition will be fully cared for. I am in constant pain now both in my upper thoracic back region and in the breast tissue itself...

A couple of weeks ago I collapsed at work with raised BP giddiness and dizziness plus a sinus bradycardia... it was scary for me... I would rather be running around looking after patients that be a patient myself!!

Thankfully my 12 lead ECGS were deemed ok and my blood studies did not raise any concern of possible cardiac event such as MI...

I have now been issued with a CPAP machine however to help me in the night.. to keep me from snoring and reducing my oxygen sats...

so now I go to bed looking like a fighter pilot.... looooool

Lets hope that I can have some sweet sleep and sweet dreams with a sweet life to enjoy soon!

Here is a link for you to look up if you wish to learn more on snoring and apnoeas plus the CPAP...

http://www.britishsnoring.co.uk/snoring_&_sleep_apnoea/what_is_sleep_apnoea.php

Join me on facebook marjfaith and we can talk more and share if you wish on this subject...

image from: http://sumikobnu.blogspot.com/2010/12/dare-to-dream.html

NYR Organic

2012-01-13T06:45:00.000-08:00

NYR Organic

2012-01-13T06:44:00.000-08:00

NYR Organic

Tanzanite

2011-12-05T06:52:00.000-08:00

Tanzanite the official birth stone for December!
You simply get more than a novel from the writer Freya North... she enlightens you on so many other interesting subjects too.... I have just finished reading Pillow Talk ....

....here is a synposis

A story of first love and second chances from the bestselling author of Love Rules The sleepwalker. By day, Petra Flint is a talented jeweller working in a lively London studio. By night, she sleepwalks. She has 40 carats of the world's rarest gemstone under her mattress but it's the skeletons in her closet that make it difficult for her to rest. The insomniac. At one time a promising song-writer, Arlo Savidge now teaches music at a boys' boarding school in North Yorkshire. He assumes he's happy with his isolated lifestyle. But, like Petra, ghosts from his past disturb his sleep. Putting the past to bed. Petra and Arlo loved each other from afar during their schooldays. Now, seventeen years later, in a tiny sweetshop one rainy day, they stand before each other once more. Could this be their second chance?

In this storyline is almost as if the stone of Tanzanite becomes a character within itself.... I had not been aware of this stone until now and this has opened up a fascination with this very beautiful gem...

I have been led through this book to the references to this site...which makes me aware of the tanzanite foundation ... also found on facebook too!

http://tanzanitefoundation.org/

A non-profit industry supported organisation, The Tanzanite Foundation strives to develop the Tanzanite industry. Our work involves increasing consumer awareness and providing assistance to a range of stakeholders in the Tanzanite value chain.

Since a Maasai Tribesman first stumbled upon this shimmering blue crystal in the foothills of Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro in 1967, Tanzanite has become one of the world's most cherished and sought-after gemstones.

It is no wonder.

With its symphony of exquisite royal blue, lilac or periwinkle hues and a supply only expected to last just a single generation; Tanzanite has captured the imagination of the world's most beautiful people and earned its rightful place next to diamonds as a must-have gemstone.

http://freyanorth.com/

and the book as a dedication to this good cause too...

http://www.rhysdanielstrust.org/about-us.html

Independent Consultant Neals Yard Remedies

2011-11-18T03:41:00.000-08:00

So much is happening with this company, Neals Yard Remedies that I am enjoying being part of it the dynamics. There is such a lovely range of products and so lovingly prepared and presented..Everything to look good and feel good. All for inner and outer wellbeing.

To quote from the www.directsellingnews.com newsletter

30 Years of Organic Excellence
For three decades NYR scientists have been harnessing the healing, rejuvenating properties of plants, flowers and herbs to create award-winning formulations – including its top-selling Frankincense collection. Renowned for its natural, ethical and holistic approach to health and beauty, the company supports sustainable organic farming which has helped it become a positive force for change. Ground-breaking
achievements include:

-The first UK health and beauty company to be certified organic by the Soil Association
-The first UK high street retailer to be certified carbon neutral
- A pioneer of Fairtrade Foundation-endorsed ingredients in beauty and skincare

You can purchase the products through my online shopping mall
https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/marj_bahhaj/area/shop-online/

Visit my blog Marjorie Yard NYR Products for updates and useful links to find out more about the products and the company.

You can meet me on facebook Neals Yard Marj_bahhaj team - come along to discuss the products and the opportunity of joining the company as an Independent Consultant..

Secrets a good read

2011-11-14T06:57:00.001-08:00

I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was not sure where this story would be going as it started out from quite a mundane point of Tess responding to a chance to house sit... but wow did this storyline open up to be a very powerful read indeed. I feel I was totally transplanted into the lives of Tess and Joe... and thoroughly enjoyed meeting little Emmeline the baby daughter of Tess..

Freya has been bold in her look at the character of Joe and his sexual arrangements with a woman in France that he frequently visits.. There is an amazing insight into the confusion of the male psyche when he realises he had fallen in love with Tess and this means more than a relationship devoid of love.

Both Tess and Joe over the story are able to reveal the secrets they have and how the past has impacted on the way they are now.

I love the way that Joe is a Bridge engineer and that Freya has used this to weave strong threads of how emotional bridges are being made to allow both Tess and Joe to move from their pasts and enter a future together.

This book is an amazing read and I am now totally hooked on this author and her work...

The story line is based in Saltburn by Sea a North East coast sea side town in the UK and the most strangest thing is happening to me...it feels that if I was to visit this place that I would be able to call in and see the characters of Tess and Joe... I love the style of writing that does this to the reader...

http://www.saltburnbysea.com/

Other reviews on this book...
http://keris.typepad.com/books/2009/07/book-review-secrets-by-freya-north.html

the official site of Freya North http://freyanorth.com/

Nurse Buckle Deal

2011-11-11T10:05:00.001-08:00

Well my pretty Antique Silver Nurses Buckle has been purchased in a good deal placed by Daniel Bexfield Antiques Burlington Arcade, Mayfair, London. I felt very well looked after with such an array of knowledge on Antique Silver... it was quite touching to find out the hall marks were to reveal a piece manufactured in Birmingham in 1902... As a nurse I cannot help thinking back to all the nurses that will have worn that buckle to uniforms. There will have been quite a fashion change of uniform styles in that time, all would have required the finishing touch of the nurse buckle to a belt worn over aprons at first and to non aproned uniforms later.

To think of all the patients those nurses and myself have nursed while practising and wearing this antique silver buckle. Quite a history for sure!

I really enjoyed the way I was able to reach back into that history through the dealers eye....so a good day trip into London...

For the readers of this blog - if you still wish to purchase this buckle then you need to visit http://www.bexfield.co.uk/

With loving caring hands my buckle will be finely polished to twinkle with its former newness beauty....

A lovely day today... thank you for the positive way you helped me....

PS. It was the first time I had walked in the Burlington Arcade tooo..and for visitors to London well worth you seeking this out - just off Piccadilly Circus passed the Royal Academy of Art..

Remembering

2011-11-11T02:58:00.000-08:00

Let the light of love and understanding penetrate darkness - to end all wars - let us learn that the only arms to be raised are our own to hug one another...

Peace love and light to the world - let us learn at last that to care for one another and understand one another is the easy route to follow...

image from http://download-free-wallpapers-ipad.blogspot.com/2011/04/poppy-field.html

Good Grief - Loss Ripples

2011-11-04T11:05:00.000-07:00

As I prepare for return to the specialism of oncology nursing - I have to look at the subject of death and dying - though in essence this as followed me around through my midwifery too... Loss is a part of life... Not all make it...be it in new life or in life with all its challenges of disease and treatments. We all never know when the end will come to us or our loved ones.. In some ways just thinking about it let alone talking about can provoke an inner fear of not wishing to face life without someone you love.

I am re-reading all the work by Kubler Ross, Colin Murray Parkes, Bob Wright and Bowlby with the model of grief..

I personally have always had in my mind the model of a pebble that as been thrown in water. That the impact of the loss is like a pebble hitting the calmness of the water surface. That impact sends ripples throughout the immediate loved one left behind, through family and friends.

The loss ripples are measures of time that result from the impact. There is the first hour to live through following the impact. This maybe with numbness of the shock or intense pain as you feel the tearing out of a part of you, a core feeling at the loss of the one you love. That first hour may have in all the confusion, a tinge of relief if you feel you have been watching someone suffer and been feeling helpless to relieve this suffering. You may feel a sense of release of that loved one from the pain of their suffering. I use the word feel as this is certainly more than a thought but something that reaches in the very centre of your being.

That first hour may be so intense as to provoke nausea and vomiting or irritable bowel symptoms as the whole of your body is infused with the shock..

The ripples are intense as you move through the following hours, then the first day the second into the first week... All with the challenges it brings to you from funeral and religious ceremony to spending long and lonely sleepless nights with the longing for the one you love.

The ripples become months and make the first year.. this is poses challenges as you move around special dates, birthdays, wedding anniversary, with Christmas and New Year being the most challenging for many...

But has you move through the ripples of the years from the impact of your loss...you find that the intensity lessens and you learn to adapt and harmonise as you return to some form of normality within the new life without the person you lost.

Maybe you never ever get rid of the pain completely but you learn to handle it and are able to move forward into your life without that person, or the grief of the loss...

It is hard to say Goodbye ...to let go... but maybe we never do let go ... as that person you have lost as been and always will be part of your life... will have made an impact on your life, influenced your life in some way...People come and go in our lives to enrich us for that time they are there, for us to learn and to grow from...

If that person is a parent then they have given you your life! With this they would expect you to live your life as a form of honour to them.

Clearly it all depends on the circumstances of the life influence and the character of the person we lost... but the most important is to recalibrate, rebalance and let the water surface settle again....

For those of you reading and going through your grief now ... healing thoughts and lots of love to you... If you feel you need to chat or reach out then you can - come to www.communitycancercentre.org.uk - register with this site and we can help you by supporting you through the loss ripples. You can share your thoughts and the memories of your loved one with us... and we will help you move to calmer waters.....

image from Google image search and I like the autumn leaf on the water - this reminds us that it is the whole essence of nature for life and death...the leaf has had its life, supported the tree and now fallen from that tree... the cycle complete, the life mission complete....Our worse situation of being humans with our thoughts, our life wishes, expectations and dreams is when we feel that the death has come before the cycle is complete... so in our grief is the loss of what could have been as well as what was....

Home Made Cards for Charity

2011-11-03T08:39:00.001-07:00

If you live near to the Community Cancer Centre Yiewsley then drop in an see the lovely range of home made cards that are available.

They are really pretty and made by our ladies.... or if you would like to purchase online then contact www.communitycancercentre.org.uk ...

Antique Silver Nurse Buckle

2011-11-03T07:04:00.000-07:00

I have found my nurses buckle - I bought this when I qualified as a nurse... lool it was still attached to the petersham belt ...wow was my waist so small one time... :-)
There is a hall mark on each side of the buckle but I have no magnifying glass to fully make it out...but there is a lion and G in this marking...

If anyone is interested in purchasing this then contact me on facebook Marj Faith or email marocmarj AT hotmail.co.uk

I shall also be calling into dealers too so you must be quick if you want to purchase this... I have no use for this now as we do not wear belts anymore... but look at the lovely detail on this with Scottish Thistles and leaves.... it is pretty...

Flower with Power

2011-10-27T09:06:00.000-07:00

Vinca alkaloid From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Chemical structure of the vinca alkaloid vincristine Vinca alkaloids are a set of anti-mitotic and anti-microtubule agents which were originally derived from the Periwinkle plant Catharanthus roseus.

Vinca alkaloids are used in the treatment of cancer. They are a class of cell-cycle-specific cytotoxic drugs which work by inhibiting the ability of cancer cells to divide: acting upon tubulin, they prevent it from forming into microtubules, a necessary component for cellular division.[1] Vinca alkaloids are now produced synthetically and used as drugs in cancer therapy and as immunosuppressive drugs. These compounds include vinblastine, vincristine, vindesine and vinorelbine.

[edit] References1.^ Takimoto CH, Calvo E. "Principles of Oncologic Pharmacotherapy" in Pazdur R, Wagman LD, Camphausen KA, Hoskins WJ (Eds) Cancer Management: A Multidisciplinary Approach. 11 ed. 2008.

Myrtle, also known as Lesser Periwinkle or Vinca Minor is in bloom in many gardens.
Vinca minor (Lesser Periwinkle) is a plant native to central and southern Europe, the Baltic States and also southwestern Asia, in Turkey.

http://flowers-macrophotography.blogspot.com/2010/05/myrtle-lesser-periwinkle-flower-plant.html

Properties of Juniper Tree put to good use

2011-10-27T08:43:00.000-07:00

Researching for a new post in Oncology is absolutely fascinating... it is amazing how the chemotherapy drugs have been developed. How incredible that the medicinal properties are there around us in the flora - trees & plants all discovered to have some use to help combat cancer. But what is awesome is the way they have been discovered - how were scientists led to the discovery....? Where did the wisdom come from... a wisdom that many had even in ancient times.... clever for sure!

I have just read up on Paclitaxel - one of the most widely used chemotherapy agents and here is a quote from the site http://www.paclitaxel.org/

Taxol is also one of the most recognizable, celebrated, and controversial products in recent years. Taxol has been called a miracle drug. Since it has been used in the treatment of breast cancer, the survival rate has doubled. Taxol has received the ire of conservationists, holds records for sales volume, and has been the subject of public debate and congressional hearings. Its discovery and development as a drug is a fascinating path of chance, intuition, expensive risk taking, perseverance, and success.

After a study of medicinal herbs and folkloric knowledge, extracts from juniper trees were found to have some anti-cancer properties. This led to a search for more active conifers. In 1962, a botanist working for the USDA in Washington State was sampling trees with “cancer plant” potential. The 1645th plant sample collected was a Pacific Yew tree. This tree is a very slow growing hardwood that grows in the shadows of giant conifers and has long been considered a “trash tree”. The tree has very few pests because almost every part of the tree is poisonous. Historically, the wood from the Yew tree has been good for making bows as well as poison arrows; it is associated with death. The Latin name Taxus brevifolia is related to the word “toxin”.

Open for others to see..

2011-10-27T06:18:00.000-07:00

It is difficult when you are writer and have the need to express and share... you can be far too open for others to see inside. Then you are at the mercy of how that view is seen and perceived by others. There are many that like to make mischief, gossip, scandalise, and instead of following all we are taught about respect for one another, like to hurt others with their mischief.

It is sad when my work, my expression is not held in caring eyes and hands. It is my intention to share to hydrate - raise thoughts and growth in experiences and knowledge.

But my intention is not for someone to hurt me or my family... My family is the most precious one in the world. I am proud of my family which unites two Kingdoms, we all work hard work and have a lot to offer the world with our skills and expertise...

No one really has the right or the full knowledge to judge another and be critical... when you think for only the All Knowing One of our Universal Master and Divine protector is the one with the Absolute truth and knows all that is in every mans hearts and minds....

We should respect one another, respect expression, respect creativity and most of all have compassion for one another...

We are all achievers in one way or another. My family have achieved a lot and I am proud of this fact...

We rise to challenges and problems in the world because our Divine Master and creator knows we have the strength and the courage in our hearts to meet whatever the challenge that is put in our way.

In this world at the moment there are a lot of man made problems that are challenging us all... we need to grow together in the strength of these challenges not put one another down...

I send a rainbow of love, light and healing to those that feel they have the right and the need to mischief make.... let them be enlighted into the purity of Gods love and compassion to help, support and protect rather than hurt through gossip....

Changing Colour Candles from Airwick

2011-10-27T02:27:00.000-07:00

I am totally fascinated by these candles that change colours as they burn.... don't know how it does it ...but they are so pretty and relaxing on these dark evenings.....love the aroma of the cinnamon and apple...

well done Airwick for manufacturing these....

http://www.airwick.co.uk/candles-colour-change-candle.php

Happy Diwali....

2011-10-27T02:20:00.000-07:00

The neighbourhood was full of firework displays last night and it was lovely to watch. It is fascinating for Amine to be here in the UK with all the multi-cultural festivals that occur... so many similar threads running through as we approach the darker nights with our Earth orbit further from the sun...... I have been explaining all the things for him to witness and experience....more to come with Halloween, and bonfire night... as well as our next EID to mark... then moving to Christmas... it is a busy time of year in these dark nights.....!!

The name "Diwali" is a contraction of "Deepavali" (Sanskrit: दीपावली Dīpāvalī), which translates into "row of lamps".[6] Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps (diyas or dīpas) in Sanskrit: दीप) filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil.[7] These lamps are kept on during the night and one's house is cleaned, both done in order to make the goddess Lakshmi feel welcome.[8] Firecrackers are burst in order to drive away evil spirits.[9][10][11] During Diwali, all the celebrants wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends.

taken from Wikipedia....

Christmas Baby Beaux gifts

2011-10-25T07:34:00.000-07:00

Christmas Baby due?

Wow Claire my team member for the Neals Yard Remedies has shown me her Christmas baby gifts on her website....Claire is an amazing business woman that runs two successful businesses from home - Baby wear gifts and Balloons for events... Alongside this is also building up her Independent Consultant role for Neals Yard Remedies.... one busy lady...

These Christmas baby gifts are ideal if you know someone expecting for Christmas.... such a good idea...!

Follow the link for Baby Beaux and see what lovely creative ideas there are....

follow link http://www.babybeaux.moonfruit.com/

Chances ...Freya North

2011-10-25T04:03:00.000-07:00

Quite by chance I have met with Freya on facebook... it never ceases to amaze me the power of the internet and the social network of facebook.... how amazing to be able to chat directly to the author.... love it!

Looking forward to reading Chances....
you too can find Freya on facebook look up http://www.facebook.com/freya.north?sk=wall#!/freya.north

Lion King is back!

2011-10-25T03:56:00.000-07:00

My reason for living is back home... so happy to see my husband again after a break away for business.... so complete and calm and at one now....

Books for Oncology post

2011-10-24T05:16:00.001-07:00

Busy looking for some good books for my new oncology post.. whilst I know I need all the clinical nursing ones - it is good to always remember the journey cancer poses to the patient... in my book search found this one.... Elephant in the Room...

"The Elephant in the Room" is a collection of short stories that creatively communicate the cancer patient's journey. The stories, based on real-life accounts, are built around the idiosyncratic relationships between patients and their doctors. Using humor, empathy and wisdom, Jonathan Waxman explores the very human side of cancer as well as providing expert commentary on the clinical aspects of diagnosis and therapy of this disease. These stories comfort and entertain, inform and engage, and are a treat to read for anyone whose life has been affected by cancer.

found this on the blackwell.co.uk site http://bookshop.blackwell.co.uk/jsp/display_product_info.jsp;jsessionid=5530C3C6D6F1E1C27C08632A111F9044.bobcatp2?isbn=9780857298942

Desire

2011-10-24T05:02:00.001-07:00

I spotted this book at the library and thoroughly enjoyed this read. I felt with the main character all the way.... good storyline and action...

"The day after her wedding, Lisa Costello wakes up in her Thai honeymoon suite with a stonking hangover, a knife in her hand and one very dead husband next to her."

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/books/article-1296316/Sizzling-sun-You-need-chiller--coolest-chick-lit-red-hot-Ian-McEwan.html#ixzz1bhUgHcQF

You can buy this from amazon but dont forget to go through the Everyclick to raise money for the Community Cancer Centre...

You can find out more about the author on http://www.louisebagshawebooks.com/

Brutal Honesty!

2011-10-15T02:54:00.000-07:00

Deirdrie Kohler shares her life journey after she is diagnosed with a brain tumour... her blog and book are inspirational and informative. She gives a brave insight into the condition, how she is flung into the world of brain tumours... it is ...as she highlights a world that not many can share about...the danger being loss of personality and the ability to communicate. But she has used the present day media as catharsis, expressing, learning and sharing as she moves through her journey. Letting us in on her world full of her fears through her blog & book. She gains support from online chats and sharing. The most support comes from an online friend in the USA while she is reaching out from her home in South Africa. A friend she has never met face to face but gives her much support from his journey caring for his wife with a Brain Tumour who he sadly lost.

Her book Brutal Honesty is titled such as she had asked her oncologist to be honest in what her fate would be...she needed his brutal honesty...Her doctors answer was direct but not as brutal as it could have been.

This story illustrates how the modern media is able to link people in need with support, groups and chats spanning the world...a Global Network of support through the keyboard...

She also shows strength and determination as she realises a dream to travel the world.

Here is the blog link to find out more about this remarkable woman..

http://kohlerprojects.blogspot.com/p/my-book.html

How did I find out about her...well through the Community Cancer Centre where information is sent to the centre for our users to access..

We received a copy of the World Edition 2011 Brain Tumour journal as part of the Brain Tumour Awareness week 30th Oct - 5th Nov...

A wonderful example of organisations networking together...!

Think Pink evening thinking NYR too!

2011-10-12T09:53:00.000-07:00

Love the posters to show our Think Pink event... Theresa looked so good in her face painting.... and here I am too at our Neals Yard table....

Signing up and in!

2011-10-12T09:43:00.000-07:00

Good week for signing up and in to contracts and business.... love this dynamics...lets hope that we will get a good future soon....just a shame the Lion not signed up in a good football contract and then life would be sweet for sure! But watch this space...!!!

Two years ago this month I signed in to a wonderful family and I am proud to be a Bahhaj... Love my husband and his family - have the best mother-in-law in the world!

new consultant joins my team for NYR

2011-10-12T03:51:00.001-07:00

I have a lovely new consultant that has joined my team with Neals Yard Remedies... Claire is a brilliant business lady that runs two companies from home one for baby wear gifts and another for event balloons.. She immediately saw the potential for joining the Neals Yard Remedies and to promote through her vast customer base she already has and is growing.. A major asset to my team

You too can join my team and learn more meet me on facebook Neals Yard marj_bahhaj team..

Love these pots....

2011-10-06T05:10:00.000-07:00

I am really missing Morocco and my hubby... soon inshallah he will be back and my new job and his work will allow is to travel back and forth again soon to between the two kingdoms... It is such a privilege to be the wife of a Moroccan... I love my husband so much.

If there is but one travel tip Journey Beyond Travel can impart before your Moroccan adventure, it would be this: pack light. After all, the less you pack, the more room you’ll have for the endless number of crafts and souvenirs you’re bound to pick up along the way!

Morocco is a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes, dynamic colors, and amazing diversity, all of which comes through in its art. Even if you think you’re not the type to get weighed down with trinkets, be prepared; your first glimpse of a Tafraouti slipper may convince you otherwise.

Moroccan handicrafts are as diverse and unique as the country itself, and the perfect memento of Fes will be altogether different from what jogs your memory back to Essaouira. What’s more, what you find will truly be in the spirit of the place. After all, Morocco has not fallen prey to mass-produced goods. Indeed, almost everything you see will have come from just a few yards away, where traditional artisans still ply their trade in small workshops and community cooperatives.

This taken from http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/traditional-handicrafts-culture-morocco.html

see side bar too of my blog..

Dunfermline invite

2011-10-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

I am keen to see my frequent reader to my blogs from Dunfermline as every day you are a loyal visitor. I would love to know more about you as I appreciate your loyal reading and visits. You can find me on facebook as MarjFaith or you can register with the Community Cancer Centre website to join in with discussions. www.communitycancercentre.org.uk...

I had to switch off comments on this blog as I was getting porn links dropped in from the far east... looool

Look forward to knowing you... Marjorie

images from http://www.dunfermlineabbey.co.uk/index.php?ID=1867&CATEGORY=5-Tourism

Preparing for Monday

2011-10-06T04:20:00.000-07:00

There is a sense of busy bee activity here at the Community Cancer Centre.. as time is ticking away to preparing for the Think Pink Indulgence Evening at the Crowne Plaza at Heathrow Monday evening.

Goodie Bags being filled with donated hair care products..from Proctor & Gamble.. many thanks to their generosity.

Donations for raffle prizes being sorted.

All for the Community Cancer Centre in Yiewsley near Heathrow airport..join us on www.communitycancercentre.org.uk ~ register and join in with discussions and look at ways to raise funds to keep the centre alive... all to support cancer patients and their families.

Private Matters

2011-10-04T07:53:00.001-07:00

I had to spend some time in a private out patient clinic this morning. My appointment took some time to wait for. I had been reading the Tatler magazine a fitting magazine giving the ambience. But only the article on Zara had kept my attention span then I put it down to pick up the Mens Health magazine. The wait for the appointment took an interesting turn as I read how men are instructed to help their women reach a uber orgasm.... apparently there are 5 steps to follow.... but I was wondering if they did all 5 steps at once we would be able to reach a uber multiple orgasms note now plural... so this sexologist is not really understanding that we can achieve more than one...!! :-)

So that found out I put the magazine down on the table.. The 80 year old lady who had sat reading the discarded Tatler of mine then went to pick up the Mens Health magazine.... looooool that was so funny... she was a well to do lady who looked so ill waiting to see the doctor...but suddenly I saw her perk up... her cheeks all a glow and clearly had found the 5 step article.... no need to see the doctor now... nothing like a bit of naughty 9 chain amino acid Oxytocin to stimulate your endorphins and make you feel well again....

Health Lottery in the UK

2011-10-03T07:42:00.000-07:00

The new Health Lottery has opended up with a aim of helping community projects. We have written to see if the Community Cancer Centre can be considered for some of the generated Grant funding... so fingers crossed we will be accepted..

In the meantime bought a lucky dip and hope there is a chance to win..

3 balls: £50

4 balls: £500

5 balls: Up to £100,000

http://www.healthlottery.co.uk/lottery/play-lottery

Breaking the news of cancer diagnosis

2011-09-30T08:43:00.001-07:00

'Challenges of a cancer diagnosis for a patient and their family'.

I have had to prepare a presentation on this question. I have to share this slide out of the whole presentation as it impacts on me so much. It is so important how a patient is told about the diagnosis of cancer. The way that news is broken can influence the whole of the care and management. Even so much as to influence survivorship. I feel very moved by this set of pictures from the Science Photo Library found on a google image search.

The way that the doctor is connecting with the woman is so wonderful. You can feel the connection and with it the warmth of her compassion and care for her patient.

Staying “with” a patient while you tell them can be so important.

Look at the reassuring touch of a hand to say you are with her…
It is saying that I am there for you to guide you through this!
It also states a compassionate contract between Doctor and patient.
So the confidence & trust of the patient is gained.

This cushions the breaking of the news and ensures that the reaction to the impact is moved into a healthy adapation of the situation that the patient now has to face. The confidence and trust that now is sealed between patient and doctor will ensure that the progression through the treatment is one more of a partnership. That openess and honesty is going to lead to full understanding of what is demanded ahead. I know it is often difficult in busy demanding units and clinics, but this is an investment of time not a waste of time. It is vital as the journey ahead will have some turbulent challenges. But half the battle for the patient is having confidence & trust in your team of practitioners. That confidence and trust with the feeling you matter and someone cares can be a great healing force in itself.

I remember as a child whenever I was ill with the childhood diseases measles and such that when mum had called out the GP - it was so magical - Our GP was like one of the family and so well trusted, that you almost felt better as soon as you heard him come through the front door and call up the lobby. The words "I'm here!" such a therapy in themselves.

All this that I share is such a stark contrast to one patient I remember in my nurse training days. A lady diagnosed with cervical cancer.. How she was told by whoever it was... had an horrendous effect. She had attempted suicide by throwing herself under a train - had been unsucessful and was a bilateral leg amputee as a result. The cancer was manageable with simple surgery. But then of course it depends on the patients perception of Cancer and their understanding as to how they receive the news. This case I share was from the late 70s when cancer still had strong link with enormous pain, death and dying and thus less chance of survival. Why? because there was not as much screening and early detection so the public got a view of cancer being incurable.

Kindness, caring, compassion are the major qualities of any practitioner enriched by their clinical skills and knowledge. It magic when there is a therapeutic connection between doctor and patient, nurse and patient.

visit www.communitycancercentre.org.uk for more information and discussions. A centre started by patients and led by patients/people. People that have been on the journey or are still on the journey that leads on from the diagnosis of cancer. A centre to re-connect with self - that often feels lost in the journey and challenges that cancer brings.

Community Spirit..!

2011-09-28T08:34:00.000-07:00

Today been a wonderful day of the community coming together and helping. I have been seeing this lovely mugs in the local Tescos and saw they matched perfectly the decorations in the centre. The new cushions leading the way for the added turquoise. So I took the chance and asked the store customer service manager if they could help the centre with these.

We got a very positive response and had 30 donated plus coasters.
On my way back with the lovely donation I could hear some words for a poem come in my head.

Cup of Tea

This cup of tea
Means more to me
As I pour out my tears
Express my fears
Worrying about the coming years.
The impact of it all
Makes me feel I will lose it all
The cancer I am told
Will need treatment intense and bold
I am unsure I will grow old
My grand children to hold
But here I am in a centre bright
That helps me find the pathway right
Clear guidance and support
A temple and a fort
A place where I am safe
A battle over my fears to be won
Helping me find a way
To live another day.

Thank you Community Cancer Centre for putting the kettle on and making me a cup of tea.

and thanks to our local Tescos too!

Readers of my blog you can read more about the Community Cancer Centre on www.communitycancercentre.org.uk

Waiting for a fare

2011-09-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

This is my new facebook profile picture.. I fell in love with the colours and its link with Morocco.. though I never have seen a camel there when I stay with the family.

this is where I found the wonderful art and I am going to put this in my blog list .. really lovely work for you to enjoy

http://artistkaren.blogspot.com/2008/05/waiting-for-fare.html

Oh no! thought it was safely SORNed

2011-09-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

This is so horrible - I could not afford the MOT and tax so I SORNed the car and kept it off the road - as I had thought! The allocated parking bay next to my garden I thought was safe - but last week it was taken and put in the compound. With a £300 release fee and £21 a day - if it gets squashed £520 - I cannot raise the funds now at all - otherwise would have serviced it MOT and taxed it... catch 22

Oh my dear loyal Alfie... I am so sorry that they are going to squash you...you have so much life in you yet. I thought I had kept you safe with SORN and tucked by my garden...If only I had been able pay to MOT & tax you. I am so sorry baby you served me well. God Bless and RIP.... xxxx

We had some good early morning dashes through London to Tommys for long shifts with no breaks and you safely got me back... Sorry for the dent on the front on the day of unveiling Nelson mandelas statue - no not the statue that fell on you ...but the police check stopping us all and me twanging the lorry in front only a 2 mile an hour. It gave you an air of distinction a scar over your eye...the front light and many a give way to me out of junctions! lool We have driven to the seaside so much together. Driven up the M1 and back ...round Wales and the best drive ws picking up the Lion from the airport and taking him round to steve on the way to home. But now I have lost you ... cant afford to stop this Alfie yet will be left with the bill for thie deed... Oh why why why was I bumped off work and stopped from earning. I loved our drives to work and back on the country roads to WPH over the last year... and the call in to garden centres for plants for the Dolls house garden and the church garden. Life was sort of ok for us wasn't it... and you drove me so well... LOVE YOU ALFIE WILL SADLY MISS YOU ..darn good ebay bargain you were!! gonna be awhile before I can replace you...to the car paradise you must go now you are in the evil hands of the compound executioners.... be brave it will be all over soon in the crushers... Ohhhhhhh Alfie.... sorry...we had a good 6 years together wish we could have had more!

Just rung now and it still is in one piece in the compound in Uxbridge. I have put in an appeal complaint to the DVLA and the compound say they await instruction what to do... it is horrid I have no free money to sort this out.. wish they had left it alone... as soon as I had funds was going to get it back on the road..

Power of the Keyboard

2011-09-21T08:25:00.000-07:00

Love this image found in a google search. I like to think that my keyboard is a powerful tool to express all aspects of myself. But this picture conveys a kindly caring and artistic side. I hope that my blog and my writings project this.
My keyboard allows me to connect with so many people globally through the internet. My special connection as with my husband as we became lovers and then man & wife. So I am grateful of my keyboard for this.

My writing helps me, heals me and makes me the person I am. I enjoy sharing in this way, as people can decide to read or not.

I once wrote a novel about a love match from an internet chat in 1994 which I enjoyed writing though it never got published. My heroine was based in London and her lover was an Indian working in Chicago. At that time I had never been to Chicago yet I "went" one Friday afternoon through the keyboard exploration of the internet. I searched real estate for where my hero would live and car sales for what car he would drive. I wandered through the highways and shops and all the skyscraping buildings to get to know the place. So spooky that in January of this year I stayed overnight in the Chicago hilton with the research job I had then..

Live is full of twists and turns...

Eddie Izzard - Learning French (with subtitles)

2011-09-20T08:45:00.000-07:00

Sea as a blanket

2011-09-16T03:18:00.000-07:00

~♥~.°·٠•●.....✯.....~♥~.....✯....●•٠·°~♥~..∴...✯.♪.♫........~♥~.....✯....●•٠·
I love this picture - just found it on my friends facebook page....so taken it as it reminds me of the shear love and trust I have in my sea at Sidi Rahal in Morocco. I love my sea it would play with me and talk with me... so this complete trust in the sea is so much what I would feel.

The waves are so therapeutic to wash away all your hurts and pains... emotional and physical... I would stand in the sea and let the strength of the waves break against my body. The shear force of the waves feeding me with an energy to energise me..

I love the way this picture tells us we are part of Creation....

But a fun thought I remember falling asleep on the warm sand and then suddenly waking wet as the tide was coming...and for sure we have not to be washed out to sea! loool

Cancer Staging

2011-09-15T07:09:00.000-07:00

Thought it useful to look at Cancer Staging, as was asked by someone yesterday what all the numbers meant.. so the most useful site for information in simplistic form is from Wikipedia..

Overall Stage Grouping is also referred to as Roman Numeral Staging. This system uses numerals I, II, III, and IV (plus the 0) to describe the progression of cancer.

Stage 0 carcinoma in situ.
Stage I cancers are localized to one part of the body.
Stage II cancers are locally advanced.
Stage III cancers are also locally advanced. Whether a cancer is designated as Stage II or Stage III can depend on the specific type of cancer; for example, in Hodgkin's Disease, Stage II indicates affected lymph nodes on only one side of the diaphragm, whereas Stage III indicates affected lymph nodes above and below the diaphragm. The specific criteria for Stages II and III therefore differ according to diagnosis.
Stage IV cancers have often metastasized, or spread to other organs or throughout the body.

The stage of a cancer is a description (usually numbers I to IV with IV having more progression) of the extent the cancer has spread. The stage often takes into account the size of a tumor, how deeply it has penetrated, whether it has invaded adjacent organs, how many lymph nodes it has metastasized to (if any), and whether it has spread to distant organs. Staging of cancer is the most important predictor of survival, and cancer treatment is primarily determined by staging.

But we always have to be mindful of predicting outcome as each individual can be different. Whether it is their mental attitude to the process or simply fate or even response to prayer, love and support!....To add to the journey, the pathway of treatments can take their toll... It is essential to be one step ahead of side effects of treatments to lessen the impact on the body and its resources to improve the chance of recovery or wellbeing.

Overall the journey needs as much support and guidance as can be... with loving support from carers, family and friends... all of which may need to support one another along the way.

Copy of Lagaan comes to me

2011-09-15T05:07:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to explain this film to Amine, as it is one that sadly demonstrates our British Rule of India and our use of taxation in the land. I have been touched by this story line how the whole village under threat of a tyrant are challenged to a cricket match. The stakes are if they lose the match the taxes will be 3 fold... This hits at a time when crops are low....

Today one of our Asian cancer patients came in to the Centre and I was talking about this film...and she has lovingly come back with a DVD to watch of this....

Another example of how our Community Cancer Centre is a place for sharing all aspects of ourselves and our lives together...

Interestingly just thinking the film is also a demonstration of how a community comes together to fight off a threat to them...somewhat similiar to how we are fighting off a threat of cancer... but we also softening the threat of the enemy by getting to know it and work with it and alongside it to still live lives and survive..

Lagaan (Hindi: लगान; English: Land Tax) is a 2001 Bollywood sports film written and directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. Aamir Khan, who was also the producer for the film, stars with Gracy Singh in the lead roles; British actors Rachel Shelley and Paul Blackthorne play the supporting roles. Made on a budget of 25 crore (US$5.58 million), the film was shot in an ancient village near Bhuj, India.

The film is set in the Victorian period of the India's colonial British Raj and revolves around the peasants from a barren village who are oppressed by high taxes imposed by their rulers. They attempt to persuade the British officers to reduce the taxes because of poor agricultural produce. Instead, a wager is offered. If their village team beats a British team in a game of cricket, their taxes for three years would be cancelled. After accepting this wager, the villagers face the arduous task of learning an alien game and playing for a result that will change their village's destiny.

taken from Wikipedia...

and you can watch the film if you follow the link ...

http://www.bharatmovies.com/hindi/watch/lagaan-movie-online.htm

join the Community Cancer Centre Website http://communitycancercentre.ning.com/

Wisdom quotes

2011-09-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

Found on a google image search...

Water message

2011-09-14T09:30:00.001-07:00

For the benefit of mankind, maintain the quality of life and preserve the peace and tranquility of world population. Water resources must be preserved - to sustain humanity. We must eliminate wasteful utilization of water, conserve our water sources and implement rigid conservation methods. We should utilize solar and or other source of renewable energy to operate desalinization projects from the oceans. Utilize renewable energy sources to purify and transport the water to its final destination. As world population increases the scarcity of water will become a cause for conflict, unless we take steps now to develop other sources of water for drinking, rainwater harvesting – storm-water and gray-water utilization. Designing of landscaping that uses minimal amount of water.
“With power shortages and a water scarcity a constant threat across the West, it’s time to look at water and energy in a new way,”

I have stumbled across this message on the net while browsing for images....see

http://renewableenergy2.instablogs.com/entry/water-is-the-source-of-life-treasure-it-r5/ and the image from this site....a message to listen to..

Our Miracle Man back ...

2011-09-14T08:38:00.000-07:00

Look who I found at our MOT Men be Open and Talk group this afternoon. Only our Miracle man... Ed you are as star! The centre is complete again with you back from your illness....well done you. Love the way we have so much fun... Yes I will come line dancing with you!!!! No stopping this man of steel determination.

The Community Cancer Centre is full of miracles...and inspiration.
Join us on facebook Community Cancer Centre and join in on our interactive website...
http://communitycancercentre.ning.com/

Cake Share

2011-09-12T07:47:00.000-07:00

At our coffee morning we had a array of cakes brought in cup cakes and a large celebratory cake for Theresa for her wedding aniversary...she has to take that home for hubby too...

What talented and loving cancer patients we have at our Community Cancer Centre... all helping one another and the staff toooo!

Positive Coffee Morning

2011-09-12T07:13:00.000-07:00

We had a really positive coffee morning at the Community Cancer Centre this morning. We had some very useful input from Navneet on the Benefits of Positive Thinking... not only useful to steer the way through the cancer journey but for life in general....

It was so interesting to see and feel the difference between talking about negative things - the atmosphere felt heavy and dragging down... in contrast to talking positive things where everyone felt light, freer and happier....

There was so much I feel we could put on a full days workshop on this...as there is so much to be gained and learn together...

Find out more about the centre visit us at http://communitycancercentre.ning.com/

on facebook Community Cancer Centre CCC

Beauty from the season

2011-09-10T02:14:00.000-07:00

So pretty and was full of bloom in the early summer...

New Year promise now disappeared

2011-09-10T02:06:00.000-07:00

Seems so hard to believe that life took me to the USA with a week in San Francisco and then overnight at the Chicago Hilton....and all in the first week of the year... the research job held such promise... but total politics got in the way..... now amazing went from this promise of financial strength and lots of travel ...to a time of crawling out of the gutter with another political situation and being suspended without pay from my work in A/E that I loved so much...

But the Bahhaj team will win...and slowly but surely is rebuilding..... we have too much love and need to be together with a desire to be strong in the world....we have to win....

Tu Pense

2011-09-10T02:00:00.000-07:00

Toute le temps tu pense.. et toute le temps t'attends..

One day we will win through and get a plain sail to our future strength... but for now we are always problemsolvers unlimited...

Breathe in sea air..

2011-09-10T01:53:00.000-07:00

Oh I could just do with a lovely long walk by our sea in Morocco.... I do hope that Amine and me can get out of our financial mess and build a future that will include some lovely retreat by this sea with all its massive energy to enjoy...

I should imagine that over the next 24 hours it will be turbulent and telling Amine of the tail of the hurricane that is to come over and hit our shores here in the UK on Sunday and Monday. You could always tell by our sea what was going on elsewhere. The sea talked to us...and played with us... love hearing it in the distance when we laid in bed on a night... It is a magic sea for sure... where the Atlantic meets the med.... and I love its energy.... Amine is there now and me here in the UK... I eagerly await his return to me...and us finally being able to build a strong future together which will always be with travel between the two shores...

Training in Action Community Cancer Centre

2011-09-09T09:11:00.000-07:00

Thought it would be good to share some of our work with my readers. These photos show some our of ladies in training to be befrienders and gaining the confidence to reach out to others. We have devised training for the ethnic groups in the Borough of Hillingdon so that our model of cancer support is available to all in our diverse community.

Come along to our website http://communitycancercentre.ning.com/
follow the link or copy and paste into your browser. You are welcome to register join our online groups to discuss, share and simply be with us..

The Community Cancer Centre is based in Yiewsley a short distance from Heathrow Airport West of London. If any of our international readers are travelling to London and wish to call in and see our centre, you will be most welcome.

Come along and share... join in on our website.... see you there..!

Traveling back -waiting

2011-09-09T09:06:00.000-07:00

Love this picture found on the facebook travelling wall as a profile pic.. Seems very apt for me today as getting my first indication that time is closer to my man coming back to me... So I am waiting for his return....

Klimt connecting - collection

2011-09-09T02:09:00.000-07:00

You may remember on Monday that I told you about one of our cancer patients. Today she has come along to the centre for the relaxation classes. What a change...she is totally re-connected with self.. the very core of her being. On Monday her anger and tears where all a result of psychological disconnection with her identity, that she felt cancer had robbed her of. She was full of frustration with her body that she felt was letting her down. She was on listening to her disconnected from her German origins and her love of art.

On Monday we worked with her Bren listening to her outpouring, I re-awakening her interests in art and Theresa giving Reiki...

Today we have a woman that is glowing, moving more freely, has been swimming, booked to go to the Anglo-German group here in the Borough of Hillingdon and she has brought in some of her Gustav collection... which includes on the the statues as seen in the image I have found for the blog posting..from...

http://www.leninimports.com/gustav_klimt_sculptures.html

Marjorie's note to her readers: this is what we do at the Community Cancer Centre - we help cancer patients to re-connect with themselves as the person they are... we help to empower them with knowledge and life skills to be able to restore their identity and wellness.. Most of all we are there for them... the drop in centre is that to drop in and seek help, within our centre we have workshops, groups and meetings to help our patients and their families....

You can learn more and join in on our interactive website http://communitycancercentre.ning.com/ Share stories, information and join discussions... we look forward to meeting you online and you can chat too!

An Air of Christmas blowing our way

2011-09-08T10:40:00.000-07:00

Begining to think about buying your Christmas presents then take a look at the Neals Yard product range... it will solve your problem on what to buy for friends and family...

you can order online through https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/marj_bahhaj/area/shop-online/
Meet up with me on facebook Neals Yard marj_bahhaj team

Look forward to looking after my loyal customers... order online and I will receive a notification of your order so I can keep you updated on offers and newsletters..

Think why not become a consultant and earn extra income?

Inspire and be Creative

2011-09-07T07:34:00.000-07:00

Just received this email - to inspire and be creative and earn...

If you haven’t already, now’s the time to pen your poems for the National Poetry Competition 2011. The deadline of October 31st isn’t all that far away, and this is one of the world’s biggest and most prestigious poetry prizes. Enter the competition now.

The judges are Colette Bryce, John Glenday and Jackie Kay. The top three winners will have their work published in the Poetry Society’s leading international journal, Poetry Review and take home prizes of up to £5,000.

We’ve been talking to the winner of the National Poetry Competition 2010, Paul Adrian, about how his success has kickstarted his career. Paul, an unknown poet before his win, says: “I’m now more comfortable with just being myself on the page, rather than always trying to reconcile what comes naturally to me with what I think people want to be reading.”

To read the interview in full and a poignant new poem, ‘On Returning’, visit the National Poetry Competition section of the Poetry Society’s website.

Best wishes,

Come on Mrs Bahhaj got to get inspired and write write write.....

here is the link http://www.poetrysociety.org.uk/shop/product/18/

Neals Yard Remedies - to help aching backs

2011-09-06T05:52:00.000-07:00

I have had a request from a friend on what there is available in the Neals Yard range to help her ease an aching back.
The Seaweed and Arnica foaming bath would provide the perfect soak in a good warm bath. I like the mix of herbs and aromomatics in the product. Comfrey is a winner for easing injured muscles and tissues.. and Arnica too will help relieve the aches and sprains..

The Seaweed and Arnica foaming bath:Organic infusions of mineral-rich seaweed, juniper and comfrey, combined with essential oils of lemon, lavender, pine, juniper and therapeutic arnica extract create this customer favourite. Here is the link for the order of this product..
https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/marj_bahhaj/area/shop-online/category/bath/product/0917/seaweed-and-arnica-foaming-bath-200ml/

Black Pepper aromatherapy oil would also be useful in this situation

About Black Pepper:

•Latin Name: Piper nigrum
•Warming and spicy
•Eases muscular aches
•Boosts the body's defences

Blends well with rose, fennel and lavender.

Directions
•Baths: blend 5-8 drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil or full fat milk, add to bath
•Massages: add 2-3 drops of essential oils to 3 tablespoonfuls of carrier oil
•Vaporisation: add 2-4 drops of essential oils to a burner or vaporiser
•Always dilute before applying to the skin.
•Please read our Safety Information before using essential oils

I like the suggestion of blending with rose, fennel and lavender to create a relaxing and de-stressed state... this will most certainly help in ridding the tension causing increased pain and discomfort...

you can buy this essential oil from

https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/marj_bahhaj/area/shop-online/category/essential-oils/product/2201/black-pepper-organic-10ml/

and base oil and other essential oils from

https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/marj_bahhaj/area/shop-online/category/essential-oils/

There is also the Arnica Salve

https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/marj_bahhaj/area/shop-online/category/remedies/product/8250/arnica-salve-45g/

Arnica Salve is a real must to have in the bathroom cabinet for sprains and strains....

follow the links or copy and paste into your browser to view all the shop products...

Of course a good massage after a relaxing bath and a good stress free sleep will complete the therapy....

Gustav Klimt

2011-09-05T07:21:00.001-07:00

I am so grateful of one of our cancer patients for talking about Klimt today... this is a taste of his work... I think most of us know of the Kiss but look at the beauty of these studies..... just a simple google image search as opened up a wonderful collection of paintings.... but study the form.... the beauty of woman wrapped in pattern and colours that are simply delightful to view...so uplifting ..

For those unable to get out to galleries - look how the internet can bring the art galleries to you in your own home... on screen for you to enjoy!

It is so important to stimulate the eye and the intellect with arts and culture....to remember that our identity is intertwined...

You can learn more on http://www.gustavklimtcollection.com/
and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gustav_Klimt

How we see ourselves..

2011-09-05T07:01:00.000-07:00

It really does depend on what is going on inside for us to see ourselves outside... What is really important is to see the beauty within us all the time. No matter we are the precious person we are. Born of the divine and part of the divine. When we or others critise us we are in fact be critics of Gods creation. So we need to think before we judge and be critical of ourselves and others.

I have just witnessed a beautiful happening here in the Community Cancer Centre in Yiewsley... I woman transformed in the way she sees herself and her life with an outburst of anger, tears and sharing how she feels and the way life and her body seems to be letting her down.

Our manager provided the listening ears and I was able to pick up on this ladies cultural background of being German born... I could feel her affinity with art work and lo and behold on this she comes alive and tells me of her favourite artist Gustav Klimt.... and from this we looked at impressionist artist...and how that an overall impression is beautiful - carries its own beauty without any focussed look at minute detail. This is something where we can be harsh with ourselves by focussing in on minute detail and judging and being over critical.... It is a fundamental universal law that things magnify when we focus in on them... so we need to pull back and see the whole. And the whole for our body image is a sum total of many parts that of mind, body and spirit.... we were able to follow through with a Reiki session given by our healer Theresa and our lady was transformed.... coming out of our therapy room floating and glowing...

Our drop in centre as so much to offer.....so much impact on our cancer patients and families needs...most of all preserving identity ...and valuing... and seeing the beauty in the person we are here to help...

http://communitycancercentre.ning.com/

Happy Days!

2011-09-05T05:18:00.001-07:00

I have been a fool to allow someone and a situation to destroy or attempt to destroy my happiness. Since Amine came in my life I have been alive with his love. A love that is so precious. Yet this crazy situation of being suspended without pay as been horrendous causing us much stress and pain. I have not done anything wrong... I am a kind and loving practitioner...and I have a beautiful man to love me....

Happy Days should be protected with all might....and never lost to others malicious intent..... I am to forgive and will forgive the way that my life as been affected by this .... I will and do send those who hurt me a rainbow love of healing energy... rifts to be healed and to regain those Happy days....

I am grateful to Gods Grace and Favour to help me through the darkness and come out into the shining light again...

I look forward to the return of my Lion and to move forward to our future in our love - with strong steps never weakened by others.....In Allah/God love we will grow and shine....

Together to the centre of our love

2011-09-04T10:04:00.000-07:00

No matter the turbulence around us... no matter the pain and the trials... this is how I feel with you ... walking to the centre of our love together... Never really apart always connected by the heart. Our spiritual path of rainbow colours made up of tear drops refracting the light, but always a vortex of of energy that of love. Divine love.... We are together for a reason and always to learn...

Let all the past hurts be abolished and our walk be smooth and with grace to the place were we are intended to BE..... I love you Lion! So grateful you came into my life and gave me life.... we will win through... problem solvers unlimited...!!!

Love in many forms

2011-09-04T09:47:00.000-07:00

My heart can take on any form:
A meadow for gazelles,
A cloister for monks,
For the idols, sacred ground,
Ka'ba for the circling pilgrim,
The tables of the Torah,
The scrolls of the Quran.

My creed is Love;
Wherever its caravan turns along the way,
That is my belief,
My faith.

— Ibn Arabī, Turjumān al-Ashwāq

Made aware of this writer from Farewell Princess by Kenize Mourad you can read more from this found link http://ibnarabifoundation.com/publications/quotes.html

Finding me on Facebook

2011-09-04T09:36:00.000-07:00

You can come and share with me on facebook... I have a number of places to find me... MarjFaith with the rose lady profile; MarocMarj with my sharing as I explore Morocco and learn... then I have my Neals Yard marj_bahhaj team here you can share your comments on the products and join my team of consultants to help sell the products! I have also a Nurses Handover site... for us to share on nursing knowledge and experience...this includes some midwifery talk too... then I have my Marjorie Bahhaj wall.... so can can easily find me and join in with talk and sharing...

Writers imagery

2011-09-04T09:25:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share this lovely written piece from Farewell Princess by Kenize Mourad.... and thank you Kenize for your inspirational writing..

Pensively caressing the keys with her fingertips, she played the opening bars of a Chopin nocturne. It conjured up melancholy and hope, love and despair. Tremulous as a leaf stirred by the wind, delicate as a rose petal bathed in dew, it scaled the heights of passion and finally expired.
She could almost feel the warmth and tenderness of Rashid's gaze on her hand, on the back of her neck. They had avoided each other's eye all evening, and now, only now, when he thought her immersed in her music, had he dared to look at her. She held her breath so as to capture every particle of that emotion, that adoration wich, like a ray of sunlight falling on a flower of the field, made her blossom and revive.

image from Rose Petal Keys by ~Arielle-Kasa

My Footballers legs...

2011-09-03T02:42:00.000-07:00

Oh I do miss having my footballer husband about the place....his strong well tuned trained athlete looks ...love his legs...and he so skilled...so full of passion for his game....but another season window signing shuts... Shuts him out of where his spirit and his passion needs to be.....Alas no contract to be had... All not lost we will find another way...and his new laid down plans to study and expand on his knowledge of athletes training is a new game to play.... he can develop others to reach their goals.....

His new goal to help others reach their goals....

Oui J'aime Maroc.....

2011-09-03T02:32:00.000-07:00

I do love Morocco - I never thought I would ever go to Morocco...But my beautiful husband and his family took me there as our relationship blossomed into a marriage. I do find the place fascinating and am keen to learn to help me "fit in" there whenever we can settle back in Morocco. I have got loads to do and no time to feel sorry for myself in times of all our trials and tribulations. Got my French to perfect, got my Arabic to learn...and more exploration and journey into understanding of Islam too....

But my husband needs to return to the UK and follow his pathway too here... learning and gleaning all he can for us to find a way to link our two Kingdoms with a good strong business plan.

We may be losing at the moment in the great financial scheme of things - but I am inspired by how many successful people lost before they gained....so watch this space ...I have renewed excitement in today for a future to develop that will keep us strong somehow...

I love this image taken from the facebook site...and have clicked like to join the group....

Free Falling off the edge...

2011-09-03T02:22:00.000-07:00

There are only Gods hands to catch you when you feel you are falling off the edge of the world. I have been in Gods Hands through these difficult times and even though in the extreme of extreme felt his love and care surround me. Beautiful friends and my needs met somehow to keep me alive and moving each day. Moving to a new recalibrated life... with new plans and new shapes for that future... eagerly waiting for where I am meant to be and realising that this is the life carved out and whilst it may not be the intended shape there are inspirational things happening to keep me alive and well. I am looking forward to my husbands return and helping him develop in his new laid down plans and recalibration of his career pathway....

We have been through a purging and a great learning together and apart... now is the time to ensure the love we have is always the leading light in our lives...

My biggest shout out in the Universal Energy field is let me regain financial dignity to be able to operate more freely in this world...and not feel that I am being pushed of the edge and shut out....

The Bahhaj team will win somehow we will win....

image from http://ooneoeightofive.blogspot.com/2011/04/let-go-and-let-god.html

Letting go to sale...

2011-09-02T03:28:00.000-07:00

FOR SALE!
I loved the space that this house would give me on my visits to my husband and family in Morocco....but we have to sell - this is due to the practicality of the children need to be in Casablanca for schooling. Our villa is 20 km south of Casablanca.

I had hoped when our financial strength grew here in the UK that we could feed back into the place and build it up as a business.. A place to stay with learning.... spiritual healing and practical learning as my wonderful mother-in-law could have taught Moroccan cuisine.. My husband could have helped aspiring footballer by guiding them though a fitness training schedule and learn their skills on the nearby beach.

Our salon is double fronted with large floor space and seating ideal for any workshops. The area can be used for group sharing and therapies. Life talks and meditation. The beach and sea are close by with cafes for refreshments.

The beach at Sidi Rahal is inspirational. The sea speaks to me each day I go... there will be playful days and days of rough waves..to watch and gather the energy from. But it a place to be respected as there are undercurrents, yet local fishermen will go out to sea on what looks like a large rubber tyre to catch their daily fish. On days when there are no other tourists you can quietly enjoy a long walk undisturbed. The strong wind days will sometimes whip up the sand into a sandstorm that makes you feel in a desert. Then there are days when the sand is flat and easy to walk on.

When tourists are abound then there are souks and traditional singing and dancing in the village square.

The house has four spacious bedrooms, the master has bathroom on suite.. there is a shower room on the top bedroom floor and one in the lower floor ... we have the double floor space for the salon and a dining area with an additional room on the mainfloor for office space. There is a guest loo... a basement kitchen and space for a laundry room.
Please contact me on facebook if you are interested in buying or helping in anyway!
marjfaith is my wall and message box...

http://moroccolocalholidays.blogspot.com/

Glimpses to entice!

2011-09-01T07:22:00.000-07:00

Here are some pages to view from the Neals Yard Catalogue.....

you can download from this link

http://www.nyrorganic.com/uk/nyr-organic-catalogue-uk-08-2011/

and order through my online shopping mall
https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/marj_bahhaj/area/shop-online/

I look forward to you joining my loyal customer team...

But also if you wish to join the company and my team of consultants then I would be happy for this too! Contact me on facebook "Neals Yard marj_bahhaj team"

Miracles do happen!

2011-09-01T03:39:00.000-07:00

Miracles do happen and this wonderful man is testimony to this.. Ed you are a star! One of our cancer patients at the Community Cancer Centre who has been through a lot with his journey... and in that journey been a keen helper at the centre... Helping to get other men to talk about their cancer experiences and promoting awareness on early detection of cancer, our handyman, always keen to help with fund raising and helps with the collections at the local football club - Hayes & Yeading fc...

Our wonderful man was really ill over the last few months and we thought we were going to lose him.... but last night I saw a walking miracle....

I visited Ed at home...as I walked up the path I was worried what he would be like and wondering if he and his lovely wife Bridie were coping....

Where did I find my special man....????? Only in the garage tinkering as usual with the car with his now needed zimmer frame parked outside...!! which made me smile... wish I had it on video to share with you all...

I love it and love you Ed - this is a patient with courage and strength - a belief in God with a well read Bible...he has been on prayers lists at his church and our local St Matthews Church in Yiewsley.... plus he has had many a prayer mat prayer said from my family too!

What I saw yesterday was Ed as reclaimed his identity from a close knock on the heavenly gates....! Ed you are an inspiration....and wish we had more patients nay people were like you.... but then our centre is full of bounce back cancer patients/people who have so much to offer others from their journey and experience.

Yes we are centre for people on the cancer journey not "patients" - we preserve identity as the person they are...!! We offer support, guidance and signposting on that journey. A place to simply BE... with complementary therapist to help to ensure as much wellness and wholeness on that journey...!

The ones that do not bounce back but are let through those heavenly gates - well our work is never done as we hold the grieving loved ones left behind in our centre with our listening ears and loving arms....With that support help them to travel well & healthy through their journey of grief, remembering and letting go...!

To help our Community Cancer Centre or join in with discussions then visit and register online

http://communitycancercentre.ning.com/
and join us on facebook Community Cancer Centre (CCC

New Catalogue ready for you!

2011-09-01T03:21:00.000-07:00

Must not forget to grow my business in amidst all my trials and tribulations... this is another way to build an income.... The products are brilliant...and you feel so cared for with the aromas and the textures of the quality... Radiant and alive is how you feel with the use of the organic beauty products.

You can order online and have the products delivered to your door... or to a friend or family member as a gift.... all you have to do is register with my shopping mall and the company will ensure your products arrive....

https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/marj_bahhaj

Take a look at the new catalogue - download to see.... but don't forget to order through me in my online shopping mall especially for you...!! Also think maybe you would like to join the company...you can be as creative as you like... sell products to friends and colleagues - hold a party, help a local group with fund raising ... you are your own boss...

https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/marj_bahhaj

Come and join my team and lets build together....
the team is on facebook Neals Yard marj_bahhaj team

Look forward to you joining my loyal customer base and to supply you with extra offers... and you joining my team if you feel extra income is what you need....

Eid Mubarak

2011-08-31T05:35:00.001-07:00

Special wishes for my darling husband while he spends EID with our family in Morocco. I look forward to your return...

Yesterday had to go to an interview and changed my route back home - was feeling low with Amine away and taking a critical look at our environment with run down buildings... the sky full of grey cloud.... then was given a vision of such beauty that I had to get off the train and return to this vision....it was the massive mosque at South Morden The Baitul Futuh Mosque...

I was greeted with such warmth and shown round the outside and the library. Not inside as there were devotees performing the last 10 days of Ramadan prayers. But there is a promise to be shown after EID... the libary and exhibition hall was amazing.... I will take my camera next time and bring back some pictures... the garden outside was like paradise...and the colours striking against the white and bluey grey structure...

Here is the link to their site...
http://www.baitulfutuh.org/

I have learnt much in this Ramadan and performed the fast as best I could with my newness to the challenge and in respect for my husband and his need to do this. I have found the whole experience a liberating one within its discipline and made me think about our food.. Not always do we take our food for survival but out of habit...I have had to think twice and guard my thoughts about a quick cup of tea and biscuit while sat reading...

I am grateful to the local Mosque for feeding me on the nights I have broken fast with them....

Image from http://india-spicy.blogspot.com/2011/08/eid-2011-sms-in-urdueid-mubarak-smseid.html

The Shaper of Beauty

2011-08-29T13:57:00.000-07:00

Al-Musawwir
The Shaper of Beauty

He it is who has created for you all that is on earth,
and has applied His design to the heavens
and fashioned them into seven heavens;
and He alone has full knowledge of everything.
Al-Baqarah 2:29, tr. Asad

Everything that is made beautiful and fair and lovely
is made for the eye of one who sees.
Mathnawi I:2383, tr. Helminski

Words from http://www.sufism.org/society/asma/musawwir.html

On Sunday I was in emotional and mental pain... but my guidance led me to want to walk ... so walk I did along country lanes and paths.. with forests and then views -with wide open spaces to feel the air and see the sky...as a Yorkshire lass this walking to heal I have not been doing too much off to help my thoughts and mind. Back up north it was always good to walk on the moors, up hills and down dales.... and that would sort out the thoughts... and led to solutions to problems... As I write this I also think of my times in North Wales where I would sometimes walk bare foot in the mountains.... so libertating... now in floods of memories of places where I have walked on Gods earth... India, Dubai, California at the beginning of this year...but my most favourite place to walk is on the beach in Sidi Rahal in Morocco ...then go back to the family home to eat with the family. There have been some strong walks on that beach too ...in the midst of sand storms with a tunnel of fast flowing sand to walk through.... and so inspiring to touch the enery of Allah in its full majesty. I miss the strength of our sea tooo....

I am feeling so alone without my beautiful Amine ...but thankfully daily phone calls reassure me that he will be back soon to my shores... and what we need is Allahs love and guidance to help us out of all the trouble and pain we are in - to help us reach the dream of happiness and a strong life together. Able to travel back and forth between the two shores... and to explore more of Gods Earth....

Thinking now of even last night was able to watch Joanna Lumleys programme of finding the source of the Nile.... all that I touched and exprience and watched reinforces that the Divine Creator is truly that - Divine!

image from google image search...

Rasmalai

2011-08-27T02:48:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
Milk : 3 cups ( For Paneer)
Milk : 3 cups (for malai)
Cardamom: 1/2 tbsp
Sugar : 2 cup (for making syrup)
Sugar : 1/2 cup (for malai)
Pista : 2 tsp
Cashew paste : 1 tbsp
Almonds: 2tsp
Lemon Juice: 2tbsp

Preparation:

1.Boil the milk ( I used 2% milk ) in a heavy bottomed vessel about 8 minutes by stirring constantly and when it comes to boil add 2 tbsp of lemon juice slowly.
2.Now the milk fat separates from the water retains the protein while the fat gets washed away in the whey water ( stir it slowly). – thanks Mythreyee.
3.Now strain the curdled milk using a fine muslin cloth.
4.Add some cold water in the strainer so it takes out the flavor of lemon from the paneer.
5.Allow it drain completely (may be an hour or half an hour) .
6.After that squeeze the muslin cloth (with paneer) so as much water in it comes out (make sure there should be no water in that paneer)
7.Then remove it and knead to a smooth dough (If you want to make sure if the paneer is ready just take a little bit in your palm and rub it using your thumb for few seconds and you should be able to make a small smooth ball ).
8.Make a small balls and flatten slightly.

Follow the receipe more closely on this link
http://www.spicytasty.com/indian-sweets/rasmalai/

Alone but not alone

2011-08-27T02:34:00.000-07:00

Alone I sat behind the veiled area to separate me from the men in the Mosque. Praying and hungry from my fast, and poverty... no where to turn but only to Allah..
My eyes closed in prayer to ask for all broken pieces of my life to be repaired.
I open my eyes and there before me was a tray of food..as if appeared from Paradise.
Dates, and a selection of fruit and snacks.
Lovingly placed there by the men to feed me..
I am told it is time to break fast..
The dates divinely tasty in this time of Ramadan
A sustainer that the Prophet himself had dined upon in the time of revelation.
Then more food appeared and drink... hot and spicy - hot for my mouth
then cooled with the lovingly prepared desert of ramalai..

A lone woman ......yet the hands of many women reached into me through the cooking of the day to break the fast of those who came to the Mosque that night for Maghrib prayers.

A loving God for sure - a provider and sustainer at all times but more Divinely felt in time of need..... Shukran Allah... and for teaching me...

Image from Google image search...

Light .. An nur

2011-08-24T08:05:00.000-07:00

An-Nur
The Light

Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth.
The parable of His Light is as if there were a Niche
and within is a Lamp: the Lamp enclosed in Glass;
the glass as it were a brilliant star, lit from a blessed Tree,
an Olive, neither of the East nor of the West,
whose Oil is nearly luminous, though fire has hardly touched it.
Light upon Light!
Allah guides whom He will to His Light,
Allah sets forth Parables for men,
and Allah knows all things.
An-Nur 24:35, tr. Helminski

taken from http://www.sufism.org/society/asma/ in my quest to find the "names of Allah" - which are all the qualities of our loving God....

I love the image I have found as it reminds of our home in Morocco in Sidi Rahal which we will have to lose soon ... but has given me some happy memories walking on the beach both in day and night... of course we will never lose the beach and the sea no matter where our new family home is for the future....

I long to be with the family now but wait for Amine to return here in the UK to be also my light in his love... No more pain for us please Allah only growing in your love. Pray that my work situation is resolved soon Inshallah....

image from google image search

Kalimas

2011-08-24T06:50:00.000-07:00

Kalima-e-Tayyabah (Word of Purity)
Kalima-e-Shahaadat (Word of Testimony)
Kalima-e-Tamjeed (Word of Glorification)
Kalima-e-Tauhid (Word of Unification)
Kalima-e-Astaghfar (Word of Penitence)
Kalima-e-Rud-e-Kuffr (Word of Rejection of Disbelief)

O Allah! Certainly I seek protection with You
And I seek forgiveness from You...

I seek forgiveness from Allah, who is my Creator and Cheriser, from every sin I committed knowingly or unknowingly, secretly or openly. I also seek His forgiveness for all sins which I am aware of or am not aware of. Certainly You (O Allah!), are the Knower of the hidden and the Concealer of mistakes and the Forgiver of sins. And there is no power and no strength except with Allah, the Most High, the Most Great

So I see a common theme that of a forgiving God.... who all the time is telling us to operate our lives in a pure and peaceful way....it is so often that we make the mistake of attracting trouble to ourselves by not having discipline over our thoughts, words and deeds....

The word discipline is not a restrictive one but a liberating one.... this sort of reminds me of a pilot of a plane.... in order for that pilot to have the joyful freedom of flying above the clouds there has to be some discipline checks that the plane is in good working order before taking over down the runway...

illuminating!

This is all part of understanding my husbands faith and so I can be a better wife to him in the knowledge and understanding - I am finding this an illuminating journey!

image from google images....

You can read more from http://www.islamicinformation.net/2008/06/kalimas-in-islam.html

Continuing Ramadan

2011-08-23T09:23:00.000-07:00

I have to say that in my time of stress I had to break the pattern for a few days but still eating with respect and with thought what food I had... but I have rejoined the fast for the last 10 days and have been finding much support at the local Mosque. Amine went back home to our family in Morocco to finish the fast, find himself and refresh with a promise of a return after EID... so it was difficult to continue alone.. Though in truth never alone Allah/God is always there for us... and I have felt that support... It is also though a time of feeling a connection and belonging to all those that are partaking of this discipline...

I have a renewed sleep pattern - sleeping after breaking fast then automatically waking before sunrise to eat again before the daybreak fast starts.. I have managed to operate through the day ...though sometimes felt emotionally low with low sugar...but my life energy holds me together...

I'tikaf
I'tikaf refers to going into seclusion during the last ten nights of Ramadan, in order to seek Lailat ul Qadr by praying and reading the Qur'an. Some people live in the mosque during this time for serious reflection and worship. Others spend a few hours at the mosque or home.

There are several reasons why Ramadan is considered important:

•The Qur'an was first revealed during this month
•The gates of Heaven are open
•The gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained up in Hell.

The gates of heaven opened to feel a special conciousness and the gates of Hell closed is that I see of the devils within... what I have been feeling is a purging of the devils within the old hurts, the old angers and releasing of old pains....I have felt and gone through hell with some personal pain during this time - and having to let go in order to feel the love of heaven and paradise..

I am feeling some moves to positive energy - and learning much about Islam the surrender to God.... inshallah is a powerful word and one I should have used instead of reacting with anger to Amines desire to go home and have time away...

Inshallah to stop worry and fretting... as you realise all is to a Divine will....

But I pray that all the blocks holding us down are released so we can feel happiness together... as I think upon that thought - I wish this for the world too....

Healing together

2011-08-23T02:48:00.000-07:00

Twin Flame....
image from http://www.mylot.com/w/image/2471584.aspx

Lion soulmate

2011-08-23T02:43:00.000-07:00

Lioness is lost without her strong lion by her side..... look forward to your return and a strong courageous renewed love to move us forward in positive strong steps..

Glimpse into Eternity

2011-08-23T02:35:00.000-07:00

Each passing momment is a glimpse into eternity...

a quote from Farewell Princess by Kenize Mourad (Author)

image found on http://www.downloadtopwallpapers.com/3d-wallpapers/space/eternity.html

Cosy Community Cancer Centre

2011-08-16T02:02:00.000-07:00

come and join us online at http://communitycancercentre.ning.com/

Lost adrift confused

2011-08-13T06:12:00.001-07:00

I am lost, adrift and so confused without you LION....!