I’ll try to say the following word reeeeeally quietly so it doesn’t upset anyone….winter,  SSSssssh!  Yes it won’t be long before thermal undies & woolly socks will be making their way out of drawers and  women up and down the country will be throwing their hands up in delight at the opportunity of  not having to shave their legs again til next summer , although I must say I’m not a fan of feeling like a gorilla ……..

                               Watford Observer:

Winter can be a depressing time for some and especially for those that suffer with S.A.D seasonal affective disorder; however there is an association so you don’t have to suffer alone http://www.sada.org.uk/index_2.php

Having a hobby can be a great distraction to life’s troubles & I believe everyone should have at least one that they can do by themselves, but it’s surprising how many people don’t have any at all.  We get so caught up in other peoples lives especially with sites like Facebook and Twitter.  I’m sure we’re all guilty of promising ourselves we’ll just pop  on quickly to check what’s happening & click “Like” on a few posts, but two hours later we’re still there?..….just one more…..& another one…

I’ve just discovered a great site called Udemy https://www.udemy.com/courses/ there are a couple of Free courses and then prices range from £12 to over £100  depending on what course you choose & there’s plenty to choose from.  I took advantage of an offer to get a course for half price and chose “Body and Mind are One by Zen Master Thích Nhất Hạnh”  It’s to broaden  understanding and training in mindfulness, and about living in the present moment, and I’m loving it.

               Watford Observer:

One of the best government accredited online colleges is  http://www.bsygroup.co.uk/ it’s been running since 1946 and is the number one college in  complimentary therapy & I’ve gained a couple of Diplomas via them.

On my to do list is to get a Hang Drum, they’re not cheap, but they make such a beautiful sound  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDQgU1CPpis although if my guitar skills are anything to go by it might sound somewhat different?

                            Watford Observer:

From an M.E perspective I’ve had to drastically change the things I used to enjoy but so have many M.E sufferers, & I got chatting to a few this week:

Ros Lemarchand who writes a blog & has also written a Poetry book on M.E said  “Before I became ill I used to love playing tennis, cycling and hiking - now impossible. I've sold my bike, no longer have my tennis racquet but can't bring myself to throw away my hiking boots, just in case one day I will be well enough to wear them and go hiking again”  Ros’s latest blog is about hobbying with an extensive list of ideas & website link so well worth a look: http://roslemarchand.blogspot.fr/

Her book is available at Amazon in paperback: http://www.amazon.co.uk/.../dp/1492735116/ref=sr_1_6

& Kindle http://www.amazon.co.uk/.../dp/B00EYXX1NW/ref=sr_1_1

Paul Kayes said:  I was devastated that I had to give up Cycling and up hill running when I got M.E  but rather than sit around feeling sorry for myself I decided to do something about it .I discovered an online voluntary team called "Lets Do It For ME" that  help raise funds and awareness for the charity "Invest In ME" and I'm involved in that now…..well, as much as my health will allow.                  Watford Observer:

Onto Gizmo/Gadget/gift of the week, and while I’m not a fan of this adult colouring craze, I was impressed with these rather nifty colouring pencils. Called Koh-l-Noor Magic Jumbo Triangular coloured pencils they have multicoloured heads which make for some exciting art work. Cheapest I could find was at Cult Pens  https://www.cultpens.com/ £9.95 plus £1.51 delivery                                                          Watford Observer:

Many years ago, I was excited by  a new medium for performing, Bands & solo artists were getting friends around & holding gigs from their own premises and then streaming it live, fast forward to today & venues are now streaming live concerts out all over the world for a small fee, which means instead of having to hop on a plane or train to see your fave musician, or worse, miss them altogether,   you can now curl up on the sofa, ice cold bottle of Bud in one hand, tube of pringles in the other, kick back and enjoy the gig.

A Kings Langley  artist about to take advantage of this medium is Singer/Songwriter Daria Kulesh, Originally from Moscow Daria started out performing at an Irish Pub next to the kremlin, now a full time musician her album Eternal Child released on Folkstock records is gaining rave reviews and it’s easy to see why, There’s something very rustic, pure, mystical & intimate in the sound, you’d be forgiven for thinking a fairy had  flown in through an open window & sat themselves on the end of your bed. But you can listen for yourself because Daria will be supporting Hertfordshire songstress Kelly Oliver in a gig that will be streamed worldwide from Thursday 24th September for up to seven days and you can get your ticket here https://theconvent.netgig.co.uk/event/kelly-oliver-single-release/

& For more about Daria http://www.daria-kulesh.co.uk/songs/                 Watford Observer:

But if you prefer to snuggle up close and personal then look no further than Watfords finest Music Venue  “The Horns” in Watford http://www.thehornswatford.co.uk/

where the  Awesome “April Blue” are returning Monday 28th September, starting at 9pm.  https://www.facebook.com/events/968629523180933/

Whether you’re already an April Blue fan or going to hear them for the first time you won’t be disappointed, they’ll l be playing new music from their forthcoming album and some old faves too. With a menagerie of genres to excite the audio senses, It’s a sound that can’t be labelled that’s for sure, so best go experience it for yourselves. Entry is Free and there’s also indie/pop band “Kings  & Thieves” from Leighton Buzzard on the bill .To find out more about April Blue head to their website:  http://www.aprilblue.co.uk/

Watford Observer:

                                             Til Next Week, Stay Blessed

                                                Back Before Elvis X 

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