Branded Yorkshire

Well, I was going to do a blog about ten years living off grid this week, as I didn't think I would have much else to post about as its the school holidays, but I have.
Monday I spent the afternoon being resourceful, and virtuous by making chutneys. I hadn't realised just how much work goes into it. All the peeling a chopping, with not a great deal to show for it. Its definitely worth it, but I realise its probably best to do in much larger batches. Unfortunately because the weather was so mild for this time of year, I couldn't make my bounty on the stove, so next year I will try and plan it better, as I had to use my gas, so not as eco as I would have liked.
Anyway, I made apple sauce, marmalade, spicy apple chutney and beetroot and apple chutney, of which some will make Christmas presents.
Tuesday, I went to a brilliant free workshop, which was organised by my local council, and delivered by Natalie from Zest for Media. It was about social media networking, and was great, very useful, I learnt a lot. So watch this space. One of the things I need to focus on in the New Year is my branding.
Tuesday evening I went to Reading with some girlfriends to see Russell Brand latest stand up show called Re:birth. It was absolutely brilliant, I have always liked him, but disliked his inconsistency, but after this show, my respect for him has increased. My face ached from laughing, we all had a brilliant time.

Russell Brand RE:Birth tour

Wednesday I took Mia and her friend Laila to see Shark in The Park at The Corn Exchange, they laughed hard too, for me it was certainly a contrast from last nights show.
Hurray I survived a Wednesday without any mishaps.
Thursday morning I was up early, and did some non-violent direct action (NVDA) with my mate Steve from the Green Party. We then had a quick cuppa in town whilst checking out my article in this months, Out and About magazine, a monthly supplement in the Newbury Weekly News. Remember about a month ago, someone came to the boat to interview me? well the article was published today, thanks to Geraldine for a great write up.

In the afternoon, I drive up north to Yorkshire, to have a few days with my mum and dad, and catch up with some of my extended family. I feel slightly guilty about not taking a drive up to Ryedale to visit the Kirby Misperton Fracking site, but this would take a whole day out of my short visit, and I need to reign myself in sometimes, and take things slower. I made an intention at last weeks sister circle to make sure I make time for myself. For the last couple of years I have suffered with anxiety (it could be longer) and although it is controlled with medication and meditation, I still need to take conscious decisions to take care of my mental health. My head tells me that I am fit and well, and unlike others, I could physically get myself up to North Yorkshire for the day (albeit probably taking a few wrong turnings and getting myself into a panic), why shouldn't I? I need to do my bit!! However, mental health the invisible illness that it is, should not be forgotten, and therefore I need to take this into consideration and the needs of my family. I feel like I am making excuses, and letting the side down, I am used to being a 'doer' and pushing my limits, my heart wants to go, but my head says no, and as much as I want to support the residents of Ryedale, and help save the planet, I need to help myself too. So after weeks of contemplating, and getting panicky about it, I decide to spend a few days chillaxing and seeing family.
My mum looked so beautiful this morning, I had to have a photo taken with her.

Daughter and mum (Yorkshire Lasses)

A special mention to my cousins and Aunties for supporting me and being awesome people, now please share my business page!!
Thas nowt better than Yorkshire folk.