Claudine West music

Cornwall With Clange and Vlogs 2021

We arrived back to Nottingham last night. After 9 hours navigating traffic jams around the M5 from Boscastle, Cornwall. Bank Holiday madness! We both agreed… next time we will stop over in Glastonbury. Rambo cat woke me at 5am for fuss and to dribble on me in bed.

As I approach my 46th year (May 30th) in this body, in this reality. It’s been a deep journey! I’m hoping the road is much longer.

We’ve spent the last few days. Enjoying wind, rain, sunshine, sunsets. We began in Portsmouth then a road trip through Devon to Newquay, Cornwall.

Southsea Beach, Portsmouth (Where the stink began)

It was great to see Ange’s parents again after so long. Lateral Flow Tests a go go and the ability to go inside restaurants to eat again. as its been rain rain in the UK in May 2021!

We visited The Sculpture Park in Farnham. There were hundreds! The video below captures just a few. Great day out.

Vlogging and capturing elements of our journey gives us memories and documents some wonderful experiences for Ange and Myself. If you enjoy them, or get inspired…that’s even better!

Video explains more than words:

In this YouTube exclusive series. Clange visit. Newquay, Japanese Garden, Eden Project, Land’s End, Boscastle : Museum of Witchcraft and Magic May 2021.

The 2020/2021 Covid Pandemic UK Lockdown: After an exercise filled start with clear blue skies and good weather lead, like many to ‘Sloth and troff’ behaviours and indulgences. (Or for some drinking and drugging to death) We just ate nice food. I needed a clear head for work. Alcohol just doesn’t help me with stress. My cure is meditation, creativity with music making, travel and good food.

We only scratched the surface of good food eateries in the short time we were in Cornwall. (More in the Adventures with Clange YouTube Videos) A big mention to Fore Street Cafe Bar in Newquay (Postcode Number 38 TR7 1LP) (parking with toilets for 20p is opposite (TR7 1HD) – get there early- Yes bring lots of 20ps and change for parking in Cornwall or set up card payment apps) We enjoyed some exquisite breakfasts and Cinnamon Bun take aways.

Opposite is a bakers that does and amazing Monkey Bread and Pain Au Chocolat at the Pavilion Bakery (37 TR7 1HD)

Also The Mexican Street Food Van – El Huichol

The Boathouse Charlestown does finger licking amazing crispy Calamari and burgers (Ange says its the best burger she has ever eaten)

A special doughnut (baked in Bude) and good cup of tea at Harbour Light Tea Garden opposite the Witch Museum (PL35 0AG)

Fore Street Cafe Bar Breakfast &
The Japanese Garden

A reminder when there is no Land Train! Our walking at The Eden Project (a great day out BTW) was not only painful. But a reminder in the mountain of fitness we both need to climb. Wearing masking in a tropical rainforest biome though… really is swelteringly unpleasant. Video here

Whereas Land’s End was a tourist ‘signpost’ and underwhelming disappointment. (We wecommend The Lizard) A distinct disgusting fishy smell that developed in our car was minging (watch the videos!) Boscastle was magical and intriguing. (We will spend more time in that area on our next visit) The Minack Theater was booked up. So again… next time.

Witchy adventures to The Merry Maidens and Museum of Witchcraft and Magic (Well worth spending time there. A treasure trove of info, history exhibits and artefacts) Did I mention I made a video of this in our Adventures With Clange vlog series.

Museum of Witchcraft and Magic Vlog

The beaches – especially Fistral Beach, Newquay. Was the tonic to our lockdown ailments. Filming in windy weather, up a cliff was refreshing, invigorating. The negative sea ions cleansed the last year of home pandemic imprisonments.

Filmed on Fistral Beach (in high winds) Music ‘Azure Oceans’ from my new album, Pilgrimage of Elements.

When I am amongst the beauty of nature. I am most alive. When I capture it. To accompany my music. It completes the circle. Performing music live is one of the best feelings.

We enjoyed and captured a beautiful sunset with surfers and beach dwellers too. It reminded me of the hippy vibes, as we sat on Benirrás Beach in Ibiza. Watching the sun go down a few years ago.

In Cornwall – there was space, great food (amazing breakfasts at Fore Street Cafe Bar in Newquay)

Massive thanks to our Airbnb hosts. Good value, lots of cats and really close to the beach.

Finishing with a very tasty Cornish Pasty from Boscastle Bakery.

As we continued our search in Cornwall for the vibes and location to permanently move to… Somerset’s beauty and greenery still beckons. So we aren’t ruling anything out.

I do feel really relaxed after this trip. We always miss our cats when away. We try to fuss every dog about on our trips.

Back to day job work next week.

The Pandemic pressures and events in the NHS for its staff, families and patients have frankly been horrific. It’s lead to a lot of contemplation of what I do and where we go next. To pay the bills. As yes there is a satisfaction of duty that I helped a little bit. There is also no job satisfaction with pressures and feeling helpless shielding, but still working from home during the worst. Now I’m back working on campus. Still feeling like the new girl. With my final module of my CIPS qualification. There is light at the end of the tunnel to fully focus on my passions.

My New Age Album ‘Pilgrimage of Elements’ (Earth Tree Healing) is released August 2021. Lockdown allowed me to embrace more productive time for my creativity and happiness. Whilst also doing more collaborative projects. I’ll be performing acoustically & vibrationally (guitar, hand pan & tongue drums) supporting meditations & community members at Lizian Events Well Being Markets & Pagan Tribal Gathering 2021. Back on the drum kit – Tightening bingo wings with Stinking Rita Band. I’ll also be focussing on my art.

Be well, be safe, explore.

~ Claudine

You can read more awakenings, experiences and what led to here in my Kindle book – Claudsville Blogs and Biog of a Bog Woppit.

Earth Tree Healing. New Age, Spiritual and instrumental music for meditation and relaxation Music links

You can also follow Adventures With Clange on our YouTube platform. These are mine, Ange’s records of trips, food, family. Check out the older playlists too from my Claudine West Channel.

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Claudine West Dreams, earth tree healing, new age, Well Being

Mugwort and Other Dreams

Last night I dreamed of the ocean in a room. A queen size bed with white sheets situated in a field. The sea at one end with waves lapping a grassy shore. I began to ‘film’ this on my iPhone (as I do many of my videos) even though I wasn’t aware it was a dream I was experiencing. To me it was a reality that I didn’t question. To capture the awe, the purity, the power was a beautiful sight and feeling. Next I was then lying in the bed, but looking down from above. I was neither ill or dead in body. Just relaxing. The waves and tide began to flow towards the bed.

The bed then wildly bobbed about in the water, carrying it about the room. An awesome ride. I wasn’t scared. Just excited to witness it.

 This dream place I’d arrived it was discovered whilst (in my dream) en route to the toilet. That door was at the back left this ocean room. Ange and I were at one of the Lizian Events Well-being Markets.

Real awake life: Ange and I had been talking about when we’d go to one of the smaller shows at Trowell in Nottingham. I then temporarily woke for an in the night real wee wee. I often have toilet dreams of not being able to pee, or sat naked on toilets in open rooms, with people about and being rather uncomfortable. I then got back in my real world bed and nodded off again, stepping straight back into the dream world. I think the day when I actually pee in a dream.. Will be the time to get a waterproof mattress cover and continence pads. (One has to plan for these things in ones mid 40’s)

Dream: Ange and I watched the TV screen as our Lottery numbers came up. We had won! The relief and elation of being able to chase our real dream felt fantastic, but at the same time..unreal. In this vision. Ange was telling me to resign from my job, I was saying I wanted to finish my course. I then had a conversation with beer and whisky with Ashley, Ange’s business partner. Saying we will look after him financially. We kept trying to find out the amount we’d won.. But this dream didn’t show it.

I keep dreaming lottery wins. Its not a wishful thinking obsession. the intention is to have the opportunity and ability to move to our retreat. But a previous dream did show very clearly. £3.2 Million pounds. 5,7,15,26,33,47.

Real life: We actually spent the drive to the hospital (my workplace) divvying up and listing what we would give to family and some close friends. Being extremely firm about the ‘no and fuck right off’ to the ‘out of the woodwork’ creepers and strangers that would suddenly appear.’ The money will be wisely invested to help others and animal the proper way. Not just for hangers on, the self entitlement believers, users, con artists and false ‘friends.’ The purchase of the Earth Tree Retreat – The triple bottom line. Which will benefit people, the local economy, sustainability and eco living. Paying off mortgages and the purchase of a Villa for Family to use. If one thing lockdown did for me and Ange. It was accepting it really is time to take action and move. Planning, procrastinating, dreaming and deciding our rat race escape.

Maybe the ongoing Reiki meditation practice, Mugwort biscuits and full body CBD oil massage treat last weekend did something. I have slept the deepest of sleeps this week. Nature’s herbs have wonderful relaxing effects and benefits. Maybe it was the brussel sprouts with dinner last night, or the non-filtered water with the cup of tea with a ‘film’ on it from NHS office taps and scaly kettles…

Real awake life: Yesterday as I was fussing the cats. I thought I’d lock the window ‘ajar’ so they get a little breeze in ‘their’ bedroom, as they like to sit on the window sniffing the air, looking at the birdies and world go by. Then a thought, feeling popped into my head… What if some sudden cloud, pollution, something bad or swarm of bees comes…They will get in?

I hesitated, but left it ajar.  Later that evening after work, I perused the news briefly. To see a ‘close your windows advice’ a large industrial fire pumping out smoke across the city centre. Not too far from where we live. But looking at the map. Not too near either. Coincidence?  Are we in the Matrix?

Upon discussing this… Ange said ‘You need to start writing, blogging your dreams again.’

Well dear readers.. Get ready for some weird shit!

Also in last night’s dream adventure. I was at my Auntie’s house.. but it wasn’t. It had many rooms I don’t recognise, a little inner/outdoors square space, surrounded by odd buildings and rooms.. As a wandered about. I entered an outside rivers edge. There were small furry animals. A bit like Lemmings. I then saw a huge Otter beast. She looked at me, and then collected her little furry babies. Put them in her den. I tried to indicate I was no threat. She then began to attack me, lunging.

RAAAAARRRRRGH

 Flash cut scene to a dusty sandy, hot place abroad. Wandering, witnessing dream humans interactions. A sandy ditch when one of my old bosses was, who had bought the plot. A group of them walked into it and pointed. He picked up some kind of wooded carved tribal doll and looked very worried… As if their land had been marked.

Dream diary enthusiasts, psychologists – please indulge me.

The Law of attraction is to get the funds to set up our retreat. I work relentlessly on channeling and creating music. We both work hard and don’t claim benefits.  I hope I can earn enough from it to sustain us. The retreat and the land it is on, whilst using modern innovations and technology. Needs to utilize sustainability. Looking at its carbon footprint, renewable energy. I want mostly off the grid but the real escape is to be around like minded folk with shared goals. The kind of campfire harmony of happiness, discussion, activities and off the land living.

Ange’s new businesses (Fenix Flames and of of the Directors at Fenix Flames publishing – which treats the authors a lot fairer, and encourages their creativity, than some publishers) that are the building blocks to her sustenance have many branches that all link up to Earth Tree Healing. It’s not ‘all about the money.’ We are very much driven with on our own integrity. We’ve all been twats and done twattish and regrettable things. Some folk learn from them and grow.  Like I say… As long as we have enough abundance to survive and be comfortable. We want to give back. Complete and enhance the cycle.  I’ve seen so many unhappy people with, money in the bank, possessions, nice holidays, good jobs. But all they want to have sometimes is love. Being along whilst not alone is a reality. Being alone, whilst alone can be an unbearable emptiness. I’ve found spiritual practices, I’m not talking religion – as I am not religious. I believe in lots, have faith in energies, spirit guides and beyond. Whatever gives you happiness and hope. The greater good. The selfless soul. The connected kind. Finding your tribe.  We all want a good life and a good death when we exit.

We can’t take possessions with us to the next life. What we can do is make positive impacts on this one, whilst adventuring and learning our lessons. Sometimes the body and memories fade. Which is another reason; Ange and I document and make videos of our adventures. Posterity.

This weekend, as well as my 2nd Covid vaccination. (Hoping I’m not going to feel as lethargic this time) _ Like I said, growing gills and mutating into an amphibian before 60, is not my first choice of the dream bod, but I will give it a go kids! Variety, spice and all that jazz.  

We will begin de junking our house, selling, giving away, and donating items that no longer serve us. Bar sentimental possessions. A declutter, tidy and creating space is a good thing for us.  I’m a big fan and believer of ‘pay it forward’ and synchronicity, serendipity.

I’ve also pre warned our neighbour to ignore the screaming abuse and shouting that will ensure. Unfortunately and hysterically for some. (If you have ever travelled in our car with us and witnessed it) Every time we try to clear up the space behind the TV, under the stairs. A rage engulfs us both. Team work makes the dream work. Domestic Blitz! This week already, the tape measure has caused upset, anger with incorrect measurements. The Poof in the middle of the living room gets in my way, Ange loves it, fills it with shit. (Oops her shit… it’s not shit) I wanted to make an ‘Adventures with Clange’ time-lapse and documentary of this. Ange said no! Because she knows the row will affect our ‘public upstanding citizen reputation’ into foul mouthed angry stubborn bitches that can’t play nice together. This is why we don’t play ‘Monopoly’ or ‘Risk’ together anymore. With trivial bickerings. We both deeply love each other.

Clange v’s Clutter Dejunk Part 1

YouTube Video

  • Claudine AKA Claud, Claude, Claudia, Claudette, Clorette Lovey, Pauline, Bob 2, Brittany, Clods and a number of things. I’ll answer to anything.

You can also follow Adventures With Clange on our YouTube platform. These are mine, Ange’s records of trips, food, family. Check out the older playlists too from my Claudine West Channel.

Earth Tree Healing. New Age, Spiritual and instrumental music for meditation and relaxation Music links

Claudine West music, travel

Soul Sunshine and Pilgrimage of Elements

I’d been looking forward to annual leave from my NHS day job for months. We should have been going to Cyprus. (But that certain pandemic put a stop to that!) So on 1st April 2021. We travelled to Mablethorpe on the east coast of middle England and it’s surrounding coast on a Clange road trip – our first visit to the sea in months. It was really cold. On our 10th Handfasting Anniversary. The desolation of pre season pandemic seaside towns, that look like a zombie apocalypse movie set, with an endless sea of empty caravans. Just added to my feelings of bleakness whilst searching for sunshine. But the Nutella doughnuts were good. Video below.

A positive though is that it has enabled us to invest in 7 of my Earth Tree Healing albums duplicated onto CD to sell – via

Fenix Flames website

Taking full advantage of lockdown confinement. I’ve just completed a new ambient album in my home studio called Pilgrimage of Elements. Music Links

Pilgrimage of Elements

What stemmed from seeing a word #Werifesteria on a friends social media post (thanks Don!). ‘Werifesteria’ – verb meaning to wander longingly through the forest in search of mystery.’ This set me off on and exploration without physical boundaries.

Connection to Earth (Werifesteria) Water (Azure Oceans) Fire (Sacred Fire) Air (Anima) and Spirit (Divine Journey)

Tracks are just under 10 mins each. The music is less melodic, more ambient. Very nice to meditate to. The track ‘Sacred Fire’ features a recording of tribal drumming round the fire at a Pagan Tribal Gathering Camp.

This year, as I explore the countryside on new ‘Adventures With Clange.’ I’ll add footage to the music.

Whilst I experience a blissful state composing. Something dark affected me badly last week. It’s been creeping up on me again for a while. I had put it down to exam nerves, relentless working fatigue. Working from home has its ups and downs, but I am very grateful my bosses have kept me safe and workplace has been really supportive with wellbeing for staff. I’m so glad I have Ange to talk to about this stuff. Who really helps sort ‘me’ out.

I have loved being in the company and pestered by our cats Pattie & Rambo (even though we lost Tipsy last year, I was lucky to spend lockdown #1 with her, unknowing at the time she would have to be put to sleep in November. Which broke our hearts. Check out @clangecats on Instagram.

Ange works from home anyway downstairs, so I located myself upstairs. As to not get on each other’s boobage. I’d felt really quite unwell mentally and physically recently. Anxiety was creeping back. Neglect of the basics of wellness is not good for me. I’d talked about it with Ange. She asked if I was still taking my vitamin D? I’d stopped the extra high strength dose a few months ago to have a break, whilst trying different supplements. Well….. there is a lesson again for me, during a winter that I’ve spent shielding indoors. It’s felt really cold and dark. My blissful safe 4 walls has kept me safe and warm. The cross trainer providing exercise. But the 4 walls had begun to make me feel trapped. I craved green trees and blue skies. I kept telling myself all these mind chatter negatives and problems were smaller than I thought. Everything will be and is actually all good.

Constant fatigue, mind fog, generally feeling off, muscle aches, lack of energy.

The lack of the Sun. That wonderful warmth that bursts through clouds to recharge body and soul had been lacking. I’d managed a brief bicycle ride after getting mine serviced. But sat in a bitter cold wind, cursing myself for not braving cold walks outdoors. My whisker biscuit temporarily ruined again, getting used to the saddle! Ouch! My knees sound crunchier than crushing crackling. Self rage. Missed opportunities. But this Lockdown has seen healthier eating habits form and weight loss.

Am I Peri-Menopausal? Something is definitely changing in that department. Being in my mid forties now. Having to get varifocals too. Wow. With that comes hobbies, such as an extreme liking for visiting garden centers and comparing cheese scones. Whilst getting routine medical things back on track (hunt my Cervix for my smear test has been another drama! and that’s another story best served cold graphically with friends and family!!!! – The 3rd medical profession found it! )

I’d tried an apple cider vinegar supplement capsules. (As wanted to to get away from drinking shots.) Unfortunately they constipated me and gave me tummy ache.. Gutted.

So what did I do? That I personally feel helps me.

A morning Matcha tea powder shot (disgusting, swamp like, earthy, green)

I started again on high dose vitamin D, Meditation, a quality Royal Jelly tablet added. (Along with already taking Turmeric and Bee Propolis.)

Reconnected with Reiki – as I do when I meditate.

The blue healing candle on my music altar burned unusually high and brightly. Rambo cat came in the room meowing, woke me with a start, back into the muggle land matrix. Then the smoke alarm went off. Terrifying all in the house!

I had a CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply) exam yesterday at college. A retake, as I’m really not academic my memory is shot. I revise and revise. The experiences of failing exams,(especially nasty when it’s 2% from a pass!) on a subject such as commercial contracting for example – something I neither have personal interest in, nor job experience – is a punch in the fanny. But you get knocked down. The drive to complete, finish the course gets one back up again.. after a pity party, disappointed tutor of course. A change of approach to study time, utilising more resources for the theory understanding. When exam questions seem gibberish, unintelligible – the rot of self doubt, shame, frustration and incompetence creeps in. Then the ‘Claud – you are a creative! Once this qualification is complete. You can fully focus on your bliss again…and have life back…. kicks in. ‘Ange will also remind you how fooking mardy and miserable you have been. I just need to stop trying to fit in, in muggle land. It was never meant to be for me. Can’t talk the talk, or kiss the arses. Lockdown isolation from people has generated an even bigger rethink of ones future. Just got to make it happen. Working for the greater good, sacrifices selfish gain.. I can live with that (Enough rahing on Claud!!! Well Anyway!)

Balancing this – an apprenticeship level 4 Diploma, full time day job work and being a musician/composer. (Violins in background, tiny ones too) Really is a challenge. This year I’ll complete. 2 years later… But better to have done it during a year of lockdown and achieved another qualification for day job work. Having spoken to fellow students and their struggles with this course. I now do not feel as bad and traumatized as before. I need to stop being so harsh with myself. In hindsight. My lack of ability to concentrate had also, I believe been part of my vitamin D deficiency symptoms. On top of my obligatory seasonal SAD issues.

Those that moan of lack of time, motivation or boredom. Get off your arses, do not wine to me! Nothing is free, hard work pays off. It might not be pleasant and will piss you off and tire you out. Procrastinating is non productive. A wasted life is bitter spent. ‘Poor me’ is easy, pro activity pays off, you don’t need to read a fucking self help book to find that one out.

I met and fell in love with ‘Godzilla.’ A tortoise. You hold them like a burger. Listening to his breath, and him kicking me with surprisingly strong legs, has left me filled with a surprisingly huge new found affection. They are going to find him a girlfriend at West Notts College. Love him.

We drove up to The Peak District at the weekend. (Now lockdown rules are relaxing and remaining very careful and socially distancing…. and our use of home lateral flow tests to keep friends and family safe) we’ve both had our first vaccine doses. The AstraZeneca one. Only side effects for both of us was fatigue the next day. (A duvet day helped and lost weekend) If I start growing gills at 50 and mutating…Well at least I’d had had a few good holidays.

Fresh air, amazing views. Beautiful, snowy, great fish and chips.

Castleton Fish and Chips

Clange Video here

So in conclusion. I’m starting to feel much better, sleeping better. That inner and outer wellbeing feeling is returning. The world is not so dark. Spring has sprung pretty blossoms. Looking forward to a summer of safe adventures, even if we cant leave the UK. As ever thank you Ange for putting up with me, loving me and supporting me when I’m a Twunt.

  • Take care, be kind, adventure, be happy – Claudine

In other news: My winter PlayStation gaming is done. Playing Days Gone and The Last of Us 2 have been nightmare winter inducing zombie games. Fortunately neither have turned me into a crazed potential murderer or violent individual.

Not watching the drivel of the doom mongering news, has enabled mind wellness. A pursuit into physical and spiritual wellness follows. More time spent connecting with trees.

Massive thanks to the following YouTube creators for getting us through lockdown after Netflix and The Mandalorian. I’d not chosen to read books, as found my mind was too exhausted studying and I have a tendency to fall asleep, neverminded how riveting. Maybe I’ll try audio books. These are a few of our discoveries and favorites. As well as Friday night virtual foodie adventures exploring the planet virtually and planning our own.

The Endless Adventure The Endless Adventure – YouTube

Yes Theory Yes Theory – YouTube

Else Rhae and Barron Elsa Rhae & Barron – YouTube

Cecelia Blomdahl Cecilia Blomdahl – YouTube

Sailing La Vagabonde Sailing La Vagabonde – YouTube

Casey Neistat CaseyNeistat – YouTube

MrBeast MrBeast – YouTube

The exPAWers the exPAWers – YouTube

Flying The Nest Flying The Nest – YouTube

My Self Reliance My Self Reliance – YouTube

California Through My Lens California Through My Lens – YouTube

Our own Channel – Adventures With Clange Adventures With Clange – YouTube

I promised Ange no
more extreme hair cuts with no more lockdowns
Claudine West creativity, life, music

Only Human After All

It’s now February 2021.

I had the Oxford jabsy vaccination yesterday.

It’s 5am. Our cat Rambo is pestering me in bed, and being a pesky annoyance harassing us for the last few nights lots…in his springtime excitement

My arm is hurting. Otherwise – feeling pretty good so far. Bar lethargic today and needed an afternoon kip.

I received a shielding letter yesterday – even though I’ve been very safe, careful and home working for the majority of the pandemic. I have some box ticking underlying health conditions. (Which I’m working on to improve, with support from my health providers)

Yes sometimes in moments my worse fears have been present. To my knowledge I haven’t had COVID or needed to test for it. But for all I know maybe I have? I’ve had the odd few days in the last year of feeling a bit rough, some sinus headaches, weather changes and a nasty UTI when Tipsy our cat got ill and put to sleep.

All those other viruses did not just go away. Bar getting it from the local cob shop. We’ve been pretty lucky when ‘super spreading’ has been allegedly rife everywhere.

We had a good virtual catch up via Zoom with friends last night. Netflix binge watching recommendations were plentiful. Along with a hilarious sleepwalking ‘checkout operator’ In bed story. Involving the contents of bedside cabinet being scanned into ‘under the covers.’ The realisation that nearly a year of this has gone by. Reminiscent recalls of those old times of hugs, holidays and socialising in the flesh. Wow! Facebook memory lane!

Watched a really funny film ‘Booksmart.’ Our sense of humour too.

With an easing of lockdown in the UK on the horizon. We are accepting – this year will, in many ways be restricted with movement and interaction with loved ones. This thing can’t last forever… well we will see!

Making the most of a crazy circumstance been the enabler for us : A productive working from home regime with the many facets of what we do.

Indeed opportunities knocked, were manifested and embraced. Adapt and conquer, or don’t.

With an improved and growing international reach of my Music. Ange’s businesses in the world of Tarot, book publishing, herbs, oils & candles are thriving.

Survival – financially, physically, practically and emotionally was the goal from lockdown 1. Yes we did it.

Be in no doubt, we have had our ‘moments.’ Some domestic arguments, irritated each other at times.

But perseverance and positive thinking remains the dominant thing. Days job stresses are my main trigger, followed by the approach to perimenopausal beginnings. Yes some low days. (See previous blog) But mainly good and productive days.

From the start of lockdown 1. I made a promise to myself to be productive with my passion – music. An album ‘GODS’ some enriching and ongoing collaborative work. I’m now working on a new album Goddess 2 for 2022. Let us not forget, the release of our live, raw improvised album via Stinking Rita band – Live From Studio Five (recorded in between lockdown restrictions last year in a rehearsal studio)

Spare time from full time day jobsy in the NHS & studying for a CIPS qualification is spent musically. (Bar killing a few zombie hoards on the PlayStation) it has become a productive Groundhog Day.

Leisure time is spent holidaying and exploring otherworldly interests and posting cooking videos via YouTube.

After a brief cold spell. We are venturing out locally for nature walks- the cross trainer has been my winter mode of good sweats.

Ange & I have indeed become weary and frustrated of our lack of freedom to travel – but have been good girls with the imposed ‘rules.’ The long dark winter months are never a favourite time of the year. Switching off the horrors, speculations of the media and reading books, listening to podcasts has been the way for me to distract from the shite of what we are presented with.

Disconnection has been healthy for me – as am not a social butterfly. Becoming even less so over the years. Keeping good friends close and everyone else at a distance virtually is good for me. Yes you can see my activities and sharings, (a record of memories for Clange)

I don’t look much at what others are up to, which in some ways is disconnecting.

In our home environment – we are de cluttering slowly. Filling every wall space left in the house with wall tapestries. Mystical additions to salt lamps with mellow lighting has improved our surroundings and limited space.

I did have a very busy and in some ways shitty dark January- good riddance you sticky stinky arsehole with fleas and piles!

Even my sad lamp stuttered. But a Gousto delivered meals regime of some very nice food, cooked live on Facebook & YouTube 4 nights a week by Ange is like eating out, at home.

https://youtube.com/channel/UCPQcD0P6MHFET1ksQ0XT2fA

Whilst not costing us the earth. Our food waste has definitely declined. It’s just the extra cardboard packaging. (That we recycle)

This new, free from supermarket visits life is great. Once a month, a staple goods online delivery. Weekly fresh food from Gousto & our farm shop. Has saved time & money for us.

We have enjoyed some weekend takeaway deliveries from ‘Filthy Vegan.’ A monster kebab with hot sauce!

As a regime of gradual and healthy weight loss fills us with wellbeing. (the odd blip week when the scales just say – “slightly disappointed, but don’t give up- if you don’t order naughty snacks – you can’t eat them bitches.”

Lessons… progress. Positive habit changes.

Ange did a lovely thing the other day. We are both very aware that others are not as fortunate as us. We are by no means wealthy with money. We are abundant and grateful of everything else.

We had a good month. So Ange went out and bought and donated some staple food stuffs (and a cake for the volunteers) who are providing cheap and free cooked meals at a local community centre.

Whilst also supporting animal charities, which we continue to do. It’s nice to not be selfish.

A big high five to those of you that have fund raised for good causes, volunteered, done your bit and philanthropists. Paying it forward feels good.

We were talking last night about how judgemental and dictatorial some folk have become… these post notification social media keyboard warriors, self professed experts ‘Ranting Twats’ in their chosen field of being fucking obnoxious and entitled. Yep.. we’ve all seen it and cringed, unfollowed, un friended. Not that this virtual reality of social media ‘friendships’ truly fills the void of human to human interaction.

The path to Dystopian nightmares in gaining traction. With technological distraction.

Ban your mobile phone for an hour and focus on the physical… wow… therapy for the addicts.

Weaned off the loneliness of virtual reality… now that is an impossible task for some.

I remember 10p in a phone box was the thing when I was a kid.

How times have changed.

Along with living amongst potholes, bodge jobs with no longevity of the fix, (as there is no money, a lot of wasted money in a failed energy company too. Why, when you are not experts or the monopoly in that field even attempt it!) – have a looksie too at Denmark’s plastic recycled roads. Oh and really bad inconsiderate drivers are everywhere, road hogging cyclists and a city that needs some TLC when it opens up again. I have visions of cities in the Walking Dead!

Then, there are the ones, that are able to articulate sensibly their opinions and have a decent debate, when these things differ from others. I prefer them.

Ange and I are intrigued by some Nordic areas and ways of life and are planning a visit.

We have been encouraged by ideas, proposals and support the Nottingham Green Quarter group, Nottingham Cohousing & Good Food Partneship. https://www.facebook.com/groups/nottinghamgreenquarter/?ref=share

I’m not a fan of the greyness and unsustainable greed of cities.

Ethical and sustainable approaches in business and living is paramount to our future.

Even though Ange and I are craving travel and road trips. (And are adventuring in food atm) Planning and researching is fun and fills us with excitement. Most importantly – hope.

Nearly a year of Pandemic (for whatever the real truths are around this thing) has left us restricted, grieving, struggling at times, but mainly resilient, productive and resourceful. Some have not opted for that route. I’ve interacted and listened with people who have experienced isolation, fear, rejection, mental health issues and it’s really is a sad thing.

Anxiety (I’ve had some worrying episodes) is the controlling mystery monster that never truly explains why when it exits its hole! But techniques, meditation, Reiki, reassurance, talking about it, has helped me combat that dark, bleak, empty, terrifying, panic entity in my mind.

There is also that elephant in my rooms of subconscious. The dreaming. An ocean of visual delights, horrors, strange need. My brain, soul, past lives are creating a murmuration of a party in my pants. I experience life times during those REM sleeps. The weird, the re digested is put into Claud’s mixing bowl of night movies and spat out. Recently hanging out with Tom Cruise (nothing sexual, even for a lesbian)

I don’t journal my dreams. I’ve already sought and found my mission and messages in the life (by no means does this mean I’m a complete enlightened being yet) I am cracking on with that journey. With the downs and ups that brings.

I’m now focussing on the beautiful awakenings of spring, walks by the river, blossom, the freshening of air.

The lilley pads in the lake. Those still moments of joy and breathing. Nature connection. The big wide sky. A little bit of tree hugging harmed no one and no thing.

As always – making music saved and saves me from an apocalypse in mind, soul and body parts. I can wrap myself up in it, never mind what is outside my creative cocoon.

Sobriety (mostly I have an unpleasant after effect of feeling depressed from drinking. Tea and a clearer head, has been the better version of me for a number of years) and spirituality is the path my twenty something I was weary of and uneducated in. This is now my (lot better) reality.

These thinking early woke hours, spent manifesting good things. Along with lesser times chewing over the bad and forcing myself free of those voices and frustrations. A mindfulness exorcism is something needed. Or a pep talk along the lines of ‘sort your shit out!’

Good days and bad days exist.

But…. the future, as well as the present should be embraced with all the positivity the world can muster. Survival and wellbeing. I’m sure there will be lots with a whole bucket list of regrets in hindsight, who did not invent or embrace opportunities, but dwell and place blame. Effort is sometime painful, exhausting. When I’ve failed an exam. I studied harder, sacrificed more free leisure time and retook to gain a distinction. Pleased? Accomplished? Hell yes!

But even with successes and failures. The effort of doing and trying is very rewarding. I much more enjoy the journeys than indulging the end results. As soon as one journey is finished, I don’t want to remain still, but embark on another.

With a daily routine of gratitude and appreciating loved ones and all that extra time with our cats. We journey on in this….adventure.

I am only human here…. after all. (Please excuse typos.. you get the gust)

My music links https://linktr.ee/earthtreehealing

Rambo #hurtstits
Rambo #hurtsboobies
Claudine West 2020

Random Conversation With Angela – Claudine and Ian — LizianEvents News — Angela Barker Tarot

Today’s podcast takes the listener to America. You will listen to Angela’s – Claudine’s and Ian’s anecdotes of travelling in America. Of course there will be laughs a’plenty during the hour conversation: Go to: Texas SanFrancisco Hot Springs And New Orleans Listen to the Podcast: More About Claudine Earth Tree Healing Multi-instrumentalist/Composer Claudine West… via Random […]

via Random Conversation With Angela – Claudine and Ian — LizianEvents News — Angela Barker Tarot