Tag: Inspiring

Monday Magic – Inspiring Christmas Blogs

On By Claire Saul (PainPalsBlog)In Blogging, Blogs, Christmas, chronic illness7 Comments

Good evening!  I’m a bit late posting today as the dreaded task had to be done – Christmas shopping!  I have to be honest and say that this is the first year that I was dreading the trip that has become something of a tradition for Duncan and me over the last decade.  We get up and head off in time to have our breakfast in a cafe just off the market place, and then enjoy some empty shops before the crowds arrive.Christmas Blogs

But with each year early mornings become trickier and some days I can rival the youngsters for not being able to get out of bed.  Then there is the cold…and it was cold this morning!  Typically as the temperatures plummeted this week, so our central heating behaved in the same way as my body….it grumbled, then shrieked in protest, and finally refused to cooperate! So between dodgy pipework in the home and dodgy systems in my body, I have been snookered.  But I am pleased to announce that we did it…..even managed to find a very central blue badge parking spot and found that the cafe could cater for my increasing dietary restrictions.  The bulk of the shopping has been completed between today’s haul and my online exploits, and Duncan used the wheelchair as an effective battering ram as the crowds increased toward lunch time.

So now I am flaked out, dosed up to the eyeballs for my dodgy shoulder that constantly forgets the ball is supposed to live inside the socket, and have put together my favourite Christmas inspired posts of the week.  I have even managed to persuade the lovely girl to photograph our Christmas tree for you….Xmas tree

There is a blast from the past with eighties gifts (my generation – I had a Petite typewriter), a short story with a twist in the tale, suggestions for those of us with chronic health, crafts for the kids, food….food….and some more food!  If you don’t have time to check out all of the posts – please let me direct you to the final post (film) which will bring a smile to your face…hopefully without a Bah Humbug in sight!

  1. https://fancypaperblog.wordpress.com/2016/12/28/christmas-presents-of-the-eighties/
  2. http://www.mursway.com/2017/12/4-fashionable-christmas-films-you-need.html
  3. http://www.thebigmoneysaver.com/55-non-toy-christmas-gifts-kids/
  4. https://thatblogwherecheriemovestogermany.wordpress.com/2017/12/06/christmas-cookies-and-afternoon-drinking/
  5. https://bysarahwhiley.wordpress.com/2017/12/09/death-by-roses/
  6. https://blondieaka.wordpress.com/2017/12/15/christmas-recipes-christmas-dinner-the-starter/
  7. https://www.mostlyblogging.com/inspire-me-monday-linky-party-160/
  8. http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/holiday-throwdown-are-you-in/
  9. https://wheelescapades.com/2017/01/01/christmas-new-year-and-those-in-between/
  10. http://chronicmomlife.com/a-very-chronic-christmas-surviving-the-holidays/
  11. https://www.redtedart.com/diy-christmas-pop-up-card/
  12. https://humblefaithfamilywellness.com/christmas-break-stay-cations-ideas/
  13. http://www.raisiebay.com/2017/12/christmas-finding-spirit.html
  14. http://thethyroiddamsel.com/the-9th-day-of-blogmas/
  15. https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/448389706643263767/
  16. https://thepinterestedparent.com/2017/11/fork-painted-christmas-tree/
  17. http://invisiblyme.com/2017/12/18/the-christmas-tag-grinchy-or-merry/
  18. https://hughsviewsandnews.com/2017/12/18/help-me-raise-250-for-the-dogs-trust-by-leaving-me-a-link-to-your-blog
  19. http://mommadjane.com/cranberry-orange-sugar-scrub
  20. https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2017/12/18/smorgasbord-christmas-afternoon-video-happy-christmas-from-the-fur-family/

Scan0001Please comment, like posts and share far and wide in the spirit of the season!  Have a great week,

Merry Christmas,

Claire x

 

Monday Magic – Inspiring Blogs for You!

On By Claire Saul (PainPalsBlog)In Blogging, Blogs, chronic illness14 Comments

This weekend has been one of Remembrance in so many places across the globe.  With Saturday being the 11th November, it was totally fitting that the Lord Mayor’s parade in the City of London started with the playing of the last post and a 2 minute silence.  In true UK style, the weather was miserable – I can’t remember the last time it was fair for the Lord Mayor’s show!!  Sunday however was a beautiful, crisp day as the veterans and current serving forces gathered alongside politicians, members of the public and the royal family for the service at the Cenotaph.  The oldest veteran attending, a 99 year old former Royal Marine Ernie Searling, sent a heartfelt message to the world – “I feel very humble seeing so many hundreds of men and women on the parade today. So very, very humble, particularly those who are not with us on this day today… All I hope is that the future generations could see this parade, see some solidarity in it. See that the betterment of mankind in England, especially Great Britain, should be at its highest level. We don’t want street fights. We don’t want arguments. We don’t want racial injustice. All those things are horrible!” He brought a tear to eyes in our lounge.

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Former Royal Marine Ernie Searling

Over the last week the BBC have been broadcasting a series of programmes celebrating and highlighting the roles women have played in war over the last one hundred years – Women at War 100 Years of Service.  – currently available on the iplayer.  It is difficult not to be inspired by the young women of the World Wars who were trailblazers for so many careers that women had previously not been able to undertake – and I would imagine that this is the case in other parts of the world when the men were on the front line.  Some of these women, now elderly ladies, recounted tales of their training and deployment – as radio operators, munitions workers, pilots and engineers. These women paved the way for both women in the forces and in the workplace generally.

Image from Homefront Heroines website
Recruitment poster

My first inspiring blog for you today follows this theme and gives thanks on Remembrance Day – but the others have a mixture of themes from midlife crisis (me!!) to migraines to books & disability to Christmas baking & gifts!  Not on quite the same par as WW2, but I think that you will enjoy these inspiring posts and urge you to grab a drink, take a seat and enjoy.

https://butterflyinremission.wordpress.com/2017/11/10/with-heartfelt-thanks-on-remembrance-day/

https://www.shailajav.in/shifting-perspective-create-more-than-consume/

http://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2017/11/that-midlife-crisis.html

http://www.youcanalwaysstartnow.com/2015/06/01/success-who-gets-to-define-it/

https://brainlessblogger.net/2017/11/12/symptoms-of-a-migraine-that-can-be-as-severe-as-the-pain/

https://ginlemonade.wordpress.com/2017/11/03/3-books-3-blogs-from-gemma-at-wheelescapades/

http://drallisonbrown.com/power-perspective-shoe-fits-wear/

https://cookandenjoyrecipes.wordpress.com/2017/11/11/ess-gf-christmas-candy-cane-butter-biscuits/

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Image fro The Recipe Hunter

https://chronicrants.com/2017/11/01/defining-affordable/

https://theblogbroadblog.wordpress.com/2017/11/11/great-gifts-ideas-from-uncommon-goods/

As ever please share this post and these posts if you enjoy them!

love Claire x

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Monday Magic - Remembrance

 

 

 

Monday Magic – Inspiring Blogs for You!

On By Claire Saul (PainPalsBlog)In Blogging, Blogs, chronic illness8 Comments

8Welcome to another Monday Magic and some great blog posts to entertain and inspire.  The last week has seen both Halloween and Bonfire night – I think that we gave out goodies to about 50 little witches and monsters (I know, this is small fry compared to some of my pals in the USA), and the fireworks seem to have been almost nightly.

 

I have to give a shout out to all our pets for having to put up with this human fascination with loud explosions, deafening whistles and a sky full of bright lights.  Our old boy Samson spends much of the evening barking or trying to hide – at approx 15 he is getting on in dog years and periods of doggy dementia do kick in, particularly with fireworks.  The beautiful Chester, our surrogate dog who we look after for friends and love as our own, was also very chilled on Saturday night unlike his best buddy Freddy (a neighbours’ pooch) who also spent the night barking.  The things we put them through!

Our house has been transformed into an artist’s studio again this week, as the lovely girl has been putting together her sketch books for an interview at school tomorrow.  Having 2 weeks half term holiday has given her even more time to spread her wares from room to room to room……I know I’m biased but she has come up with some great concepts for the project title “I. Me, Mine”.  Meanwhile hubby, otherwise known as Mr Intimate Audio, has also been creating as he looks at new and exciting finishes for the hifi horn speakers that he designs and builds.  I think that we need a studio…..IMG_3541

I, meanwhile, have found you a mixture of posts this week starting with “November Prompts” from my friend Sheryl at A Chronic Voice – this is a lovely link up, that I will try to put my own prompts to this month.  I have found an interesting post about modern racism, some wonderful poetry on Thoughts from Jasmine, a post about social anxiety in children (very applicable for my lot even if they are tweens!) along with a mix of chronic illness posts.  Need I say more – grab a cuppa, turn off your phone and enjoy some great reads!

https://www.achronicvoice.com/2017/11/02/november-prompts/

https://www.anempoweredspirit.com/seasons/

https://jadealicexxo.wixsite.com/jadealicexxo

https://www.judyedwinamartin.com/sugar-and-spice-being-woman-is-nice/

https://thoughtsfromjasmine.wordpress.com/2017/11/02/growing-up-with-modern-racism/

https://talesofaneglectedwomanchild.wordpress.com/2017/11/03/deep-water/

http://coffeeandcarpool.com/how-help-your-child-when-they-worry-about-social-situations/

https://noonegetsflowersforchronicpain.com/2016/01/30/i-fell-apart-it-was-beautiful/

https://dazzlingzebra.wordpress.com/2017/08/21/dazzling-zebra/

http://www.ayni-books.com/books/acts-kindness-from-your-armchair

Please, please make someone’s day and like, follow, comment on their post if you enjoy it.

Claire x

 

Monday Magic 6 Nov
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Monday Magic – Inspiring Blogs for You

On By Claire Saul (PainPalsBlog)In Blogging, Blogs, chronic illness17 Comments

Welcome back to Pain Pals for what I hope will be a great week following a fantastic weekend! Those of you who have read my previous couple of posts will know that our lovely girl has her German exchange partner staying – an equally lovely young man of 15 and about 6 feet 3!!  We had a house full on the first night as we hosted all the English girls and German boys & girls to help break the ice; and then when hubby arrived home Saturday evening having collected from ice skating & bowling, I couldn’t help thinking “Bloody hell, my new car really is big” as the front door opened and a stream of teens came in.

There were 16 in total – and no it turns out that the car isn’t really a Tardis – but they were followed by a steady stream of takeaway deliveries from 5 outlets.  I can’t remember when, if ever our doorbell has rung so many times on a Saturday night! I just commented on an EDS Facebook group that a huge positive for us this week has been to see our normally angst ridden teen turn into a group organiser and hostess.  We had only been expecting 6 back on Saturday, but in order to avoid some breakdowns within the group our girl sorted them all (and took over our lounge ha, ha, ha) with tact and diplomacy to ensure everyone had a good evening.  Teenage relationships can be so tricky at the best of times, but throw in different languages, exchange partners paired who ordinarily wouldn’t be in the same friendship groups, one all girls school & one mixed sex, and the probability for issues is huge!  It has been interesting to see that the mixed sex pairings – like our lovely girl and lovely German boy – have been less problematic than the all girls – teenage girls and friendships equals another blog post entirely methinks!  The mixed sex group – 4 couples – went to Thorpe Park Fright Night on Friday and had a fantastic time. Not my cup of tea but they loved it.

IMG_3477As for me I am officially exhausted, typing one handed whilst in a sling again, but am officially one very proud mum having watched my girl blossom before my eyes.  Some might say turning into a chip off the old block – and even her eldest brother commented that the social awkwardness she professes to have is just not evident for the rest of us.  Today they have all gone to Brighton – the Pavilion, fish and chips, the beach and the lanes. Whilst the fatigue and dislocation have taken their toll, I have found some more fabulous blog posts for you to enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

So grab a cuppa, kick you heels up and sit back to read some fab pieces, all very different but all inspiring.  I particularly love the Lush products review from Katie Cupcake and the beautiful piece about friendship from Happiness and Food. Enjoy!

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Photo from Katie Cupcake Life With ME

 

https://fictionisfood.com/2017/10/14/thoughts-on-nannowrimo/#more-4179

https://www.sp-bx.com/rick-and-morty-season-3-review-the-best-season-so-far/

https://clockworkclouds.wordpress.com/2017/10/09/can-you-overthink-an-idea/

http://katiecupcakelifewithme.com/review-with-me/lush-karma-spa-treatment-event-review/

https://www.happinessandfood.com/name-happy/

https://zebratalez.com/2017/10/15/10-social-security-disability-tips/

http://invisiblenotbroken.com/blog/2017/10/4/best-podcasts-to-listen-to-when-stuck-in-bed-with-chronic-pain

http://withoutacrystalball.com/2017/10/12/day-found-family-chronically-ill/

http://www.healthyeatingexperts.com/holistic-therapist-kicked-depression-said-bye-bloat-chronic-digestive-issues-naturally/

https://livingwithme.blog/2017/10/12/all-time-low/

Please comment, share and spread some love for your fellow bloggers.

love Claire x

Monday Magic - Inspiring Blogs for You! (1)

 

 

Monday Magic – Inspiring Blogs for You!

On By Claire Saul (PainPalsBlog)In Blogging, Blogs, chronic illness9 Comments

Welcome to another week and to some more great blog posts!  It has been a busy week in our household and some of you might have seen my post about moving one son home and the other off to university.  Funny how Duncan and I have both woken up with splitting headaches this morning…..the only extra comment today on the move to Nottingham, is how can a supposedly bright young man arrive in his room at university and have not packed a single pen in his luggage??

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We have also celebrated my daughter’s birthday this week and we did wonder what we were letting ourselves in for when we agreed that she and her friends could have an evening at home….pizza, popcorn, films.  Eleven girls, aged 15 & 16, on a school night – how hard could it possibly be?  Actually it was easy….but extremely loud!  The girls restored my faith in teen friendships, having heard about various fallings out in girls’ groups and bitching recently. My girl is always very concerned about her friends and tends to be the problem solver in the group, quietly trying to keep the status quo between the more vocal characters.  There have been some subtle changes in the group dynamics recently, but I can honestly say that this particular group is kind and caring.  They had made her a wonderful “Pride striped” birthday cake and arrived with a personalised balloon.  Long may it continue.File_000

 

Last night I watched the opening of the Invictus Games in Canada, and yet again I was unable to stop the tears.  How can we not be moved by these service men & women from across the globe, who have been so badly physically and mentally injured serving, yet have pulled themselves back from the brink to represent their countries again? A very different theatre undoubtedly, but the courage, strength and sheer bloody mindedness is inspirational. It does make me wonder what I have to complain about…..am I trying hard enough….but it is all relative.  However I was inspired to get some physio done in next door’s gym this morning! Monday Magic - Inspiring Blogs for You!

So whilst we are on subject of inspiration, I hope that you will enjoy this selection blog posts that I have put together this week…..a mixture of chronic illness, motivation and even preparing your own coconut oil (the photos on this post are fanatastic!).  So time to get that drink, sit down and enjoy!

https://motivatemenow.co.uk/2017/09/18/how-to-create-a-more-fulfilling-future-blog-series/

https://blondieaka.wordpress.com/2017/03/24/how-to-make-your-own-coconut-oil/

http://thedailymanic.com/manage-life-change-future-unknown/

http://xofaith.com/3-epic-reduce-stress/

https://www.mymeenalife.com/surprising-things-diagnosed-with-lupus/

http://alifewellred.com/3-ridiculously-easy-ways-save-money-holiday-season/

http://coffeeheartmind.com/meet-ivy/

http://mini2z.com/after-the-storm/

https://alifelessphysical.com/2017/09/24/perfect-presents-for-people-with-chronic-pain/

http://www.jennavon.com/?p=584

Please comment, like & share these posts, and support your fellow bloggers,

Claire x8

Monday Magic – Inspiring Blogs for You!

On By Claire Saul (PainPalsBlog)In Blogging, Blogs, chronic illness, chronic pain, Poem12 Comments

Good Morning and welcome to another week, another Monday Magic and some more great blog posts to explore!  Monday Magic

Here in England the schools return this week, much to my daughter’s disgust, and it feels slightly odd that we only have one child still at school.  I have almost missed the ritual trip out to buy school shoes and stationary, but my 15 year old doesn’t need me for this any longer.  Note that I have said ALMOST, not really missing queuing up with a numbered ticket in a branch of Clarks along with a bunch of harassed mums and boisterous children……however there are going to be some shopping lists I should think, ahead of the soon to be politics student going off to uni in a couple of weeks.  He is more concerned about his football season ticket and joining the Facebook freshers’ group than how many sets of bed linen and cutlery he might need. Who am I kidding? One set of bedding will last the term, won’t it – there is no way my 18 year old son will change it of his own accord, YUK!

Moving on swiftly, September is Chronic Pain awareness month and naturally with my background I will be mentioning it….just a few times!  This week also happens to be Fibromyalgia awareness week – which falls under the chronic pain umbrella – and Kat writes about this over on Chronically Composed – a Scottish journey with Chronic Pain.  The other posts I have found this week include a back to school guide, an emotive poem about depression (you can see I have commented on it), a young dad struggling with illness and surgery whilst raising his family, and a face that many of you are already familiar with – Danny from Dream Big who is currently concentrating on his Youtube channel and MS awareness.  Plus a great post looking at what is more important in blogging…numbers or friendship?

But to kick off I have kindly been given permission to bring you this fun poem from Anna on Healing Hugs and Hope blog……

An Ode to My Heating Pad

Oh, heating pad,
 your warm hugs ease
my aches and pains.
I need your healing squeeze
When my feet get cold,
or when I get one of my migraines.

From arthritis to subluxations,

you’ve nursed me through.
When I find my muscles tied,
I cuddle up to you.
It’s so nice and toasty,

with you by my side.

Due to my poor circulation,
I’m often very cold.
When my thyroid acts out,
you are too hot to hold.
Still, you know I’ll be back,
  it’s your gentle hugs I’m mad about.
If you love your heating pad so much, why don’t you marry it? Well, maybe I will….

A Silly Poem for People with Chronic Illness by Anna Ottlinger HEALING HUGS AND HOPE

So now time for feet up, cuppa in hand and enjoy some great posts!

https://chronicallycomposed.wordpress.com/2017/09/03/my-fibromyalgia-awareness-week-2017/

https://thezebramom.com/2017/08/24/back-to-school-guide-for-parents-with-chronic-illness/

http://lifesapolyp.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/dialectical-behavioral-therapy-for.html

http://angelanoelauthor.com/inspiration-motivation/be-awesome-in-real-life/what-matters-more-numbers-or-relationships/

http://channongray.com/talk-mental-health-awareness-stigma/

https://thisreallifedad.com/surgery-going-knife/#comment-332

http://www.homeschoolinsights.com/2017/09/trials-of-chronic-illness.html

http://www.weareholistic.com/mental-health-care/might-call-depression/

 

I really hope that you enjoy these as much as I have – and had a giggle at the poem from Anna. It appealed to me as I really can’t go anywhere without my heating pad!  Please explore the blogs leave some messages and share posts you enjoy.

Claire x

 

Monday Magic – Inspiring Blogs for You!

On By Claire Saul (PainPalsBlog)In Blogging, Blogs, chronic illness, Disability15 Comments

Monday Magic

Good Morning, all!  Hope that those of you enjoying a Bank Holiday are having a fantastic day, and that everyone else has had a great weekend!

The weather is beautiful here and we have a family BBQ planned for later in the day – coincidental, but it just happens to be my parents 52nd wedding anniversary.  Dad would tell you that he would get less for a life sentence!!

A very good friend contacted me earlier in the week with the sad news that her mum had died.  She has been living in a nursing home for several years now and has gradually deteriorated, but in recent weeks she took a turn for the worse with a bad chest infection and just wasn’t strong enough to fight it. This week has been very hard for my friend, her brother & sister, and particularly her dad.  They had been married over 60 years.  It struck me that no matter how old or how sick a loved one is, the sense of loss at a death just can’t be anticipated.

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Beautiful bank holiday Monday!

When I received that message my own mum was here and I should probably point out that we have a great relationship.  She has been staying with me whilst the family have been away and has effectively been my carer again! Talk about turning the clock back, becoming the child again.  I felt so dependent physically and even a short car journey left me struggling, but it never fails to amaze me how that parent/child psychological bond is always there.  No matter how old you are,  it is always possible to feel like a teen again! A naughty teen at times!  Seriously though, thanks mum, I couldn’t have managed without you.

This week I have been able to spend time finding new groups and meeting new bloggers online.  So the inspiring blog posts I have for you are from a mixture of sources – one of them being the Facebook group Big Up Your Blog! – run by Suzie from “Suzie Speaks”.  I have included her post about self censorship on our blogs – it is something all bloggers should read, no matter what your content matter. I think that I have probably failed miserably on all counts!!  There is also a beautiful poem about a relationship break up, the role we play ins supporting new mothers emotionally and a shout out for a new disability campaign for parents later this year.

So as usual, grab a coffee, sit back and enjoy…..

https://suzie81speaks.com/2017/07/08/should-you-self-censor-your-personal-blog/

https://fancypaperblog.wordpress.com/2017/08/22/mental-health-be-kinder-to-new-mothers/?fref=gc

https://iwillnotliveinvain.wordpress.com/2017/08/26/vaguely-nauseated/

https://mindovermetablog.wordpress.com/2017/02/22/why-its-sometimes-good-to-look-back/

https://jellified.wordpress.com/2017/08/25/from-the-start/

https://addandsomuchmore.com/about-the-name-add/

https://nolightwithoutdarkness.com/2017/08/23/when-your-mental-health-affects-your-job/

https://fibromyalgia-chronic-pain.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/to-reduce-stress-and-pain-in-your-hands.html

https://cfsmeandkingdomliving.wordpress.com/2017/08/27/redefining-the-dark/

http://blossomandcompany.co.uk/italkdisability-campaign/

Please remember to comment, check out other posts on these blogs and find a new writer to follow,

Claire x

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Monday Magic – Inspiring Blogs for You!

On By Claire Saul (PainPalsBlog)In Blogging, Blogs, chronic illness12 Comments

Hello and Happy Monday!  I hope that you have all enjoyed a relaxing weekend and are ready to face the week ahead.

This past week has offered us a smorgasbord on the world stage from the battle of words between the White House and North Korea to the retirement of possibly the greatest athlete to date, Usain Bolt.  As America’s top military officials arrive in South Korea and the leaders of China and Japan speak out publicly, let us all hope that this becomes no more than a war of words, not only for the the people of Guam, but for the world at large.

Over the last week our household has been glued to the IAAF World Athletics Championships. There have been some amazing highs and some breathtaking lows.  Athletics on the international stage is experiencing its own war at the moment: doping scandals, athletes fighting to prove that they are “clean” and able to compete,  medals being stripped and bans imposed.  The public made their feelings very clear with the booing of US athlete Justin Gatlin – an runner who has served 2 drug related suspensions and has become the representative bogeyman of all those accused of doping.

But we can also view many aspects of the championships as beacons of light in our allegory for world peace.  The final track races of sporting legends Usain Bolt and Mo Farah didn’t end as fairytales do, but instead showed these remarkable men to be human. They both won medals – just not the colour that everyone hoped for.  If Farah’s races had been the other way around and he had won his silver first and the gold medal last would this really have altered his achievements – or just the way his final race was reported in the media.  I don’t believe that anyone wanted to see Bolt fall in pain to the track rather than finishing his final race, but he showed his strength of character by returning to take a final bow for his international fans as the games closed.  Out with the old guard….but in with the new.  So many talented young people have sprung onto the world stage this week showing a spirit and enthusiasm that fires up even a chronic illness old crone like me!  There have been inspiring stories of overcoming injury and surgery, tears of disappointment and tears of joy.  For me a really memorable moment was when the Syrian high jumper realised that he had won a bronze medal, the first ever World Championship medal for his country.  The disbelief and ecstasy on his face told such a story of this man who lives and trains in war torn Damascus.  What an inspiration to us all!

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Bronze High jump World Champion Majd Eddin Ghazal Picture from IAAF.org

You must have wondered where that was all leading, but it can only be to one place – one set of inspirational people to another!  So grab a drink, sit down and allow yourself some “me time” finding and exploring some inspiring posts from some more inspirational bloggers!

http://blog.michellerosado.com/2017/07/5-benefits-of-meditation/

https://yadadarcyyada.com/2017/06/02/nobody-puts-bloggers-in-a-corner/

love9

http://blog.mangohealth.com/post/159941981912/dont-suffer-in-silence-why-talking-about-pain-is

https://wheelescapades.com/2016/10/31/wimpole-estate-down-on-the-farm/

http://www.writersam.co.uk/post/163802388755/the-power-and-purpose-of-blogging-and-why-you

http://www.navigatingthestorms.com/coping-skills/you-respond-plans-change-unexpectedly/

https://intrestinalfortitude.wordpress.com/2017/08/13/letter-to-my-surgeon/

https://laurachamberlain.co.uk/2017/08/07/echo-prescription-app-review-uk-an-app-to-order-nhs-prescriptions-to-your-door/

http://www.diseasecantstopme.com/5-second-rule/

https://cozyclothesblog.com/2017/06/14/what-if/#more-1312

Please remember to like, comment and even share if you enjoy these posts,

Claire x

Monday Magic

 

 

Monday Magic – Inspiring Blogs for You!

On By Claire Saul (PainPalsBlog)In Blogging, Blogs, chronic illness10 Comments

Welcome back, pain pals, for another week and that means another Monday of inspiring blog posts that I have found for you.Monday Magic

I’m not going to write about the ups and downs of life in the Pain Pals house here this week – I still need to write a proper post about genetics, my lovely girl and i can now include our new family handbook….more of this later, I promise!

The dislocations have been fast, furious and very regular over the last week and severe gut pains after every meal have both left me fatigued and sofa bound……but the good news is that I have spent time finding and reading some great new blogs.  I have picked some posts here and they range from chronic illness depicted as sweets, to body image, to a review, to some delicious looking frozen treats – perfect for the summer holidays (if only the sun would come back!!).  If you are a mum of a daughter, or indeed an adolescent daughter, you must read Dear Little Girl With the Smart Mouth – it made me laugh and cry….and read it to my teen girl!

SmartMouthFeatured-768x514
Image from jthreeNMe blog

So….grab a cuppa, sit down and unwind with these great, inspiring blog posts.  Please, please make someone’s day with a like, a follow, a share or even better a comment!

http://www.healinghugsandhope.com/2017/07/my-chronic-illnesses-as-candy-bars.html

https://www.itsnottoocomplicated.com/home/2017/7/10/a-day-out-with-a-disabled-toddler

http://www.blessingmanifesting.com/2017/07/stop-verbally-abusing-your-body.html/

http://www.sublimemercies.com/2017/07/ableism-beaten-down-and-fighting-back.html

https://readbetweenthelyme.com/2017/07/22/celebrating-3-years-here-at-read-between-the-lyme

https://www.jthreenme.com/dear-little-girl-smart-mouth/

https://brokendownbody.wordpress.com/2017/06/30/but-one-of-my-best-friends-is-black/

http://www.smilesandsundays.com/imak-compression-gloves-review/

http://achysmile.com/index.php/2017/06/12/abdominal-migraine/

http://myfruitfulhome.com/2017/06/29/16-yummy-healthy-frozen-treats/

raspberry-frozen-treat
Image from My Fruitful Home website

 

Claire x

 

 

 

Monday Magic – Inspiring blogs for You!

On By Claire Saul (PainPalsBlog)In Blogging, Blogs, chronic illness12 Comments

Good morning, it is a beautiful day here in South London and the beginning of the summer holidays.  The A level student – will have to change his name now – has been dog and house sitting for the last week, and the lovely girl is currently in her PJs painting…..she may be great at art, but she is so messy!!  There are paints, pencils and pencil shavings everywhere – the beginning of my lounge turning into an art studio for 8 weeks.

The rejected bull terrier!
At work….

She is currently working a matching picture of her grandparents’ other bull terrier (she didn’t like the first one that she started – pictured!!), has been asked to paint some canvases for the library in her old primary school (I think Harry Potter will figure!) and has a viking picture on the go for an instagram pal.  Oh, not forgetting the self portrait for her course work and the scrap book entitled “Blood, Flesh & Bones”.  She is taking some hideous pictures of family members hands, feet, elbows…..my dad told her she can’t afford his fee to strip off!!

Lucy self portrait
The start of a huge self portrait

As for me, well it has been a tricky week as you will have seen in my post about my benefits review, and I hate to complain about the lovely weather but it does send my circulation/POTS problems crazy.  I did manage a night out in London with Duncan though!  He told me we were going to a jazz concert in the Crypt of St Martins in the Field, Trafalgar Square – but when I saw some news feed that morning I had a sneaky feeling that I was actually being taken to the Formula One Live event in Trafalgar Square!  I wasn’t, but it did mean that the whole area was extremely busy and this was my first time in the wheelchair in a very crowded place which was quite intimidating.  The concert, with the wonderful Zena James, was fab though – a mixture of traditional and modern music jazzed up.  You should hear Zena’s version of Rag & Bone Man’s “Human”!!

Monday Magic

This week I have some posts on blogs that are all new to me and I have really enjoyed finding them.  I hope that you all enjoy exploring some new reads too…..so sit back with your cuppa and take some R&R with a new blog post!

https://needlintobenormal.com/2017/07/06/you-cant-go-back/

https://asecondlifeweb.blog/2017/04/11/idiocy/

https://headachehelper.wordpress.com/2017/07/16/the-what-not-to-do-if-you-have-chronic-pain-series-1-beat-yourself-up/

https://thelessonsoflyme.wordpress.com/2017/07/14/lizards-and-bunnies-and-cats-oh-my/

https://kathleenburkinshaw.wordpress.com/2017/05/03/why-did-i-choose-the-last-cherry-blossom-for-my-title/

http://www.bbhwithms.com/multiple-sclerosis-information-overload/

http://www.multipleexperiences.org/2017/07/15/what-i-would-have-done-differently-with-my-ms-diagnosis/

https://fromroopalismind.wordpress.com/2017/06/08/it-is-easier/

http://www.spinepainwarrior.co.uk/post/162956718101/coping-buying-equipment

http://www.lifeunplannedblog.com/how-to-be-less-of-a-hot-mess-and-rock-your-to-do-list/

Please like and post comments if you enjoy these posts – and for any C.I. bloggers who haven’t already, please check out The Chronic Illness Bloggers community, we are a very supportive bunch!

Claire x