Updated on April 20, 2020
WHAT DIVOC!! TRAVEL IN THESE TRYING TIMES.
Hi Guys,
I’m on my Spring Break trip to London, Ireland, and Morocco. Probably not the best time to travel — but certainly a very interesting one. We will all look back on this crazy Corona chapter of our lives and ask ourselves What Divoc!! I don’t like to live my life in fear. I will respect the one meter distance, wear a mask and surgical gloves — and pray. I’m doing an awful lot of that these days. Faith is my rock and I’m so grateful for it in these trying times.
There are an awful lot of fear mongrels milling around at the moment adding fuel to the fire. I can truly understand where it is coming from. Canada is not on lockdown. If it was, I would not be here in London now. We need to keep our world sane and people in jobs. It saddens me to see our world suffer so much, and to see such fear in others. My desire to see my darling daughter Ali was stronger than fear. It’s why I came, that and a desire to see my world return to normal. Like everybody else, I cannot wait for this veil of sadness and despair to be lifted. I pray a lot for this.
Victoria Airport was empty. Just me, and a few other bold stragglers. You could cut the tension with a knife and eat it with a fork. The silence was eerily palpable. I was prepared for battle, wearing my surgical gloves and mask. Ever fashion conscious, my mask was a mellow yellow hue to complement my sunny yellow outfit. It is Spring after all! A time of re-birth.
Vancouver Airport had more people milling around. We smiled at each other, admiring our bravery in these ‘trying times’. Life was normal for the fish in the Aquarium, but alas for nobody else! All the fancy designer shops were empty. Not one single person in sight, except for the shop attendants, standing solemn faced, complete with ominous masks. Grim.
I boarded the plane for London and Yay!! I had the whole 3 seats to myself!! Best ever flight! After my mushy vegetarian pasta was downed, I plumped up my three pillows and snuggled up under the blankets and had the best night’s sleep ever on a plane! Got to look on the bright side! Right? The girl sitting opposite me did the same thing.
Our taxi driver in London was hilarious. He was from Ethiopia and felt the end of the world was coming. “It’s KRAZY” he kept shouting, raising his hands up to Heaven. I would have preferred he kept them on the steering wheel! “No people anywhere look around. It’s empty!” Gazing around me, I saw lots of traffic and people going about their normal day. If this was quiet, what would busy be like? “It’s just a simple cold” he kept saying. “Let them go get lemon and ginger and they will be fine!” It will take more than lemon and ginger to get our world back to normal. Alas! “And the riots for toilet tissue.” I liked his use of the word ’tissue’. This most prized of possessions was suddenly elevated.
Finally, we arrived at Ali’s lovely apartment in Notting Hill. Paradise. Worth bypassing all the hype to get here. I could breathe. We headed out to explore and enjoyed an Italian meal in Bayswater. Lots of people out enjoying their Saturday night on the town. Birthday parties being celebrated, etc. It was a much needed respite from all the Doom and Gloom!
Headed home to Ali’s very comfortable pad. Put on my cozy pyjamas and turned on the snooze button. Slept like a baby! Thank you God. You never let me down! Thank you Ali for all the beautiful birthday gifts which awaited me! Love you! Getting together to share our March Birthdays is an annual ritual and something only an adoring and crazy Mum like me would do. Besides, I had a mission to see that my loving daughter was safe while all this craziness is around!! God as always – is very good!!
Hugs Galore,
Patricia xxx
Updated on March 6, 2020
FOR THE LOVE OF COCO!
Hi Guys,
Sorry I have not been in touch for a while! I am totally and madly in love with my new rescue puppy, Coco. She was rescued from a shelter. Whoever took care of her before us must have treated her well though because she is simply the most lovable, playful, and adorable little puppy in the whole world!
In what seemed like only moments, she was handed over to us from a car in Vancouver, all her little toys and clothes in a carrier bag. It was love at first sight for both of us. We were total strangers to each other. Her vulnerability was palpable. Her warm, loving brown eyes said “Please take me home”. Her trust in me to do so was truly heartwarming. There is a God! When you spell dog back to front, that’s what you get.
Coco arrived in the midst of this dreadful Coronavirus and is providing a welcome respite from all the doom and gloom currently holding the world in its sadistic grip. Our world has gone nuts — bananas — all the tutty fruity you can think of to describe the current depressing climate! Shares are dropping, jobs are being lost, panic buying in the supermarkets, etc. I could not understand why all the frozen peas in the town were sold out! Peas please, let this nightmare end!
Then along comes Coco…sweet, playful, lovable Coco. All she wants to do is play, eat, and love! I am emulating her. Actually no. I’ve always liked to play, eat, and love. With her in my life now, I am reminded of just how important it is to continue to do these things. In the midst of this mayhem, I’m finding peace and tranquility with my sweet little Coco. Whatever you are doing, please find time to enjoy some peace and tranquility too!
God loves us all and so do animals!
Peace and Love!
Coco and Me xxx
Posted on February 21, 2020
FASHION FRIDAY: PURPLE PASSION!
Hi Guys!
TGIF! Hope it has been a good week for you all! When it comes to fashion, colour factors hugely for me! Being a creature of habit, I tend to have a certain colour scheme for each month and season — seriously, I’m colour insane! For February, I always wear purple. Traditionally, it is the colour worn for the season of Lent which usually begins in February and continues for 40 days. So purple it is! Even the gemstone for February is the very beautiful amethyst.
I love mixing warm purples with various shades of purple with bright yellows and even some vibrant kelly green colours. They look terrific! There is nothing like a glorious richly coloured scarf to bring an outfit together. This Ralph Lauren scarf with various colours is one of my favourite and affords me lots of opportunities to mix and match and just have fun!
So it’s a case of Purple Passion for February and as we approach St. Patrick’s Day, guess what my favourite colour will be? Yeps! you guessed correctly — Green!
Have a fabulous weekend wherever you are. Do what makes you happy, and be with those you love, because time slips away…
Hugs,
Patricia
Updated on February 14, 2020
MONDAY MUSINGS: IS THE SKY FALLING?
For months, Astrologers had been talking about that massive Saturn/Pluto conjunction which happened on January 12th. There was a sense of foreboding about the whole affair. The last time this major configuration happened was about 38 years ago. It was around that time we had the AIDS epidemic, which spread like wildfire among the gay community.
Most would agree when I say our world got off to a rocky start in January. We have had the horrific bushfires in Australia, the very sad plane crash in Iran killing many innocent people, the shocking news about Harry and Meghan liberating themselves from the British monarchy and of course Brexit! If that wasn’t enough global news to contend with, we’ve had the sad death of the legendary basketball icon Kobe Bryant and his young daughter Gigi in a tragic helicopter crash. Then of course this current dreadful Coronavirus virus which has the world in a state of panic. Flights from China are not allowed enter Canada. Jobs are suffering. People are suffering. The world is suffering! And all this since January! Hello World! What’s happening?
Deeply sad news has a way of robbing us of joy and hope. People are beginning to wonder if the sky is falling or what? You can take it from me, we have some pretty heavy planetary configurations going on in the sky currently! There is a clash of the mighty Titans above which is causing major catastrophes here on Planet Earth. As above, so below. I’ve studied the matter for many years and do realize that what’s going on ‘up above’ really does affect us on a personal basis and at a global level. I use this knowledge like I do the weather forecast — forewarned is forearmed. If it’s going to rain, I take my umbrella and raincoat. It makes sense, doesn’t it? If I know Mercury is going retrograde, I postpone signing any important documents, etc.
Saturn, the ringed planet, also known as the ‘Celestial Policeman,’ tends to be the teacher in our lives. Its influence makes us face challenges, work harder, and face up to our responsibilities. Frequently, these challenges are forced upon us, like for example losing your job, divorce, illness, an unplanned pregnancy, etc. or some other similar challenge to face. When your life seems all ‘up hill,’ you can be sure there is some heavy Saturnine transit hitting your birthchart! Always.
Many people are aware of the ‘Saturn Return’ which affects people every 27 or so years, and lasts 2.5 years approx. It’s a time when Saturn returns to the exact position it was when you were born. So, assuming you live into your 80s, you will experience just three in your life. The first around age 27, the second in your 50s, and the last in your 80s. Each stage of life is a pertinent one.
Pluto, on the other hand, is a powerful outer planet which governs re-birth, endings and beginnings. I am sure many people in Australia who lost their homes and everything in the bushfires experienced the sting of Pluto. Or those who lost loved ones in the horrific plane crashes. Endings and beginnings… If you are feeling that in your life currently — endings and beginnings — know that it is this Saturn/Pluto ‘thing’ going on ‘up above.’
Many people are complaining of feeling down and depressed at the moment. Is it any wonder? Apart from the global tragedies, I have seen ordinary families struck down with immense sadness and tragedy too. Since January, RTE (the Irish television board) has lost two highly successful female broadcasters to cancer. One was in her 60s and the other in her early 50s. So much sorrow for their grieving families. Endings and beginnings…
How do you cope with life’s inevitable challenges and sadness?
Does it get to you? Bring you down?
I have Saturn as my ruling Planet, so I know a thing or two about handling life’s adversities. If you have Capricorn as your Sun, Moon, or Rising sign, you too will have experienced your own fair share of life challenges. You will agree that you have worked hard for your rewards, and that nothing came easily to you. However, you will also agree that you were born with tremendous grit, determination, and work ethic, which are the gifts of Saturn. Saturn helps you stay the course, and like that hardy mountain goat, you will eventually rise to the top of that steep rocky mountain!
As each and every one of you reading this look at the individual challenges facing you currently, take heart — this too shall pass! Remember, it wasn’t the challenges or disappointments of life that made you a stronger, wiser, and kinder human being. No, it’s how you handled them! We all live out our individual birthcharts in different ways. Work it!! Hard, good, and with gusto!! It’s great fun, once you learn how to play the game of Life!
Tips on handling this Saturn/Pluto Conjunction:
Go Within Meditate, take time to be quiet, reflect, and simply breathe…
Let Go Yes, let go of anything that is not working for you currently. You know…
Think Go for a nice long solitary walk in nature and give thanks for the good.
Reach Out for Help If you are going through a tough time, Don’t Do it Alone!
Pray I’m a HUGE believer in the Power of Prayer! It has worked for me.
Gratitude As the song goes — Accentuate the Positive, Eliminate the Negative!
Charity Being Kind to others less fortunte is the GREATEST pick-me-up!
Love you Guys!
Hugs,
Patricia xx
Updated on February 7, 2020
FASHION FRIDAY: CITRUS AND SILVER!
Hi Guys,
I cannot believe this is my first Fashion Friday blog of 2020! Where did January go this year? The last time we spoke I was preparing the nest for the arrival of our two darling rescue puppies, Chico and Lola. They came for a week but sadly, their Foster Mums and their three other dogs spent the week crying! They missed them so much and asked if I would consider sending them back to them. Before we bonded, I agreed, as I know what it is to love puppies. They call it Puppy Love as the song goes… but I don’t think that’s what Donny Osmond meant! So doggone it my friends, January saw me really going to the dogs!! No time for fashion. I was in the dog house for the whole month of January!
I digress…back to Fashion! Since Christmas, our weather here in Victoria has been really miserable, with grey leaden skies and lots of rain. I said to myself enuff is enuff!! I need colour! I felt like a jolt of silver and citrus and out came this outfit. By the time I had it on, I felt like the Sun was shining again! If you cannot find the colour in your weather, stoke it up with your fashion. But the thing about colour is there is yellow — and there is yellow! This citrus yellow is more of a winter yellow, and looks great with silver and grey. I tend not to wear it in the summer, opting more for sunshine and buttercup yellow. Citrus is a cool yellow, buttercup yellow is warm. Then there is winter pink and summer pink, winter white and summer white, and so it goes!
If you feel like the weather is gloomy and you need a little perk-me-up, check out your wardrobe for some cheery colour! Bet when you shop in your home closet, you will find a bright cheery scarf, some jewellery, or even a bright colourful pair of shoes. Voila! Your mood will lift and you’ll feel right as rain again. Remember ladies, each day is a catwalk day!!
Love your life and do what makes you happy!
Patricia xx
