Has the new Chinese Year of the Dragon influenced you?

The new Chinese Year of the Dragon began this week and it brings (according to The Times) a year of wealth and success. That will affect the world not just China. I am sceptical about certain aspects of "success" - when a football match or a cricket match is being played for instance, someone has to lose and someone has to win. They won't be all draws! Does wealth mean that we we will come out of the Recession and more jobs created. We can only hope so. However, I must report a sharp rise in viewers of my website www.marianbythell.com which I can tell from my statistics chart. Something IS happening then! I have also read that the Chinese Year of the Dragon will be more emotional for everyone. Well, bound to be if we are all successful and gain more monetary wise. I wish you all the best. Marian.

Lights on the weeping cherry tree

We planted an ornamental weeping cherry tree several years ago and whilst it loses its leaves in winter, it excels the rest of the year particularly in spring when it is covered in pink/white blossom. It is beautiful and much admired by neighbours and visitors. For the last few years we have crowned our tree with Xmas lights over the Xmas period which lights up our small plot in our vast world. Perhaps this is philosophical. God weeping at the state of our world and thereby sending Jesus as the light. Cherry trees mean "the ripening of friendship." Perhaps this is symbolic since Jesus was a friend to everyone. Peace and joy be with you.

Unpublished letters and broken hearts

What happens to all those letters which are not published in magazines and newspapers because the editor decides they are unsuitable or they haven't the space or they are just inundated with too much material. Are they sent to the rubbish tip? How sad? And what of the writers? How do they overcome their disappointment or broken hearts? A loss however you look at it.

Light classical music

Oh, the joys of listening to light classical music. On Friday, 2lst October, I watched a programme on BBC4 called "Light Fantastic." The orchestra played pieces by Eric Coates, a favourite composer of mine - "London Calling," "The Three Elizabethans," and "The Knightsbridge March." I was enraptured. Other pieces included "London Cameo" by Hayden Wood and "Jumping Bean" by Robert Farnon (I may not have the spellings correct of these composers but you can put me right!) For well over an hour, I listened to the enthralling music and watched the energetic and skilful musicians play their instruments devotedly. More please!

New book to be published next year

I'm happy to say "Jamie Tales", a sequel to "Jamie" will be published next year. My book follows Jamie's life which is based on my daughter's real life lovely collie dog, Jamie. It is written in poetry and each page will be skilfully illustrated. See my website www.marianbythell.com for all my books.

Happy gardening

Thankfully the rains have come and we can take a rest from hosing down the garden. Thankfully, Rosaria, we haven't lost much. However, after a few days away from home, not only has the grass grown but the weeds too - the thistles are two foot high! And even though our water barrel needs topping up with water, it is good to see the yellow irises in flower and a blue tit light on the flower for a few seconds. What to tackle first? Ah, perhaps I should see if the strawberries are ready to eat!

Church awaits

Do you ever hear the church bells ringing and long to go! I have had moments when I have resisted Church - for various reasons - but then go back and wish I hadn't missed any of the services. On a lovely Spring day like today, I love walking there looking at the gardens on the way, joining my friends and taking part (as a member of the congregation) in one of the services. God be with you wherever you are.