Blog, writing

The Holiday Treat

wbelle
family get together during christmas
Photo by Nicole Michalou on Pexels.com

While in the States

I flew to the states to see my family and friends before Christmas. I would be there for two weeks (13 days). Planned on seeing my sons and their girls the Sunday of the full weekend I would be there, to celebrate Christmas with them. Unfortunately I received a call from my oldest to tell me he had Covid so would need to reschedule our get together. So we decided I would get with my youngest son and his girls and then later in the week hopefully see my oldest and his girls.

So during my first week I saw many friends and on Saturday my parents and I met my sister and brother in law for dinner. Then we drove together to see Christmas lights called Lights of Hope. We had a good time together and it was so great seeing them.

Sunday I drove a little over two hours to see my youngest, my daughter in law and my grand daughter. We had such a great time together. He cooked pancakes for brunch, they opened gifts, we went shopping at a market in town, and then we had chicken Alfredo which my son cooked as well. A wonderful time spent together, but of course too quick and too short.

Saw more friends during the week and then my parents and I went to the botanical gardens in Athens where right at the end when we were in the shops before leaving, we came across the best surprise of all. My wonderful friend from high school and her husband (also a friend from school) and their grand daughter. I was so happy to see them, especially her, when I am guessing it has been about twenty eight years since we have seen each other. 🙂 That was such an unexpected treat!

Then after talking to my oldest son, we decided to be smart and responsible and not meet up since he was just getting over Covid, my daughter in law now had it and the little one might possibly have it. (Received a text this morning that she is positive) So, he called by FaceTime and we talked, I got to see my grand daughter, he took me on a tour of the new house and I saw my daughter in law. I then sent their presents the next morning to make sure they got them before Christmas. I was told they would be there the next day! Amazing!

Today, my last full day here in the states, I will be spending with my parents. We are going to see my cousins and Aunt and Uncle for a late lunch. It is a little over two hours one way so not too bad but will take up the rest of the afternoon. Can’t wait to see everyone.

Then I get a flight out tomorrow evening back to London and will arrive Sunday morning.

Now back in London

My flight back was good and uneventful, thank goodness. I was even able to get a few hours sleep, which I normally don’t do on flights. Jetlag was not bad this time, thank goodness. Being the week before Christmas, we had a lot to do. Our physiotherapist ended up with the flu, our girl that does our hair had an accident which totaled her car, so that wasn’t good news. However, it did free us up to do other things that needed doing. We met with friends on Friday before Christmas for a few hours, went to Winter Wonderland in London on Christmas Eve, which both were a lot of fun! So, all in all it was a good week leading up to Christmas Day.

On Christmas Day my step daughter came and spent the afternoon with us as well as our neighbor across the street, we had dinner and exchanged gifts and just enjoyed each other’s company. I also had FaceTime calls from my boys and my parents/sister.

On Boxing Day, we were not able to spend the day with my other step daughter and her family because they were dealing with the flu. So, we decided to go to downtown London and enjoy the lights. The lights in London are always so beautiful and magical. Even with all the craziness of loads of people being there, we really had a good time and took lots of pictures. 🙂

We are now looking forward to Wednesday night at Southbank Centre to see Dolly Parton Christmas Carol, New Year’s Eve with my step daughter and her family to see the lights and then on my husband’s birthday we are going to see ABBA! We are really enjoying this time of the year, even though at times one of us, if not both, have been a bit anxious for one reason or another.

Happy Holidays

With all this said, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas holiday with lots of treats as well. I wish you all a very happy holiday and a brilliant new year!!

Belle xoxo

Blog, Music

Music

wbelle
close up view of earphones
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Music is life

Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. From nursery songs, to singing in the youth choir when young, to being in a band once my boys were older. It is in my veins and is a part of me. I would write poems when I was young thinking one day they would be a song. I think I have this love of music from my mom and I know for a fact my boys have gotten it from me. And now, my youngest grand daughter has gotten the love of music from her daddy. It makes my heart so happy.

When my boys were older I recorded a CD in Charlotte, North Carolina. It is mainly country songs and I had a band from Nashville, Tennessee come do the music for the CD. It was amazing and an experience I will never forget.

And, I just found out from a friend that she found my cd online when looking up the name Welcome Inside. I looked and sure enough it was there! I had forgotten I had downloaded the whole CD on ReverbNation.

I have a quick bio on there you can read about :

I started singing as soon as I could. I remember when, in the car and trying to sing along with a song on the radio, my mom would say, “Don’t sing unless you know the words.” If you don’t think that made me learn the words quick!!! I started singing in the youth choir around 10 years old. Once in High School was in the school pagent and that was the first time my mom and dad ever heard me sing solo and were both shocked that they never knew. Then my senior year I was in the band and drama clubs in school, choir in church and took vocal lessons. Wanted to major in music at college but figured out it was mainly focusing on opera and teaching so changed over to mass communications. I have done some singing at weddings, sang in a christian accapella group in college, sing solos at church and auditioned for Nashville Star! I just love singing and would do it everyday if given the chance!! To do this, I have now found a band to hook up with in my area. We are called “Borderlyne Band.” My CD is now finalized and available. The CD has all original music from songwriters from Songramp.com. The CD was recorded at a studio in Charlotte, NC called GAT3 and the musicians for the project were from Nashville, TN. Eventually I would like to record some of my own songs as well. My guys (my husband and two sons) are very excited about it for me too, along with my family and friends. The CD is available for purchase. Just email me at dawn_michele1@yahoo.com to get infomation. We are so excited! The songs that are on the CD are on this site right now. I hope you enjoy them and I will continue to give updates! Dawn : )

Well, there is quite a bit that needs updating in that paragraph! LOL! I will be going back to that page to do so now that I found it!

I am now looking for music outlets here

Now that I am in London, I am looking to join a band. I met with a couple of band members a week ago but they decided to go with another female vocalist. So, I continue to look. I haven’t been able to perform really since Covid hit in 2020. I am really missing it! I was given this gift for a reason and hate I am not using it. But hopefully I will be soon.

On my podcast Coffee, Wine and Chocolate I talk this week about music and the positive benefits, as well as malt wine and the positive benefits of nature and our mental health. You can find my podcast on any podcast player you listen to.

I am going to the states in December to see family and friends for a couple of weeks before Christmas. I really look forward to it. Even though it is never long enough, I treasure every moment I have with those I love.

Have a great day and week!!

Belle xo

thoughts

Past, Present, Future

wbelle
Pixabay

Here I sit in my thoughts

Here I sit while my partner is in a meeting. I have been working on our joint podcast, my podcast, our website and many other things. As I was sitting here thinking about a subject for my next podcast this popped into my head:

The Past is important to remember, The Present is important to live in and The Future is important to look forward to.

We learn so much from the past. What we learn, we take forward to the now and future. Both the good and the bad.

As we live in the present, we continue to take in our daily learning and change constantly. We take what we learn into the future.

The future being the next hour, the next day, the next month, the next year and so on.

It’s so important to live in the moment. Not to take anything or anyone for granted. What happens happens for a reason. The people in our life are also there for a reason. Take in the moment and realize that it may not be this way forever. That will help you through what is hard and/or make you look forward to more (or similar/better) of what is good.

No, I am not always positive, but I do look for the positive in everything and everyone around me. It helps.

All love my friends

Belle xo

Blog, thoughts

Family & Friends are So Important!

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From Pixabay

Friends, Family & Me

I recently did a couple of episodes on Coffee, Wine & Chocolate podcast regarding the importance of friends, and then on family. In the last, I would say, six to seven years I have learned more about myself and those around me. I have accepted my flaws and my negatives because the other parts of me outweigh them and it is just a part of me. Everyone has good and bad sides to them. There is no way to be perfect, so we have to love ourselves for who we are and always work on being better and do better every day.

I have realized in my learning that friends and family are so important. Much more than I ever thought. I am ashamed to say it, but, I was so bad about keeping up with friends and family after I was married and started a family of my own. When going through my separation and divorce, it really hit me. I found out that I didn’t help myself by being available for some and doing things for them that were not appreciated and much worse, were just expected. I did not know about boundaries, how important they are, and that they help relationships be stronger and help with communication, respect and understanding.

So, I am building better relationships now with those I love. I am honest to a fault, at times to the point of probably saying more than I should, but that is who I am. Sometimes I am so honest that I over say or think things which just gets me into trouble by sounding like I don’t know what I am saying. Do you know what I mean? I then get frustrated at myself and my silly emotions take over. Because, once again, that is who I am.

Friends

I have quality friends that I appreciate and try to keep in touch with as much as possible. Some not as often as others, but it is like we just get it. The friends I have made over the years I have mostly lost touch with. We keep up with each other through social media and that is about it. The friends I made in the last five to seven years are very special to me. Mainly because they were with me through my hardest times and my changing in so many ways. They were my support and ones I could go to when I needed a break from my crazy life (as I saw it). I am blessed to have the friends I have.

Family

Then, let’s talk about family. Family is so important to me. While going through my separation and divorce I was with my parents a lot. We went through a lot together during this time. I was finding myself again, trying to understand all I was going through and not making it easy on my parents that were trying to help me through things. There were also my boys. I am sure I have said this before, but, I put up this wall between me and my boys because I was protecting myself and them from more hurt. But I found out later it was just causing more hurt. I did it so that I would not pull them into what their dad and I were going through. I was not going to put him in a bad light with them and I was not going to pretend everything was okay.

I realized too late that it was not the right thing to do. But now we are working on our communication and staying in touch. Not as much as I would like, but they are busy with their own families and lives.

So, my overall point and all I want to share is, to not put family and friends aside. Make sure you stay in touch regularly. Friends can help us daily, just as family. And family members are so important to stay close to. Yes, there are some that you don’t need to stay in touch with for your own sanity, but the rest are so important!

Love you all and stay blessed!

Belle xo

sharing, writing

Brussels and the EDD22

wbelle

An Amazing Event and time!

My partner and I were part of an incredible event this week. The EDD22 where experienced and young entrepreneurs came together to discuss moving forward in a digital world and how to have complete inclusivity for all countries.

My partner, Geoff, was a moderator for the Digital Studio (2) and I was basically there to help him and to take bullet point notes for each session. I must say, it was an impressive two days and a lot went into and behind it.

The event took place in Brussels, surrounded by beautiful structures and land marks. So, not only did we enjoy and learn a lot while at the conference, but we made sure to enjoy some of our beautiful and fun surroundings while there.

Day One

During the conference, in Studio 1, from the first session, we heard how there is an initiative to work with Africa’s green growth and progress, affordability and capital, climate resilience, guaranteed digital and infrastructure and what is called twin transition. Twin transition is meaningful connectivity, greener internet and there are three things it concentrates on. Those three things are accept the circular economy (use, recycle, reuse); impact assessments, minimize by sharing, affordability in connectivity; and wholistic response.

From the second session, we heard about startups and young entrepreneurs. The panel discussed AfriLabs, one of the most growing entrepreneurships; using digital tools to reach the smaller entrepreneurs and smaller financing; the global gateway; software sustainability objects; partnerships being so important; and having a growth place for young entrepreneurs and startups.

The third session dealt with innovations between Europe and Africa. The panel discussed the importance of designing programs, having programs to help entrepreneurs, people who know how to adapt the network, trust and funding, and how feed back from entrepreneurs is so important to listen to.

In Sessions four, the panel discussed the EU bringing priorities to open and secure internet, being more open to connectivity and making the internet stronger in protection against malwear and censorship. They talked about the importance of digital education and rights for children and women in more friendly technology and understanding. Inclusivity being so important in today’s world.

Session five had a panel discussing connection struggles; tech for democracy and human rights; internet shut downs, India being the number one country last year with 109 shut downs; so many factors shutting down the internet; human rights being limited and key word filtering; and about tools being abused and misused.

Session six was a panel of Spanish speaking women discussing the online gender-based violence and how there needs to be advancing digital rights in Latin America. They talked about having a public campaign of literacy; hope to reposition the topic of gender violence online; work to find out what happens with children online; violence normally found in society is now showing up online; and how sometimes it takes 8 years for a case to get in court.

And this was only the first day! It was filled with so much information and in such a short period of time, but so enlightening. We followed that up the next day with three more sessions.

Day Two

In session seven, the panel discussed digital technologies for inclusive climate and responsive development. They talked about how it took a pandemic to bring out the digital means of communication to the forefront; financial services being important; the role of digital, solution or pollution; ethical and social issues are now environmental issues; developing guidelines for including digital in financial sustainability; mobility services working with public transport; work on biodiversity, destination earth; and blockchain (per Wikipedia: a growing list of records, called blocks, that are securely linked together using cryptography.[1][2][3][4] Each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, a timestamp, and transaction data).

Session eight, the topic was catalyzing young agri-entrepreneurs successes. The panel discussed the importance of starting businesses that use the resources in the area to produce product and providing that product to the local areas. There was a Mango farm and the products they produce and what they plan to do in the future; an organic waste company turning that organic waste into bio-fertilizer; as well as a company called The Market Movers that began providing products to the locals online (a digital platform) that has grown so quickly, starting 10 to 10 thousand and they now reach 500 thousand people by delivery. You could just feel the pride of what they had done.

The last session, session nine, was on tracing textiles and advanced technologies for sustainable value chains. The panel discussed global gateway in textiles for clothing and shoes; the importance of transparency and that it is becoming more available; collaboration across the value chain, facing a lot of problems and complexity but making visible what is invisible; the need to build capacity; and having traceability components.

Needless to say, the information that was shared in the two days we were there, we learned so much and that was just in the studio we were in! There were five topics you could tap into. Those were Digital (where we were), Transport, Climate & Energy, Health, and Education & Research, along with meeting rooms and exhibits you could join.

To learn more you can go to the EDD22 website at: https://eudevdays.eu/programme#anchor-174

While in Brussels

So, while there at the conference, we had to see some sights as well.

We went on a ride of the ferris wheel called The View. It was so great to see all the area in one place!

Then we went to the Grand Place. One of the most beautiful and ornate central squares I have seen yet. I understand that it is extra beautiful at Christmas time with the snow and lights adding to the atmosphere!

We also took in some amazing food, saw the Atomium (picture up top – went inside the structure) and the gorgeous Our Lady of Laeken church. It was all so amazing and I hope we can go again soon.

I look forward to our next journey and where it leads us. 🙂

Belle xo

Blog

Hello!

wbelle
Pixabay

I have not been here for quite a while. Months! So much has been happening.

I have changed hosts for my blog, been preparing my garden for the spring and summer, been traveling to the states and back to London, gone to events, etc…

Every time I say I am going to be better about being here more often, I let other things get in my way or keep me occupied.

So, here I am. I am busy with my podcast as well as getting a new one started soon on traveling. I will keep you all updated if you are interested in knowing the updates.

Meanwhile, I am going to start writing more and it will be about daily/weekly/monthly happenings and other things.

Just wanted to get a hello in and let you know I am still here! 🙂

Belle xo

thoughts

If I Died Tomorrow

wbelle

This is not a cry for help but a cry for love and empathy. We have only one life to live and should live it fully. We should not regret our choices but learn from them. Just don’t learn from them by not giving it your all. All love to those that you love, letting them know as much as possible that you love them and miss them. All help to those that need it, as much as we can. All understanding and empathy, especially to love ones, but to strangers as well.

I wrote the following during a sensitive moment and no, it is not a poem. More like a pouring out of feelings I had to get down and out of my head. I know I am not alone in these feelings so thought I would share.

If I died tomorrow

If I died tomorrow would you care?

If I died tomorrow would you regret not contacting me and staying silent?

Would it make a difference to you if I am not here?

Would you beg for the time back?

Would you cry yourself to sleep?

Would you miss our times together?

The laughs, the hugs, the talks, the smiles and the tears shared?

Would you look at pictures, realizing I was the one taking them, so not many of me to remember? 

We don’t have forever, only a short time together.

Once it’s our time to go, that’s it.

Only memories and pictures to turn to and stories others have to tell.

Don’t waste the time we have by being hung up on your beliefs and hard “headedness”.

My love is so great and given freely.

I need that love in return, just as anyone does. 

So again I ask,

If I died tomorrow, would you care?

Belle xoxo (Dawn)

writing, Season

Tis The Season

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Pixabay

Tis the season to contact loved ones and friends.

It is the time of year to let those in your life or in your heart know you are thinking of them and want them to know you love them. Just because they know it doesn’t mean they don’t like or need to hear it.

I am in a new country now. Yes, it is my choice to be here. It is also my choice to decide how I live my life. As well as my choice to contact those I love, and I do. The only thing that hurts my heart is when I am the one doing most of the contacting. Even when I was having a hard time through the changes in my life that I was going through, I was continuing to contact. No, I wouldn’t go into long detail of my life or tell people (even those I was close to) the things I was going through.

Tis the season to remember the past.

I honestly felt it would be burdening those I love with my problems and my feelings. To me, everyone is going through something. I know that at times it is nice to hear someone else’s problems because it takes you away from your own problems. But, I was afraid I would say something stupid or mean that would get back to the person I was having the problems with. So I stayed silent. Especially to my boys. I have always believed you don’t pull children into your problems because you don’t want to persuade them either way of how to feel about their other parent. And that includes your adult children.

I agree, I didn’t handle things the way I should or could have. I blocked those I love and built up a wall that has been very hard to let back down. But with that I have learned so much about myself and others. Am still learning as a matter of fact. Being thankful for the years with my children as they grew up and the huge part that is being a mother. Having a grateful heart for all the lessons and ups and downs that have made me who I am today.

Tis the season to look to the future.

Looking to the future, I know there are still some hills to climb and walls to tear down, but it will take time. Hopefully we have the time needed to heal and tighten the relationships that were injured or broken, and still have time to be close and share things as we used to.

My plan is simple. To live my life to the fullest, see my family and friends as often as I can, travel and help others as much as I can. If I can in the mean time make people smile and feel better about themselves, all the better!

To look fully to the future we must live in the present. Make the most of each day. Verify the ones you care about know it. And, I want to make a difference to someone or something in the world, even if it is just one person or a small something. I know I am where I am for a reason, I have always believed that.

I love you all and wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Belle xo

Diary of Me

Dear Diary – 21 October 2021

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Pixabay

Thoughts of the day

It’s funny how people are when you are going through things and are quiet for a while. Then when you post something on social media to show you are happy, or your partner does and tags you in it, you get messages from friends you haven’t heard from in quite a while. It is really great to hear from people when this happens because it shows that people do actually pay attention.

Then when you come home to the states, you have people you catch up with and see and they tell you how happy you look and like a weight is lifted off your shoulders. This makes me smile. Because I am happy. I feel loved, seen, heard and respected. It is an amazing feeling. And to be able to come home to the states and see those I love and have missed, it is wonderful to share special time with.

Things I realize

I have realized that my creativity and writing have come to a stand still. Being overwhelmed with the change my life has been going through has taken a front seat. And that is okay. We all need time to adjust and take it all in when this happens. No, some of us don’t get the time needed to do this. I am blessed at this stage in my life to be able to. So I have put my writing, podcast and any other creative works on hold for a bit. It is okay and I have to accept that this is normal and will pass.

So, for now I am here, going through the changes, understanding the changes and accepting them as they come. I am also trying to take it all in and pull from it all anything I can share with others. It is amazing the things you can learn when you open yourself up to what is going on in and around you.

To take away

My take away is this:

Make life what you can. Take all the good and bad that you go through and learn from it daily. Don’t take anything or anyone for granted. Love, be kind and help those you can, when you can. Be a light in the world and spread joy as often as you can.

Belle xo

Diary of Me, Me, writing, topics, sharing

Things I am learning about in me

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Pixabay

Here I am again to talk about things going on with me

I have had a lot of changes in my life in the last few years. Now that I have been through the emotional changes, things going on around and getting through them, I am now realizing and experiencing physical things and changes. These are the things I am learning about in me.

I have been dealing with hearing loss in my left ear.

Beginning a couple of years ago I noticed something going on with my hearing in my left ear, especially when in the quiet car. It felt blocked and not right. I would turn on the music just so I wouldn’t notice it as much, thinking it was my sinuses draining and causing problems. Finally, I went to the doctor and was referred to an ENT. The ENT could not see a problem so sent me to get a hearing test done to determine if there was something inside. The testing came back mild hearing loss and so he suggested allergy tests to be done to rule out allergies.

This took a whole other turn! I was found to be allergic to basically everything outside plus cats! Allergy shots began. I had them every week for a year until I moved here to London. Now I give myself the shots once every month. However, I still had problems with my hearing in the left ear. It continued to feel like something is blocking it and I can hear movement like sinuses moving inside.

So, once here, I told my doctor about it and they sent me for an audio gram. The same analysis as before was given. Mild hearing loss. But, because I was hearing movement he suggested to my doctor that I be seen by an ENT. When telling my doctor this on my telephone appointment this morning she decided to first get an MRI done on the left ear to rule out a tumor. A tumor?!? Yikes! Okay, no reason getting worried until we get results.

So that is my hearing problems in a nut shell.

Now about my low back, hips, gluts and side of legs, especially the right side.

Before I came to London I was having some low back issues and even though I was getting massages every now and then when I could, the problems seemed to be getting worse. I was referred to Physical Therapy for a time before the pandemic hit and then did the exercises during the pandemic since I could not be seen by my therapist.

Once I came to London, I was being seen by a physiotherapist and continued to have problems and sensitivity in my lower back. She worked with a chiropractor and suggested I be seen by her. I was seen and wow what a change! By the second treatment the sensitivity and pain I had been living with was gone. My lower back was so much better it was astonishing.

I continued to be seen by them both, along with our yoga massage therapist and trainer every week. I felt I was getting stronger until I suddenly started getting pain down the outside of my legs. The right leg was worse than the left and continued to get worse. I finally tried to get in touch with the doctor to find out what I should do.

Over the phone I discussed with the doctor about what was going on (As you see above). She has suggested there may be arthritis in my legs that is causing the pain so is referring me for an x-ray. Once that is ruled out or verified we will go from there to determine treatment.

This is where I am

So, now I am in limbo to know what is going on with me but also moving forward at the same time. At least something is being done to determine what my issues are and then we can move on with treatment. I just feel like since I have reached this age (54) I have so many more issues yet feel more knowing of myself than ever before. The journey continues and I am actually looking ahead and expectant of what will be next in my life.

One thing I am very excited about is I will be flying home to the states in October to see my boys and their families, my parents, my sister, and my friends. My granddaughters will both be turning one year old in October and November. I get there between their birthdays so I can celebrate them while I am there for three weeks. How great is that?!

Belle xo