CAN A SINNER REPENT?

Why is it that every time I tell people I'm on a shopping sabbatical for a year, they roar around the floor laughing, with tears pouring down their cheeks (even more laughter than 'Bridesmaids' and 'Borat' combined).  "You? Now that's funny!" or "I'll believe it when I see it!" "You must be joking!"...Ha Ha Ha. "Why do you want to suffer?"... People tell me I'm a Shopaholic - Who Me? Ya must be joking!! Can sinners repent? That's one of the questions for the road...

The seed for my sudden decision to cut out non-essential purchases for a year, was actually sewn at my daughter Claudia's Graduation. I looked at all these beautiful, vibrant, intelligent, educated young people going out into a world that is, frankly - not the same! There is a world recession, and like it or not - it's here to roost for a few years. All our beautiful, much loved kids, were brought up in a time of plenty. As a result, they have got used to a life of plenty. They too are caught in a vicious cycle of SPEND SPEND SPEND. They have gadgets, gizmos, glamour gear, nails, hair extensions...and the list goes on. How can they continue to pay for stuff...that when you analyse it...is not 'essential'.

So, that's when I decided I needed to be a good role model for my three daughters, who like me, enjoy the finer things of life. My question to myself,  and to you this day is Do we really need all that stuff to make us happy? PLEASE believe me, I am not pontificating, nor do I wish to sound 'holier than thou'. This journey is a learning curve for me too. I want to be different a year from now, God willing. No pain, no gain...right? But all pain, and no play will make Polly a dull girl, so we'll play too!! But we'll use 'Simple Abundance' toys to play with - sounds fun...eh?  I am dedicating the month of August to learn the true meaning of 'Simple Abundance'. Do you want to play with me?

Have you written your bucket list for this year? If so, I would love to know. In fact I would really love to hear from you in the comments section, so I can get to know my fellow travellers, and share some good conversations. Check out the 'Polly's Planets' carriage. In this section, I'll share my astrological education with you, and answer any questions you may have about relationships, etc. That train carriage is vacant at the moment, because I have yet to design it. Check it out tomorrow, d.v. I may have done so by then! It will be the 'Surprise' carriage!

Love Ya!


Polly Hugs to you...Can you feel the love?

Patricia xxx

HASN'T POLLY BEEN A BUSY GIRL?

How do you like the new swish Polly Express? I've been a busy girl, and thanks to my incredibly helpful daughters, I've polished up my act - thanks girls! There is SO much ground to cover over the next year or so, I felt I needed to do some housekeeping. As my neat Virgo mother says - "A place for everything, and everything in its place" Quite right mother!

You see time is at a premium. I want the newly renovated Pollyanna Express to be a place where people can take refuge, listen to a happy tune, think positive thoughts, get ideas for saving a penny, on clothes and on food, gain some astrological knowledge, have a laugh...and who knows where else this road will lead us...??

I have always liked the fictional character Pollyanna. In a world that sometimes can be very cruel, I liked her 'glad game' and her ability to always look at the sunny side of life. A simple, child-like philosophy. But it has to be said - she gets the job done!

Another great thing about all of this is that it keeps my noggin from numbing!!

Choo Choo and keep on truckin'!

Polly Hugs,

Patricia xxx

DIVINE PROVIDENCE

Today is Sunday - God day - fun day - flea market day - call it what you will day. Yes to all of the aforementioned, and then some. Even though the battle against shopping raged on today, and those side walk soldiers fought their best to get into my purse, I did not seccumb!

It was a gloriously sunny morning, I got dressed up in my Sunday best, hat and all (hadn't time to wash the hair), then off to church with Kevin. We were pleasantly surprised when a young novice delivered the homily. And what a Homily! He described himself as 'newly minted' and was quite the orator. Even though he was only a young fellow, his enthusiasm and sincerity was palpable. He shared with us a little of his own personal journey, and how it was his decision to become a Catholic, and then later, a priest. Prior to all of that he had been studying Philosophy at University. "We are all here today" he said "because we are searching for meaning in our life; hungry for spiritual sustenance. We have needs in our heart, that only God can fill".

That's it in a nutshell I thought to myself. Because every time I leave church, I have a warm fuzzy feeling inside of me. It feeds my soul, and keeps me going for the rest of the week. By the following Sunday, I am ready for a fresh basket of spiritual bread. The words resonate with me, and I feel truly nourished.  Part of the Pollyanna journey, after all, is to explore everything that makes the heart glad. Everything that makes you wake up in the morning and say 'Thank you Lord'. And it doesn't matter what denomination - it's all the same God - the same God who created us all.

So what's the Divine Providence? you may well ask. It's funny. Remember I mentioned yesterday that while Kevin was out chasing the deer, I was going chasing the pennies for heaven. Well chase them I did - the picture below shows I was not joking when I told you I was a hoarder! And that's just about half the bounty. Below the coins is a message from our church bulletin today! Ha... they were looking for pennies to help educate lovely young novices like the one we met today. Now that's what I call 'divine timing!'

COINS COLLECTED AROUND THE HOUSE LAST NIGHT

CHURCH BULLETIN TODAY

Cheers and Happy Sunday!

Polly Hugs Galore,

Patricia xxx

YOU WHATTTTTTT?

Yes, that's the reaction I got when I told my fashionista kids I was eliminating shopping for a year. They said "Really Mom, you'll never stick to it" and "What if I want to buy you something?" "Well then, you can buy me a coffee" was my earnest response. Kevin was REALLY positive about my decision and said he would support me all the way. He thinks it a great idea - most men would!! Wives not shopping - Yee Haw!

All eyes are on me at the moment, including my own. I had to watch myself very carefully yesterday, as I passed all the summer side walk sales, strutting their stuff like ladies of negotiable affection. Gawd, there was a gorgeous orange and turquoise top I would kill for, and those sassy golden sandals...'STOP!' The good voice whispered into my left ear. I call that my Saturn ear. 'What the hell are you punishing yourself like that for...go ahead and BUY IT', was the response from the right ear. I call that one my Jupiter ear. Well, I didn't buy anthing. Yes! I resisted temptation. Ha Ha you ain't seen nothin' yet! It was on my POA to avoid shops, but I had to pass them en-route to the bank. I can resist anything but temptation is SO yesterday!

Later, I went to the supermarket and stocked up on a few essentials. Thanks to my cash-only policy, I kept it to just that - essentials. Yeah! this can be fun. Already my purse is feeling heavier...which leads me to my next thought...Pennies for heaven.

This weekend I'm starting the de-cluttering... Yes, 'Operation Transformation' has officially just begun. While Kevin is hunting the deer, I'll be tracking down all those jars, boxes and bags of pennies to donate them. I am learning, bit by awkward bit, that Philanthropy comes in all forms. It can be a smile, a kind word, giving your old cans to a street person, donating pennies, donating old clothes and donating your time.

Gotta go...the dogs are screaming for their walk!! - I call that pee-philanthropy.

Love ya!

Polly Hugs Galore,

Patricia xxx

HAS THE EARTH MOVED?

It has been 18 days since I first boarded the Pollyanna Express train to Happiness. Is it rubbing off? Am I feeling the LOVEEEE? Has the earth moved? My honest answer to all those questions is a resounding YES, YES and YES again. I kid you not. The earth has truly moved! I have been happy, more often than I have been unhappy. It has helped me jump over a major hurdle (Claudia's departure), without falling into the dark abyss of depression.

Prior to Pollyanna, my life had begun to stretch before me in endless repetition...getting older...getting fatter...getting nowhere. Now, I see adventure on the horizon. I see a Plan...a Vision...a new Calling!

The plan is to daily change my train...of thought. When unwelcome visitors come into my carriage of thought, I open the window and out they go! Get lost mista! Only pleasant thought visitors are now allowed in. I decide who stays, and who has to leave the carriage, with suitcase of mischief in hand. Fun eh?

The following 'Heavenly Seven' visitors are allowed stay:-

Daily reminders of the 'Ten Commandments' or Rules of the Road.

No plastic cards (unless for flight bookings) for the month of August. Everything is cash-only. If a success, shall stretch it beyond the month.

NOT ONE stitch of clothing, bling, bags or shoes to be purchased (for me) FOR THE WHOLE YEAR! This is a serious project. My goal is to have less baggage, and stuff in my life. Is less really more? I will be on a quest to discover.

UP on the CHARITY work, volunteer at homeless shelter, Kiwanis home for single mums and their kids, visit old folk in homes, Mustard Seed, etc. etc. It is a year of 
discovery and adventure.

Waste not, Want not. Daily spend log.

Put your own gas mask on first. Daily exercise and food log.

MUST donate part of the money saved (by eliminating non-essentials)
to charity.

So yes, things are sizzling on the Choo Choo. It is full steam ahead!

On that happy note, cheery byes for now and enjoy the OLYMPICS!!

Polly Hugs and Kisses,

Patricia xxx

TIL DEBT DO US PART

There I was pounding away on the treadmill this morning (I know I couldn't believe it myself either!). My first day back on track, for what must be months now. What I really wanted to say is that while I was sweating away, I was watching Gail Vaz-Oxlade's brilliant show 'Til Debt Do Us Part' on the t.v. This particular episode was very moving - in every sense of the word. The couple involved were both grossly overweight, smoking, and spending like drunken sailors - not a good scene. They were a lovely couple who laughed their way through all their problems. In other words, they were sinking their heads in the sand, and burying themselves alive with food and useless stuff. It got me thinking...I could not throw stones at them!

I am on this journey because I want to make changes things in my life. Positive changes. I crunched some numbers on an internet weight loss site, and the news wasn't good. I should have guessed! - actually I did. My clothes have been getting a little toooo tight. Denial is not just the name of a river in Egypt! Anyway the 'experts' said I needed to lose 35 lbs. What??? There was no point arguing with them...
We all want to be happy. Right? That's why we are on this journey together. Right again? What spells happiness for you, is probably the same for me. I want to be physically and financially fit-as-a-fiddle. To be able to dance - really dance - for JOY. happiness for me is to be FREE of debt, no mortgage. Wow! what a great feeling that would be. I had my epiphany there on the treadmill. I'll call the couple Bill and Betsy, as I cannot remember their names. Bill and Betsy's efforts to step up to the plate were inspiring, to say the least. Gail got them off the weed, on to a food and exercise plan, and also a money diet. In their first week, they saved $400!

COME WITH ME FRIENDS...What is it about your life you want to change?

For the next month, I pledge to do like Bill and Betsy - NO MORE PLASTIC...cards.
Yes Sir. I shall pay cash for everything...in an effort to THINK before SPENDING. It's worth a shot. I only said ONE month, as this is a trial period, and I don't like to make false promises. NO spending on NON-ESSENTIALS. I bet I'll save a ton. Just think about it...if you have to pay cash for everything, it makes you think twice?

As well as the cash LIVE, I am also on a food LIVE. I nearly forgot...Pollyanna does not like the word die-t, for obvious reasons. The word 'diet' has been replaced with the word 'live'.

Start making your Wish List now...I'll keep you up-dated too.

Choo Choo...like the little train that could...I THINK I CAN...I THINK I CAN...
We CAN do this together!

Polly Hugs,

Patricia xxx

HIGH FIVES THIS WEEK

Yes, life is full of simple pleasures! The following provided me with my favourite

'Aha' moments this week. What were yours? Write them down...See what I mean, it's those simple magic moments...

THE WRITING IS DEFINITELY ON THE WALL!

This is the card I drew this week from my Native Wisdom cards. 'Shed the skin of the past'. Just when I was thinking it would be a great idea!

IS THE UNIVERSE TRYING TO TELL ME SOMETHING?

I found this fortune cookie message on Robson Street, Vancouver last Saturday. It was after we had finished our 'last supper' with Claudia, and getting ready for the Airport.

KUDOS TO CHICHI!

This is Chichi drinking from her Weight Watchers mug (as if!). We are all mighty proud of her. She lost some weight this week. We're in this together Chichi! Keep up the great work!

PADDY THE FISHERMAN

Paddy was another wonderful find at the Value Village Emporium. I keep him in my kitchen, and he never fails to bring a smile to my face when I look at him!

CUTENESS!

Victoria sent me this picture today. It gave me such a warm, fuzzy feeling. Don't ya love her?

LULU THE SUN WORSHIPPER

She may as well enjoy it while we have it! Not that I need to tell her that...Just looking at her makes me feel peaceful...

MY GARDEN OF EDEN

 This time of year, my garden brings me endless pleasure (not the weeding part!!). When I inhale the lavender, it makes me think of my mother. Lavender is her favourite perfume. When I look at the vibrant red Lucifer flowers, it connects me with my dad's glorious garden in Ireland. When I gaze upon the sky blue hydrangea, it transports me back to my grandmother's garden, and the many happy memories I have from visiting her as a child. Ahhh such heaven is a garden...My garden of rememberance...

 There were endless other little things that gave me joy this week. Television being one. Yes, I found it very entertaining this past week. Normally I don't watch a lot of t.v. especially in the summer. This week I really enjoyed 'House Hunters International'. It showed one couple moving from America to Dubai for work. It was fascinating to see the real estate in Dubai and to learn a little about the culture over there, from an ex-pats point of view. Another couple were moving from Chicago to Dublin, my city. That was equally educational to see the real estate on offer over there now, and the prices, etc.

My other happy viewing moments were 'Rags to Red Carpet'...pure fantasy stuff for middle aged ladies like me! It is all Cinderalla stuff, where they transform ordinary, frumpy ladies from dull to delicious! Just my kinda thing. They did amazing transformations this week.

Lastly 'Downton Abbey' - if you can rent the videos - WATCH THIS ONE! It is a thoroughly delightful story, set in England circa 1912. It makes for addictive viewing!

That's about it for this past week...I am not even going to mention Claudia...Pollyanna wants me to stay on the train of positive thinking. Yeah! I'm back on board Ms. P.

Choo Choo all my friends...

Polly Hugs Galore,

Patricia xxx

OH, OH, OH, SOMETIMES I GET A GOOD FEELING...

Yeah, I get a good feeling when I have a pedicure - It costs money.
I get a good feeling when I have my hair done - It costs money.
I get a great feeling when I buy new clothes - yeah that's a big jolt of happiness! It costs money. I love driving my golden wonder merc. It costs money. We love giving our children a good education - It costs money - I love eating out - It costs money. I love travelling - It costs money. I love freedom - It costs money. I love my beautiful home - It costs money -  I love jewellery - 'bling is my thing' - Yes, It costs money. I love my pets - They cost money too. I like going to the cinema...It costs money. I like supporting kids in 3rd world countries -
It costs money, And the list goes on...

Am I a millionaire - absolutely not! I am just an ordinary gal who spends too much, and enjoys the good life. In my favour, I don't smoke, drink, or participate in private clubs - No to all of that - Nor do I have expensive hobbies. Clothes and bling - a hobby? Hmm now that's a good one to argue.

My question to myself this day...and for you too, is... 'Can money buy you happiness?' Like 'Real' Happiness? As my youngest child left school this year, I got to thinking...She is entering into a world that is currently experiencing, possibly the worst recession in history. How is that going to help her, or any of our children? We need to review the situation. Because never before either, have young kids today been so blinged down with gadgets, gizmos, glamour role-models, i-Pods - you name it! They must have it, and the 'herd instinct' is pretty animalistic.

It is a well worn record, recorded by many eminent brains, such as the Dalai Lama, that 'Money does not buy you happiness'. I have to admit - please do not throw tomatoes at the computer screen! But yes, money does buy me pockets of happiness, but it is not 'consistent' in its effect. I do also believe that 'Money is the root of all evil'. It can bring out the worst in others, i.e. greed, envy and deceit.

We need to balance it out and be kind to money...we cannot stop spending, because then the world economy would utterly collapse, as it is doing now...Could we all start a barter system for payment? Then what would your friendly...correction! 'unfriendly' bank manager say about that?

I do think money can afford considerable happiness, perhaps on a superficial level. Faith alone (not just me saying that!) provides the deepest of raw, emancipated happiness. But then again, in this busy world of ours, not many people are prepared to put the time in, which is why churches are now becoming condo buildings. We want instant happiness...the kind of 'Give me a crocodile sandwich, and make it snappy' type of happiness that costs money - Lots of money!

O.K. I get it now...this is what they mean when 'they' say that 'Money cannot buy you happiness'...See Below...

 'Love is Blind'. 

FEATHERS FROM HEAVEN

Yesterday, at my lowest ebb, I was thinking about Claudia, and tears began to well up in my eyes. We were sitting in the car, waiting to board the ferry home to Victoria. Suddenly, from nowhere, a little white feather gently landed on my left shoulder. 'Look', I said to the others 'Did you see that? Feathers from Heaven. There is an angel in the car, assuring me she is going to be fine'. Where did it come from? I wondered. The sun roof wasn't open, so there is no other way it could have come into the car, and land on me the way it did! "No, that was a gull relieving itself" Kevin joked. Hell it wasn't a gull! It was an angel, and I'm sticking to my original thought. I like it better.

Today when I was in the office, I was doing my Pollyanna thing, and making a big effort to cheer up a severly depressed patient, sitting in the waiting room. This particular lady likes when I am nice to her. Suddenly, Victoria phoned me to "Come quick mum, there is a little hummingbird trying to escape and keeps banging its head off the kitchen skylight". So I dropped everything, and off I went to save the little hummingbird. Victoria and I share a love of birds, especially hummingbirds. They signify love, happiness and joy in living. There is no way I wanted one of those little creatures to die in my kitchen! Fortunately, home is only a stone's throw from the office. I was there in a jiff.

When I arrived, the little bird was clinging desperately to the kitchen lantern, clutching for dear life to the chain. Poor Victoria of the gentle heart, was visibly distressed. I got the step ladder and up I went to the rescue "Get some honey Vicky, quick!" I roared from the top of the ladder.
The sweet little hummingbird was compliant and co-operated fully. She must have understood the word 'Honey'. Because I had that little honey eating out of my hands in no time.

Prior to this incident, Claudia had FB'd me from Auckland, to say she was lonely, and missing us. If you are reading this Clauds, that sweet hummingbird was symbolic of you. She had to bang her little head off the wall for a few minutes, to re-adjust to her surroundings. Yes, the honey worked a treat, and she flew off in great spirits!

You too Claudia will soar, like the little hummingbird today - up and away into the sunshine! Remember mum's words of wisdom "You get more bees with honey!" Wish I could remember that one myself!! LOL

Anchors Away in Auckland!

Polly Hugs Galore, and look out for those feathers from heaven...

Patricia xxx

I'M A TRAIN WRECK - HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!

I won't lie, but these past two days have been HELL. I wasn't in the groove, so with Pollyanna's permission, I disembarked from the happy train for the weekend. I had business to attend to, namely bringing Claudia to the airport...I needed to wallow in misery, and feel every ounce of pain. Sometimes pain is good, right? It is the precipitating factor that sparks major changes in your life. It is not just the loss of a dear daughter for a while, it is also the loss of my identity. I need to now re-invent myself...No longer the 'mammy' - a role I have very happily played for the past twenty years. No more school runs, teacher luncheons, student events, and Yeah no more private school fees! (thanks for whispering that in my ear Pollyanna. I needed it).

Saturday morning I was driving poor Claudia nutz going around singing 'The girl is gone, gone gone', 'She's outta my life' and 'the doggone girl is gone'. Don't ask me why I was singing those weird songs. It was Michael Jackson and somebody else all muddled up together in a big mess, just like me. Then just as we were leaving the house, Chichi was incredibly lonely, and the poor thing, chubby as she is, tried to jump up into the trunk of the car, and into her suitcase. It would bring a tear to a stone to watch her. She has not eaten an ounce of food all weekend. Animals are incredibly sensitive, more than one could realise. She is crazy about Claudia.

Sure, I have a lot to be morose about at the moment, but also a lot to be glad about too. I am thrilled Claudia, at 17, is courageous and confident enough to take this massive adventure on board. You rock girl! I was equally morose when Alexandra went to Canterbury U.K. for 3 years. It was worth the effort, and now she has her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. No pain - no gain! You rock girl! And little Vicky taking on two jobs and her business and psychology studies - You rock too girl! Mamma bear does not want to be left behind!! Pollyanna will be my special assistant to keep me on track.

I am also losing my dear dad to Alzheimer's. It was his 86th birthday yesterday. Wish I could have been there. Yes, life is tough right now - but I ain't goin' down without a good fight!! I ain't goin' down... This Pollyanna project could not be happening at a better time for me, and maybe for you? It is an experiment after all. I want to see if the power of positive thinking, and 'the glad game' will get me through life's hurdles. I am in transition in my life; at a major crossroads. The Pollyanna Express will hopefully guide me in the right direction. And maybe you?

Over the next year D.V. I will be studying this Happiness thing, reading lots of books on the subject, putting it to the test - and driving everybody nuts no doubt! I want to be the Captain in control of my own train of thought... It's all good, right? Mid-life is not an easy time. Hormones are hopping like fleas, and just as irksome. You can go 'up' or 'down'...get older, or, as my favourite spiritual writer, Marianne Williamson, would say, "get younger". Over the next year, I want to take up dancing classes, swimming classes and yes 'get younger'. It's all in the lap of the Gods.

I'll part with a very funny incident that happened to us on Robson Street in Vancouver on Saturday. There were two (the other will be on my high fives list for the week). The five of us (Kevin, Ali, Victoria, Claudia and myself) were all walking back to the hotel after dinner, and getting ready for the airport. There were two men walking in front of us, each carrying a six pack of beer in their hands. Suddenly a poor street man in rags stopped them, and said "Hey, I'm a damn good  Lawyer, can I handle your case for you?"- 'case' being the beer! You should have been there, we all got a good laugh. Just what the doctor ordered!

POLLYANNA POLLYANNA What have you got up your sleeve this week?

Keep tuned in to find out!

Polly Hugs,

Love ya,

Patricia xxx

T.G.I...THANK GOD IT'S WHOT?...FRIDAY?

Yes, today - all day - I will need Pollyanna tied around my neck (in hug formation) like a big soothing teddy bear. She will be with me morning, noon and night. And no, it's not going to be a T.G.I.F. jolly-hockey-sticks sort of day...EnnO! I've discussed the matter with Ms. P. and she said it was o.k. to have an 'off day', every once and a while. Otherwise dahlin' "How can you appreciate the sunshine, if it doesn't rain from time to time?" Correct.

I had  a noisy start to the day. It was coming at me from every direction - first from under the bed. It was Chichi snoring like a man. Then outside, the rain was pelting down in buckets of misery. I turn on the t.v. to see what's happening in the world, to learn about that dreadful disaster in Denver, Colorado where a gunman opened fire in a cinema, at the showing of the new Batman movie. When the tear gas hit them, I wonder if they thought it was a publicity stunt for the movie? God love them. I send my heartfelt sympathy to the families and loved ones mourning today.

There was noise in my head, even before I heard of that disaster...Claudia leaves tomorrow evening for N.Z. It's just one day away... Since it is a late departure (11.45 pm), we will have to overnight in Vancouver. The hotel is free!! Yeah!! Claudia won it for her dancing prowess at her Graduation party. I was hoarse for a week from all the cheering! But that is not what is causing the noise this morning. I know Pollyanna would not approve... but I have forgotten to get a pet sitter! My regular lady seems to be away. I have NOBODY to look after Lulu, Chichi and Tessa. Helppppppppp! Pollyanna just whispered in my ear 'don't worry, you'll find someone' Thanks Ms. P! I believe you. I know it will all turn out all right...or will it?

Just for the record - from an Astrological point of view - the heavens are INSANE at the moment. There is a massive T-Square going on between the heavy-metal outer planets, Mars, Uranus and Pluto. Violent outbursts...(that theatre disaster being a case in point). Around this time, it is natural for people to be quick to fly-off-the-handle, to feel edgy and 'odd'. This too shall pass my friends! Don't worry be happy! Aagh...even that last sentence makes me want to SCREAMMMMM.

To add fuel to the existing fire in the sky, Mercury, the planet of communications, is currently retrograde, and will stay so until August 8th...which means just that - communications will be 'odd' to say the least! Watch how you go...computers will be more annoying than usual, and cars...which reminds me I had better scat because I have to bring my car...my vehicle of 'communication' into the garage to be fixed - the front window will not close properly, the wind shield wiper is broken at the rear, the seat belt at the back is broken...and this is a 3 year old Merc. O.K. I'm not blaming Mercedes for shoddy merchandise! I love my golden wonder car. I kiss it every day. No! Mercury retrograde - this is your call. Would you ever please straighten up and fly right!

The sight of those three Big black sack bags - sitting in the landing outside my bedroom - full of Claudia's old clothes - ready for donation - after the BIG clean-out.
There is just something SO final about it...This too shall pass? Don't worry be...NO! Ms. P...Sshh...I've had enough happiness for one day! And it is only 9.35 am...!! Ha Ha.

Love you,

Polly Hugs,

Patricia xxx

CULL THE INTERLOPERS!

I'm not talking about those dear little deer running riot in my garden, and treating it like a free-for-all restaurant. Tulips one day - gone the next! Pretty hostas one day - gone the next! Adorable, overweight chihuahua - almost...gone, when she tried to chase away a deer from our garden the other day. Phew! it was a close call. The deer was outraged and began to talk to Chichi in deer language "Who do you think you are talking to shorty? I'll show you who's boss around here!" and with that he tried to pounce on my puppy, until King Kevin came to the rescue.

Yes, it's a dangerous deer-eat-dog world we're living in, but the interlopers I really mean, are those hugely annoying, mind-disturbing intruders - the ones who encroach upon our private mental property on an hourly, daily basis. They need to be culled - BIG TIME baby! Yes, I am talking about those beasts, known simply as 'Intrusive thoughts'. They are every bit as cheeky as the deer. Worse in fact, because they are more sneaky in their efforts to destroy your happiness. They slip in when they think nobody is looking. If Pollyanna found those vile creatures wandering in the corridors of her happiness train...of thought, she would open the trap doors, and leave them to the mercy of the wolves! Good ol' no-nonsense Pollyanna. WTG girl!

So why can't we?

This is a journey after all to the Land of Joy - the yellow brick road of sunshine, smiles, and lollipops. We are in search of the Wizard of Happiness; the sorcerer who holds all the answers. Maybe he is already on board the train? What if he was actually within us?

Spend some time today watching the temperature of your thoughts.

One minute you were happy, Right? and then suddenly something somebody said, or did, or did not do, brought on the clouds of... doubt...despair...envy...worry... in you. Trust me, the other man's grass is not always greener. The sun does not shine brighter on their side of the fence. We're here for a reason...to suffer, sometimes - but not always. We each have our little crosses to bear in life, but hey! as Pollyanna would say -that strengthens our spiritual and mental muscles! And that's a good thing. It's all good. Just grin and bear it, but don't inhale it. When you have digested the wisdom of the experience, just spit out the rest. Who needs to get fat on negativity?

World Recession...that's a big one to be sure. But there was a world recession when I left school all those many years ago. I remember the words of a wise old teacher, Miss Cullinan, as we all left the classroom, with out school reports in our hands. She said "Don't worry girls, there is a place for all of you in this great big world". How true!

So, go out there today and CULL THE INTERLOPERS. Your mind is your private property. Invasive self-depreciating thought-weeds are only polluting your garden of Happiness. When they try to force their way in - Pollyanna them out of existence. Do not entertain them. Open those trap doors and release them to the hounds! Just say POLLYANNA and see them scat!

Free yourself baby...after all 'YOU'RE WORTH IT!'

Choo Choo those evil self-depreciating thoughts, and spit them out on the tracks!

Love ya!

Polly Hugs,

Patricia xxx

EARLY MORNING IN KAZAKHSTAN

Yes, the Pollyanna train stopped off in Kazakhstan this morning (told you it was an adventure!!). And no, I wasn't looking for Borat, who first introduced us to that charming country back in 2006. I was doing the morning wordsearch, to keep my brain alive, and lordy lord, this one sure was a challenge. Most of the words were double-dutch, which made it all the more painstaking. By the time I had it finished, my curiosity for Kazakhstan had reached fever pitch. It is now on my bucket list of places I want to visit in my life. When Borat is organizing personal escorted tours, I'll be on the wagon, for sure.

Talking of Borat, he came to mind a few days ago, and not in the most pleasant of circumstances - but certainly one that gave me a tremendous belly laugh (the 10th  commandment does recommend a good dose of daily laughter). I passed a neighbour walking his enormous dog. In his hand was a plastic see-through bag of
u- no- whot, which his dog had clearly just delivered. The sight of it instantly brought to mind the part in the Borat movie where he pretended he did not know how to use a toilet (since modern conveniences were all new to him). He did the business, and then delivered his bag of goodies to the very posh lady-of-the-mansion to dispose of it for him. She was suitably horrified. The lady involved had absolutely no idea it was being made into a movie, so Borat got himself into a LOT of trouble afterwards, but did make tons of money. If you can get yourself past the gross bits, this movie will make you laugh - and Pollyanna loves laughter! It's up to you...

Since I'm in the Kazakhstan region, I'll share another lady's story. I thought I was a little kooky, until I read about her in the newspaper this morning. She is a local woman who calls herself 'Outlaw Kate'. To cut a scary story short, Outlaw Kate is spending $15,000 to enjoy 10 days galloping 1,000 kms. across the Mongolian steppe on tough, semi-broken little horses, in a race that includes warnings of possible death, and reminders, that if she is seriously injured, a hospital might be hundreds of kms. away. The Mongol Derby is billed as the world's toughest horse race, and the only prize is bragging rights. That is even more scary than slasher Jason. Phew! I dunno about you, but I'd rather be sitting on the Pollyanna Express - at least it's free!

So before you go rushing out to rent the Borat movie tonight, remember it is for 'Adults Only' and you will need a box of tissues for your tears of laughter!

On that happy note, I'll bid you all adieu.

Choo Choo from Kazakhstan!

Polly Hugs,

Patricia xxx

DO YOU EVER FEEL LIKE A PLASTIC BAG?

Yeah, that's what I felt like today...a plastic bag blowing in the wind. I couldn't get the song out of my head. It's so catchy isn't it? My brain felt foggy. I could not find a single thing I was looking for, including my glasses, address book, birthday card I had bought for a friend, and then could not find where I had put it! I felt I was going around in circles, touching everything, but really not getting a lot done. I know exactly what Katy Perry was feeling when she asked "do you ever feel already buried deep?" Oh yes Katy I do! I do! -  buried deep in far too many papers; papers if somebody was to set fire to them in the morning, I would not miss, but yet, I cannot let go of them...just in case...I have about a dozen shopping bags full of old papers to be sorted - and as many boxes - God help me!!

Commandment #7 says loud and clearly  - 'De-clutter on a daily basis'. I felt great writing that one...made me feel in control of a situation, I have yet to control - clutter.

Still, I wrote those 10 Commanadments more as a 'Wish List'. Some of them I find easier to obey than others. Commandments number 1, 2 and 10 are my favourites.  So, over the next year, d.v. I hope to master the other seven.

This is only Week Two of the Pollyanna Project, and despite my shorthcomings, I have to admit - Pollyanna's philosophy of finding something to be glad about in every situation is sitting very comfortably with me. I like her 'Glad Game'. When the novel, written by Eleanor H. Porter in 1913 was first published, it was an instant success, for obvious reasons I might add. Optimism is an illogical disease that everybody wants to catch! Research has shown that sub-consciously, we are all optimists, but consciously, we tend to be pessimists.

In my life I have found that optimism always works best for me. The last time I put it to the test in a BIG way was when I sold my house two years ago. The Realtor told me I would be lucky to sell my house for the money I was looking for, and wanted me to sell it for $200,000 less. I told her straight between the eye balls "I believe in luck. I know it will sell - and for that money". She looked at me as if I was insane "Well, it will be like looking for a needle in a haystack" was her jaded response. Naturally, I went with a different Realtor. We had an offer on our house within the first week, and yes, I got what I was looking for. I know I was lucky, but then I really only envisaged a positive outcome.

I'll let you into another secret... around that time, I was flirting big-time with Karma - Oh
Yes! I was very Pol-ly-an-na-ish in my ways. Every chance I got to show my gratitude to God, I did it. I stocked up on the good deeds to let him know, that yes, I truly did understand 'The Pollyanna Philosophy', which can be summed up in three words
Give - Take - Gratitude. Which is what life is all about.

So fellas - stay on that Choo Choo positive train...of thought...to Happiness.

I will part by sharing a Happiness quote I really like -

"Happiness cannot be travelled to (says who?...don't you dare get off that train!!)
  It cannot be owned, earned, worn, or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of 
  living every minute with love, grace and gratitude (there goes that 'G' word again!).

So on that happy note, Choo Choo and Sleep Well tonight!

Polly Hugs,

Patricia xxx

SUGAR AND SPICE AND EVERYTHING NICE.

It is Monday morning and the start of a brand new week - Yeah! Way to go Pollyanna. This is not the way I intended to write this blog, but I know it is going to be a difficult week for me...Correction! it is going to be a 'cheerfully challenging' week for me, and I will need to rely on Pollyanna to get me through it. 'Pollyoptimism' will be my brew of choice this week. I'll be drinking several cups a day. Claudia, my baby is leaving for New Zealand this Saturday. That's why it will be hard. (I've the dentist as well!). It's her gap year and it will flyyyyyyyyy. (thanks Pollyanna for whispering that in my ear). Time flies when you're having fun, and God willing, it will be fun for her.

I didn't sleep a wink last night, thanks to that gross, disgusting, horror movie everybody was watching. My head was blasting with images of the villian Jason running around with his butcher knife, slashing everybody in sight, and making mince meat of them, and then playing soccer with their heads. Delightful stuff. Oops! I just got gently reprimanded by Pollyanna. She thinks it best not to even mention words such as 'horror' or 'butcher knife' which can cause a ripple of angst in our peaceful ponds. I agree Pollyanna. Thanks, I wont do it again.

From now on, it's all sugar and spice and everything nice, right?

Well...I'd best go easy on the sugar and spice... I returned to Weight Watchers on Saturday. I slithered into the meeting with my tail between my legs. I told them I was the prodigal daughter returning to the fold. All was forgiven. Now don't get me wrong - I'm not on a diet. No, the word 'diet' does not exist in the Pollyanna vocabulary. Anything that smacks of pain is not permitted. Get the drift?  Just remove the word 't' from that word 'diet' and you are left with the word 'die'. No wonder diets never work. Nobody wants to die of misery, or starvation for that matter. That offensive word has been replaced with a kinder version, namely 'live'. Yes, it's official, I'm on a live.
Another word replacement is weighing machine. In our Pollyanna vocabulary, it is called 'the love machine'. It is there to help us love ourselves more. The love machine is not your enemy, it is your friend. You would not kick a friend, would you? So next time it upsets you, remember it's just tough love.

When you're sitting on the train, and you feel that yes, your waistband is 'rather clingy' and tight and uncomfortable. Don't go out buying new clothes. Refer to the 8th commandment 'Spend wisely'. Pollyanna wants you to be happy with yourself, and if your clothes are too tight, you know what you need to do...otherwise you are not going to be happy with yourself. Remember, this is a journey, and everything that makes you unhappy will start to unfold as the journey evolves. Worries will be thrown out the train window as they are not permitted on board.

One by one, you will see them slip through your fingers like sand. You'll watch them blowing in the wilderness, where they belong in the first place. Think rocking chair - it keeps you moving, but gets you nowhere. Yeps, worry is the same.

So now, without further ado, let's get on with the week. I dunno about you, but I will be working on commandment # 7 'De-clutter'. My basement is like a screaming baby at the moment. It needs to be changed. But first, I need to get into the office and do some work with my patient husband Kevin who wants us to take up dancing classes as it is good for the aging brain. Now dancing?...I think Pollyanna would approve!

Cheers and Choo Choo for now, I'm putting the kettle on for a nice cup of Pollyoptimism. Enjoy a cup today and remember what the world needs now is LOVE SWEET LOVE. Yes, go ahead and sing that in the office elevator tomorrow - I dare you!!

Hugs,

Patricia xxx

HIGH FIVES THIS WEEK... :)

STARBUCKS FIRST THING IN THE MORNING

The day has not begun until I've had my Starbucks. When I went to my downtown cafe today, they offered a 20% discount when you bought 3 lbs PLUS a free grande latte! WTG Starbucks! I asked for two Americanos instead of the latte and they said "sure, why not". They gave me a quick questionnaire to fill out on line and offered a free drink for doing it. Now that's what I call 'Show Business!'  

A FORTUNE COOKIE MESSAGE 
Can you believe it? I found the above one as I was walking down the street today. It was raining but I still managed to spot it with my beady little eye. It is one of the ways my angel friends make contact with me. I find these messages in the most random of places. Every time I see one, I reach out for it and ask myself 'now what are the angels trying to tell me?' I think the above message is pretty interesting, especially in light of the Pollyanna Project. Would you agree? Notice the word 'road'. I connect it with train...we are moving in the right direction.  

SCHWEETHEART OUR FAMILY ORANGUTAN WITH LULU!
You will always find Lulu hanging out in the warmest, cosiest place in the house. Today it was in the arms of Schweetheart, our other adorable family pet, who thankfully, does not need to be fed or changed!

 MY SHAWL OF MANY COLOURS
This is a picture of me about to kiss little Lulu, wearing my favourite new purchase. My shawl of many colours which I purchased this week. I bought it for the princely sum of $9.99 in one of my favourite boutiques in Victoria - the V.V. boutique (Value Village). It was never worn, still had the label on and it is SO cozy, made of fleece. I will wear it writing my blogs, as I love cheery colours and coziness. The money goes to charity so it's a WIN WIN WIN situation!

POLLYANNA
In real life, this angel looks far more beautiful. I bought it also at the V.V. Emporium for the sum of $3.99! It is wooden and was hand made and painted by the prisoners in El Salvador. Who could make anything for that price? It matches my shawl of many colours. This is what I imagine my Pollyanna Angel looks like. I LOVE her! She stands 6 inches tall and has a prominent position in my sunny yellow kitchen. Welcome to my family Pollyanna! We'll treat you well girl!




So there you have it friends, my 'High Five' pick for this week. Don't ya love them? There were other things worthy of a 'High Five', but I could not catch them on camera. They were as follows:-


1)  The smile on the street lady's face when we gave her the empty cans


2)   The sight of a big black crow delicately putting 2 grapes into his mouth, which he found outside a grocer's shop. He looked so funny flying off with them in his mouth - cute!


3)   Taking a few minutes break from my early morning walk to watch the ducks play. They looked so calm and serene as they glided gracefully along the glassy pond. A magic moment...


4)   The sound of Lulu and Chi chi gnawing happily on their pork chop bones.


5)   A note book Ali brought me back from her day trip to Vancouver. It had the following words written on the cover "I have found that if you love life, life will love you back".


How true!


So keep on doin' what makes you happy!
 Until tomorrow Choo Choo, and stay on board the Happiness 'Train'...of thought ha ha. 




Hugs,


Patricia xxx

WHATTTTTTA DAY!

The heavens were at war when I awoke this morning. In fact they were making such a racket, I was convinced it was an earthquake! (we are in the zone after all) It took me a while to realise it was just thunder and lightening, at its noisiest and most disturbing self. As I lay in bed, I began to imagine what it must feel like living in a battle zone with the roar of gunfire reducing you to chicken status. The poor dogs were scared to death and Chichi began to cry, God love her. Could it be the fact the planet Uranus, which governs electricity, is going retrograde today? It will stay retrograde until December - so I'd advise making no major decisions between now and then. Mercury is also going retrograde tomorrow, so wake up world we are in for a pretty interesting ride over the next few weeks!

The tantrum in the sky was swiftly followed by a deluge of pounding rain. Peace and calm were next on the stage. Suddenly, and with no warning at all, we were gifted with a globe of glorious golden sunshine, so bright you'd swear E.T. himself had just landed in the room.

As if that wasn't enough excitement, the girls were going on a day trip over to Vancouver. As we arrived at the depot, the bus was just about to pull off so I said to hell with that, we would drive out to the ferry terminal ourselves, and pass the bus en-route. There was a mad scramble to get to the Sidney ferry in time to catch the 9.00 am sailing. It was a half an hour's drive, so I really had to put the skids on. I gambled with just about every amber light en-route. I was determined to beat one particular light, and would have, if the fellow in front of me hadn't come to a sudden halt. I was sure he was going to keep driving. He didn't, and I had two choices - either crash violently into his rear end, or else quickly direct my car to the left lane, which I did. Fortunately, there was nobody in that lane, otherwise it could have been a 3 car pile-up. Phew! It was a miracle nothing happened. Stalled at the lights, I tried to avoid his bemused gaze. I opened my mouth and stuffed my heart back to where it normally rests. Hello Pollyanna - get me back on that train girl!

We got to the ferry in good time. I was still in a state of shock at my near miss so after I had dropped the girls off, and before driving back into the city, I said a few prayers to thank God, Our Lady, St. Michael and everybody else involved, for coming to my rescue.
I just love my heavenly pals. Even before boarding the Pollyanna Express to Sainthood, I've always been BIG into the Angels. They're my pals for sure!

I certainly owed them one big kind act today, so I planned to drop off all my bags of pennies and coins to the church. I'll have to leave that until next week, as the day was devoured with duty. I did however perform one random act which rendered a smile from a rather corpulent looking golfer. No, I didn't offer to carry his equipment! I found a ball hiding in the bushes when I was power walking, and gave it to him. Pathetic I know. Still, it was the thought that counted... Right Pollyanna?

Last but not least,  I received a beautiful thank you card today. It was from my niece's boyfriend. I have given him a mass after his father died recently, and a little statue of a father and son, which he loved. He told me he kept it beside his bed and it brought back happy memories of time spent with his dad. That little note warmed my heart SO much, especially since it had a picture of an elephant on it.  I just love elephants. They connect me with my Godmother in heaven, who always gave me elephants. Was it her way of telling me 'keep up the good work' Kindness counts.

On that very happy note, I'll say CHOO CHOO for another day!

Hugs,

Patricia xxx

WAY TO GO POLLYANNA!

Guess what? It's  Day 2 on board the Pollyanna Express, the sun is shining and I'm really enjoying the ride! It's more fun than I thought it would be. Everybody in my family seems to be having a ball (or so they are letting on). I'm sure they are wondering how long 'this one' is going to last for! As long as it keeps me smiling and happy, they'll humour me. That's why I love my family.

The best part of yesterday's journey was seeing a Native lady's face light up in total joy when we stopped the car and gave her two black sacks full of empty cans and bottles. She wasn't expecting that. I loaded the sacks into the back of the car to give them to a street person, and along she came pushing a pram. The girls shrieked 'No mum you will insult her. She's not a street lady Pleaseeeeeee" as they ducked down under the seats. "Momma knows best" says I in delight knowing I was right - it was a street lady and Yes! she was collecting cans and carrying them in her sad looking old pram that had seen better days. Yes! it worked. Her beaming smile, and a single word from her, summed it all up "Cool".

Today could have been a DEZASTER were it not for the Pollyanna Express controlling my 'train' of thoughts...get it! ha ha... Anyway, first thing this morning the newspaper nearly drowned my happiness with a deluge of really depressing stories - stories that, if I wasn't 'training my thoughts', could have got the day off to a very bad start. I'll fill you in so you'll know what I'm on about. A 20 year old student at UVIC was drowned when his canoe capsized. The young fellow was apparently very bright and studying law - what a sad end! Next, a man in Quebec went krazee and killed himself, his daughter and son  - lousy! I turned the page quickly, and as if that wasn't enough punishment...there was a photo of a small plane that crashed in B.C. killing both men on board, who were married to two sisters - wonderful! I mean why the hell do newspapers want to depress us? They seem intent on it. By way of cheery consolation, Pollyanna whispered into my ear 'pray for all those souls, they are in a happier place now' and with that, I bounced back into a happier frame of mind.

Later that morning I was at the supermarket and I lost my car key! Can you believe it? I had to be back home in half an hour to bring Claudia to the Dentist. The trolly was full of food to be loaded in the car and NO KEY! Ms. P instructed me to 'Take a deep breath...stay calm...say a prayer to St. Anthony'. I walked back into the shop. I was like a duck, calm on the surface, but paddling like hell beneath the water! Sure enough they had found the key, so all was well - Phew! Ms. P saved the day again!! The funny thing about it all is that I was trying to be kind to the exhausted looking lady at the check out counter (who probably had 3 jobs to support her family). I admired her earrings and she told me with a tinge of guilt in her voice that they had been 'really expensive' and took them off to show me. "You're worth it!' I said, bringing some sunshine to her cloudy little visage. She was thrilled, but silly ol' me had been SO liberal with the LOVE, I left my key at her till! Ha Ha...Funny.

Pollyanna is the Angel of my thoughts and actions. Pure peace, happiness and joy become my modus operandi. It does require some adjustment, but so far so good.

I don't know about you, but I sure as hell am staying on board the Pollyanna Express. All the way to Nirvana!

Choo Choo until another day...

Hugs,

Patricia xxx

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

The whistle is blowing...let's get going!

So you've decided to come along for the ride? Great! One of the first things you need to do is learn the Ten Commandments of 'The Pollyanna Project'. Just in case you're curious, 'Pollyanna' was a fictional character who was always jolly and happy. Yeah, even if she was standing at the gallows with a rope around her neck, she'd find something to be cheerful about such as "Great, at least I won't have to wash my hair tomorrow". You get the drift.

So the following ten commandments have to be pursued daily. Don't worry if at first it feels weird - you're normal! Some people say it's better to be normal, than happy. I think it's better to be happy.

Anyway, here they come...ready or not, give them a shot!


1.   When you awake each morning, give thanks to God for being alive.

2.   Think of 3 things you are grateful for in your life- write it down.

3.   NEVER compare yourself to others, and JUDGE NOT!

4.   No self-hate talk. When you find yourself dissing, simply say
      "I am Me Myself and I - God does not make junk"

5.   Perform at least ONE act of Kindness each day, i.e. smile at a stranger, open a
      door for a mum with a pram, donate food or clothes to charity, etc.

6.   Do not procrastinate...JUST DO IT!

7.   De-clutter on a daily basis - your home from excess, and your heart from worry.

8.   Spend wisely.

9.   Be generous, and let your every action be motivated by LOVE.

10. HAVE FUN - Allow yourself a daily treat, a good laugh and at least one hug!!


CHOO CHOO...We'll catch up tomorrow and I'll let you know how Day One went!!

Hugs,

Patricia xxx